Where do you find the energy and patience to produce these thoughtful, and provocative columns, week in and week out? Your writings should form a collection that will reflect for those looking back on todays events an analysis of our country’s plights, fights, and reactions. Thank you .
It is a labor of love and my contribution to preserving democracy. While it is a lot of work, it pales in comparison to what many others do. But thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate the support.
There are many aspects of Today’s Edition Newsletter which I greatly appreciate. Not least among those is your careful precision in your use of words and language. I find much of what turns out to be misinformation at present, and there is much of that to contend with, is a consequence of careless phrasing, imprecise wording, and empty content designed not to inform but only to invoke an emotional reaction. I find your daily newsletters a welcome exception to much of the wasted words and thoughts of many who exercise far less care and thought in what they publish. Thank you for being that exception.
Thanks, Bruce. I appreciate your comment. Since I am summarizing what others write, I try to be precise. Indeed, that is the real reason I include links--so readers can fact check my statements!
Today’s edition clarified for me my thinking regarding where and how I want to get involved. Thanks to many links provided by Robert and my own research I decided I want to work with organizations that are focused on state elections as well as very specific House races where the election is competitive and winnable. There are out of 22 Senate races only about 5 that are real toss ups and there unfortunately maybe 10-12 House races that are truly competitive. I happen to live in a state that has competitive races in all three (Senate,House and local). I am beginning to realize that to protect and nourish Democracy we need to be razor focused and put the energy and effort into races where that energy and momentum will make a significant difference. The first giant step is to understand the reality of the races and decided what candidates you want to support.
Because no one seems to have a ready answer about how to resuscitate momentum at the federal level, I am mighty encouraged by folks like Melissa Walker, Director of Giving Circles for The States Project, who are working towards defending democracy at the state and local levels. I also would note, beyond The States Project’s critically important mission to seize control electorally of state legislatures and governorships, that we’ll also need to recruit poll workers and other election officials—county clerks and election judges—who can help people to ensure that their votes are counted. Moreover, we’ll have to out-organize Republicans, who ruthlessly are organizing to fill state and local positions with their own people—people who don’t believe in free and fair elections. Perhaps some of us will run for office such as Secretary of State or maybe volunteer on local, state, or national campaigns. After all, we were only 2 votes shy of the 50 U.S. Senators we needed to pass federal voter protection legislation. Though I haven’t given up on getting some federal voter safeguards passed, I also stand with those who have started mobilizing for democracy at the state and local levels.
It’s all very well that Barr is speaking to the January 6th Committee, but what assurance is there that he is telling the truth? Remember, this is the man who, as Attorney General, committed perjury before the House committee investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election. Experienced lawyers and investigators know that a fabric of lies can show the outline of truth, but it takes a lot more work to fill in the picture. I don’t accept the idea that Democrats will lose control of Congress this fall, but it is a possibility, and that alone should be all that is necessary to galvanize the seemingly somnolent Justice Department.
Good point, Jon. But if Barr felt that he had personal exposure, he is a smart enough lawyer to refuse to cooperate. I think Barr is trying to save his tattered legacy by telling what he knows about Trump, Giuliani, Clark, etc. I could be wrong, but hope I am right!
Totally agree with you, Jon. And, while I acknowledge the validity of Robert’s reply, I think that Barr believes he is the smartest guy in the room. After all, he did spend his tenure at the DOJ lying with no consequences other than to his reputation. No matter the resolution, his history is written.
I also agree that Garland is a complete, and ongoing, disaster. Robert used to highlight this regularly. Garland is a real Nowhere Man.
“He's as blind as he can be
Just sees what he wants to see
Nowhere man, can you see me at all
Nowhere man don't worry
Take your time, don't hurry
Leave it all 'til somebody else
Lends you a hand
Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to….”
Thanks for your continued hard work, Robert. Jon, thanks for outlining my view better than I could ever do.
I'm so glad I took the time to read all of this (I confess I don't always!). I especially appreciate your introducing us to Melissa Walker and the States Project. I will take the responsibility of "tending to democracy" to heart, and share it wherever I can. One of my frustrations living in my beloved DC is that we are not a state and therefore have no senators or voting representatives. (Thank you to Eleanor Holmes Norton who does the best she can as a delegate to the House of Representatives.) So I'm going to check out the States Project and see what group I can join and what actions I can take. Blessings to you for your dedication to your cause...and your community. Thank you!!
I’m confounded by the polls showing so much dissatisfaction with the administration. What do they want a return of the past four years? I’m reminded of a baby playing in a sandbox and complaining there is less sand in his box than other boxes. Really I’m disenchanted with people and their inability to envision better times ahead. There is so much truth to the words that the people are deserving of who they elect into office. I’m not a cheerleader. I do what I can to improve the political conditions. I write. I have given modest donations. I have offered advise that of course, no one cared to read. I’ve campaigned in other states in the past. I’ve been a good civic-minded member of society. I criticize my own house first before lashing out at the other house. And my repeated question deals with how we could lose the white working class voter. It makes no sense. This group has no place in republican cycles. They don’t care for him at all. And yet, we in our chosen party ( although I speak as an independent who always votes democratic because of having no alternative) have managed in all our infinite wisdom, to alienate him. To tell him that he isn’t as important as the other now elite groups. How could that be? It’s a losing proposition. Sorry to say, but the truth hurts. Snap out of it and realize that unless a complete revaluation of where we have been and amend where we are going is made, then we are condemned to repeat the same mistakes.
Yes, indeed. HCR wrote an incredible piece last week about the Biden administrations accomplishments. And when you compare the governance of the last year with the four years before, it is beyond stunning how much better off we are. I SLEEP at night. For four years I woke up with terror after dreaming that a psychopath was President. Then I realized it was true! No more sleep!
But to your salient point. How do we communicate to Joe and Jane - who are just struggling with the basics of every day survival - that Democrats are trying REALLY hard to improve their lot? To help with child care, education, health care...and to save the fracking planet!? To save democracy from conspirators who are now mainstream Republicans? How?
If there was logic in this world and Democrats could finally figure out how to "message" -Biden's approval rate would be record breaking and we would be coasting to a midterm election where we boost our majority in Congress and we could get more done for...Joe and Jane. Of course, I am dating myself, now it would be "Addison" and "Ayden".
The Democrats need to get out of Washington and spend more time in the trenches one on one with voters. Biden should do more Town Halls locally and get local coverage and deliver messages directly to the people. That is his strength and he is not using it.
Thank you. Today, a new issue about monoclonal treatment and the desire to include race on who can get it with the insufficient amount of available treatment based on higher transmission in Black communities. While this may be true, in my opinion, it’s a bad decision and can only have a negative effect on the discussion. I ask the question to myself; Do we want to win or do we want to decide everything based on race. I don’t have a clear answer.
In one of the final chapters of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent" Isabel Wilkerson explains this issue, Bill. Why does the white working class see themselves as being with Trump and the Republican Party? It's part of the systemic racism of caste. It is what the Nazis used in Germany and the whole caste system in India is about, too. When you have a lowest rung of the ladder of a ]caste system, you keep piling on the criticisms and unfairness of the system to those at the bottom. Then ... and here's the important part, the next rung up (which is these white men we are talking about) can tell themselves that at least isn't he isn't Black, or India, at least I'm not a Dalits or an untouchable, and in Nazi Germany and some other places in the world, a Jew. These are all fake and arbitrary systems that work to the advantage if those at the top because they keep both "rungs" down and subservient and poorly paid. In this country, for example, the reasoning of the white working class man is this: "If even a Black can be better than I am, what does that make me?" It's not about logic, it's about fear. Also read "You Are Now Less Dumb" by David McRaney. It's about how human beings reason and create their views, their tribes, etc.
It would be informative to see a profile of Gen Michael Flynn, USA (ret.). It seems his life has been spiraling down the plumbing since he threw in with the former president. My understanding has always been that Retired General Officers are actually considered to be in Reserve, and can be re-activated. Even if it is only to face a Court Martial under the UCMJ. There must be something in the UCMJ about conspiring to instigate a military Coup d'etat.
“What a stupid son of a b___.” Finally a president not afraid to speak his mind. And although this is a bit off course, I agree that troops should be activated. This is the only language a bully speaks. And although I think there is an argument to be made about encroachment of the west toward Russia, Russia’s problem is that it never experienced western-style democracy going form absolute monarchy to absolute dictatorship to a brief flirt with representative republic then back to autocratic rule. Which is a place we might wind up if we don’t watch out.
Where do you find the energy and patience to produce these thoughtful, and provocative columns, week in and week out? Your writings should form a collection that will reflect for those looking back on todays events an analysis of our country’s plights, fights, and reactions. Thank you .
It is a labor of love and my contribution to preserving democracy. While it is a lot of work, it pales in comparison to what many others do. But thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate the support.
There are many aspects of Today’s Edition Newsletter which I greatly appreciate. Not least among those is your careful precision in your use of words and language. I find much of what turns out to be misinformation at present, and there is much of that to contend with, is a consequence of careless phrasing, imprecise wording, and empty content designed not to inform but only to invoke an emotional reaction. I find your daily newsletters a welcome exception to much of the wasted words and thoughts of many who exercise far less care and thought in what they publish. Thank you for being that exception.
Thanks, Bruce. I appreciate your comment. Since I am summarizing what others write, I try to be precise. Indeed, that is the real reason I include links--so readers can fact check my statements!
Today’s edition clarified for me my thinking regarding where and how I want to get involved. Thanks to many links provided by Robert and my own research I decided I want to work with organizations that are focused on state elections as well as very specific House races where the election is competitive and winnable. There are out of 22 Senate races only about 5 that are real toss ups and there unfortunately maybe 10-12 House races that are truly competitive. I happen to live in a state that has competitive races in all three (Senate,House and local). I am beginning to realize that to protect and nourish Democracy we need to be razor focused and put the energy and effort into races where that energy and momentum will make a significant difference. The first giant step is to understand the reality of the races and decided what candidates you want to support.
Because no one seems to have a ready answer about how to resuscitate momentum at the federal level, I am mighty encouraged by folks like Melissa Walker, Director of Giving Circles for The States Project, who are working towards defending democracy at the state and local levels. I also would note, beyond The States Project’s critically important mission to seize control electorally of state legislatures and governorships, that we’ll also need to recruit poll workers and other election officials—county clerks and election judges—who can help people to ensure that their votes are counted. Moreover, we’ll have to out-organize Republicans, who ruthlessly are organizing to fill state and local positions with their own people—people who don’t believe in free and fair elections. Perhaps some of us will run for office such as Secretary of State or maybe volunteer on local, state, or national campaigns. After all, we were only 2 votes shy of the 50 U.S. Senators we needed to pass federal voter protection legislation. Though I haven’t given up on getting some federal voter safeguards passed, I also stand with those who have started mobilizing for democracy at the state and local levels.
Agree 100%!
It’s all very well that Barr is speaking to the January 6th Committee, but what assurance is there that he is telling the truth? Remember, this is the man who, as Attorney General, committed perjury before the House committee investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election. Experienced lawyers and investigators know that a fabric of lies can show the outline of truth, but it takes a lot more work to fill in the picture. I don’t accept the idea that Democrats will lose control of Congress this fall, but it is a possibility, and that alone should be all that is necessary to galvanize the seemingly somnolent Justice Department.
Good point, Jon. But if Barr felt that he had personal exposure, he is a smart enough lawyer to refuse to cooperate. I think Barr is trying to save his tattered legacy by telling what he knows about Trump, Giuliani, Clark, etc. I could be wrong, but hope I am right!
I hope so, too. I just hope he’s not foolish enough to lie in the attempt.
Totally agree with you, Jon. And, while I acknowledge the validity of Robert’s reply, I think that Barr believes he is the smartest guy in the room. After all, he did spend his tenure at the DOJ lying with no consequences other than to his reputation. No matter the resolution, his history is written.
I also agree that Garland is a complete, and ongoing, disaster. Robert used to highlight this regularly. Garland is a real Nowhere Man.
“He's as blind as he can be
Just sees what he wants to see
Nowhere man, can you see me at all
Nowhere man don't worry
Take your time, don't hurry
Leave it all 'til somebody else
Lends you a hand
Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to….”
Thanks for your continued hard work, Robert. Jon, thanks for outlining my view better than I could ever do.
I'm so glad I took the time to read all of this (I confess I don't always!). I especially appreciate your introducing us to Melissa Walker and the States Project. I will take the responsibility of "tending to democracy" to heart, and share it wherever I can. One of my frustrations living in my beloved DC is that we are not a state and therefore have no senators or voting representatives. (Thank you to Eleanor Holmes Norton who does the best she can as a delegate to the House of Representatives.) So I'm going to check out the States Project and see what group I can join and what actions I can take. Blessings to you for your dedication to your cause...and your community. Thank you!!
I’m confounded by the polls showing so much dissatisfaction with the administration. What do they want a return of the past four years? I’m reminded of a baby playing in a sandbox and complaining there is less sand in his box than other boxes. Really I’m disenchanted with people and their inability to envision better times ahead. There is so much truth to the words that the people are deserving of who they elect into office. I’m not a cheerleader. I do what I can to improve the political conditions. I write. I have given modest donations. I have offered advise that of course, no one cared to read. I’ve campaigned in other states in the past. I’ve been a good civic-minded member of society. I criticize my own house first before lashing out at the other house. And my repeated question deals with how we could lose the white working class voter. It makes no sense. This group has no place in republican cycles. They don’t care for him at all. And yet, we in our chosen party ( although I speak as an independent who always votes democratic because of having no alternative) have managed in all our infinite wisdom, to alienate him. To tell him that he isn’t as important as the other now elite groups. How could that be? It’s a losing proposition. Sorry to say, but the truth hurts. Snap out of it and realize that unless a complete revaluation of where we have been and amend where we are going is made, then we are condemned to repeat the same mistakes.
Yes, indeed. HCR wrote an incredible piece last week about the Biden administrations accomplishments. And when you compare the governance of the last year with the four years before, it is beyond stunning how much better off we are. I SLEEP at night. For four years I woke up with terror after dreaming that a psychopath was President. Then I realized it was true! No more sleep!
But to your salient point. How do we communicate to Joe and Jane - who are just struggling with the basics of every day survival - that Democrats are trying REALLY hard to improve their lot? To help with child care, education, health care...and to save the fracking planet!? To save democracy from conspirators who are now mainstream Republicans? How?
If there was logic in this world and Democrats could finally figure out how to "message" -Biden's approval rate would be record breaking and we would be coasting to a midterm election where we boost our majority in Congress and we could get more done for...Joe and Jane. Of course, I am dating myself, now it would be "Addison" and "Ayden".
The Democrats need to get out of Washington and spend more time in the trenches one on one with voters. Biden should do more Town Halls locally and get local coverage and deliver messages directly to the people. That is his strength and he is not using it.
LOL! I have to laugh! Addison and Aiden are my grandsons’ names.
That IS funny!
Thank you. Today, a new issue about monoclonal treatment and the desire to include race on who can get it with the insufficient amount of available treatment based on higher transmission in Black communities. While this may be true, in my opinion, it’s a bad decision and can only have a negative effect on the discussion. I ask the question to myself; Do we want to win or do we want to decide everything based on race. I don’t have a clear answer.
In one of the final chapters of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent" Isabel Wilkerson explains this issue, Bill. Why does the white working class see themselves as being with Trump and the Republican Party? It's part of the systemic racism of caste. It is what the Nazis used in Germany and the whole caste system in India is about, too. When you have a lowest rung of the ladder of a ]caste system, you keep piling on the criticisms and unfairness of the system to those at the bottom. Then ... and here's the important part, the next rung up (which is these white men we are talking about) can tell themselves that at least isn't he isn't Black, or India, at least I'm not a Dalits or an untouchable, and in Nazi Germany and some other places in the world, a Jew. These are all fake and arbitrary systems that work to the advantage if those at the top because they keep both "rungs" down and subservient and poorly paid. In this country, for example, the reasoning of the white working class man is this: "If even a Black can be better than I am, what does that make me?" It's not about logic, it's about fear. Also read "You Are Now Less Dumb" by David McRaney. It's about how human beings reason and create their views, their tribes, etc.
Of course, I get it. Divide and conquer it’s the name of the game and always has been.
Thank you thank you 🙏
Robert, can I (may I) post Melissa's 2 minute answer on Facebook?
It would be informative to see a profile of Gen Michael Flynn, USA (ret.). It seems his life has been spiraling down the plumbing since he threw in with the former president. My understanding has always been that Retired General Officers are actually considered to be in Reserve, and can be re-activated. Even if it is only to face a Court Martial under the UCMJ. There must be something in the UCMJ about conspiring to instigate a military Coup d'etat.
“What a stupid son of a b___.” Finally a president not afraid to speak his mind. And although this is a bit off course, I agree that troops should be activated. This is the only language a bully speaks. And although I think there is an argument to be made about encroachment of the west toward Russia, Russia’s problem is that it never experienced western-style democracy going form absolute monarchy to absolute dictatorship to a brief flirt with representative republic then back to autocratic rule. Which is a place we might wind up if we don’t watch out.
So we are tending democracy. I am reading about women in the Resistance In WWII. Woman of No Importance is my current read. That and seed catalogues.
Robert
You are listening to polls in Arizona after the Trump "surprise " victory. Polls mislead us then and now.
“Let’s not get ahead of the facts.” Well seen, well said! Thank you, Robert!