From my brother in Prescott, AZ. "Subject: Well said!
Letter in todays AZ Republic;
There is a a qualitative difference in the fringe of both parties
After reading a number of letters from people on the left and on the right warning us of the extremists on the other side, I would like to make this observation: The far left is pushing an agenda of expanded health care, free education, living wages for working people and action to combat the climate crisis.
The far right is advocating more restrictions on voting, diminishing a women’s access to health care, defending the wealthiest against increased taxes and denying science on all fronts.
What could Robert be talking about when he wrote, 'The world’s most anti-democratic body?'
Here's his follow-up: 'Measure the minor inconvenience of a talking filibuster on the bladders of aging Senators against the stranglehold on democracy imposed by the filibuster, where 10% of the population can impose its will on 90% of the population.'
After absorbing a plethora in information from 'Today's Edition', tips, and analysis, Manchin, Martin Luther King Day, “talking filibuster”, insurrection, House Select Committee, Fox News, Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/3, Sean Hannity Sedition Caucus, January 6th, Trump, UnFox My Cable Box, Seal Team Six Seven, major corporations pledge not to support GOP objectors in 2022, Covid-19, The Op-ed Project, For the Love of Democracy AND MORE, I returned to the source of Robert's most Anti-Democratic Body, comprised as it is of 'THE BLADDERS OF AGING SENATORS'. What a sight!
Trump not holding a news conference on January 6th probably happened because the major networks were not going to carry it and he would be denied the platform he desired not because he had any remorse about that day and his actions. The making public little by little of key behind the scenes activities supporting the coup and identifying congressional members is building a scenario of that day that should appall many voters and hopefully impact future voting decisions.
With regard to the filibuster, I have one more suggestion that can be put before His Highness Joe Manchin. The 60 Senator requirement is OK so long as the 40 who are blocking closing debate or opposing a bill represent at least 50% of the country's population. That would bring a touch of democracy to the process. It's possible that a requirement of even 40% of the country's population would reduce the force of the filibuster substantially.
Jan 5, 2022·edited Jan 5, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
As for the future of our democracy, and the role of the Department of Justice and AG Merrick Garland's within it, I highly recommend viewing yesterday's (1/4/22) history chat by Dr. Heather Cox Richardson. The DOJ is not a political organization, they are quietly and thoroughly investigating and indicting. But our democracy is clearly endangered. Robert's recommendations for action here are spot on, and right at our fingertips. Thank You.
Cancellation of the news conference by Trump is very good news. We are indeed in the thick of the fight. Thank you for your humor and uncommon common sense about the power of editorials. I am on that track.
I write in response to your portrayal of the Senate as “the world’s most anti-democratic body.” Although your analysis both of the Senate and also of our Party’s chief obstructionist Manchin (I also would include Sinema) is flawless, I maintain we must stay in the fight for filibuster reform for it is the one remedy that will end McConnell’s veto over the will of the majority.
Because we are running out the clock on democracy itself, I will focus my discussion on the Senate vote scheduled for MLK Day. If I understand correctly, Schumer has planned a floor vote for both voter protection bills ( the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act). I also understand that while both Manchin and Sinema support the two companion bills, neither currently supports a filibuster carve-out nor do they support changing the 60-vote threshold to end debate. Seeing that Schumer needs all 50 Senators to sign on to a rule change, an option proposed by former Chief Counsel to Ted Kennedy, Jeff Blattner, could work. For “major” legislation, it would ensure “the minority a full debate and the right to offer relevant amendments.” However, “after an extended period…without the offering of an amendment gaining bipartisan support, the supporter of the bill [e.g. the Freedom to Vote Act] could move to invoke cloture (the cutting off of debate) by a simple majority vote.” In my view, the brilliance of this proposal, or some version of it possibly under consideration, is that it comes closer to meeting Manchin’s and Sinema’s demands than any other I’ve reviewed and, as stated, it ends McConnell’s veto over the will of the majority.
In yesterday’s newsletter, you wrote something to the effect of likely having to revisit filibuster reform in 22 or 24. With all due respect, to me, that reads like giving up on democracy. If we don’t even try to enact a check on GOP controlled State Legislatures that unilaterally continue to pass bill after bill that restricts voting and nullifies votes, the 2022 I imagine will be one of utter chaos, the breakdown of the rule of law, and the loss of trust both in government and in mainstream institutions of American life.
Thank you for such an informative newsletter and for the action steps. I have signed up today as a "subscriber" after sitting on the sidelines for about a month, visiting and caring for my brother who unexpectedly passed on Christmas Eve. Now I'm ready to enter the breach again. I think the letters to the editor idea has much merit, although I have yet to get one published. So my new idea is to write to the CEO/Chairman of my local paper (The Tampa Bay Times) and put him on the spot for the paper's biased reporting. They may think they are presenting "both sides" in their news coverage, but there are no "both sides" now. As the "fourth estate" they have an obligation to tell the truth, and for the most part they are not doing that. I will let you know how that goes!
Writing letters to local newspapers works. This letter is being printed on January 6th in Raleigh NC. We can’t forget
On the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of our Capitol we must remember that seven U.S. House members from North Carolina voted to object to the 2020 election results.
The N.C. Republicans who objected to President Biden’s wins in Arizona and Pennsylvania were U.S. Reps. Dan Bishop, Ted Budd, Madison Cawthorn, Richard Hudson and David Rouzer. U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx and Greg Murphy also objected the Pennsylvania results, but accepted the Arizona results.
In essence, these seven Republican members of the N.C. delegation were part of the failed coup to overthrow our election in support of former President Trump. We must hold all of them accountable for their assault on our democracy.
The cancellation of the press conference was explained here, as "just a recognition that Jan. 15 (Trump's rally in Florence, AZ) is the really important event". There are likely to be a few thousand at that event, which will be covered by....Fox News and OAN. Two days later, Joe Manchin, probably singly and alone, will vote "present" or not vote at all-on whatever filibuster reform gets to the floor of the Senate. In the meantime, work on the ground, to strengthen our democracy, will long continue.
Robert, You made it clear early in 2021 that we must recognize the imperative of increasing the Democrats Senate Majority while holding on to the House. Never has advice been truer than when I read today's Today's Edition. We must set aside any delusions about Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema. We must focus our energies on expanding Democratic majorities in both the Senate & the House. One additional note, one of the links you provided took me to an article wherein Sean Hannity, is reported to have stated, "I never said I was a journalist." To wit, you suggested we "unFox my cable." I'd like to point out that Joe Manchin is also no journalist. Yet, the WP has repeatedly given him a forum to write about his fantasy of bipartisanship and his refusal to even allow for a carve out of the filibuster for legislation that is extremely significant to saving our democracy. So, might I ask, Shouldn't we consider writing and calling out the WP to stop providing Manchin with so much print space for his "smokescreens that merely conceal the deeply anti‑democratic nature of the filibuster?" Joe has regularly demonstrated that he is not a reliable partner with his colleagues or the President while ignoring the interests of voting rights, democracy, and constitutional governance. As per your counsel of January 2021 the time is well past due to move on from the fantasy thinking that Joe or Krysten will come around to doing the right thing.
Robert, we should certainly both be letting companies that have reneged on their commitment to not support politicians who are anti-democratic know that we disapprove of their actions AND seek to boycott those companies whose services and products we might otherwise use. As much as companies don't like bad publicity and unhappy members of the public, they are at least as likely to be incentivized to change their behavior by actual loss of revenue. One question for you: is it clear to folks to whom, and how, to address their communications with companies to ensure they are received?
Absolutely love your “Call to Action” with the Letters to the Editor Sources. The “Op Ed Project” sounds Amazing but a little out of my price range…checking in to their Tuition Assistance. “For the Love of Democracy” gets you going immediately, so I’m on that one today. We all have 5 minutes a day we can set aside to VOICE our opinions…let your local papers hear from us!
I am going to wait and see what Robert says tomorrow about Garland’s press conference before cancelling my subscription. If the word “bromides” is in his analysis, that’s it. I quit. I acknowledge I have gotten a lot out of this newsletter over the past year, but dissing the justice department and its leader, with no facts to do so (just impatience), not to mention Robert’s disregard for the operational undertaking of running the justice department, is a step too far for me…ranting like the right.
I am preparing to do something I almost never do - turn my TV on before mid afternoon. As Lawrence O'Donnell said to Rachel Maddow last night, I have absolutely NO expectations of the Merrick Garland attempt at a press conference. I expect nothing more than platitudes and excuses and certainly nothing of substance. I hope to be wrong. I hope to be surprised. But my expectations for this speech, as for the man himself, are so very low, I won't even be affected when my low expectations are met.
From my brother in Prescott, AZ. "Subject: Well said!
Letter in todays AZ Republic;
There is a a qualitative difference in the fringe of both parties
After reading a number of letters from people on the left and on the right warning us of the extremists on the other side, I would like to make this observation: The far left is pushing an agenda of expanded health care, free education, living wages for working people and action to combat the climate crisis.
The far right is advocating more restrictions on voting, diminishing a women’s access to health care, defending the wealthiest against increased taxes and denying science on all fronts.
Which direction should this society be heading?
William Hoene, Mesa
What could Robert be talking about when he wrote, 'The world’s most anti-democratic body?'
Here's his follow-up: 'Measure the minor inconvenience of a talking filibuster on the bladders of aging Senators against the stranglehold on democracy imposed by the filibuster, where 10% of the population can impose its will on 90% of the population.'
After absorbing a plethora in information from 'Today's Edition', tips, and analysis, Manchin, Martin Luther King Day, “talking filibuster”, insurrection, House Select Committee, Fox News, Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/3, Sean Hannity Sedition Caucus, January 6th, Trump, UnFox My Cable Box, Seal Team Six Seven, major corporations pledge not to support GOP objectors in 2022, Covid-19, The Op-ed Project, For the Love of Democracy AND MORE, I returned to the source of Robert's most Anti-Democratic Body, comprised as it is of 'THE BLADDERS OF AGING SENATORS'. What a sight!
Trump not holding a news conference on January 6th probably happened because the major networks were not going to carry it and he would be denied the platform he desired not because he had any remorse about that day and his actions. The making public little by little of key behind the scenes activities supporting the coup and identifying congressional members is building a scenario of that day that should appall many voters and hopefully impact future voting decisions.
With regard to the filibuster, I have one more suggestion that can be put before His Highness Joe Manchin. The 60 Senator requirement is OK so long as the 40 who are blocking closing debate or opposing a bill represent at least 50% of the country's population. That would bring a touch of democracy to the process. It's possible that a requirement of even 40% of the country's population would reduce the force of the filibuster substantially.
As for the future of our democracy, and the role of the Department of Justice and AG Merrick Garland's within it, I highly recommend viewing yesterday's (1/4/22) history chat by Dr. Heather Cox Richardson. The DOJ is not a political organization, they are quietly and thoroughly investigating and indicting. But our democracy is clearly endangered. Robert's recommendations for action here are spot on, and right at our fingertips. Thank You.
https://fb.watch/alfv6cv98C/
Cancellation of the news conference by Trump is very good news. We are indeed in the thick of the fight. Thank you for your humor and uncommon common sense about the power of editorials. I am on that track.
I write in response to your portrayal of the Senate as “the world’s most anti-democratic body.” Although your analysis both of the Senate and also of our Party’s chief obstructionist Manchin (I also would include Sinema) is flawless, I maintain we must stay in the fight for filibuster reform for it is the one remedy that will end McConnell’s veto over the will of the majority.
Because we are running out the clock on democracy itself, I will focus my discussion on the Senate vote scheduled for MLK Day. If I understand correctly, Schumer has planned a floor vote for both voter protection bills ( the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act). I also understand that while both Manchin and Sinema support the two companion bills, neither currently supports a filibuster carve-out nor do they support changing the 60-vote threshold to end debate. Seeing that Schumer needs all 50 Senators to sign on to a rule change, an option proposed by former Chief Counsel to Ted Kennedy, Jeff Blattner, could work. For “major” legislation, it would ensure “the minority a full debate and the right to offer relevant amendments.” However, “after an extended period…without the offering of an amendment gaining bipartisan support, the supporter of the bill [e.g. the Freedom to Vote Act] could move to invoke cloture (the cutting off of debate) by a simple majority vote.” In my view, the brilliance of this proposal, or some version of it possibly under consideration, is that it comes closer to meeting Manchin’s and Sinema’s demands than any other I’ve reviewed and, as stated, it ends McConnell’s veto over the will of the majority.
In yesterday’s newsletter, you wrote something to the effect of likely having to revisit filibuster reform in 22 or 24. With all due respect, to me, that reads like giving up on democracy. If we don’t even try to enact a check on GOP controlled State Legislatures that unilaterally continue to pass bill after bill that restricts voting and nullifies votes, the 2022 I imagine will be one of utter chaos, the breakdown of the rule of law, and the loss of trust both in government and in mainstream institutions of American life.
Thank you for such an informative newsletter and for the action steps. I have signed up today as a "subscriber" after sitting on the sidelines for about a month, visiting and caring for my brother who unexpectedly passed on Christmas Eve. Now I'm ready to enter the breach again. I think the letters to the editor idea has much merit, although I have yet to get one published. So my new idea is to write to the CEO/Chairman of my local paper (The Tampa Bay Times) and put him on the spot for the paper's biased reporting. They may think they are presenting "both sides" in their news coverage, but there are no "both sides" now. As the "fourth estate" they have an obligation to tell the truth, and for the most part they are not doing that. I will let you know how that goes!
Writing letters to local newspapers works. This letter is being printed on January 6th in Raleigh NC. We can’t forget
On the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of our Capitol we must remember that seven U.S. House members from North Carolina voted to object to the 2020 election results.
The N.C. Republicans who objected to President Biden’s wins in Arizona and Pennsylvania were U.S. Reps. Dan Bishop, Ted Budd, Madison Cawthorn, Richard Hudson and David Rouzer. U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx and Greg Murphy also objected the Pennsylvania results, but accepted the Arizona results.
In essence, these seven Republican members of the N.C. delegation were part of the failed coup to overthrow our election in support of former President Trump. We must hold all of them accountable for their assault on our democracy.
Stephen Berg, Chapel Hill
The cancellation of the press conference was explained here, as "just a recognition that Jan. 15 (Trump's rally in Florence, AZ) is the really important event". There are likely to be a few thousand at that event, which will be covered by....Fox News and OAN. Two days later, Joe Manchin, probably singly and alone, will vote "present" or not vote at all-on whatever filibuster reform gets to the floor of the Senate. In the meantime, work on the ground, to strengthen our democracy, will long continue.
Robert, You made it clear early in 2021 that we must recognize the imperative of increasing the Democrats Senate Majority while holding on to the House. Never has advice been truer than when I read today's Today's Edition. We must set aside any delusions about Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema. We must focus our energies on expanding Democratic majorities in both the Senate & the House. One additional note, one of the links you provided took me to an article wherein Sean Hannity, is reported to have stated, "I never said I was a journalist." To wit, you suggested we "unFox my cable." I'd like to point out that Joe Manchin is also no journalist. Yet, the WP has repeatedly given him a forum to write about his fantasy of bipartisanship and his refusal to even allow for a carve out of the filibuster for legislation that is extremely significant to saving our democracy. So, might I ask, Shouldn't we consider writing and calling out the WP to stop providing Manchin with so much print space for his "smokescreens that merely conceal the deeply anti‑democratic nature of the filibuster?" Joe has regularly demonstrated that he is not a reliable partner with his colleagues or the President while ignoring the interests of voting rights, democracy, and constitutional governance. As per your counsel of January 2021 the time is well past due to move on from the fantasy thinking that Joe or Krysten will come around to doing the right thing.
Robert, we should certainly both be letting companies that have reneged on their commitment to not support politicians who are anti-democratic know that we disapprove of their actions AND seek to boycott those companies whose services and products we might otherwise use. As much as companies don't like bad publicity and unhappy members of the public, they are at least as likely to be incentivized to change their behavior by actual loss of revenue. One question for you: is it clear to folks to whom, and how, to address their communications with companies to ensure they are received?
Absolutely love your “Call to Action” with the Letters to the Editor Sources. The “Op Ed Project” sounds Amazing but a little out of my price range…checking in to their Tuition Assistance. “For the Love of Democracy” gets you going immediately, so I’m on that one today. We all have 5 minutes a day we can set aside to VOICE our opinions…let your local papers hear from us!
I am going to wait and see what Robert says tomorrow about Garland’s press conference before cancelling my subscription. If the word “bromides” is in his analysis, that’s it. I quit. I acknowledge I have gotten a lot out of this newsletter over the past year, but dissing the justice department and its leader, with no facts to do so (just impatience), not to mention Robert’s disregard for the operational undertaking of running the justice department, is a step too far for me…ranting like the right.
Re: Merrick garland
Can't Biden fire him and replace him?
If so, and given that he is still in place, maybe Biden knows that garland will soon take action??
I am preparing to do something I almost never do - turn my TV on before mid afternoon. As Lawrence O'Donnell said to Rachel Maddow last night, I have absolutely NO expectations of the Merrick Garland attempt at a press conference. I expect nothing more than platitudes and excuses and certainly nothing of substance. I hope to be wrong. I hope to be surprised. But my expectations for this speech, as for the man himself, are so very low, I won't even be affected when my low expectations are met.