The word “hero” gets used too often. The man who catches the winning pass in Sunday’s football game is not a hero. A hero acts when they stand to lose more than they stand to gain. A hero steps into the breach in order to save someone who can’t save themselves.
Joe Biden has just demonstrated heroism to the citizens of Ukraine and the world. He risked his life to stand with those being slaughtered in their homes by criminal action.
Biden one-upped every single American president and quietly flipped the proverbial bird to Putin. The naysayers can kiss my a**. Speaking of liars and deniers, McCarthy will someday regret his ill gotten ways. It is my hope that Dominion’s lawsuit brings out the cattiness and the testimony of Fox “hosts”. Thank you, Robert, and managing editor, for taking us on vacation with you.
Imagine if Congress would censure McCarthy for giving those tapes to Fox. Can you hear the Republicans complaining off the record about McCarthy, but staying quiet publicly? What else has McCarthy done, what other information has he shared and with whom? Will he continue to compromise the safety of his colleagues just to stay in office? So many questions, and Republican members of Congress don't give a damn.
That is really the creepy part. Why the silence? Would they really and truly prefer to live under an authoritarian regime composed of compromised politicians ready to sell their souls for a sound bite? I would not and Biden is demonstrating how a real, flawed but courageous human being can stand up to bullies. I have a button that reads, "One person can only do so much" with the only crossed out. But Biden should not have to do this alone. We have to stand up with him. Clearly, the Republicans in congress are not going to help.
You can get one from The Northern Sun catalogue. They have lots of really interesting, funny, and inspiring things. Even if you don't buy anything, it's lots of fun just to look through the catalogue.
Compare and contrast is the theme we all should be thinking about today. Compare President Biden standing in a war zone in Ukraine supporting the Ukrainian people and paying tribute to fallen Ukrainians to former President Trump racists lies in Palestine Ohio and Majorie Taylor Greene’s comments about separation of Red and Blue states and that picture alone tells you the difference between the two parties and more importantly the difference in leadership. There is no way Trump would have ever been in Ukraine to honor the fallen Ukrainians whom he would have defined as “ losers” . Americans are watching and listening and it’s these actions by Biden that are defining his presidency and who he is to the American people. Biden is the epitome of what most Americans want in a President and Trump is a failed “ want-to-be.
Compare trumples in France cancelling a 60 mile ride to honor fallen soldiers- cause of rain (I’d choose an exclamation mark for effect but I don’t want to appear to delight in this statement. It’s heart wrenching that the leader of the free world could not suffer some discomfort to honor lives that were snuffed out in exchange for freedom. Ya; compare that to President Joe Biden, on Presidents’ Day, on a 9 hours train ride with questionable security, in a war zone…).
"It was not so long ago that a prediction of rain caused an American president to cancel a 60-mile trip from Paris to honor US and French soldiers killed in World War I in the Aisne-Marne Operation." Loved this, and the reason is that his hair would blow and baldness exposed. What a loser...and so thankful for Biden.
Edit function. I can’t actuate it because it is not there. Typically I glance at a post again and see a handful of typos (ugh), I click on the three dots to the right of “Collapse” and click them and I get my drop down with the option to “Edit”. At this point I have no ‘three dots’ - been this way for a time. ????
The difference is that Biden aspires to embody what he sees as the best of America and Trump just wants to sit on a throne. Watching the right-wingers I get the sense of people who have never really had to fight for anything. They are content to mouth slogans and follow the leader. It's time we took the bullhorn away from the bullshitters.
Putin was told about Biden's trip in advance. More proof of President Biden's brave judgement. If Russia -- even by accident -- had killed Biden, the reaction of Americans, would be totally uncontrollable, "ballistic" as they say. There would be a "need" for the US to kill Putin himself, and worse. Boggling choices for a new President Kamala Harris. So Biden made the decision to tell Putin in advance, and have him temporarily stand down Russian forces, which happened, many hours before anyone in the US knew. For example, the top Senate/House leaders, never mind the press .... knew nothing .... but Putin knew! Now THAT is a strategic bet.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, in Pentagon lingo, "deconfliction" was needed. In conflicts, where there is serious danger of major (nuclear) contention, both sides need to talk to keep the conflict to a manageable level. If Putin WAS crazy, Biden could easily have been killed. But instead, we had a fascinating head game with Putin, and it in many ways put the US in a dominant mode. A big moment in world history. Another Biden masterful decision.
Bringing a half century of experience, collective knowledge, and a battalion of experts, Biden is indeed the right man for the times. The progressives and neo-conservatives are aligned in a shared defense of democracy and our American constitutional legacy.
Kevin McCarthy demonstrates spineless, self-promotion and deplorable ignorance in his shameless abandonment of the public trust.
The current Republicans have become an alienist party, rejecting many of the established laws and shared constitutional pillars that have defined American politics. We are incredibly lucky to have Joe Biden leading America both domestically and internationally. Like FDR, his active and intelligent leadership undermines authoritarian seductions and reminds Americans of our traditions and strengths as a democracy.
Thank you Robert for this eloquent accounting of this most memorable Presidents Day. The two presidents, Zelenskyy and Biden, were together in a demonstration of the unity of our global democracies. The President of the United States today could not have shown a sharper contrast to that of the last "resident" in the White House, who was actually impeached for his attempt to run an extortion campaign against Ukraine. How could we ever forget the message, "I would like you to do us a favor...."
It's my feeling that Putin's invasion of Ukraine came as his "plan B" when we ousted his puppet, TFG, from the White House. Now, after the Russian forces have endured severe losses, we have a President who is entirely capable of telling Putin and the rest of the world that our democratic nations are united.
We owe thanks to our President Joe Biden for many things, and especially for his most powerful and dignified representation of our country on Presidents Day 2023.
"Biden is not perfect. Far from it. But he was the right person for the toughest job in the world at the toughest time in a half-century for the nation he sought to lead." Well said, Robert, and I dare say he's a better President than many of us deserve. Kevin "Charlie" McCarthy and MTG certainly don't deserve him. With McCarthy's relinquishing of Capitol security to Fox News, I'm hoping some singular courageous person will invoke the Raucous Caucus's "motion to vacate" the Speaker's chair that McCarthy has all but abdicated.
Joe Biden is exactly the president we need, even if not all of us knew (or god forbid know) it!!! And he did this on President’s Day!!! I admire him so very much.
Your trip looks magnificent. Enjoy. You probably saw this but I wanted to share Ezra Klein's Op Ed from the Times re: Biden, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/19/opinion/biden-campaign-2024-2020.html. I agree with everything Klein says in this piece, which is essentially that Joe Biden has succeeded beyond expectations, and he also points out ways that is age is an advantage to him and to all of us. I hope you see more and more of the Northern Lights.
I am glad you related to it. I thought it was great. I worry about Biden's age from a political perspective and of course that he should stay healthy but he is a tremendous President and he has to run on his record. I am a psychoanalyst and what impresses me most about Joe Biden is his ability to grow and change. As a professional doing this type of work I can attest to how rare this is in a person. He is a remarkable human and we are so lucky to have him. I say run again!
Biden showed up and delivered a message of unending support for Ukraine and democracy.
This is such a momentous and important declaration and demonstration of U.S. support for Ukraine. Yes, the courage and effort required to carry off such a visit is exceptional. But the real difference like so many things in life, begins with just showing up. That may seem like a small thing, but “just” showing up in the face of difficulties and challenges is what so often does not happen and why so many fail to accomplish difficult tasks. Unless one shows up, nothing happens, nothing changes, and nothing is accomplished. The first step in accomplishing anything is showing up. For a year now Ukraine and it's people have been showing up every day. In the face of enormous challenges they have and continue to show up daily. They show up on the lines of combat and in the cities, towns, villages, and countryside across the country. And it has not been easy. Tomorrow and the day after and next, Ukriaians will continue to show up. Biden delivered a message to Ukrainians and the world that America and Americans will continue to show up with them by and on their side.
It is also important to note what Biden did not say to Ukrainians. He did not say, “I want you to do us a favor though...”
Biden and Hubbell make epic journeys, overcome extraordinary obstacles, achieve wonderful results. Magnificent work by both! Thanks, Robert, for your steady, penetrating, and encouraging work.
Today is a day to reflect. We honor black history month and Presidents' Day. This intersection should define our country and all of us as citizens in the grand experiment that is democracy.
But instead, each day we awaken to a new " crisis" that invariably deepens the penetration of the wedge between like minded friends sharing our vision of the future and those embracing resistance to any and all of it with seemingly no other explanation than to tie their choice to a tribal allegiance dedicated to nothing except opposition.
When more than 70 million vote to support a Nazi fascist, a lying, useless collection of protoplasm who is not a genius but a glaring example of buffoonery, a creature whose only interest itself gratification, there is a problem.
When a state like Florida can elect a conniving anti freedom hypocrite like DeSantis by an overwhelming margin, we have a problem.
When Georgians can cast millions of votes for a mindless ex-NFL football player without an ounce of honesty or integrity or knowledge in his being, you cannot simply scratch your head in wonder. We have a problem.
If anyone can provide a rational reason that these individuals have offered as to why they make such a choice or why they are so dead set against voting for any Democrat, please feel free to insert it here. ( Remember, I said rational)
It is high time we free ourselves from the phrase, " my fellow Americans. " That is absurd! They live here but they are as far from fellowship as can be. Nor are they interested in moving toward it.
Alas, there is a solution but it does not involve them...only us. Every one of us must exercise our right and our obligation to vote!!
There is no other way. The sound of all of us marching to the polls will eventually drown out the nonsense of the clown show. It is our duty..our obligation. LET'S DO IT!!!
Bob, Thank you for saying that out loud! I’m struck by your comment that they are not our ‘Fellow Americans’. Those who are trying to vote in ppl who are divisive and who want to plunder and who have already elected spawn who haver betrayed their oath to our constitution - not our fellow Americans- just a buncha trouble makers.
The word “hero” gets used too often. The man who catches the winning pass in Sunday’s football game is not a hero. A hero acts when they stand to lose more than they stand to gain. A hero steps into the breach in order to save someone who can’t save themselves.
Joe Biden has just demonstrated heroism to the citizens of Ukraine and the world. He risked his life to stand with those being slaughtered in their homes by criminal action.
Biden one-upped every single American president and quietly flipped the proverbial bird to Putin. The naysayers can kiss my a**. Speaking of liars and deniers, McCarthy will someday regret his ill gotten ways. It is my hope that Dominion’s lawsuit brings out the cattiness and the testimony of Fox “hosts”. Thank you, Robert, and managing editor, for taking us on vacation with you.
Imagine if Congress would censure McCarthy for giving those tapes to Fox. Can you hear the Republicans complaining off the record about McCarthy, but staying quiet publicly? What else has McCarthy done, what other information has he shared and with whom? Will he continue to compromise the safety of his colleagues just to stay in office? So many questions, and Republican members of Congress don't give a damn.
That is really the creepy part. Why the silence? Would they really and truly prefer to live under an authoritarian regime composed of compromised politicians ready to sell their souls for a sound bite? I would not and Biden is demonstrating how a real, flawed but courageous human being can stand up to bullies. I have a button that reads, "One person can only do so much" with the only crossed out. But Biden should not have to do this alone. We have to stand up with him. Clearly, the Republicans in congress are not going to help.
I love that button ❤️❤️❤️
You can get one from The Northern Sun catalogue. They have lots of really interesting, funny, and inspiring things. Even if you don't buy anything, it's lots of fun just to look through the catalogue.
I so agree with that. Biden is one of the few politicians who knows who they are, what they stand for, and what they cannot stand.
Compare and contrast is the theme we all should be thinking about today. Compare President Biden standing in a war zone in Ukraine supporting the Ukrainian people and paying tribute to fallen Ukrainians to former President Trump racists lies in Palestine Ohio and Majorie Taylor Greene’s comments about separation of Red and Blue states and that picture alone tells you the difference between the two parties and more importantly the difference in leadership. There is no way Trump would have ever been in Ukraine to honor the fallen Ukrainians whom he would have defined as “ losers” . Americans are watching and listening and it’s these actions by Biden that are defining his presidency and who he is to the American people. Biden is the epitome of what most Americans want in a President and Trump is a failed “ want-to-be.
Compare trumples in France cancelling a 60 mile ride to honor fallen soldiers- cause of rain (I’d choose an exclamation mark for effect but I don’t want to appear to delight in this statement. It’s heart wrenching that the leader of the free world could not suffer some discomfort to honor lives that were snuffed out in exchange for freedom. Ya; compare that to President Joe Biden, on Presidents’ Day, on a 9 hours train ride with questionable security, in a war zone…).
"It was not so long ago that a prediction of rain caused an American president to cancel a 60-mile trip from Paris to honor US and French soldiers killed in World War I in the Aisne-Marne Operation." Loved this, and the reason is that his hair would blow and baldness exposed. What a loser...and so thankful for Biden.
And yet people looked past that. I never have and never will understand the appeal or DT or any of these other over manicured "patriots."
YIKES! I’d go back in and edit that comment but the edit button is no longer active. What’s up with that?
I had the same issue yesterday...tech glitch, perhaps?
My edit function works. Try again.
Hi Barbara
Edit function. I can’t actuate it because it is not there. Typically I glance at a post again and see a handful of typos (ugh), I click on the three dots to the right of “Collapse” and click them and I get my drop down with the option to “Edit”. At this point I have no ‘three dots’ - been this way for a time. ????
Mine comes and goes.
The difference is that Biden aspires to embody what he sees as the best of America and Trump just wants to sit on a throne. Watching the right-wingers I get the sense of people who have never really had to fight for anything. They are content to mouth slogans and follow the leader. It's time we took the bullhorn away from the bullshitters.
Putin was told about Biden's trip in advance. More proof of President Biden's brave judgement. If Russia -- even by accident -- had killed Biden, the reaction of Americans, would be totally uncontrollable, "ballistic" as they say. There would be a "need" for the US to kill Putin himself, and worse. Boggling choices for a new President Kamala Harris. So Biden made the decision to tell Putin in advance, and have him temporarily stand down Russian forces, which happened, many hours before anyone in the US knew. For example, the top Senate/House leaders, never mind the press .... knew nothing .... but Putin knew! Now THAT is a strategic bet.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, in Pentagon lingo, "deconfliction" was needed. In conflicts, where there is serious danger of major (nuclear) contention, both sides need to talk to keep the conflict to a manageable level. If Putin WAS crazy, Biden could easily have been killed. But instead, we had a fascinating head game with Putin, and it in many ways put the US in a dominant mode. A big moment in world history. Another Biden masterful decision.
President Biden made Putin sit down and be quiet while he poked a finger in Putin's eye.
Pres Biden is an amazing strategist! Time and again. (Thinking about the State of the Union speech, too.) Bravo!
Bravo!
Exceptional writing, Robert. You and Jill are our Northern Lights.
Bringing a half century of experience, collective knowledge, and a battalion of experts, Biden is indeed the right man for the times. The progressives and neo-conservatives are aligned in a shared defense of democracy and our American constitutional legacy.
Kevin McCarthy demonstrates spineless, self-promotion and deplorable ignorance in his shameless abandonment of the public trust.
The current Republicans have become an alienist party, rejecting many of the established laws and shared constitutional pillars that have defined American politics. We are incredibly lucky to have Joe Biden leading America both domestically and internationally. Like FDR, his active and intelligent leadership undermines authoritarian seductions and reminds Americans of our traditions and strengths as a democracy.
Beautifully stated. Thank you.
Thank you Robert for this eloquent accounting of this most memorable Presidents Day. The two presidents, Zelenskyy and Biden, were together in a demonstration of the unity of our global democracies. The President of the United States today could not have shown a sharper contrast to that of the last "resident" in the White House, who was actually impeached for his attempt to run an extortion campaign against Ukraine. How could we ever forget the message, "I would like you to do us a favor...."
It's my feeling that Putin's invasion of Ukraine came as his "plan B" when we ousted his puppet, TFG, from the White House. Now, after the Russian forces have endured severe losses, we have a President who is entirely capable of telling Putin and the rest of the world that our democratic nations are united.
We owe thanks to our President Joe Biden for many things, and especially for his most powerful and dignified representation of our country on Presidents Day 2023.
This is an historic, wonderful newsletter!
"Biden is not perfect. Far from it. But he was the right person for the toughest job in the world at the toughest time in a half-century for the nation he sought to lead." Well said, Robert, and I dare say he's a better President than many of us deserve. Kevin "Charlie" McCarthy and MTG certainly don't deserve him. With McCarthy's relinquishing of Capitol security to Fox News, I'm hoping some singular courageous person will invoke the Raucous Caucus's "motion to vacate" the Speaker's chair that McCarthy has all but abdicated.
Easily one of your best, especially when viewed under the microscope of bus breakdowns and Aurora viewing.
Many thanks!
Joe Biden is exactly the president we need, even if not all of us knew (or god forbid know) it!!! And he did this on President’s Day!!! I admire him so very much.
Thanks as ever Robert.
Your trip looks magnificent. Enjoy. You probably saw this but I wanted to share Ezra Klein's Op Ed from the Times re: Biden, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/19/opinion/biden-campaign-2024-2020.html. I agree with everything Klein says in this piece, which is essentially that Joe Biden has succeeded beyond expectations, and he also points out ways that is age is an advantage to him and to all of us. I hope you see more and more of the Northern Lights.
Thank you, Lily; I needed to read this op ed. And share it.
I am glad you related to it. I thought it was great. I worry about Biden's age from a political perspective and of course that he should stay healthy but he is a tremendous President and he has to run on his record. I am a psychoanalyst and what impresses me most about Joe Biden is his ability to grow and change. As a professional doing this type of work I can attest to how rare this is in a person. He is a remarkable human and we are so lucky to have him. I say run again!
From you lips to everyone's ears!!!
It's unusual for Klein to be so Biden positive.
Biden showed up and delivered a message of unending support for Ukraine and democracy.
This is such a momentous and important declaration and demonstration of U.S. support for Ukraine. Yes, the courage and effort required to carry off such a visit is exceptional. But the real difference like so many things in life, begins with just showing up. That may seem like a small thing, but “just” showing up in the face of difficulties and challenges is what so often does not happen and why so many fail to accomplish difficult tasks. Unless one shows up, nothing happens, nothing changes, and nothing is accomplished. The first step in accomplishing anything is showing up. For a year now Ukraine and it's people have been showing up every day. In the face of enormous challenges they have and continue to show up daily. They show up on the lines of combat and in the cities, towns, villages, and countryside across the country. And it has not been easy. Tomorrow and the day after and next, Ukriaians will continue to show up. Biden delivered a message to Ukrainians and the world that America and Americans will continue to show up with them by and on their side.
It is also important to note what Biden did not say to Ukrainians. He did not say, “I want you to do us a favor though...”
Good last paragraph Bob. Says it all. I might add it sure is a contrast to the person who was
hiding in the White House bunker from protesters and gassing Americans so he could take a walk.
Biden and Hubbell make epic journeys, overcome extraordinary obstacles, achieve wonderful results. Magnificent work by both! Thanks, Robert, for your steady, penetrating, and encouraging work.
This morning my better half said "I don't care how old President Biden is, I will take all of him he can give.
Today is a day to reflect. We honor black history month and Presidents' Day. This intersection should define our country and all of us as citizens in the grand experiment that is democracy.
But instead, each day we awaken to a new " crisis" that invariably deepens the penetration of the wedge between like minded friends sharing our vision of the future and those embracing resistance to any and all of it with seemingly no other explanation than to tie their choice to a tribal allegiance dedicated to nothing except opposition.
When more than 70 million vote to support a Nazi fascist, a lying, useless collection of protoplasm who is not a genius but a glaring example of buffoonery, a creature whose only interest itself gratification, there is a problem.
When a state like Florida can elect a conniving anti freedom hypocrite like DeSantis by an overwhelming margin, we have a problem.
When Georgians can cast millions of votes for a mindless ex-NFL football player without an ounce of honesty or integrity or knowledge in his being, you cannot simply scratch your head in wonder. We have a problem.
If anyone can provide a rational reason that these individuals have offered as to why they make such a choice or why they are so dead set against voting for any Democrat, please feel free to insert it here. ( Remember, I said rational)
It is high time we free ourselves from the phrase, " my fellow Americans. " That is absurd! They live here but they are as far from fellowship as can be. Nor are they interested in moving toward it.
Alas, there is a solution but it does not involve them...only us. Every one of us must exercise our right and our obligation to vote!!
There is no other way. The sound of all of us marching to the polls will eventually drown out the nonsense of the clown show. It is our duty..our obligation. LET'S DO IT!!!
Bob, Thank you for saying that out loud! I’m struck by your comment that they are not our ‘Fellow Americans’. Those who are trying to vote in ppl who are divisive and who want to plunder and who have already elected spawn who haver betrayed their oath to our constitution - not our fellow Americans- just a buncha trouble makers.