Well said, Jim. Robert, your summary is no doubt prescient. However, I am hopeful there are additional facts that are uncovered by the media in the upcoming weeks. While we may tire of the breathless repetition of worn headlines, reporters will continue their effort to uncover the truth. Thank goodness for our Fourth Branch of Government.
Also, I am hopeful that after considering the "narrowness" of the District and Appellate Courts rulings, Merrick Garland will accede to the Court's judgment and releases the DOJ memo with the caveat (per the rulings) that the DOJ retains right in the future to withhold truly deliberative memorandums. As summarized in The Hill, "the OLC memo did not in fact contain a legal analysis of whether Barr should pursue charges against Trump, but rather what, if anything, Barr should say to Congress and the public about Mueller’s voluminous findings." We'll see.
A reader wrote to say that he slightly disagreed with my comments criticizing the media for repetition, which he said is justified given the importance of the issues at stake. He cited a WaPo commentary that has some encouraging comments about the ability of 4-in-10 Trump voters to change their minds. See https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/08/19/trump-voters-change-minds/
Here is the concluding paragraph: ;If 6 out of 10 Trump voters said they’d never lose confidence in him, 4 out of 10 thought they might. There’s a lot of uncertainty and ambiguity in what Trump’s supporters think, even room for persuasion; they’re less uniform than we like to believe. But we might have to change our minds about them if they start changing theirs. Whether we’re prepared to do that is an open question.
I do feel it continues to be important to put out in the universe the truth and accounts of the good that Biden and others are doing. The minds that need changing need to be exposed to a different story/narrative if they are to change.
"We might have to change our minds about them..." Thank you! And I would add, we need to be careful when we find ourselves talking about them with snarky descriptors, as though they were a monolithic group. It is so tempting to use derogatory descriptors, especially when we are frustrated or worried...and snarkiness feels good in the moment....but it works against growing our community.
Here's a really good discussion hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen with three guys who've been studying and pod casting about Qanon followers and their relationship to the far right. I learned a lot! (Ignore the title because this is not about MTG - she gets mentioned for about 5 seconds!) https://youtu.be/iz7HZC6AXBs
First get every registered Dem to vote then work on independents and like minded citizens to vote. Autocrats like DeSantis and Rubio are definitvely vulnerable.
Thank You Mr. Hubbell for that clear and calm and concise summary of where we stand at this point.
America. It really is ok to not be on high alert all the time. I am all in favor of resting in the knowledge that Joe Biden is in our White House, good people such as the January 6 Committee members, Cheney, Garland and many others are going about righting the severe wrongs from the past. The Democratic Party is entering midterms with a brimming basket of excellent work accomplished thus far. We can go about our midterm elections tasks with hope and a clear calm head. At least I am. I refuse to cast the approaching Autumn season aside for drama.
Aug 22, 2022·edited Aug 22, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Facebook and Twitter depend on not being held responsible for defamatory items in third party content, thanks to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. If they were subject to the same sort of liability as their competitors in print and broadcast media, they would have to spend far more money in viewing and moderating posts and ads. The MAGA violence promoters on social media rely on this cover provided by the federal law. Sure somebody could try to sue the violence promoters themselves but they don't have any assets, generally. I think it's time to look into repealing Section 230. Facebook and Twitter have become behemoths thanks in large measure to this government provided protection (in addition to the fact that the government created the internet platform in the first place). Social media companies will claim that without section 230 it will cost them too much money to adequately police their sites. To that the response should be that perhaps social media companies are not a viable business model since they can only remain profitable due to this governmental protection and subsidy created especially for them.
Brilliant: To that the response should be that perhaps social media companies are not a viable business model since they can only remain profitable due to this governmental protection and subsidy created especially for them.
An attractive idea, but in the end I think I come down on the side of free speech, even with all its costs. As Justice Holmes wrote, the true test of truth is its power to be accepted in the marketplace of ideas.
Hi, Jon. I rarely disagree with anything your write. But here, John's proposal doesn't do anything to limit free speech; it removes a subsidy available only to a small portion of the media ecosystem. If the protections of Section 230 make sense, we should make it available to all media, not just those that serve as a platform for social media apps. Do we really want to give Fox News and Rupert Murdoch immunity from what their on-air entertainers say? Of course, the social media platforms provide a public space for non-journalists to speak, but they do so in a way that generates revenue for the social media platforms. So, in the end, the profit motives are the same for Fox and Facebook, even though the speakers are different.
Interestingly, Fox News is facing a huge lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems because of the wild statements made by Fox entertainers that Dominion's voting machines were hacked by the Venezuelan government or some such nonsense.
Would you want to be liable for what commenters say on this site? I suspect that without Sec. 230 there would be no comments on this site, or any others.
I do agree that the matter is certainly debatable. To me, the answer is not clear--it's a judgment call. (And for what it is worth, I have as little to do with "social media" as I can. I have a Facebook account on which I have not posted for more than a decade, I joined Twitter to see my daughter's work feed (she's with Human Rights Watch), and that's it.)
I think Section 230 could be left in place for sites that did not rely on selling advertising or personal information like Facebook and Twitter do. That means websites that had a fundamentally different mode of operation, relying on either subscriptions or donations, such as Robert's site, would be able to continue to operate as they do now.
Sorry for the late reply Karen. The first step I think is to write your Congressperson and Senators to let them know you think this is an important issue. Here is an interesting and balanced article on the subject: https://hbr.org/2021/08/its-time-to-update-section-230
Thanks for the info, John. Did you see the the info on the whistleblower from Twitter? Just saw headline in the WaPo, haven't read yet. But it might provide the opening for this type of repeal.
Good points. But while taking aim at social media it feels to me that we must stop the outrageous entertainment offered as news Fox, NewsMax, and others. It is time to hold Rupert and Lachlan Murdock accountable as well. They have proven their business model is sustainable by undermining the trust in democracy. It is not acceptable!!
Though recently, when asked, I forecasted that Republicans would retake the House, I write to state unequivocally that I don’t accept my prediction. To start, I understand that the majority of households includes at least one person taking prescription drugs. I note this example not only to press the point of amplifying the ability, now, of Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, but also to make the case that the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act affords Democrats the credibility to run both on climate and on pocketbook issues connected to things that matter in people’s lives. I imagine Democrats also will underscore that if they hold the House and pick up two Senate seats (hardly far-fetched) that they will be poised, using budget reconciliation, to pass further transformative legislation addressing some of the major issues facing this country, while also improving life for tens and tens of millions of working people. This legislation includes: 1) capping the price of insulin for non-Medicare persons, 2) extending the child tax credit, 3) providing affordable, quality childcare and universal Pre-K, 4) investing in housing, in eldercare, in areas of immigration policy that qualify under reconciliation, and decidedly more.
Additionally, protecting choice is going to be upfront and center. This won’t be an issue just for women, but also for men, for Independent voters, and for some moderate Republicans. So will the matter of passing meaningful gun control legislation so we can send our children to school and not fret every minute for their safety.
Last, but hardly least, current polling indicates that everyday people are becoming increasingly aware of the import of overwhelming the ballot box with votes for democracy.
Jon, Considering the narrow House majority and a 50-50 Senate, I believe our incumbents (and candidates) have earned every bit of support we can provide.
Aug 22, 2022·edited Aug 22, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
While we cannot let our guard down and have to work hard to GOTV for the midterms, we should all spend more time being very content that we do not have the problems that the GOP has with its party. They are leaderless & rudderless and there are not enough of them working to improve that situation. It seems the GOP is the one who is "going through some things".
My sense is that there has been a real change since about July 4th. Thanks to the successes of Democrats in Congress and an apparent reversal (or at least reduction) of inflationary trends, coupled with the search of Mar-a-Grifto and T____p’s hysterical reactions to it (not to mention the tremendous work of the January 6th Committee), I think momentum has shifted to the forces of good. As you say, Robert, that should not make us complacent, but rather should strengthen our own resolve. As my own small contribution, today and tomorrow I’m making calls for Pat Ryan in the special election in New York’s 19th, and I’ve signed up to be a resource for voters as part of the New Hampshire Democrats’ election protection program.
I am at the Chautauqua Institute the site of the attack on Salman Rushdie attack. While walking yesterday I came upon the following sign. It said “ Everything will be Ok” and it was next to an American flag. A few yards down the road was a big sign on top of a hill which read “ Love”. These are expressions of the hope and resolve of a lot of people. I don’t put a lot of stock in the polls right now if for no other reason than many things can happen between now and the election but several well respected analysts have indicated that “ the threat to Democracy “ is polling as the number one concern of voters ahead of inflation and abortion. The current public behaviors of leading Republicans is getting old and MAL Gate has confirmed what many people already know. It’s not important today and before the election if Trump is convicted or even indicted. It the court of public opinion that is the only court that will matter.
Whatever influence Trump has on this November election has happened. The less about him at this point the better as it may motivate his base who may sit this out without him on the ballot.
Democrats have plenty to run on, positive accomplishments as well as the fears that Republican control of congress presents.
As President Biden said over the weekend in one of his social media posts, all the good and popular things in the recent bills have been without any Republicans voting for them. Republicans are the anti-people party. That’s the message.
Next, it is time to preempt the Republican negative claims that they will campaign on—-a caravan invasion, crime in cities, schools teaching stuff parents don’t want taught, Democratic pedophiles and grooming, Men in girls bathrooms, take away your guns, socialism (new) IRS will audit you and FBI in your home, inflation. Pelosi is corrupt.
Don’t fall for the lies and compare a congress with Jim Jordan, MT Green, Cruz , Hawley, in control with McConnell deciding on judges, to the congress we have now
Robert, I too appreciate your hopeful, realistic and plausibility optimistic report on the upcoming election. However, again I point out that there is no such thing as an “expert” on political prognostication. Of course, there are professionals in this realm, but I summit that you and many of your committed readers/activists would qualify as “experts” in reading political tea leaves. We certainly know that polling is a quite inexact “science,” yet it is frequently reported as determinative of a future event. In short, we should not mitigate our hopefulness or reduce confidence in the effectiveness of our efforts simply on the ground of uncertainty, much less the absence of “expertise.”
Thanks for another great newsletter! I just wanted to add that I participated in a training with https://workingfamilies.org/ on Saturday. I was very impressed. They have great ways for people to donate and volunteer for important races. They also offer great resources for candidates running at every level. Just wanted to pass that option along.
Thank you for providing the umbrella for me to use during the upcoming media thunderstorm. Having been trained as a journalist in the 60s, I remember the dictum ,” If it bleeds, it leads.” So wish that had been “ let us refrain from assaulting the brain.”
Mr. Hubbell, I really appreciate your newsletter today. You have confirmed for me the uneasy feeling I have had that we are just not going to get the quick results we would like as these multitudes of investigations play out. Your message has given me permission to tune out the media a little for the next few weeks, freeing me from going down that "hole." What I will do with all the extra time is go to work for Vote Forward and get as many letters in the mail as I can, to voters in Michigan and other places. Because of your level-headed steadiness in these times, and especially this morning, I will be "hopeful but not complacent!" Thank you again!
Well. . . THAT was depressing. (And yes, I read the whole thing.)
But I was inspried last night as I once again watched PBS's presentation of Les Miserables' 25th. "Will you join in our crusade?" the schoolboy revolutionaries asked. And I will find strength in their cry of "One more day - one day more!" Will you join me?
Not sure why it was depressing. Didn't mean it to be. We just need to be realistic about when Trump will be held accountable, which, due to the late start of Merrick Garland, is probably, 2024-25, at the earliest. But an indictment will prejudice Trump with Independents. So we have some hope that reinforcements are coming!
I think it was depressing to me, Robert, because it all just seems so painfully slow. And I am quickly getting older. It is very frustrating as we clearly know how awful and dangerous Trump is. (A "traitorous narcissist" indeed!) And he just gets to keep continuing to be. so. Why is this evil man so untouchable?
Perhaps a second reason for my finding your realistic update depressing is because of our situation here in Florida. Primary elections are tomorrow. I have had to watch Governor DeSantis making ex-felons whose voting rights have been restored now afraid to vote. What timing for his 20 arrests statewide of ex-offenders who were not allowed to vote but did in previous elections. Add to that, having to listen to the garbage distortions being spouted by both Senators Rubio and Scott. They lie, you know.
Is iit any wonder that I am depressed? So maybe, as they say: "It's not you; it's me!"
Oh . . I forgot to mention the governor's Education Tour. He was here in Miami yesterday, supporting his school board picks. Can you imagine?! Like Trump, violating "norms." These seats are non-partisan. Talk about autoritarian. He himself is up for relection this year. It will be a fight. And fight we will - to make him a one-termer. But it won't be easy. Blue City Mouse and Red Country Mouse Florida. Must remember to breathe.
Two thoughts: First, the pessimist in me doubts they will ever indict Trump but the optimist points out that if they decline to do so, Trump's supporters will scream about how that proves he's innocent of all crimes just like they did when the Muller Report didn't end up delineating a prosecutable crime. It might actually be better for the left if the final indictment decisions do not come out before the elections. The threat of indictment, suspense and drama might be more powerful. It sure did work out that way for Comey with his (eye brow waggle) "but wait - there are tons more emails we just found and there is likely to be something terrible to find in all those!" eleven days before the 2016 election.
Second, is there some possibility that the J6 committee is pursuing information on the discussions within the White House after J6 re Trump's capabilities because that is further indication those most in the know believed he was directly responsible for the insurrection? In that case, it does relate directly to a case for his indictment.
Thanks for a sane and realistic report. Your optimism shines through all the negative newspeak.
Well said, Jim. Robert, your summary is no doubt prescient. However, I am hopeful there are additional facts that are uncovered by the media in the upcoming weeks. While we may tire of the breathless repetition of worn headlines, reporters will continue their effort to uncover the truth. Thank goodness for our Fourth Branch of Government.
Also, I am hopeful that after considering the "narrowness" of the District and Appellate Courts rulings, Merrick Garland will accede to the Court's judgment and releases the DOJ memo with the caveat (per the rulings) that the DOJ retains right in the future to withhold truly deliberative memorandums. As summarized in The Hill, "the OLC memo did not in fact contain a legal analysis of whether Barr should pursue charges against Trump, but rather what, if anything, Barr should say to Congress and the public about Mueller’s voluminous findings." We'll see.
A reader wrote to say that he slightly disagreed with my comments criticizing the media for repetition, which he said is justified given the importance of the issues at stake. He cited a WaPo commentary that has some encouraging comments about the ability of 4-in-10 Trump voters to change their minds. See https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/08/19/trump-voters-change-minds/
Here is the concluding paragraph: ;If 6 out of 10 Trump voters said they’d never lose confidence in him, 4 out of 10 thought they might. There’s a lot of uncertainty and ambiguity in what Trump’s supporters think, even room for persuasion; they’re less uniform than we like to believe. But we might have to change our minds about them if they start changing theirs. Whether we’re prepared to do that is an open question.
I do feel it continues to be important to put out in the universe the truth and accounts of the good that Biden and others are doing. The minds that need changing need to be exposed to a different story/narrative if they are to change.
"We might have to change our minds about them..." Thank you! And I would add, we need to be careful when we find ourselves talking about them with snarky descriptors, as though they were a monolithic group. It is so tempting to use derogatory descriptors, especially when we are frustrated or worried...and snarkiness feels good in the moment....but it works against growing our community.
Here's a really good discussion hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen with three guys who've been studying and pod casting about Qanon followers and their relationship to the far right. I learned a lot! (Ignore the title because this is not about MTG - she gets mentioned for about 5 seconds!) https://youtu.be/iz7HZC6AXBs
First get every registered Dem to vote then work on independents and like minded citizens to vote. Autocrats like DeSantis and Rubio are definitvely vulnerable.
Absolutely! EVERY potential vote is important and imperative.
Thank You Mr. Hubbell for that clear and calm and concise summary of where we stand at this point.
America. It really is ok to not be on high alert all the time. I am all in favor of resting in the knowledge that Joe Biden is in our White House, good people such as the January 6 Committee members, Cheney, Garland and many others are going about righting the severe wrongs from the past. The Democratic Party is entering midterms with a brimming basket of excellent work accomplished thus far. We can go about our midterm elections tasks with hope and a clear calm head. At least I am. I refuse to cast the approaching Autumn season aside for drama.
Facebook and Twitter depend on not being held responsible for defamatory items in third party content, thanks to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. If they were subject to the same sort of liability as their competitors in print and broadcast media, they would have to spend far more money in viewing and moderating posts and ads. The MAGA violence promoters on social media rely on this cover provided by the federal law. Sure somebody could try to sue the violence promoters themselves but they don't have any assets, generally. I think it's time to look into repealing Section 230. Facebook and Twitter have become behemoths thanks in large measure to this government provided protection (in addition to the fact that the government created the internet platform in the first place). Social media companies will claim that without section 230 it will cost them too much money to adequately police their sites. To that the response should be that perhaps social media companies are not a viable business model since they can only remain profitable due to this governmental protection and subsidy created especially for them.
Brilliant: To that the response should be that perhaps social media companies are not a viable business model since they can only remain profitable due to this governmental protection and subsidy created especially for them.
An attractive idea, but in the end I think I come down on the side of free speech, even with all its costs. As Justice Holmes wrote, the true test of truth is its power to be accepted in the marketplace of ideas.
Hi, Jon. I rarely disagree with anything your write. But here, John's proposal doesn't do anything to limit free speech; it removes a subsidy available only to a small portion of the media ecosystem. If the protections of Section 230 make sense, we should make it available to all media, not just those that serve as a platform for social media apps. Do we really want to give Fox News and Rupert Murdoch immunity from what their on-air entertainers say? Of course, the social media platforms provide a public space for non-journalists to speak, but they do so in a way that generates revenue for the social media platforms. So, in the end, the profit motives are the same for Fox and Facebook, even though the speakers are different.
Interestingly, Fox News is facing a huge lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems because of the wild statements made by Fox entertainers that Dominion's voting machines were hacked by the Venezuelan government or some such nonsense.
Would you want to be liable for what commenters say on this site? I suspect that without Sec. 230 there would be no comments on this site, or any others.
I do agree that the matter is certainly debatable. To me, the answer is not clear--it's a judgment call. (And for what it is worth, I have as little to do with "social media" as I can. I have a Facebook account on which I have not posted for more than a decade, I joined Twitter to see my daughter's work feed (she's with Human Rights Watch), and that's it.)
I think Section 230 could be left in place for sites that did not rely on selling advertising or personal information like Facebook and Twitter do. That means websites that had a fundamentally different mode of operation, relying on either subscriptions or donations, such as Robert's site, would be able to continue to operate as they do now.
Yes! Thank you, John. How do we move forward to repeal section 230?
Sorry for the late reply Karen. The first step I think is to write your Congressperson and Senators to let them know you think this is an important issue. Here is an interesting and balanced article on the subject: https://hbr.org/2021/08/its-time-to-update-section-230
Thanks for the info, John. Did you see the the info on the whistleblower from Twitter? Just saw headline in the WaPo, haven't read yet. But it might provide the opening for this type of repeal.
Ill check it out thanks Karen!
Good points. But while taking aim at social media it feels to me that we must stop the outrageous entertainment offered as news Fox, NewsMax, and others. It is time to hold Rupert and Lachlan Murdock accountable as well. They have proven their business model is sustainable by undermining the trust in democracy. It is not acceptable!!
Though recently, when asked, I forecasted that Republicans would retake the House, I write to state unequivocally that I don’t accept my prediction. To start, I understand that the majority of households includes at least one person taking prescription drugs. I note this example not only to press the point of amplifying the ability, now, of Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, but also to make the case that the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act affords Democrats the credibility to run both on climate and on pocketbook issues connected to things that matter in people’s lives. I imagine Democrats also will underscore that if they hold the House and pick up two Senate seats (hardly far-fetched) that they will be poised, using budget reconciliation, to pass further transformative legislation addressing some of the major issues facing this country, while also improving life for tens and tens of millions of working people. This legislation includes: 1) capping the price of insulin for non-Medicare persons, 2) extending the child tax credit, 3) providing affordable, quality childcare and universal Pre-K, 4) investing in housing, in eldercare, in areas of immigration policy that qualify under reconciliation, and decidedly more.
Additionally, protecting choice is going to be upfront and center. This won’t be an issue just for women, but also for men, for Independent voters, and for some moderate Republicans. So will the matter of passing meaningful gun control legislation so we can send our children to school and not fret every minute for their safety.
Last, but hardly least, current polling indicates that everyday people are becoming increasingly aware of the import of overwhelming the ballot box with votes for democracy.
From your mouth to voters’ ears!
Jon, Considering the narrow House majority and a 50-50 Senate, I believe our incumbents (and candidates) have earned every bit of support we can provide.
Exactly! Get that message out there. Thanks
While we cannot let our guard down and have to work hard to GOTV for the midterms, we should all spend more time being very content that we do not have the problems that the GOP has with its party. They are leaderless & rudderless and there are not enough of them working to improve that situation. It seems the GOP is the one who is "going through some things".
https://steady.substack.com/p/republicans-in-disarray
Yet, take nothing for granted.
My sense is that there has been a real change since about July 4th. Thanks to the successes of Democrats in Congress and an apparent reversal (or at least reduction) of inflationary trends, coupled with the search of Mar-a-Grifto and T____p’s hysterical reactions to it (not to mention the tremendous work of the January 6th Committee), I think momentum has shifted to the forces of good. As you say, Robert, that should not make us complacent, but rather should strengthen our own resolve. As my own small contribution, today and tomorrow I’m making calls for Pat Ryan in the special election in New York’s 19th, and I’ve signed up to be a resource for voters as part of the New Hampshire Democrats’ election protection program.
I am at the Chautauqua Institute the site of the attack on Salman Rushdie attack. While walking yesterday I came upon the following sign. It said “ Everything will be Ok” and it was next to an American flag. A few yards down the road was a big sign on top of a hill which read “ Love”. These are expressions of the hope and resolve of a lot of people. I don’t put a lot of stock in the polls right now if for no other reason than many things can happen between now and the election but several well respected analysts have indicated that “ the threat to Democracy “ is polling as the number one concern of voters ahead of inflation and abortion. The current public behaviors of leading Republicans is getting old and MAL Gate has confirmed what many people already know. It’s not important today and before the election if Trump is convicted or even indicted. It the court of public opinion that is the only court that will matter.
Whatever influence Trump has on this November election has happened. The less about him at this point the better as it may motivate his base who may sit this out without him on the ballot.
Democrats have plenty to run on, positive accomplishments as well as the fears that Republican control of congress presents.
As President Biden said over the weekend in one of his social media posts, all the good and popular things in the recent bills have been without any Republicans voting for them. Republicans are the anti-people party. That’s the message.
Next, it is time to preempt the Republican negative claims that they will campaign on—-a caravan invasion, crime in cities, schools teaching stuff parents don’t want taught, Democratic pedophiles and grooming, Men in girls bathrooms, take away your guns, socialism (new) IRS will audit you and FBI in your home, inflation. Pelosi is corrupt.
Don’t fall for the lies and compare a congress with Jim Jordan, MT Green, Cruz , Hawley, in control with McConnell deciding on judges, to the congress we have now
Robert, I too appreciate your hopeful, realistic and plausibility optimistic report on the upcoming election. However, again I point out that there is no such thing as an “expert” on political prognostication. Of course, there are professionals in this realm, but I summit that you and many of your committed readers/activists would qualify as “experts” in reading political tea leaves. We certainly know that polling is a quite inexact “science,” yet it is frequently reported as determinative of a future event. In short, we should not mitigate our hopefulness or reduce confidence in the effectiveness of our efforts simply on the ground of uncertainty, much less the absence of “expertise.”
Thanks for another great newsletter! I just wanted to add that I participated in a training with https://workingfamilies.org/ on Saturday. I was very impressed. They have great ways for people to donate and volunteer for important races. They also offer great resources for candidates running at every level. Just wanted to pass that option along.
Thank you for providing the umbrella for me to use during the upcoming media thunderstorm. Having been trained as a journalist in the 60s, I remember the dictum ,” If it bleeds, it leads.” So wish that had been “ let us refrain from assaulting the brain.”
Mr. Hubbell, I really appreciate your newsletter today. You have confirmed for me the uneasy feeling I have had that we are just not going to get the quick results we would like as these multitudes of investigations play out. Your message has given me permission to tune out the media a little for the next few weeks, freeing me from going down that "hole." What I will do with all the extra time is go to work for Vote Forward and get as many letters in the mail as I can, to voters in Michigan and other places. Because of your level-headed steadiness in these times, and especially this morning, I will be "hopeful but not complacent!" Thank you again!
Thanks for doing your part!
Well. . . THAT was depressing. (And yes, I read the whole thing.)
But I was inspried last night as I once again watched PBS's presentation of Les Miserables' 25th. "Will you join in our crusade?" the schoolboy revolutionaries asked. And I will find strength in their cry of "One more day - one day more!" Will you join me?
Not sure why it was depressing. Didn't mean it to be. We just need to be realistic about when Trump will be held accountable, which, due to the late start of Merrick Garland, is probably, 2024-25, at the earliest. But an indictment will prejudice Trump with Independents. So we have some hope that reinforcements are coming!
I think it was depressing to me, Robert, because it all just seems so painfully slow. And I am quickly getting older. It is very frustrating as we clearly know how awful and dangerous Trump is. (A "traitorous narcissist" indeed!) And he just gets to keep continuing to be. so. Why is this evil man so untouchable?
Perhaps a second reason for my finding your realistic update depressing is because of our situation here in Florida. Primary elections are tomorrow. I have had to watch Governor DeSantis making ex-felons whose voting rights have been restored now afraid to vote. What timing for his 20 arrests statewide of ex-offenders who were not allowed to vote but did in previous elections. Add to that, having to listen to the garbage distortions being spouted by both Senators Rubio and Scott. They lie, you know.
Is iit any wonder that I am depressed? So maybe, as they say: "It's not you; it's me!"
Oh . . I forgot to mention the governor's Education Tour. He was here in Miami yesterday, supporting his school board picks. Can you imagine?! Like Trump, violating "norms." These seats are non-partisan. Talk about autoritarian. He himself is up for relection this year. It will be a fight. And fight we will - to make him a one-termer. But it won't be easy. Blue City Mouse and Red Country Mouse Florida. Must remember to breathe.
Marcia,I’m with you here in Florida. Wise words…”remember to breathe”💙
Two thoughts: First, the pessimist in me doubts they will ever indict Trump but the optimist points out that if they decline to do so, Trump's supporters will scream about how that proves he's innocent of all crimes just like they did when the Muller Report didn't end up delineating a prosecutable crime. It might actually be better for the left if the final indictment decisions do not come out before the elections. The threat of indictment, suspense and drama might be more powerful. It sure did work out that way for Comey with his (eye brow waggle) "but wait - there are tons more emails we just found and there is likely to be something terrible to find in all those!" eleven days before the 2016 election.
Second, is there some possibility that the J6 committee is pursuing information on the discussions within the White House after J6 re Trump's capabilities because that is further indication those most in the know believed he was directly responsible for the insurrection? In that case, it does relate directly to a case for his indictment.