I woke up to an inbox filled with emails from people who are pushing back against my essay. In short, many people are saying that I underestimate how bad things will get and that democracy may end in 2022 whether we give up on it or not.
Things could get very bad. But let’s not underestimate the power of 180 million Americans who will still be a force for good. We aren’t giving up and will not let democracy die.
If we focus on how bad things may get to the exclusion of the political force of 180 million people, we can talk ourselves into fatalism and defeatism. The surest way to lose our democracy is to quit. The second way is to tell everyone that all is lost.
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, I am not giving up. I ask you to join me and millions of other Americans who will not give up.
Robert, once again you told us what we need to hear. I want to add:
Please take a moment for this uplifting and moving experience. ... and see if you agree that every one of us should post this wherever we can. I met a new activist singer songwriter on my Slack Postcard group, Markers for Democracy (thanks to whoever turned me on to them - I can't remember!) Her name is Stacy Beyer, and her song "Good Trouble" is dedicated to civil rights hero John Lewis (It's his phrase). She met him and he asked her to sing it to him - and they both cried. He handed her a tissue. The video is a powerful expression of all the good trouble we need to raise....no matter what happens on Nov 8!
Just as Paul Revere spread the bone chilling news that the British are coming we can and should spread the news that the Fascists are coming. Realizing how bad things are and could get is not the same as giving up. This realization of just how dire our situation is could either discourage or motivate a person. It all depends on the type of person.
I am adamantly opposed to the "democracy is doomed" etc. rhetoric. I personally think it is suspect and subversive.
Dear Robert, in recent days, as we get close to the election, it occurs to me that A. News that Dems are not as enthusiastic as Rs (NPR News) surely can’t surprise us since the media has been telling us the 2022 midterms would be bad for us since 1/1/2020, and B. We might forget that the weekend before our Trump nightmare began in 2016 the entire press was declaring that Hillary was going to win.
You have told us numerous times not to listen to all these polls and pundits. Yet, here we are preparing ourselves for the worse case. We must embrace the elections with reality while concurrently we must stop allowing ourselves to be talked into any scenario but rather work with a focus on what we want to create as our future. To do otherwise is to undermine our efforts.
As your blog states headline implies and you wrote; it is NEVER time to give up on democracy. Clearly, we have had to and will continue to have to fight for our democracy until DJT is well off the stage. He has made it very evident that regardless of what we, the courts, the January 6 Select Committee or any of the numerous tell all books throw at him he is not going to surrender or go quietly into the night. He will fight to the end when justice will be done.
We must continue with an even greater resolve because our democracy, constitutional governance is vital for the future of every U.S. citizen whether they understand that or not. We must stand firm in what we believe and what we want for generations now and to come.
Let us resist and keep focused on a return to justice for all with accountability by many who have out of fear or complicity enabled DJT and, of course, an accountable Trump.
Thank you. Whatever happens in the next week, I suspect that you will offer resources and information to carry on with the fight. While you may occasionally read like a cheerleader it is a fact that you have been a realist who has worked diligently to put resources in front of us to take action rather than wallow in angst or irresponsible journalism regardless of the source.
You sent me down a 🐇🕳 with OFAD. The most delightful I found is Organization of Floral Arts Designers. No matter who or what it is, though, it's a wonderful piece.
Even so, a hallowed New York activist leader sent around an email summary of the link below, under the subject: GOOD NEWS....
When one signs up for Protect Democracy, facts and data could help Democrats wrap our minds around midterms.
I take the liberty to post the link -- as I felt encouraged by Ian Bassin, much in the spirit of this community and Newsletter by Robert Hubbell that inspires Hope : https://protectdemocracy.org/our-staff/ian-bassin/
Robert, You had me in your opening “essay” until you portrayed losing control of Congress in 22 and the Presidency in 24 as “disappointing and maddening.” Though I never will abandon the fight to preserve the cherished, albeit deeply flawed, American experiment in self-government, I wish to use this opportunity to present, in my view, a more, I dare say, realistic assessment of this terrifying moment in our nation’s history.
I imagine the false grievance that the 2020 election was stolen (combined with other deceptive grievances) could lay the groundwork for Republicans, in 22, to retake both the House and the Senate, let alone prevail in several battleground state and local contests. Were that to happen, Republicans largely would have captured the dynamic of the country’s political conversation, conceivably leaving but a small window to protect the key mechanisms of American democracy. Further down the road, plausibly in 24, Republicans could retain control of Congress and win the White House, perhaps precipitating both a near fatal weakening of American civic institutions and also a Presidency eager and able to consolidate power, wherein the rule of law could be subjugated to an individual.
Here I would note my purpose in relating this hardly far-fetched narrative largely is to underscore, when faced with repeated frustration and failure, that the only fatal failure is quitting.
Thank you, Barbara Jo, You manage to say this more gently than I usually do. I would only add to your statement that "the only fatal flaw is quitting," my own deep belief that being realistic is not pessimism. We do all that we can in these final hours. And then, as with most potentially game-changing events, we wait and we hope we've done enough. I wish all of us a weekend of quietness of spirit. As a friend of mine has as the greeting on her voice mail, "Make a good day for yourself."
Dean, Not only do I agree “that being realistic is not pessimism”; I also would contend if we can’t anticipate the worst possible outcome, should it happen, we likely would be unable to summon the courage and will to persist despite knowing our cause is just and right and moral.
I think it's possible that we are not in the majority :-). If you haven't seen it, look on YouTube for Jon Stewart's show after the shootings at the Black church in Charleston. I wish I could figure out how to insert a live link, but this morning isn't the time that's likely to happen. However, it is easy to pull up and you'll see why I recommend it.
Dean, When I get home this evening, I’ll have a look. Meanwhile, I believe there’s value in knowing we are not too fragile to acknowledge that the realities we face should trigger alarms.
Thank you for this, Dean, I hadn't seen it. The most powerful idea I got from Jon's essay: the contrast between the trillions of dollars and thousands of lives we spent in other countries after 9/11 to "keep us safe." and how nothing happened to keep us safe after (fill in the blank) mass shooting.
It seems pretty simple to me - follow the money.
The military industrial complex flourishes when we attack overseas.
The NRA and gun industry flourish when we do nothing here at home.
What I remember most clearly is his rejection of the attitude we (as a country) have to these shootings (and still do)--just one lone crazy guy, mental case, not on his meds, etc. In other words--not me; not us; an aberration. You hear someone say some version of that idea after every one of these, like the sheriff who says, "I just don't know how something like this could happen here." We work very hard to distance ourselves from this kind of violence but also from a system that creates one of the worst kinds of violence-poverty. lt feeds into a discussion with Barbara Jo Krieger earlier today about the need to look at the unpleasant details, including those in our own thoughts and
behavior. Reminds me of what Carl Jung wrote about our "shadows" the unconscious and dark part of ourselves. I am definitely not quoting here, but the idea is that if we don't acknowledge and deal with it, it will come back and bite us in the ass.
Yes, yes, yes. I've been writing all morning and about to take a break before phone banking later today, but I just wanted to thank you for these additional thoughts. Another way that I think about the "shadow" part of us is the storage in our brain of unprocessed grief, fear, anger from our very early days. In my own experience, they rise up in a physical urgency to seek comfort - or at least get it to stop - which in my case led to a life-long eating disorder and subsequent excess of stored energy carried on my body. Perhaps if I were a guy, I would have chosen more violent ways to respond to the drive. "Acknowledge and deal with it," harder than it sounds!!!
Hi Dean, I hope it is OK that I insert the link to the Jon Stewart segment that you mention. I just watched it. Thank you for recommending it. I did see it years ago, sadly, still timely.
Hi, Nancy, Of course it is better than OK. It would be better than better than if you would add Directions For the technologically-challenged (at least on this platform) for how to insert a link. Will s dimple copy and paste work?
Yes! Barbara Jo, we must rally well beyond 11/8/22 regardless of outcome. There will remain much work to be done. Let’s continue by building a solid community of believers in action.
Don’t accept the omnipotence of evil. The whole idea of democracy is that the people are smart enough to make the right choices—not all the time, but enough of the time. As Churchill said, democracy is the worst form of government, except for every other form that has been tried. Spending time and energy on what might happen is a waste of both, particularly before November 9th.
Jon, Speaking solely for myself as an educator and activist, if I didn’t understand the potential forms of agony and anguish that could be unleashed, I wouldn’t be nearly as effective in promoting actions to block or inhibit them.
On another matter, may I presume you mean November 8th?
Stephen, Speaking only for myself, my activism on a host of issues is fueled because I am informed and I know what’s at stake. My concern about the public at large is that too many don’t believe that voting is important, or they don’t think they can make a difference or they don’t feel they have enough information about issues and candidates or…
Barbara I could not agree more. My friend is a volunteer fireman and he judges what’s really happening based on their comments and views. They drive 30-40 minutes to get to work and for them the cost of gasoline and groceries is top of their list. When I ask him how they perceive Republicans fixing that problem there answer is what we have now is not working we need to make a change. The threat to Democracy for the. Is not a real thing. Unfortunately they are not alone.
Stephen, I appreciate your reply, but regret that most people don’t know that record corporate profits (a 54% increase) account for over half of the increased prices people are paying.
Barbara Jo and Stephen Berg, this is self evident when we recognize that only about 55% of those eligible vote. And when you disaggregate the data it is even worse on the part of young people and other groups. This is the challenge we have faced and must confront.
Agree but so far in most areas turnout has been ahead of previous midterms and is running at the 2020 presidential level. Early voting has been off the charts which historically has been heavy Democratic. I have managed optimism
A Time reporter came to the Democrats Abroad UK campaign office in London this week and covered what our committed group of volunteers is doing. Could you please publicise this in your newsletter and remind all of your readers who live outside the US or know people who do: our votes matter and our votes are counted! And it’s not too late for many of us to vote.
Key states (including AZ, NC) allow voters outside the country to request their ballots by email up until Election Day and thirty states allow for some form of electronic ballot return (fax, email, online upload). Many states that require ballots to be returned by postal mail have extended deadlines to receive them. Voters outside the country can also use an emergency backup ballot to vote if they requested but have not received their ballots. All information on ballot request, state deadlines and more on votefromabroad.org
Your message reminds me of the Civil Rights song "We'll Never Turn Back." We, who have to choice to turn away, can take heart from this recording by two of the original SNCC Freedom Singers.
Remember Michael Moore, who predicted a Trump win in 2016? He believes that there will be a blue wave on Tuesday due to the power and determination of women. Let’s hope he is still gifted with powerful insight into American voters!
Thank you, Robert, I will save this evening's addition somewhere special
But as a woman, I cannot resist emphasizing this quote for the possible use of your Managing Editor when she needs it. I do not remember her blog:
Quote" I always follow my Managing Editor’s advice." Unquote. :) If you are near a Redwood's cousin, once again, pat it for me. We are off to Yosemite tomorrow, where sadly summer seems to have left into winter in the Valley, depriving us of the autumn leaves I miss from childhood. The only time we were in Sequoia there were yellow bushes against bark of nondeciuous giant, and the fresh fall of the season's first snow.
I find the best cure for politics to be nature, though nature's 900% increase in Covid in Mariposa Country will keep me from the pleasures of my beloved Yosemite dining room, to me a chapel.
I loved todays edition of the newsletters because it was the type of comments we all need to hear. Frankly I don’t think anyone reliably knows what the results of the election will really be until the voting is completed and counted. Realistically there will be different “ winners and losers” so maybe Fetterman wins in Pennsylvania and Lake wins in Arizona because not all the good guys will win. Winning to me is getting people who never were involved in an election involved, introducing young people to the process and electing people who never held office before and bringing new blood into the system. We need to remember that elections are really local and some communities will embrace and fight for democracy and some will not. Not all the election deniers will win office and if we reduce their numbers is that considered a win, or if a majority of Trump endorsed candidates lose is that a win and I could go on. The 2022 midterms is a warm up for the 2024 elections and hopefully a learning experience.
Love the football analogy. Continuing it... no sports team that loses in one season gives up being a team and playing the sport. They come back for the next season!
Thank you for this. If you want to hear depression, you should be active in a red county in Florida.
Not giving up, to me, means that it is essential we take a long view of what is happening in our country, and of course, worldwide. We are clearly in a battle between plutocrats and people who want to live in a democratic country that regulates capitalism and provides a social safety net for those who are not wealthy enough to be able to provide for their own essentials. Again, this battle is worldwide. Take it out of the Democrat/Republican context. It takes different forms depending upon what part of the world it is in.
Right now, plutocrats are winning in too many places, because they have figured out how to appeal to the worst of human nature. I am not able to give up on appealing to the best of human nature. Regardless of what happens, after the election we will regroup and figure out how to go forward.
If a few errant Republicans get elected in this midterm cycle causing the Democrats to lose their majority, is it time to give up on democracy? As you repeatedly and correctly say, no way, at least not now. Maybe the time will eventually come to give up and stop resisting the fascist threat to truth, liberty and justice for all, perhaps in a billion years or so, around the same time that scientists except the Sun to burn out and cease to energize our lovely little planet Earth. Meanwhile, there is only one right course of action: Resist! In matters like this, perspective is important. The message I get from Today's Edition Newsletter is always calming, enduring and reassuring. For all intents and purposes as far as us mere mortals are concerned, the order of battle is to do the next right thing no matter what, which in this case is to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Never yield to bullies who seek to destroy your autonomy and rights as a citizen of the greatest democracy that has existed in modern times. If unwise Americans continue to vote against their own interests for the sake of a miscreant, fascist fool and he and his lackeys take power again, well, that will just make the struggle more challenging, but it's not a reason to give up.
What do you do when you're in combat and under fire? You fire back, and in the aftermath of the heated battles, initiate the guerrilla tactics deemed the most efficacious to achieve victory. Another important perspective in all this is the agenda of Pacha Mama, the great Earth Mother, the overarching reality that in the end will be the arbiter of outcomes in all of mankind's schemes to dominate the world. It's also important to remember that unless all the people on the planet learn to settle their political differences and unify around the issues affecting global warming, the current hullabaloo in the realm of politics won't amount to a hill of beans.
you are always providing a voice of reason. it's in deed a calming voice in the midst of the cacophony from the press!!! so here's hoping we can pull some home runs and if not, not to give up! thank you as always Lynda Levy
This election cycle provided us all with opportunities to grow our civic engagement which is instrumental to democracy. Thank you, Robert and everyone here for all you do and have done. For me it’s been an evolving and deepening series of engagements that has and still requires stretching beyond my comfort zones. On Election Day, I will be a non-partisan poll monitor in my largely, nonwhite neighborhood in Boston, MA. (I am a 68 year old white woman). It will be interesting to see if there will be an increased presence of law enforcement as predicted in some places where the FBI threat tracking indicates a reasonable threat to poll workers. While I don’t expect to see trouble nor will I engage with anyone who does, it still requires some courage to show up in this polarized political moment, help those who need help to vote, and report any problems. I’ve surprised myself by how passionate I am about defending our democracy and take inspiration from many folks infinitely braver than I (e.g. John Lewis, MLK, RFK). May this election be safe, peaceful, and free and may democracy be the winner!
I woke up to an inbox filled with emails from people who are pushing back against my essay. In short, many people are saying that I underestimate how bad things will get and that democracy may end in 2022 whether we give up on it or not.
Things could get very bad. But let’s not underestimate the power of 180 million Americans who will still be a force for good. We aren’t giving up and will not let democracy die.
If we focus on how bad things may get to the exclusion of the political force of 180 million people, we can talk ourselves into fatalism and defeatism. The surest way to lose our democracy is to quit. The second way is to tell everyone that all is lost.
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, I am not giving up. I ask you to join me and millions of other Americans who will not give up.
Robert, once again you told us what we need to hear. I want to add:
Please take a moment for this uplifting and moving experience. ... and see if you agree that every one of us should post this wherever we can. I met a new activist singer songwriter on my Slack Postcard group, Markers for Democracy (thanks to whoever turned me on to them - I can't remember!) Her name is Stacy Beyer, and her song "Good Trouble" is dedicated to civil rights hero John Lewis (It's his phrase). She met him and he asked her to sing it to him - and they both cried. He handed her a tissue. The video is a powerful expression of all the good trouble we need to raise....no matter what happens on Nov 8!
https://youtu.be/Lh2aCbYih2U
Just as Paul Revere spread the bone chilling news that the British are coming we can and should spread the news that the Fascists are coming. Realizing how bad things are and could get is not the same as giving up. This realization of just how dire our situation is could either discourage or motivate a person. It all depends on the type of person.
I am adamantly opposed to the "democracy is doomed" etc. rhetoric. I personally think it is suspect and subversive.
AMENN BARBARA!
Yes, Barbara M!!!!
Dear Robert, in recent days, as we get close to the election, it occurs to me that A. News that Dems are not as enthusiastic as Rs (NPR News) surely can’t surprise us since the media has been telling us the 2022 midterms would be bad for us since 1/1/2020, and B. We might forget that the weekend before our Trump nightmare began in 2016 the entire press was declaring that Hillary was going to win.
You have told us numerous times not to listen to all these polls and pundits. Yet, here we are preparing ourselves for the worse case. We must embrace the elections with reality while concurrently we must stop allowing ourselves to be talked into any scenario but rather work with a focus on what we want to create as our future. To do otherwise is to undermine our efforts.
As your blog states headline implies and you wrote; it is NEVER time to give up on democracy. Clearly, we have had to and will continue to have to fight for our democracy until DJT is well off the stage. He has made it very evident that regardless of what we, the courts, the January 6 Select Committee or any of the numerous tell all books throw at him he is not going to surrender or go quietly into the night. He will fight to the end when justice will be done.
We must continue with an even greater resolve because our democracy, constitutional governance is vital for the future of every U.S. citizen whether they understand that or not. We must stand firm in what we believe and what we want for generations now and to come.
Let us resist and keep focused on a return to justice for all with accountability by many who have out of fear or complicity enabled DJT and, of course, an accountable Trump.
Thank you. Whatever happens in the next week, I suspect that you will offer resources and information to carry on with the fight. While you may occasionally read like a cheerleader it is a fact that you have been a realist who has worked diligently to put resources in front of us to take action rather than wallow in angst or irresponsible journalism regardless of the source.
Today (11/6) - an NBC polls showed that Dem enthusiasm is at 73%. Same as Rs.
We’ll need every bit of enthusiasm and motivation regardless of the outcome. See: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/opinion/political-violence-extremism.html
Oh thank God you're gone.
What she said.
"I've never been a great fan of US Democracy. " Your words. And no one said you were appeasing Fascists.
All systems are susceptible to corruption. It's a blessing when any of them are functional. It's only through effort that they stay that way.
Perhaps those that disengage feel that they are above the work. Or simply not appreciate the blessing that democracy is.
Yes, MAGA is fascism. That's not a revelation.
Thanks for ditching us. Enjoy your Shangra-La!
There are many countries with multiple parties, and most are dysfunctional.
That's really interesting. Thanks.
A comment about Twitter:
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." - Søren Kierkegaard
As an Aspergian, I got a laugh out of a pundit writing about Musk today: "Putting the ass in Asperger's."
Gotta love Saren K., a Christian of a different color, like Meister Eckhart!
Here is something quite encouraging. It was an ad on the back of a county shopper (mailer) in an area of upstate NY that leans red. It read:
WE THE PEOPLE
reject lies and fear, reject hate and violence
reject extremism and insurrectionism
WE THE PEOPLE
defend democracy, defend human rights
defend justice
WE THE PEOPLE
must vote Democrat to save personal liberty
to save our Social Security, to save our Medicare
to save our families and
to save our American Democracy.
It is signed by "OFAD". We cannot figure out who paid for this, but it's concise and to the point.
You all have a great weekend and GOTV!
Old Farts for American Democracy?
(The) Only Freedom (is) After Death?
Organized Fraternity of Activist Democrats?
Oh, F*** Another Defeat?
Overcome Fear with Activity Daily?
You sent me down a 🐇🕳 with OFAD. The most delightful I found is Organization of Floral Arts Designers. No matter who or what it is, though, it's a wonderful piece.
Truly OPTIONAL. Everyone has so much to read now.
Even so, a hallowed New York activist leader sent around an email summary of the link below, under the subject: GOOD NEWS....
When one signs up for Protect Democracy, facts and data could help Democrats wrap our minds around midterms.
I take the liberty to post the link -- as I felt encouraged by Ian Bassin, much in the spirit of this community and Newsletter by Robert Hubbell that inspires Hope : https://protectdemocracy.org/our-staff/ian-bassin/
Robert, You had me in your opening “essay” until you portrayed losing control of Congress in 22 and the Presidency in 24 as “disappointing and maddening.” Though I never will abandon the fight to preserve the cherished, albeit deeply flawed, American experiment in self-government, I wish to use this opportunity to present, in my view, a more, I dare say, realistic assessment of this terrifying moment in our nation’s history.
I imagine the false grievance that the 2020 election was stolen (combined with other deceptive grievances) could lay the groundwork for Republicans, in 22, to retake both the House and the Senate, let alone prevail in several battleground state and local contests. Were that to happen, Republicans largely would have captured the dynamic of the country’s political conversation, conceivably leaving but a small window to protect the key mechanisms of American democracy. Further down the road, plausibly in 24, Republicans could retain control of Congress and win the White House, perhaps precipitating both a near fatal weakening of American civic institutions and also a Presidency eager and able to consolidate power, wherein the rule of law could be subjugated to an individual.
Here I would note my purpose in relating this hardly far-fetched narrative largely is to underscore, when faced with repeated frustration and failure, that the only fatal failure is quitting.
Thank you, Barbara Jo, You manage to say this more gently than I usually do. I would only add to your statement that "the only fatal flaw is quitting," my own deep belief that being realistic is not pessimism. We do all that we can in these final hours. And then, as with most potentially game-changing events, we wait and we hope we've done enough. I wish all of us a weekend of quietness of spirit. As a friend of mine has as the greeting on her voice mail, "Make a good day for yourself."
Dean, Not only do I agree “that being realistic is not pessimism”; I also would contend if we can’t anticipate the worst possible outcome, should it happen, we likely would be unable to summon the courage and will to persist despite knowing our cause is just and right and moral.
I think it's possible that we are not in the majority :-). If you haven't seen it, look on YouTube for Jon Stewart's show after the shootings at the Black church in Charleston. I wish I could figure out how to insert a live link, but this morning isn't the time that's likely to happen. However, it is easy to pull up and you'll see why I recommend it.
Dean, When I get home this evening, I’ll have a look. Meanwhile, I believe there’s value in knowing we are not too fragile to acknowledge that the realities we face should trigger alarms.
Thank you for this, Dean, I hadn't seen it. The most powerful idea I got from Jon's essay: the contrast between the trillions of dollars and thousands of lives we spent in other countries after 9/11 to "keep us safe." and how nothing happened to keep us safe after (fill in the blank) mass shooting.
It seems pretty simple to me - follow the money.
The military industrial complex flourishes when we attack overseas.
The NRA and gun industry flourish when we do nothing here at home.
Another reason I'm not giving up!!!
Thanks, Chaplain Terry,
What I remember most clearly is his rejection of the attitude we (as a country) have to these shootings (and still do)--just one lone crazy guy, mental case, not on his meds, etc. In other words--not me; not us; an aberration. You hear someone say some version of that idea after every one of these, like the sheriff who says, "I just don't know how something like this could happen here." We work very hard to distance ourselves from this kind of violence but also from a system that creates one of the worst kinds of violence-poverty. lt feeds into a discussion with Barbara Jo Krieger earlier today about the need to look at the unpleasant details, including those in our own thoughts and
behavior. Reminds me of what Carl Jung wrote about our "shadows" the unconscious and dark part of ourselves. I am definitely not quoting here, but the idea is that if we don't acknowledge and deal with it, it will come back and bite us in the ass.
I actually think that's about where we are now.
Yes, yes, yes. I've been writing all morning and about to take a break before phone banking later today, but I just wanted to thank you for these additional thoughts. Another way that I think about the "shadow" part of us is the storage in our brain of unprocessed grief, fear, anger from our very early days. In my own experience, they rise up in a physical urgency to seek comfort - or at least get it to stop - which in my case led to a life-long eating disorder and subsequent excess of stored energy carried on my body. Perhaps if I were a guy, I would have chosen more violent ways to respond to the drive. "Acknowledge and deal with it," harder than it sounds!!!
Hi Dean, I hope it is OK that I insert the link to the Jon Stewart segment that you mention. I just watched it. Thank you for recommending it. I did see it years ago, sadly, still timely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjzrvRKv6Ks
Hi, Nancy, Of course it is better than OK. It would be better than better than if you would add Directions For the technologically-challenged (at least on this platform) for how to insert a link. Will s dimple copy and paste work?
Yes. Copy a URL and paste it wherever you want it to go.
Yes! Barbara Jo, we must rally well beyond 11/8/22 regardless of outcome. There will remain much work to be done. Let’s continue by building a solid community of believers in action.
My reminder to myself over the last several years is "Don't catastrophize." It helps
Susan, an old friend always said "awfulize." I think we all tilt that way occasionally
Don’t accept the omnipotence of evil. The whole idea of democracy is that the people are smart enough to make the right choices—not all the time, but enough of the time. As Churchill said, democracy is the worst form of government, except for every other form that has been tried. Spending time and energy on what might happen is a waste of both, particularly before November 9th.
Jon, Speaking solely for myself as an educator and activist, if I didn’t understand the potential forms of agony and anguish that could be unleashed, I wouldn’t be nearly as effective in promoting actions to block or inhibit them.
On another matter, may I presume you mean November 8th?
Nope, I meant what I said and I said what I meant. (And no typos.) November 9th--AFTER the election.
Jon, Thanks for the clarification.
The fatal flaw for me would be losing control of the Senate because people did not care enough to vote.
Stephen, Speaking only for myself, my activism on a host of issues is fueled because I am informed and I know what’s at stake. My concern about the public at large is that too many don’t believe that voting is important, or they don’t think they can make a difference or they don’t feel they have enough information about issues and candidates or…
Barbara I could not agree more. My friend is a volunteer fireman and he judges what’s really happening based on their comments and views. They drive 30-40 minutes to get to work and for them the cost of gasoline and groceries is top of their list. When I ask him how they perceive Republicans fixing that problem there answer is what we have now is not working we need to make a change. The threat to Democracy for the. Is not a real thing. Unfortunately they are not alone.
Stephen, I appreciate your reply, but regret that most people don’t know that record corporate profits (a 54% increase) account for over half of the increased prices people are paying.
Barbara Jo and Stephen Berg, this is self evident when we recognize that only about 55% of those eligible vote. And when you disaggregate the data it is even worse on the part of young people and other groups. This is the challenge we have faced and must confront.
Agree but so far in most areas turnout has been ahead of previous midterms and is running at the 2020 presidential level. Early voting has been off the charts which historically has been heavy Democratic. I have managed optimism
"Remain calm, stay strong, and lead by example!" Words to live by. Thank you, Robert!
Dear Robert,
Not giving up here in the UK.
A Time reporter came to the Democrats Abroad UK campaign office in London this week and covered what our committed group of volunteers is doing. Could you please publicise this in your newsletter and remind all of your readers who live outside the US or know people who do: our votes matter and our votes are counted! And it’s not too late for many of us to vote.
Key states (including AZ, NC) allow voters outside the country to request their ballots by email up until Election Day and thirty states allow for some form of electronic ballot return (fax, email, online upload). Many states that require ballots to be returned by postal mail have extended deadlines to receive them. Voters outside the country can also use an emergency backup ballot to vote if they requested but have not received their ballots. All information on ballot request, state deadlines and more on votefromabroad.org
Please help us spread the word!
Thanks
Laura Mosedale
https://time.com/6228023/overseas-voters-us-midterms-2022/
Your message reminds me of the Civil Rights song "We'll Never Turn Back." We, who have to choice to turn away, can take heart from this recording by two of the original SNCC Freedom Singers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Wg4Zm1B_Y
We've been 'buked and we've been scorned,
We've been talked about, sure 's you're born.
But we'll never turn back,
But we 'll never turn back
Until we have all been free.
We have walked through the shadow of death,
We had to walk it all by ourselves,
But we'll never turn back
Until we have all been free
Until we have all been free
And we have equality.
We have hung our heads and cried,
Cried for the ones who had to die,
Died for you and died for me,
Died for the cost of equality.
But we'll never turn back
Until we have all been free
No, we'll never turn back,
No, we'll never turn back.
Remember Michael Moore, who predicted a Trump win in 2016? He believes that there will be a blue wave on Tuesday due to the power and determination of women. Let’s hope he is still gifted with powerful insight into American voters!
Michael's daily Tsunami of Truth posts are part of my daily dose of hope along with Robert Hubbell and Heather Cox Richardson.
Thank you, Robert, I will save this evening's addition somewhere special
But as a woman, I cannot resist emphasizing this quote for the possible use of your Managing Editor when she needs it. I do not remember her blog:
Quote" I always follow my Managing Editor’s advice." Unquote. :) If you are near a Redwood's cousin, once again, pat it for me. We are off to Yosemite tomorrow, where sadly summer seems to have left into winter in the Valley, depriving us of the autumn leaves I miss from childhood. The only time we were in Sequoia there were yellow bushes against bark of nondeciuous giant, and the fresh fall of the season's first snow.
I find the best cure for politics to be nature, though nature's 900% increase in Covid in Mariposa Country will keep me from the pleasures of my beloved Yosemite dining room, to me a chapel.
I loved todays edition of the newsletters because it was the type of comments we all need to hear. Frankly I don’t think anyone reliably knows what the results of the election will really be until the voting is completed and counted. Realistically there will be different “ winners and losers” so maybe Fetterman wins in Pennsylvania and Lake wins in Arizona because not all the good guys will win. Winning to me is getting people who never were involved in an election involved, introducing young people to the process and electing people who never held office before and bringing new blood into the system. We need to remember that elections are really local and some communities will embrace and fight for democracy and some will not. Not all the election deniers will win office and if we reduce their numbers is that considered a win, or if a majority of Trump endorsed candidates lose is that a win and I could go on. The 2022 midterms is a warm up for the 2024 elections and hopefully a learning experience.
Love the football analogy. Continuing it... no sports team that loses in one season gives up being a team and playing the sport. They come back for the next season!
Thank you for this. If you want to hear depression, you should be active in a red county in Florida.
Not giving up, to me, means that it is essential we take a long view of what is happening in our country, and of course, worldwide. We are clearly in a battle between plutocrats and people who want to live in a democratic country that regulates capitalism and provides a social safety net for those who are not wealthy enough to be able to provide for their own essentials. Again, this battle is worldwide. Take it out of the Democrat/Republican context. It takes different forms depending upon what part of the world it is in.
Right now, plutocrats are winning in too many places, because they have figured out how to appeal to the worst of human nature. I am not able to give up on appealing to the best of human nature. Regardless of what happens, after the election we will regroup and figure out how to go forward.
If a few errant Republicans get elected in this midterm cycle causing the Democrats to lose their majority, is it time to give up on democracy? As you repeatedly and correctly say, no way, at least not now. Maybe the time will eventually come to give up and stop resisting the fascist threat to truth, liberty and justice for all, perhaps in a billion years or so, around the same time that scientists except the Sun to burn out and cease to energize our lovely little planet Earth. Meanwhile, there is only one right course of action: Resist! In matters like this, perspective is important. The message I get from Today's Edition Newsletter is always calming, enduring and reassuring. For all intents and purposes as far as us mere mortals are concerned, the order of battle is to do the next right thing no matter what, which in this case is to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Never yield to bullies who seek to destroy your autonomy and rights as a citizen of the greatest democracy that has existed in modern times. If unwise Americans continue to vote against their own interests for the sake of a miscreant, fascist fool and he and his lackeys take power again, well, that will just make the struggle more challenging, but it's not a reason to give up.
What do you do when you're in combat and under fire? You fire back, and in the aftermath of the heated battles, initiate the guerrilla tactics deemed the most efficacious to achieve victory. Another important perspective in all this is the agenda of Pacha Mama, the great Earth Mother, the overarching reality that in the end will be the arbiter of outcomes in all of mankind's schemes to dominate the world. It's also important to remember that unless all the people on the planet learn to settle their political differences and unify around the issues affecting global warming, the current hullabaloo in the realm of politics won't amount to a hill of beans.
you are always providing a voice of reason. it's in deed a calming voice in the midst of the cacophony from the press!!! so here's hoping we can pull some home runs and if not, not to give up! thank you as always Lynda Levy
Thank you for the reminder to stay strong.
This election cycle provided us all with opportunities to grow our civic engagement which is instrumental to democracy. Thank you, Robert and everyone here for all you do and have done. For me it’s been an evolving and deepening series of engagements that has and still requires stretching beyond my comfort zones. On Election Day, I will be a non-partisan poll monitor in my largely, nonwhite neighborhood in Boston, MA. (I am a 68 year old white woman). It will be interesting to see if there will be an increased presence of law enforcement as predicted in some places where the FBI threat tracking indicates a reasonable threat to poll workers. While I don’t expect to see trouble nor will I engage with anyone who does, it still requires some courage to show up in this polarized political moment, help those who need help to vote, and report any problems. I’ve surprised myself by how passionate I am about defending our democracy and take inspiration from many folks infinitely braver than I (e.g. John Lewis, MLK, RFK). May this election be safe, peaceful, and free and may democracy be the winner!
"For me it’s been an evolving and deepening series of engagements..." 🤗