The little boy is just can’t be happy that people voted for him. Nope, he has to sue the publication that backed the female pollster saying VP Harris would come out ahead. I think Marc Elias and team will be very busy again in the coming years.
I am just happy that Judge Merchan pointed out to him that he is NOT IMMUNE from the trial nor sentencing that he, Merchan, presides over. I am also very pleased that there are federal and state judges who are rescinding their retirements. They were appointed by Obama and they do not want their seats taken over by Republicans. This is helluva good news!
Yes, it was great that Merchan took the position he did. But when are we going to get the satisfaction of a sentencing so we can rightly refer to Trump as “the felon?” What is taking so long? I get so sick and fed up with the judicial processes that denied the citizens justice.
If you want less gun death... The only way forward is to reduce guns...🤔
To fight fentanyl deaths? We attempt to regulate and reduce the supply of this deadly drug.
When we wanted to reduce lung cancer? We regulated cigarettes and spent a generation making them uncool and unwelcome in public spaces. (remember smoking on planes?!)
When we reduced drunk driving? We reduced drivers drinking and driving.
When we reduced lawn dart injuries we regulated and eliminated law darts.
When we found cars were unsafe? We added seat belts and speed limits.
👉With guns? We make it easier to buy as many guns as possible (instant background checks).🤔
With guns? We do the opposite of what we do for everything else.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and Expecting Different results.
It is time for Democrats to start a generational fight to remove guns from public life.
Democrats won't say it but the gun nuts will. That is, the gun nuts already say what Democrats want to do. The democrats are too feckless to actually do anything or to say what needs to be said.
⚠️🔥We must reduce the number guns in public life.🔥⚠️
Full stop.
👉👉That means that Americans can own all the guns they want.👈👈
If they keep them at home 🏡.
Under lock and key.
No open carry.
No concealed carry.
No guns at the supermarket.
No guns at the movie theater.
No guns at schools.
No guns in the car for road rage.
No guns anywhere but your home under lock and key.
It's easy if you say it.
Say it, own it, campaign on it, change the culture.
Yes, I pretty much agree with all that except the concealed carry. I'm a Buddhist with a gun and permit to carry. I have my gun at home under lock and key and there's no one else coming and going here. I had gang guys walk into my home when my son was in high school. They had the wrong house. They asked me for $2000 and were going to take my son with them. I volunteered to go instead and we had a talk...(that was a mama bear tactic) but I was ready to go with them. I listened to them and showed no fear. I used my 2 ears more than my mouth. I remained calm. I had no gun then. Before they left, they asked me what I wanted. I had no money to give them. I bought a gun after that. I realized that those guys were high, jacked-up, and I realized that they would not have remembered much the next day. So I bought a gun. I thought to myself, "if you guys come in here again, standing up...you won't be leaving that way." Every situation is different of course. With so many drugs on the streets it's hard to make blanket rules but mindfulness works and listening if you have the time. To protect my son, at that time, I chose to face the karma of shooting someone. I live in the city so it makes me feel somewhat safe to still have a gun, (I actually have two now because I got one for a gift). Nothings easy these days Shaun. Life turns on a dime....
Yes, at summer camp we learned gun safety, we got marksman awards. At same camp we learned steadfast responsibility for stewardship of nature, and unspoken (at the time) acceptance of gender orientation. Today at camp the guns and NRA awards are long gone, but stewardship and valuing of diversity thrive.
This country needs a clever, hard-hitting, nation-wide advertising campaign blaming a large part of the unconscionable slaughter of Americans, especially precious little children, on the gun lobby in America...and the politicians they've bought and paid for in our government.
We had a long running and ultimately successful ad campaign years ago against cigarette manufacturers. The ads were blunt and aggressive. If you watched TV you couldn't miss them. People in this country got the message that smoking killed and cigarette manufacturers were lying to them about the dangers of smoking.
The gun ads would practicallly write themselves. If necessary, I believe private funding could be raised to support these ads on TV, in print media and in social media sites. It's way past time for this country to push back hard against the monsters in the gun lobby who don't care how many innocent people are murdered as long as they can keep the money rolling into their pockets.
I think we need to skip the lobbyists and go for the general public. That's what was done with cigarettes and it worked wonderfully. Shaun Dakin has a good idea going in his comment above (minus the license to conceal carry).
The ads would be addressing the general public. That's the whole point and that is why I mentioned the anti-smoking campaign targeting cigarette manufacturers. The mention of lobbyists and politicians would be to make it crystal clear to the public who is perpetuating the problem.
The ads would clarify that gun manufacturers have paid lobbyists to twist public opinion, with help from paid politicians who refuse to vote for sensible gun laws, strictly so the manufacturers can make as much money as possible.
The ads would show that the never ending violence has been created by gun manufacturers, their lobbyists and certain paid politicians, who fomented fear and anger around the meaning of the second amendment, by pushing a false narrative that any gun regulation is about "taking away the freedom to have guns."
While I like the idea of an ad campaign against the gun lobby, as with too many issues, we seem to focus attention on lobbyists and not enough on the people who could actually do something--Congress. Why not ad campaigns in appropriate election districts naming and specifying officeholders who either have voted against gun legislation or have not signed on to legislation? Don't wait until election time--be running now, especially after incidents that garner national attention like this one in WI. Enough of this idea about not politicizing matters after a massacre--this is exactly the time to do it, when people are inundated with news and they are disgusted. Let's direct the disgust effectively.
All of these ideas can and should be incorporated into an ad campaign that doesn't just continue for some short period of time. The point would be to continue the ads, like the anti-smoking campaign that went on for a very long time, until the public was saturated with the facts and came together against the damage being done and those who are perpetrating it, instead of fighting against each other while the madness goes on and on.
I agree. Lobbyists don't care. It's about the money they get from their clients who have plenty. There are many gun control organizations who are making progress, if slowly. The could get together and come up with a coordinated national plan.
Exactly. As long as we worship money and business at the expense of every other human activity, we will have guns and endless wars. They make money. They also destroy children and other living things. It's way past time to end the culture wars and create the kind of human culture that enables all people to thrive.
The parallel between cigarettes and gun safety is not valid. Many people have bought guns because the feel a need for self-protection; self-protection from others is not at issue with cigarettes.
The similarity I was pointing out was the national, years long, hard-hitting campaign advertising the truth about the problem cigarettes posed to the public's health--both the health of those who smoked and the health of those who were not smoking but had to breathe smoke in enclosed areas from those creating it.
The point was not to say the problem around cigarettes was exactly the same as the gun problem. The point is that we need to bring the truth to as many people as possible in this huge country with differing methods of getting their information. The campaign against cigarettes did just that. And yes, it will be more difficult now with all the various "platforms" people use to get their information.
I never said people shouldn't buy guns, even if it would be better if there were fewer guns around. The point is that we need reasonable, rational gun laws to protect all the people in this country, and contrary to what is being pushed on the American public by gun manufacturers and their allies, there are many reasonable rational gun laws that even most gun owners agree would be a good idea. We just need to do more than what is being done now. And a nationwide, years long campaign to spread the truth across the entire country might well make a big difference in getting gun laws passed.
Thanks, every point in today's newsletter is important - too many Americans are not exposed to these pertinent issues. Sharing with my circle of influence.
Anyone interested in volunteering to have an impact on our national gun violence public health epidemic, please consider joining Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. All are welcome - it's NOT all "moms" nor female. You can download the "Demand Action app" or Text READY to 644-33.
There are MANY organizations tackling gun violence prevention. The most immediate and effective results will be local, from the grassroots. Any gun owner who securely stores their weapon is part of the solution. So you can get involved right where you are, even if Moms Demand Action is not your option. Most of all, let's "Do Something!" It takes more than "thoughts and prayers!"
Absolutely. I didn't discuss who would organize the ad campaign, but clearly, despite all the hard, emotionally difficult work being done by really great people and organizations, it hasn't been enough to turn the tide on gun regulation in America.
They can continue making strides with their grass roots work, but we need a large, national ad campaign that keeps bringing the message home year after year if necessary, until people in all corners of this country realize that sensible gun laws will greatly benefit everyone who cares about saving lives and will not hurt responsible gun owners.
amen to this: “if our decision to remain steadfast in condemning racism, misogyny, and white supremacy costs us votes in the short term, we should continue to stand on principle, which (in the words of Rebecca Solnit) will “bring us closer to winning than surrender does.””
"Stop asking why schools don't have bulletproof glass and metal detectors at all the doors. Ask why schools have to. That's the question that needs to be asked.” - Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes
I am feeling frustrated this morning about AOC’s committee chair race loss. She is SO talented, and I hope the party finds ways to highlight her.
I’ve been thinking about motivators and inspirers, which she is, and it seems they often have an organizing background (Obama, Ben Wikler).
I keep reading, “There’s no Calvary,” and “It’s up to us.” I am more than happy to do my part, as I have been as a full-time volunteer for 4+ years now, but here’s what I am seeing from people at the very top, all of whom I absolutely admire:
Biden—such a weak 82 YO presence, administration working hard, but a completely absent public presence—has ceded to stage to Trump.
Harris—so, so impressive, came so close, with frankly little help from Biden. I admire her so much and think she ran an amazing campaign.
Schumer—who knows, surely a great tactician? 74 YO
Pelosi—remarkable, historic, 84 and out of commission
Jeffries—again, so impressive…where is he? (54 YO)
And yesterday…party selects a 74 YO for a committee chair spot.
This will motivate whom?
So…just these examples, average age (minus Harris) = 74.
I’m in, but then we really need to rethink organization, because this is NOT going to grow the party.
This 76-year-old agrees with you, particularly on AOC. She has grown into leadership and needs to have a greater role in the party. She is tough, presumably ambitious, which when you are ambitious for the good is a good thing. I used to charge students (at a women's college) to shun acquiring leadership for its own sake (power? fame? advancement?) but to ask "Leadership for what? What do we want to do?" AOC is asking those questions and working in that direction, as did Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, and others. Let's find the leaders our causes, values, and voices need. Where is Jeffries? How do we help Kamala Harris reenter the fray?
Agree! Like so many, I am fed up with Dems geritocracy. Senator Dick Durbin is 80. Dems like power as much as any GOP politician and won't let the next generation take over.
Marsha, AGREE!! I also fed up with Dems gerontocracy!! Let AOC loose on the opposition. I’m 82 and retired 15 years ago. There needs to be an age limit on these folks who cannot let go. It’s ridiculous. No exclusions!!
I, personally, am getting fed up with the ageism of so many Democrats.
Folks – focus on a person’s demonstrated capabilities, accomplishments, and wisdom, not age. Just as one should not revere advanced age, one should not revere (comparative) youth.
I agree. I was disappointed that the dems don’t seem to see the writing on the wall. They need to put the younger, more active voices into positions of power NOW. I’m feeling very concerned about the lack of willingness to make the necessary changes to fight trump.
Yes AOC has moved from fringe to grudgingly accepted by even some Reps dare I say. Folks still poke at Bernie but this rebel with a cause I thought really had been accepted by the party elders. I am not sure how Pelosi ponders her.
AOC still acts like a petulant child at times flip flopping when it suits her. Politics has always, and will always, happen in the grey areas. She has a lot of maturing to do, and remember there is validity in experience, which she doesn't have enough of. There are plenty of other excellent candidates for that role, and others like it. Also, and I say this after working on her first campaign, both on the ground and financially, she's harmed Jewish people, including her constituents, who she refuses to meet with. Until she denounces the DSA and stops caucusing with the "squad" who supports anti-semitism, I won't support her again.
Do not confuse brashness with ability to lead. AOC is brash, which is in some ways refreshing, especially these days. But some of AOC’s political associations, as Erica notes, have been illiberal and off-putting. She has not shown herself to be a uniter.
I agree. I was furious that Pelosi lobbied against AOC. Democrats need to shake things up, and keeping a bunch of old, white, and sometimes ill men in charge is not the way to do that.
For those who despair that we will never elect a female as president, I invite you to read Angela Merkel's autobiography, "Freedom". It's a straightforward narrative, and a translation to boot, so no literary masterpiece, but to my mind a fascinating story of how one woman negotiated growing up in East Germany and rose to political power. As for the events of the day, they are causing many to simply shut out the news altogether, which I think is too bad.
Yes Des Moines Register is worthy to support. But how about sharing Robert? This is the perfect gift to friends and family which you know you talk about all the time. He deserves our expanded support!
I just subscribed to the Des Moines Register and am having it delivered every Sunday to Mar-a-Lago. The first month is $1. After that, each month is $24. So, I'll cancel the subscription after two or three months. 😝
Having lived in Iowa 5 decades ago, I was a great admirer of the Des Moines Register. It went downhill fast when acquired by Gannett. So subscriptions to Des Moines Register are all fine and good, but the real decisions will be made by their corporate owner. Gannett. Much the same quandary as Robert has pointed out about the corporate ownership of ABC News, the Post and MSM TV news.
I subscribed as a way to protest Trump's outrageous suit against them. There are a number of non-profit newspapers doing great investigative work worth supporting. My favorite is Mississippi Today. I also like Courier working in several states.
Here's what is, I suppose, a fairly small point in the overall scheme of things but it seems pretty disgraceful for the Ds to sign on to a CR that fails to reverse the Rs' sneaky clawback of $20B in funds for IRS. Taxes are not a game. Nothing --- and I mean nothing -- can be done by government without a functioning tax system.
I was up on the Hill yesterday on behalf of my organization, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, because the Farm Bill extension was part of the CR. Let me assure you, that contrary to the quoted rantings of Republicans, there is substantial support for farms and farmers in the proposed CR, including disaster relief. There is also, in very happy to report, funding to replace SNAP benefits stolen through skimming.
‘Listening’ would be a lovely activity for everyone to engage in. In my pre retirement life, I was the Training Manager at my company. We had an exercise where we set up a debate scenario. Each participant had to represent a side of the debate issue (regardless of their actual position on the issue). They were REQUIRED to summarize the other person’s point of view BEFORE launching into their point of view. WHAT A STRUGGLE for so many of the participants. Most people are so focused on what they plan to say that they do not LISTEN to the other person’s point. It was a very interesting and helpful experience.
The little boy is just can’t be happy that people voted for him. Nope, he has to sue the publication that backed the female pollster saying VP Harris would come out ahead. I think Marc Elias and team will be very busy again in the coming years.
I am just happy that Judge Merchan pointed out to him that he is NOT IMMUNE from the trial nor sentencing that he, Merchan, presides over. I am also very pleased that there are federal and state judges who are rescinding their retirements. They were appointed by Obama and they do not want their seats taken over by Republicans. This is helluva good news!
Yes, it was great that Merchan took the position he did. But when are we going to get the satisfaction of a sentencing so we can rightly refer to Trump as “the felon?” What is taking so long? I get so sick and fed up with the judicial processes that denied the citizens justice.
John, my sentiments exactly!
A simple proposal.
On guns.
*own all the guns you want.*. ALL OF THEM.
But. You must...
*keep them at home. Under lock and key. *
If you want less gun death... The only way forward is to reduce guns...🤔
To fight fentanyl deaths? We attempt to regulate and reduce the supply of this deadly drug.
When we wanted to reduce lung cancer? We regulated cigarettes and spent a generation making them uncool and unwelcome in public spaces. (remember smoking on planes?!)
When we reduced drunk driving? We reduced drivers drinking and driving.
When we reduced lawn dart injuries we regulated and eliminated law darts.
When we found cars were unsafe? We added seat belts and speed limits.
👉With guns? We make it easier to buy as many guns as possible (instant background checks).🤔
With guns? We do the opposite of what we do for everything else.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and Expecting Different results.
It is time for Democrats to start a generational fight to remove guns from public life.
Democrats won't say it but the gun nuts will. That is, the gun nuts already say what Democrats want to do. The democrats are too feckless to actually do anything or to say what needs to be said.
⚠️🔥We must reduce the number guns in public life.🔥⚠️
Full stop.
👉👉That means that Americans can own all the guns they want.👈👈
If they keep them at home 🏡.
Under lock and key.
No open carry.
No concealed carry.
No guns at the supermarket.
No guns at the movie theater.
No guns at schools.
No guns in the car for road rage.
No guns anywhere but your home under lock and key.
It's easy if you say it.
Say it, own it, campaign on it, change the culture.
Easy? No. But what is?
#guncontrol #GunControlNow
Yes, I pretty much agree with all that except the concealed carry. I'm a Buddhist with a gun and permit to carry. I have my gun at home under lock and key and there's no one else coming and going here. I had gang guys walk into my home when my son was in high school. They had the wrong house. They asked me for $2000 and were going to take my son with them. I volunteered to go instead and we had a talk...(that was a mama bear tactic) but I was ready to go with them. I listened to them and showed no fear. I used my 2 ears more than my mouth. I remained calm. I had no gun then. Before they left, they asked me what I wanted. I had no money to give them. I bought a gun after that. I realized that those guys were high, jacked-up, and I realized that they would not have remembered much the next day. So I bought a gun. I thought to myself, "if you guys come in here again, standing up...you won't be leaving that way." Every situation is different of course. With so many drugs on the streets it's hard to make blanket rules but mindfulness works and listening if you have the time. To protect my son, at that time, I chose to face the karma of shooting someone. I live in the city so it makes me feel somewhat safe to still have a gun, (I actually have two now because I got one for a gift). Nothings easy these days Shaun. Life turns on a dime....
Back in past, before the NRA became a shill for the gun lobby, they were best known for providing classes in gun safety.
Yes I always love that irony.
Yes, at summer camp we learned gun safety, we got marksman awards. At same camp we learned steadfast responsibility for stewardship of nature, and unspoken (at the time) acceptance of gender orientation. Today at camp the guns and NRA awards are long gone, but stewardship and valuing of diversity thrive.
wow.... that took my breath away. kudos to you...
This country needs a clever, hard-hitting, nation-wide advertising campaign blaming a large part of the unconscionable slaughter of Americans, especially precious little children, on the gun lobby in America...and the politicians they've bought and paid for in our government.
We had a long running and ultimately successful ad campaign years ago against cigarette manufacturers. The ads were blunt and aggressive. If you watched TV you couldn't miss them. People in this country got the message that smoking killed and cigarette manufacturers were lying to them about the dangers of smoking.
The gun ads would practicallly write themselves. If necessary, I believe private funding could be raised to support these ads on TV, in print media and in social media sites. It's way past time for this country to push back hard against the monsters in the gun lobby who don't care how many innocent people are murdered as long as they can keep the money rolling into their pockets.
We really need assault rifles and bump stocks gone! I like your idea here.
I think we need to skip the lobbyists and go for the general public. That's what was done with cigarettes and it worked wonderfully. Shaun Dakin has a good idea going in his comment above (minus the license to conceal carry).
The ads would be addressing the general public. That's the whole point and that is why I mentioned the anti-smoking campaign targeting cigarette manufacturers. The mention of lobbyists and politicians would be to make it crystal clear to the public who is perpetuating the problem.
The ads would clarify that gun manufacturers have paid lobbyists to twist public opinion, with help from paid politicians who refuse to vote for sensible gun laws, strictly so the manufacturers can make as much money as possible.
The ads would show that the never ending violence has been created by gun manufacturers, their lobbyists and certain paid politicians, who fomented fear and anger around the meaning of the second amendment, by pushing a false narrative that any gun regulation is about "taking away the freedom to have guns."
While I like the idea of an ad campaign against the gun lobby, as with too many issues, we seem to focus attention on lobbyists and not enough on the people who could actually do something--Congress. Why not ad campaigns in appropriate election districts naming and specifying officeholders who either have voted against gun legislation or have not signed on to legislation? Don't wait until election time--be running now, especially after incidents that garner national attention like this one in WI. Enough of this idea about not politicizing matters after a massacre--this is exactly the time to do it, when people are inundated with news and they are disgusted. Let's direct the disgust effectively.
All of these ideas can and should be incorporated into an ad campaign that doesn't just continue for some short period of time. The point would be to continue the ads, like the anti-smoking campaign that went on for a very long time, until the public was saturated with the facts and came together against the damage being done and those who are perpetrating it, instead of fighting against each other while the madness goes on and on.
I agree. Lobbyists don't care. It's about the money they get from their clients who have plenty. There are many gun control organizations who are making progress, if slowly. The could get together and come up with a coordinated national plan.
Exactly. As long as we worship money and business at the expense of every other human activity, we will have guns and endless wars. They make money. They also destroy children and other living things. It's way past time to end the culture wars and create the kind of human culture that enables all people to thrive.
The parallel between cigarettes and gun safety is not valid. Many people have bought guns because the feel a need for self-protection; self-protection from others is not at issue with cigarettes.
The similarity I was pointing out was the national, years long, hard-hitting campaign advertising the truth about the problem cigarettes posed to the public's health--both the health of those who smoked and the health of those who were not smoking but had to breathe smoke in enclosed areas from those creating it.
The point was not to say the problem around cigarettes was exactly the same as the gun problem. The point is that we need to bring the truth to as many people as possible in this huge country with differing methods of getting their information. The campaign against cigarettes did just that. And yes, it will be more difficult now with all the various "platforms" people use to get their information.
I never said people shouldn't buy guns, even if it would be better if there were fewer guns around. The point is that we need reasonable, rational gun laws to protect all the people in this country, and contrary to what is being pushed on the American public by gun manufacturers and their allies, there are many reasonable rational gun laws that even most gun owners agree would be a good idea. We just need to do more than what is being done now. And a nationwide, years long campaign to spread the truth across the entire country might well make a big difference in getting gun laws passed.
Thanks, every point in today's newsletter is important - too many Americans are not exposed to these pertinent issues. Sharing with my circle of influence.
Anyone interested in volunteering to have an impact on our national gun violence public health epidemic, please consider joining Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. All are welcome - it's NOT all "moms" nor female. You can download the "Demand Action app" or Text READY to 644-33.
There are MANY organizations tackling gun violence prevention. The most immediate and effective results will be local, from the grassroots. Any gun owner who securely stores their weapon is part of the solution. So you can get involved right where you are, even if Moms Demand Action is not your option. Most of all, let's "Do Something!" It takes more than "thoughts and prayers!"
It would be nice if the many groups could come together to develop and use a mass marketing tool to get the word out nation-wide.
Absolutely. I didn't discuss who would organize the ad campaign, but clearly, despite all the hard, emotionally difficult work being done by really great people and organizations, it hasn't been enough to turn the tide on gun regulation in America.
They can continue making strides with their grass roots work, but we need a large, national ad campaign that keeps bringing the message home year after year if necessary, until people in all corners of this country realize that sensible gun laws will greatly benefit everyone who cares about saving lives and will not hurt responsible gun owners.
Standing on principle. Well said!
Living in the Truth is always a winning strategy. Let’s enact this in all aspects of civil discourse.
amen to this: “if our decision to remain steadfast in condemning racism, misogyny, and white supremacy costs us votes in the short term, we should continue to stand on principle, which (in the words of Rebecca Solnit) will “bring us closer to winning than surrender does.””
"Stop asking why schools don't have bulletproof glass and metal detectors at all the doors. Ask why schools have to. That's the question that needs to be asked.” - Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes
Thoughts about AOC?
I am feeling frustrated this morning about AOC’s committee chair race loss. She is SO talented, and I hope the party finds ways to highlight her.
I’ve been thinking about motivators and inspirers, which she is, and it seems they often have an organizing background (Obama, Ben Wikler).
I keep reading, “There’s no Calvary,” and “It’s up to us.” I am more than happy to do my part, as I have been as a full-time volunteer for 4+ years now, but here’s what I am seeing from people at the very top, all of whom I absolutely admire:
Biden—such a weak 82 YO presence, administration working hard, but a completely absent public presence—has ceded to stage to Trump.
Harris—so, so impressive, came so close, with frankly little help from Biden. I admire her so much and think she ran an amazing campaign.
Schumer—who knows, surely a great tactician? 74 YO
Pelosi—remarkable, historic, 84 and out of commission
Jeffries—again, so impressive…where is he? (54 YO)
And yesterday…party selects a 74 YO for a committee chair spot.
This will motivate whom?
So…just these examples, average age (minus Harris) = 74.
I’m in, but then we really need to rethink organization, because this is NOT going to grow the party.
This 76-year-old agrees with you, particularly on AOC. She has grown into leadership and needs to have a greater role in the party. She is tough, presumably ambitious, which when you are ambitious for the good is a good thing. I used to charge students (at a women's college) to shun acquiring leadership for its own sake (power? fame? advancement?) but to ask "Leadership for what? What do we want to do?" AOC is asking those questions and working in that direction, as did Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, and others. Let's find the leaders our causes, values, and voices need. Where is Jeffries? How do we help Kamala Harris reenter the fray?
Agree! Like so many, I am fed up with Dems geritocracy. Senator Dick Durbin is 80. Dems like power as much as any GOP politician and won't let the next generation take over.
Marsha, AGREE!! I also fed up with Dems gerontocracy!! Let AOC loose on the opposition. I’m 82 and retired 15 years ago. There needs to be an age limit on these folks who cannot let go. It’s ridiculous. No exclusions!!
I, personally, am getting fed up with the ageism of so many Democrats.
Folks – focus on a person’s demonstrated capabilities, accomplishments, and wisdom, not age. Just as one should not revere advanced age, one should not revere (comparative) youth.
I agree. I was disappointed that the dems don’t seem to see the writing on the wall. They need to put the younger, more active voices into positions of power NOW. I’m feeling very concerned about the lack of willingness to make the necessary changes to fight trump.
Yes AOC has moved from fringe to grudgingly accepted by even some Reps dare I say. Folks still poke at Bernie but this rebel with a cause I thought really had been accepted by the party elders. I am not sure how Pelosi ponders her.
But that is unfortunate.
AOC still acts like a petulant child at times flip flopping when it suits her. Politics has always, and will always, happen in the grey areas. She has a lot of maturing to do, and remember there is validity in experience, which she doesn't have enough of. There are plenty of other excellent candidates for that role, and others like it. Also, and I say this after working on her first campaign, both on the ground and financially, she's harmed Jewish people, including her constituents, who she refuses to meet with. Until she denounces the DSA and stops caucusing with the "squad" who supports anti-semitism, I won't support her again.
Agreed.
Do not confuse brashness with ability to lead. AOC is brash, which is in some ways refreshing, especially these days. But some of AOC’s political associations, as Erica notes, have been illiberal and off-putting. She has not shown herself to be a uniter.
I'm not confused about anything, but thanks for the mansplaining.
I agree. I was furious that Pelosi lobbied against AOC. Democrats need to shake things up, and keeping a bunch of old, white, and sometimes ill men in charge is not the way to do that.
Just read this comment from a moderate Dem, Pat Ryan, who supported AOC. So much of this is that we need ENERGY. https://bsky.app/profile/daveweigel.bsky.social/post/3ldlqskbqfs2q
For those who despair that we will never elect a female as president, I invite you to read Angela Merkel's autobiography, "Freedom". It's a straightforward narrative, and a translation to boot, so no literary masterpiece, but to my mind a fascinating story of how one woman negotiated growing up in East Germany and rose to political power. As for the events of the day, they are causing many to simply shut out the news altogether, which I think is too bad.
Yes Des Moines Register is worthy to support. But how about sharing Robert? This is the perfect gift to friends and family which you know you talk about all the time. He deserves our expanded support!
I just subscribed to the Des Moines Register and am having it delivered every Sunday to Mar-a-Lago. The first month is $1. After that, each month is $24. So, I'll cancel the subscription after two or three months. 😝
LOVE THAT THINKING!!!
Yes, let's all support the Des Moines Register by signing up. Thanks for the link.
Having lived in Iowa 5 decades ago, I was a great admirer of the Des Moines Register. It went downhill fast when acquired by Gannett. So subscriptions to Des Moines Register are all fine and good, but the real decisions will be made by their corporate owner. Gannett. Much the same quandary as Robert has pointed out about the corporate ownership of ABC News, the Post and MSM TV news.
I subscribed as a way to protest Trump's outrageous suit against them. There are a number of non-profit newspapers doing great investigative work worth supporting. My favorite is Mississippi Today. I also like Courier working in several states.
Here's what is, I suppose, a fairly small point in the overall scheme of things but it seems pretty disgraceful for the Ds to sign on to a CR that fails to reverse the Rs' sneaky clawback of $20B in funds for IRS. Taxes are not a game. Nothing --- and I mean nothing -- can be done by government without a functioning tax system.
Profoundly disappointing.
I was up on the Hill yesterday on behalf of my organization, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, because the Farm Bill extension was part of the CR. Let me assure you, that contrary to the quoted rantings of Republicans, there is substantial support for farms and farmers in the proposed CR, including disaster relief. There is also, in very happy to report, funding to replace SNAP benefits stolen through skimming.
Thank you.
CHIP ROY HATES CHRISTMAS! Pass it on.
As does Malaria
‘Listening’ would be a lovely activity for everyone to engage in. In my pre retirement life, I was the Training Manager at my company. We had an exercise where we set up a debate scenario. Each participant had to represent a side of the debate issue (regardless of their actual position on the issue). They were REQUIRED to summarize the other person’s point of view BEFORE launching into their point of view. WHAT A STRUGGLE for so many of the participants. Most people are so focused on what they plan to say that they do not LISTEN to the other person’s point. It was a very interesting and helpful experience.
Rebecca Solnit article was right on point. Thank you for referring it. I will keep to read again! 😊