"Biden continues to take strong but measured steps in a rapidly changing crisis. He refuses to alter his decisions to placate impatient journalists and cynical politicians. Good. That is what is demanded from a world leader who must rise above the madding crowd to see collateral and long-term consequences that do not fit neatly into 15-second soundbites."
Steady we must remain.
On another somewhat cynical note, it is rather interesting a coincidence that as the criminal and financial investigations have ramped up recently against 45, his BFF Putin starts a war.
it's an upside down time and very frightening especially for those of us with grandchildren who will be inheriting the Supreme Court and all the conservative presumably decisions they will be making. From Row vs. Wade to issues of Gerrymandering if that goes to the SCt, transgender & LGBTQ et al issues, gun laws, abortion rights civil rights and human rights are all at issue now and will be for the next half century with this unbalanced court. I too am tired of hearing the repeated news on the progressive channels and how they ramp up the anxiety every which way. thank you for taking your time to write it straight and provide the simple truth to which we examine and ultimately agree with you nevertheless with such helplessness fear and anger from Trumpt to Putin; two crazy men that have stolen the playbook from Stalin & Hitler! Lynda Levy lyndaalevymft@gmail.com
It is exhausting, Lynda. Millions of Americans share those feelings. But we must continue to navigate our way through this challenging and disappointing time. We must rehabilitate the Supreme Court in order to reclaim the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Stay strong!
Be not discouraged but rather prepared for a lengthy struggle. Remember, the many who have struggled for generations to achieve any progress at all despite numerous setbacks. We can do no less.
Grandpa Elliott Small, born Elliot Small in 1944, is a veteran street musician in New Orleans, Louisiana. He plays the harmonica, sings, and is a street icon in New Orleans.
Grandpa Elliott is just one of the featured musicians at Playing for Change.
The following is shared from a month-long series of Black History Month tribute posts in a local Social Justice Advocacy Group with 250 members I moderate in our county here in south-central Texas. I felt it appropriate to share a portion of this post here as we consider the importance of its "Study War No More" message in light of the horrors of what we see happening in Ukraine.
Today we recognize Grandpa Elliott as representative of street musicians worldwide who connect the world through music by their public performances. This particular mashup of multiple street musicians, centered around Grandpa Elliott is particularly appropriate as we watch with horror what is happening in Ukraine from afar. I hope it will bring a smile to your face listening to Grandpa Elliott and others sing “Down By the Riverside.” Let us hope that the message of “Ain’t gonna study war no more” takes hold in the world and delivers peace to Ukraine and all of us. It is particularly appropriate to see musicians around the world joining in this mashup as it reminds us of the unity of the world’s nations in defense of the Ukrainian people and in opposition to Russian belligerence.
Today, let us, as is Playing for Change, be in the Joy Business. Enjoy this mashup performance at the below link:
Playing For Change (https://www.playingforchange.com/) was created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.
Born in 2002 as a shared vision between co-founders Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, Playing for Change founders hit the streets of America with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people. This musical journey resulted in the award-winning documentary, “A Cinematic Discovery of Street Music.”
In 2005, Mark was walking in Santa Monica, California, when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice that Mark approached him about performing “Stand By Me” as a "Song Around The World." Roger agreed, and when Mark returned with recording equipment and cameras he asked Roger, “With a voice like yours, why are you singing on the streets?” Roger replied, “Man I’m in the joy business, I come out to be with the people.” Ever since that day the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around The World, and building a global family.
Creating "Songs Around The World" inspired us to unite many of the greatest musicians we met throughout our journey and form the Playing For Change Band. Grandpa Elliott is just one of these musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language. The band now, including Grandpa Elliott and many others tours the world, spreading the message of love and hope to audiences everywhere.
It’s been an exciting 20-year journey for the Playing for Change team producing new music collaborations, creating a music and art school foundation for children, and unifying the world through music - no matter where you come from.
We must remember that Russia is the largest country in the world. However, it is also among the poorest. Its GDP ranks it as 12th largest in the world placing it behind many of the NATO countries including Germany, France, and Italy, and only barely larger than that of Spain. However, if we look at its per capita GDP it is among the poorest of countries and poorer than virtually every country in NATO including NATO's Central and Eastern European members such as Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, and Estonia. It is not only a poor country but its economy is almost monolithic and tied inextricably to extraction industries, primarily oil and gas. Additionally, its petroleum industry is among the least technological of all nations depending heavily upon Western partners' expertise and technology to tap those resources. This is not the world-leading and independent power Putin imagines it to be. Having a growing democratic neighboring country endangers Putin's power over his own country as a country with so many cultural similarities to Russia serves as a reminder to his own countrymen that they too could have a better life. He can keep pulling the wool over their eyes only so long before his grip on power fades. His best hope is that he dies before that happens. He has no plans for a successor and cares not who eventually takes his place. He plans to go to his grave as President of Russia.
we reached a modicum of success with a more balanced Supreme Court until the psychopath appointed two of THE most conservatives and if Roe vs. Wade is overturned we are falling back rather than moving forward. setbacks like that have ramifications beyond repair. I don't know what country you're living in but this is not the country I'm loving at this time. it's the best place no doubt however human and civil rights each day are not improving and the levels of humanity are decreasing and our government is crumbling.
Feb 25, 2022·edited Feb 25, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thank you for such a clear analysis. I saw a tweet of Stephanie Ruhle’s and thought it was good to back up Biden. She says the US govt doesn’t control SWIFT and she’ll mention that as much as she can to refute other journalists criticizing Biden for not imposing SWIFT sanctions on his own.
Yes; as I understand it, Germany and Italy (at least) oppose removing Russia from SWIFT. But I believe that North Korea has been removed, so it is possible by the unanimous action of the members.
If I heard correctly, I just heard Ruth Ben-Ghiat say that SWIFT has not been removed yet was because a few of the EU nations still owned money to Russia for their oil bills and they wanted to get them paid before it was taken away.
The information war at home and the real war abroad are equally crucial tests of our will. Thank God we have an actual President instead of a psychopathic narcissist in charge. Your resolve is inspiring, Robert, and I’m more grateful than ever that I discovered your newsletter. I still find it incomprehensible that people like MTG and Alex Jones exist.
I received this email from the folks at "The Union", a subset of the Lincoln Project. Their call to action against the atrocity that is Fox News is here. Please consider making this call:
The "coverage" on Fox News of the Russian invasion is putting democracy at risk. They'd rather cater to Trumpist misinformation than tell the truth. Even Russian state media published Tucker's rant the other day as propaganda inside Russia. We don't need any more of this at home.
Tell Fox News: Stop pushing Russian propaganda. Put America and democracy first. Please make a brief call right now. The Fox News number is 212-301-3000. You can tell them:
"I'm an American citizen and a patriot. What your channel is doing right now is aiding our enemies. Put America first. Put democracy first. Don't just push out Russian propaganda. I'm going to follow up with your advertisers and my cable network to tell them the same thing."
No other numbers I can find. The other corporate number is a fax. Thank you, Annette. They are not on my cable plan or else I’d kick them to outer space. A disgrace!
Interesting, I read Tucker Carlson’s transcript from his opening commentary last night and IMO he had really toned it down and admitted Putin started a war.
Joseph Biden is exactly the man who should be President right now. Well informed, careful, strong and patient. The people I hear loudly criticizing him are the bigots and insurrectionists. They sound more crazy all the time.
I am proud of our President and have sent him a letter of support. I encourage others to do the same. Imagine the pressure he is under - not unlike FDR or Truman. Hearing from us can bolster him in a time of enormous hourly challenges. I stand with Joe!
What Bush, Cheney et al did in Iraq was horrible, unconscionable...and illegal---and is on us. What Putin is doing in Ukraine is worse--and is a direct result of Trump, his remarkably useful idiot. And just as Trump, sadly but honestly, is "on us," it is on us to rid the world of these two psychopaths. If we can just start in our backyard, then it might inspire and embolden the rest of the world to finish the job. And it will take time, and it will be costly. This is 1939, 83 years later. And we cannot afford to look away and do nothing while these two madmen destroy what's left of democracy. It starts at the ballot box, right?
“ There are no words” unfortunately is the reality of how the media is treating the comments made about Putin and Ukraine by Trump. Where are the words and outrage from the media and Republicans for the verbal assault on our Democracy and the innocent Ukraine people by leader of the Republican Party. There are no words.
Every commentator who has gaslighted the Ukraine crisis, by blaming the U.S, NATO and the beleaguered country's own government, is as guilty of war crimes as Putin himself. That, sadly, includes Tulsi Gabbard, LTC, U.S. Army, who once was a glimmer of hope for this country. Every drop of blood shed by the Ukrainian civilians is on the hands of those who encourage the recklessness of the enraged tyrant. Blessings to those people of Russia who are standing up and saying "Nyet!".
I know you are concerned about the media’s political tilt. Please encourage your readers to watch the PBS Newshour and listen to public radio. Encourage them to donate to their local PBS stations. This is a trusted source that presents the facts without political bias.
Greg Palast is an incredible investigative reporter - has had huge impact in GA investigating voter purges. I have been following him for a while. and now he is talking about Ukraine. His suggestion is that we ease sanctions on Venezuela to make more and cheaper oil available. This would help ease oil shortages in Europes or elsewhere that might result from cutting Russia out of the oil exporting business.
No words for T___p? How about criminal, sociopathic and psychopathic?
And let’s remember that Lincoln and FDR (until December 7, 1941) faced similar disloyalty from those to whom the president represented a mortal threat. I’m not putting Joe Biden in the same category, but what he faces is not really new.
Robert.. my guess is you are already receiving this— I learned of the Kyiv Independent yesterday and became a Patreon subscriber today. Courageous journalists in Ukraine providing English language information. Must reading.
They were saying on NBC Nightly news last night to thoroughly check out org before donating because the hackers now have another disgusting opportunity to steal financial info and funds.
Thank you for THESE words:
"Biden continues to take strong but measured steps in a rapidly changing crisis. He refuses to alter his decisions to placate impatient journalists and cynical politicians. Good. That is what is demanded from a world leader who must rise above the madding crowd to see collateral and long-term consequences that do not fit neatly into 15-second soundbites."
Steady we must remain.
On another somewhat cynical note, it is rather interesting a coincidence that as the criminal and financial investigations have ramped up recently against 45, his BFF Putin starts a war.
I went there, too! I wondered, in part, if that’s an elephant in the room? Perhaps a way Putin can bolster DT in his bid?
Listened to Heather Cox Richardson’s Facebook Live yesterday and she helps connect the dots to the Rs, Manafort, etc. https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/327365416022555/
it's an upside down time and very frightening especially for those of us with grandchildren who will be inheriting the Supreme Court and all the conservative presumably decisions they will be making. From Row vs. Wade to issues of Gerrymandering if that goes to the SCt, transgender & LGBTQ et al issues, gun laws, abortion rights civil rights and human rights are all at issue now and will be for the next half century with this unbalanced court. I too am tired of hearing the repeated news on the progressive channels and how they ramp up the anxiety every which way. thank you for taking your time to write it straight and provide the simple truth to which we examine and ultimately agree with you nevertheless with such helplessness fear and anger from Trumpt to Putin; two crazy men that have stolen the playbook from Stalin & Hitler! Lynda Levy lyndaalevymft@gmail.com
It is exhausting, Lynda. Millions of Americans share those feelings. But we must continue to navigate our way through this challenging and disappointing time. We must rehabilitate the Supreme Court in order to reclaim the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Stay strong!
Be not discouraged but rather prepared for a lengthy struggle. Remember, the many who have struggled for generations to achieve any progress at all despite numerous setbacks. We can do no less.
I offer this message today for all.
Grandpa Elliott Small, born Elliot Small in 1944, is a veteran street musician in New Orleans, Louisiana. He plays the harmonica, sings, and is a street icon in New Orleans.
Grandpa Elliott is just one of the featured musicians at Playing for Change.
The following is shared from a month-long series of Black History Month tribute posts in a local Social Justice Advocacy Group with 250 members I moderate in our county here in south-central Texas. I felt it appropriate to share a portion of this post here as we consider the importance of its "Study War No More" message in light of the horrors of what we see happening in Ukraine.
Today we recognize Grandpa Elliott as representative of street musicians worldwide who connect the world through music by their public performances. This particular mashup of multiple street musicians, centered around Grandpa Elliott is particularly appropriate as we watch with horror what is happening in Ukraine from afar. I hope it will bring a smile to your face listening to Grandpa Elliott and others sing “Down By the Riverside.” Let us hope that the message of “Ain’t gonna study war no more” takes hold in the world and delivers peace to Ukraine and all of us. It is particularly appropriate to see musicians around the world joining in this mashup as it reminds us of the unity of the world’s nations in defense of the Ukrainian people and in opposition to Russian belligerence.
Today, let us, as is Playing for Change, be in the Joy Business. Enjoy this mashup performance at the below link:
https://vimeo.com/91762896
Here is a bit more about Playing for Change:
Playing For Change (https://www.playingforchange.com/) was created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.
Born in 2002 as a shared vision between co-founders Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, Playing for Change founders hit the streets of America with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people. This musical journey resulted in the award-winning documentary, “A Cinematic Discovery of Street Music.”
In 2005, Mark was walking in Santa Monica, California, when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice that Mark approached him about performing “Stand By Me” as a "Song Around The World." Roger agreed, and when Mark returned with recording equipment and cameras he asked Roger, “With a voice like yours, why are you singing on the streets?” Roger replied, “Man I’m in the joy business, I come out to be with the people.” Ever since that day the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around The World, and building a global family.
Creating "Songs Around The World" inspired us to unite many of the greatest musicians we met throughout our journey and form the Playing For Change Band. Grandpa Elliott is just one of these musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language. The band now, including Grandpa Elliott and many others tours the world, spreading the message of love and hope to audiences everywhere.
It’s been an exciting 20-year journey for the Playing for Change team producing new music collaborations, creating a music and art school foundation for children, and unifying the world through music - no matter where you come from.
We must remember that Russia is the largest country in the world. However, it is also among the poorest. Its GDP ranks it as 12th largest in the world placing it behind many of the NATO countries including Germany, France, and Italy, and only barely larger than that of Spain. However, if we look at its per capita GDP it is among the poorest of countries and poorer than virtually every country in NATO including NATO's Central and Eastern European members such as Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, and Estonia. It is not only a poor country but its economy is almost monolithic and tied inextricably to extraction industries, primarily oil and gas. Additionally, its petroleum industry is among the least technological of all nations depending heavily upon Western partners' expertise and technology to tap those resources. This is not the world-leading and independent power Putin imagines it to be. Having a growing democratic neighboring country endangers Putin's power over his own country as a country with so many cultural similarities to Russia serves as a reminder to his own countrymen that they too could have a better life. He can keep pulling the wool over their eyes only so long before his grip on power fades. His best hope is that he dies before that happens. He has no plans for a successor and cares not who eventually takes his place. He plans to go to his grave as President of Russia.
we reached a modicum of success with a more balanced Supreme Court until the psychopath appointed two of THE most conservatives and if Roe vs. Wade is overturned we are falling back rather than moving forward. setbacks like that have ramifications beyond repair. I don't know what country you're living in but this is not the country I'm loving at this time. it's the best place no doubt however human and civil rights each day are not improving and the levels of humanity are decreasing and our government is crumbling.
Thank you for such a clear analysis. I saw a tweet of Stephanie Ruhle’s and thought it was good to back up Biden. She says the US govt doesn’t control SWIFT and she’ll mention that as much as she can to refute other journalists criticizing Biden for not imposing SWIFT sanctions on his own.
Yes; as I understand it, Germany and Italy (at least) oppose removing Russia from SWIFT. But I believe that North Korea has been removed, so it is possible by the unanimous action of the members.
If I heard correctly, I just heard Ruth Ben-Ghiat say that SWIFT has not been removed yet was because a few of the EU nations still owned money to Russia for their oil bills and they wanted to get them paid before it was taken away.
Also read the European perspective on this . https://kyivindependent.com/
Thanks for that link. Very helpful.
Very helpful link Kate. Thank you.
Thank You for this, Martha.
The information war at home and the real war abroad are equally crucial tests of our will. Thank God we have an actual President instead of a psychopathic narcissist in charge. Your resolve is inspiring, Robert, and I’m more grateful than ever that I discovered your newsletter. I still find it incomprehensible that people like MTG and Alex Jones exist.
I received this email from the folks at "The Union", a subset of the Lincoln Project. Their call to action against the atrocity that is Fox News is here. Please consider making this call:
The "coverage" on Fox News of the Russian invasion is putting democracy at risk. They'd rather cater to Trumpist misinformation than tell the truth. Even Russian state media published Tucker's rant the other day as propaganda inside Russia. We don't need any more of this at home.
Tell Fox News: Stop pushing Russian propaganda. Put America and democracy first. Please make a brief call right now. The Fox News number is 212-301-3000. You can tell them:
"I'm an American citizen and a patriot. What your channel is doing right now is aiding our enemies. Put America first. Put democracy first. Don't just push out Russian propaganda. I'm going to follow up with your advertisers and my cable network to tell them the same thing."
Thanks. I will amplify on Monday.
Just did it!!! Now will unbundle Fix from my Spectrum cable service! Thank You Annette!
I’ve herd that the reason Fox and the other bad players on cable are in our cable bundles has to do with current laws. Is that true?
Will do, thank you!
No other numbers I can find. The other corporate number is a fax. Thank you, Annette. They are not on my cable plan or else I’d kick them to outer space. A disgrace!
That telephone number rings and then goes dead. Is there another number?
I heard last night that the Lincoln Project folks “blew up” the phone line. So maybe that’s why it isn’t ringing now.
Just listened to a LP podcast. They said the LP callers blew up not one but TWO of Fox’s phone lines!!!
Interesting, I read Tucker Carlson’s transcript from his opening commentary last night and IMO he had really toned it down and admitted Putin started a war.
That’s great!
Joseph Biden is exactly the man who should be President right now. Well informed, careful, strong and patient. The people I hear loudly criticizing him are the bigots and insurrectionists. They sound more crazy all the time.
I am proud of our President and have sent him a letter of support. I encourage others to do the same. Imagine the pressure he is under - not unlike FDR or Truman. Hearing from us can bolster him in a time of enormous hourly challenges. I stand with Joe!
Excellent idea!
And MSM is playing right in to it as well. Especially the editors. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/24/media-republicans-boosting-republican/
What Bush, Cheney et al did in Iraq was horrible, unconscionable...and illegal---and is on us. What Putin is doing in Ukraine is worse--and is a direct result of Trump, his remarkably useful idiot. And just as Trump, sadly but honestly, is "on us," it is on us to rid the world of these two psychopaths. If we can just start in our backyard, then it might inspire and embolden the rest of the world to finish the job. And it will take time, and it will be costly. This is 1939, 83 years later. And we cannot afford to look away and do nothing while these two madmen destroy what's left of democracy. It starts at the ballot box, right?
Agree 100%!
“ There are no words” unfortunately is the reality of how the media is treating the comments made about Putin and Ukraine by Trump. Where are the words and outrage from the media and Republicans for the verbal assault on our Democracy and the innocent Ukraine people by leader of the Republican Party. There are no words.
Opinion: Dear media: Ask Republicans why they are normalizing support for Putin by Jennifer Rubin https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/24/media-republicans-boosting-republican/
Every commentator who has gaslighted the Ukraine crisis, by blaming the U.S, NATO and the beleaguered country's own government, is as guilty of war crimes as Putin himself. That, sadly, includes Tulsi Gabbard, LTC, U.S. Army, who once was a glimmer of hope for this country. Every drop of blood shed by the Ukrainian civilians is on the hands of those who encourage the recklessness of the enraged tyrant. Blessings to those people of Russia who are standing up and saying "Nyet!".
I know you are concerned about the media’s political tilt. Please encourage your readers to watch the PBS Newshour and listen to public radio. Encourage them to donate to their local PBS stations. This is a trusted source that presents the facts without political bias.
Good suggestions!
I do have one word to describe Donald Trump: Evil.
Greg Palast is an incredible investigative reporter - has had huge impact in GA investigating voter purges. I have been following him for a while. and now he is talking about Ukraine. His suggestion is that we ease sanctions on Venezuela to make more and cheaper oil available. This would help ease oil shortages in Europes or elsewhere that might result from cutting Russia out of the oil exporting business.
https://mailchi.mp/gregpalast/venezuela-can-bring-putin-to-his-knees?e=faae7d2ca8
and also
https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=33e4ec877eed6a43863a4a92e&id=06ffa194c0
Any way to bring his ideas into the public discussion?
Be well, hang strong, take heart, breathe.
These are such challenging times. I agree - there are no words.
Thanks, Marilyn. I will check it out.
No words for T___p? How about criminal, sociopathic and psychopathic?
And let’s remember that Lincoln and FDR (until December 7, 1941) faced similar disloyalty from those to whom the president represented a mortal threat. I’m not putting Joe Biden in the same category, but what he faces is not really new.
Thanks, Jon. I appreciate your historical perspective, as always!
Robert.. my guess is you are already receiving this— I learned of the Kyiv Independent yesterday and became a Patreon subscriber today. Courageous journalists in Ukraine providing English language information. Must reading.
Got it, thanks! I have added it to my reading list and will promote.
Grateful Biden is our President.
Chop Wood Carry Water work ✅!
Timothy Snyder sent out last night Thinking about new letter providing links on where we can donate to some different organizations in Ukraine. Some are medical, some help women and another helps child. https://snyder.substack.com/p/a-few-ways-to-help-ukrainians/comments
Thanks! I will amplify!
He just sent another where people can use credit cards. https://snyder.substack.com/p/a-few-more-ways-to-help-ukrainians/comments
They were saying on NBC Nightly news last night to thoroughly check out org before donating because the hackers now have another disgusting opportunity to steal financial info and funds.
Trump is even more unhinged and mentally ill than Putin - simply beyond words.