Dear readers: My substack account has been hacked. Many readers received an email allegedly from me at Substack asking them to text me. DO NOT TEXT ME. The email is SPAM.
Apologies. I will address this evening in the newsletter.
Interesting that the phone number in that message (I got one, too) has a New Mexico area code....now, having just watched the fascinating and graphically creative video by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina (See Katelyn Jetelina, Your Local Epidemiologist, COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: Separating fact from fiction (substack.com), strongly recommended by Robert Hubbell in today's newsletter, I realize that the New Mexico source of the spam hack may simply be a case of "Post Hoc, ergo propter hoc"...but it does make me wonder what's going on in that beautiful state?!?
This is a beautiful eloquent absolutely truthful missive and I thank you for reporting it. With the disappearance of daily newspapers, opposition is often eloquently expressed on Twitter and I encourage readers of this blog to participate. Currently, Twitter participants are documenting Governor Kathy Hochul’s horrific Nomination of a judge who is both anti-choice and anti-union. There is a spirited and passionate opposition. But she has brought in Hakeem Jeffries to bolster her side, disappointing those Who thought he represented pro choice and pro labor policies. The committee vote is tomorrow. Thank you again for your unflinching eloquence Robert.
Beyond horrified, and yes, gravely disappointed. I just called Jeffries' DC office to express my view of this "grievous mistake." Most especially in light of the Minority Leader's inspiring acceptance speech; and as a New Yorker who is weary from supporting Democrats with time, energy and resources.
The person with whom I spoke, at least seemed to be open and listening. And they assured me my concerns would be shared with the Congressperson and staff. I have left my email address and I've asked for a response. We shall see. If you're inclined, the number is: 202.225.5936
It is good to hear Jeffries staff are courteous, listened politely, and pledged to report to him.
Fingers crossed they renenber and for him to seriously consider.
(Politicians are politicians. Ugh.)
Today I watched, listened to an NDN coalition Webinar hosted by wonderful, encouraging Simon Rosenberg and Medias Brothers on YouTube.
Some extremely powerful and practical communication plans are in the Democratic Truth-telling pipeline to overcorrect the failing, weak media dangerous touting of corrupt political “alternative facts” and outright election deniers’ lies and misinformation.
There is Light at the end of this tunnel. You msy wish to add Simon Rosenberg NDN to your reading list.
Thank you, Nancy. Appreciate that which I should have thought of, that of calling Kathy Hochul's office, and which I've just done. I left a voicemail, likely to no avail. Nonetheless, important to have done so. The Governor's office number: 518.474.8390
Thanks again for this, and, for continuing to write GOTV postcards.
Hard working grassroots Democrats are exhausted and taking breaks from all or at least much of media reporting and well researched, reliable newsletters.
That some friends and family do not take action is frustrating. Each one could make five GOTV phone calls, write five letters, five postcards, attend five grassroots Virtual meetings to be informed, to learn how to Pas The Word.
Many seem to not understand the gravity of the danger, are busy with the quotidian details of their lives.
I pray that they do, eventually., choose to take action, that No’s turn to Yes’s.
Every Democrat and right thinking Republican should be required to read this Edition of your Newsletter, Robert Hubbell and Editor.
Please forgive the rant.
Thank you for calmly and eloquently Speaking Truth To Power.
Having lived in Germany and studied that nation's history, and how evil flourishes when good people do nothing, I've been saying since 2015: "Not actively opposing Trump is supporting him."
This mechanical fact of cause and effect is why there is no such thing as a "moderate Republican." Robert explained this well.
Jan 18, 2023·edited Jan 18, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Excellent piece tonight, Robert. The GOP is a terrorist group not a political party. It is a group now of malignant narcissists. They promote violence, cruelty and misinformation all in the name of personal power and profit. They have no empathy for anyone; no care for community which supports each other. The engineer in me must propose solutions so my immediate thought for a solution is to start a movement of citizens making a vow never to vote for a Republican again at any level of government. Democrats would find that pretty easy. So, we need Independents and any moderate old school Republicans to take such a vow. Hopefully we'll then see the implosion of entire GOP structure and hopefully they'll turn into dust. There are several nascent parties coming into being - the Forward party and the Lincoln Project come to mind. I'd like to start a party called the Synergists with a platform of a Well Being Index at its core and Respect, Responsibility and Resilience as core values. I'd gather a convention of experts/believers in democracy to write a revised Constitution which heals the flaws of the existing Constitution. For example, corrects/clarifies the Second Amendment and the Ninth Amendment includes women's rights more explicitly. A Constitution that would incorporate the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. One that would recognize all people this time including women, LGBTQ and people of all ancestries ( African, Asian, European, and Native). There would be social media platforms built with algorithms to encourage and build consensus and healthy discussion. It would assure a living wage for everyone and a good safety net. Eventually the technology and AI may make it possible to have a true democracy (not representative) and a guaranteed income. It would be based on "We"llness rather than "I"llness. Wealth would be measured by one's generosity in supporting others and the community. Education would be free and teach all perspectives by teachers highly valued and paid well. Time for a thought exercise on what the full platform of such a party would be. If you have any suggestions please let me know. We, the People, all of us this time enjoying a life of PERMA Wellness. P - positive emotions, E - engagement, R - positive relationships, M - Meaning, A - Accomplishment - see Dr. Martin Seligman's Theory of Well Being PERMA model at https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ A world full of hope and fulfillment. Let's do something larger than ourselves. Let's have lives of Meaning and Hope.
Cathy, you are one of the most respected posters in this forum. And I love the philosophy you are promoting. But truth be told it sounds a lot like "socialism". Which I am fine with. And much of what you describe as wellness and free education is what "lefties" like me have been promoting for years. So if you would like to run as the leader of the Democratic Synergist Party...you got my vote!
But what needs to happen is for a center right party to emerge that is based on integrity. Millions of people will never think as progressively as we do. They need a party that speaks to some old fashioned values. Things like careful spending and adequate tax revenue would be at its core. In principle, a balanced budget is a responsible thing.
I wouldn't be voting for these "center right" candidates, but at least it would give some legitimacy to a point of view that feels like "old school conservatives" - Pre Reagan. Pre lying about trickle down economics. A philosophy that actually asks us to move in the direction of paying our way instead of indefinite, limitless borrowing would be a healthy counterbalance.
You have described the leaders of the GQP quite accurately. They have no moral compass. They are anti-social monsters. But they are supported by millions who are not going to disappear. They need a party that reflects some of their true "Christian" values of charity and welcoming the stranger - all the while asking people to do the best they can to carry their own weight - whenever possible. That was the Republican Party of old - the one my folks believed in. The party of Abe, Teddy and Ike. There was respect for social safety nets and infrastructure was invested in. Democracy was promoted around the world (sometimes to a terrible fault, of course).
Everything has a yin and a yang. There is no softness without hardness. There is no light without darkness. There is no pleasure without pain. There is no way a democracy can exist without some yang for our yin.
Thanks, Bill, That's all good food for thought. Actually I'm socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Until a bill shows me how it is being paid for I don't support it. Yes, I'll add fiscal responsibility to the Synergy Platform.
I’d join up, although, Charles Koch would love a constitutional convention, since it can’t be limited and he has Quite an agenda. This sounds too sophisticated to attract even a Portion of the “masses,” but a different path is sorely needed
We should always remember that any amendment proposed at a constitutional convention must be ratified by 38 states--meaning that 10 states controlled in whole or part by Democrats must approve of the amendment.
In regards to "too sophisticated" while the platform needs to be thoroughly thought out and sophisticated, the way it is presented to the public would express the core goals/values of the platform in a digestible and inspirational way. One that make someone would say "I want that!"
The convention I'd call is not a formal Convention of States as described in the Constitution that could give us more Citizens United type amendments that we don't want, but a gathering of Constitutional scholars and others to address how to fix the flaws of the current Constitution. I believe there are ways to make a Convention of States limited by passing the same resolution in every state in the call of such a Convention limiting what it could address.
Thank you Robert. Everyone, Robert gives us the bullets to use. Those who do nothing but moan on FB or Instagram or these substacks, is guilty of allowing the GOP to triumph. Personally, I take small soundbite like, ¨...the GOP is a terrorist organization masquerading as a major party in American politics.¨ Read why here and post the whole newsletter on LinkedIn and Twitter. I am no longer on FB and my Instagram is for Spain. I also send to friends in small soundbites so that they can do the same. Today's newsletter is chocablock full of moments like this. Robert and so many others do all the heavy lifting for each of us. The only reason I am on Twitter is to do this. I also post Robert's words on GOP posts in the hopes that someone with a brain cell might read it. There is work to do. Daily. Let's Go!!!!
Your comments on the GOP are right on point and not too harsh, but deserved. It is not factual to call the current GOP "conservatives" as they clearly are not, rather they are radical reactionaries intent on undermining the United States and serving as spokespeople for Putin. I now that Trump bent over backwards for Putin, particularly at the disastrous Helsinki performance, but we must assume he only did it to get Putin to agree to a Trump hotel deal in Moscow, something he has long pursued without success. Trump didn't care about the US, he only cares about Trump. But that does not explain the lemmings in the GOP who follow Trump and Carlson and promote Putin and criticize Ukraine trying to defend itself and its people against the uncivil Russian bear. Kevin McCarthy, the man completely lacking a backbone, wants to limit weapons and payments to Ukraine. Why? Did Trump promise Kevin a Suite at the forthcoming Moscow Trump Hotel? Venal, greedy, anti-intellectual, anti-reading, anti-science. These people are troglodytes trying to perpetuate Czar Nicholas II Russia in the 21st Century. What would George W. Bush, George HW Bush, Reagan, Eisenhower, Nixon, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln say about these current political misfits.
I’m concluding that a healthy democracy is endangered when too many good people just check out. I have friends/relatives who truly ARE good, generous people—extremely generous with their money and time, hearts of gold, etc. BUT they find politics distasteful, point to corruption on “both sides,” and just decline to think or read more deeply. They vote Republican, because they consider themselves overall more conservative. They aren’t crazy about it being harder to vote now in Texas, but they’re having no problem voting themselves so aren’t losing sleep over it.
When a large number of Republican voters are in this category, the extremists take over…the “moderates” have basically ceded the party to them. The only thing I’ve found that wakes them up is some sort of personal experience, e.g., a family member in a targeted group (again, my perspective is from what we’re experiencing in Texas).
There are really no Republicans left in the Party. Liz and Adam were the last. How could 200 “Republicans” in Congress be held hostage by 20. This cancer can only be stopped by severe accountability from the DOJ. They should have acted the day after January 6th.
It doesn't take two years to build a case against insurrectionists who attempted to undermine the will of the voters on January 6th. With NO EVIDENCE of fraud, over 100 GQP memebers of the House of Representatives refused to convey the Presidency to Joseph Biden. The last thing Nancy Pelosi should have done is to have held a vote to expel permanently those traitors to democracy. They tried to turn a formality into a rebellion. That is insurrection. That is more than criminal. It was anti-American.
Do you have any sense about the chances of Dominion Voting's defamation lawsuit against Fox succeeding? It would seem a helpful step in recognizing truth over lies if it did, and help our democracy to recover.
I haven't reviewed the evidence closely, but the fact that the case has survived motions to dismiss under stringent First AMendment protections suggests it has legs. If I were Fox, I would settle the case for hundreds of millions of dollars, to avoid a judgment in the billions.
How fitting that the elephant is the symbol of the Republican party! I was surprised at your forceful tone today, but serious times call for serious actions.
I asked in a thread yesterday, "Is a lobotomy part of the Republican initiation ritual?" It seems that many have lost their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality, and have inexplicably lost their ability to think for themselves.
We need a strong party to counterbalance the Democrats and keep us honest. Unfortunately, today's Republican Party ain't it. Perhaps it does need to fully implode so something reasonable can rise from its ashes.
On Santos's committee assignments, maybe they're appropriate for him. In Small Business, he should be able to help small businesses appear to be more successful than possible. With Science, Space, and Technology, he's a natural 'cause he's...well...out there.
For my part, I think I'm going to stop giving Republicans the benefit of doubt and be more vocal about my disgust. For most of my adult life, I voted for the best candidate, regardless of party. In 2018, I vowed not to vote for any Republican for any position until they get their $#!+ together.
Enough, and well articulated: A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION has taken over. Although this is, and may be said to be, entirely home grown since the civil war, I think the international connections also need to be highlighted. Putin may have been deprived of his black belt, but he sure knows how to use the force of the enemy to destroy himself. Similar sentiments are explored in most European countries, and these movements are connected, and financed.
Climate action, and a ban on fossil fuels, has not fully recognized what a formidable threat it is to Russia, China, and their new world order, and the new silk roads, based on the oil reserves in Central Asia, that attracts also India.
The war on Ukraine, and the sanctions on Russia, has revealed that also production of fertilizers, and food, is dependent of fossil fuels. HUMANITY IS LARGELY WALKING FOSSIL FUELS. How could we be united, in a so far never attempted effort to cooperate, against fossil fuel?
I wonder why I seem to be the only person who strongly believes that since his visit to Mar A Lago a week after January 6th, McCarthy has been totally under the control of Donald Trump. All his actions, including his recent Committee assignments, appear to have been dictated by Trump. It is obvious to me that McCarthy is a pawn of Trump. He can’t be treated by the press as if he has a mind of his own. He is nothing more than a parrot of the former President. It is that simple. Look at the people he has chosen to head the committees. Review the way they voted in regard to the 2020 election. Every one of them are deniers. Just like Trump ordered.
Pena's actions are also consistent with the conservative belief that guns are the solution to life's inconveniences, as are denial and disbelief when the necessary outcome ensues.
Dear readers: My substack account has been hacked. Many readers received an email allegedly from me at Substack asking them to text me. DO NOT TEXT ME. The email is SPAM.
Apologies. I will address this evening in the newsletter.
If it helps the spam email I got came from:
forum@mg1.substack.com
The subject: “New comment on Perspective”
The message in the email said:
“Thank you for your remark! Always good catching up with you, Leave me a text I’ve got something beneficial to share with you”
Then had the phone number underneath (which I won’t show)
Interesting that the phone number in that message (I got one, too) has a New Mexico area code....now, having just watched the fascinating and graphically creative video by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina (See Katelyn Jetelina, Your Local Epidemiologist, COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: Separating fact from fiction (substack.com), strongly recommended by Robert Hubbell in today's newsletter, I realize that the New Mexico source of the spam hack may simply be a case of "Post Hoc, ergo propter hoc"...but it does make me wonder what's going on in that beautiful state?!?
This is a beautiful eloquent absolutely truthful missive and I thank you for reporting it. With the disappearance of daily newspapers, opposition is often eloquently expressed on Twitter and I encourage readers of this blog to participate. Currently, Twitter participants are documenting Governor Kathy Hochul’s horrific Nomination of a judge who is both anti-choice and anti-union. There is a spirited and passionate opposition. But she has brought in Hakeem Jeffries to bolster her side, disappointing those Who thought he represented pro choice and pro labor policies. The committee vote is tomorrow. Thank you again for your unflinching eloquence Robert.
Here is a link to Hakeem Jeffries saying that LaSalle should be confirmed: https://twitter.com/joespectorny/status/1614382221758009345?s=61&t=XDas9bqsrYep37JvAZ7TsA
I don't get it. This is one of the first actions Jeffries has taken as Minority Leader. Seems like a grievous mistake.
Indeed Hakeem Jeffries did this, he is not at all whom anyone had expected.
A grave disappointment for New York Democrats.
Markers For Democracy have been discussing (constructive ranting) Hakeem Jeffries.
There seems to be a (seriously misguided) rationale for this grievous — egregious — mistake.
Hang into your hat, count to one million.
The State Senate Hearing is being televised on NY1 TV.
Beyond horrified, and yes, gravely disappointed. I just called Jeffries' DC office to express my view of this "grievous mistake." Most especially in light of the Minority Leader's inspiring acceptance speech; and as a New Yorker who is weary from supporting Democrats with time, energy and resources.
The person with whom I spoke, at least seemed to be open and listening. And they assured me my concerns would be shared with the Congressperson and staff. I have left my email address and I've asked for a response. We shall see. If you're inclined, the number is: 202.225.5936
PostScript.
It is good to hear Jeffries staff are courteous, listened politely, and pledged to report to him.
Fingers crossed they renenber and for him to seriously consider.
(Politicians are politicians. Ugh.)
Today I watched, listened to an NDN coalition Webinar hosted by wonderful, encouraging Simon Rosenberg and Medias Brothers on YouTube.
Some extremely powerful and practical communication plans are in the Democratic Truth-telling pipeline to overcorrect the failing, weak media dangerous touting of corrupt political “alternative facts” and outright election deniers’ lies and misinformation.
There is Light at the end of this tunnel. You msy wish to add Simon Rosenberg NDN to your reading list.
I listened/watched as well. Very encouraging.
Thank you, Jean Tesoriero, for calling Hakeem Jeffries staff, reporting your dismay, and posting the phone number.
I am swamped writing GOTV postcards with short mailing deadlines.
Must call Hakeem Jeffries office also Kathy Hochul office to express horrifying disappointment.
Thank you, Nancy. Appreciate that which I should have thought of, that of calling Kathy Hochul's office, and which I've just done. I left a voicemail, likely to no avail. Nonetheless, important to have done so. The Governor's office number: 518.474.8390
Thanks again for this, and, for continuing to write GOTV postcards.
Just called Jeffries' office to voice my protest of his support of LaSalle and posted the number to the public on Facebook. Thanks for the info!
Thank you, Mercedes for adding your voice, and for posting on Facebook.
Hard working grassroots Democrats are exhausted and taking breaks from all or at least much of media reporting and well researched, reliable newsletters.
That some friends and family do not take action is frustrating. Each one could make five GOTV phone calls, write five letters, five postcards, attend five grassroots Virtual meetings to be informed, to learn how to Pas The Word.
Many seem to not understand the gravity of the danger, are busy with the quotidian details of their lives.
I pray that they do, eventually., choose to take action, that No’s turn to Yes’s.
Every Democrat and right thinking Republican should be required to read this Edition of your Newsletter, Robert Hubbell and Editor.
Please forgive the rant.
Thank you for calmly and eloquently Speaking Truth To Power.
Seriously!!!! Everyone here needs to write to him. Call him. Protest.
I'm afraid Jeffries will be like Rahm Emanuel was to the Democrats, a corporate hatchet man.
Having lived in Germany and studied that nation's history, and how evil flourishes when good people do nothing, I've been saying since 2015: "Not actively opposing Trump is supporting him."
This mechanical fact of cause and effect is why there is no such thing as a "moderate Republican." Robert explained this well.
Excellent piece tonight, Robert. The GOP is a terrorist group not a political party. It is a group now of malignant narcissists. They promote violence, cruelty and misinformation all in the name of personal power and profit. They have no empathy for anyone; no care for community which supports each other. The engineer in me must propose solutions so my immediate thought for a solution is to start a movement of citizens making a vow never to vote for a Republican again at any level of government. Democrats would find that pretty easy. So, we need Independents and any moderate old school Republicans to take such a vow. Hopefully we'll then see the implosion of entire GOP structure and hopefully they'll turn into dust. There are several nascent parties coming into being - the Forward party and the Lincoln Project come to mind. I'd like to start a party called the Synergists with a platform of a Well Being Index at its core and Respect, Responsibility and Resilience as core values. I'd gather a convention of experts/believers in democracy to write a revised Constitution which heals the flaws of the existing Constitution. For example, corrects/clarifies the Second Amendment and the Ninth Amendment includes women's rights more explicitly. A Constitution that would incorporate the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. One that would recognize all people this time including women, LGBTQ and people of all ancestries ( African, Asian, European, and Native). There would be social media platforms built with algorithms to encourage and build consensus and healthy discussion. It would assure a living wage for everyone and a good safety net. Eventually the technology and AI may make it possible to have a true democracy (not representative) and a guaranteed income. It would be based on "We"llness rather than "I"llness. Wealth would be measured by one's generosity in supporting others and the community. Education would be free and teach all perspectives by teachers highly valued and paid well. Time for a thought exercise on what the full platform of such a party would be. If you have any suggestions please let me know. We, the People, all of us this time enjoying a life of PERMA Wellness. P - positive emotions, E - engagement, R - positive relationships, M - Meaning, A - Accomplishment - see Dr. Martin Seligman's Theory of Well Being PERMA model at https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ A world full of hope and fulfillment. Let's do something larger than ourselves. Let's have lives of Meaning and Hope.
Cathy, you are one of the most respected posters in this forum. And I love the philosophy you are promoting. But truth be told it sounds a lot like "socialism". Which I am fine with. And much of what you describe as wellness and free education is what "lefties" like me have been promoting for years. So if you would like to run as the leader of the Democratic Synergist Party...you got my vote!
But what needs to happen is for a center right party to emerge that is based on integrity. Millions of people will never think as progressively as we do. They need a party that speaks to some old fashioned values. Things like careful spending and adequate tax revenue would be at its core. In principle, a balanced budget is a responsible thing.
I wouldn't be voting for these "center right" candidates, but at least it would give some legitimacy to a point of view that feels like "old school conservatives" - Pre Reagan. Pre lying about trickle down economics. A philosophy that actually asks us to move in the direction of paying our way instead of indefinite, limitless borrowing would be a healthy counterbalance.
You have described the leaders of the GQP quite accurately. They have no moral compass. They are anti-social monsters. But they are supported by millions who are not going to disappear. They need a party that reflects some of their true "Christian" values of charity and welcoming the stranger - all the while asking people to do the best they can to carry their own weight - whenever possible. That was the Republican Party of old - the one my folks believed in. The party of Abe, Teddy and Ike. There was respect for social safety nets and infrastructure was invested in. Democracy was promoted around the world (sometimes to a terrible fault, of course).
Everything has a yin and a yang. There is no softness without hardness. There is no light without darkness. There is no pleasure without pain. There is no way a democracy can exist without some yang for our yin.
Thanks, Bill, That's all good food for thought. Actually I'm socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Until a bill shows me how it is being paid for I don't support it. Yes, I'll add fiscal responsibility to the Synergy Platform.
I’d join up, although, Charles Koch would love a constitutional convention, since it can’t be limited and he has Quite an agenda. This sounds too sophisticated to attract even a Portion of the “masses,” but a different path is sorely needed
We should always remember that any amendment proposed at a constitutional convention must be ratified by 38 states--meaning that 10 states controlled in whole or part by Democrats must approve of the amendment.
If 10 states did not approve an amendment, it would pass with 40 votes, right?
That's not quite right. Here is the math:
It takes 38 states to ratify an amendment.
After the 2022 midterms, the GOP controls both chambers in 28 state legislatures, and Democrats control all or part of 22 state legislatures. https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2022:_State_legislatures
If all GOP controlled legislatures (28) vote to ratify an amendment, that leaves 10 more votes necessary to ratify.
But in all 22 remaining states, Democrats control at least one chamber in the legislatures.
Accordingly, 10 states controlled in whole or in part by Democrats would have to ratify the amendment the amendment to get to 38.
Democrats thus have a veto (by a margin of 10 states) over any amendment proposed at a constitutional convention.
Ok, now I understand where you are coming from. Thanks for clarifying.
This is exactly why we need to work with States Rights group to flip more state legislatures.. the power is in the states to save our democracy
thank you for this clarity--as always!
In regards to "too sophisticated" while the platform needs to be thoroughly thought out and sophisticated, the way it is presented to the public would express the core goals/values of the platform in a digestible and inspirational way. One that make someone would say "I want that!"
The convention I'd call is not a formal Convention of States as described in the Constitution that could give us more Citizens United type amendments that we don't want, but a gathering of Constitutional scholars and others to address how to fix the flaws of the current Constitution. I believe there are ways to make a Convention of States limited by passing the same resolution in every state in the call of such a Convention limiting what it could address.
Thank you Robert. Everyone, Robert gives us the bullets to use. Those who do nothing but moan on FB or Instagram or these substacks, is guilty of allowing the GOP to triumph. Personally, I take small soundbite like, ¨...the GOP is a terrorist organization masquerading as a major party in American politics.¨ Read why here and post the whole newsletter on LinkedIn and Twitter. I am no longer on FB and my Instagram is for Spain. I also send to friends in small soundbites so that they can do the same. Today's newsletter is chocablock full of moments like this. Robert and so many others do all the heavy lifting for each of us. The only reason I am on Twitter is to do this. I also post Robert's words on GOP posts in the hopes that someone with a brain cell might read it. There is work to do. Daily. Let's Go!!!!
Let’s give that elephant the boot!!!
Your comments on the GOP are right on point and not too harsh, but deserved. It is not factual to call the current GOP "conservatives" as they clearly are not, rather they are radical reactionaries intent on undermining the United States and serving as spokespeople for Putin. I now that Trump bent over backwards for Putin, particularly at the disastrous Helsinki performance, but we must assume he only did it to get Putin to agree to a Trump hotel deal in Moscow, something he has long pursued without success. Trump didn't care about the US, he only cares about Trump. But that does not explain the lemmings in the GOP who follow Trump and Carlson and promote Putin and criticize Ukraine trying to defend itself and its people against the uncivil Russian bear. Kevin McCarthy, the man completely lacking a backbone, wants to limit weapons and payments to Ukraine. Why? Did Trump promise Kevin a Suite at the forthcoming Moscow Trump Hotel? Venal, greedy, anti-intellectual, anti-reading, anti-science. These people are troglodytes trying to perpetuate Czar Nicholas II Russia in the 21st Century. What would George W. Bush, George HW Bush, Reagan, Eisenhower, Nixon, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln say about these current political misfits.
I’m concluding that a healthy democracy is endangered when too many good people just check out. I have friends/relatives who truly ARE good, generous people—extremely generous with their money and time, hearts of gold, etc. BUT they find politics distasteful, point to corruption on “both sides,” and just decline to think or read more deeply. They vote Republican, because they consider themselves overall more conservative. They aren’t crazy about it being harder to vote now in Texas, but they’re having no problem voting themselves so aren’t losing sleep over it.
When a large number of Republican voters are in this category, the extremists take over…the “moderates” have basically ceded the party to them. The only thing I’ve found that wakes them up is some sort of personal experience, e.g., a family member in a targeted group (again, my perspective is from what we’re experiencing in Texas).
But, these people always vote.
There are really no Republicans left in the Party. Liz and Adam were the last. How could 200 “Republicans” in Congress be held hostage by 20. This cancer can only be stopped by severe accountability from the DOJ. They should have acted the day after January 6th.
It doesn't take two years to build a case against insurrectionists who attempted to undermine the will of the voters on January 6th. With NO EVIDENCE of fraud, over 100 GQP memebers of the House of Representatives refused to convey the Presidency to Joseph Biden. The last thing Nancy Pelosi should have done is to have held a vote to expel permanently those traitors to democracy. They tried to turn a formality into a rebellion. That is insurrection. That is more than criminal. It was anti-American.
During the run up to America entering WWII, the Republican party
and some of their congressmen, were in communication with Hitler.
Their goal was to keep the US isolated and out of the war, sacrificing Britain. They were already evolving into a terrorist organization.
While McCarthy's committee assignments are upsetting, they do have Democrats on them too. You
can bet Hakeem Jeffries has already set directives for these
members.
As for Homeland Security, FBI, DoJ,
etc, they don't "have" to share
anything with the likes of MTG and
others. Sure, let the subpoenas roll
and ignore them.
We MUST persist!
BRAVO!BRAVO!!BRAVO!!!BRAVO!!!!
Do you have any sense about the chances of Dominion Voting's defamation lawsuit against Fox succeeding? It would seem a helpful step in recognizing truth over lies if it did, and help our democracy to recover.
I haven't reviewed the evidence closely, but the fact that the case has survived motions to dismiss under stringent First AMendment protections suggests it has legs. If I were Fox, I would settle the case for hundreds of millions of dollars, to avoid a judgment in the billions.
How fitting that the elephant is the symbol of the Republican party! I was surprised at your forceful tone today, but serious times call for serious actions.
I asked in a thread yesterday, "Is a lobotomy part of the Republican initiation ritual?" It seems that many have lost their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality, and have inexplicably lost their ability to think for themselves.
We need a strong party to counterbalance the Democrats and keep us honest. Unfortunately, today's Republican Party ain't it. Perhaps it does need to fully implode so something reasonable can rise from its ashes.
On Santos's committee assignments, maybe they're appropriate for him. In Small Business, he should be able to help small businesses appear to be more successful than possible. With Science, Space, and Technology, he's a natural 'cause he's...well...out there.
For my part, I think I'm going to stop giving Republicans the benefit of doubt and be more vocal about my disgust. For most of my adult life, I voted for the best candidate, regardless of party. In 2018, I vowed not to vote for any Republican for any position until they get their $#!+ together.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Love: "One bite at a time."
How many elephants can fit in a room? Many, it seems. Here's news about Kyrsten Sinema and a possible challenge from Kari Lake in 2024:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/kari-lake-could-be-nightmare-for-kyrsten-sinema/ar-AA16rCNr
Could be academically interesting to see Sinema, Lake, and Gallego all going after it. Would be a political clusterf*** though.
Enough, and well articulated: A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION has taken over. Although this is, and may be said to be, entirely home grown since the civil war, I think the international connections also need to be highlighted. Putin may have been deprived of his black belt, but he sure knows how to use the force of the enemy to destroy himself. Similar sentiments are explored in most European countries, and these movements are connected, and financed.
Climate action, and a ban on fossil fuels, has not fully recognized what a formidable threat it is to Russia, China, and their new world order, and the new silk roads, based on the oil reserves in Central Asia, that attracts also India.
The war on Ukraine, and the sanctions on Russia, has revealed that also production of fertilizers, and food, is dependent of fossil fuels. HUMANITY IS LARGELY WALKING FOSSIL FUELS. How could we be united, in a so far never attempted effort to cooperate, against fossil fuel?
I wonder why I seem to be the only person who strongly believes that since his visit to Mar A Lago a week after January 6th, McCarthy has been totally under the control of Donald Trump. All his actions, including his recent Committee assignments, appear to have been dictated by Trump. It is obvious to me that McCarthy is a pawn of Trump. He can’t be treated by the press as if he has a mind of his own. He is nothing more than a parrot of the former President. It is that simple. Look at the people he has chosen to head the committees. Review the way they voted in regard to the 2020 election. Every one of them are deniers. Just like Trump ordered.
Pena's actions are also consistent with the conservative belief that guns are the solution to life's inconveniences, as are denial and disbelief when the necessary outcome ensues.