"If we flip several more legislatures and pass pro-choice constitutional amendments and voter protection legislation at the state level, we will improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans". The first contest of 2023 is a State Senate seat in Virginia. Support Virginia Beach City Councilor Aaron Rouse. He can flip a Virginia State Senate seat on January 10. https://rouseforsenate.com.
Thank you, Robert, for another educational, inspirational, and enlightening newsletter. I want to remind everyone there are things you can do every day to bolster democracy. Case in point. postcards to voters has a new campaign for Democrat Aaron Rouse in VA for the special election for the 7th State Senate district seat on January 10, 2023. Sign up at www.postcardstovoters.org.
The opponent in this Special Election Republican Kevin Adams, who says he supports Gov. Glenn Youngkin's agenda. In other words, Adams supports weakening public education funding, demonizing LGBTQ kids, erasing the history of African Americans, harming the environment, pushing to roll back the tremendous progress made on switching from fossil fuels to clean energy, restricting voting rights, and of course depriving women of their rights to make crucial decisions about their own bodies. [Source: BlueVirginia.us]
We see a great opportunity to bolster currently tenuous Democratic strength in the Virginia State Senate. The Virginia Legislature is currently split with R’s narrowly holding the House. Dems narrowly hold the Senate, but with some not very reliable Dem votes. We have a great opportunity to flip a very competitive seat, created by the resignation of the R incumbent, Jan Kiggans who defeated Elaine Luria for the US House seat.
Aaron, is a strong and well-known candidate, who has won city-wide election to the VA Beach City Council. Aaron is a vigorous supporter of reproductive rights, affordable health care, investing in education, and expanding job opportunities. The seat is very competitive, and was only lost in 2021 by <1%. With the GOP attacking progressive priorities right and left, we need a clear majority more than ever.
Aaron’s R opponent is pretty lackluster, but clearly Gov. Youngkin and his allies are weighing in strongly for this precious seat.
Aaron needs support for basic activities like mailing and other voter outreach. Timing is very short, since the election is Jan 10, so support is needed now.
Rob, count me as one of those many mothers who is so grateful for your concern, support, and advocacy on behalf of the trans and non-binary community. I do worry about my only child and their spouse, who I love as my own. They are both loving, intelligent members of their community, who only want to contribute to the welfare of others. For parents of minor children, these disgraceful attacks must be even more terrifying.
Now seemingly, the far-right extremists have added Brittany Griner, Paul Whelan and others to those of the LGBTQIA community as pawns that they can use and disparage for their own gain. Cowardly bullies.
Dec 12, 2022·edited Dec 12, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Unreconstructed Afrikaner Muck has no "skills" other than to have invested his portion of the dodgy profits from the "war-emeralds" trade in Rhodesia, now Zimbabe, the Blood diamonds trade in the Congo and the "conflict gems" trade by an unreconstructed white supremacist Afrikaner family profiting from South African war crimes, in the work of others, and then steal the credit. He's "invented" nothing and all the people who talk about him as some sort of tech genius merely betray they have bought into his PR machine.
Not only did he go after Fauci this weekend, but he also retaliated against Yoel Roth, formerly General Counsel and the head of Trust and Safety - who Musk was originally parading as "see, I hire gay Jews, I'm no antisemite or homophobe!" Since Roth is gay and Jewish he’s been a particular target for the far-right. In recent days Roth took the fateful step of mildly criticizing Musk in public. Saturday night Musk retaliated by insinuating that Roth himself might be a pedophile and that that might explain Twitter’s purported laxity toward “groomers” and pedophiles before he acquired the company.
That followed a week in which Musk moved into near-constant dialogue with the most rabid conspiracy theorists and anti-Semites in the digital space. He’s jumped head first into the “globalist”/pedophile vortex which was at the heart of the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory and later the entire QAnon movement. He now accuses former Twitter management of intentionally allowing the platform it to become a breeding ground of pedophilia and child sex trafficking. He claims he’s shutting the offending accounts down after previous management refused to do so. These accusations have become so totalizing that Friday Musk drew a rebuke from former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who has been one of Musk’s bigger supporters during the takeover.
He's a good argument in favor of the termination of all the billionaires "with extreme prejudice." Along with his Nazi buddy Peter Thiel.
Elon Musk is scum. I can't wait for his tinny toy company to go broke, now that Tesla's aren't the official car of rich white lib'ruls any more.
Rob - please count me as one of what I am sure are many fathers who also appreciate and support your condemnation of discrimination against LGBTQ people. I share the concerns of the mothers who want a world in which their children do not have to live in fear, anxiety, and depression because people have made them feel “other” or “different” or “wrong.” Be clear that I stand against Elon Musk and the NYPost and Ron DeSantis, and all others who foment hate and exclusion and who put at risk the lives of LGBTQ people.
I wish I knew how to restore public confidence in science and experts in general. It is very discouraging to me as a retired scientist. Any suggestions?
I write to let people know that Robert Reich, via “Inequality Media Civic Action,” urged all of us to write immediately to our Senators prevailing upon them, during the final session, to advance the Electoral Count Reform Act and not delay with final passage. While a sample letter was provided, we were told that editing/ rewriting would triple its impact.
Aside from using some of the provided content, I incorporated bits including the following:
1) I noted the ECRA already had passed in the House, wherein lawmakers had clarified existing ambiguities in the ECA around the role of the Vice President and the certification of electors, while also providing transparency around how electors are appointed.
2) I commented on how reforms will help to ensure that bad actors do not try to exploit loopholes to challenge the final vote of the electoral college.
3) I was clear, that while the ECRA does not sufficiently address the complex challenges facing our voting systems today, it, nonetheless, is vitally important to ensuring the peaceful transfer of Presidential power.
You've packed a lot into this newsletter today, Robert. Much appreciated. I'm so glad you highlighted Joyce Vance's suggestion that we write a card to Paul Whelan to show our support for him.
I’ll not join the “enough already” crowd in regard to Dr. Fauci, but I hope the Democratic congressional minority will be as loud and in your face in defense of Fauci and against his GOP inquisitors at these hearings as are the lunatics attacking him. There is no room for mere quiet and dignified defense of Fauci.
Thank you so much for you comments on Elon Musk. I used to be an avid Twitter user, but when I saw his tweet yesterday (I do not follow him but, funny enough, I seem to get all of his tweets in my feed) I knew it was my last time on Twitter. I was truly scared reading that tweet. He is dangerous and we must call him out. I will never buy anything from one of his companies again, and both of our cars are Teslas. No more.
I am greatly appreciative of your pointing out and emphasizing the reversal of political fortunes of President Biden and Donald Trump from November 1 to early December. However, I want to push back on your reprise of what is rapidly becoming the universal mantra of convention wisdom -- the 2024 Senate map is an impending Democratic disaster. Recently, I heard a junior political genius opine that Democrats’ two best flip opportunities are Texas and Florida -- evidencing just how bleak is the outlook. When are we going to learn -- believing the worst can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I woke up to these headlines in our local daily newspaper, the Fort Myers (FL) News-Press, on Sunday, Dec. 11: "'The party's on fire': Florida GOP roiled by far right takeover efforts despite 2022 wins." The article goes on to detail the infiltration of MAGA Republicans into Lee County political leadership, including our school district. Visitations by the likes of Michael Flynn and others are "heralded" by those celebrating this.
Needless to say, it is painfully distressing to those of us who are repulsed by these people and this movement. I mentioned "MAGA Republicans," but there is no mention of Donald Trump. For that matter, "MAGA" isn't even mentioned. This is all about Ron DeSantis. This is what is coming for my home county. It is what will be coming for our country leading up to 2024. The Michael Flynn's and others have turned the page from their flailing flag bearer to the next thing in their desire for authoritarian rule, and his name is DeSantis. We ignore this inevitability at our own peril.
All that doom and gloom said, I believe that the horrific nature of DeSantis' politics and his nature as a pathetically flawed human and "the next big thing" in right-wing fascism in this country will be revealed to enough Americans that his tenure will be cut short by defeat in his Presidential run. Sadly, the Florida I have loved for most of my life is lost, but America will see him for what he is. He makes no attempt to hide or disguise his true colors.
"If we flip several more legislatures and pass pro-choice constitutional amendments and voter protection legislation at the state level, we will improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans". The first contest of 2023 is a State Senate seat in Virginia. Support Virginia Beach City Councilor Aaron Rouse. He can flip a Virginia State Senate seat on January 10. https://rouseforsenate.com.
Thank you, Robert, for another educational, inspirational, and enlightening newsletter. I want to remind everyone there are things you can do every day to bolster democracy. Case in point. postcards to voters has a new campaign for Democrat Aaron Rouse in VA for the special election for the 7th State Senate district seat on January 10, 2023. Sign up at www.postcardstovoters.org.
The opponent in this Special Election Republican Kevin Adams, who says he supports Gov. Glenn Youngkin's agenda. In other words, Adams supports weakening public education funding, demonizing LGBTQ kids, erasing the history of African Americans, harming the environment, pushing to roll back the tremendous progress made on switching from fossil fuels to clean energy, restricting voting rights, and of course depriving women of their rights to make crucial decisions about their own bodies. [Source: BlueVirginia.us]
Every vote counts. This CT race was won by 1 vote: https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-election-recounts-legislature-connecticut-hartford-d0e19f874f931b087dc1ee186d30d9cd
This MA race just flipped to blue by one vote after recount https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/11/massachusetts-recount-flips-state-house-race-to-democrat-one-vote
In support of Barbara Markley and Leonard Lubinsky's Comments. At 31st St Swing Left we are raising money in support of Aaron Rouse in VA SD-7.
Link to donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/31stst4aaronrouse?refcode=outreach
We see a great opportunity to bolster currently tenuous Democratic strength in the Virginia State Senate. The Virginia Legislature is currently split with R’s narrowly holding the House. Dems narrowly hold the Senate, but with some not very reliable Dem votes. We have a great opportunity to flip a very competitive seat, created by the resignation of the R incumbent, Jan Kiggans who defeated Elaine Luria for the US House seat.
Aaron, is a strong and well-known candidate, who has won city-wide election to the VA Beach City Council. Aaron is a vigorous supporter of reproductive rights, affordable health care, investing in education, and expanding job opportunities. The seat is very competitive, and was only lost in 2021 by <1%. With the GOP attacking progressive priorities right and left, we need a clear majority more than ever.
Aaron’s R opponent is pretty lackluster, but clearly Gov. Youngkin and his allies are weighing in strongly for this precious seat.
Aaron needs support for basic activities like mailing and other voter outreach. Timing is very short, since the election is Jan 10, so support is needed now.
Rob, count me as one of those many mothers who is so grateful for your concern, support, and advocacy on behalf of the trans and non-binary community. I do worry about my only child and their spouse, who I love as my own. They are both loving, intelligent members of their community, who only want to contribute to the welfare of others. For parents of minor children, these disgraceful attacks must be even more terrifying.
Now seemingly, the far-right extremists have added Brittany Griner, Paul Whelan and others to those of the LGBTQIA community as pawns that they can use and disparage for their own gain. Cowardly bullies.
Unreconstructed Afrikaner Muck has no "skills" other than to have invested his portion of the dodgy profits from the "war-emeralds" trade in Rhodesia, now Zimbabe, the Blood diamonds trade in the Congo and the "conflict gems" trade by an unreconstructed white supremacist Afrikaner family profiting from South African war crimes, in the work of others, and then steal the credit. He's "invented" nothing and all the people who talk about him as some sort of tech genius merely betray they have bought into his PR machine.
Not only did he go after Fauci this weekend, but he also retaliated against Yoel Roth, formerly General Counsel and the head of Trust and Safety - who Musk was originally parading as "see, I hire gay Jews, I'm no antisemite or homophobe!" Since Roth is gay and Jewish he’s been a particular target for the far-right. In recent days Roth took the fateful step of mildly criticizing Musk in public. Saturday night Musk retaliated by insinuating that Roth himself might be a pedophile and that that might explain Twitter’s purported laxity toward “groomers” and pedophiles before he acquired the company.
That followed a week in which Musk moved into near-constant dialogue with the most rabid conspiracy theorists and anti-Semites in the digital space. He’s jumped head first into the “globalist”/pedophile vortex which was at the heart of the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory and later the entire QAnon movement. He now accuses former Twitter management of intentionally allowing the platform it to become a breeding ground of pedophilia and child sex trafficking. He claims he’s shutting the offending accounts down after previous management refused to do so. These accusations have become so totalizing that Friday Musk drew a rebuke from former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who has been one of Musk’s bigger supporters during the takeover.
He's a good argument in favor of the termination of all the billionaires "with extreme prejudice." Along with his Nazi buddy Peter Thiel.
Elon Musk is scum. I can't wait for his tinny toy company to go broke, now that Tesla's aren't the official car of rich white lib'ruls any more.
Rob - please count me as one of what I am sure are many fathers who also appreciate and support your condemnation of discrimination against LGBTQ people. I share the concerns of the mothers who want a world in which their children do not have to live in fear, anxiety, and depression because people have made them feel “other” or “different” or “wrong.” Be clear that I stand against Elon Musk and the NYPost and Ron DeSantis, and all others who foment hate and exclusion and who put at risk the lives of LGBTQ people.
I wish I knew how to restore public confidence in science and experts in general. It is very discouraging to me as a retired scientist. Any suggestions?
I write to let people know that Robert Reich, via “Inequality Media Civic Action,” urged all of us to write immediately to our Senators prevailing upon them, during the final session, to advance the Electoral Count Reform Act and not delay with final passage. While a sample letter was provided, we were told that editing/ rewriting would triple its impact.
Aside from using some of the provided content, I incorporated bits including the following:
1) I noted the ECRA already had passed in the House, wherein lawmakers had clarified existing ambiguities in the ECA around the role of the Vice President and the certification of electors, while also providing transparency around how electors are appointed.
2) I commented on how reforms will help to ensure that bad actors do not try to exploit loopholes to challenge the final vote of the electoral college.
3) I was clear, that while the ECRA does not sufficiently address the complex challenges facing our voting systems today, it, nonetheless, is vitally important to ensuring the peaceful transfer of Presidential power.
You've packed a lot into this newsletter today, Robert. Much appreciated. I'm so glad you highlighted Joyce Vance's suggestion that we write a card to Paul Whelan to show our support for him.
I’ll not join the “enough already” crowd in regard to Dr. Fauci, but I hope the Democratic congressional minority will be as loud and in your face in defense of Fauci and against his GOP inquisitors at these hearings as are the lunatics attacking him. There is no room for mere quiet and dignified defense of Fauci.
Absolutely the best opening sentence to an essay that I've ever read! A master-stroke of genius.
Thank you so much for you comments on Elon Musk. I used to be an avid Twitter user, but when I saw his tweet yesterday (I do not follow him but, funny enough, I seem to get all of his tweets in my feed) I knew it was my last time on Twitter. I was truly scared reading that tweet. He is dangerous and we must call him out. I will never buy anything from one of his companies again, and both of our cars are Teslas. No more.
I am greatly appreciative of your pointing out and emphasizing the reversal of political fortunes of President Biden and Donald Trump from November 1 to early December. However, I want to push back on your reprise of what is rapidly becoming the universal mantra of convention wisdom -- the 2024 Senate map is an impending Democratic disaster. Recently, I heard a junior political genius opine that Democrats’ two best flip opportunities are Texas and Florida -- evidencing just how bleak is the outlook. When are we going to learn -- believing the worst can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
May the lives the deniers fail to save be their own.
I woke up to these headlines in our local daily newspaper, the Fort Myers (FL) News-Press, on Sunday, Dec. 11: "'The party's on fire': Florida GOP roiled by far right takeover efforts despite 2022 wins." The article goes on to detail the infiltration of MAGA Republicans into Lee County political leadership, including our school district. Visitations by the likes of Michael Flynn and others are "heralded" by those celebrating this.
Needless to say, it is painfully distressing to those of us who are repulsed by these people and this movement. I mentioned "MAGA Republicans," but there is no mention of Donald Trump. For that matter, "MAGA" isn't even mentioned. This is all about Ron DeSantis. This is what is coming for my home county. It is what will be coming for our country leading up to 2024. The Michael Flynn's and others have turned the page from their flailing flag bearer to the next thing in their desire for authoritarian rule, and his name is DeSantis. We ignore this inevitability at our own peril.
All that doom and gloom said, I believe that the horrific nature of DeSantis' politics and his nature as a pathetically flawed human and "the next big thing" in right-wing fascism in this country will be revealed to enough Americans that his tenure will be cut short by defeat in his Presidential run. Sadly, the Florida I have loved for most of my life is lost, but America will see him for what he is. He makes no attempt to hide or disguise his true colors.
https://www.news-press.com/story/news/politics/2022/12/09/trump-supporters-seek-control-florida-republicans-steve-bannon-michael-flynn/69711382007/?utm_source=news-press-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=PFTM-1026NP-E-NLETTER65
Wonderful letter, Robert. Your discussion of Musk is the best I have read anywhere.