First: Once small note about Charlie Baker in Massachusetts. He is not running for reelection. Second: Recording Gorsuch and masks. a. DC has a mask mandate that applies to public spaces until January 31. Gorsuch should be complying and made to comply. b. Instead of isolating Sotomayor, perhaps the several justices could adjourn to a space where Gorsuch is not so that it is Gorsuch who has to phone it in. c. This last is fanciful, but consider the context. Gorsuch knows that someone without a mask can unwittingly carry the disease and create serious danger for the elderly or the immunocompromised. He is assaulting these people and should be treated as if that is what he is doing.
Hi...always benefitting from your cogent and mostly calm way to relay the news that matters. I find that specific Twitter posters offer a great deal of help also. In particular, Michael Harriot. He posted a thread today about voter fraud/suppression, etc. Very well researched and reported, in my opinion. The most significant thing I took from the thread is that the changes to voter laws, in and of themselves are not necessarily the issue, it is the change, whatever it is that makes voters unsure, less confident. What a finesse by the republicans. His word, finesse.
Your description of the dilemma facing the GOP reminds me of a bunch of high schoolers who want so badly to be in the "in" crowd, but to be in it, they must drink, swear, do drugs and break all manner of their family norms. Not to be in it means to be a "nobody" and a target for bullying by the "in" crowd members. I think that's what is meant by "being between a rock and a hard place." It takes courage to stand up for one's self and one's values. All this posturing and ranting and raving just telegraphs to me that the bluster is a cover-up for a great deal of fear (and dare we hope - shame?)
Because of your Today's Edition publications I have become very aware that all politics truly is local, and it is becoming quite clear that we need to step up somehow. I stepped out of my comfort zone and volunteered to attend the district caucuses (which will now be virtual) and possibly become a delegate for the next stage, and my local House Representative, when asked by me how I could get even more involved, suggested I sign up to try to be a County (Hennepin County, MN) delegate, a Senate District delegate, and when I saw the form, I checked off "yes" for more information on becoming an election judge. The coordinator responded by giving me some of these options, as well:
I list these to show other readers what sorts of things they might like to do in their own areas.
"So redistricting will make the process interesting, But here are the committees that we will be looking for help with.
Credentials: Prepare sign-in sheets and badges: Manage delegate sign in, reports, upgrades at SD45 Conventions (This committee's work launches us into a smooth-sailing convention!)
Nominations: Identify and screen candidates for SD officers and directors and state central committee members. (This committee has a good time interviewing the best and brightest in the area! We need members from around the SD).
Constitution: Updating the SD45 DFL Constitution and By Laws (This team will have resources at the ready---and will present the governing documents of the new SD to the delegates).
Rules: Updating Rules for the SD45 Convention (This team will review and make suggestions for how the SD45 Convention will be run.)
Arrangements: Plan and arrange for food, supplies, floor plan etc of SD45 DFL convention, Work with site contact (The site is already reserved. This committee can create a welcoming venue!)
Endorsements: Identify and screen candidates for MN House and MN Senate (Create the questions to ask; then ask the candidates! Resources available).
Resolutions: Review resolutions that passed in SD precincts on caucus night, Prepare list to be voting on at SD convention and tally ballots at Convention (Group similar resolutions; learn what issues the SD precincts considered on caucus night).
I chose the Nominations committee. I also took one of the links from a recent newsletter and signed up through the League of Women Voters to go to local high schools to talk to seniors about registering to vote, etc. I will get training first, and so far most of all of this will be virtual.
I'm nervous and unsure about how all this will work, but you can support and encourage me and I will do the same for anyone else who takes on this local approach or any approach that we already know can help. We can do this, People! Thanks for all the great ideas.
Jennifer Rubin summed up perfectly what Democrats need to do. “ If Americans are back to work, if their kids are back in school and if the fear of getting seriously ill or dying due to covid no longer looms over them, it will largely be because of legislation that Democrats passed that Republicans opposed. Once Democrats stop fretting about losses and cease taking shots at one another, voters might recognize which party is responsible for vast improvements in their lives over the past year. They might even reward Democrats and reelect them.“
First of all, let me again say "Thank You" to Robert for not just an informative newsletter, but one filled with hope. The news about Youngkin is especially noteworthy. As a former resident of Virginia, I was dismayed when he won. Next, I want to say that living in Florida now is ten times worse with our awful governor. We MUST defeat him in his bid for re-election. If you haven't already heard, he has submitted his own redistricting maps. Never before has a governor done that. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article257442847.html
Finally I want to encourage you to take whatever action you can. I've been meeting on Zoom with some of my high school friends for over a year now. Yesterday, one of them said she thought it was time to start getting involved in the next election. Music to my ears, and since I am up to my ears in activism, I was ready. I sent them all an e-mail with several organizations to look into, such as Field Team 6, and a copy of Today's Edition Newsletter. So when you don't think you can make a difference, every little referral helps.
Yesterday, I listened to Senator James Lankford, of Oklahoma, speak to the filibuster's demise (He stated that few in the Senate really WANT to abolish the procedure outright (IMHO: MAYBE). Then, Sen. Lankford attempted to cherry pick his way through the "flaws" of the combined Voting Rights Act. It was a nice try, but he danced his way past such things as gerrymandering and the closing of polling stations. There was, thankfully, Senator Cory Booker, of New Jersey, stating that, if the whole package gets shot down, then pieces of it will surface as stand-alone bills. Bravo!
I have noticed over the past 5 years I am reading the Washington Post and NY Times less. Not watching any news and limiting discussions about politics. I do read your daily column and am a subscriber. Some days it's it's hard to even do that I guess I feel like many of your readers that the media thrives on negativity. At 76 years old I don't have the time to consume the media as others do, or do I want to.
I’m an unabashed fan of Joe Biden. I prefer him to the alternative
In his column, Jon Gabriel writes that everybody hates Joe Biden.
I like Joe Biden. I approve of Joe Biden. I think it’s great that he has listened to public-health experts to combat the pandemic with widely available vaccines, PPE, tests, and medical support for hard hit regions of the country both red and blue.
I am very happy that my financial situation is very good, partly thanks to direct cash payments (even though my kids are too old for the child tax credit) and lower health insurance premiums for the family. I look forward to better infrastructure.
Most people seem to be unaware that under Joe Biden we have added more jobs in the first year than under any previous president. Unemployment is dropping fast; GDP growth is strong; household wages and savings are up and the stock market is having a great year.
Sometimes a booming economy causes inflation, but there a signs it is slowing. The bond market seems to think Joe’s work on supply chains, oil supplies and computer chips is effective, not anticipating long term inflation.
I look forward to his Build Back Better plan to help average Americans with expenses like child care, Pre-K, college costs (including student loans), prescription drug costs and energy efficiency for homes and cars.
So who besides Mr. Gabriel, doesn’t like President Biden? First there are those who still worship Donald Trump despite his COVID mismanagement causing nearly million deaths and wrecking the economy that Joe is working (not golfing or tweeting) to repair.
These Biden haters include millions of anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and urine consumers (to prevent/cure the COVID hoax), the Big Lie believers and Jan. 6 insurrectionist supporters (apparently including almost all Republican elected officials), the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, the 3 Percenters and other upstanding citizens. Some liberal Democrats are disappointed that some aspects of the Biden agenda have stalled. So am I, but I’m looking on the glass as half full and remembering the alternative.
Not counted in the Gallup poll are foreign dictators like Putin, Orban, Erdogan, and MBS who definitely preferred the previous president.
I had the pleasure of reading this letter, in the AZ Republic, this morning. It was in response to a closet Trump supporter, who claims he hates DJT, but parrots the defeated former president's rhetoric, every chance he gets.
Hi, Brad. thanks for sharing your brother's letter. He states in a direct, clear style why Joe Biden has been and is a good president. We need more people like him!
Republicans breed liars. Look at Gorsuch: First, unconstitutionally appointed to the bench and then writes a book about civility titled A Republic if You Can Keep It (original, huh). Simply malevolent.
Your critique of Youngkin might have added that Youngkin's haste to ban school mask mandates, etc., suggests that on his first days in office he may already be looking past his responsibilities as governor to start building a base for a run at the presidency. Poor Virginia.
good point! I had not heard that he has aspirations beyond Virginia, but then again, one of the most common attributes among people who run for president is a monumental lack of self awareness.
"They not learn he media’s predilection for portraying Republicans as tactically brilliant is indicative of their preference for treating politics as a game. They denude their coverage of any qualitative judgment that would inform voters that the party’s “cleverness” is lying, plain and simple."
What I can not understand is why the main media (excluding Fox etc) undercut their very existence for profit? Does the media really sell more news by both-siderism and not calling a spade a spade? By doing so, they leave the door open for Authoritarian rule that could banish them to to the dustbin of history. Did they not learn anything from Trump's reign of terror?
I have given up trying to understand the motivations of the media, except to say that the demands for content are ceaseless and it is easier to write about bad news than good.
First: Once small note about Charlie Baker in Massachusetts. He is not running for reelection. Second: Recording Gorsuch and masks. a. DC has a mask mandate that applies to public spaces until January 31. Gorsuch should be complying and made to comply. b. Instead of isolating Sotomayor, perhaps the several justices could adjourn to a space where Gorsuch is not so that it is Gorsuch who has to phone it in. c. This last is fanciful, but consider the context. Gorsuch knows that someone without a mask can unwittingly carry the disease and create serious danger for the elderly or the immunocompromised. He is assaulting these people and should be treated as if that is what he is doing.
When we get a real majority in Congress we need to look at impeaching Gorsuch. He is a rapist and a prevaricator and is not qualified to serve.
Is this true? Could Dem Senators outlast the Rep Senators?https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1483832678331912196?s=20
Hi...always benefitting from your cogent and mostly calm way to relay the news that matters. I find that specific Twitter posters offer a great deal of help also. In particular, Michael Harriot. He posted a thread today about voter fraud/suppression, etc. Very well researched and reported, in my opinion. The most significant thing I took from the thread is that the changes to voter laws, in and of themselves are not necessarily the issue, it is the change, whatever it is that makes voters unsure, less confident. What a finesse by the republicans. His word, finesse.
Cheers,
Katherine
Your description of the dilemma facing the GOP reminds me of a bunch of high schoolers who want so badly to be in the "in" crowd, but to be in it, they must drink, swear, do drugs and break all manner of their family norms. Not to be in it means to be a "nobody" and a target for bullying by the "in" crowd members. I think that's what is meant by "being between a rock and a hard place." It takes courage to stand up for one's self and one's values. All this posturing and ranting and raving just telegraphs to me that the bluster is a cover-up for a great deal of fear (and dare we hope - shame?)
Because of your Today's Edition publications I have become very aware that all politics truly is local, and it is becoming quite clear that we need to step up somehow. I stepped out of my comfort zone and volunteered to attend the district caucuses (which will now be virtual) and possibly become a delegate for the next stage, and my local House Representative, when asked by me how I could get even more involved, suggested I sign up to try to be a County (Hennepin County, MN) delegate, a Senate District delegate, and when I saw the form, I checked off "yes" for more information on becoming an election judge. The coordinator responded by giving me some of these options, as well:
I list these to show other readers what sorts of things they might like to do in their own areas.
"So redistricting will make the process interesting, But here are the committees that we will be looking for help with.
Credentials: Prepare sign-in sheets and badges: Manage delegate sign in, reports, upgrades at SD45 Conventions (This committee's work launches us into a smooth-sailing convention!)
Nominations: Identify and screen candidates for SD officers and directors and state central committee members. (This committee has a good time interviewing the best and brightest in the area! We need members from around the SD).
Constitution: Updating the SD45 DFL Constitution and By Laws (This team will have resources at the ready---and will present the governing documents of the new SD to the delegates).
Rules: Updating Rules for the SD45 Convention (This team will review and make suggestions for how the SD45 Convention will be run.)
Arrangements: Plan and arrange for food, supplies, floor plan etc of SD45 DFL convention, Work with site contact (The site is already reserved. This committee can create a welcoming venue!)
Endorsements: Identify and screen candidates for MN House and MN Senate (Create the questions to ask; then ask the candidates! Resources available).
Resolutions: Review resolutions that passed in SD precincts on caucus night, Prepare list to be voting on at SD convention and tally ballots at Convention (Group similar resolutions; learn what issues the SD precincts considered on caucus night).
I chose the Nominations committee. I also took one of the links from a recent newsletter and signed up through the League of Women Voters to go to local high schools to talk to seniors about registering to vote, etc. I will get training first, and so far most of all of this will be virtual.
I'm nervous and unsure about how all this will work, but you can support and encourage me and I will do the same for anyone else who takes on this local approach or any approach that we already know can help. We can do this, People! Thanks for all the great ideas.
Awesome! Good for you! Good for MN!
Jennifer Rubin summed up perfectly what Democrats need to do. “ If Americans are back to work, if their kids are back in school and if the fear of getting seriously ill or dying due to covid no longer looms over them, it will largely be because of legislation that Democrats passed that Republicans opposed. Once Democrats stop fretting about losses and cease taking shots at one another, voters might recognize which party is responsible for vast improvements in their lives over the past year. They might even reward Democrats and reelect them.“
First of all, let me again say "Thank You" to Robert for not just an informative newsletter, but one filled with hope. The news about Youngkin is especially noteworthy. As a former resident of Virginia, I was dismayed when he won. Next, I want to say that living in Florida now is ten times worse with our awful governor. We MUST defeat him in his bid for re-election. If you haven't already heard, he has submitted his own redistricting maps. Never before has a governor done that. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article257442847.html
Finally I want to encourage you to take whatever action you can. I've been meeting on Zoom with some of my high school friends for over a year now. Yesterday, one of them said she thought it was time to start getting involved in the next election. Music to my ears, and since I am up to my ears in activism, I was ready. I sent them all an e-mail with several organizations to look into, such as Field Team 6, and a copy of Today's Edition Newsletter. So when you don't think you can make a difference, every little referral helps.
Yesterday, I listened to Senator James Lankford, of Oklahoma, speak to the filibuster's demise (He stated that few in the Senate really WANT to abolish the procedure outright (IMHO: MAYBE). Then, Sen. Lankford attempted to cherry pick his way through the "flaws" of the combined Voting Rights Act. It was a nice try, but he danced his way past such things as gerrymandering and the closing of polling stations. There was, thankfully, Senator Cory Booker, of New Jersey, stating that, if the whole package gets shot down, then pieces of it will surface as stand-alone bills. Bravo!
I have noticed over the past 5 years I am reading the Washington Post and NY Times less. Not watching any news and limiting discussions about politics. I do read your daily column and am a subscriber. Some days it's it's hard to even do that I guess I feel like many of your readers that the media thrives on negativity. At 76 years old I don't have the time to consume the media as others do, or do I want to.
Robert here is my brother Dan in AZ letter by a reader of his news.
Subject: AZ Republic Letter today
The Arizona Republic
OPINIONS.AZCENTRAL.COM
I’m an unabashed fan of Joe Biden. I prefer him to the alternative
In his column, Jon Gabriel writes that everybody hates Joe Biden.
I like Joe Biden. I approve of Joe Biden. I think it’s great that he has listened to public-health experts to combat the pandemic with widely available vaccines, PPE, tests, and medical support for hard hit regions of the country both red and blue.
I am very happy that my financial situation is very good, partly thanks to direct cash payments (even though my kids are too old for the child tax credit) and lower health insurance premiums for the family. I look forward to better infrastructure.
Most people seem to be unaware that under Joe Biden we have added more jobs in the first year than under any previous president. Unemployment is dropping fast; GDP growth is strong; household wages and savings are up and the stock market is having a great year.
Sometimes a booming economy causes inflation, but there a signs it is slowing. The bond market seems to think Joe’s work on supply chains, oil supplies and computer chips is effective, not anticipating long term inflation.
I look forward to his Build Back Better plan to help average Americans with expenses like child care, Pre-K, college costs (including student loans), prescription drug costs and energy efficiency for homes and cars.
So who besides Mr. Gabriel, doesn’t like President Biden? First there are those who still worship Donald Trump despite his COVID mismanagement causing nearly million deaths and wrecking the economy that Joe is working (not golfing or tweeting) to repair.
These Biden haters include millions of anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and urine consumers (to prevent/cure the COVID hoax), the Big Lie believers and Jan. 6 insurrectionist supporters (apparently including almost all Republican elected officials), the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, the 3 Percenters and other upstanding citizens. Some liberal Democrats are disappointed that some aspects of the Biden agenda have stalled. So am I, but I’m looking on the glass as half full and remembering the alternative.
Not counted in the Gallup poll are foreign dictators like Putin, Orban, Erdogan, and MBS who definitely preferred the previous president.
Andrew March, Phoenix Sent from my iPad
What a great letter! Thanks for sharing!
I had the pleasure of reading this letter, in the AZ Republic, this morning. It was in response to a closet Trump supporter, who claims he hates DJT, but parrots the defeated former president's rhetoric, every chance he gets.
Bravo!
Hi, Brad. thanks for sharing your brother's letter. He states in a direct, clear style why Joe Biden has been and is a good president. We need more people like him!
Republicans breed liars. Look at Gorsuch: First, unconstitutionally appointed to the bench and then writes a book about civility titled A Republic if You Can Keep It (original, huh). Simply malevolent.
https://abovethelaw.com/2022/01/neil-gorsuchs-call-for-civility-was-always-just-for-show/
Per the NPR article, even the conservatives on the SCOTUS bench can't stand him.
Your critique of Youngkin might have added that Youngkin's haste to ban school mask mandates, etc., suggests that on his first days in office he may already be looking past his responsibilities as governor to start building a base for a run at the presidency. Poor Virginia.
good point! I had not heard that he has aspirations beyond Virginia, but then again, one of the most common attributes among people who run for president is a monumental lack of self awareness.
And an amazing tendency for hubris!
"They not learn he media’s predilection for portraying Republicans as tactically brilliant is indicative of their preference for treating politics as a game. They denude their coverage of any qualitative judgment that would inform voters that the party’s “cleverness” is lying, plain and simple."
What I can not understand is why the main media (excluding Fox etc) undercut their very existence for profit? Does the media really sell more news by both-siderism and not calling a spade a spade? By doing so, they leave the door open for Authoritarian rule that could banish them to to the dustbin of history. Did they not learn anything from Trump's reign of terror?
I have given up trying to understand the motivations of the media, except to say that the demands for content are ceaseless and it is easier to write about bad news than good.
As Dr. King Jr. often said, “We have to keep our eyes on the prize.”
I am all for advocacy. But let us not mistake advocacy for activism. Let’s all get in the game and play to win not just compete!
100% agree! We must DO something to increase voter participation in the face of voter suppression.
And volunteer and participate in election administrative positions. Everyone is important, everyone must vote, and every vote must count.
Music to my ears: Let’s you and him fight!