I flew from California to Virginia. I have been canvassing every day. This weekend thousands of volunteers are converging in VA (thanks to Swing Left for sponsoring bus trips) to turn out the vote. A surprising number are voting on election day.
When you hear that someone has already voted via mail in ballot, you might mention that they can go online to check their voter status to be sure they are still on the rolls and keep track of whether their ballot has been received yet or not.
Thank you Judith & all the volunteers supporting VA!! I'm feeling extremely anxious about what this could mean not only for VA, but the southern states. As a Jewish Mom in VA with two teenage girls approaching college, it's a frightening time locally, nationally, & internationally. Robert's posts & those of others like him, your actions & those of others, help me to rally day after day for which I'm incredibly grateful!
Nov 4, 2023·edited Nov 4, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Further to Robert’s mention of the ‘News’ on President Biden’s visit to Lewiston, Maine:
According to The New York Times, “Since taking office, President Biden has traveled a grim path through American communities desperately grieving in the wake of mass shootings: Uvalde, Texas: Monterey Park, California; Buffalo; Atlanta. On Friday he added another to the list: Lewiston, Maine.”
The press conference was livestreamed on WH.GOV and the link posted on The White House YouTube channel.
President Biden Pays Respects to the Victims of the Horrific Attack in Lewiston, Maine:
In attendance were Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. Unfortunately, they recycled parts of their disingenuous remarks from earlier in the week – when the Senators from Maine engaged in a colloquy on the Senate floor to remember those who died in Lewiston, Maine.
Neither Senator Collins nor Senator King supports the Assault Weapons Ban, S25. If you’re inclined to have a voice and to honor with action, the following are phone numbers of the DC offices of the Senators from Maine. To call upon them to co-sponsor the Assault Weapons Ban:
I would like to heap praise and thanksgiving to Antony Blinken who is tirelessly traveling to all the hot spots of this ongoing war trying to reconcile the participants and bring peace. Bless your efforts.
For (almost) once, I think Netanyahu had a point when he rejected Blinken’s (and others’) call for a “pause” in fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu asked for release of all of Hamas’s hostages (Hamas refused). So Secretary Blinken was advocating a something-for-nothing deal.
Beyond such positioning is the fact that a “pause” will give Hamas a respite to readjust its forces before Israel is “permitted” (if ever!) to attack them again – and it will not stop Hamas and others from launching rockets that can kill innocent Israelis (remember: not all innocents – noncombatants) are Gazans.
There are grim trade-offs, I know. I’m on the side of destroying Hamas terrorists, thereby reducing civilian casualties in the long run.
I agree about the cease fire, and that any pause ought to be connected to (and as a part of enabling) the safe return of the hostages. Although I favored allowing more time for the civilians in Gaza to move "out of harm's way", favored helping them do so, and supporting them with necessary food, water and medical aid, I believe the dangerous street by street and house by house raking of the Gaza strip to eliminate arsenals and tunnels and combatants is necessary as well, and the only way to approach a "surgical" targeting of Hamas. I doubt that's actually what is being done or intended, but it would be the most effective and internationally justifiable approach. Handled correctly in the press it might well receive the most support within Israel as well.
Given the nature of the original assault, the timing to disrupt development of more peaceful trade between Israel and Arabic countries, the assertions of every intention to continue with repeats of October 7 if given the chance... I assume Hamas views Palestinian civilians who have not already joined them as at least expendable in a war that is to a large extent targeting opinions. Netanyahu in his focus on retaining power is playing to a smaller audience than Hamas, on a shorter time scale.
Re your final sentence, endorsed by Carol C, I don’t know how Netanyahu can be replaced in the short run. He is perhaps the next-to-most nearly reasonable member of his governing coalition. It probably be a mistake for him to be replaced from within his coalition (unless Benny Gantz were chosen).
Overthrowing Netanyahu’s governing coalition would probably require a new nationwide parliamentary election. Such an election, with a campaign before voting, would have to be conducted with Israel on a war footing, with more than 300,000 citizens newly called up for military and possible combat duty.
Something for nothing. The “nothing” is fewer dead Gazans, maybe fewer dead Israeli soldiers, at least for the duration of the pause. I am no strategist, just appalled by all of the deaths, of civilians in particular.
Yes I totally agree. People forget history. What did the US do when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor? Not that I’m happy about it but we nuked 2 cities.
Dropping bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was totally unnecessary since the US KNEWthat Japan was ready to surrender. We nuked them to make a show of strength to Russia
Yes I totally agree. Just saying it’s a little disingenuous for us to tell Israel not to respond heavily when that is how we responded to an attack on our shores.
The primary purpose of the Manhattan Project was to develop a nuclear weapon before the Nazis did. Fortunately, Germany surrendered before a nuclear weapon was available.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the subcommittee that wrote the bill, characterized the funding reductions it would deliver as necessary to curtail Inflation and the national debt.
“Cutting funding is never easy or pretty, but with the national debt in excess of $33 trillion and inflation at an unacceptable level, we had to make tough choices to rein in federal spending,” Simpson said on the floor Thursday.
You lying sacks of shit!
"If my thought dreams could be seen, they would put my head in a guillotine."
These scum ARE the Orcs.
Truman was right back in 1948 and moreso today: "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies."
One of the main challenges we all face is how our corporate media either is incapable or willfully mis-framing their news product. This is a primary contributor, in our opinion, to the sharp disagreements many of us have been experiencing since at least 2016. Last week, Marc Jacobs wrote an excellent blog titled, "Fact-checking isn’t enough. We need fact-crusading. The enemies of truth should be called out and confronted, not just corrected." If anyone in Robert's audience has connections in the industry, sharing this might just open some eyes. Link: https://www.stopthepresses.news/p/fact-checking-isnt-enough-we-need
Thanks - just signed up for the newsletter. Like a lot of readers I feel like throwing something at the flat screen every time one of the liars is allowed to keep lieing. Regrettably we don't have a present day Walter Cronkite (yes, I'm old enough) within the MSM to carry the truth torch forward. Maybe we readers can put our ideas together and come up with plan of attack to go after the NBCs of the world and make a difference.
Here in Virginia, I blame two factors as the main contributors to Youngkin's election, but laziness contributed to both. First, the left, central and neutral press was too lazy to clarify to voters in the bluer northern and north eastern parts of the state that what we were hearing from Youngkin was so muted as to be dishonest. He very successfully became a chameleon who said what he meant in the western, rural parts of the state and toned it down to a degree that was a real misrepresentation of who he was when in blue VA. The press was remiss in not calling this out and making sure Democrat voters knew what he was telling his Republican voters.
Second, McAuliffe was extremely lazy in running. He seemed to think that as an incumbent he had the election in the bag without lifting a finger. I was inundated with cards and flyers from Youngkin and I don't think I got a single one from McAuliffe. I am not exaggerating.
What I am seeing in the Virginia press is that the smaller local papers run more conservative, with free driveway deliveries and ready internet availability. The fewer more liberal newspapers I see are more apt to be confined to the small cities and pick up stacks in stores or libraries. While many stores might allow both types to put out stacks to be picked up free, some stores will refuse to allow papers they find offensive to be offered and usually those seem to be the more liberal papers. People get their news from free local sources as well as the mega sources, and for whatever reason those seem to trend conservative as well as use different strategies for dispersal.
I wholeheartedly agree! The willful perpetration of misinformation by Fox and other right-wing media sites has a profound influence on vulnerable listeners. For decades, Americans listened and watched “the news”, confident what they were watching or hearing was factual. This mindset has been violated by the corporate-funded sites and the public has been manipulated to the detriment of Democracy!!
Nov 4, 2023·edited Nov 4, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to be the old lady with Gray hair And a cane knocking on doors for a Democratic candidate in Virginia Today. I've been so moved by everything I've read as well as 2 zom meetings I attended yesterday that we simply cannot allow the governor to get a majority in the senate or house Or reproductive rights will be in even greater jeopardy across the country.. I put in the chat that I live in DC and wanted to come and knock on doors but didn't have a car. A gentleman offered to meet me. And I will be joining him for the afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm nervous and excited. Mostly I'm stunned by how powerfully I felt that I needed to do this.. I hope every single one of you discovers how you can help with at least 1 election heading towards Tuesday. Blessings,
Good for you! Several weeks ago, a friend and I (in CA) spent a Saturday writing and addressing Get Out the Vote postcards for VA. Every little bit helps. Looking forward to hearing about your experience.
Congressman Jared Golden, (D), from Lewiston ME is the brave and clear one from the Congressional group from Maine. He came out with one of the most heartfelt speeches after the mass murders and changed his position on assault weapons for the public. He will now join those trying to ban them from public use. As a former Marine, this holds exrtra weight...and bravery.
Just by reading this newsletter Robert identified 7 different areas and challenges the country faces and this is not a complete list. I think we all need some awareness of what is happening around us but we also know we cannot solve many of those challenges. Our comfort must come from the fact that as subscribers to this substack posting we are part of a village of people across the country who are quietly engaged in actives to support democracy like phone banks and voter registration etc and it’s the strength of our village that will protect democracy. We sometimes underestimate our power and commitment. If we continue our efforts we will see results but they won’t be immediate. Currently Republicans give us reasons to continue the grassroots efforts and we should take advantage of it.
Here's my worry about 2024, fighting Republican Authoritarian lust, and 3rd party spoilers, etc. In 2020, I predicted Biden would win the popular vote by 5 to 7 million, and by golly he did. Luckily, by about 80, 000 votes (or so) he won the Electoral College too. (What a terrible system!). I think this time he will win the popular vote by 7--10 million, but voter suppression and 3rd party candidates could make the EC iffy. But-- even if Biden takes both the election overthrow efforts will kick in and the turmoil will never end - - much as happened in the 2020 election. It's 3 years and it's still a bitter dispute that has contaminated our politics and our society. I hate to say it, but these thugs had their dress rehearsal and will be primed for the main event next time. More corruption, more lies, more focused efforts to pervert the results, more violence. Our system is trying to hold now and it's creaking and heaving under the weight. The DOJ and Georgia were too slow to move. The prosecutions may not accomplish their work in time. Even if they do, any convictions will be appealed. There is not enough runway left to play it all out. And next time, the response of the tyrannical minority losers will be more intense. How many more years of this can we take? We'll, I guess that's the challenge. It's not all going to go away with a few election cycles. It might have to go on for 10 or more cycles if Democracy is to survive. Trying to keep a positive Telos in mind but as the song says, "It Ain't Easy to keep your head when you're going down".
Please don't forget the Gubernatorial race in Mississippi. Democrat Brandon Presley has a legitimate shot at defeating corrupt Republican Governor Tate Reeves. Reeves is so unpopular that some conservatives are telling voters to stay home. If Democrats show up, I believe Presley can win. If you're here in Mississippi, VOTE!
I am so impressed with Mr. Presley. He seems like a sincere, intelligent, totally authentic antidote to the corrupt Reeves. A win like this would be monumental for Mississippi.
Recently, when I was feeling bluer 😰 than ever in my red state,I took Jess Craven’s advice and watched a Zoom fundraiser featuring Rep Maxwell Frost.His comments start at ~ 7 minutes and are so encouraging and inspiring.He talks about getting out the youth vote and the innovative ways Dems are supporting/creating multiple “political homes”.💙
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to vote for Rep Maxwell Frost, before I moved. I saw him in action in a variety of events prior to his bid for Congress. He’s an inspiring speaker and a mentor to his peers, people younger than he is, and to the older generation too!
Nice reminder in your Concluding Thoughts, Robert. In the end, family and friends are much more important than the rest of the stuff that surrounds us.
Please help in VA and Ohio as well as others. I am working phone banks as well as calling in VA. Our group alone has cured over 2200 rejected mail in ballots in VA and most of us are from other states! We are having phone banks all day today…last day to early vote as well as all week. We can cure until Nov13 at noon with affidavits With time change we get an extra hour to call. Yea!!!
Well done. Appreciate the simpler format with links. You are right we are all overwhelmed by the news but know as citizens we need to keep reading. And always appreciate your words of encouragement at the end.
Who ever thought we might say the press is undermining our democracy? They have moved from the drumbeat of 'he's too old'; 'inflation will kill him', 'most people think the economy is in the tank' to 'his position in Israel will cost him the election.' Of course no mention about what he who remains nameless says that always borders on the incoherent or insane. We will soon start calling the media the 'mouthpiece of the republicans!' I admire Biden for not paying attention to the naysayers and doing what needs to be done. Keeping focused, pressuring Netanyahu, pushing for humanitarian relief and counseling against Islamophobia. Jennifer Rubin is one of the few journalists who regularly calls out her colleague. If she has no impact, what chances do we have ? I believe anything we write to them is immediately relegated to 'junk'. And as for Susan Collins ------- well, what can one say?
Just before reading this I saw a headline on the CNN website that perfectly encapsulates the problem. It reads "Trouble for Biden in a Key State" and is at the top of the website.
It is designed to get you to click on it. "What key state?" you might wonder. "What is the trouble Biiden is facing?" "Is Is Maine, where there was yet another horrific shooting?"
Clicking through, it seems the article is aboiut Michigan, which has a good-sized Arab-American community centered in Dearborn. CNN says they represent around 200K voters and points out that Biden only won Michigan by 155K votes in 2020
Yet no mention of TFG's positions and statements about Muslims. No asking anyone "how do you feel about what TFG and many Congressional Republicans are saying?"
Just more "today is Saturday and why that's bad news for Joe Biden."
Biden's competence does not generate clicks. Certainly not the way TFG's constant insanity did. It's the downside to a media ecosystem that is fueled by social media and where our enemies (Iran, Russia, China) have been very active is stirring up and promoting narratives that make the US look bad.
This is actually a quick and simple thing to do and great way to make the statement. Every one of us should send the link to the "don't just fact check" article to every news source we read (plus those we don't because we can't stomach them). I must go now... I have five minutes and must get on it...
Robert, thank you for the wisdom in your concluding thoughts. I lived in Peru for little while and remember the pain in the voice and eyes of people who told stories of families who bitterly fought against each other during the years of terrorism. It was deeply sad to listen to how many lost siblings, uncles and aunts, and grandparents due to fighting about the war and terrorism.
I flew from California to Virginia. I have been canvassing every day. This weekend thousands of volunteers are converging in VA (thanks to Swing Left for sponsoring bus trips) to turn out the vote. A surprising number are voting on election day.
When you hear that someone has already voted via mail in ballot, you might mention that they can go online to check their voter status to be sure they are still on the rolls and keep track of whether their ballot has been received yet or not.
Thank you, Judith!!!
Thank you Judith & all the volunteers supporting VA!! I'm feeling extremely anxious about what this could mean not only for VA, but the southern states. As a Jewish Mom in VA with two teenage girls approaching college, it's a frightening time locally, nationally, & internationally. Robert's posts & those of others like him, your actions & those of others, help me to rally day after day for which I'm incredibly grateful!
"Little drops of water make the mighty ocean"
Wow! Thanks to you and Swing Left!
Way to go Judith! Thank you!
Further to Robert’s mention of the ‘News’ on President Biden’s visit to Lewiston, Maine:
According to The New York Times, “Since taking office, President Biden has traveled a grim path through American communities desperately grieving in the wake of mass shootings: Uvalde, Texas: Monterey Park, California; Buffalo; Atlanta. On Friday he added another to the list: Lewiston, Maine.”
The press conference was livestreamed on WH.GOV and the link posted on The White House YouTube channel.
President Biden Pays Respects to the Victims of the Horrific Attack in Lewiston, Maine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lwwM3fggck
In attendance were Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. Unfortunately, they recycled parts of their disingenuous remarks from earlier in the week – when the Senators from Maine engaged in a colloquy on the Senate floor to remember those who died in Lewiston, Maine.
Following is the link to video of the occasion posted on Senator King’s monthly e-newsletter / October 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbAo3qOo9oA
Neither Senator Collins nor Senator King supports the Assault Weapons Ban, S25. If you’re inclined to have a voice and to honor with action, the following are phone numbers of the DC offices of the Senators from Maine. To call upon them to co-sponsor the Assault Weapons Ban:
Senator Collins – 202.224.2523
Senator King – 202.224.5344
I just left messages on both.
Awesome, David. TY.
I would like to heap praise and thanksgiving to Antony Blinken who is tirelessly traveling to all the hot spots of this ongoing war trying to reconcile the participants and bring peace. Bless your efforts.
I am very impressed with him. President Biden couldn't have made a better choice.
Too bad that this time Blinken has been rebuffed. Nevertheless, he and Biden have tried hard to call for a pause!
For (almost) once, I think Netanyahu had a point when he rejected Blinken’s (and others’) call for a “pause” in fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu asked for release of all of Hamas’s hostages (Hamas refused). So Secretary Blinken was advocating a something-for-nothing deal.
Beyond such positioning is the fact that a “pause” will give Hamas a respite to readjust its forces before Israel is “permitted” (if ever!) to attack them again – and it will not stop Hamas and others from launching rockets that can kill innocent Israelis (remember: not all innocents – noncombatants) are Gazans.
There are grim trade-offs, I know. I’m on the side of destroying Hamas terrorists, thereby reducing civilian casualties in the long run.
I agree about the cease fire, and that any pause ought to be connected to (and as a part of enabling) the safe return of the hostages. Although I favored allowing more time for the civilians in Gaza to move "out of harm's way", favored helping them do so, and supporting them with necessary food, water and medical aid, I believe the dangerous street by street and house by house raking of the Gaza strip to eliminate arsenals and tunnels and combatants is necessary as well, and the only way to approach a "surgical" targeting of Hamas. I doubt that's actually what is being done or intended, but it would be the most effective and internationally justifiable approach. Handled correctly in the press it might well receive the most support within Israel as well.
Given the nature of the original assault, the timing to disrupt development of more peaceful trade between Israel and Arabic countries, the assertions of every intention to continue with repeats of October 7 if given the chance... I assume Hamas views Palestinian civilians who have not already joined them as at least expendable in a war that is to a large extent targeting opinions. Netanyahu in his focus on retaining power is playing to a smaller audience than Hamas, on a shorter time scale.
Your commentary is perceptive, Yehawes.
Re your final sentence, endorsed by Carol C, I don’t know how Netanyahu can be replaced in the short run. He is perhaps the next-to-most nearly reasonable member of his governing coalition. It probably be a mistake for him to be replaced from within his coalition (unless Benny Gantz were chosen).
Overthrowing Netanyahu’s governing coalition would probably require a new nationwide parliamentary election. Such an election, with a campaign before voting, would have to be conducted with Israel on a war footing, with more than 300,000 citizens newly called up for military and possible combat duty.
Especially your last sentence.
Something for nothing. The “nothing” is fewer dead Gazans, maybe fewer dead Israeli soldiers, at least for the duration of the pause. I am no strategist, just appalled by all of the deaths, of civilians in particular.
I hear you. Sitting where I am (in LA), I have to admit I don't know the answer to this situation. But the hostages should be released!
Yes I totally agree. People forget history. What did the US do when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor? Not that I’m happy about it but we nuked 2 cities.
Dropping bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was totally unnecessary since the US KNEWthat Japan was ready to surrender. We nuked them to make a show of strength to Russia
Yes I totally agree. Just saying it’s a little disingenuous for us to tell Israel not to respond heavily when that is how we responded to an attack on our shores.
Remember what the Nazis did. No one dropped any nukes on them. Hmmm...
The nazis didn’t attack us.
The primary purpose of the Manhattan Project was to develop a nuclear weapon before the Nazis did. Fortunately, Germany surrendered before a nuclear weapon was available.
I replied but maybe will show up in the thread. Thanks for the comment!
YES!!
Regarding the EPA:
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the subcommittee that wrote the bill, characterized the funding reductions it would deliver as necessary to curtail Inflation and the national debt.
“Cutting funding is never easy or pretty, but with the national debt in excess of $33 trillion and inflation at an unacceptable level, we had to make tough choices to rein in federal spending,” Simpson said on the floor Thursday.
You lying sacks of shit!
"If my thought dreams could be seen, they would put my head in a guillotine."
These scum ARE the Orcs.
Truman was right back in 1948 and moreso today: "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies."
It’s all lies, obfuscation, and plain old BS 24x7x365.
One of the main challenges we all face is how our corporate media either is incapable or willfully mis-framing their news product. This is a primary contributor, in our opinion, to the sharp disagreements many of us have been experiencing since at least 2016. Last week, Marc Jacobs wrote an excellent blog titled, "Fact-checking isn’t enough. We need fact-crusading. The enemies of truth should be called out and confronted, not just corrected." If anyone in Robert's audience has connections in the industry, sharing this might just open some eyes. Link: https://www.stopthepresses.news/p/fact-checking-isnt-enough-we-need
Thanks - just signed up for the newsletter. Like a lot of readers I feel like throwing something at the flat screen every time one of the liars is allowed to keep lieing. Regrettably we don't have a present day Walter Cronkite (yes, I'm old enough) within the MSM to carry the truth torch forward. Maybe we readers can put our ideas together and come up with plan of attack to go after the NBCs of the world and make a difference.
Get a grip. Change the channel. Co opted is co opted.
Just saw this last evening. It’s great and I am signing up for his newsletter.
Here in Virginia, I blame two factors as the main contributors to Youngkin's election, but laziness contributed to both. First, the left, central and neutral press was too lazy to clarify to voters in the bluer northern and north eastern parts of the state that what we were hearing from Youngkin was so muted as to be dishonest. He very successfully became a chameleon who said what he meant in the western, rural parts of the state and toned it down to a degree that was a real misrepresentation of who he was when in blue VA. The press was remiss in not calling this out and making sure Democrat voters knew what he was telling his Republican voters.
Second, McAuliffe was extremely lazy in running. He seemed to think that as an incumbent he had the election in the bag without lifting a finger. I was inundated with cards and flyers from Youngkin and I don't think I got a single one from McAuliffe. I am not exaggerating.
What I am seeing in the Virginia press is that the smaller local papers run more conservative, with free driveway deliveries and ready internet availability. The fewer more liberal newspapers I see are more apt to be confined to the small cities and pick up stacks in stores or libraries. While many stores might allow both types to put out stacks to be picked up free, some stores will refuse to allow papers they find offensive to be offered and usually those seem to be the more liberal papers. People get their news from free local sources as well as the mega sources, and for whatever reason those seem to trend conservative as well as use different strategies for dispersal.
I wholeheartedly agree! The willful perpetration of misinformation by Fox and other right-wing media sites has a profound influence on vulnerable listeners. For decades, Americans listened and watched “the news”, confident what they were watching or hearing was factual. This mindset has been violated by the corporate-funded sites and the public has been manipulated to the detriment of Democracy!!
Who is paying these news outlets to promote this crap?!
Excellent article, thanks for the link.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to be the old lady with Gray hair And a cane knocking on doors for a Democratic candidate in Virginia Today. I've been so moved by everything I've read as well as 2 zom meetings I attended yesterday that we simply cannot allow the governor to get a majority in the senate or house Or reproductive rights will be in even greater jeopardy across the country.. I put in the chat that I live in DC and wanted to come and knock on doors but didn't have a car. A gentleman offered to meet me. And I will be joining him for the afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm nervous and excited. Mostly I'm stunned by how powerfully I felt that I needed to do this.. I hope every single one of you discovers how you can help with at least 1 election heading towards Tuesday. Blessings,
Good for you! Several weeks ago, a friend and I (in CA) spent a Saturday writing and addressing Get Out the Vote postcards for VA. Every little bit helps. Looking forward to hearing about your experience.
Thank you Karen! I posted a comment today about my experience. I'm so glad I went!
God bless, Terry! Good luck today!
Thanks, Kathleen. It was quite a good experience.
Congressman Jared Golden, (D), from Lewiston ME is the brave and clear one from the Congressional group from Maine. He came out with one of the most heartfelt speeches after the mass murders and changed his position on assault weapons for the public. He will now join those trying to ban them from public use. As a former Marine, this holds exrtra weight...and bravery.
He could have kept it from happening in the first place.
Just by reading this newsletter Robert identified 7 different areas and challenges the country faces and this is not a complete list. I think we all need some awareness of what is happening around us but we also know we cannot solve many of those challenges. Our comfort must come from the fact that as subscribers to this substack posting we are part of a village of people across the country who are quietly engaged in actives to support democracy like phone banks and voter registration etc and it’s the strength of our village that will protect democracy. We sometimes underestimate our power and commitment. If we continue our efforts we will see results but they won’t be immediate. Currently Republicans give us reasons to continue the grassroots efforts and we should take advantage of it.
Sometimes I need a boost to keep working and you just did that for me. Thanks.
Here's my worry about 2024, fighting Republican Authoritarian lust, and 3rd party spoilers, etc. In 2020, I predicted Biden would win the popular vote by 5 to 7 million, and by golly he did. Luckily, by about 80, 000 votes (or so) he won the Electoral College too. (What a terrible system!). I think this time he will win the popular vote by 7--10 million, but voter suppression and 3rd party candidates could make the EC iffy. But-- even if Biden takes both the election overthrow efforts will kick in and the turmoil will never end - - much as happened in the 2020 election. It's 3 years and it's still a bitter dispute that has contaminated our politics and our society. I hate to say it, but these thugs had their dress rehearsal and will be primed for the main event next time. More corruption, more lies, more focused efforts to pervert the results, more violence. Our system is trying to hold now and it's creaking and heaving under the weight. The DOJ and Georgia were too slow to move. The prosecutions may not accomplish their work in time. Even if they do, any convictions will be appealed. There is not enough runway left to play it all out. And next time, the response of the tyrannical minority losers will be more intense. How many more years of this can we take? We'll, I guess that's the challenge. It's not all going to go away with a few election cycles. It might have to go on for 10 or more cycles if Democracy is to survive. Trying to keep a positive Telos in mind but as the song says, "It Ain't Easy to keep your head when you're going down".
I think we are moving upward and gaining momentu
Please don't forget the Gubernatorial race in Mississippi. Democrat Brandon Presley has a legitimate shot at defeating corrupt Republican Governor Tate Reeves. Reeves is so unpopular that some conservatives are telling voters to stay home. If Democrats show up, I believe Presley can win. If you're here in Mississippi, VOTE!
I am so impressed with Mr. Presley. He seems like a sincere, intelligent, totally authentic antidote to the corrupt Reeves. A win like this would be monumental for Mississippi.
Reeves gives me the shivers! Blecccch🤢
Tate Reeves needs to be replaced. Just awful.
Recently, when I was feeling bluer 😰 than ever in my red state,I took Jess Craven’s advice and watched a Zoom fundraiser featuring Rep Maxwell Frost.His comments start at ~ 7 minutes and are so encouraging and inspiring.He talks about getting out the youth vote and the innovative ways Dems are supporting/creating multiple “political homes”.💙
https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/SsQa1-XftW88CjODaR1yu0xo2AgvpqPvYy0fXZ4idSyftG14jQmx3-z9eH_9xFQS7-mVdO3nI36YJiFK.i0idEcBMYgYDOnQU
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to vote for Rep Maxwell Frost, before I moved. I saw him in action in a variety of events prior to his bid for Congress. He’s an inspiring speaker and a mentor to his peers, people younger than he is, and to the older generation too!
Thank you for this link!!
He also voted against protecting Jewish students on college campuses. I donated to his first campaign several times. I will not be doing it again.
It would certainly be instructive to know who are the big money supporters of No Labels . It’s not being done in a vacuum
I find this to be very scary. I agree, who are the billionaires funding this operation!
Nice reminder in your Concluding Thoughts, Robert. In the end, family and friends are much more important than the rest of the stuff that surrounds us.
Please help in VA and Ohio as well as others. I am working phone banks as well as calling in VA. Our group alone has cured over 2200 rejected mail in ballots in VA and most of us are from other states! We are having phone banks all day today…last day to early vote as well as all week. We can cure until Nov13 at noon with affidavits With time change we get an extra hour to call. Yea!!!
Well done. Appreciate the simpler format with links. You are right we are all overwhelmed by the news but know as citizens we need to keep reading. And always appreciate your words of encouragement at the end.
Who ever thought we might say the press is undermining our democracy? They have moved from the drumbeat of 'he's too old'; 'inflation will kill him', 'most people think the economy is in the tank' to 'his position in Israel will cost him the election.' Of course no mention about what he who remains nameless says that always borders on the incoherent or insane. We will soon start calling the media the 'mouthpiece of the republicans!' I admire Biden for not paying attention to the naysayers and doing what needs to be done. Keeping focused, pressuring Netanyahu, pushing for humanitarian relief and counseling against Islamophobia. Jennifer Rubin is one of the few journalists who regularly calls out her colleague. If she has no impact, what chances do we have ? I believe anything we write to them is immediately relegated to 'junk'. And as for Susan Collins ------- well, what can one say?
Just before reading this I saw a headline on the CNN website that perfectly encapsulates the problem. It reads "Trouble for Biden in a Key State" and is at the top of the website.
It is designed to get you to click on it. "What key state?" you might wonder. "What is the trouble Biiden is facing?" "Is Is Maine, where there was yet another horrific shooting?"
Clicking through, it seems the article is aboiut Michigan, which has a good-sized Arab-American community centered in Dearborn. CNN says they represent around 200K voters and points out that Biden only won Michigan by 155K votes in 2020
Yet no mention of TFG's positions and statements about Muslims. No asking anyone "how do you feel about what TFG and many Congressional Republicans are saying?"
Just more "today is Saturday and why that's bad news for Joe Biden."
Biden's competence does not generate clicks. Certainly not the way TFG's constant insanity did. It's the downside to a media ecosystem that is fueled by social media and where our enemies (Iran, Russia, China) have been very active is stirring up and promoting narratives that make the US look bad.
Although we could flood the publishers and media channels with the link provided above. Who knows, it could have an impact.
This is actually a quick and simple thing to do and great way to make the statement. Every one of us should send the link to the "don't just fact check" article to every news source we read (plus those we don't because we can't stomach them). I must go now... I have five minutes and must get on it...
Robert, thank you for the wisdom in your concluding thoughts. I lived in Peru for little while and remember the pain in the voice and eyes of people who told stories of families who bitterly fought against each other during the years of terrorism. It was deeply sad to listen to how many lost siblings, uncles and aunts, and grandparents due to fighting about the war and terrorism.