Dec 22, 2023·edited Dec 22, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
"Trump engaged in insurrection, but the Republican Party doesn’t care. We will soon find out if the Supreme Court cares." Great sentence. A brilliantly concise explanation of dynamics that have inspired zillions of words, all attempting to describe what you've put so simply and succinctly! Thank you for your eloquence. And consistent wisdom.
I appreciated your rebuttal, in yesterday's post, to some persuasive pieces suggesting it's best for the SCOTUS to let the electorate weigh in on Trump's eligibility for the job of POTUS, rather than removing him from the ballot and being accused of preventing the electorate from making a choice. I was persuaded by that argument, until i read your rebuttal. I now see clearly how we are lost if we don't uphold the rule of law -- equality, under the law. First principal.
Trump will never agree to the decisions of the courts OR the tally of the votes unless he is the winner. If he is found to be ineligible to be on the ballots by the SCOTUS he will scream "Witch hunt", " Partisanship", Voter Fraud " and the list goes on and on. If he is officially on the ballot and loses-again- he will bellow "Witch Hunt", " Partisanship,"Voter Fraud, etc.You get my drift. I say, let the chips fall where they may. We cannot fear the possibility of violence and mayhem from his deplorable base.I am reading Liz Cheney's very well written book in which she points out the collusion of Republicans in Congress with Trump's attempt to overthrow our democracy so that there is NO doubt that he, and they were guilty of espionage against our government. These people are traitors and need to be removed from having a say in the runnings of this country. Period.
That the Republican Party doesn't care is apparent. That my Republican friend of almost 60 years doesn't care is very sad to me. His father, like mine, fought in WWII to rid the world of fascists. He, like me, is living in happy, well-sustained retirement so why doesn't he care. His present security is directly related to the country and government for which he now "doesn't care". That's very sad and disturbing to me.
I know I'm not alone in having such friends. Know I share your sadness.
Michael, I'm very fortunate not to be in your situation, because it feels doubly disturbing in this time. Here are the words that occur to me, when I think about how this can happen to good people like your friend:
- Living through very tumultuous changes.
- Believing our privileges are justified.
- Self-propagandizing.
- Tribalism.
- Everyone's difficulty admitting mistakes of judgment.
- Our ancient need for self-serving myths.
Wishing you peace of mind, along with all other readers with Trumpist family or friends.
This hopeful but not complacent reader wishes all the Hubbells a very safe and happy 2023 Christmas holiday. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of 2024!
Well said, Lynell! We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Hubbell family for creating and supporting this great community. I too am hopeful but not complacent, and will continue to actively engage in the preservation of our democracy. Happy Holidays to All!
A point made by Robert is that Trump cannot take the oath of office because of his actions. This was important for me to hear because I needed to know what could be said to trump followers, how do they expect someone to be in an office (at any level of governance) if the person cannot be trusted to take an oath after having broken it so egregiously before.
Dec 22, 2023·edited Dec 22, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your newsletter! It has been a constant joy to read during these turbulent times.
I have been thinking about movies lately. During the Christmas season two films are at the top of my list. The Wizard of OZ and It’s a Wonderful Life. I streamed the W of Oz yesterday and something struck me. When Miss Gluch is taking Toto to be destroyed Auntie Em tells her, “Almira Gulch, just because you own half the county doesn't mean that you have the power to run the rest of us. For 23 years, I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you, and now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!”.
Well, I that how I feel about the whole Republican party and most of all it’s toxic Leader. (His name will not pass my lips until he goes where the goblins go.) They want to kill our freedoms for their own financial/self absorbed delusional gain. They are in the grip of evil, not good. They show it every day and I am now ready to say it like it is.
In, It’s a Wonderful life, Jimmy Stewart finds hope after despair, when Mr Potter steals his bank money. He comes to realise that just his being alive in the world as an agent for good has made an enormous difference in the lives of those around him. In the end it comes down to this this next election year - Does America want to live in Pottersville or Bedford Falls. I’m thinking Bedford Falls will end up being the choice of the majority of the American population. We need action to get there for sure, but also Faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.
PS - and a whole lot of bells ringing and angel wings.
We Hubbellites are so fortunate that you, Robert, have a unique combination of skills to meet the moment. Legal training and insight to interpret complex cases, common sense outside-the-Beltway and outside-the-media ecosystem acumen, with a large measure of compassion. And a willingness to put in the time to not only write a clear daily column, but also manage (thanks, Jill!) a burgeoning community of activists. Talk about points of light! You two are creating a whole new solar system!
Wonderfully said. There's one other talent of his to add though – excellent writing skills. So many times have I been struck by a sentence or phrase of Robert's that captured a situation perfectly.
It's a combination of skills, outlook, and dedication that have helped thousands of us stay sane and committed for years - a HUGE accomplishment!
Hopeful, but not complacent. (Or -- Complacency kills campaigns). It was a pleasure to "meet" you both. Have a great Christmas and return to bring us all to a victorious November. And let's look forward to the most indictable Member of Congress, Scott Perry, getting what he deserves. I count 7 Democrats trying to be the one who will make PA 10 another House seat that flips to the Democrats.
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2024 to Jill and you, Robert. Enjoy family time! Written from a rainy and stormy Germany. The weather mirrors the situation in the world. Let the message of Christmas bring us hope beating the outcome of all negative polls.
I hope Scott Perry (R-PA-10th) is brought up short. His 10th District is basically all around Harrisburg, the states capitol. He's a retired U.S. Army National Guard brigadier general !!!!! One might ask, what did his oath of office mean to him when he took it? And one might also ask, does he ever listen to Fox? Seems to me his actions were scripted by Tucker Carlson and the other fantasists whose love of power exceed their love of truth (and patriotism).
I have not posted here for quite a while because I am in the middle of a move from Florida to North Carolina, but I had to take a minute today to post. First, Robert and Jill, I want you to know how important Today’s Edition is to me. I read your newsletter (and Heather Cox Richardson’s) while I have my coffee and then abandon all the news for the rest of the day while I pack. Secondly, this community is so important to me that I couldn’t let this holiday season go by without wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season. Here’s to a wonderful 2024, the reelection of the Biden-Harris ticket and to turning Florida and North Carolina blue!
Good luck with everything Annette! Hope you have a few moments of peace in the next few days and can enjoy time with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
Here’s hoping for a kindler, gentler nation soon. Thanks to you, Robert and Jill for keeping this newsletter coming. Never give up hope. There are more of us than the “other” but they are just more louder, obnoxious and unrelenting. We will win in 2024!
A merry holiday to you both who bring positivity and enlightenment to our lives! I wish for all of the world to find important moments of peace and tranquility. Together, we prevail. 🕊️
Your newsletters are what I read to clarify what the heck is happening. When I read and listen to the news of the day and the legal developments just get more confusing, your explanations sort them out. And I hadn’t read anything about how drastic spending cuts would occur simply by the Republicans dragging their feet with continuing resolutions. Thanks for keeping us informed and, of course, encouraged. Wishing you, and all of us, a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch! Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! Joyeux Noël et bonne année! Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo! Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! Щасливого Різдва та щасливого Нового року! Veselé Vánoce a šťastný nový rok!
Wishing you and Jill, and all your family and friends a peaceful and joyful holiday celebration. The winter is time for restoring our energy, for celebrating the growing daylight hours again, and so much more. I cannot say thank you enough for the community, leadership, and support you provide along our worthy journey to maintain, sustain, and grow our democracy!
"Trump engaged in insurrection, but the Republican Party doesn’t care. We will soon find out if the Supreme Court cares." Great sentence. A brilliantly concise explanation of dynamics that have inspired zillions of words, all attempting to describe what you've put so simply and succinctly! Thank you for your eloquence. And consistent wisdom.
I appreciated your rebuttal, in yesterday's post, to some persuasive pieces suggesting it's best for the SCOTUS to let the electorate weigh in on Trump's eligibility for the job of POTUS, rather than removing him from the ballot and being accused of preventing the electorate from making a choice. I was persuaded by that argument, until i read your rebuttal. I now see clearly how we are lost if we don't uphold the rule of law -- equality, under the law. First principal.
Trump will never agree to the decisions of the courts OR the tally of the votes unless he is the winner. If he is found to be ineligible to be on the ballots by the SCOTUS he will scream "Witch hunt", " Partisanship", Voter Fraud " and the list goes on and on. If he is officially on the ballot and loses-again- he will bellow "Witch Hunt", " Partisanship,"Voter Fraud, etc.You get my drift. I say, let the chips fall where they may. We cannot fear the possibility of violence and mayhem from his deplorable base.I am reading Liz Cheney's very well written book in which she points out the collusion of Republicans in Congress with Trump's attempt to overthrow our democracy so that there is NO doubt that he, and they were guilty of espionage against our government. These people are traitors and need to be removed from having a say in the runnings of this country. Period.
That the Republican Party doesn't care is apparent. That my Republican friend of almost 60 years doesn't care is very sad to me. His father, like mine, fought in WWII to rid the world of fascists. He, like me, is living in happy, well-sustained retirement so why doesn't he care. His present security is directly related to the country and government for which he now "doesn't care". That's very sad and disturbing to me.
I know I'm not alone in having such friends. Know I share your sadness.
Michael, I'm very fortunate not to be in your situation, because it feels doubly disturbing in this time. Here are the words that occur to me, when I think about how this can happen to good people like your friend:
- Living through very tumultuous changes.
- Believing our privileges are justified.
- Self-propagandizing.
- Tribalism.
- Everyone's difficulty admitting mistakes of judgment.
- Our ancient need for self-serving myths.
Wishing you peace of mind, along with all other readers with Trumpist family or friends.
Both paragraphs make terrific points. Thank you Lani Jacobson.
This hopeful but not complacent reader wishes all the Hubbells a very safe and happy 2023 Christmas holiday. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of 2024!
Well said, Lynell! We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Hubbell family for creating and supporting this great community. I too am hopeful but not complacent, and will continue to actively engage in the preservation of our democracy. Happy Holidays to All!
Thank you, Bob. Happy Holidays to you and all back!
Merry Christmas, Lynell, from an equally not complacent reader.
Thank you for your many GOTV efforts in 2023. Rest up- we’ve got more work to do in ‘24!
Absolutely, Sheila! Merry Christmas to you as well!
A point made by Robert is that Trump cannot take the oath of office because of his actions. This was important for me to hear because I needed to know what could be said to trump followers, how do they expect someone to be in an office (at any level of governance) if the person cannot be trusted to take an oath after having broken it so egregiously before.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your newsletter! It has been a constant joy to read during these turbulent times.
I have been thinking about movies lately. During the Christmas season two films are at the top of my list. The Wizard of OZ and It’s a Wonderful Life. I streamed the W of Oz yesterday and something struck me. When Miss Gluch is taking Toto to be destroyed Auntie Em tells her, “Almira Gulch, just because you own half the county doesn't mean that you have the power to run the rest of us. For 23 years, I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you, and now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!”.
Well, I that how I feel about the whole Republican party and most of all it’s toxic Leader. (His name will not pass my lips until he goes where the goblins go.) They want to kill our freedoms for their own financial/self absorbed delusional gain. They are in the grip of evil, not good. They show it every day and I am now ready to say it like it is.
In, It’s a Wonderful life, Jimmy Stewart finds hope after despair, when Mr Potter steals his bank money. He comes to realise that just his being alive in the world as an agent for good has made an enormous difference in the lives of those around him. In the end it comes down to this this next election year - Does America want to live in Pottersville or Bedford Falls. I’m thinking Bedford Falls will end up being the choice of the majority of the American population. We need action to get there for sure, but also Faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.
PS - and a whole lot of bells ringing and angel wings.
Merry Christmas to all.🌟🎄🌟
The appeal of the Wizard of Oz is ongoing for all ages.
We Hubbellites are so fortunate that you, Robert, have a unique combination of skills to meet the moment. Legal training and insight to interpret complex cases, common sense outside-the-Beltway and outside-the-media ecosystem acumen, with a large measure of compassion. And a willingness to put in the time to not only write a clear daily column, but also manage (thanks, Jill!) a burgeoning community of activists. Talk about points of light! You two are creating a whole new solar system!
Thanks, and take a rest.
Wonderfully said. There's one other talent of his to add though – excellent writing skills. So many times have I been struck by a sentence or phrase of Robert's that captured a situation perfectly.
It's a combination of skills, outlook, and dedication that have helped thousands of us stay sane and committed for years - a HUGE accomplishment!
So beautifully put, Betsy! Thank you ... 💫🌖💫
"with you, we know we will go the distance..." back at you.
Hopeful, but not complacent. (Or -- Complacency kills campaigns). It was a pleasure to "meet" you both. Have a great Christmas and return to bring us all to a victorious November. And let's look forward to the most indictable Member of Congress, Scott Perry, getting what he deserves. I count 7 Democrats trying to be the one who will make PA 10 another House seat that flips to the Democrats.
Amen brother.
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2024 to Jill and you, Robert. Enjoy family time! Written from a rainy and stormy Germany. The weather mirrors the situation in the world. Let the message of Christmas bring us hope beating the outcome of all negative polls.
Happy holidays and best wishes to all.
I hope Scott Perry (R-PA-10th) is brought up short. His 10th District is basically all around Harrisburg, the states capitol. He's a retired U.S. Army National Guard brigadier general !!!!! One might ask, what did his oath of office mean to him when he took it? And one might also ask, does he ever listen to Fox? Seems to me his actions were scripted by Tucker Carlson and the other fantasists whose love of power exceed their love of truth (and patriotism).
I have not posted here for quite a while because I am in the middle of a move from Florida to North Carolina, but I had to take a minute today to post. First, Robert and Jill, I want you to know how important Today’s Edition is to me. I read your newsletter (and Heather Cox Richardson’s) while I have my coffee and then abandon all the news for the rest of the day while I pack. Secondly, this community is so important to me that I couldn’t let this holiday season go by without wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season. Here’s to a wonderful 2024, the reelection of the Biden-Harris ticket and to turning Florida and North Carolina blue!
Annette, Merry Christmas and hope all goes smoothly with the move. Looking forward to turning Florida and NC blue with you ! 💙🎄
Good luck with everything Annette! Hope you have a few moments of peace in the next few days and can enjoy time with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
Good luck with your move Annette, and I hope everything goes smoothly for you.
🤗🕊🥂
Here’s hoping for a kindler, gentler nation soon. Thanks to you, Robert and Jill for keeping this newsletter coming. Never give up hope. There are more of us than the “other” but they are just more louder, obnoxious and unrelenting. We will win in 2024!
Thank YOU!! and the heartiest good wishes for us all to enjoy a peaceful and restful holiday weekend. Very much looking forward to a few days off!
A merry holiday to you both who bring positivity and enlightenment to our lives! I wish for all of the world to find important moments of peace and tranquility. Together, we prevail. 🕊️
Your newsletters are what I read to clarify what the heck is happening. When I read and listen to the news of the day and the legal developments just get more confusing, your explanations sort them out. And I hadn’t read anything about how drastic spending cuts would occur simply by the Republicans dragging their feet with continuing resolutions. Thanks for keeping us informed and, of course, encouraged. Wishing you, and all of us, a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch! Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! Joyeux Noël et bonne année! Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo! Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! Щасливого Різдва та щасливого Нового року! Veselé Vánoce a šťastný nový rok!
Nice!! Thanks, Linda.
Wishing you and Jill, and all your family and friends a peaceful and joyful holiday celebration. The winter is time for restoring our energy, for celebrating the growing daylight hours again, and so much more. I cannot say thank you enough for the community, leadership, and support you provide along our worthy journey to maintain, sustain, and grow our democracy!
You make my every morning, along with my cereal and coffee, begin with hope. Bravo. All best wishes to you. Norbert