President Biden has the power to tell the Archivist to add the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the constitution. Please consider calling the White House 202-456-1111 to ask President Biden to have the Archivist record the Equal Rights Amendment.
Biden is still president. In effect, Putin has won. To me there is probable cause to make some arrests re Russian psy ops, Russian agents and willing idiots. May be probable cause to execute hand recounts in several states.
Daniel that makes sense as the environment, world security, domestic horror, the economy, Ukraine, Gaza and more hang in the balance. Right now is the time to pull every lever to save the world. If the safety nets are removed, health care is in shambles, prices rise due to tariffs and legal protections are removed many Americans could be taken back to the Middle Ages. .
You are right, trump has no moral compass, His world view is totally self-serving, one most normal people can't recognize or understand. He doesn't understand democracy, government, the constitution, health care, racism, women...but believes he knows better about everything than any expert. Don Jr said they are vetting people for his administration to rule out anyone who would ever think they knew better than his dad. And he admires the power of dictators. He is setting up his administration to run our country like his family business. So far he has ignored signing the transition/ethics agreements. He is getting security briefings. He includes unvetted Musk in phone calls with world leaders to talk government business. trump himself is a security risk. His nominees range from ridiculous to frightening., some already talking "tough" about the changes they will make They all talk about a mandate....apparently to do whatever they want without any fact-based process. It all feels so out of control. It's exhausting to even think about all the worrisome pieces. We do have guides though, in this newsletter and others. We can make contact with and keep pressure on our Senators and Representatives so they know what we expect from them. We're not defeated, and won't be quiet. I believe there is hope also that there are voters who will realize what they have actually put in place and will become allies between now and the 2026 elections. This is more than I planned to say, but I guess it's all been tumbling around in my brain since the election.
I have done this and will do it again. I am also sharing this document for democratic action called Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink.
Indivisible is an excellent organization. Since 2016 they have built a very effective grassroots organization with specific instructions for making our voices heard. I encourage everyone to join them.
I tried this site yesterday, and after many frustrating attempts to submit it, a red inked message came up saying "Your interaction was flagged as suspicious"!!! Yikes!
I’m just as tired of all the doomsdaying and dreadcasting as I am of Trump and his acolytes. It gets us nowhere and plays right into the fascist’s hands. We are NOT powerless and he is NOT all powerful. We cannot concede to him powers that he DOES NOT have. During Trump 1.0, I spent 4 years marching, protesting, lobbying and working day and night for Democratic candidates. I didn’t sleep, I made myself sick both physically and psychologically. I refuse to give Trump 2.0 4 more years of my soul. He’s taken enough from me. This time, I will do my part by pressuring my Dem Congressman to stand strong and united with the caucus, not bend to the will of the majority and vote to accordingly. I will lead our local Indivisible group by forming coalitions with other local groups to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to hold our governor, AG and state legislature’s feet to the fire to pass legislation to strengthen our state’s democracy. But I WILL NOT GIVE THAT MAN ONE MORE OUNCE OF MY SANITY. One day, like a miracle, he’ll be gone. And we will all have to ask ourselves, what did I do to make the world a better place despite that monster? Please turn your dread into action. Join a local Indivisible group, or another advocacy group. Because commenting on Substacks may make you feel better, but it is not activism and it will not accomplish anything meaningful.
Carla - thank you. I'm a 98yr old womyn who has learned that the only thing one gets to control is oneself. T can't do anything to me because I know that it's dangerous out AND I am safe within myself knowing that and knowing that I can deal with that - AND if I don't/can't do it well then I'll have to find/try another way. I keep myself safe and strong to protect myself AND in order to be able to help others. Tonight would be fine - but when I wake up each morning I know that I want to MAKE that day a good one. I've lived long enough. I want to live each day well. L&B&K
Thanks Carla, this IS the time to remain true to my vote for what, Harris and Tim Walz attempted to provide, and change in attitude and direction. Once I know what is actually happening with the 47** (my way of identifying the next US administration) after January 20th, I will speak my voice to all my representatives, until I can vote again.
That's a good one. I feel much the same and am looking for a local group to connect with. I can't do much alone. We all need to connect. Thanks especially for not giving Trump and Co. rob any of us of our mental or physical health. I'm an artist trying to figure out the best way to use my talents and energy going forward.
I like the idea that we humans are smaller than specks in the universe, and it's also easy to understand how that incomprehensible vastness would terrify people. Perhaps our insignificance in the universe partly explains why people like Trump, Putin, the Masters of the Universe, and many others crave power and domination - it's the only way they can feel they matter. Probably too much psychologizing on my part . . . .
I'm going to go out on a limb and assert that I doubt that Elon and Trump have ever experienced that sense of awe and humility you're getting at. I wonder if they're even capable of it?
You and I (and them) work hard (and constantly) to appear to ourselves and others to have it together when, in truth, we don't. We obviously can't even act in our own intelligence best interest.
Nobody wants to say it, as it usually doesn't go well for the messenger. The fact of the matter is that our lives don't give us the sense that we make a difference or that anything counts.
A cosmic perspective can amplify our sense of insignificance or, depending on the context might free us (at least for a second) from the terrible weight of significance we add to everything.
Context is decisive. Unfortunately, we are rarely aware of the context we generated long ago and are living in without unawareness.
It takes an unusually high degree of openness and intentionality to work through our inauthenticity, and most of us haven't. Meanwhile, we blame everyone but ourselves because people who don't make a difference aren't big enough to shoulder the responsibility themselves.
How seriously we take ourselves really is quite the cosmic joke!
"Insignificance" and "cosmic joke" are terrifying to most. I see the humor in it.
We are less than the tiniest "tardigrade" in the Universe.
But I still enjoy life and find "meaning" in trying to make a difference for myself and others. Why waste time being miserable?
JMO, but I think it is possible to have a very satisfying (and terrifying if you are awake) life - and still acknowledge our smallness, our brevity, our absolutely infinitesimal impact on anything.
Inauthenticity is just not being honest or straight. Ex. "I'm angry, you really pissed me off" might sound straight but taking responsibility for my experience and looking closer reveals the truth which was "When you said that I thought I was going to get in trouble, or "I thought you were going to leave me and I'd be alone and am unsure if I can make it alone." is actually what there is to communicate. Most being authentic involves vulnerability which is risky!
Yes, satisfaction need not be a function of the circumstances, our size in the scale of the universe being a circumstance.
I was thinking something along the same lines recently I was in Italy, looking at one beautiful work of art after another and I couldn’t help thinking “has Donald Trump ever been moved by the beauty of a painting?” Of course I know the answer is that he’s never been moved by anything, poor man.
It's pretty hard for me to wrap my head around a fact like that! Yes, our Universe is huge, and it's expanding, when many scientists thought it would be collapsing. I'm pretty sure there are MANY universes, of which ours is but one! I imagine that a "black hole" is a window to another nearby universe. There is no "edge" to the cosmos--that fact alone makes me think, "what are us humans in the whole scheme of things?" We humans on earth are so steeped in violence and depravity that sometimes I'm downright ashamed to be a human!
I believe in reincarnation. I want to be a "sequoia sempervirons" and just rest for a thousand years or so.
And I’m sorry I can’t remember who you are, because it was indeed reassuring, as you said. One suggestion Heather had for pushing back on mis/disinformation was to use our own platforms and share memes of things she says in her “Letters”, so I’m doing just that and am humbly asking if (a) you’ll consider following me (https://shorturl.at/dyteE) and (b) you’d consider doing the same. I’m a big believer in the ripple effect, and am determined to do my small part in getting the truth out there.
My dog Steve is the one delivering these truths, and he’ll help people find voices of reason like Robert and Jess Craven, as well as other useful resources they can trust. Because if you can’t trust man’s best friend, who CAN you trust?!
I so appreciate you Robert. You have sustained me for so long with your wisdom, your optimism and your caring. I hope I can regain my desire to engage and push back against what we are now facing. I am still so stunned by what has happened and fearful for our collective future. Please keep writing and keep sharing your awesome views into the universe.
I find it interesting that Trump has been able to control the conversation every day since the election. While I think we need to lobby hard against his now three worst choices, I wish we could just wait until the confirmation hearings, and have things be somewhat normal for the month of December because chaos will be coming in January.
I take a bit of comfort from reading that Biden is working behind the daily chaos to do all he possibly can to shore up our democracy and democratic ideals while he can.
Why are you even watching that shit show? Tune out snd tune into your life. Unsubscribe to everything but a few newsletters. I was a 24 hour news junkie but haven’t watch any news since the election. It’s strange at first but I find life is much better without it.
I've done exactly the same. I listen to music, read fiction, volunteer where I am needed and keep living my life being a kind and caring person. I highly recommend what you and I are doing.
Question Does anyone think Harris will run again ? She would have been an excellent President for all Americans. I have to say I miss her Joy and enthusiasm and Tim Walz as well. Knowing that people like them are still active in politics makes me feel better . In talking to people who voted for the wanna be King I am astounded to see how very little they actually know about Trump or Harris . I think those of us who engage with the news and politics daily and keep well informed are in denial about how truly out of touch many are with their understanding of how our government works and what is in their best interests.
The discussion re: Harris running is not happening at all as Trump is the media’s new fascinating toy. But Harris is a powerhouse, and I would love to see her in the White House as Madame President. But Dems are timid, and I fear will run back to their “proven” formula: run a less charismatic Republican wannabe middle of the road (moved farther to the right given what surely will happen under T and his cronies). And the Democratic base will again be left feeling unfulfilled and unmotivated. If I had my druthers, Harris and Walz would be a huge media presence hollering from the rooftops and emphasizing each Republican mistake and harm. Where is their voice of opposition? Why aren’t they in the public eye? They have nothing to lose - even if T tries to prosecute them, better to be bold and public than quietly disappear as it seems they have.
So well said. The media didn't exactly stop covering Trump once he was defeated. They helped build him back into the monster that is eating America. I would like to see Harris get some treatment other than metaphorically being shoved into a corner in the back of a closet. Maybe someone else will rise to be our next nominee, but the fact is she did a lot with a very tough situation, and did have a motivated voter base, even if it wasn't quite enough.
It would be nice if Harris and Walz take a prominent role in calling out the harm that MAGA is going to cause. Why not? No reason why they couldn't, if they chose to do so. Heck, Trump didn't shut up during his four years out of office.
Maybe she will run for Governor! Who knows at this point ! It's going to be a long 4 years ! I think Democratic run states will be a big part of holding our Democracy together . Here in VA we will elect a Governor in 2025 . Our best place to focus our energy now is upcoming special elections that could change the dynamics of the house and then midterms. Our work is never finished. We all need to rest up , re-energize and soldier up ! Onward !
I really hope she goes for something bigger than governor. Not that governor is an unimportant job, but oh my goodness. She could do so much more. Remember after Trump lost in 2020? Did he disappear from the public eye? Go somewhere to take it easy and recove? No! He did everything in his power to make sure the world continued to.focus on him. I despise Trump and everything he stands for, but that was a very smart thing to do. If he had crawled away and hidden under a rock like Democrats, are, do you think he’d be where he is now? If his hate-fueled grab for power and strong desire to stay out of prison is enough motivation for him, why can’t saving our democracy and fighting fascists be enough motivation for the Democrats?
Last thing I read that came out of our less than supreme court was that the president was immune from
Prosecution for just about anything he did as part of an official act(s). I'd like to see Biden come out of hibernation and start throwing his new-found immunity around...it would at least be worth the price of admission.
Yesterday I joined Bluesky, the only social media site I have ever used (cksmith1948@bsky.social). As I scrolled through the various posts, I came across one that pointed out how unreliable and low-rated Teslas are. I replied with my own negative take on Teslas and of Musk. Instantly, I was notified that Musk was following me! That tells me that he has an algorithm that watches for comments on any site and immediately "follows" the poster. Scary, huh?!!! I immediately blocked him from following me on Bluesky. I might be a novice at social media participation, but I am no dummy!
Musk is a loathsome character, and the ugliness of Teslas reflects the ugliness of Musk. (I’m a car nut, and to me, many cars are art (the ‘10s was the worst decade ever for automotive styling, and the ‘20s has been mediocre so far although there are a few notable exceptions to the latter). The ‘50s and ‘60s were great decades, and the ‘30s had some notable examples. (Sheesh! That’s probably more than you can relate to… Sorry!)
I agree totally with everything you said. Additionally, that stupid Tesla truck is absolutely the ugliest thing to ever have 4 wheels (as you might say, it also reflects Musk's ugliness). Moreover, can you imagine one being able to haul a load of even the lightest substance or to pull a very small trailer? Ridiculous vehicle!
And it weighs close to 7000 lbs--twice as much as the average full sized car from, say, 20 years ago. But Musk doesn't care about anyone except himself.
During this past election cycle, I created reference pages of Biden-Harris accomplishments in various areas: major legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, Safer Communities Act, and so on along with statistics about their impacts. The local Democratic Party offices used them for reference when canvassing but couldn't hand them out because they weren't official party literature. I collected the info over the years and from news articles in a Word document and summarized it in business card format. I was quite annoyed that the major accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration got lost during the election "horse race." I wrote an editorial to the Washington Post about the Democrats' accomplishments but it didn't get printed -- I'll submit another one this week. Harris could have built so much on what Biden accomplished. Anyway, here's a sample of a couple:
HEALTHCARE COST REDUCTIONS - BIDEN-HARRIS
Capped insulin cost at $35/month for seniors on Medicare (started Jan. 1, 2024)
Capped annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2000 for seniors on Medicare (starts 2025)
Made hearing aids available over the counter at lower cost
Expanded ACA health insurance coverage to 21M people (89% of people insured [2023])
Overcame Big Pharma to allow Medicare to negotiate prices:
o Negotiated prices on 10 major drugs go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026
o Additional drugs to follow in phases
Issued revised rules to strengthen mental health coverage for patients (starts 2025)
MAJOR LEGISLATION – BIDEN/HARRIS
American Rescue Plan (2021) – Covid19 pandemic economic relief, childcare credit
Hello, Patricia. I can send to your email address if you are comfortable posting it. I'll see if I can make a decent-looking Google doc I can share later today.
Thank you so much. I’m working on a similar with a friend of mine, but it doesn’t include specific info like your does. Working together we can make a difference 😊🙏
I have been reflecting on the discussion Saturday of leadership. The two-party system is ineffectual, too often resulting in obstruction and stalemate. The changes are going to come from the grassroots and rise upward. Historically, I am thinking of the efforts at gun violence prevention, slowly bearing fruit and ironically scoring a win against Alex Jones' InfoWars this month. I also think back on the individuals who made a big impact despite so many disadvantages, like Fannie Lou Hamer against the Democratic Party structure in the 1960s. In my mind, oppression inherently holds the seeds to its ultimate failure.
Happy Sunday! Every time I focus on one of our TO DOs, even the simplest phone call, I feel scared. To me the stakes are so high. The House just passed that HR9495 where a non profit can be labeled a terrorist organization and stripped of its' 501-C3 status and some Dems voted for it!!!!. (there is still hope to block it in the senate). My point being that this is tough stuff we are up against. I am a therapist and meditator. I'm working on keeping my nervous system regulated and my heart at peace. I can't work on anything if I'm constantly stressed and come from a place of fear. Take care of yourselves everyone. Take care of each other. Find your people. Take on the tasks that make sense to you. My self coaching is about doing one thing a day. Maybe 2. This is a LONG marathon. Not a sprint.
Thank you for that. I’ve felt sick and exhausted for the last few days. I’ve felt too tired to take a walk so i just gave into and spent the last two days in bed. Maybe that’s exactly what I needed to do. It’s going to be an even longer marathon than we expected ❤️
President Biden has the power to tell the Archivist to add the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the constitution. Please consider calling the White House 202-456-1111 to ask President Biden to have the Archivist record the Equal Rights Amendment.
Biden is still president. In effect, Putin has won. To me there is probable cause to make some arrests re Russian psy ops, Russian agents and willing idiots. May be probable cause to execute hand recounts in several states.
Daniel that makes sense as the environment, world security, domestic horror, the economy, Ukraine, Gaza and more hang in the balance. Right now is the time to pull every lever to save the world. If the safety nets are removed, health care is in shambles, prices rise due to tariffs and legal protections are removed many Americans could be taken back to the Middle Ages. .
Russia is a second rate power elevated by Trump. They've conducted war. Why aren't the talking heads discussing the War Powers Act?
We knew about it September 4.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-disrupts-covert-russian-government-sponsored-foreign-malign-influence
Bomb threats, voter intimidation etc can be traced not only to Russia, but ostensibly their agents and willing idiots.
Interesting idea. Neither Putin nor Trump have a soul. It’s been lies and swindle all along. Why would they stop now?
You are right, trump has no moral compass, His world view is totally self-serving, one most normal people can't recognize or understand. He doesn't understand democracy, government, the constitution, health care, racism, women...but believes he knows better about everything than any expert. Don Jr said they are vetting people for his administration to rule out anyone who would ever think they knew better than his dad. And he admires the power of dictators. He is setting up his administration to run our country like his family business. So far he has ignored signing the transition/ethics agreements. He is getting security briefings. He includes unvetted Musk in phone calls with world leaders to talk government business. trump himself is a security risk. His nominees range from ridiculous to frightening., some already talking "tough" about the changes they will make They all talk about a mandate....apparently to do whatever they want without any fact-based process. It all feels so out of control. It's exhausting to even think about all the worrisome pieces. We do have guides though, in this newsletter and others. We can make contact with and keep pressure on our Senators and Representatives so they know what we expect from them. We're not defeated, and won't be quiet. I believe there is hope also that there are voters who will realize what they have actually put in place and will become allies between now and the 2026 elections. This is more than I planned to say, but I guess it's all been tumbling around in my brain since the election.
The phone line is off for the weekend and quick contact would be email on this site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
If we are forced to encourage leaders to save our country I am disappointed although not surprised.
I have done this and will do it again. I am also sharing this document for democratic action called Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink.
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1o1gSdFWIUpw41O5zbaxedVsr6Xik5XpPd9FwqvXYu40/mobilebasic
Indivisible is an excellent organization. Since 2016 they have built a very effective grassroots organization with specific instructions for making our voices heard. I encourage everyone to join them.
I tried this site yesterday, and after many frustrating attempts to submit it, a red inked message came up saying "Your interaction was flagged as suspicious"!!! Yikes!
I will use the phone tomorrow.
Wow really? Could dump then take it out?
Yes, but then all Senator's votes will be on record!
Also, Dr. Colleen Shogun is the archivist: archivistoftheunitedstates@nara.gov
https://www.archives.gov/about/organization/senior-staff/archivist#:~:text=Shogan%20is%20the%2011th%20Archivist,history%20of%20the%20United%20States
I signed the LWV email to Biden and circulated it to my list of friends. At. Least two of them signed it as well.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/share/
I have never heard about this presidential power. Need to know more.
Done
Thanks for posting Madeleine. This is on my to-do list for tomorrow and I will share with my email lists.
I’m just as tired of all the doomsdaying and dreadcasting as I am of Trump and his acolytes. It gets us nowhere and plays right into the fascist’s hands. We are NOT powerless and he is NOT all powerful. We cannot concede to him powers that he DOES NOT have. During Trump 1.0, I spent 4 years marching, protesting, lobbying and working day and night for Democratic candidates. I didn’t sleep, I made myself sick both physically and psychologically. I refuse to give Trump 2.0 4 more years of my soul. He’s taken enough from me. This time, I will do my part by pressuring my Dem Congressman to stand strong and united with the caucus, not bend to the will of the majority and vote to accordingly. I will lead our local Indivisible group by forming coalitions with other local groups to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to hold our governor, AG and state legislature’s feet to the fire to pass legislation to strengthen our state’s democracy. But I WILL NOT GIVE THAT MAN ONE MORE OUNCE OF MY SANITY. One day, like a miracle, he’ll be gone. And we will all have to ask ourselves, what did I do to make the world a better place despite that monster? Please turn your dread into action. Join a local Indivisible group, or another advocacy group. Because commenting on Substacks may make you feel better, but it is not activism and it will not accomplish anything meaningful.
Carla - thank you. I'm a 98yr old womyn who has learned that the only thing one gets to control is oneself. T can't do anything to me because I know that it's dangerous out AND I am safe within myself knowing that and knowing that I can deal with that - AND if I don't/can't do it well then I'll have to find/try another way. I keep myself safe and strong to protect myself AND in order to be able to help others. Tonight would be fine - but when I wake up each morning I know that I want to MAKE that day a good one. I've lived long enough. I want to live each day well. L&B&K
Beautifully put, Ida. Thank you.
Thank you Ida!
I’m with you, sister👊🏼 figuring out my state places to get involved and I appreciate the reminder of indivisible.
Thanks Carla, this IS the time to remain true to my vote for what, Harris and Tim Walz attempted to provide, and change in attitude and direction. Once I know what is actually happening with the 47** (my way of identifying the next US administration) after January 20th, I will speak my voice to all my representatives, until I can vote again.
Right on Carla! Effective Action is the best antidote to depression & hopelessness.
Agree 100%.
Yes!👍
That's a good one. I feel much the same and am looking for a local group to connect with. I can't do much alone. We all need to connect. Thanks especially for not giving Trump and Co. rob any of us of our mental or physical health. I'm an artist trying to figure out the best way to use my talents and energy going forward.
I like the idea that we humans are smaller than specks in the universe, and it's also easy to understand how that incomprehensible vastness would terrify people. Perhaps our insignificance in the universe partly explains why people like Trump, Putin, the Masters of the Universe, and many others crave power and domination - it's the only way they can feel they matter. Probably too much psychologizing on my part . . . .
I'm going to go out on a limb and assert that I doubt that Elon and Trump have ever experienced that sense of awe and humility you're getting at. I wonder if they're even capable of it?
I imagine you're correct. Perhaps they look at the universe and feel fear.
You and I (and them) work hard (and constantly) to appear to ourselves and others to have it together when, in truth, we don't. We obviously can't even act in our own intelligence best interest.
Nobody wants to say it, as it usually doesn't go well for the messenger. The fact of the matter is that our lives don't give us the sense that we make a difference or that anything counts.
A cosmic perspective can amplify our sense of insignificance or, depending on the context might free us (at least for a second) from the terrible weight of significance we add to everything.
Context is decisive. Unfortunately, we are rarely aware of the context we generated long ago and are living in without unawareness.
It takes an unusually high degree of openness and intentionality to work through our inauthenticity, and most of us haven't. Meanwhile, we blame everyone but ourselves because people who don't make a difference aren't big enough to shoulder the responsibility themselves.
How seriously we take ourselves really is quite the cosmic joke!
"Inauthenticity" - what does that mean for you?
"Insignificance" and "cosmic joke" are terrifying to most. I see the humor in it.
We are less than the tiniest "tardigrade" in the Universe.
But I still enjoy life and find "meaning" in trying to make a difference for myself and others. Why waste time being miserable?
JMO, but I think it is possible to have a very satisfying (and terrifying if you are awake) life - and still acknowledge our smallness, our brevity, our absolutely infinitesimal impact on anything.
Hey Bill,
Inauthenticity is just not being honest or straight. Ex. "I'm angry, you really pissed me off" might sound straight but taking responsibility for my experience and looking closer reveals the truth which was "When you said that I thought I was going to get in trouble, or "I thought you were going to leave me and I'd be alone and am unsure if I can make it alone." is actually what there is to communicate. Most being authentic involves vulnerability which is risky!
Yes, satisfaction need not be a function of the circumstances, our size in the scale of the universe being a circumstance.
Thanks for being there!
I was thinking something along the same lines recently I was in Italy, looking at one beautiful work of art after another and I couldn’t help thinking “has Donald Trump ever been moved by the beauty of a painting?” Of course I know the answer is that he’s never been moved by anything, poor man.
The universe really is a whole lot bigger than we are, isn't it? Thank you for the gorgeous photograph -- and the thoughtful perspective.
Wow! Boggles the mind. On CNN today a scientist said there are more suns in the universe than grains of sand in all the beaches of the earth?
It's pretty hard for me to wrap my head around a fact like that! Yes, our Universe is huge, and it's expanding, when many scientists thought it would be collapsing. I'm pretty sure there are MANY universes, of which ours is but one! I imagine that a "black hole" is a window to another nearby universe. There is no "edge" to the cosmos--that fact alone makes me think, "what are us humans in the whole scheme of things?" We humans on earth are so steeped in violence and depravity that sometimes I'm downright ashamed to be a human!
I believe in reincarnation. I want to be a "sequoia sempervirons" and just rest for a thousand years or so.
I wanted to thank the subscriber who recently shared HCR’s “Politics Chat” from November 12th in the comments section. (https://youtu.be/sLsp464Ac7k?si=JtDe-p2BOGNBuH5Y)
And I’m sorry I can’t remember who you are, because it was indeed reassuring, as you said. One suggestion Heather had for pushing back on mis/disinformation was to use our own platforms and share memes of things she says in her “Letters”, so I’m doing just that and am humbly asking if (a) you’ll consider following me (https://shorturl.at/dyteE) and (b) you’d consider doing the same. I’m a big believer in the ripple effect, and am determined to do my small part in getting the truth out there.
My dog Steve is the one delivering these truths, and he’ll help people find voices of reason like Robert and Jess Craven, as well as other useful resources they can trust. Because if you can’t trust man’s best friend, who CAN you trust?!
Thank you for helping Steve get the word out!
🐶❤️🐾
Instagram: @stevethedog2024
BlueSky: @stevethedog2024.bsky.social
😁🙏
Maybe, I'm thinking about this..
I've graduated with my Doctorate in Education and have a great day job and could consider being subversive in many evening and morning hours😄
Haha! Good on you! 🙌🏼❤️😂
I so appreciate you Robert. You have sustained me for so long with your wisdom, your optimism and your caring. I hope I can regain my desire to engage and push back against what we are now facing. I am still so stunned by what has happened and fearful for our collective future. Please keep writing and keep sharing your awesome views into the universe.
I find it interesting that Trump has been able to control the conversation every day since the election. While I think we need to lobby hard against his now three worst choices, I wish we could just wait until the confirmation hearings, and have things be somewhat normal for the month of December because chaos will be coming in January.
I take a bit of comfort from reading that Biden is working behind the daily chaos to do all he possibly can to shore up our democracy and democratic ideals while he can.
Of course he is. Not that anyone gives him any credit for any freaking thing.
Ok. Overstatement.
Joy, could you provide a link to what you read? I need a dose of comfort, too.
Stop listening. Turn it off. All is still normal outside of technology. :-)
Right
An effective BOYCOTT of commercial broadcast media is necessary to combat their influence and misinformation, and attention to Trumpus.
Why are you even watching that shit show? Tune out snd tune into your life. Unsubscribe to everything but a few newsletters. I was a 24 hour news junkie but haven’t watch any news since the election. It’s strange at first but I find life is much better without it.
I've done exactly the same. I listen to music, read fiction, volunteer where I am needed and keep living my life being a kind and caring person. I highly recommend what you and I are doing.
Exactly. Im writing my second book, takes place in 700BC Mesoamerica It’s a time travel story and I sometimes feel i am really there. I love it!
Thank you again, Robert. We have to keep things in perspective. Both the macro and the micro are important. It is all connected.
Question Does anyone think Harris will run again ? She would have been an excellent President for all Americans. I have to say I miss her Joy and enthusiasm and Tim Walz as well. Knowing that people like them are still active in politics makes me feel better . In talking to people who voted for the wanna be King I am astounded to see how very little they actually know about Trump or Harris . I think those of us who engage with the news and politics daily and keep well informed are in denial about how truly out of touch many are with their understanding of how our government works and what is in their best interests.
The discussion re: Harris running is not happening at all as Trump is the media’s new fascinating toy. But Harris is a powerhouse, and I would love to see her in the White House as Madame President. But Dems are timid, and I fear will run back to their “proven” formula: run a less charismatic Republican wannabe middle of the road (moved farther to the right given what surely will happen under T and his cronies). And the Democratic base will again be left feeling unfulfilled and unmotivated. If I had my druthers, Harris and Walz would be a huge media presence hollering from the rooftops and emphasizing each Republican mistake and harm. Where is their voice of opposition? Why aren’t they in the public eye? They have nothing to lose - even if T tries to prosecute them, better to be bold and public than quietly disappear as it seems they have.
So well said. The media didn't exactly stop covering Trump once he was defeated. They helped build him back into the monster that is eating America. I would like to see Harris get some treatment other than metaphorically being shoved into a corner in the back of a closet. Maybe someone else will rise to be our next nominee, but the fact is she did a lot with a very tough situation, and did have a motivated voter base, even if it wasn't quite enough.
It would be nice if Harris and Walz take a prominent role in calling out the harm that MAGA is going to cause. Why not? No reason why they couldn't, if they chose to do so. Heck, Trump didn't shut up during his four years out of office.
Maybe she will run for Governor! Who knows at this point ! It's going to be a long 4 years ! I think Democratic run states will be a big part of holding our Democracy together . Here in VA we will elect a Governor in 2025 . Our best place to focus our energy now is upcoming special elections that could change the dynamics of the house and then midterms. Our work is never finished. We all need to rest up , re-energize and soldier up ! Onward !
I really hope she goes for something bigger than governor. Not that governor is an unimportant job, but oh my goodness. She could do so much more. Remember after Trump lost in 2020? Did he disappear from the public eye? Go somewhere to take it easy and recove? No! He did everything in his power to make sure the world continued to.focus on him. I despise Trump and everything he stands for, but that was a very smart thing to do. If he had crawled away and hidden under a rock like Democrats, are, do you think he’d be where he is now? If his hate-fueled grab for power and strong desire to stay out of prison is enough motivation for him, why can’t saving our democracy and fighting fascists be enough motivation for the Democrats?
She would make a great Governor. I am missing her and Tim. Thank goodness for YouTube.
I read a few weeks ago that governor of CA is a possibility for Kamala
A dictator wanna be of the Christo-fascist
“Project 2025” barely exists in a universe so vast and beautiful.
Last thing I read that came out of our less than supreme court was that the president was immune from
Prosecution for just about anything he did as part of an official act(s). I'd like to see Biden come out of hibernation and start throwing his new-found immunity around...it would at least be worth the price of admission.
Yesterday I joined Bluesky, the only social media site I have ever used (cksmith1948@bsky.social). As I scrolled through the various posts, I came across one that pointed out how unreliable and low-rated Teslas are. I replied with my own negative take on Teslas and of Musk. Instantly, I was notified that Musk was following me! That tells me that he has an algorithm that watches for comments on any site and immediately "follows" the poster. Scary, huh?!!! I immediately blocked him from following me on Bluesky. I might be a novice at social media participation, but I am no dummy!
Musk is a loathsome character, and the ugliness of Teslas reflects the ugliness of Musk. (I’m a car nut, and to me, many cars are art (the ‘10s was the worst decade ever for automotive styling, and the ‘20s has been mediocre so far although there are a few notable exceptions to the latter). The ‘50s and ‘60s were great decades, and the ‘30s had some notable examples. (Sheesh! That’s probably more than you can relate to… Sorry!)
I agree totally with everything you said. Additionally, that stupid Tesla truck is absolutely the ugliest thing to ever have 4 wheels (as you might say, it also reflects Musk's ugliness). Moreover, can you imagine one being able to haul a load of even the lightest substance or to pull a very small trailer? Ridiculous vehicle!
And it weighs close to 7000 lbs--twice as much as the average full sized car from, say, 20 years ago. But Musk doesn't care about anyone except himself.
During this past election cycle, I created reference pages of Biden-Harris accomplishments in various areas: major legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, Safer Communities Act, and so on along with statistics about their impacts. The local Democratic Party offices used them for reference when canvassing but couldn't hand them out because they weren't official party literature. I collected the info over the years and from news articles in a Word document and summarized it in business card format. I was quite annoyed that the major accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration got lost during the election "horse race." I wrote an editorial to the Washington Post about the Democrats' accomplishments but it didn't get printed -- I'll submit another one this week. Harris could have built so much on what Biden accomplished. Anyway, here's a sample of a couple:
HEALTHCARE COST REDUCTIONS - BIDEN-HARRIS
Capped insulin cost at $35/month for seniors on Medicare (started Jan. 1, 2024)
Capped annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2000 for seniors on Medicare (starts 2025)
Made hearing aids available over the counter at lower cost
Expanded ACA health insurance coverage to 21M people (89% of people insured [2023])
Overcame Big Pharma to allow Medicare to negotiate prices:
o Negotiated prices on 10 major drugs go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026
o Additional drugs to follow in phases
Issued revised rules to strengthen mental health coverage for patients (starts 2025)
MAJOR LEGISLATION – BIDEN/HARRIS
American Rescue Plan (2021) – Covid19 pandemic economic relief, childcare credit
Infrastructure Act (2021) – infrastructure projects: rail, bridges, public trans., hi-speed ‘Net
CHIPS and Science Act (2022) – spur U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, tech investment
Inflation Reduction Act (2022) – climate change, Medicare prices, healthcare cost caps, wealth tax
Safer Communities Act – background checks, etc.
PACT Act – care for veterans exposed to burn pits
Could we publicize some of these things now before the orange menace takes credit?
This is terrific. Could you email that list to me at troydesigns@gmail.com? It will be a useful going forward 🙏
Yes, and there is much more that I did not include above that I will send. For anyone else interested, please leave a reply. Thank you!
Would LOVE this. Thanks so much and for sharing. I need reminders, too, there was so much accomplished! I will distribute widely!!
Sorry, Patricia. I didn't get to figuring out Google Docs today. Please email me at safloehn@gmail.com and I'll send you the PDFs. Thanks!
Hello, Patricia. I can send to your email address if you are comfortable posting it. I'll see if I can make a decent-looking Google doc I can share later today.
Thank you so much. I’m working on a similar with a friend of mine, but it doesn’t include specific info like your does. Working together we can make a difference 😊🙏
Could come in handy for Thanksgiving!
I have been reflecting on the discussion Saturday of leadership. The two-party system is ineffectual, too often resulting in obstruction and stalemate. The changes are going to come from the grassroots and rise upward. Historically, I am thinking of the efforts at gun violence prevention, slowly bearing fruit and ironically scoring a win against Alex Jones' InfoWars this month. I also think back on the individuals who made a big impact despite so many disadvantages, like Fannie Lou Hamer against the Democratic Party structure in the 1960s. In my mind, oppression inherently holds the seeds to its ultimate failure.
Part of the circular firing squad. The enemy is Russia.
Happy Sunday! Every time I focus on one of our TO DOs, even the simplest phone call, I feel scared. To me the stakes are so high. The House just passed that HR9495 where a non profit can be labeled a terrorist organization and stripped of its' 501-C3 status and some Dems voted for it!!!!. (there is still hope to block it in the senate). My point being that this is tough stuff we are up against. I am a therapist and meditator. I'm working on keeping my nervous system regulated and my heart at peace. I can't work on anything if I'm constantly stressed and come from a place of fear. Take care of yourselves everyone. Take care of each other. Find your people. Take on the tasks that make sense to you. My self coaching is about doing one thing a day. Maybe 2. This is a LONG marathon. Not a sprint.
Thank you for that. I’ve felt sick and exhausted for the last few days. I’ve felt too tired to take a walk so i just gave into and spent the last two days in bed. Maybe that’s exactly what I needed to do. It’s going to be an even longer marathon than we expected ❤️