Thanks for your newsletters and your daily optimism. From my where I sit--in Georgia--and, as an African American woman whose parents were deeply involved in the Civil Rights moments of the 60's and 70's, I don't feel optimistic about the future of democracy in this country at all. Also, unless you've lived in a deeply racist state--and especially if you've lived most of your life in a progressive state, you cannot fathom what it feels like to always feel like you're pushing a boulder up a steep mountain--and have it taken for granted that we will continue to "push." I'm so tired. We're all so tired.
The democratic party doesn't deserve, IMO, your kind words. At every turn, the strategies that they employ (notwithstanding the uniquely shameless behaviors of "Manchinema") leave me (and many others) screaming in frustration, crying in despair. For God's sake, do any of the DNC leaders know the definition of crazy: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!!! We are a big tent, yes,--but the GOP is in lock step singularly focused on taking back power at all costs--that kind of focus without regard to anything decent WILL PAY OFF (as it already has). Will they succeed? Probably? Why? because they lie, cheat, and play on the fears of ignorant, bigoted people who are all too willing to vote against their own self-interests. Racism will destroy the country. Maybe not next year or in 2024, but I fear that I am watching the end of the "experiment"--democracy--happen in real time. I weep for my children and grandchildren. I mourn the life's work of my parents and all those who were in the fight with them. Thank God, my father passed in 2012 so he didn't have to see what is happening now.
As a Virginian, I’m disappointed of course about the McAuliffe loss, but very happy about all that the current governor Northam has accomplished for this state during exceedingly difficult years. He’s been similar to Biden in quietly getting good things done for us. We have a good voting rights law now - hopefully it would take a lot for the Gov to get it repealed.
I appreciate your positive view. Even more, I appreciate your determination. As for the Supreme Court, a decision in favor of unlicensed carrying weapons is a decision in favor of turning the United States into a place that resembles Iraq or Afghanistan.
With shrinking support, Republicans still manage to win elections - by a majority of votes. It’s r-e-a-l-l-y tough to be positive and see Democratic rule as inevitable.
“We control our destiny by the actions we take—not by the worry we invest in the outcome.” Words to live by! Thank you for sharing yourself so freely, and to the reader writing postcards. “The democracy you save maybe your own.” I am still thinking about your rappelling down a 29 story building.
I feel like America is repelling down a 26-story building. But if we land solidly on our feet and walk forward with renewed commitment, maybe we can get back to the top again. Thanks for your optimism and resolve, Robert. And that was an awesome and inspiring feat you pulled off on Sunday for charity. I hope many readers saw Jill's video of you repelling down the building. Holy Moly!
Given last night's election results, I couldn't wait to get to my computer this morning to read Today's Edition. I knew it would bolster my resolve and, as always, it did. I agree with Ms. Watkins that it does feel as if we're pushing a bolder up a hill a la Sisyphus, and I am tired. Not as tired as Ms. Watkins because I am white, but tired none the less. I donated and wrote letters to Virginia voters, and I feel deflated that it was not enough. I am also just finishing a novel about a white woman who learns that her ancestors were enslavers in nineteenth century America and the effect that discovery has on her relationships with her best friend and her adopted son, both of whom are Black. I feel steeped in the history and the presence of racism, white privilege, and bigotry in our country and I am bone tired of the ignorance that holds it dear.
But I am also a believer in the right and the good and in justice. I keep John Lewis's example close and, though I am not as brave as he, it helps me not give in to despair and negativism. If we believe, if we are committed, if we try, we will succeed. As my old boss at the Los Angeles County DA's office told me, "I never learned anything from a trial I won." Let's learn from this and get back to work.
I am a "silver lining" kind of guy. There are clear lessons in the Virginia race. We lost because our candidate dipped his toe into school board hysteria. It was a monumental mistake. It was avoidable. We also lost for lack of turnout. In retrospect, perhaps McAuliffe was just old news to many voters. The parallel is Hillary. What would have happened if a fresh "Stacey Abrams" type of candidate had run...?
Lessons to be learned, I think. The temptation is to regress to the Manchin wing of the party. I don't agree.
I realize that Boston is unlike Virginia - sort of. But Michelle Wu just made history by winning the mayoral election. Progressives won the day in a town that has a history of racist abuses and old white guy domination. Not a fair comparison, for sure. But it's a win that points to the future.
History suggests...that it is in the past. What Democrats need to do now is to look at the results yesterday and figure out how to do better in a year. (Actually, a year and a week--in 2022 Election Day will be November 8th.) Terry McAuliffe was the ultimate, and I hope the last, Clinton corporate Democrat. (Well, there is Sen. Sinema, but she's merely been bought.) So, should Democrats immediately pass the "bi-partisan" infrastructure bill? Yes. And there's a good chance it will be this week. Indeed, likely tomorrow. Should Democrats pass the whittled-down reconciliation bill? Yes. ASAP. That will put the party on a corrective course. Should Democrats take a tougher line on Trump's multiple violations of law? Absolutely. The joint committee--or at least some of its members--should call outright for Trump to be prosecuted. That will anger a lot of people who weren't going to vote Democratic anyway.
And one more things: Democrats need to shut up. They need to stop tattling to the press about every little maneuver or disagreement. Show some discipline, and some spine.
Thanks for this powerful reminder that all is not lost and that VA is a reminder that we need to engage more and try harder and have confidence that we can prevail.
Thanks for another circumspect and positive newsletter, Robert. I feel so bad about the very scary outlook for people of color. I believe I read it in Popular Information by Judd Legum that dark money was behind the idea of pushing people with falsehoods about CRT. That's a hurtful double whammy for people of color. Because of my own work, I had a back-and-forth with an immigrant person of color who totally bought into the CRT and anti-gay rhetoric of Fox and other similar groups. She's well educated, articulate, and is among those who caught the eye of the groups supported by dark money and the Koch organization. And she clearly has no idea that if what she is voting for and speaking out for keeps being passed, she'd be among the first on the boat back to the Middle East in a heartbeat. (She is a citizen here, though, so maybe she wouldn't be sent back. I said that for emphasis about how things are going and how she wouldn't remain a favored person in the system she is supporting). Anyway, we can't hide our heads isn the sand and we must hang in there. I'm planning to take the book "Waking Up White" by Debby Irving as a gift for my 97 year-old father and his 87 year old lady friend at Christmastime. They live in south Florida in a gated community and are, of course, "good people" who simply have viewpoints that show their lack of understanding about too many things. One person at a time.
This number is from Fair Fight Action and can connect voters with both of their senators: 833-465-7142. When your call is picked up, you are greeted with, "Hello, Democracy Warrior!" and it never fails to make me happy.
I agree that I won’t listen to the naysayers. We spent 4 horrendous years listening to that and those years taught me that I’m just not going to give up on our democracy or the goodness of so many people who’ve endured more losses than this yet kept up the good fight. It’s worth it!
Thanks for your optimism!! I believe the key to victory lies in animating young voters. They have the most to lose—we just have to find a way to reach and inspire them. Next, we have to make people in general understand how critically important voting is to the health and welfare of the American people. The apathy is killing us!
Thanks for your newsletters and your daily optimism. From my where I sit--in Georgia--and, as an African American woman whose parents were deeply involved in the Civil Rights moments of the 60's and 70's, I don't feel optimistic about the future of democracy in this country at all. Also, unless you've lived in a deeply racist state--and especially if you've lived most of your life in a progressive state, you cannot fathom what it feels like to always feel like you're pushing a boulder up a steep mountain--and have it taken for granted that we will continue to "push." I'm so tired. We're all so tired.
The democratic party doesn't deserve, IMO, your kind words. At every turn, the strategies that they employ (notwithstanding the uniquely shameless behaviors of "Manchinema") leave me (and many others) screaming in frustration, crying in despair. For God's sake, do any of the DNC leaders know the definition of crazy: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!!! We are a big tent, yes,--but the GOP is in lock step singularly focused on taking back power at all costs--that kind of focus without regard to anything decent WILL PAY OFF (as it already has). Will they succeed? Probably? Why? because they lie, cheat, and play on the fears of ignorant, bigoted people who are all too willing to vote against their own self-interests. Racism will destroy the country. Maybe not next year or in 2024, but I fear that I am watching the end of the "experiment"--democracy--happen in real time. I weep for my children and grandchildren. I mourn the life's work of my parents and all those who were in the fight with them. Thank God, my father passed in 2012 so he didn't have to see what is happening now.
As a Virginian, I’m disappointed of course about the McAuliffe loss, but very happy about all that the current governor Northam has accomplished for this state during exceedingly difficult years. He’s been similar to Biden in quietly getting good things done for us. We have a good voting rights law now - hopefully it would take a lot for the Gov to get it repealed.
I appreciate your positive view. Even more, I appreciate your determination. As for the Supreme Court, a decision in favor of unlicensed carrying weapons is a decision in favor of turning the United States into a place that resembles Iraq or Afghanistan.
With shrinking support, Republicans still manage to win elections - by a majority of votes. It’s r-e-a-l-l-y tough to be positive and see Democratic rule as inevitable.
“We control our destiny by the actions we take—not by the worry we invest in the outcome.” Words to live by! Thank you for sharing yourself so freely, and to the reader writing postcards. “The democracy you save maybe your own.” I am still thinking about your rappelling down a 29 story building.
I feel like America is repelling down a 26-story building. But if we land solidly on our feet and walk forward with renewed commitment, maybe we can get back to the top again. Thanks for your optimism and resolve, Robert. And that was an awesome and inspiring feat you pulled off on Sunday for charity. I hope many readers saw Jill's video of you repelling down the building. Holy Moly!
We need to call our Senators and urge them to pass the voting rights acts NOW so that Dems can have a fair chance at winning elections.
Given last night's election results, I couldn't wait to get to my computer this morning to read Today's Edition. I knew it would bolster my resolve and, as always, it did. I agree with Ms. Watkins that it does feel as if we're pushing a bolder up a hill a la Sisyphus, and I am tired. Not as tired as Ms. Watkins because I am white, but tired none the less. I donated and wrote letters to Virginia voters, and I feel deflated that it was not enough. I am also just finishing a novel about a white woman who learns that her ancestors were enslavers in nineteenth century America and the effect that discovery has on her relationships with her best friend and her adopted son, both of whom are Black. I feel steeped in the history and the presence of racism, white privilege, and bigotry in our country and I am bone tired of the ignorance that holds it dear.
But I am also a believer in the right and the good and in justice. I keep John Lewis's example close and, though I am not as brave as he, it helps me not give in to despair and negativism. If we believe, if we are committed, if we try, we will succeed. As my old boss at the Los Angeles County DA's office told me, "I never learned anything from a trial I won." Let's learn from this and get back to work.
I am a "silver lining" kind of guy. There are clear lessons in the Virginia race. We lost because our candidate dipped his toe into school board hysteria. It was a monumental mistake. It was avoidable. We also lost for lack of turnout. In retrospect, perhaps McAuliffe was just old news to many voters. The parallel is Hillary. What would have happened if a fresh "Stacey Abrams" type of candidate had run...?
Lessons to be learned, I think. The temptation is to regress to the Manchin wing of the party. I don't agree.
I realize that Boston is unlike Virginia - sort of. But Michelle Wu just made history by winning the mayoral election. Progressives won the day in a town that has a history of racist abuses and old white guy domination. Not a fair comparison, for sure. But it's a win that points to the future.
History suggests...that it is in the past. What Democrats need to do now is to look at the results yesterday and figure out how to do better in a year. (Actually, a year and a week--in 2022 Election Day will be November 8th.) Terry McAuliffe was the ultimate, and I hope the last, Clinton corporate Democrat. (Well, there is Sen. Sinema, but she's merely been bought.) So, should Democrats immediately pass the "bi-partisan" infrastructure bill? Yes. And there's a good chance it will be this week. Indeed, likely tomorrow. Should Democrats pass the whittled-down reconciliation bill? Yes. ASAP. That will put the party on a corrective course. Should Democrats take a tougher line on Trump's multiple violations of law? Absolutely. The joint committee--or at least some of its members--should call outright for Trump to be prosecuted. That will anger a lot of people who weren't going to vote Democratic anyway.
And one more things: Democrats need to shut up. They need to stop tattling to the press about every little maneuver or disagreement. Show some discipline, and some spine.
Thanks for this powerful reminder that all is not lost and that VA is a reminder that we need to engage more and try harder and have confidence that we can prevail.
Thanks for another circumspect and positive newsletter, Robert. I feel so bad about the very scary outlook for people of color. I believe I read it in Popular Information by Judd Legum that dark money was behind the idea of pushing people with falsehoods about CRT. That's a hurtful double whammy for people of color. Because of my own work, I had a back-and-forth with an immigrant person of color who totally bought into the CRT and anti-gay rhetoric of Fox and other similar groups. She's well educated, articulate, and is among those who caught the eye of the groups supported by dark money and the Koch organization. And she clearly has no idea that if what she is voting for and speaking out for keeps being passed, she'd be among the first on the boat back to the Middle East in a heartbeat. (She is a citizen here, though, so maybe she wouldn't be sent back. I said that for emphasis about how things are going and how she wouldn't remain a favored person in the system she is supporting). Anyway, we can't hide our heads isn the sand and we must hang in there. I'm planning to take the book "Waking Up White" by Debby Irving as a gift for my 97 year-old father and his 87 year old lady friend at Christmastime. They live in south Florida in a gated community and are, of course, "good people" who simply have viewpoints that show their lack of understanding about too many things. One person at a time.
Republicans had claimed fraud was real in this election. Can Democrats agree and call for an audit?
This number is from Fair Fight Action and can connect voters with both of their senators: 833-465-7142. When your call is picked up, you are greeted with, "Hello, Democracy Warrior!" and it never fails to make me happy.
I agree that I won’t listen to the naysayers. We spent 4 horrendous years listening to that and those years taught me that I’m just not going to give up on our democracy or the goodness of so many people who’ve endured more losses than this yet kept up the good fight. It’s worth it!
Thanks for your optimism!! I believe the key to victory lies in animating young voters. They have the most to lose—we just have to find a way to reach and inspire them. Next, we have to make people in general understand how critically important voting is to the health and welfare of the American people. The apathy is killing us!