Jill and I are appalled at today's attempt to assassinate Nancy Pelosi that sent her husband to the hospital with a fractured skull, at what seems to be the increasing "normalization" of political violence that we attribute to our former president and to comments made by some Republican officials, including our own governor, Glenn Youngkin and the Chair of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel. As of writing, Trump has been quiet and let us hope he will remain so. Top Democrats, starting with President Biden and his living predecessors, need to come together with top Republican leaders, starting with Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, plus George W. Bush, and issue a joint statement condemning the attack on Mr. Pelosi and calling on all Americans to reject violence and strive to rebuild a civil political culture here and reunite the United States of America. Enough is enough! Shaun
I have always thought that Nancy Pelosi was a remarkable person, but the video of her on the phone on January 6 asking urgently, but calmly, for public officials to take actions to preserve the Capitol and the people trapped inside by a mob of insurrectionists showed her true worth. This phrase gets overused sometimes, but here is richly justified: she is a national treasure.
I had the privilege of meeting the Pelosi's when I worked in San Francisco politics and they were the younger brother and sister-in-law of my boss' main ally on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the late Ron Pelosi. During the 1974 Democratic primary for State Controller, we had a fund-raiser at the Haas Mansion. All the SF Movers & Shakers were there. Nancy, merely the wife of the younger brother of the candidate's good friend and ally, ended up in the back of the room near staffer me, while we awated Bob's arrival and speech. We were chatting (I think I had been introduced and met her maybe twice in passing), and I made a comment about either one of the Movers or the Shakers, I forget which. She proceeded to point out and name everyone there, why they were there and what they wanted, and what value their support brought to the campaign (in the majority of cases, not that much). It was a master performance. For the ones I knew of enough to know something of them, she was dead on, so I figured if she was right there, she was right everywhere (I later found she was)e. When she finished, I said "Mrs. Pelosi, you ought to go into politics!" She smiled.
After that I found out who she was, daughter of one of the most powerful Democratic mayors in America, who had learned her politics from the day she spoke her first word. She waited till her kids were grown, and I have never been surprised by anything she's done.
Up until the Rise Of Trump (ROT), I had her tied with Thomas Bracket Reed, creator of the modern Speakership, as Greatest Speaker. But then she became Greatest Speaker for the Ages, because none of her forebears had to confront the Subversive Threat of Trump and Trumpism (and hopefully never will again).
She's my favorite American politician and has been since before she was a professional politician.
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I woke up to the news of this sickening violence with a sense of dread. Then the sadness welled up--for our country--but even more for Nancy Pelosi and her family. She is one of the bravest, strongest leaders in our country's history. I am grateful for her leadership over her long career as a public servant but particularly for being the Commander-In-Chief on January 6th, the worse day in our country's history.
This tragedy stayed with me all day, but with 9 days to go I just got back to the work I am doing to win the Midterms--leading phone banks, canvassing, recruiting volunteers, and voter protection.
I can attest to the fact that taking action really is the antidote to despair and anxiety. Working alongside the dedicated, determined group of people I share this work with seals the deal.
We have 9 days left and millions of voters to turn out to make sure this is not the last free and fair election this country has.
If ever an American deserved the Medal of Freedom, it is Nancy Pelosi. She was the embodiment of courage in the service of protecting our nation, our freedom, keeping focused on Jan 6th on protecting our seat of government and seemingly unflappable at that time of chaos. I too get telephone pollsters asking me how I would describe Nancy Pelosi, and I welcome the chance to gush with enthusiasm.
Thanks for opening the comments, and for your great work this week, Robert. Have a good and restful weekend.
And don’t let fear stop you, the reader, from what you believe. This was domestic terrorism and fear was this guy’s goal. The thugs outside ballot boxes, fear is their goal, too. Stand up to it and confront it, or fear will control you.
Stay strong and move forward. Hugs and love to you all!
I’m really sad that Republicans have demonized Nancy Pelosi so much. For whatever reason, the pollsters call me almost every Sunday night on my land line. I can always tell when the poll is sponsored by a Republican candidate when they attempt to gauge my attitude towards “NANCY PELOSI”. That’s the best I can convey how that comes across when they ask.
I often think about this in the context of women’s journey. Until Kamala Harris was elected VP, Nancy was the most powerful elected woman ever as Speaker of the House. I remember her recent predecessors and there’s just no comparison as to morals and ability to legislate by holding the Democrats towards the common good of the people. She deserves our praise and gratitude, but has to endure the outright demonization of the Republicans.
And Madame Speaker Pelosi also says, ‘Don’t agonize, organize!’ She is a true leader during these trying times. May her husband heal fully and quickly and regain a sense of peace and serenity in their home eventually. My heart goes out to them.
Now is the time to vote every Republican out of office and bring about the end of the MAGA infested Republican Party which no longer believes in democracy or integrity or empathy or peace or doing the People's work. Perhaps my favorite photo of our time is Nancy in the Cabinet Room standing wagging her finger at the petulant baby potus sitting across the table from her. We are very fortunate to have such a Mama Bear taking care of us and our nation. We must all stand firm against the violence and intimidation or we will have lost our freedom. Any elected or un-elected official who won't stand against the violence must never hold office again. We must do this from the strength of non-violent protest and our votes. Please encourage everyone you know or meet to go vote for our freedoms! We, the People, all of us together have the power to set the country back on the track to a more equitable union where the freedoms and well-being of others is our sole mission.
I am a 72 year old woman. I have long admired the strong women who have taken on the patriarchal institutions with intelligence and grit. Like Nancy. However, I have asked myself so many times over the past few years “What have “we” become? The news of this attack, as well as other attacks that have become part of the daily newsfeed reinforces the fear I have for the future of democracy. If I get started on the Dobbs decision, I fear I could not stop my frustrations. And then----I read on the morning news that in Arizona, a woman who has fed the homeless for years, has now been arrested with the potential jail term of 4 months for feeding the homeless in a park. The law now in Arizona is that it is a crime to “charitably” feed others in a public setting. Again I ask “what have we become?”
Apologies for the stray line after the sign off. I am traveling and drafted this piece on my cell phone. Did not see the extra line.
My name's Nancy too. So where's this Nancy?
I just returned from putting up ELECTION PROTECTION signs at six early voting locations throughout Indianapolis.
People having voting problems anywhere in the country, can call 866-OUR-VOTE, organized by Common Cause.
Jill and I are appalled at today's attempt to assassinate Nancy Pelosi that sent her husband to the hospital with a fractured skull, at what seems to be the increasing "normalization" of political violence that we attribute to our former president and to comments made by some Republican officials, including our own governor, Glenn Youngkin and the Chair of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel. As of writing, Trump has been quiet and let us hope he will remain so. Top Democrats, starting with President Biden and his living predecessors, need to come together with top Republican leaders, starting with Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, plus George W. Bush, and issue a joint statement condemning the attack on Mr. Pelosi and calling on all Americans to reject violence and strive to rebuild a civil political culture here and reunite the United States of America. Enough is enough! Shaun
I have always thought that Nancy Pelosi was a remarkable person, but the video of her on the phone on January 6 asking urgently, but calmly, for public officials to take actions to preserve the Capitol and the people trapped inside by a mob of insurrectionists showed her true worth. This phrase gets overused sometimes, but here is richly justified: she is a national treasure.
I had the privilege of meeting the Pelosi's when I worked in San Francisco politics and they were the younger brother and sister-in-law of my boss' main ally on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the late Ron Pelosi. During the 1974 Democratic primary for State Controller, we had a fund-raiser at the Haas Mansion. All the SF Movers & Shakers were there. Nancy, merely the wife of the younger brother of the candidate's good friend and ally, ended up in the back of the room near staffer me, while we awated Bob's arrival and speech. We were chatting (I think I had been introduced and met her maybe twice in passing), and I made a comment about either one of the Movers or the Shakers, I forget which. She proceeded to point out and name everyone there, why they were there and what they wanted, and what value their support brought to the campaign (in the majority of cases, not that much). It was a master performance. For the ones I knew of enough to know something of them, she was dead on, so I figured if she was right there, she was right everywhere (I later found she was)e. When she finished, I said "Mrs. Pelosi, you ought to go into politics!" She smiled.
After that I found out who she was, daughter of one of the most powerful Democratic mayors in America, who had learned her politics from the day she spoke her first word. She waited till her kids were grown, and I have never been surprised by anything she's done.
Up until the Rise Of Trump (ROT), I had her tied with Thomas Bracket Reed, creator of the modern Speakership, as Greatest Speaker. But then she became Greatest Speaker for the Ages, because none of her forebears had to confront the Subversive Threat of Trump and Trumpism (and hopefully never will again).
She's my favorite American politician and has been since before she was a professional politician.
Nancy will be remembered as one of, if not the most consequential House Speakers in history.
That she has to deal personally with the vile tornado of hate brought on by the former guy and his acolytes is sad beyond words
Thank you for your inspiring words, Robert.
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I woke up to the news of this sickening violence with a sense of dread. Then the sadness welled up--for our country--but even more for Nancy Pelosi and her family. She is one of the bravest, strongest leaders in our country's history. I am grateful for her leadership over her long career as a public servant but particularly for being the Commander-In-Chief on January 6th, the worse day in our country's history.
This tragedy stayed with me all day, but with 9 days to go I just got back to the work I am doing to win the Midterms--leading phone banks, canvassing, recruiting volunteers, and voter protection.
I can attest to the fact that taking action really is the antidote to despair and anxiety. Working alongside the dedicated, determined group of people I share this work with seals the deal.
We have 9 days left and millions of voters to turn out to make sure this is not the last free and fair election this country has.
And where was ANY protection at Nancy’s residence. Whether or not she is there?!? 3rd in line to the Presidency.... and no adequate safeguards??
My thoughts, but so eloquently expressed. She has done an amazing job for us. And she did all of the above in her 80s.
If ever an American deserved the Medal of Freedom, it is Nancy Pelosi. She was the embodiment of courage in the service of protecting our nation, our freedom, keeping focused on Jan 6th on protecting our seat of government and seemingly unflappable at that time of chaos. I too get telephone pollsters asking me how I would describe Nancy Pelosi, and I welcome the chance to gush with enthusiasm.
Thanks for opening the comments, and for your great work this week, Robert. Have a good and restful weekend.
And don’t let fear stop you, the reader, from what you believe. This was domestic terrorism and fear was this guy’s goal. The thugs outside ballot boxes, fear is their goal, too. Stand up to it and confront it, or fear will control you.
Stay strong and move forward. Hugs and love to you all!
I’m really sad that Republicans have demonized Nancy Pelosi so much. For whatever reason, the pollsters call me almost every Sunday night on my land line. I can always tell when the poll is sponsored by a Republican candidate when they attempt to gauge my attitude towards “NANCY PELOSI”. That’s the best I can convey how that comes across when they ask.
I often think about this in the context of women’s journey. Until Kamala Harris was elected VP, Nancy was the most powerful elected woman ever as Speaker of the House. I remember her recent predecessors and there’s just no comparison as to morals and ability to legislate by holding the Democrats towards the common good of the people. She deserves our praise and gratitude, but has to endure the outright demonization of the Republicans.
VOTE:
Character first!
Integrity second!
Policy third! Policy can be changed.
And Madame Speaker Pelosi also says, ‘Don’t agonize, organize!’ She is a true leader during these trying times. May her husband heal fully and quickly and regain a sense of peace and serenity in their home eventually. My heart goes out to them.
Now is the time to vote every Republican out of office and bring about the end of the MAGA infested Republican Party which no longer believes in democracy or integrity or empathy or peace or doing the People's work. Perhaps my favorite photo of our time is Nancy in the Cabinet Room standing wagging her finger at the petulant baby potus sitting across the table from her. We are very fortunate to have such a Mama Bear taking care of us and our nation. We must all stand firm against the violence and intimidation or we will have lost our freedom. Any elected or un-elected official who won't stand against the violence must never hold office again. We must do this from the strength of non-violent protest and our votes. Please encourage everyone you know or meet to go vote for our freedoms! We, the People, all of us together have the power to set the country back on the track to a more equitable union where the freedoms and well-being of others is our sole mission.
I am a 72 year old woman. I have long admired the strong women who have taken on the patriarchal institutions with intelligence and grit. Like Nancy. However, I have asked myself so many times over the past few years “What have “we” become? The news of this attack, as well as other attacks that have become part of the daily newsfeed reinforces the fear I have for the future of democracy. If I get started on the Dobbs decision, I fear I could not stop my frustrations. And then----I read on the morning news that in Arizona, a woman who has fed the homeless for years, has now been arrested with the potential jail term of 4 months for feeding the homeless in a park. The law now in Arizona is that it is a crime to “charitably” feed others in a public setting. Again I ask “what have we become?”