“This is the difference between right and left. The right votes for politicians because of who they want to hurt, the left votes for politicians based on who they want to help.” Adam Best on Twitter
As Robert has stated “ what we fight for matters” and this is why we need to keep fighting. “ At least 163 Republicans who have embraced Trump’s false claims are running for statewide positions that would give them authority over the administration of elections, according to a Post tally. The list includes 69 candidates for governor in 30 states, as well as 55 candidates for the U.S. Senate, 13 candidates for state attorney general and 18 candidates for secretary of state in places where that person is the state’s top election official. Think about these numbers of candidates and that alone gives me all the more reason to get involved” Ashley Parker, WaPo
Interview on yesterday’s Fresh Air (Terry Gross) with Jamie Raskin was wonderful! He referenced Larry Tribe and also his (Raskin’s) new book, Unthinkable, was featured in the conversation. The episode is available as a podcast “on demand.” All good stuff. His stories about his father Marcus, on trial in the Boston 5 case. when he was only 5… well, it’s worth a listen, just as I am unwaveringly certain his book is worth a read, and soon. As always, thank you for all you have noted and written about herein. Onward! We can do this!
Thank you for this compelling narrative and call to those that care to get involved and active in real democracy. Frankly, Jan 6th 2021 and its insurrection is clearly the 2nd "Day of Infamy". All efforts must be made to confront, and squelch all manner of people and platforms that support the Big Lie and Insurrection. It is a cancer within our society that will not just go away - it must be actively exposed at all levels and shouted (voted) down for what it is.
Excellent as always. However we must never forget that a cause, indeed quite a large cause, for the revolution was the preservation of slavery. That doesn't fit into our usual narrative in the first paragraph that our revolution was for freedom and independence. Those were certainly the ideals. But the economic importance of preserving slavery must not be overlooked.
Mary Doria Russell posted this on FB. If it is true, it is hopeful is it not?
"This is your reminder that Merrick Garland's investigation of Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols and the Unabomber had zero leaks before indictments, 100% convictions and no turnovers on appeal. Sometimes you have to have a little faith in the process.
I am a subscriber and downloaded the Callin App and selected Robert Hubbell but I could not get to the recent Podcast to view it live. Is there anything special I need to do?
Robert, your opening essay is a classic call to hope. I think viewing the GOP’s actions as a revolt against the future puts the interventions, frustrations, and short-term defeats in perspective. Of course they will not prevail! You may be sick of hearing the same old encomiums, but I will never be able to thank you enough for your service to your readers in these seemingly dark days.
We like to think the colonialists were fighting for freedom and independence. That’s the propaganda message. Actually, the core group of industrialists was fighting to end taxation and to give themselves more power and money just like today. It was born in the blood and exploitation of others. This nation would have been a more civil one remaining under the British crown.
To begin with, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden gave great speeches this morning. The Vice-President was holding herself back from her emotions, and that gave her words more power. Mr. Biden was forthright, honest, decent and principled. Everything that his opponents are not.
But in The Times there was a headline that Trump can outlast any spasm (my word) of outrage. And that's right. He can. But he and his allies cannot outlast a sustained determination to recover democracy for the nation. That's what we need--the spirit to work as hard as we can, for as long as it takes, to vanquish the forces of authoritarianism.
Finally, as to your concluding thoughts: "Republicans are revolting against the future." True, but you could have stopped after the third word.
I listened to Garland's entire speech and heard what I wanted to hear, I think. That means that my optimism and trust has me believe that he did indeed say that his office would look at everything related to January 6. To me, that means everything. And I have noted over time that grand juries have frequently stayed under covers and the media ends up being delightfully surprised when we learn somehow that one was working on this case or that. I am hopeful. I could be wrong, but at least I'll sleep better until I know for sure.
Wonderful newsletter as always Robert. I am swelling up with emotion thinking about the events from a year ago. We can never forget and must all continue to and/or re-engage to fight for the future!
I am a FT6 lover so look forward to the interview of Jason!
While those of us who are in the struggle to preserve our democracy and protect the planet are full of conviction, the Republicans seem to manifest a
“passionate intensity” I’m not seeing beyond the grassroots activist groups. 70% of Republicans believe that “democracy is under threat” while only 30% of Democrats report feeling similarly. Steven Krugman
“This is the difference between right and left. The right votes for politicians because of who they want to hurt, the left votes for politicians based on who they want to help.” Adam Best on Twitter
As Robert has stated “ what we fight for matters” and this is why we need to keep fighting. “ At least 163 Republicans who have embraced Trump’s false claims are running for statewide positions that would give them authority over the administration of elections, according to a Post tally. The list includes 69 candidates for governor in 30 states, as well as 55 candidates for the U.S. Senate, 13 candidates for state attorney general and 18 candidates for secretary of state in places where that person is the state’s top election official. Think about these numbers of candidates and that alone gives me all the more reason to get involved” Ashley Parker, WaPo
Interview on yesterday’s Fresh Air (Terry Gross) with Jamie Raskin was wonderful! He referenced Larry Tribe and also his (Raskin’s) new book, Unthinkable, was featured in the conversation. The episode is available as a podcast “on demand.” All good stuff. His stories about his father Marcus, on trial in the Boston 5 case. when he was only 5… well, it’s worth a listen, just as I am unwaveringly certain his book is worth a read, and soon. As always, thank you for all you have noted and written about herein. Onward! We can do this!
Thank you for this compelling narrative and call to those that care to get involved and active in real democracy. Frankly, Jan 6th 2021 and its insurrection is clearly the 2nd "Day of Infamy". All efforts must be made to confront, and squelch all manner of people and platforms that support the Big Lie and Insurrection. It is a cancer within our society that will not just go away - it must be actively exposed at all levels and shouted (voted) down for what it is.
The Future Will Win! Easy to live by - thank you!
Excellent as always. However we must never forget that a cause, indeed quite a large cause, for the revolution was the preservation of slavery. That doesn't fit into our usual narrative in the first paragraph that our revolution was for freedom and independence. Those were certainly the ideals. But the economic importance of preserving slavery must not be overlooked.
Mary Doria Russell posted this on FB. If it is true, it is hopeful is it not?
"This is your reminder that Merrick Garland's investigation of Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols and the Unabomber had zero leaks before indictments, 100% convictions and no turnovers on appeal. Sometimes you have to have a little faith in the process.
I am a subscriber and downloaded the Callin App and selected Robert Hubbell but I could not get to the recent Podcast to view it live. Is there anything special I need to do?
Robert, your opening essay is a classic call to hope. I think viewing the GOP’s actions as a revolt against the future puts the interventions, frustrations, and short-term defeats in perspective. Of course they will not prevail! You may be sick of hearing the same old encomiums, but I will never be able to thank you enough for your service to your readers in these seemingly dark days.
We like to think the colonialists were fighting for freedom and independence. That’s the propaganda message. Actually, the core group of industrialists was fighting to end taxation and to give themselves more power and money just like today. It was born in the blood and exploitation of others. This nation would have been a more civil one remaining under the British crown.
And that’s the maybe truth, Ruth.
To begin with, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden gave great speeches this morning. The Vice-President was holding herself back from her emotions, and that gave her words more power. Mr. Biden was forthright, honest, decent and principled. Everything that his opponents are not.
But in The Times there was a headline that Trump can outlast any spasm (my word) of outrage. And that's right. He can. But he and his allies cannot outlast a sustained determination to recover democracy for the nation. That's what we need--the spirit to work as hard as we can, for as long as it takes, to vanquish the forces of authoritarianism.
Finally, as to your concluding thoughts: "Republicans are revolting against the future." True, but you could have stopped after the third word.
I listened to Garland's entire speech and heard what I wanted to hear, I think. That means that my optimism and trust has me believe that he did indeed say that his office would look at everything related to January 6. To me, that means everything. And I have noted over time that grand juries have frequently stayed under covers and the media ends up being delightfully surprised when we learn somehow that one was working on this case or that. I am hopeful. I could be wrong, but at least I'll sleep better until I know for sure.
Wonderful newsletter as always Robert. I am swelling up with emotion thinking about the events from a year ago. We can never forget and must all continue to and/or re-engage to fight for the future!
I am a FT6 lover so look forward to the interview of Jason!
While those of us who are in the struggle to preserve our democracy and protect the planet are full of conviction, the Republicans seem to manifest a
“passionate intensity” I’m not seeing beyond the grassroots activist groups. 70% of Republicans believe that “democracy is under threat” while only 30% of Democrats report feeling similarly. Steven Krugman