Robert, I write, largely, to thank you for amplifying the invaluable contribution of The States Project, particularly in view of no meaningful federal voter protection safeguards. I also write because, while I appreciate your caveat regarding the media industry’s misuse of its capacity to shape what counts as fact, I also urge we not discount the impact inflation could exert on the midterms, particularly given that wages, despite their having increased, on average, by 5%, give or take, have not kept up with inflation that now exceeds 8%.
Hence, as I’ve stated elsewhere, it would behoove Senate Democratic leadership to press for passage of whatever budget reconciliation provisions (BBB) can gain support from 50 Senators to present as a down payment of more to come if Democrats retain the House and pick up at least 2 Senate seats.
Great idea! The rich Republicans and Manchin and Sinema would not like that, but the voters sure would. I think that all of us living paycheck to paycheck on a fixed income would really appreciate it.
Virginia, Thanks for your reply. I would add that Manchin publicly has noted, that if Dems want to pass legislation he deems too progressive, they need to pick up more seats.
Virginia, To start, I would note Manchin likely is the only Democrat that could win a statewide election in West Virginia, a state turning increasingly red. Additionally, contrary to any Republican, Manchin ( and Sinema) supported the American Rescue Plan in early 21. The Manchin problem ultimately will resolve if Dems can seat more Dems.
We need to tell the story of Biden and Democratic achievement. Every dollar of the federal infrastructure bill should be traced and Democrats who passed the bill without Republican support should be touting the contributions to the economy and to job growth. The Federal institutions should be the source of proud achievements and the source of beneficial statistics. A couple of years ago I was "paging" through the statistics of crime: who was more likely (according to their proportional representation in the population): whites, blacks, citizen Hispanics or "illegals" Unsurprisingly the ranking was the opposite of the stories being told by the racists: with the "illegals" the least likely to commit crimes were illegals and the white members of our society were the more likely. We need investigative journalists to search the data and to tell the success story. Every road, every bridge every bit of infrastructure built with federal money should be touted. Every dollar of federal education funding should be identified. The Federal government contributions have been claimed by the Republican governors as their achievement without attribution.
And yes lets shout from the rooftop the deficit reductions that the "neutral" main stream is ignoring while touting the "effects" of inflation. Unemployment at record lows.
While the Tucker Carlsons of Fox are praising Putin and Orban the free press is ignoring the pending defeat of the Russian invasion and the revival of NATO after its denigration by the traitor Trump.
And finally the promise of fusion to save the planet from climate change with clean energy from the innovations which have been spearheaded by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems with support from Biden's Department of Energy's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center.
$upport Michigan Democratic candidate, Dr. Bob Lorinserfor Congress! Seditionist Republican't Jack Bergman took full credit for the funds to upgrade the Soo Locks in our Upper Peninsula after he voted AGAINST Biden's infrastructure package that paid for it.
Robert, thank you so much for that link to “Republicans, Go F…..Yourselves”. It was very inspiring! That would be a great advertisement on television with a very small bleep for each word of profanity of course, but not loud and distracting.
You know, Robert, I think you missed your metier: You really should have been a carpenter, because you hit the nail on the head so consistently. Those in the media who continue to predict disaster for Democrats are exhibiting one basic facet of punditry: never admit you were wrong. (The other, which is complimentary, is never to pay attention to yesterday’s errors.) We have just begun to see glimmerings of what I hope and predict will be a wildfire sweeping across the nation as “ordinary” Americans (who, collectively, at least, are anything but) take up the cause of human rights, because it’s not “just” women’s rights that are at stake here. True, the forces of reaction, racism and corruption are strong, but they cannot defeat democracy if the American people vow that it shall prevail. So each of us need to be in the fight, and recruit friends, family, neighbors and even strangers to join us. (For me, the immediate problem is that there are so many opportunities to take up the struggle. Time to remind myself that when you don’t know where to start, start anywhere.)
We need also keep in mind that contemporary journalism's primary focus is profits, whether in likes, clicks, tweets or dollars and such news as they choose to report is only a means to that end. Pollsters study a scientifically chosen small group of people who are willing to answer a call from an unknown number that might be someone who wants to talk about their insurance coverage. The output of both should be taken for just what it's worth and no more. Don't waste a grain of salt on it, it won't taste better or be more accurately informative.
Is Ron de Santis the American Putin? He is also forming his own protective militia like Putin's Wagner Group. Interesting that it is called the Wagner Group. The music compositions of Richard Wagner, the great German composer, were used by Hitler to express German Nationalism. And Putin claims to be fighting fascism rather than being a fascist. Projection, the key word to understanding people like DT and Putin, is projecting on others what you are yourself so you can rid yourself of the shame of it and feed your weak image of yourself. Unfortunately, it is never satisfying and these needy people keep seeking their narcissistic supply from their followers. Practically everything the Republicans nastily say about Democrats is pure psychological projection. One good attitude adjustment for Democrats is to not be the narcissistic supply for the Republicans. Ignoring them and talking about what one will do FOR the American people wins in the long run.
Interesting, Cathy, I wasn’t familiar with Wagner : Männerlist größer als Frauenlist oder Die glückliche Bärenfamilie (Men Are More Cunning Than Women) Too bad it went unfinished.
Won't the Republicans be surprised, after all the media's doom and gloom about the Dems winning in November, that the blue vote will result in a landslide because Repubs didn't go out to vote! :)
I was inspired (through this newsletter) by Melissa Walker to set up a Giving Circle with The States Project. The money I raise will go to ARIZONA, where they are only ONE SEAT away in each chamber from converting the State House or State Senate (or both :-) from Republican to Democrat. The States Project identifies the candidates with the best chance of winning and provides money, resources and support to the campaigns. I strongly encourage you to set up your own Giving Circle. It's easy and a way to feel like you are making a contribution to this important work. However, should you want to support their efforts, you can either donate directly or feel free to donate to my Giving Circle :-).
After seeing the video that Mr. Hubbell listed today, we should spread the word, when you want respond to Republicans, you can say, "Hey, Republican Warship."
I have thought that "Hey Russian warship" would be a good rejoinder to "Let's go Brandon". The implication is enough; not sure we need to call out Republicans in particular.
Robert, I write, largely, to thank you for amplifying the invaluable contribution of The States Project, particularly in view of no meaningful federal voter protection safeguards. I also write because, while I appreciate your caveat regarding the media industry’s misuse of its capacity to shape what counts as fact, I also urge we not discount the impact inflation could exert on the midterms, particularly given that wages, despite their having increased, on average, by 5%, give or take, have not kept up with inflation that now exceeds 8%.
Hence, as I’ve stated elsewhere, it would behoove Senate Democratic leadership to press for passage of whatever budget reconciliation provisions (BBB) can gain support from 50 Senators to present as a down payment of more to come if Democrats retain the House and pick up at least 2 Senate seats.
Great idea! The rich Republicans and Manchin and Sinema would not like that, but the voters sure would. I think that all of us living paycheck to paycheck on a fixed income would really appreciate it.
Virginia, Thanks for your reply. I would add that Manchin publicly has noted, that if Dems want to pass legislation he deems too progressive, they need to pick up more seats.
$upport Michigan's Democrat Dr. Bob Lorinser for Congress, and oust seditionist Republican't Jack Bergman!
https://www.votedrbob.com/
MaryPat, Though Manchin specifically was referencing the Senate, I imagine virtually everyone here is seeking ways of picking up House seats.
Well, at least he is honest about that. He needs to change parties or the Democratic Party in his state needs to “primary him”.
Virginia, To start, I would note Manchin likely is the only Democrat that could win a statewide election in West Virginia, a state turning increasingly red. Additionally, contrary to any Republican, Manchin ( and Sinema) supported the American Rescue Plan in early 21. The Manchin problem ultimately will resolve if Dems can seat more Dems.
Let us pray that we can vote in more Democrats to both houses of Congress then.
Virginia, Praying is fine, but, mostly, we must do the work.
Great newsletter tonight! The woman in the Meidas Touch video is “the politics girl”. Her weekly political commentary/analysis is brilliant: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-politicsgirl-podcast/id1595408601
Politics Girl Leigh McGowan tells it like it needs telling!
https://twitter.com/IAmPoliticsGirl
Thank you for the link! I added it to my podcast list!
💙 Politics Girl ! “ I’m fighting for democracy from my own GD kitchen ! “
Yes, we all can do it !!
Thanks Robert. Just got off work and your post made my night! Love the Hey, Republican Party. Go f—k yourselves. I feel this. She nailed it.
We need to tell the story of Biden and Democratic achievement. Every dollar of the federal infrastructure bill should be traced and Democrats who passed the bill without Republican support should be touting the contributions to the economy and to job growth. The Federal institutions should be the source of proud achievements and the source of beneficial statistics. A couple of years ago I was "paging" through the statistics of crime: who was more likely (according to their proportional representation in the population): whites, blacks, citizen Hispanics or "illegals" Unsurprisingly the ranking was the opposite of the stories being told by the racists: with the "illegals" the least likely to commit crimes were illegals and the white members of our society were the more likely. We need investigative journalists to search the data and to tell the success story. Every road, every bridge every bit of infrastructure built with federal money should be touted. Every dollar of federal education funding should be identified. The Federal government contributions have been claimed by the Republican governors as their achievement without attribution.
And yes lets shout from the rooftop the deficit reductions that the "neutral" main stream is ignoring while touting the "effects" of inflation. Unemployment at record lows.
While the Tucker Carlsons of Fox are praising Putin and Orban the free press is ignoring the pending defeat of the Russian invasion and the revival of NATO after its denigration by the traitor Trump.
And finally the promise of fusion to save the planet from climate change with clean energy from the innovations which have been spearheaded by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems with support from Biden's Department of Energy's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center.
$upport Michigan Democratic candidate, Dr. Bob Lorinserfor Congress! Seditionist Republican't Jack Bergman took full credit for the funds to upgrade the Soo Locks in our Upper Peninsula after he voted AGAINST Biden's infrastructure package that paid for it.
https://www.votedrbob.com/
That's really well stated. Thank you for that.
Robert, thank you so much for that link to “Republicans, Go F…..Yourselves”. It was very inspiring! That would be a great advertisement on television with a very small bleep for each word of profanity of course, but not loud and distracting.
You know, Robert, I think you missed your metier: You really should have been a carpenter, because you hit the nail on the head so consistently. Those in the media who continue to predict disaster for Democrats are exhibiting one basic facet of punditry: never admit you were wrong. (The other, which is complimentary, is never to pay attention to yesterday’s errors.) We have just begun to see glimmerings of what I hope and predict will be a wildfire sweeping across the nation as “ordinary” Americans (who, collectively, at least, are anything but) take up the cause of human rights, because it’s not “just” women’s rights that are at stake here. True, the forces of reaction, racism and corruption are strong, but they cannot defeat democracy if the American people vow that it shall prevail. So each of us need to be in the fight, and recruit friends, family, neighbors and even strangers to join us. (For me, the immediate problem is that there are so many opportunities to take up the struggle. Time to remind myself that when you don’t know where to start, start anywhere.)
We need also keep in mind that contemporary journalism's primary focus is profits, whether in likes, clicks, tweets or dollars and such news as they choose to report is only a means to that end. Pollsters study a scientifically chosen small group of people who are willing to answer a call from an unknown number that might be someone who wants to talk about their insurance coverage. The output of both should be taken for just what it's worth and no more. Don't waste a grain of salt on it, it won't taste better or be more accurately informative.
The pollsters have been WAY OFFin the past two elections.
Is Ron de Santis the American Putin? He is also forming his own protective militia like Putin's Wagner Group. Interesting that it is called the Wagner Group. The music compositions of Richard Wagner, the great German composer, were used by Hitler to express German Nationalism. And Putin claims to be fighting fascism rather than being a fascist. Projection, the key word to understanding people like DT and Putin, is projecting on others what you are yourself so you can rid yourself of the shame of it and feed your weak image of yourself. Unfortunately, it is never satisfying and these needy people keep seeking their narcissistic supply from their followers. Practically everything the Republicans nastily say about Democrats is pure psychological projection. One good attitude adjustment for Democrats is to not be the narcissistic supply for the Republicans. Ignoring them and talking about what one will do FOR the American people wins in the long run.
Interesting, Cathy, I wasn’t familiar with Wagner : Männerlist größer als Frauenlist oder Die glückliche Bärenfamilie (Men Are More Cunning Than Women) Too bad it went unfinished.
DeSantis’ latest : https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/florida-gov-ron-desantis-signs-law-requiring-schools-to-observe-victims-of-communism-day-31557717
Beam me up, Scotty !!
Love the fighting spirit! Take a look at this new ad put out by Maggie Hassan who is in a tight race in New Hampshire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jetvrMvNlYA
Won't the Republicans be surprised, after all the media's doom and gloom about the Dems winning in November, that the blue vote will result in a landslide because Repubs didn't go out to vote! :)
I was inspired (through this newsletter) by Melissa Walker to set up a Giving Circle with The States Project. The money I raise will go to ARIZONA, where they are only ONE SEAT away in each chamber from converting the State House or State Senate (or both :-) from Republican to Democrat. The States Project identifies the candidates with the best chance of winning and provides money, resources and support to the campaigns. I strongly encourage you to set up your own Giving Circle. It's easy and a way to feel like you are making a contribution to this important work. However, should you want to support their efforts, you can either donate directly or feel free to donate to my Giving Circle :-).
To Donate, go to: Big Red's Blue Angels (statesprojectgivingcircles.org)
After seeing the video that Mr. Hubbell listed today, we should spread the word, when you want respond to Republicans, you can say, "Hey, Republican Warship."
I have thought that "Hey Russian warship" would be a good rejoinder to "Let's go Brandon". The implication is enough; not sure we need to call out Republicans in particular.
Ok, let's go with "Hey Russian warship." Spread the word.
What kind of mook would skip to the Concluding Thoughts?! Icing-lickers!
LOL!
Thanks, Robert. Just trying to do my bit for the TEN Project!
After listening to the video anyone’s attitude would be changed. Send it to family and friends.
Thank you, Robert, for once again reviving my flagging determination this morning. Your perspective is invaluable.
As usual Robert your post is first class - thank you!