“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?
Hi, Martin. IN order to listen to the upcoming podcast with Field Team Six live, do the following: (a) search for and subscribe to "Today's Edition Podcast" and (b) open the app at 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern on January 8th and go to the Today's Edition Podcast. You will then hear the live interview. Let me know if that doesn't answer your question. And thanks for joining the conversation live on Callin!
Thanks. I will open Callin on Saturday and tap on the todays edition podcast; it already appears on my app so I have my fingers crossed. Thanks for all you do. It is shocking to read in-the WSJ that a year ago was not an insurrection, but merely a RIOT. I suppose their argument is: “one man’s insurrection is another man’s riot!” For me, the definition of a violent armed group seeking to replace the legitimate government with another fits last year’s process—-An INSURRECTION!
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.
When I was younger, in my 20s, I decided to purchase a one way ticket to Europe. I never thought about when or if I would ever return to my birthplace. My grandparents had immigrated here from Sicily and Ukraine and I seemed to be practicing reverse immigration? But I did return after 2 years. What I discovered is another world outside this bubble called America. I discovered how Europeans could live in peace with each other after the big war. But I was cognizant of our own violent unnecessary Vietnam massacre of millions of Asians. And this has repeated through the decades. And I’ve come to realize that the military industrial complex importance in profiteering. It’s the way of Man.
So I will be standing today on a local town green lamenting January 6 and manifesting the need to inform that we must never forget the insurrectionists of this imperfect union with their attempt to make it an even more imperfect union.
I believe that you are right - except for the last sentence about the British crown (gag). Our revolution was one of seeking economic independence and then we wrapped it in a nice package that embraced human rights - for the moneyed, white men. Let's not kid ourselves. But it did lay a fine foundation for what was to come. A nation of universal human rights. I'd say we are about 30% of the way towards that goal now....lot's of work to do.
Actually, it was both. Paul Revere and Sam Adams and Tom Payne and John Paul Jones were not men of property. Neither were George Glover or Daniel Morgan or John Stark.
And we may view Jefferson, Madison and their colleagues as hypocrites, but they were men whose ideas were greater than their own imaginations. They could not see all the implications of their declaration that "all men are created equal," but those words are the basis for everything that this nation is and has become.
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
Hi, Steven. I think the numbers you cite are reason for hope, not concern. Since Republicans believe (80%) that Biden stole the 2020 election, a corollary is that democracy is under threat because an illegitimate president (in their view) occupies the White House. Democrats recognize Biden as legitimate, but are concerned that Republicans will attempt a second coup. Otherwise, Democrats feel that democracy is secure. I understand that some people may want that number to be higher, but I see it as a sign of confidence, not apathy.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I dont find reassurance in the fact that many Democrats dont share the alarm that you regularly give voice to. My fear is that this translates into a disengaged electorate when, what we need to prevail, is a strong turn out of "surge" voters-- as in 2018 and 2020. There are few signs at the moment of that happening. Steven
Democrat have a tendency to think that once the election is won, on to other things.We did our job. That is far too shortsighted an attitude. The R’s hammer the public’s ears with their awful message of hatred & division all the time. The R’s are relentless in their messaging and their back room scheming. They have worked for their hateful, backward agenda. We have to work for the future; there is no else to do it.
“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!
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2022/01/04/1070234513/fresh-air-for-jan-4-2022-rep-jamie-raskin
Thank you!👍🏽
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?
Hi, Martin. IN order to listen to the upcoming podcast with Field Team Six live, do the following: (a) search for and subscribe to "Today's Edition Podcast" and (b) open the app at 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern on January 8th and go to the Today's Edition Podcast. You will then hear the live interview. Let me know if that doesn't answer your question. And thanks for joining the conversation live on Callin!
Thanks. I will open Callin on Saturday and tap on the todays edition podcast; it already appears on my app so I have my fingers crossed. Thanks for all you do. It is shocking to read in-the WSJ that a year ago was not an insurrection, but merely a RIOT. I suppose their argument is: “one man’s insurrection is another man’s riot!” For me, the definition of a violent armed group seeking to replace the legitimate government with another fits last year’s process—-An INSURRECTION!
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.
What a sad and jaundiced view of the big picture and context of the Revolution.
When I was younger, in my 20s, I decided to purchase a one way ticket to Europe. I never thought about when or if I would ever return to my birthplace. My grandparents had immigrated here from Sicily and Ukraine and I seemed to be practicing reverse immigration? But I did return after 2 years. What I discovered is another world outside this bubble called America. I discovered how Europeans could live in peace with each other after the big war. But I was cognizant of our own violent unnecessary Vietnam massacre of millions of Asians. And this has repeated through the decades. And I’ve come to realize that the military industrial complex importance in profiteering. It’s the way of Man.
So I will be standing today on a local town green lamenting January 6 and manifesting the need to inform that we must never forget the insurrectionists of this imperfect union with their attempt to make it an even more imperfect union.
I believe that you are right - except for the last sentence about the British crown (gag). Our revolution was one of seeking economic independence and then we wrapped it in a nice package that embraced human rights - for the moneyed, white men. Let's not kid ourselves. But it did lay a fine foundation for what was to come. A nation of universal human rights. I'd say we are about 30% of the way towards that goal now....lot's of work to do.
Actually, it was both. Paul Revere and Sam Adams and Tom Payne and John Paul Jones were not men of property. Neither were George Glover or Daniel Morgan or John Stark.
And we may view Jefferson, Madison and their colleagues as hypocrites, but they were men whose ideas were greater than their own imaginations. They could not see all the implications of their declaration that "all men are created equal," but those words are the basis for everything that this nation is and has become.
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.
Republicans are revolting
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
Hi, Steven. I think the numbers you cite are reason for hope, not concern. Since Republicans believe (80%) that Biden stole the 2020 election, a corollary is that democracy is under threat because an illegitimate president (in their view) occupies the White House. Democrats recognize Biden as legitimate, but are concerned that Republicans will attempt a second coup. Otherwise, Democrats feel that democracy is secure. I understand that some people may want that number to be higher, but I see it as a sign of confidence, not apathy.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I dont find reassurance in the fact that many Democrats dont share the alarm that you regularly give voice to. My fear is that this translates into a disengaged electorate when, what we need to prevail, is a strong turn out of "surge" voters-- as in 2018 and 2020. There are few signs at the moment of that happening. Steven
Democrat have a tendency to think that once the election is won, on to other things.We did our job. That is far too shortsighted an attitude. The R’s hammer the public’s ears with their awful message of hatred & division all the time. The R’s are relentless in their messaging and their back room scheming. They have worked for their hateful, backward agenda. We have to work for the future; there is no else to do it.