In the spirit of Robert's encouragement to resist despair, I bought a flag yesterday. I was inspired by house guests from Bainbridge Island, Wa., former diplomats for the US State Dept. who served in Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, the Republic of Georgia, Singapore, and other places. They’ve seen the results of countries who have lost —or had to fight to gain democracy. Now they're leading a small (but serious) effort on Bainbridge Island to, as they put it, “Take back the flag.” Their goal is to take it back as a symbol of the United States, rather than cede it to partisan symbolism.
Their efforts spoke to me as, for the last year neighbors have placed the US flag prominently on their property along with signage that makes clear their political affiliation. I don’t mind their self-proclaimed politics; that’s free speech and their right. I do mind the appropriation of the American flag as an adjoined symbol of their politics.
My response however had been resignation. Discretion (as I saw it) required low key respect and a refusal to engag or respond in any outward way. But as Mr. Hubbell reminds us from time to time, all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing. This is a moment for doing something.
The flag is not a partisan symbol; it is our symbol—we the people. It is a symbol of history; a celebration of shared identity, an affirmation of dreams for a better society. We are a flawed nation. But it is a nation for which many have spilled blood to protect democracy and our aspirations for government that is more than a place for the few and the privileged. E pluribus unum means “out of many, one.”
Displaying the US flag is one small way to fight despair; reclaim a symbol in service of e pluribus unum, and reject bullies who use it to divide rather than unite us. Next time you see a US flag, consider it not as a political statement, but a statement of aspiration. It might be on my house; I hope you join me and display it on yours:)
Thank you, Robert----you help keep me going every day. I know it has to take a big piece of your soul some days and so many of us appreciate what you give out.
Our flag is displayed in respect for Memorial Day. My daddy and uncles, with one vision challenged exception, fought in WWII. You are right, Joline; we can’t let partisans appropriate the flag. I have come to understand that if you have to display prominent symbols, like the flag or religious symbols, you might not be what those symbols represent. Just because you have a big flag out front does not make you a true patriot, such as those who have served in the military, especially those who enlisted in wartime.
Jun 1, 2022·edited Jun 1, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Joline, I am deeply moved by your narrative. Though a different era, entirely, your story brought to mind why, after 9/11, we flew both an American flag and a World flag to indicate we must be of the world, participate in it as partners with others. Ask not tell. Be willing to stay at conferences and in treaties even when it can be shown, as often it can, that those treaties don’t fully serve our interests, or those conferences have themselves been hijacked by a small number of nations for ideological purposes we don’t share. Still, we should stay, try to affect the agenda, and swallow the medicine if we’re outvoted and be there next time as well….
That was so well stated, Barbara Jo. I believe everything that you said. We must be part of the world, not isolated. We don’t have to win every discussion. Everything does not have to benefit us more than anyone else. We are like a family with other nations. In a family, one does not have to be more important all of the time.
Martha, Type in northernsun.com Earth flag. Our flag depicts the earth as a photo from space on a blue background.
Earth Flag 3' x 5' - Northern Sun
Earth Flag 3' x 5'. SKU 2286 $12.00. Add To Your Wish List. The Earth Flag shows planet Earth from space. The Earth image is on both sides of the flag. Nylon flag with grommets. Flag is 3' x 5'. Do some gardening while you're flying your flag too.
Actually about a year or two ago, I bought a US flag to “reclaim” that “patriotic” symbolism of what we see happened for the right—only i located it right next to my sign of inclusivity of all races and religions, etc. One day, as it turned out, a Muslim woman left me a note thanking me for the inclusivity. She asked if we could meet sometime? Not too long after, we had coffee together! Which brings up another point! It was amazing! I’m a member of a grassroots organization for local change (under umbrella of IAF). Their premise is all about one on one conversations with people and not necessarily with those with whom we align. Even my meeting with an ardent Trump supporter, I found we had a lot in common and now we can respect one another in listening without the drama I used to conger!
I do believe that it's the "one-to-ones" that work best. Something that I recently read and wrote down to remember and now use: "The best relationships are built on shared values."
Just need to find and articulate those shared values. As Robert would say, "We can do this!"
Thanks, Joline,so eloquently stated . In my neighborhood, east coast of FL, I’m surrounded by R’s who voted for Trump. We started ~ 3 years ago “ raising the colors” (as my WWII vet dad used to say ) each morn.
“The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
That is great! I live back in a forest, so no one would see the flag if I were to put it up.
I was feeling that the flag had been taken by Trump and his followers, just like being a Christian. However, My father fought in World War 2 as did my favorite uncle by marriage. The American flag belongs to all of us, not just to those right wing fascists.
After Biden was elected, my husband flew the American flag over our house once again. It was a satisfying thing to do. We must reclaim our country. Thanks for your post.
Thank you for this post, Jolene, and I agree completely that displaying the flag should have the aspiration of unity. In 1983 I was one of many activists protesting the nuclear arms weapons buildup at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, NY. We staged a march and were countered by angry Romulus residents waving the flag angrily at us. I had brought a small flag to carry with me and several of my friends asked WHY was I carrying the flag???? It felt more radical to be the outlier in my own group than to be a protestor! Thank you for your efforts to reclaim this symbol for all of us.
Thanks for weighing in Courtney. I suppose as much as anything I grew tired of feeling defensive about the American flag. The flag has always been a moving symbol for me and letting bullies 'own it' was unbearable. To an earlier commenter's point--if we can at least keep things confusing in terms of who owns what--that in itself will be a small triumph:).
This is a lovely statement, thank you. I have a little insight into the Dems history of not waving the flag so much. The right wing uses it as a symbol of nationalism, whereas the more liberal folks, until recently, had a vision of world unity with national boundaries and their symbols standing for division and discord. Just saying...there is a return to pride of place and your point is well taken. Just like when the Republicans say, "Americans agree..."as if they speak for all of us when they do not.
The campaign of Herschel Walker will be very interesting to watch. Mr. Walker is clearly not up for the job and Mr. Warnock clearly is. Let's hope Georgia has enough Dems and non-MAGA Republicans to shut down this travesty.
But on the other hand, he is so awful, so uninformed, that he'll probably be given a role like that for MTG. I believe there are many Georgians that are chagrined to have put forward both MENSA members.
"The failure to be transparent and truthful is damaging the credibility of law enforcement officers across the nation." Sadly the police have yielded the credibility they should have. The following comment is an example of the police's loss of credibility. It is from an opinion piece about New York police in the New York Daily News on March 15 this year. The newspaper is generally right wing. The writer, MK Kaishian, is a civil rights attorney. He wrote:" Police lie under oath so often there is a word for it: testilying"
Jun 1, 2022·edited Jun 1, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Understandable versus justifiable.
As we evaluate the local law enforcement response during the Uvalde tragic school shooting it is important to distinguish between what is understandable and what is justifiable and the lessons that can be learned from that. I have mentioned previously having served as a combat medic in Vietnam. I am very much aware of the horror, indeed terror of being fired upon at close range by military automatic weapons using ammunition of the same caliber as an AR15 or AK47. I have seen up close, all to close, and too many times the horrific wounds these weapons inflict, their power, and watched too many young soldiers and civilians die from such wounds, often bleeding out. Anyone who has served in a hot combat zone understands well the terror these weapons cause in any rational person. So it is understandable that law enforcement would be intimidated and hesitant to engage the teenage assailant in Uvalde.
But it is not justifiable. Virtually every soldier who has been in combat understands what is expected of them and rises to the challenge. In Vietnam I often rendered emergency medical aid while being fired upon by similar weapons, too often. Not because I was brave. I was terrified, but it was my job and what was expected of me by those who sent me and those I served with. The danger to me and all I served with and our actions under fire were justifiable based on our jobs, the missions, and the expectations we had of each other.
The actions of law enforcement resources who held back and failed to engage the Uvalde school assailant are not justifiable. The victims of the shooting, the parents and family members of those victims, the citizens of Uvalde, and indeed all of us expected more. Those law enforcement personnel were apparently trained to respond to such incidents. They were equipped with the necessary arms and equipment. Waiting so long for a janitor to supply a key is perhaps the weakest of excuses one could imagine. It is hardly a rational case that there were any “negotiations” in progress with the assailant. Whatever the excuses offered in defense of the law enforcement response in this incident they are unjustifiable and appropriate opprobrium and disciplinary action should be taken on those involved. I also believe as in so many similar cases, “following orders” is a lousy excuse. There are times in critical situations and emergencies where individual initiative should be expected.
Well stated! And every officer had an independent duty to save the children first by confronting the shooter, orders notwithstanding. If any one of them had a child in the classroom, that is what he would have done. Indeed, one Border Patrol Agent had a child i the school. He was getting a haircut when the shooting started. He grabbed a rifle and ran into the school to save his child (and wife, who was a teacher). He managed to see both of them to safety and helped other children escape. But even he stopped there, allowing a gunman to remain with other children whose parents were not law enforcement officers and kept at bay by police outside the school.
"Trump is on a losing streak that bodes ill for his continued ascendancy in the GOP, a party he is currently holding hostage"
I don't think Trump is holding the GOP hostage. It has always been a symbiotic relationship. The party demanded a candidate like Trump and Trump was smart enough to understand what the party wanted and gave it to them in return for what he could con from them. The sad part is that the GOP base does not see the con. They live on White Grievance and Owning the Libs.
Robert, there is so much information and encouragement in this newsletter. Thank you.
I had not heard that the teacher had closed
the door that she had briefly propped open. I am so happy to hear that because I was thinking how terrible that teacher must be feeling.
I am glad that we are sending missiles to the Ukrainians. However, they should be longer range missiles. The Russians have been firing long range missiles at Ukraine from Russia and from ships at sea. The Ukrainians should have the benefit of firing from a safer distance and also be able to take out the missile systems in Russia and at sea. Haven’t the Ukrainian people suffered enough losses?
They must retake their ports and the rest of their land. Then maybe Russia might end this war.
We have got to stop advertising what weapons we are sending and when. That gives advantage to the Russians.
The police did not change their story until her attorney released a statement. That is what is really pathetic. They may have never changed their story but for the existence of school security video. The police officials in Uvalde are making a tragedy immensely worse by corroding trust in law enforcement with every misrepresentation they make.
They know that they failed in their responsibilities and want to focus some blame on another person. Pathetic! They all need to resign their positions, especially that police chief.
I hope she is not being charged with anything. She closed the door. For some reason the door did not lock.
If anyone needs an attorney, it is that police chief who refused to allow the police to go in and kill the shooter! That is, in my opinion, dereliction of duty.
Virginia, Regarding your remarks on Ukraine, I simply would note that while I can relate to the impulse to want to provide the Ukrainians with long range missiles, I also can appreciate the measured response of an Administration that needs to ensure that an American-made missile doesn’t turn up on Russian soil.
“We need not change the hearts and minds of every MAGA adherent in America—just enough of them (and persuadable independents) to secure victories in narrowly divided elections. Issues like gun control, reproductive freedom, privacy, and personal liberty can be the difference in close races. Democrats must shake their feelings of defeatism and rally themselves to the defense of democracy as never before.”
I thoroughly agree with this point. I also wish to point out the extreme importance of focusing with a laser like intensity on local and state elections everywhere, not simply those for federal offices. Democrats have a recent history of surrendering “unwinnable” local races often not even fielding candidates. This needs to change and change now. There are many areas of the country where Democrats and progressive Independents and even moderate Republicans are feeling ignored, forgotten, and lost. These voters need strong candidates for local offices to encourage them to turn out and vote for changes supported by Democrats. Too many have simply given up. Even if those local candidates may not be victorious in their first elective campaigns they will narrow margins in statewide and national office races. Election turnout numbers in much of the country are shamefully low. Democratic victories require high turnout elections.
Please support voter services, registration drives, easier access to mail ballots, and recruitment, training, and building support networks for strong local progressive candidates everywhere. The only unwinnable districts are those where we fail to compete.
Todays Edition reminded me of a fact many of us overlooked. In 2016 many voters voted against Hillary Clinton rather than for Donald Trump. Some of those voters voted for Joe Biden in 2020. The mid term elections are all about local state elections and a part of me believes that those candidates running with Trump’s endorsement or style of campaigning are being looked at differently. In two cases Dr. Oz and Hershel Walker are not qualified under any circumstances to be a US Senator and more voters than we think agree. Winning the primary is one thing but the general election is another. Too much is happening and the political climate changes weekly so momentum and turnout will be the key. Messaging has to be local and grass roots organizations will help candidates win.
Yes, we need to try to convince Republican voters to vote against the nihilism of their party, but we also need to reach the 90 million people who didn't vote in the last presidential election. More people didn't vote than the total votes for either party. We need to motivate them.
Thank you for all you do and write. Regarding changing hearts and minds of MAGA adherents and independents let’s not forget the millions of kids who become eligible to vote each year for the first time!
Jun 1, 2022·edited Jun 1, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Along the line of your discussion about LBGTQ rights, Robert, there is a new poll out showing that 71% of Americans approve of same-sex marriage. Justice Alito, take note.
I was in San Francisco over the weekend, the city where I was born and raised. It brought me such joy to see the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks and driving through the Castro seeing all of the rainbow flags blowing in the wind. Love truly does trump hate.
2. Texas doesn't have enough money to pay all the claims coming its way. The Marx brothers in charge of school safety and protection of children. Shameful.
Robert, Thanks for an especially clarifying and inspiring newsletter today. You made crystal clear the backstory on the Sussman verdict, which had become garbled in the news cycle hyperbole for us. Your lawyer's discipline shines through on matters like this. Thank you!
My wife and I are engaged with an organization based in Seattle called Common Power, which is focused on seven strategic states, pulling together groups of volunteers doing both remote and on-the-ground field work with partner organizations in those states. (We have been part of the Wisconsin team and have made several trips there ringing doorbells and we love having the support of our fellow team members.) CP's mission is "We mobilize volunteers for voters around the country, while investing in the next generation of leaders and building lasting community." One of the great things about Common Power is that there is an emphasis on putting young people of color in positions of leadership. You should check them out!
In the spirit of Robert's encouragement to resist despair, I bought a flag yesterday. I was inspired by house guests from Bainbridge Island, Wa., former diplomats for the US State Dept. who served in Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, the Republic of Georgia, Singapore, and other places. They’ve seen the results of countries who have lost —or had to fight to gain democracy. Now they're leading a small (but serious) effort on Bainbridge Island to, as they put it, “Take back the flag.” Their goal is to take it back as a symbol of the United States, rather than cede it to partisan symbolism.
Their efforts spoke to me as, for the last year neighbors have placed the US flag prominently on their property along with signage that makes clear their political affiliation. I don’t mind their self-proclaimed politics; that’s free speech and their right. I do mind the appropriation of the American flag as an adjoined symbol of their politics.
My response however had been resignation. Discretion (as I saw it) required low key respect and a refusal to engag or respond in any outward way. But as Mr. Hubbell reminds us from time to time, all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing. This is a moment for doing something.
The flag is not a partisan symbol; it is our symbol—we the people. It is a symbol of history; a celebration of shared identity, an affirmation of dreams for a better society. We are a flawed nation. But it is a nation for which many have spilled blood to protect democracy and our aspirations for government that is more than a place for the few and the privileged. E pluribus unum means “out of many, one.”
Displaying the US flag is one small way to fight despair; reclaim a symbol in service of e pluribus unum, and reject bullies who use it to divide rather than unite us. Next time you see a US flag, consider it not as a political statement, but a statement of aspiration. It might be on my house; I hope you join me and display it on yours:)
Wonderful post, and even better action!
Thank you, Robert----you help keep me going every day. I know it has to take a big piece of your soul some days and so many of us appreciate what you give out.
Our flag is displayed in respect for Memorial Day. My daddy and uncles, with one vision challenged exception, fought in WWII. You are right, Joline; we can’t let partisans appropriate the flag. I have come to understand that if you have to display prominent symbols, like the flag or religious symbols, you might not be what those symbols represent. Just because you have a big flag out front does not make you a true patriot, such as those who have served in the military, especially those who enlisted in wartime.
Joline, I am deeply moved by your narrative. Though a different era, entirely, your story brought to mind why, after 9/11, we flew both an American flag and a World flag to indicate we must be of the world, participate in it as partners with others. Ask not tell. Be willing to stay at conferences and in treaties even when it can be shown, as often it can, that those treaties don’t fully serve our interests, or those conferences have themselves been hijacked by a small number of nations for ideological purposes we don’t share. Still, we should stay, try to affect the agenda, and swallow the medicine if we’re outvoted and be there next time as well….
That was so well stated, Barbara Jo. I believe everything that you said. We must be part of the world, not isolated. We don’t have to win every discussion. Everything does not have to benefit us more than anyone else. We are like a family with other nations. In a family, one does not have to be more important all of the time.
Thank you, Virginia, for your affirming reply.
Barbara Jo, can you please offer a link to what the World flag looks like? I googled it but came up with a variety of flags.
Martha, Type in northernsun.com Earth flag. Our flag depicts the earth as a photo from space on a blue background.
Earth Flag 3' x 5' - Northern Sun
Earth Flag 3' x 5'. SKU 2286 $12.00. Add To Your Wish List. The Earth Flag shows planet Earth from space. The Earth image is on both sides of the flag. Nylon flag with grommets. Flag is 3' x 5'. Do some gardening while you're flying your flag too.
Thank you so much! I love everything in the catalogue! You are a sweetheart to answer my question!
I did the same. I have some Trumpy neighbors who display US flags to the max. I hope I confused them when I got one too.
Actually about a year or two ago, I bought a US flag to “reclaim” that “patriotic” symbolism of what we see happened for the right—only i located it right next to my sign of inclusivity of all races and religions, etc. One day, as it turned out, a Muslim woman left me a note thanking me for the inclusivity. She asked if we could meet sometime? Not too long after, we had coffee together! Which brings up another point! It was amazing! I’m a member of a grassroots organization for local change (under umbrella of IAF). Their premise is all about one on one conversations with people and not necessarily with those with whom we align. Even my meeting with an ardent Trump supporter, I found we had a lot in common and now we can respect one another in listening without the drama I used to conger!
I do believe that it's the "one-to-ones" that work best. Something that I recently read and wrote down to remember and now use: "The best relationships are built on shared values."
Just need to find and articulate those shared values. As Robert would say, "We can do this!"
What a great story. I'd been thinking about adding a statement of some sort, but I like this suggestion. Thank you!
Thanks, Joline,so eloquently stated . In my neighborhood, east coast of FL, I’m surrounded by R’s who voted for Trump. We started ~ 3 years ago “ raising the colors” (as my WWII vet dad used to say ) each morn.
“The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
Thanks Kathy; happy to know you are out there. And honors to your dad:).
That is great! I live back in a forest, so no one would see the flag if I were to put it up.
I was feeling that the flag had been taken by Trump and his followers, just like being a Christian. However, My father fought in World War 2 as did my favorite uncle by marriage. The American flag belongs to all of us, not just to those right wing fascists.
After Biden was elected, my husband flew the American flag over our house once again. It was a satisfying thing to do. We must reclaim our country. Thanks for your post.
Great post and convo!
And as always…remember to fly our flag respectfully:
https://www.usa.gov/flag
Thank you for this post, Jolene, and I agree completely that displaying the flag should have the aspiration of unity. In 1983 I was one of many activists protesting the nuclear arms weapons buildup at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, NY. We staged a march and were countered by angry Romulus residents waving the flag angrily at us. I had brought a small flag to carry with me and several of my friends asked WHY was I carrying the flag???? It felt more radical to be the outlier in my own group than to be a protestor! Thank you for your efforts to reclaim this symbol for all of us.
Thanks for weighing in Courtney. I suppose as much as anything I grew tired of feeling defensive about the American flag. The flag has always been a moving symbol for me and letting bullies 'own it' was unbearable. To an earlier commenter's point--if we can at least keep things confusing in terms of who owns what--that in itself will be a small triumph:).
Good point!
Flags UP!
Well said! I have had the same feelings and you have convinced me it’s time for me to put up our flag! I’m taking it back for the USA.
This is a lovely statement, thank you. I have a little insight into the Dems history of not waving the flag so much. The right wing uses it as a symbol of nationalism, whereas the more liberal folks, until recently, had a vision of world unity with national boundaries and their symbols standing for division and discord. Just saying...there is a return to pride of place and your point is well taken. Just like when the Republicans say, "Americans agree..."as if they speak for all of us when they do not.
Thanks Hope--I didn't have that context. Embracing our national symbol, spiced with a bit of humility ,may be a timely shift:).
The campaign of Herschel Walker will be very interesting to watch. Mr. Walker is clearly not up for the job and Mr. Warnock clearly is. Let's hope Georgia has enough Dems and non-MAGA Republicans to shut down this travesty.
I thought I would leave the country if tRump ever got elected but I didn't. Herschel Walker getting elected just might push me over the edge...
But on the other hand, he is so awful, so uninformed, that he'll probably be given a role like that for MTG. I believe there are many Georgians that are chagrined to have put forward both MENSA members.
Good luck with that
Voter turn-out will be the pivot point (as often)
"The failure to be transparent and truthful is damaging the credibility of law enforcement officers across the nation." Sadly the police have yielded the credibility they should have. The following comment is an example of the police's loss of credibility. It is from an opinion piece about New York police in the New York Daily News on March 15 this year. The newspaper is generally right wing. The writer, MK Kaishian, is a civil rights attorney. He wrote:" Police lie under oath so often there is a word for it: testilying"
Chilling.
Understandable versus justifiable.
As we evaluate the local law enforcement response during the Uvalde tragic school shooting it is important to distinguish between what is understandable and what is justifiable and the lessons that can be learned from that. I have mentioned previously having served as a combat medic in Vietnam. I am very much aware of the horror, indeed terror of being fired upon at close range by military automatic weapons using ammunition of the same caliber as an AR15 or AK47. I have seen up close, all to close, and too many times the horrific wounds these weapons inflict, their power, and watched too many young soldiers and civilians die from such wounds, often bleeding out. Anyone who has served in a hot combat zone understands well the terror these weapons cause in any rational person. So it is understandable that law enforcement would be intimidated and hesitant to engage the teenage assailant in Uvalde.
But it is not justifiable. Virtually every soldier who has been in combat understands what is expected of them and rises to the challenge. In Vietnam I often rendered emergency medical aid while being fired upon by similar weapons, too often. Not because I was brave. I was terrified, but it was my job and what was expected of me by those who sent me and those I served with. The danger to me and all I served with and our actions under fire were justifiable based on our jobs, the missions, and the expectations we had of each other.
The actions of law enforcement resources who held back and failed to engage the Uvalde school assailant are not justifiable. The victims of the shooting, the parents and family members of those victims, the citizens of Uvalde, and indeed all of us expected more. Those law enforcement personnel were apparently trained to respond to such incidents. They were equipped with the necessary arms and equipment. Waiting so long for a janitor to supply a key is perhaps the weakest of excuses one could imagine. It is hardly a rational case that there were any “negotiations” in progress with the assailant. Whatever the excuses offered in defense of the law enforcement response in this incident they are unjustifiable and appropriate opprobrium and disciplinary action should be taken on those involved. I also believe as in so many similar cases, “following orders” is a lousy excuse. There are times in critical situations and emergencies where individual initiative should be expected.
Well stated! And every officer had an independent duty to save the children first by confronting the shooter, orders notwithstanding. If any one of them had a child in the classroom, that is what he would have done. Indeed, one Border Patrol Agent had a child i the school. He was getting a haircut when the shooting started. He grabbed a rifle and ran into the school to save his child (and wife, who was a teacher). He managed to see both of them to safety and helped other children escape. But even he stopped there, allowing a gunman to remain with other children whose parents were not law enforcement officers and kept at bay by police outside the school.
"Trump is on a losing streak that bodes ill for his continued ascendancy in the GOP, a party he is currently holding hostage"
I don't think Trump is holding the GOP hostage. It has always been a symbiotic relationship. The party demanded a candidate like Trump and Trump was smart enough to understand what the party wanted and gave it to them in return for what he could con from them. The sad part is that the GOP base does not see the con. They live on White Grievance and Owning the Libs.
Ah, Mark! I was struggling to find the right word last night, and you said it: Symbiotic! Wish it had come to me last night!
Robert, there is so much information and encouragement in this newsletter. Thank you.
I had not heard that the teacher had closed
the door that she had briefly propped open. I am so happy to hear that because I was thinking how terrible that teacher must be feeling.
I am glad that we are sending missiles to the Ukrainians. However, they should be longer range missiles. The Russians have been firing long range missiles at Ukraine from Russia and from ships at sea. The Ukrainians should have the benefit of firing from a safer distance and also be able to take out the missile systems in Russia and at sea. Haven’t the Ukrainian people suffered enough losses?
They must retake their ports and the rest of their land. Then maybe Russia might end this war.
We have got to stop advertising what weapons we are sending and when. That gives advantage to the Russians.
The teacher is represented by an attorney! Good for her, and how sad that in her time of immense grief, she would have to go down that path.
The police did not change their story until her attorney released a statement. That is what is really pathetic. They may have never changed their story but for the existence of school security video. The police officials in Uvalde are making a tragedy immensely worse by corroding trust in law enforcement with every misrepresentation they make.
They know that they failed in their responsibilities and want to focus some blame on another person. Pathetic! They all need to resign their positions, especially that police chief.
Hopefully the teacher's attorney fees are being paid by someone who can actually afford attorney fees.
I sincerely hope so. If they have a union, maybe the union would pay the attorney fees.
I hope she is not being charged with anything. She closed the door. For some reason the door did not lock.
If anyone needs an attorney, it is that police chief who refused to allow the police to go in and kill the shooter! That is, in my opinion, dereliction of duty.
100% Virginia. The police chief that is - as of yesterday - a member of the Uvalde City Council :(
Well, if he has any conscience at all, he should resign from both positions.
Virginia, Regarding your remarks on Ukraine, I simply would note that while I can relate to the impulse to want to provide the Ukrainians with long range missiles, I also can appreciate the measured response of an Administration that needs to ensure that an American-made missile doesn’t turn up on Russian soil.
“We need not change the hearts and minds of every MAGA adherent in America—just enough of them (and persuadable independents) to secure victories in narrowly divided elections. Issues like gun control, reproductive freedom, privacy, and personal liberty can be the difference in close races. Democrats must shake their feelings of defeatism and rally themselves to the defense of democracy as never before.”
I thoroughly agree with this point. I also wish to point out the extreme importance of focusing with a laser like intensity on local and state elections everywhere, not simply those for federal offices. Democrats have a recent history of surrendering “unwinnable” local races often not even fielding candidates. This needs to change and change now. There are many areas of the country where Democrats and progressive Independents and even moderate Republicans are feeling ignored, forgotten, and lost. These voters need strong candidates for local offices to encourage them to turn out and vote for changes supported by Democrats. Too many have simply given up. Even if those local candidates may not be victorious in their first elective campaigns they will narrow margins in statewide and national office races. Election turnout numbers in much of the country are shamefully low. Democratic victories require high turnout elections.
Please support voter services, registration drives, easier access to mail ballots, and recruitment, training, and building support networks for strong local progressive candidates everywhere. The only unwinnable districts are those where we fail to compete.
Todays Edition reminded me of a fact many of us overlooked. In 2016 many voters voted against Hillary Clinton rather than for Donald Trump. Some of those voters voted for Joe Biden in 2020. The mid term elections are all about local state elections and a part of me believes that those candidates running with Trump’s endorsement or style of campaigning are being looked at differently. In two cases Dr. Oz and Hershel Walker are not qualified under any circumstances to be a US Senator and more voters than we think agree. Winning the primary is one thing but the general election is another. Too much is happening and the political climate changes weekly so momentum and turnout will be the key. Messaging has to be local and grass roots organizations will help candidates win.
Yes, we need to try to convince Republican voters to vote against the nihilism of their party, but we also need to reach the 90 million people who didn't vote in the last presidential election. More people didn't vote than the total votes for either party. We need to motivate them.
Exactly!
Excellent edition, Robert.
Thanks, Doug!
Thanks, Robert ! You encourage me to not despair, not give up !
Powerful DEM PAC ad aimed at UUW ( Uber Unqualified H Walker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzUnFQYUpMw
“ As we celebrate LGBTQ Pride month, reflect on the fact that social change can happen suddenly.” 💙
There will be much celebration at Disney Gay Pride Days in Orlando.
The LGBQT community will need continued support as they’re under constant attack. Ulvade has been blamed on a “ transsexual leftist illegal alien”.
Thank you for all you do and write. Regarding changing hearts and minds of MAGA adherents and independents let’s not forget the millions of kids who become eligible to vote each year for the first time!
Thanks, Rob. That is a point I need to make more often. The Civics Center is dedicated to that work. I will mention again.
Along the line of your discussion about LBGTQ rights, Robert, there is a new poll out showing that 71% of Americans approve of same-sex marriage. Justice Alito, take note.
I was in San Francisco over the weekend, the city where I was born and raised. It brought me such joy to see the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks and driving through the Castro seeing all of the rainbow flags blowing in the wind. Love truly does trump hate.
1. You're on fire, Robert! Good job, great read!
2. Texas doesn't have enough money to pay all the claims coming its way. The Marx brothers in charge of school safety and protection of children. Shameful.
Robert, Thanks for an especially clarifying and inspiring newsletter today. You made crystal clear the backstory on the Sussman verdict, which had become garbled in the news cycle hyperbole for us. Your lawyer's discipline shines through on matters like this. Thank you!
My wife and I are engaged with an organization based in Seattle called Common Power, which is focused on seven strategic states, pulling together groups of volunteers doing both remote and on-the-ground field work with partner organizations in those states. (We have been part of the Wisconsin team and have made several trips there ringing doorbells and we love having the support of our fellow team members.) CP's mission is "We mobilize volunteers for voters around the country, while investing in the next generation of leaders and building lasting community." One of the great things about Common Power is that there is an emphasis on putting young people of color in positions of leadership. You should check them out!
I will! And i would be happy to feature Common Power on my podcast / newsletter. Write to me at rhubbell@outlook.com.