Thank you for your reassurance, Robert. There have been some good moments lately, with Liz Chaney speaking to her R colleagues and Angus King making such an eloquent speech in defense of democracy. I'm very worried about the Freedom to Vote Act passing, but with your good help, I do feel we will find our way through this dark time.
Inspirational message about some very bad actors! Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday, and it is always an opportunity. I’m so grateful to have a life coach to teach me how to face political challenges with equanimity. Many thanks!
BTW, have you seen the photos of Manchin’s yacht? Not your average American.
As always, thank you for your newsletter. I read it every day. Here are random thoughts that were stimulated by today’s column:
1. When I attended social work grad school I heard the term “corporate welfare” and learned just how big a chunk of dough that really is. Compare to social welfare programs and it is many times what is spent on food stamps and Medicaid.
2. Steve Bannon is an evil genius. I wish he would turn his dark powers for good.
3. tRump is not qualified to carry Colin Powell’s dirty socks. How dare he spew venom on that honorable man. I look forward to the day when I never see his name in print again.
4. I’m on medication so am ranting and more visible than usual. All the same, this is my truth.
Today, Chuck Schumer opens debate on the Manchinized version of the For the People Act. It's do or die for Democrats. McConnell indicated yesterday that Republicans will filibuster the legislation. One independent Senator, Angus King, ME, who previously opposed ending or modifying the filibuster now supports modifying Senate rules to allow a majority vote on the legislation. King declared “I have decided that democracy is more important than a Senate rule.”
Republicans Set to Block Voting Bill Again, Raising Stakes on Filibuster
The question is what will Joe Manchin do. Will he vote to modify Senate rules or will he join the Republican coup. It's time to see where Manchin really stands.
Hi, Andrew. The move by King was important, although he has always caucused with Democrats, so I think most people assumed that he would vote to abolish the filibuster. I was surprised to learn that his vote was in doubt. That suggests there may be more Democrats in the caucus who have doubts.
"The death of Colin Powell reminds us once again of how far the Republican Party has fallen. " Yes. But it also reminds us of how far the nation has advanced.
Thank you for the conversation on Zoom today. I get greater insight each time you and others share thoughts. Speaking of sharing thoughts, at one point you mentioned that some things do not change from day to day... including Trump wants to overthrown the duly elected government and a couple other things. I think it would be good to have a summary with three things that have not changed included in each newsletter... very briefly... that would keep hammering on what the main thing is, always. It puts the rest of the commentary in a larger context. Just a suggestion. (Your three thing summary today was brief and right on.)
Thank you for your reassurance, Robert. There have been some good moments lately, with Liz Chaney speaking to her R colleagues and Angus King making such an eloquent speech in defense of democracy. I'm very worried about the Freedom to Vote Act passing, but with your good help, I do feel we will find our way through this dark time.
Cheney 🥴
Inspirational message about some very bad actors! Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday, and it is always an opportunity. I’m so grateful to have a life coach to teach me how to face political challenges with equanimity. Many thanks!
BTW, have you seen the photos of Manchin’s yacht? Not your average American.
Dear Robert,
As always, thank you for your newsletter. I read it every day. Here are random thoughts that were stimulated by today’s column:
1. When I attended social work grad school I heard the term “corporate welfare” and learned just how big a chunk of dough that really is. Compare to social welfare programs and it is many times what is spent on food stamps and Medicaid.
2. Steve Bannon is an evil genius. I wish he would turn his dark powers for good.
3. tRump is not qualified to carry Colin Powell’s dirty socks. How dare he spew venom on that honorable man. I look forward to the day when I never see his name in print again.
4. I’m on medication so am ranting and more visible than usual. All the same, this is my truth.
Today, Chuck Schumer opens debate on the Manchinized version of the For the People Act. It's do or die for Democrats. McConnell indicated yesterday that Republicans will filibuster the legislation. One independent Senator, Angus King, ME, who previously opposed ending or modifying the filibuster now supports modifying Senate rules to allow a majority vote on the legislation. King declared “I have decided that democracy is more important than a Senate rule.”
Republicans Set to Block Voting Bill Again, Raising Stakes on Filibuster
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/us/politics/senate-filibuster.html?referringSource=articleShare
The question is what will Joe Manchin do. Will he vote to modify Senate rules or will he join the Republican coup. It's time to see where Manchin really stands.
Hi, Andrew. The move by King was important, although he has always caucused with Democrats, so I think most people assumed that he would vote to abolish the filibuster. I was surprised to learn that his vote was in doubt. That suggests there may be more Democrats in the caucus who have doubts.
"The death of Colin Powell reminds us once again of how far the Republican Party has fallen. " Yes. But it also reminds us of how far the nation has advanced.
Thank you for the conversation on Zoom today. I get greater insight each time you and others share thoughts. Speaking of sharing thoughts, at one point you mentioned that some things do not change from day to day... including Trump wants to overthrown the duly elected government and a couple other things. I think it would be good to have a summary with three things that have not changed included in each newsletter... very briefly... that would keep hammering on what the main thing is, always. It puts the rest of the commentary in a larger context. Just a suggestion. (Your three thing summary today was brief and right on.)
Jim B