This is Suicide Prevention month. If you can help my nonprofit help someone struggling with stigma, which leads to suicide, please do. No nonprofit can do it alone.
I love this! At the June WisDems convention, a lively college sophomore taught a TikTok workshop to a crowd of middle aged (I'm being generous) Democrats. Seeing doubt spread across the room, she chirped, "Don't worry! A really fun TikTok video can open the door to all that super-explainery policy stuff!" Sign me up!!!
That’s a spectacular idea Jessica! Someone w room on his/her plate could actually take the idea a step further. How about a TikTok channel (Krug-Me?) that quotes liberally from Krugman to bring his thinking to a wider audience? I’m thinking of high-energy aspiring actors in zany settings (see Margo Robbie in the Big Short https://youtu.be/epb98OcFLZE?si=IvqrAQij46mOBZYI). I’m 78-yr-old Canadian who reads PK in the NYT and not a TikTok follower—but I’d sign up for this. What a gift to America. BTW, I found Deep’s guide terrific.
I was initially afraid of TikTok. I left Twitter-X back in May out of anger and have felt a void not being able to follow larger “community” discussions. I want to be where the young progressive people are. Signing up today. Thanks Jess.
I'm thinking that those of us who are near Good Joe's age should make Tik Tok videos to briefly note our vitality and various skills. In other words, fight ageism and voter bias. (You all go first, please.)
First I am not an economist, not a pollster, not a lawyer, not a journalist, not a racist, not against women’s rights and rights of all.
I am a confused resident of Northern California. From what I have read and listened to our economy is in pretty good shape, we’ve had months of good employments stats, Biden is healthy, and we are working with other countries for the first time in years.
So don’t read poll info.... but why is the perception that Biden isn’t doing an adequate job and is too old for 2024?
I had an idea and I would like to share.
The USA is a racist anti-woman country! The conservatives (also referred to in my head as stupid, racist, toothless, and bearded) are deathly afraid that if Biden is re-elected and has to leave office that VP Harris- A BLACK WOMAN- will become president.
They don’t care about what is really happening today, they are afraid of a smart black woman.
You only got part of it right. The underlying fact is a group of very rich white men want to control the country , reduce their taxes and make sure people of color, woman and LGBTQ people all have no power or standing in a world they are willing to cheat; lie and do illegal acts to remain in power. They have effective created and alternative reality, bought and paid for Supreme Court justices and own many of our politicians. We need to fix this.
Thank you Mr. Berg. It seems to me that you are describing the white male land and slave owners who signed out constitution. They noted black men counted as a percentage of white men and that women didn’t have any standing at all…
I think Mr. Berg is describing the people who would never vote Democrat. I think you are describing the backdrop behind the hand wringing about Biden's age. The former are a loss, the latter can, potentially, be reassured.
Ding! ding! ding! Polly! You have hit the proverbial nail on it's head. I have long felt that the white men(mostly older)in control have feared VP Harris and her super intelligence and grit. To them, the only thing worse than a black POTUS(Obama) would be a black female POTUS, their worst nightmare.Race is always a big part of any equation in this country imo.
Leigh McGowan, aka PoliticsGirl, absolutely rocks. She nails it in each and every video she produces and she also has a great podcast. For all those who don't know her, who aren't on TicToc but (still) are on Twitter, her twitter handle is @IAmPoliticsGirl. I have been following her for a long time (and she followed me back 🥂😄) .
Regarding public perceptions, the Democratic Party must do better! It astounds me that every senator and congressman doesn’t have and use repetitively talking points about how good the economy is doing, inflation, jobs, etc. In the absence of this, Republicans swoop in and make noise. I was in public relations my whole career and I am baffled by the lack of consistent commentary around all good things this current administration is doing. People have short memories and attention spans and need to be told facts multiply times by different people/sources to believe it. Sigh.
It's not up to our legislators alone to communicate all the good that is being done by democrats, for the air time in MSM is created to satisfy corporate shareholders. It's up to us, and we have many means available to us now. Just look at the coverage that is always given to Inmate P01135809's next campaign stop, as contrasted with Biden's current global tours in diplomacy.
Veer away from MSM and you will find a lot to share with others in spreading important and factual information. Along with Robert, Simon Rosenberg, Jessica Craven and Leigh McGowan (PoliticsGirl) are examples to places to go, as a start. Joyce Vance's Substack, as well as her #SistersInLaw podcast with Jill Wine Banks, Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Barb McQuade are excellent places to gain some understanding in all the legalese we are subjected to these days.
There are so many people available to us today that will empower us to take this on and spread the word ourselves.
It’s one thing to read all of the above all of whom are great BUT the average hard working worker doesn’t read them or have the time and receives their news and “ facts” from other less reliable sources. Q
Right Stephen. That's exactly why it's up to us to spread the word. I am actually one of those hard working people who usually don't have time to read. I do a lot of multitasking and listening. Podcasts and You Tube videos all obviously have audio, but any Substack writing can also be taken in by audio. Thankfully Robert reads his newsletter himself, as the AI generated text to audio can sometimes be annoying.
To amplify Stephen's point here, I agree wholeheartedly with Sheila that Democratic members of Congress will need to start, by this winter, repeatedly, and collectively touting the strong economic data. Many people are visual learners, though, and they could be best reached with some very simple diagrams to show that positive info.
It's possible these officials are waiting till the 2024 election is much closer, so that they don't begin to sound like a broken record and get tuned out. They also may be reluctant to tout the economy, without knowing how strong it will be in 2024. (That would be a way to maintain more credibility with independent voters.)
Of course, as Lynn says, we also can spread the word - and our good sources - among friends and family. I worry already, that I am wearing out some of them!
Very good point Tyler, that many legislators may be waiting. On an important issue such as Roe, having the dems rant against the SCOTUS decision now would just give time to fire up the anti-abortion crowd. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. When your opponent is digging themselves a bigger whole, it's best not to get in their way. I think it's good strategy to remain quiet on this issue allowing republicans to continue to press forward with their messaging that they want to strip women of their right to chose. Voters will get mad at them, and will take it out on them in the voting booth.
As you mention, as far as boasting about recent strong economic data, it seems that this winter and spring there will be even more accomplishments that can be pointed to as evidence that the lives of Americans have been improved. I live near Syracuse NY, which can currently boast at having the highest child poverty rate for any city in the nation. Now we have Micron coming here , and the pipelines for education and training for good jobs are being enthusiastically put in place, which will change lives here positively for decades to come.
I think this is an excellent observation. High level Dems, for the most part, need to keep their powder dry a little longer. There is too much Republican chaos right now to break thru with an important positive message that may falter as the Republicans shut down the government, interfere with justice, and blow smoke about Hunter Biden. Right now, exposing their nonsense and destructiveness is more important.
It appears that the 14th Amendment question will be resolved one way or the other in fairly short order. The train has just left the station in Colorado. The outcome will determine if President Biden faces the Defendant or one of his underlings. I think the messaging we'll need to develop is dependent on that. So I urge patience, but steady forward movement, spreading the messages of success, fighting voter suppression, and registering and engaging new voters.
Agree with you 100%, Sheila. I was in the messaging/branding business for 40 years, and this White House and nationally elected Democrats are absolutely abysmal at PR. They don’t appear to be educable, either. The Republicans know how to beat a drum! It’s maddening!
An underlying fact is historically Democrats have not traded in attack ads to the same degree as Republicans and the reality today is people are more influenced by social
If people are not happy that attack ads have not kept up with that which is seen on the GOP side, then it's also our responsibility to to calling our legislators, telling them what we want to hear them discussing. We really do have a duty to follow through on this.
Sheilas, please consider putting your valuable skills to use in this arena. Complaining about Democrats poor messaging only echos negativity, while providing strong messaging enables us to echo your valuable input.
I am in total agreement with you, Sheila! We should mirror the "swooping" of Republicans. They never give up as far as spreading their lies, etc. Why are Democrats so quiet? I'm referring to those who have bigger access than we little people have. I do my best with my bookclub, and other groups I am a part of. But we need the big guns!
As 9/11 approaches I would like to acknowledge the daily heroism of our first responders: the firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel who, every day, put their lives on the line to protect and save us. All we need do is watch our local news - certainly here in NYC where I live - to see first-hand their selfless bravery. We depend on them and cannot thank them enough. I think it interesting that many first responders come from families of first responders.
Plus, an individual who has taken BILLION$ from the U.S. Government and now is playing the anti-democracy ploy? Check him out! A real 21c. bandit! Elon lacks standards and loyalty to all issues not centered around and about HIM! Does Musk remind you of anyone else in our current World?
Many of us are focused on what is happening now and here but we have ignored and under appreciated the efforts and success the Biden Administration has had on the world stage. Russia and a China are still major threats to our country and the world and a strong NATO alliance will be required to maintain world order in the future. North Korea has nuclear weapons or capabilities and multiple countries have dictators in the Donald Trump mode or worse. As big a threat as Trump is to our country and Democracy he is a much bigger threat to our sovereignty and the world economy and infrastructure. All of us need to beat the drum of the entire disaster in re-electing Trump. All you need to think about is as world with Michael Flynn as the Secretary of State under a Trump. Administration.
Once again,. Robert, I'm in your debt for giving me a few primary files I was not able to locate on my own. This debt is all the more profound given your always superb commentary!
Thanks. I appreciate the acknowledgement for citing primary sources. I think it important that readers be able to fact check commentary by everyone, including me.
I was reading a review of a documentary about Andy Kaufman a few days ago, and I came across the word "kayfabe". I'd never heard that one before but it fortunately has a good wikipedia entry. It's used by insiders in pro wrestling, and apparently refers to the illusion that what goes on at their shows is Real Life, that the good guys are really are Good Guys and the bad guys Bad Guys, that they really do dislike each and try to hurt each other, and so on. When actors in a play are on stage they typically act as if the stage is really a living room and the people on it are truly a family; in the same way, pro wrestlers are expected to act as if the moral tale they are informing is real. That illusion is kayfabe.
Now imagine the not-very-smart son of a rich man hanging around backstage at a wrestling show hoping some of the wrestlers' glory will rub off on him. No one uses the word to him but he overhears it used in other conversation, and gets in idea of its meaning. Years later, decades later, it pops into his head, and he writes in down, as best his fuddled mind can recall it, in a tweet: "Despite the constant negative press covfefe".
So what was he saying? Was it an admission that his whole political "career" is an act?
I am weary of hearing about the thinking that democrats are not able to control their messaging as the GOP does. The dems can talk all they want, but if MSM doesn't present their views, it's as though it hasn't happened. ("If a tree falls in a forest.....")
Some estimates claim as much as 90% of U.S. media is controlled by just six companies. These are corporations that will press on to do anything that will make more money for their shareholders. They are most certainly not in the business of giving us the news that we need to hear unless it promotes the bottom line for their investors. Face it- hearing about anything that P01135809 does is what fires up their ratings.
As Robert and people like Jessica Craven, Simon Rosenberg and Leigh McGowan (aka PoliticsGirl ) tirelessly help to push us forward in sharing the important accomplishments of democrats and the Biden administration, we must stop complaining and steadfastly advocate for the party that serves our people. This is up to us.
Perhaps we will eventually have to resort to efforts that involve large demonstrations, marches and possibly even actions of non violent civil disobedience. (ie , a sit in or a boycott) These are highly organized events that push MSM into covering issues that are vital to the lives of ordinary citizens and in the fostering of justice for all who reside in our great country.
Lynn, there are many ways to get messages to targets that don’t rely on MSM (earned media). Dems need to be more creative to tell our story, but that’s the breaks. I am becoming a fan again of old-school tactics like DM (directed mail) and outdoor (billboards, transport etc). Plus, new-school Dem-friendly podcasts and short videos and so on. Younger voters don’t read or watch MSM, and they are our ticket to saving our democracy. Ask them where they get their info, then go there. It really is that simple.
I agree 100% Sheila, but the complaints I am talking about are in regard to our legislators "not getting the message out". You are listing a few ways that can have an effect, again making my point that this is up to us. Unfortunately too many people DO rely on MSM for content, and we have to rise up to be heard above the water hose of GOP traitorous lies and disinformation that keeps streaming into our lives.
Here is an example of effective way to participate in non violent action. Share this in those spots that you speak of where our youth are watching.
I love "stubborn optmisim" as a frame of mind to help filter out news that gets in the way of my priorities, i.e., political activism to try to save democracy. Reading polls, hearing worse-case-scenario opinions doesn't help me do that and is no fun. A rule of thumb-Don't read any article that has "could" or "might" in the headlines--saves a lot of time!
If Elon can shut down Starlink when ever he wants...be careful out there on the roads with your Tesla’s. No telling what he might get ticked at next.
It’s seriously eerie to see the chain of Starlinks in the sky as they pass over. Knowing that this crazy man controls and maintains something so powerful. They are visible to the human eye.
“Today, more than 4,500 Starlink satellites are in the skies, accounting for more than 50 percent of all active satellites. They have already started changing the complexion of the night sky, even before accounting for Mr. Musk's plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites in orbit in the coming years”
This article terrified me and now I can visibly see them...
It is my understanding that FOX News is played in military facilities. I have read that some facilities play this channel 24/7.
In my opinion, FOX News is a propaganda outlet from those who do not have the best interests of our country.
Military bases and ships are filled with impressionable men and women. I believe constant exposure to propaganda may have effects adverse to our national interests.
I request that you consider eliminating the showing of this dangerous propaganda site to the men and women who defend our country.
Thank you for acknowledging that social media like TikTok is where younger people live. The DNC should be investing the lions share of their resources right there.
This is Suicide Prevention month. If you can help my nonprofit help someone struggling with stigma, which leads to suicide, please do. No nonprofit can do it alone.
Www.lawyerwellness.org
If you don't already know, the legal industry is the most subject to addiction, depression and suicide. The Donate button is on the homepage.
Thank you!!!
Pinning to the top.
Thank you!!!!!😊
I’ll take that as a challenge, Robert, and see if I can’t make a TikTok out of that Op-Ed. 😉
I love this! At the June WisDems convention, a lively college sophomore taught a TikTok workshop to a crowd of middle aged (I'm being generous) Democrats. Seeing doubt spread across the room, she chirped, "Don't worry! A really fun TikTok video can open the door to all that super-explainery policy stuff!" Sign me up!!!
You ROCK Jessica! Thanks for all you do!
That’s a spectacular idea Jessica! Someone w room on his/her plate could actually take the idea a step further. How about a TikTok channel (Krug-Me?) that quotes liberally from Krugman to bring his thinking to a wider audience? I’m thinking of high-energy aspiring actors in zany settings (see Margo Robbie in the Big Short https://youtu.be/epb98OcFLZE?si=IvqrAQij46mOBZYI). I’m 78-yr-old Canadian who reads PK in the NYT and not a TikTok follower—but I’d sign up for this. What a gift to America. BTW, I found Deep’s guide terrific.
I like Krugman's comments. Great idea!
I was initially afraid of TikTok. I left Twitter-X back in May out of anger and have felt a void not being able to follow larger “community” discussions. I want to be where the young progressive people are. Signing up today. Thanks Jess.
I'm thinking that those of us who are near Good Joe's age should make Tik Tok videos to briefly note our vitality and various skills. In other words, fight ageism and voter bias. (You all go first, please.)
Awesome!
Yay!
Jess, I suspect you can accomplish anything at all that you set your mind to do.
So appreciate the enthusiasm & positivity!!! Curious though re TT's data privacy concerns. I quit 1-2 years ago for this issue/concern.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/nov/07/tiktoks-china-bytedance-data-concerns
I’ll look for your TicToc!
First I am not an economist, not a pollster, not a lawyer, not a journalist, not a racist, not against women’s rights and rights of all.
I am a confused resident of Northern California. From what I have read and listened to our economy is in pretty good shape, we’ve had months of good employments stats, Biden is healthy, and we are working with other countries for the first time in years.
So don’t read poll info.... but why is the perception that Biden isn’t doing an adequate job and is too old for 2024?
I had an idea and I would like to share.
The USA is a racist anti-woman country! The conservatives (also referred to in my head as stupid, racist, toothless, and bearded) are deathly afraid that if Biden is re-elected and has to leave office that VP Harris- A BLACK WOMAN- will become president.
They don’t care about what is really happening today, they are afraid of a smart black woman.
You might be on to something. Atter all, the Tea Party started in response to the election of our first Black president.
And interestingly, in 2008, Defendant Trump switched from being a Democrat (obviously a "DINO") to being a Republican (and leading the MAGAt charge).
You only got part of it right. The underlying fact is a group of very rich white men want to control the country , reduce their taxes and make sure people of color, woman and LGBTQ people all have no power or standing in a world they are willing to cheat; lie and do illegal acts to remain in power. They have effective created and alternative reality, bought and paid for Supreme Court justices and own many of our politicians. We need to fix this.
We will “fix this” as soon as I finish unloading the dishwasher.
Thank you Mr. Berg. It seems to me that you are describing the white male land and slave owners who signed out constitution. They noted black men counted as a percentage of white men and that women didn’t have any standing at all…
I think Mr. Berg is describing the people who would never vote Democrat. I think you are describing the backdrop behind the hand wringing about Biden's age. The former are a loss, the latter can, potentially, be reassured.
I hope so!
They believed in slavery but also believed all white men are created equal and they believed in the rule of law.
Good content for a TikToc
BRAVO #2!
Ding! ding! ding! Polly! You have hit the proverbial nail on it's head. I have long felt that the white men(mostly older)in control have feared VP Harris and her super intelligence and grit. To them, the only thing worse than a black POTUS(Obama) would be a black female POTUS, their worst nightmare.Race is always a big part of any equation in this country imo.
Sure is and the underlying comments about Biden’s age is the fact that if he dies Harris a well educated former prosecutor would be President.
Yes.Exactly.The white supremacist man’s worst nightmare come true.
And just imagine how they feel about two smart Black women, one an immigrant, who hold TFG’s future in their hands. Oh, and Leticia James as well.
BRAVO!
You got it and we should, too!
DAMN STRAIGHT, Polly!
Leigh McGowan, aka PoliticsGirl, absolutely rocks. She nails it in each and every video she produces and she also has a great podcast. For all those who don't know her, who aren't on TicToc but (still) are on Twitter, her twitter handle is @IAmPoliticsGirl. I have been following her for a long time (and she followed me back 🥂😄) .
I agree 100% Stefan! Her podcast is always worthy of a listen. She is bright, energetic and is a fierce warrior in the fight to protect our Democracy.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-politicsgirl-podcast/id1595408601
Don’t forget to subscribe to her YouTube videos!
And she’s also on Instagram! #iampoliticsgirl.
Regarding public perceptions, the Democratic Party must do better! It astounds me that every senator and congressman doesn’t have and use repetitively talking points about how good the economy is doing, inflation, jobs, etc. In the absence of this, Republicans swoop in and make noise. I was in public relations my whole career and I am baffled by the lack of consistent commentary around all good things this current administration is doing. People have short memories and attention spans and need to be told facts multiply times by different people/sources to believe it. Sigh.
It's not up to our legislators alone to communicate all the good that is being done by democrats, for the air time in MSM is created to satisfy corporate shareholders. It's up to us, and we have many means available to us now. Just look at the coverage that is always given to Inmate P01135809's next campaign stop, as contrasted with Biden's current global tours in diplomacy.
Veer away from MSM and you will find a lot to share with others in spreading important and factual information. Along with Robert, Simon Rosenberg, Jessica Craven and Leigh McGowan (PoliticsGirl) are examples to places to go, as a start. Joyce Vance's Substack, as well as her #SistersInLaw podcast with Jill Wine Banks, Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Barb McQuade are excellent places to gain some understanding in all the legalese we are subjected to these days.
There are so many people available to us today that will empower us to take this on and spread the word ourselves.
It’s one thing to read all of the above all of whom are great BUT the average hard working worker doesn’t read them or have the time and receives their news and “ facts” from other less reliable sources. Q
Right Stephen. That's exactly why it's up to us to spread the word. I am actually one of those hard working people who usually don't have time to read. I do a lot of multitasking and listening. Podcasts and You Tube videos all obviously have audio, but any Substack writing can also be taken in by audio. Thankfully Robert reads his newsletter himself, as the AI generated text to audio can sometimes be annoying.
To amplify Stephen's point here, I agree wholeheartedly with Sheila that Democratic members of Congress will need to start, by this winter, repeatedly, and collectively touting the strong economic data. Many people are visual learners, though, and they could be best reached with some very simple diagrams to show that positive info.
It's possible these officials are waiting till the 2024 election is much closer, so that they don't begin to sound like a broken record and get tuned out. They also may be reluctant to tout the economy, without knowing how strong it will be in 2024. (That would be a way to maintain more credibility with independent voters.)
Of course, as Lynn says, we also can spread the word - and our good sources - among friends and family. I worry already, that I am wearing out some of them!
Very good point Tyler, that many legislators may be waiting. On an important issue such as Roe, having the dems rant against the SCOTUS decision now would just give time to fire up the anti-abortion crowd. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. When your opponent is digging themselves a bigger whole, it's best not to get in their way. I think it's good strategy to remain quiet on this issue allowing republicans to continue to press forward with their messaging that they want to strip women of their right to chose. Voters will get mad at them, and will take it out on them in the voting booth.
As you mention, as far as boasting about recent strong economic data, it seems that this winter and spring there will be even more accomplishments that can be pointed to as evidence that the lives of Americans have been improved. I live near Syracuse NY, which can currently boast at having the highest child poverty rate for any city in the nation. Now we have Micron coming here , and the pipelines for education and training for good jobs are being enthusiastically put in place, which will change lives here positively for decades to come.
I think this is an excellent observation. High level Dems, for the most part, need to keep their powder dry a little longer. There is too much Republican chaos right now to break thru with an important positive message that may falter as the Republicans shut down the government, interfere with justice, and blow smoke about Hunter Biden. Right now, exposing their nonsense and destructiveness is more important.
It appears that the 14th Amendment question will be resolved one way or the other in fairly short order. The train has just left the station in Colorado. The outcome will determine if President Biden faces the Defendant or one of his underlings. I think the messaging we'll need to develop is dependent on that. So I urge patience, but steady forward movement, spreading the messages of success, fighting voter suppression, and registering and engaging new voters.
Agree with you 100%, Sheila. I was in the messaging/branding business for 40 years, and this White House and nationally elected Democrats are absolutely abysmal at PR. They don’t appear to be educable, either. The Republicans know how to beat a drum! It’s maddening!
An underlying fact is historically Democrats have not traded in attack ads to the same degree as Republicans and the reality today is people are more influenced by social
Media compared to TV and print ads.
If people are not happy that attack ads have not kept up with that which is seen on the GOP side, then it's also our responsibility to to calling our legislators, telling them what we want to hear them discussing. We really do have a duty to follow through on this.
Exactly right, Stephen.
Sheilas, please consider putting your valuable skills to use in this arena. Complaining about Democrats poor messaging only echos negativity, while providing strong messaging enables us to echo your valuable input.
Democrats historically have never been good at messaging except for JFK and I have seen some new recent ads that look great.
I am in total agreement with you, Sheila! We should mirror the "swooping" of Republicans. They never give up as far as spreading their lies, etc. Why are Democrats so quiet? I'm referring to those who have bigger access than we little people have. I do my best with my bookclub, and other groups I am a part of. But we need the big guns!
As 9/11 approaches I would like to acknowledge the daily heroism of our first responders: the firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel who, every day, put their lives on the line to protect and save us. All we need do is watch our local news - certainly here in NYC where I live - to see first-hand their selfless bravery. We depend on them and cannot thank them enough. I think it interesting that many first responders come from families of first responders.
I believe that Elon is a self serving traitor. I have never trusted.
Plus, an individual who has taken BILLION$ from the U.S. Government and now is playing the anti-democracy ploy? Check him out! A real 21c. bandit! Elon lacks standards and loyalty to all issues not centered around and about HIM! Does Musk remind you of anyone else in our current World?
Yes. TFG and his minions.I hope and pray they are brought to justice in the end.
Class 1 NePo baby...
Many of us are focused on what is happening now and here but we have ignored and under appreciated the efforts and success the Biden Administration has had on the world stage. Russia and a China are still major threats to our country and the world and a strong NATO alliance will be required to maintain world order in the future. North Korea has nuclear weapons or capabilities and multiple countries have dictators in the Donald Trump mode or worse. As big a threat as Trump is to our country and Democracy he is a much bigger threat to our sovereignty and the world economy and infrastructure. All of us need to beat the drum of the entire disaster in re-electing Trump. All you need to think about is as world with Michael Flynn as the Secretary of State under a Trump. Administration.
Once again,. Robert, I'm in your debt for giving me a few primary files I was not able to locate on my own. This debt is all the more profound given your always superb commentary!
Thanks. I appreciate the acknowledgement for citing primary sources. I think it important that readers be able to fact check commentary by everyone, including me.
But for something completely different...
I was reading a review of a documentary about Andy Kaufman a few days ago, and I came across the word "kayfabe". I'd never heard that one before but it fortunately has a good wikipedia entry. It's used by insiders in pro wrestling, and apparently refers to the illusion that what goes on at their shows is Real Life, that the good guys are really are Good Guys and the bad guys Bad Guys, that they really do dislike each and try to hurt each other, and so on. When actors in a play are on stage they typically act as if the stage is really a living room and the people on it are truly a family; in the same way, pro wrestlers are expected to act as if the moral tale they are informing is real. That illusion is kayfabe.
Now imagine the not-very-smart son of a rich man hanging around backstage at a wrestling show hoping some of the wrestlers' glory will rub off on him. No one uses the word to him but he overhears it used in other conversation, and gets in idea of its meaning. Years later, decades later, it pops into his head, and he writes in down, as best his fuddled mind can recall it, in a tweet: "Despite the constant negative press covfefe".
So what was he saying? Was it an admission that his whole political "career" is an act?
"the moral act they are PERforming..."
Bob, at some point would you address the question of the efficacy of polls in this era?
Who actually answers a poll, when it is an imposition, and possibly involves a security risk?
I think the polling industry is quickly running out of steam, and knows it.
It is now only an unserious money making political titillation machine , and it does great harm to report their findings as valuable.
Yes; I have set that as a goal over the next few weeks.
I feel you already do a good job with this, but more info willl help!
I am weary of hearing about the thinking that democrats are not able to control their messaging as the GOP does. The dems can talk all they want, but if MSM doesn't present their views, it's as though it hasn't happened. ("If a tree falls in a forest.....")
Some estimates claim as much as 90% of U.S. media is controlled by just six companies. These are corporations that will press on to do anything that will make more money for their shareholders. They are most certainly not in the business of giving us the news that we need to hear unless it promotes the bottom line for their investors. Face it- hearing about anything that P01135809 does is what fires up their ratings.
As Robert and people like Jessica Craven, Simon Rosenberg and Leigh McGowan (aka PoliticsGirl ) tirelessly help to push us forward in sharing the important accomplishments of democrats and the Biden administration, we must stop complaining and steadfastly advocate for the party that serves our people. This is up to us.
Perhaps we will eventually have to resort to efforts that involve large demonstrations, marches and possibly even actions of non violent civil disobedience. (ie , a sit in or a boycott) These are highly organized events that push MSM into covering issues that are vital to the lives of ordinary citizens and in the fostering of justice for all who reside in our great country.
Lynn, there are many ways to get messages to targets that don’t rely on MSM (earned media). Dems need to be more creative to tell our story, but that’s the breaks. I am becoming a fan again of old-school tactics like DM (directed mail) and outdoor (billboards, transport etc). Plus, new-school Dem-friendly podcasts and short videos and so on. Younger voters don’t read or watch MSM, and they are our ticket to saving our democracy. Ask them where they get their info, then go there. It really is that simple.
I agree 100% Sheila, but the complaints I am talking about are in regard to our legislators "not getting the message out". You are listing a few ways that can have an effect, again making my point that this is up to us. Unfortunately too many people DO rely on MSM for content, and we have to rise up to be heard above the water hose of GOP traitorous lies and disinformation that keeps streaming into our lives.
Here is an example of effective way to participate in non violent action. Share this in those spots that you speak of where our youth are watching.
"Anarchy Princess 2, Peter Navarro 0 "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAns5CsQYlo&t=111s
Love it! thanks for the link!
Yes, a big problem, even as much as some folks want to deny.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/brief-post-thanksgiving-update
It's a big problem, as much as some may want to deny.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/the-complicity-of-the-media
Good point!
I love "stubborn optmisim" as a frame of mind to help filter out news that gets in the way of my priorities, i.e., political activism to try to save democracy. Reading polls, hearing worse-case-scenario opinions doesn't help me do that and is no fun. A rule of thumb-Don't read any article that has "could" or "might" in the headlines--saves a lot of time!
Very good rule of thumb!!!
If Elon can shut down Starlink when ever he wants...be careful out there on the roads with your Tesla’s. No telling what he might get ticked at next.
It’s seriously eerie to see the chain of Starlinks in the sky as they pass over. Knowing that this crazy man controls and maintains something so powerful. They are visible to the human eye.
https://findstarlink.com/
Thanks for the link. i will check it out tonight.
… and are blotting out the real stars and planets.
“Today, more than 4,500 Starlink satellites are in the skies, accounting for more than 50 percent of all active satellites. They have already started changing the complexion of the night sky, even before accounting for Mr. Musk's plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites in orbit in the coming years”
This article terrified me and now I can visibly see them...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/07/28/business/starlink.html#
Joseph Ball
1621 Boathouse Circle, HA 224
Sarasota Florida 34231
352-217-8854
Joseph.e.ball@gmail.com
Kathleen H. Hicks
Deputy Secretary of Defense
1010 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1010
Dear Madam Secretary:
It is my understanding that FOX News is played in military facilities. I have read that some facilities play this channel 24/7.
In my opinion, FOX News is a propaganda outlet from those who do not have the best interests of our country.
Military bases and ships are filled with impressionable men and women. I believe constant exposure to propaganda may have effects adverse to our national interests.
I request that you consider eliminating the showing of this dangerous propaganda site to the men and women who defend our country.
Thank you for your consideration.
Joseph Ball
Captain US Navy (retired)
Thank you for acknowledging that social media like TikTok is where younger people live. The DNC should be investing the lions share of their resources right there.
And Elon Musk? Nationalize StarLink!