Todays edition for me highlights the overwhelming challenges the Democratic Party faces and raises the concern I have if the Democratic leadership has the both the political will and aggressiveness to make the tough decisions with the support of the entire party. To fix the monumental issues requires stronger leadership than we have exhibited to date. The Biden Administration has done a great job in managing the Ukrainian war by being out front with information to counteract the Russia propaganda and creating alliances with our Allies and by applying coordinated sanctions to create and leverage the collective powers of the alliance . Those same strategies are required to win the midterms starting with laying out in front to voters the plans the Democrats will employ to deal with abortion, gun control, climate change and individual rights. Make the plans simple and doable and easy to relate to in everyday life. Elect Democrats and this is what we will do with you together because if you don’t this is what freedoms you will lose. It’s. It not about inflation or the price of gas etc. They are small potatoes compared to the irreparable harm the Republicans are doing to our country.
While everyone is focused on trump in 2024, please look over here at Florida. Unfortunately for this country, DeSantis is the strongest contender for emperor. He is smart, mean-spirited, in short, evil. He shoves it to the msm, and everyone who is not part of his base and wealthy campaign contributors. My money is on the Repubs throwing trump under the bus, and the rest of the corrupt coup-plotters scrambling to make deals with the DOJ and save themselves. Beware of DeSantis: he will make trump look like a kitten. He will seal the fate of this country as a totalitarian oligarchy. Hyperbole you think? When everyone was laughing at trump as a candidate I was not laughing. I’ll be burned at the stake if I am correct.
DeSantis has momentum but the country in my option does not want another Trump want a be and the primaries outside of Florida might tell a different story. Too much time to worry about that because we have a war to win in November.
stephen, Are democrats running for office where you live?... the drama of our times is playing out in each location across the USA.... The choices we make to be involved are crucial. Contacting people you trust who are working to elect democrats in your community is a good thing. I don't know you... you might be very much involved for all I know... Best wishes, David
I so agree. It's not enough to ask for money to "fight back" - Dems must be clear what "fighting back" actually looks like and what failing to do so actually MEANS. I'm not sure who is in charge of the current messaging, but it appears to have a single focus as a strategy: fund raising.
Nicely said, stephen. I wonder though, about Biden's equal effectiveness in our own country. In Europe, at least, he was among a majority of clear-thinking, cooperative leaders. Nothing like that exists in the Republican party now. Considering the Obama administration and this one, the party continues to obstruct, even by questionable means just because they are obstructionists, hateful, and control a lot of wealth (or vice-versa.)
Remember there is the Republicans in Congress and then there are Reagan type Republicans who think and act differently in our local communities. Those are the people we need to talk to.
I agree there are decent people who vote Republican. Indeed, the Governor of my state is one; but he is balanced by a liberal legislature and sometimes we get things done. (Vermont). BUT Reagan in my mind was the administration which began all this: Courting Evangelical Christians and their anti-gay, anti-abortion propaganda, incursions and invasions in Central America and the Caribbean, The Iran-Contra scandal, "the welfare-queen" meme. In short, the anti-taxation of corporations and the wealthy, the anti-elite, anti-education, pro-nationalism and racism that is the new America. You'd have to go back to Ike...
We have either made it through the worst or the worst is yet to come or somewhere in between. The future is hard to predict. Trumps allies are armed and dangerous. Fomenting confusion, chaos and mistrust will satisfy their ambitions for now.
First, I should say that I have been out of touch the last couple of days but want to extend my best thoughts to you for recovering from your Covid symptoms. Like many illnesses rest its the best aid.
I agree that the current Supreme Court has got to be one of the worst in history and their claim that they simply follow the literal language in the Constitution is nonsense. They simply pick and choose how they apply the language. I am also tempted to agree that enlarging the court will help correct the problem [presuming the new appointees do what would be expected]' I am not sure that is the way to go. I believe all that would do is set off a chain reaction so that whichever party is in control will do the same thing ultimately resulting in more members than the Senate or House and we all know how that is working out. Instead, we must figure out a way to get people to vote. That - hopefully - is really the ultimate solution [I admit that I am presuming that people will vote the way they poll.] The dems have to stop their infighting and figure out what it is that most people want even if less than what some seem to want. Most people are just not ready for major changes, instead change must be incremental. I am old and in poor health so admittedly cannot do some of the things I think need to be done like setting up carpools to help people register and then help with voting whether by mail., ballot box or in person. We probably should send volunteers door-to-door to help explain the issues and potential consequences of not voting. Enough of the "defunding the police" which is nonsensical. We should have learned by allowing the anti abortion crowd to claim the "right to life" slogan.
Ms Hutchinson deserves our admiration for doing what so many who are older and theoretically at least wiser won't do and that is stand up to the bullies and bigots who unfortunately seem to number in the millions. It seems like every time a Republican stands up they become a RINO. I just don't get it. We really are facing a big cult these days.
I feel sorry for my children and grandchildren. This is not what our country is supposed to be all about
This is Originalism at its worse. How out of touch and stupid are these SCOTUS judges? The writers
of the Constitution had no concept of climate change let alone the perils of climate change. Reversing the lower courts intelligent decision is nothing more than pure egocentric Originalist constitutional interpretation by the pathetic judges. The SCOTUS as helped to complete and legalize the GOP motto…..”Be born, be white, be Christian but then you’re on your own.
I agree with your opinion of so-called "Originalism" and suspect that if we could somehow go back in time and ask our founders their opinion of this theory, they would be appalled. I would also add that the idea that federal agencies should not be allowed to write regulations begs the question of how major administrative legislation would ever be implemented. Congress would certainly not be able to write and enact all of the necessary rules, and leaving it up to individual states would likely result in chaos. Whether intentional or not, this leaves only our courts to resolve how such legislation should be implemented, a power that even the staunchest of originalists would likely agree was never intended by our Constitution.
Agree…. why have Federal agencies, staffed by experts in their agencies mission, if they’re powerless and are going to be dictated by Congress and the courts.
Originalist interpretation of the Constitution should be reserved for discussions at Federalist parties ( if they actually have them) and not used to make modern day decisions about issues that weren’t even dreamed about 240ish years ago.
I want to suggest listening to the latest Ezra Klein podcast about the court. He talks with Jamal Greene. It is a replay because Klein considered it very relevant given what is playing out this week with court rulings in particular. This talk is very elucidating. Making comparisons between court systems in other countries and how rights are considered differently than in the US. Greene talks about a very different way to change the structure of the participants in the court that relieves the current problem of the Supreme Court consisting of judges who are locked into a perspective creating a lack of discourse and true consideration of issues before the court.
Thanks, Carolyn. I will listen. But I note that any change to the structure of the Court would likely require a constitutional amendment--2/3 approval in Congress, 3/4 ratification by the states (38). I doubt that will ever happen. Enlarging the Court requires a majority vote in both chambers of Congress. We can do that.
Well, that is a good question. But I believe that many state militias are part of the "national guard" and therefore in the presidential chain of command. If the Court said the president could not control the military, that would strip the Commander in Chief of much of his / her constitutional authority.
The January 6th Committee may have a significant effect on the North Carolina re-districting case. That’s because the “ independent state legislature” hooey is largely a product of Republican attempts to reverse the 2020 election. As the committee shows the corruption at work ever more clearly, we may hope that at least one of the yahoos on the Supreme Court decides that the North Carolina case would be a bridge too far.
Robert - Thanks! Sleep. Send the bug packing. If you need more than 48 hours, take more.
Todays edition for me highlights the overwhelming challenges the Democratic Party faces and raises the concern I have if the Democratic leadership has the both the political will and aggressiveness to make the tough decisions with the support of the entire party. To fix the monumental issues requires stronger leadership than we have exhibited to date. The Biden Administration has done a great job in managing the Ukrainian war by being out front with information to counteract the Russia propaganda and creating alliances with our Allies and by applying coordinated sanctions to create and leverage the collective powers of the alliance . Those same strategies are required to win the midterms starting with laying out in front to voters the plans the Democrats will employ to deal with abortion, gun control, climate change and individual rights. Make the plans simple and doable and easy to relate to in everyday life. Elect Democrats and this is what we will do with you together because if you don’t this is what freedoms you will lose. It’s. It not about inflation or the price of gas etc. They are small potatoes compared to the irreparable harm the Republicans are doing to our country.
While everyone is focused on trump in 2024, please look over here at Florida. Unfortunately for this country, DeSantis is the strongest contender for emperor. He is smart, mean-spirited, in short, evil. He shoves it to the msm, and everyone who is not part of his base and wealthy campaign contributors. My money is on the Repubs throwing trump under the bus, and the rest of the corrupt coup-plotters scrambling to make deals with the DOJ and save themselves. Beware of DeSantis: he will make trump look like a kitten. He will seal the fate of this country as a totalitarian oligarchy. Hyperbole you think? When everyone was laughing at trump as a candidate I was not laughing. I’ll be burned at the stake if I am correct.
DeSantis has momentum but the country in my option does not want another Trump want a be and the primaries outside of Florida might tell a different story. Too much time to worry about that because we have a war to win in November.
stephen, Are democrats running for office where you live?... the drama of our times is playing out in each location across the USA.... The choices we make to be involved are crucial. Contacting people you trust who are working to elect democrats in your community is a good thing. I don't know you... you might be very much involved for all I know... Best wishes, David
I so agree. It's not enough to ask for money to "fight back" - Dems must be clear what "fighting back" actually looks like and what failing to do so actually MEANS. I'm not sure who is in charge of the current messaging, but it appears to have a single focus as a strategy: fund raising.
Nicely said, stephen. I wonder though, about Biden's equal effectiveness in our own country. In Europe, at least, he was among a majority of clear-thinking, cooperative leaders. Nothing like that exists in the Republican party now. Considering the Obama administration and this one, the party continues to obstruct, even by questionable means just because they are obstructionists, hateful, and control a lot of wealth (or vice-versa.)
Remember there is the Republicans in Congress and then there are Reagan type Republicans who think and act differently in our local communities. Those are the people we need to talk to.
I agree there are decent people who vote Republican. Indeed, the Governor of my state is one; but he is balanced by a liberal legislature and sometimes we get things done. (Vermont). BUT Reagan in my mind was the administration which began all this: Courting Evangelical Christians and their anti-gay, anti-abortion propaganda, incursions and invasions in Central America and the Caribbean, The Iran-Contra scandal, "the welfare-queen" meme. In short, the anti-taxation of corporations and the wealthy, the anti-elite, anti-education, pro-nationalism and racism that is the new America. You'd have to go back to Ike...
"Per the WSJ,
'Democrats want to use the Jan. 6 investigation to paint the entire Republican Party as a gang of insurrectionist nuts. '"
Well, if the shoe fits . . . .
This old retired teacher is 75 today!
We have either made it through the worst or the worst is yet to come or somewhere in between. The future is hard to predict. Trumps allies are armed and dangerous. Fomenting confusion, chaos and mistrust will satisfy their ambitions for now.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy three quarters of a century, David!
Happy birthday! You caught up with me!
Trump's allies
Feel better and thank YOU for making us feel more optimistic.
First, I should say that I have been out of touch the last couple of days but want to extend my best thoughts to you for recovering from your Covid symptoms. Like many illnesses rest its the best aid.
I agree that the current Supreme Court has got to be one of the worst in history and their claim that they simply follow the literal language in the Constitution is nonsense. They simply pick and choose how they apply the language. I am also tempted to agree that enlarging the court will help correct the problem [presuming the new appointees do what would be expected]' I am not sure that is the way to go. I believe all that would do is set off a chain reaction so that whichever party is in control will do the same thing ultimately resulting in more members than the Senate or House and we all know how that is working out. Instead, we must figure out a way to get people to vote. That - hopefully - is really the ultimate solution [I admit that I am presuming that people will vote the way they poll.] The dems have to stop their infighting and figure out what it is that most people want even if less than what some seem to want. Most people are just not ready for major changes, instead change must be incremental. I am old and in poor health so admittedly cannot do some of the things I think need to be done like setting up carpools to help people register and then help with voting whether by mail., ballot box or in person. We probably should send volunteers door-to-door to help explain the issues and potential consequences of not voting. Enough of the "defunding the police" which is nonsensical. We should have learned by allowing the anti abortion crowd to claim the "right to life" slogan.
Ms Hutchinson deserves our admiration for doing what so many who are older and theoretically at least wiser won't do and that is stand up to the bullies and bigots who unfortunately seem to number in the millions. It seems like every time a Republican stands up they become a RINO. I just don't get it. We really are facing a big cult these days.
I feel sorry for my children and grandchildren. This is not what our country is supposed to be all about
EPA ruling:
This is Originalism at its worse. How out of touch and stupid are these SCOTUS judges? The writers
of the Constitution had no concept of climate change let alone the perils of climate change. Reversing the lower courts intelligent decision is nothing more than pure egocentric Originalist constitutional interpretation by the pathetic judges. The SCOTUS as helped to complete and legalize the GOP motto…..”Be born, be white, be Christian but then you’re on your own.
One again,…”I’m mad as hell”
I agree with your opinion of so-called "Originalism" and suspect that if we could somehow go back in time and ask our founders their opinion of this theory, they would be appalled. I would also add that the idea that federal agencies should not be allowed to write regulations begs the question of how major administrative legislation would ever be implemented. Congress would certainly not be able to write and enact all of the necessary rules, and leaving it up to individual states would likely result in chaos. Whether intentional or not, this leaves only our courts to resolve how such legislation should be implemented, a power that even the staunchest of originalists would likely agree was never intended by our Constitution.
Agree…. why have Federal agencies, staffed by experts in their agencies mission, if they’re powerless and are going to be dictated by Congress and the courts.
Originalist interpretation of the Constitution should be reserved for discussions at Federalist parties ( if they actually have them) and not used to make modern day decisions about issues that weren’t even dreamed about 240ish years ago.
Thank you again Robert for clarifying the despicable actions of the renegade court majority.
Please do rest well and sleep all you can!
May you get completely well very soon.
I want to suggest listening to the latest Ezra Klein podcast about the court. He talks with Jamal Greene. It is a replay because Klein considered it very relevant given what is playing out this week with court rulings in particular. This talk is very elucidating. Making comparisons between court systems in other countries and how rights are considered differently than in the US. Greene talks about a very different way to change the structure of the participants in the court that relieves the current problem of the Supreme Court consisting of judges who are locked into a perspective creating a lack of discourse and true consideration of issues before the court.
Thanks, Carolyn. I will listen. But I note that any change to the structure of the Court would likely require a constitutional amendment--2/3 approval in Congress, 3/4 ratification by the states (38). I doubt that will ever happen. Enlarging the Court requires a majority vote in both chambers of Congress. We can do that.
Excellent article on the Constitution by Jamelle Bouie today in the NYT.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/opinion/dobbs-roe-supreme-court.html
Robert-- Thank you for perservering through this evening. The audio quality was best ever! Get well soon. Floyd Flanagan
thanks for the feedback on the audio.
Looking down the road, I wonder if the Court will tell a President that he does not have legal authority to nationalize a state militia or police?
Well, that is a good question. But I believe that many state militias are part of the "national guard" and therefore in the presidential chain of command. If the Court said the president could not control the military, that would strip the Commander in Chief of much of his / her constitutional authority.
The January 6th Committee may have a significant effect on the North Carolina re-districting case. That’s because the “ independent state legislature” hooey is largely a product of Republican attempts to reverse the 2020 election. As the committee shows the corruption at work ever more clearly, we may hope that at least one of the yahoos on the Supreme Court decides that the North Carolina case would be a bridge too far.
Audio quality is much better, sounded like you were sitting across from me at the dinner table. As always, thank you and to a speedy recovery.
thanks for the feedback.
Sleep well! Best thing there is for Covid-afflicted bodies.
You should rest! We need to ti keep
Writing. Get better.