Regarding this: “When you claim that “millions of votes” will be “thrown away,” that seems like an assertion that you should attempt to prove with something more than innuendo and speculation.”
Absolutely! Since 2016 I have gotten very involved in the voting process here in my county. I have attended many information sessions, observed the counting process for hours, and learned about the controls- which are very good. [I am qualified to assess this as I had responsibility for control, compliance, and privacy at a major financial institution before retiring.]
While I do not trust that the process will always put well intentioned people in all the counties’ registrars, it’s going to be difficult to ignore the controls that have been put in place.
I believe we should focus on the barriers to voting in the first place. For example, when Harris county in Texas (Houston area where a heavy minority population lives) removed all the drop boxes except one.
Hi, Deborah. Thanks for your insight based on your experience. I believe that every election in the U.S. is computerized, so there is a clear audit trail of votes cast. I think the real concern that local officials will simply refuse to perform the ministerial act of signing off on the election results. That might happen, but as in 2020, officials who refuse to perform ministerial duties can be compelled to do so by court order.
We are, indeed NOT POWERLESS!! GOTV folks, help people get to the polls, send post cards, letters, make calls, knock on doors..whatever is in your scope DO IT!! But don't sit and dither saying "we are powerless"...PLEASE!!
Excellent! I have been astounded recently by friends who should know better repeating the doomsaying. I have tried to calmly set the record straight with some of those facts.
I watched the interview with Barton Gellman (Atlantic article about the coup) on the NewsHour last night. His story about bringing real facts to a firefighter in NY was chilling and should establish firmly in our minds that the Civil War of ideas can't be won with those who live in their personal misinformation silos. They are frozen. And they could be dangerous.
So yes, the SKY IS FALLING and it will get worse. That doesn't mean I am going to jump off a bridge. It means I am evermore alert, angry and motivated. Gellman's warnings are important and frightening. We should be scared! It's healthy to see danger and then to act. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. We need to be alarmed AND armed with good news to spread.
There are many independents who can be persuaded. And money talks. If you read HCR's letter today, you will garner a boat load of positive economic facts about the "Biden Boom". Spread the word! Talk it up! Be a Biden Booster.
Yes, my hair is on fire. But it doesn't matter. There isn't much left anyway :)
I agree with the thought of "continue yelling fire" for there is one raging. A majority of people must hear the call to action and respond; "A Republic if you can keep it".
The problem with the Atlantic article is one of perspective. If Gellman had written about three people who stood in line for 8 hours to vote in 2020 your faith in democracy would be reinforced, not undermined. The plural of anecdote is not data.
I subscribe to The Atlantic also. I ignored the article you mentioned. I am tired of the hand wringing, sky is falling, hair on fire articles like this one. If everyone’s hair was on fire all the time, we’d burn up. Tell me about what people are doing in various states to combat the fascist, performative, power hungry R’s. I’m considering canceling my Atlantic subscription. It does nothing for my mental health.
Not on topic BUT please write as often as possible about the incivility and rudeness becoming the rule rather then exception in society. Is it the "own the libs" attitude of many contributing to the breakdown in respectful behavior? Thanks for all the positive thinking.
Hi, Thos. I will look for the right opportunity. I have an unscientific theory about the cause of incivility in today's society. Many people participate in social medial discussions on an anonymous basis. that leads them to say things they wouldn't say if their identity was known. But they become conditioned to speaking according to "Twitter rules" on social media, then carry that over to their in person interactions.
A reader who is a lawyer sent me the following email, which provides some good analysis:
Part II of Gorsuch’s opinion states that the constitutionality of SB 8 is not before the Court because it is reviewing the denial by the district court of defendants’ motions to dismiss. Seems like a stretch for the Court to say that the constitutionality wasn’t presented at that stage. Roberts & other dissenters had no difficulty saying SB 8 is unconstitutional.
For a majority of the Court, Gorsuch greenlit claims to enjoin Texas’s licensing authorities. He could easily have said, in that context, that SB 8 is unenforceable by those agencies because it is unconstitutional.
The Court issued this decision very quickly and ducked the conspicuous constitutional issue. And ditched the USA case. Meanwhile, Roberts is talking about Roe and Case as valid precedents. Maybe Roe and Casey get overruled 5-4. That won’t inspire respect.
The net effect of the Gorsuch opinion for the Court is to leave the plaintiffs mired in state court litigation to deal with a statute that Gorsuch easily could have said was unconstitutional.
Not a great decision. And looks like, surprisingly, Roberts would like to keep Roe and Casey as precedents.
Only good part is Gorsuch’s ruling that all federal claims can be raised in state court.
Thank you for your straight forwardness about Atlantic’s article Mr. Hubbell. It is getting old re-thrashing the past through gloom and fear. Tell me what you are going to do about it to fix it or get off the podium.
I don't usually comment, but I want you to know I read your newsletters every morning before I get out of bed (6:30 Eastern). Thank you for being there and doing this. You make it easier to keep going--been writing postcards to voters since 2017...
I absolutely agree with your comment at the end of the Newsletter: the answer is not to despair but to take actions to win elections by incontestable margins. With hard work, there is no reason that cannot be done !
I was fascinated, and then very depressed by the Atlantic article. One continuing problem has been how to address the crazy conspiracy theories that our neighbors and relatives believe. One of my sisters provided the answer today: Birds Aren't Real. We're joining the movement! You want crazy? We have it!
There has been a string of Atlantic articles in the last six months that have followed the same apocalyptic formula. The photo used to frame the article suggests violence and decay is the norm and the future of our democracy. Although it represents a moment in our history, it was a moment, not a permanent state. I also noted that the headline in the print edition was much more alarmist than the headline embedded in the URL, which suggests that Goldberg juice up Gellman's original headline.
Thank you for your summary of the Atlantic magazine article about Trump's second coup. I also listened to the NPR story, Host Terry Gross usually does a fair interview with a deep dive into some of her guest's responses. However, while I listened to the show, I was overwhelmed with despair. Then, a bright thought popped into my head, "Robert Hubbell will reference this piece in his "morning" newsletter. I'll feel better soon." And you did, and I did. I am much older than your darling daughters, yet I look forward to your newsletter for your clear and smart approach to the daily frenzy of media stories, that a person can't seem to get away from. You have a calming effect ,yet your concluding paragraph always inspires me to participate. I was a postcard writer and I feel accomplished. Keep up the good work, and it is good work.
Hi, Leslie. I am glad the newsletter helped address your worries about the Gellman article. As I said in the newsletter, we face very serious challenges that we should not minimize. But we are not powerless. To the contrary, we are powerful. Your acts of democratic engagement are being repeated by tens of millions of Americans. Gellman failed to mention that in his article--but then it would have undermined his effort to frighten people. Stay strong!
Where do people like Meadows and Bannon get the money to pay for all this litigation? I can understand how Trump can pay his lawyers, but others like Kash Patel and Jeffrey Clark? Is there some kind of funding network or source, like the $15M raised by Sidney Powell, that they can tap? Some secret rich donors?
The crazies must love the Atlantic article. It (and others by the supposedly thoughtful and objective media) reflects the same negative view that gives the crazies their talking points. We each, including journalists, have the choice when confronted with reasons to be negative; we can choose to tear down or prop up. I couldn't pollute my psyche with the tone of that Atlantic piece. Got about 3 paragraphs in, thought about this Newsletter, and watched Saving Private Ryan, about the sacrifice our soldiers have made for American democracy. Can we really justify that those sacrifices were made in vain?
I like your approach of reminding yourself about the sacrifices that people made to get us here. It is a good counter to the notion that democracy will collapse because of a couple of hundred low-level functionaries who are bound by law and facts.
Regarding this: “When you claim that “millions of votes” will be “thrown away,” that seems like an assertion that you should attempt to prove with something more than innuendo and speculation.”
Absolutely! Since 2016 I have gotten very involved in the voting process here in my county. I have attended many information sessions, observed the counting process for hours, and learned about the controls- which are very good. [I am qualified to assess this as I had responsibility for control, compliance, and privacy at a major financial institution before retiring.]
While I do not trust that the process will always put well intentioned people in all the counties’ registrars, it’s going to be difficult to ignore the controls that have been put in place.
I believe we should focus on the barriers to voting in the first place. For example, when Harris county in Texas (Houston area where a heavy minority population lives) removed all the drop boxes except one.
We need to pass the Freedom to Vote act.
Hi, Deborah. Thanks for your insight based on your experience. I believe that every election in the U.S. is computerized, so there is a clear audit trail of votes cast. I think the real concern that local officials will simply refuse to perform the ministerial act of signing off on the election results. That might happen, but as in 2020, officials who refuse to perform ministerial duties can be compelled to do so by court order.
We are, indeed NOT POWERLESS!! GOTV folks, help people get to the polls, send post cards, letters, make calls, knock on doors..whatever is in your scope DO IT!! But don't sit and dither saying "we are powerless"...PLEASE!!
Agree 100%!
Excellent! I have been astounded recently by friends who should know better repeating the doomsaying. I have tried to calmly set the record straight with some of those facts.
I watched the interview with Barton Gellman (Atlantic article about the coup) on the NewsHour last night. His story about bringing real facts to a firefighter in NY was chilling and should establish firmly in our minds that the Civil War of ideas can't be won with those who live in their personal misinformation silos. They are frozen. And they could be dangerous.
So yes, the SKY IS FALLING and it will get worse. That doesn't mean I am going to jump off a bridge. It means I am evermore alert, angry and motivated. Gellman's warnings are important and frightening. We should be scared! It's healthy to see danger and then to act. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. We need to be alarmed AND armed with good news to spread.
There are many independents who can be persuaded. And money talks. If you read HCR's letter today, you will garner a boat load of positive economic facts about the "Biden Boom". Spread the word! Talk it up! Be a Biden Booster.
Yes, my hair is on fire. But it doesn't matter. There isn't much left anyway :)
I agree with the thought of "continue yelling fire" for there is one raging. A majority of people must hear the call to action and respond; "A Republic if you can keep it".
The problem with the Atlantic article is one of perspective. If Gellman had written about three people who stood in line for 8 hours to vote in 2020 your faith in democracy would be reinforced, not undermined. The plural of anecdote is not data.
I subscribe to The Atlantic also. I ignored the article you mentioned. I am tired of the hand wringing, sky is falling, hair on fire articles like this one. If everyone’s hair was on fire all the time, we’d burn up. Tell me about what people are doing in various states to combat the fascist, performative, power hungry R’s. I’m considering canceling my Atlantic subscription. It does nothing for my mental health.
Not on topic BUT please write as often as possible about the incivility and rudeness becoming the rule rather then exception in society. Is it the "own the libs" attitude of many contributing to the breakdown in respectful behavior? Thanks for all the positive thinking.
Hi, Thos. I will look for the right opportunity. I have an unscientific theory about the cause of incivility in today's society. Many people participate in social medial discussions on an anonymous basis. that leads them to say things they wouldn't say if their identity was known. But they become conditioned to speaking according to "Twitter rules" on social media, then carry that over to their in person interactions.
I still have trouble not thanking Siri.
A reader who is a lawyer sent me the following email, which provides some good analysis:
Part II of Gorsuch’s opinion states that the constitutionality of SB 8 is not before the Court because it is reviewing the denial by the district court of defendants’ motions to dismiss. Seems like a stretch for the Court to say that the constitutionality wasn’t presented at that stage. Roberts & other dissenters had no difficulty saying SB 8 is unconstitutional.
For a majority of the Court, Gorsuch greenlit claims to enjoin Texas’s licensing authorities. He could easily have said, in that context, that SB 8 is unenforceable by those agencies because it is unconstitutional.
The Court issued this decision very quickly and ducked the conspicuous constitutional issue. And ditched the USA case. Meanwhile, Roberts is talking about Roe and Case as valid precedents. Maybe Roe and Casey get overruled 5-4. That won’t inspire respect.
The net effect of the Gorsuch opinion for the Court is to leave the plaintiffs mired in state court litigation to deal with a statute that Gorsuch easily could have said was unconstitutional.
Not a great decision. And looks like, surprisingly, Roberts would like to keep Roe and Casey as precedents.
Only good part is Gorsuch’s ruling that all federal claims can be raised in state court.
Thank you for your straight forwardness about Atlantic’s article Mr. Hubbell. It is getting old re-thrashing the past through gloom and fear. Tell me what you are going to do about it to fix it or get off the podium.
Agree 100%!!
I don't usually comment, but I want you to know I read your newsletters every morning before I get out of bed (6:30 Eastern). Thank you for being there and doing this. You make it easier to keep going--been writing postcards to voters since 2017...
Georgia, thanks for doing you part. Your perseverance is admirable! I hope you continue to serve as an example to others!
I absolutely agree with your comment at the end of the Newsletter: the answer is not to despair but to take actions to win elections by incontestable margins. With hard work, there is no reason that cannot be done !
Hi, Rob. Welcome to the comment sections. Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks so much for the straightforward analysis of the Atlantic article. Extremely helpful. We need that balance to the doomsayers.
I was fascinated, and then very depressed by the Atlantic article. One continuing problem has been how to address the crazy conspiracy theories that our neighbors and relatives believe. One of my sisters provided the answer today: Birds Aren't Real. We're joining the movement! You want crazy? We have it!
Bravo!
What has happened to Jeffrey Goldberg?
This sort of irresponsible pseudo journalism should be beneath him.
There has been a string of Atlantic articles in the last six months that have followed the same apocalyptic formula. The photo used to frame the article suggests violence and decay is the norm and the future of our democracy. Although it represents a moment in our history, it was a moment, not a permanent state. I also noted that the headline in the print edition was much more alarmist than the headline embedded in the URL, which suggests that Goldberg juice up Gellman's original headline.
Thank you for your summary of the Atlantic magazine article about Trump's second coup. I also listened to the NPR story, Host Terry Gross usually does a fair interview with a deep dive into some of her guest's responses. However, while I listened to the show, I was overwhelmed with despair. Then, a bright thought popped into my head, "Robert Hubbell will reference this piece in his "morning" newsletter. I'll feel better soon." And you did, and I did. I am much older than your darling daughters, yet I look forward to your newsletter for your clear and smart approach to the daily frenzy of media stories, that a person can't seem to get away from. You have a calming effect ,yet your concluding paragraph always inspires me to participate. I was a postcard writer and I feel accomplished. Keep up the good work, and it is good work.
Hi, Leslie. I am glad the newsletter helped address your worries about the Gellman article. As I said in the newsletter, we face very serious challenges that we should not minimize. But we are not powerless. To the contrary, we are powerful. Your acts of democratic engagement are being repeated by tens of millions of Americans. Gellman failed to mention that in his article--but then it would have undermined his effort to frighten people. Stay strong!
Amen!
Where do people like Meadows and Bannon get the money to pay for all this litigation? I can understand how Trump can pay his lawyers, but others like Kash Patel and Jeffrey Clark? Is there some kind of funding network or source, like the $15M raised by Sidney Powell, that they can tap? Some secret rich donors?
I don't know the answer, but suspect you are correct. I will research.
Thanks Robert, but it was rhetorical.
The crazies must love the Atlantic article. It (and others by the supposedly thoughtful and objective media) reflects the same negative view that gives the crazies their talking points. We each, including journalists, have the choice when confronted with reasons to be negative; we can choose to tear down or prop up. I couldn't pollute my psyche with the tone of that Atlantic piece. Got about 3 paragraphs in, thought about this Newsletter, and watched Saving Private Ryan, about the sacrifice our soldiers have made for American democracy. Can we really justify that those sacrifices were made in vain?
I like your approach of reminding yourself about the sacrifices that people made to get us here. It is a good counter to the notion that democracy will collapse because of a couple of hundred low-level functionaries who are bound by law and facts.
As ever, the optimist. Your words keep me from succumbing to total doom and gloom. Thank you.