Fluvia K. Robert you said it A plain spoken man, A decent , honest human being whom we needed right than, he appeared at the right moment . We were blessed with good luck , Lets appreciate him , Thank him .and follow his lead.
While I whole heartedly agree with all your points about the need to defend democracy, I would like to suggest that we NOT call Trump and his right-wing reactionaries "fascists."
Why not? Because the word "fascism" gets caught up in historical analogs and definitional confusion. People don't know what it means... BUT we DO know what "dictatorship" means. The meaning is right there in the word. Trump and his followers are looking to install a one-man rule dictatorship. We ought to start calling it that. The meaning would be clear, and written in plain English.
In using the word "dictatorship," we side step any arguments about "is or isn't it "the same" or "as bad" as Nazi Germany?", etc. Dictatorship is clearly NOT democracy -- and we don't want it. So let's use that word and make our meaning clear. Thanks for considering this suggestion.
Debbie, I respectfully disagree. Any study of the rise of fascism preceding WWII reveals striking parallels between what happened then and what is happening now in America. I firmly believe that MAGAs are wannabe fascists, and naming that is important, and having people learn how eerily reminiscent today is of the early days of Naziism is important. I say this as a Jew who has argued my whole life against casual comparisons to Hitler and Nazi Germany. This is a truly scary moment in US history, and we should help people understand that by calling MAGAs what they are: fascists.
My husband says that this group is not smart enough to be called Fascists, but I met a woman this summer who described De Santis as "extremely intelligent." We cannot be naive.
When "their" side accuses our "side" of being elitist, what they mean is we are smarty-pants. We were the kids in school who raised our hands with the answers. They were the kids who eventually grew to resent so much; lack of attention and approval, while we were going to college, getting better wages, et al.
In particular, the MAGA folks really felt pushed aside by other races who (so they thought) benefitted from accommodations. It is strange how they think narrow-mindedness and authoritarianism is "smart." It almost seems like they are reinventing reality to find a niche for themselves. Indeed, MAGAs seem to relish insensitivity. I realize I use "They" and expose my own shortcomings, but I really want to push back on the harm militant MAGAs have caused.
It is scary and it needs to be named. What is the difference between dictatorship and fascism? I understand there is no pat answer to that, but it would be helpful to know more clearly what we are talking about. Thanks very much!
We could use a little honesty in this country; haven’t seen that since 1980. “Fascist” is PRECISELY what we are dealing with. The KKKoch Gang of Billionaires and their euphemism of “Citizens United” are pulling the puppet strings. The GOP is a de facto Crime Syndicate. The NRA has been used to launder foreign money for the GOP. Weaponized propaganda outlets like Murdoch’s Fox channel and the Mercer’s flak media continue to chum the political waters with the intent to subvert democracy. Fascism is EXACTLY what we are dealing with. Read up. (Dark Money by Jane Mayer; Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein; The Rise of Weaponized Flak . . . By Brian Michael Goss; Mindf*k . . . By Christopher Wylie; Data vs Democracy by Kris Shaffer. ) It’s not hyperbole; it’s the TRUTH, and dismissive lies by the FASCISTS amount to gaslighting.
Debbie, I agree and understand your point completely. It is semantics to a certain degree, which the republicants use so well to their advantage. It must be said, abiding by the KISS principle, to keep the message as simple as possible. Of course they’re fascists and worse, and that’s the issue - one can’t have an intellectual discussion - when the audience lacks intellect.
Except fascism is specifically a right-wing dictatorship that seeks to achieve extreme conservative ends, which is what animates the MAGA movement in the GOP.
That's a really good point on many levels, not the least of which is that there are many US citizens who came to America from many parts of the world precisely to escape dictatorships. Democracy has been a big part of the draw to come here, not just economics. Native-born Americans have very little experience with dictatorships, so perhaps it would be well for us to learn from the many new citizens exactly what that means and why we really, really don't want anything like that here.
TAKE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE and keep our democracy alive!.
Thomas Watson of IBM said this: 'When Benjamin Franklin was asked after a session of the Constitutional Convention, ""What kind of a government have you given us?"" he replied, ""A democracy, if you can keep it."" Our republic is founded on the principle that it will continue only as long as the people keep democracy alive...'https://www.forbes.com/quotes/9010/
The Supreme Court may make it even harder to vote unless the U.S. Senate acts now.
THE PROBLEM: The United States Supreme Court (1) gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act (Shelby v Holder, 2013), (2) ruled political gerrymandering by state legislatures is legal, unless Congress bans it (Rucho v Common Cause, 2019), and (3) will decide next Term if State Legislatures should have nearly unlimited power to set times, places and manners of elections even when their own State Supreme Court says their actions are unconstitutional under State law. (Moore v Harper) See How the Supreme Court Could Blow Up Election Law, Atlantic Monthly, July 2022.
The Senate should be worried about losing control of federal elections but instead has used the filibuster to avoid debating voting rights legislation. Time is running out. Will Congress pass H.R. 5746: standardizing the times, places, and manner of federal elections before the Supreme Court issues its decisions?
Voters and employers may want to consider state voting laws when making relocation decisions – a new experience for non-minorities. Voter registration forms, interstate highway and railroad standards are uniform – why not the rules for voting in federal elections?
Please share this call to action with your friends and contacts ASAP. The examples below are yours to modify and use; our only request is that you take some action.
“Action is the antidote to despair.” Joan Baez
1: Open letter to my U.S. Senators
I should not gain or lose voting privileges because I or my employer moves across state lines. Vote for H.R. 5746 and set federal election standards under Article 1.4 of our Constitution. Stand Up for My Voting Rights. I need YOU to Act. The Country Needs You to Vote for Voting Rights.
2: Letter to Newspaper editors or similar
The USA has a uniform federal National Voter Registration Act so every potential voter provides the same answers. H.R. 5746, passed by the House of Representatives, provides for a similarly uniform federal election system so that each State applies the same rules for the times, places and manner of federal elections.
The Senate has filibustered H.R. 5746. This needs to stop. Voting rights need to be an exception to the filibuster -- just like Supreme Court and top Federal government appointments, federal funding, and filibustering in person.
Let your Senators know you want H.R. 5746 to be debated, accepted, or amended.
3: Social Media Post
Text now -- or hope you live in “the right state.” Urge your Senators to debate, accept or amend H.R. 5746. The Supreme Court ruled Congress must act or state legislatures make the rules.
I talked with a past client today, a former Republican who has changed to an Independent. Big in the banking world. He reassured me that no one in his broad circle supports Trump and MAGA Republicans any longer. He’s not a liberal but he said climate change is the biggest issue by far for our economy and the world ‘s. Hopefully he is who Biden referred to in his speech tonight. He compared Biden to Lyndon B Johnson, FAVORABLY!
That said, I was actually disappointed in the speech as if heard by a younger crowd who we really need to vote. Too many references to soul, and democracy, and pride, etc., that I understand, but it lacked the power of persuasion for the generation that likes “‘sound bites” better. Had Biden mentioned abortion rights more clearly, greed more clearly, disparity in income more clearly, the right to unionize, and education, he would catch their attention. I believe we will win the midterms on those issues. And then, find a younger Biden to lead the party in 2024 that can beat whoever the fools throw at us for President.
I agree that speaking more specifically about those threats might stir the hearts of younger folks. Still, it was a powerful speech - a clear condemnation. Perhaps we'll look back at this speech as an "opening salvo". I don't think President Biden is done with the midterm election campaign.
I agree, Bill. It resonated with me in a way that speeches rarely do because Biden called us to work together to defeat a common enemy, one that is a clear and present threat to democracy. "Opening salvo," is a good way of putting it. I'm not sure you can call people to action only with sound bites. You can certainly call people to violence that way, but for what we are facing we need direct, but deeper language. Soul resonates with a lot of people.
As a mother of two college age boys, I know they both understood his message. The primary goal was to speak to the severe danger to our democracy by the Maga fascist movement including those in office. And he did it clearly. Every right and truth is packed in his words.
I had a similar reaction at first - because I was still high on the Wilkes Barre speech - with his "come on!" and "I really mean it." It was more "folksy" i guess. But what I came to realize was that he was speaking plainly and with dignity about principles of democracy and how they are being threatened and undermined by the MAGA's and T***p. I think we needed that as well. And he's going to be making more whistle stops, right? So I'm glad we'll hear even more!
Sep 2, 2022·edited Sep 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
It may be semi-fascism now, but if the GOP prevails in 2022 and 2024 it will be full blown fascism. I have been donating money to Democratic candidates in the close races that will make the difference in who controls Congress after this November. I have also been sending out my letters to registered Democrats in some of those races thanks to Vote Forward! It definitely feels empowering to do.
This from the American Heritage Dictionary (1976 edition):
Fascism -- A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with a belligerent nationalism.
I get that definition. I may have missed it before, but pLease tell me what a “semi” fascist is and how do you define “neo” fascist? Or is it just “neo” natzi?
Thursday evening, President Biden delivered a forceful speech brilliantly defending the continuation of American democracy. Still, when he said he would not stand by and watch as elections were stolen nor watch as people’s voting rights were taken, I was perplexed by what he meant, seeing these rights, as we speak, are being taken.
Nationwide, GOP controlled state legislatures unilaterally are undermining our elections, passing provisions making it difficult for voters to be able to cast their ballots and have those ballots counted. Moreover, county election officials (largely black) are being removed from their offices and replaced with state and local personnel who don’t believe in free and fair elections.
Simultaneously, this past January, two Senate Democrats (Manchin and Sinema) refused, without support from Republicans, to pass legislation (the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act) that would have ensured that all eligible votes were cast, counted correctly, and certified without interference and without their being diluted either through partisan gerrymandering or through using false allegations of fraud as a pretext not to include all the ballots in the certified results.
Presuming we agree that democracy is not static but a dynamic process, it then follows, at least in my view, that words alone are insufficient unless we engage now in the necessary actions to protect our democracy.
Stephen, I believe my opening statement made clear my high regard for Biden’s address overall, and, as you state, I, too, expect the speech could help “engage more people in the fight to save democracy.” In that regard, as with so many of us who are engaged in efforts to turbo-charge turnout, I believe the President’s ability to galvanize voters surely will help to redress voter suppression provisions slated for the fall.
That said, my comment was more a response to the Republican election subversion measures also expected to be enacted as early as this fall. Here I refer to changes in state election rules that would change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified, obstacles, if you will, that no amount of organizing can surmount. Still, I would be remiss were I not to clarify, that as with fellow subscribers, I would refuse to allow the emotional weight of the challenges that lie ahead to so burden me that I would despair of ever being able to change things.
Susan, If you carefully re-read my comments, you will note my point is, despite having to contend with the emotional burden of Republican election subversion in the absence of any federal voter protection safeguards, I would refuse to despair of ever being able to change things.
That is correct, but if Biden is successful in calling out the lies and the treachery of the MAGA crowd, he just might cause a lot of people to become embarrassed to be associated with them. The best outcome would be for a majority of the population to become not only embarrassed but disgusted by them because disgust is one of the strongest of human emotions.
Susan, As I understand, after Labor Day, Biden, Harris, and members of the Cabinet plan to hit the campaign trail. I imagine they will be guided by the kind of fine thinking advanced in your comment. Still, I would note that each of us also can lend our engagement, our energy, our caring, our work to help shape a more humane society and a more generous common future.
Biden gave us the language last night. Let's memorize it and use it often. MAGA-Republicans are destroying our nation. Trump lied and cheated on his wives, his taxes, his lenders, and his donors. He has committed crimes. He is not above the law.
Regarding his "declassification" of TOP SECRET documents: if declassified, they would become "public documents" and subject to the Freedom of Information Act. If that were true, then anyone, (including Trump's propaganda arm--FOX Entertainment), could request copies of the formerly TOP SECRET/SCI and SAP documents that detail our spy agents, methods, and networks. If the U.S. did that, our allies would no longer work with us to fight international terrorism. Does anyone think we should do that? Does anyone think Trump--even while President--had the power unilaterally declassify TOP SECRET documents and hand them over to our enemies? AND when will DOJ begin asking how Trump got the TOP SECRET documents into his control and out of the White House in the first place?
Included in the June 3 Certificate that his lawyer (Christina Bobb) signed, was a carefully-worded statement that "No copy, written notation, or reproduction of any kind was retained as to any responsive document." It doesn't say that copies weren't made and shared, it only says that the copies weren't "retained." And "responsive document" suggests some copies were made. How many of you believe that no copies were ever made? How many of you would be surprised if Trump had shared/sold copies?
And if you knew the FBI was not going to search the rooms in the hotel that are rented to guests, would you have been tempted to "relocate" some documents to those "off-limits" locations?
NOTE: The Search Warrant defines areas to be searched and explicitly excludes "areas currently (i.c., at the time of the search) being occupied, rented. or used by third parties (such as Mar-a-Largo Members) and not otherwise used or available to be used by FPOTUS and his staff, such as private guest suites."
Seriously, I really want to know that the FBI has compared time stamps from the video of the storage room which showed boxes being sorted through, removed and returned, and the guest or visitor logs for Mar-a-Lago. It might be circumstantial but it sure would provide some directional pointers. At the very least, it would show if the material had even been shown the minimum safeguard of having been confined to the room while foreign visitors or representatives were on the premises.
I thought President Biden’s speech was timely and one of the best speeches he has given since he was elected President. I hope that voters take away from the speech the simple fact that what is on the ballot in November is a party who is defending and supporting Democracy vs a party taken over by Republicans who want to destroy our country and over turn the constitution. It’s not about party policy and platform anymore it’s about how this country will be governed and by whom. Democrats must focus on non MAGA Republicans and Independents with a simple message “ it’s not about party this election it’s about either you support the constitution and rule of law and the governing principles of Democracy or you support extremism and the overthrow of the constitution and individual freedoms.the choice is yours.
By all means, take and enjoy a marvelous holiday weekend. I may very well be "off the grid" myself, at a mountain camp in Colorado.
Some thoughts on Sept. 1: Biden's speaking style has its flaws. So did Lincoln's. Words, however, do not depend solely on form and style; they rely on substance, in order to take their place in posterity. The distraught voices of Reaction will howl, as they ever have done when time marches on. I still hear from people who claim that Katie Hobbs ran an inept, dirty election, in 2020. (She most certainly did NOT!) Donald Trump does not deserve another chance to run for President. Ron DeSantis, technically, does, but after having visited his Florida last Spring, I say God help us if he does run and wins.
Gary, I especially like your "form over substance" comments. It's a discussion I've been having lately with friends who don't find President Biden to be charismatic enough. I have to keep reminding them to look at the substance of his message, not his method of delivery.
Weirdly I find him extremely charismatic. I guess it's all in what you like and feel comfortable with. Someone who seems slick and superficial will never get my trust as readily as someone who seems thoughtful and heartfelt. While I enjoy a good zinger or one liner or apt turn of phrase as much as the next person (today it was HCR's "elephant in the room" and RH's "vanity social media"), politicians who are all surface and polish don't seem charismatic to me. I think sometimes we just accept that he's got a certain reputation without really comparing where that came from with what is really deserved - by him or others.
Today is my 77th birthday, and I'm celebrating all weekend! But there is one "work" responsibility that I'm honoring; reading, summarizing and posting on FB and Twitter Robert and Heather's newsletters. I am so proud to be part of these communities - I am so much better informed and inspired to action than I have ever been in all my decades. So thank you for that!
PS. I'm still LOL (ok, laughing out loud!) at this brilliant line in the "Declassification" section: "Suffice it to say that no part of Executive Order 13526 authorizes 'declassification by telepathy.'" Thanks, Robert, enjoy the weekend!
Yes - and someone above says disgust is a powerful tool. True, but I suspect humor is even more powerful. Humor, and quite honestly, humorous derision. We need all the effective tools we can get. This is an example of a repeatable quote!
Thank you for the very clearly emumerated "when MAGA Republicans do the following" list, Robert. Yes, then President Biden and others can stop calling out their fascist policies.
I watched Kevin McCarthy's "prebuttal" on CSPAN last night before the President's address. I must tell you it made me sick to my stomach. The man didn't even seem real. His utterances of fear re the Democrats' policies certainly are not. Such an actor . . . and not a very good one.
President Biden’s speech was one of the most important speeches in U.S. history, and I believe it is the most important speech in my lifetime by a U.S. president. Yet, the major broadcast networks DID NOT carry the president’s speech, according to an Associated Press article buried in the back pages of The Miami Herald’s “Bonus e-edition.”
Republicans characterize the speech as political, divisive and demonizing political opponents. I view the president’s speech, not as partisan and political, but as a call to unify the country against a national security threat, the likes of which I have never seen in my lifetime.
All the years President Biden spent in the Senate; all in preparation for the most momentous period in my lifetime. The statesman we needed, when we needed him. He has accomplished so much in such a short time precisely because he is a politician. It is a noble profession when the right people are elected.
I love and am proud of our president and I am not ashamed to write it and shout it from the rooftops!
Fluvia K. Robert you said it A plain spoken man, A decent , honest human being whom we needed right than, he appeared at the right moment . We were blessed with good luck , Lets appreciate him , Thank him .and follow his lead.
While I whole heartedly agree with all your points about the need to defend democracy, I would like to suggest that we NOT call Trump and his right-wing reactionaries "fascists."
Why not? Because the word "fascism" gets caught up in historical analogs and definitional confusion. People don't know what it means... BUT we DO know what "dictatorship" means. The meaning is right there in the word. Trump and his followers are looking to install a one-man rule dictatorship. We ought to start calling it that. The meaning would be clear, and written in plain English.
In using the word "dictatorship," we side step any arguments about "is or isn't it "the same" or "as bad" as Nazi Germany?", etc. Dictatorship is clearly NOT democracy -- and we don't want it. So let's use that word and make our meaning clear. Thanks for considering this suggestion.
Debbie, I respectfully disagree. Any study of the rise of fascism preceding WWII reveals striking parallels between what happened then and what is happening now in America. I firmly believe that MAGAs are wannabe fascists, and naming that is important, and having people learn how eerily reminiscent today is of the early days of Naziism is important. I say this as a Jew who has argued my whole life against casual comparisons to Hitler and Nazi Germany. This is a truly scary moment in US history, and we should help people understand that by calling MAGAs what they are: fascists.
I disagree only in that the MAGAts aren't "wannabe fascists", they're real fascists who just aren't yet in power.
My husband says that this group is not smart enough to be called Fascists, but I met a woman this summer who described De Santis as "extremely intelligent." We cannot be naive.
When "their" side accuses our "side" of being elitist, what they mean is we are smarty-pants. We were the kids in school who raised our hands with the answers. They were the kids who eventually grew to resent so much; lack of attention and approval, while we were going to college, getting better wages, et al.
In particular, the MAGA folks really felt pushed aside by other races who (so they thought) benefitted from accommodations. It is strange how they think narrow-mindedness and authoritarianism is "smart." It almost seems like they are reinventing reality to find a niche for themselves. Indeed, MAGAs seem to relish insensitivity. I realize I use "They" and expose my own shortcomings, but I really want to push back on the harm militant MAGAs have caused.
It is scary and it needs to be named. What is the difference between dictatorship and fascism? I understand there is no pat answer to that, but it would be helpful to know more clearly what we are talking about. Thanks very much!
In general, all fascists are eventually dictators, but all dictators aren't fascists.
Okay. Thanks. I'll ponder that one awhile.
We could use a little honesty in this country; haven’t seen that since 1980. “Fascist” is PRECISELY what we are dealing with. The KKKoch Gang of Billionaires and their euphemism of “Citizens United” are pulling the puppet strings. The GOP is a de facto Crime Syndicate. The NRA has been used to launder foreign money for the GOP. Weaponized propaganda outlets like Murdoch’s Fox channel and the Mercer’s flak media continue to chum the political waters with the intent to subvert democracy. Fascism is EXACTLY what we are dealing with. Read up. (Dark Money by Jane Mayer; Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein; The Rise of Weaponized Flak . . . By Brian Michael Goss; Mindf*k . . . By Christopher Wylie; Data vs Democracy by Kris Shaffer. ) It’s not hyperbole; it’s the TRUTH, and dismissive lies by the FASCISTS amount to gaslighting.
Agreed and agreed. Thank you for writing “gaslighting”, which is the republicants forté.
Debbie, I agree and understand your point completely. It is semantics to a certain degree, which the republicants use so well to their advantage. It must be said, abiding by the KISS principle, to keep the message as simple as possible. Of course they’re fascists and worse, and that’s the issue - one can’t have an intellectual discussion - when the audience lacks intellect.
Well said. Whatever it is, it needs to be defeated now.
Thank you. Infuriating, though isn’t it?
It absolutely is. We have to get rid of them. World War II was no picnic and we don't want a repeat. This is a nasty bunch. Have a lovely weekend!
Except fascism is specifically a right-wing dictatorship that seeks to achieve extreme conservative ends, which is what animates the MAGA movement in the GOP.
I agree so,let’s substitute and call them extremists.
Hi Debbie,
That's a really good point on many levels, not the least of which is that there are many US citizens who came to America from many parts of the world precisely to escape dictatorships. Democracy has been a big part of the draw to come here, not just economics. Native-born Americans have very little experience with dictatorships, so perhaps it would be well for us to learn from the many new citizens exactly what that means and why we really, really don't want anything like that here.
Let Every Citizen Vote!
TAKE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE and keep our democracy alive!.
Thomas Watson of IBM said this: 'When Benjamin Franklin was asked after a session of the Constitutional Convention, ""What kind of a government have you given us?"" he replied, ""A democracy, if you can keep it."" Our republic is founded on the principle that it will continue only as long as the people keep democracy alive...'https://www.forbes.com/quotes/9010/
The Supreme Court may make it even harder to vote unless the U.S. Senate acts now.
THE PROBLEM: The United States Supreme Court (1) gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act (Shelby v Holder, 2013), (2) ruled political gerrymandering by state legislatures is legal, unless Congress bans it (Rucho v Common Cause, 2019), and (3) will decide next Term if State Legislatures should have nearly unlimited power to set times, places and manners of elections even when their own State Supreme Court says their actions are unconstitutional under State law. (Moore v Harper) See How the Supreme Court Could Blow Up Election Law, Atlantic Monthly, July 2022.
The Senate should be worried about losing control of federal elections but instead has used the filibuster to avoid debating voting rights legislation. Time is running out. Will Congress pass H.R. 5746: standardizing the times, places, and manner of federal elections before the Supreme Court issues its decisions?
Voters and employers may want to consider state voting laws when making relocation decisions – a new experience for non-minorities. Voter registration forms, interstate highway and railroad standards are uniform – why not the rules for voting in federal elections?
Please share this call to action with your friends and contacts ASAP. The examples below are yours to modify and use; our only request is that you take some action.
“Action is the antidote to despair.” Joan Baez
1: Open letter to my U.S. Senators
I should not gain or lose voting privileges because I or my employer moves across state lines. Vote for H.R. 5746 and set federal election standards under Article 1.4 of our Constitution. Stand Up for My Voting Rights. I need YOU to Act. The Country Needs You to Vote for Voting Rights.
2: Letter to Newspaper editors or similar
The USA has a uniform federal National Voter Registration Act so every potential voter provides the same answers. H.R. 5746, passed by the House of Representatives, provides for a similarly uniform federal election system so that each State applies the same rules for the times, places and manner of federal elections.
The Senate has filibustered H.R. 5746. This needs to stop. Voting rights need to be an exception to the filibuster -- just like Supreme Court and top Federal government appointments, federal funding, and filibustering in person.
Let your Senators know you want H.R. 5746 to be debated, accepted, or amended.
3: Social Media Post
Text now -- or hope you live in “the right state.” Urge your Senators to debate, accept or amend H.R. 5746. The Supreme Court ruled Congress must act or state legislatures make the rules.
Alice Smith
Executive Director
National Voter Corps
nvcsteeringcommittee@gmail.com
A President who acts presidentially. Imagine that!
Refreshing, isn't it?
I talked with a past client today, a former Republican who has changed to an Independent. Big in the banking world. He reassured me that no one in his broad circle supports Trump and MAGA Republicans any longer. He’s not a liberal but he said climate change is the biggest issue by far for our economy and the world ‘s. Hopefully he is who Biden referred to in his speech tonight. He compared Biden to Lyndon B Johnson, FAVORABLY!
That said, I was actually disappointed in the speech as if heard by a younger crowd who we really need to vote. Too many references to soul, and democracy, and pride, etc., that I understand, but it lacked the power of persuasion for the generation that likes “‘sound bites” better. Had Biden mentioned abortion rights more clearly, greed more clearly, disparity in income more clearly, the right to unionize, and education, he would catch their attention. I believe we will win the midterms on those issues. And then, find a younger Biden to lead the party in 2024 that can beat whoever the fools throw at us for President.
I agree that speaking more specifically about those threats might stir the hearts of younger folks. Still, it was a powerful speech - a clear condemnation. Perhaps we'll look back at this speech as an "opening salvo". I don't think President Biden is done with the midterm election campaign.
I agree, Bill. It resonated with me in a way that speeches rarely do because Biden called us to work together to defeat a common enemy, one that is a clear and present threat to democracy. "Opening salvo," is a good way of putting it. I'm not sure you can call people to action only with sound bites. You can certainly call people to violence that way, but for what we are facing we need direct, but deeper language. Soul resonates with a lot of people.
As a mother of two college age boys, I know they both understood his message. The primary goal was to speak to the severe danger to our democracy by the Maga fascist movement including those in office. And he did it clearly. Every right and truth is packed in his words.
I had a similar reaction at first - because I was still high on the Wilkes Barre speech - with his "come on!" and "I really mean it." It was more "folksy" i guess. But what I came to realize was that he was speaking plainly and with dignity about principles of democracy and how they are being threatened and undermined by the MAGA's and T***p. I think we needed that as well. And he's going to be making more whistle stops, right? So I'm glad we'll hear even more!
Yes! Those words you can "bite" down on!
"Bite" down on. Nice description. Substance not filler.
It may be semi-fascism now, but if the GOP prevails in 2022 and 2024 it will be full blown fascism. I have been donating money to Democratic candidates in the close races that will make the difference in who controls Congress after this November. I have also been sending out my letters to registered Democrats in some of those races thanks to Vote Forward! It definitely feels empowering to do.
This from the American Heritage Dictionary (1976 edition):
Fascism -- A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with a belligerent nationalism.
I get that definition. I may have missed it before, but pLease tell me what a “semi” fascist is and how do you define “neo” fascist? Or is it just “neo” natzi?
Thank you, John, for that succinct definition of Fascism. That is really helpful!!!
Thursday evening, President Biden delivered a forceful speech brilliantly defending the continuation of American democracy. Still, when he said he would not stand by and watch as elections were stolen nor watch as people’s voting rights were taken, I was perplexed by what he meant, seeing these rights, as we speak, are being taken.
Nationwide, GOP controlled state legislatures unilaterally are undermining our elections, passing provisions making it difficult for voters to be able to cast their ballots and have those ballots counted. Moreover, county election officials (largely black) are being removed from their offices and replaced with state and local personnel who don’t believe in free and fair elections.
Simultaneously, this past January, two Senate Democrats (Manchin and Sinema) refused, without support from Republicans, to pass legislation (the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act) that would have ensured that all eligible votes were cast, counted correctly, and certified without interference and without their being diluted either through partisan gerrymandering or through using false allegations of fraud as a pretext not to include all the ballots in the certified results.
Presuming we agree that democracy is not static but a dynamic process, it then follows, at least in my view, that words alone are insufficient unless we engage now in the necessary actions to protect our democracy.
This speech was in essence a call to arms and hopefully it will engage more people in the fight to save Democracy
Stephen, I believe my opening statement made clear my high regard for Biden’s address overall, and, as you state, I, too, expect the speech could help “engage more people in the fight to save democracy.” In that regard, as with so many of us who are engaged in efforts to turbo-charge turnout, I believe the President’s ability to galvanize voters surely will help to redress voter suppression provisions slated for the fall.
That said, my comment was more a response to the Republican election subversion measures also expected to be enacted as early as this fall. Here I refer to changes in state election rules that would change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified, obstacles, if you will, that no amount of organizing can surmount. Still, I would be remiss were I not to clarify, that as with fellow subscribers, I would refuse to allow the emotional weight of the challenges that lie ahead to so burden me that I would despair of ever being able to change things.
We cannot, we must not give in to despair. Get behind President Biden and push forward together.
Susan, If you carefully re-read my comments, you will note my point is, despite having to contend with the emotional burden of Republican election subversion in the absence of any federal voter protection safeguards, I would refuse to despair of ever being able to change things.
That is correct, but if Biden is successful in calling out the lies and the treachery of the MAGA crowd, he just might cause a lot of people to become embarrassed to be associated with them. The best outcome would be for a majority of the population to become not only embarrassed but disgusted by them because disgust is one of the strongest of human emotions.
Susan, As I understand, after Labor Day, Biden, Harris, and members of the Cabinet plan to hit the campaign trail. I imagine they will be guided by the kind of fine thinking advanced in your comment. Still, I would note that each of us also can lend our engagement, our energy, our caring, our work to help shape a more humane society and a more generous common future.
Great point!
Biden gave us the language last night. Let's memorize it and use it often. MAGA-Republicans are destroying our nation. Trump lied and cheated on his wives, his taxes, his lenders, and his donors. He has committed crimes. He is not above the law.
Regarding his "declassification" of TOP SECRET documents: if declassified, they would become "public documents" and subject to the Freedom of Information Act. If that were true, then anyone, (including Trump's propaganda arm--FOX Entertainment), could request copies of the formerly TOP SECRET/SCI and SAP documents that detail our spy agents, methods, and networks. If the U.S. did that, our allies would no longer work with us to fight international terrorism. Does anyone think we should do that? Does anyone think Trump--even while President--had the power unilaterally declassify TOP SECRET documents and hand them over to our enemies? AND when will DOJ begin asking how Trump got the TOP SECRET documents into his control and out of the White House in the first place?
Included in the June 3 Certificate that his lawyer (Christina Bobb) signed, was a carefully-worded statement that "No copy, written notation, or reproduction of any kind was retained as to any responsive document." It doesn't say that copies weren't made and shared, it only says that the copies weren't "retained." And "responsive document" suggests some copies were made. How many of you believe that no copies were ever made? How many of you would be surprised if Trump had shared/sold copies?
And if you knew the FBI was not going to search the rooms in the hotel that are rented to guests, would you have been tempted to "relocate" some documents to those "off-limits" locations?
NOTE: The Search Warrant defines areas to be searched and explicitly excludes "areas currently (i.c., at the time of the search) being occupied, rented. or used by third parties (such as Mar-a-Largo Members) and not otherwise used or available to be used by FPOTUS and his staff, such as private guest suites."
Seriously, I really want to know that the FBI has compared time stamps from the video of the storage room which showed boxes being sorted through, removed and returned, and the guest or visitor logs for Mar-a-Lago. It might be circumstantial but it sure would provide some directional pointers. At the very least, it would show if the material had even been shown the minimum safeguard of having been confined to the room while foreign visitors or representatives were on the premises.
I thought President Biden’s speech was timely and one of the best speeches he has given since he was elected President. I hope that voters take away from the speech the simple fact that what is on the ballot in November is a party who is defending and supporting Democracy vs a party taken over by Republicans who want to destroy our country and over turn the constitution. It’s not about party policy and platform anymore it’s about how this country will be governed and by whom. Democrats must focus on non MAGA Republicans and Independents with a simple message “ it’s not about party this election it’s about either you support the constitution and rule of law and the governing principles of Democracy or you support extremism and the overthrow of the constitution and individual freedoms.the choice is yours.
By all means, take and enjoy a marvelous holiday weekend. I may very well be "off the grid" myself, at a mountain camp in Colorado.
Some thoughts on Sept. 1: Biden's speaking style has its flaws. So did Lincoln's. Words, however, do not depend solely on form and style; they rely on substance, in order to take their place in posterity. The distraught voices of Reaction will howl, as they ever have done when time marches on. I still hear from people who claim that Katie Hobbs ran an inept, dirty election, in 2020. (She most certainly did NOT!) Donald Trump does not deserve another chance to run for President. Ron DeSantis, technically, does, but after having visited his Florida last Spring, I say God help us if he does run and wins.
Gary, I especially like your "form over substance" comments. It's a discussion I've been having lately with friends who don't find President Biden to be charismatic enough. I have to keep reminding them to look at the substance of his message, not his method of delivery.
Weirdly I find him extremely charismatic. I guess it's all in what you like and feel comfortable with. Someone who seems slick and superficial will never get my trust as readily as someone who seems thoughtful and heartfelt. While I enjoy a good zinger or one liner or apt turn of phrase as much as the next person (today it was HCR's "elephant in the room" and RH's "vanity social media"), politicians who are all surface and polish don't seem charismatic to me. I think sometimes we just accept that he's got a certain reputation without really comparing where that came from with what is really deserved - by him or others.
I just want President Biden to read this column. Thank you.
Today is my 77th birthday, and I'm celebrating all weekend! But there is one "work" responsibility that I'm honoring; reading, summarizing and posting on FB and Twitter Robert and Heather's newsletters. I am so proud to be part of these communities - I am so much better informed and inspired to action than I have ever been in all my decades. So thank you for that!
PS. I'm still LOL (ok, laughing out loud!) at this brilliant line in the "Declassification" section: "Suffice it to say that no part of Executive Order 13526 authorizes 'declassification by telepathy.'" Thanks, Robert, enjoy the weekend!
Happy Birthday and thank you!! But, seriously, take a few moments to celebrate your birthday!
Oh, sweet! I did and that's why I didn't see this until today!!! Thank you dear Robert. And blessed recovery for you and Jill from your ordeal.
Yes - and someone above says disgust is a powerful tool. True, but I suspect humor is even more powerful. Humor, and quite honestly, humorous derision. We need all the effective tools we can get. This is an example of a repeatable quote!
Heart
Celebrating you today, Chaplain Terry ! 💙 your comments.
Yes, “ declassification by telepathy” 😂😂
Thank you Kathy! My heart is very touched.
Thank you for the very clearly emumerated "when MAGA Republicans do the following" list, Robert. Yes, then President Biden and others can stop calling out their fascist policies.
I watched Kevin McCarthy's "prebuttal" on CSPAN last night before the President's address. I must tell you it made me sick to my stomach. The man didn't even seem real. His utterances of fear re the Democrats' policies certainly are not. Such an actor . . . and not a very good one.
Indeed, he is the right man at the right time. Our country is very fortunate to have him as President during these trying times.
Thank you Robert. Have a lovely Labor Day.
President Biden’s speech was one of the most important speeches in U.S. history, and I believe it is the most important speech in my lifetime by a U.S. president. Yet, the major broadcast networks DID NOT carry the president’s speech, according to an Associated Press article buried in the back pages of The Miami Herald’s “Bonus e-edition.”
Republicans characterize the speech as political, divisive and demonizing political opponents. I view the president’s speech, not as partisan and political, but as a call to unify the country against a national security threat, the likes of which I have never seen in my lifetime.
All the years President Biden spent in the Senate; all in preparation for the most momentous period in my lifetime. The statesman we needed, when we needed him. He has accomplished so much in such a short time precisely because he is a politician. It is a noble profession when the right people are elected.
I love and am proud of our president and I am not ashamed to write it and shout it from the rooftops!