It seems to me that most Americans do not understand how social security or medicare work and the funding of these programs. The Democratic party should be doing much more education around that. Not just saying they want to end it, but explaining how it works in chunks over different ads. They can talk about the funding and how the super wealthy do not pay into it at the rate they earn. It should also be made clear that IVF is affected by these fetal rights bills--Crystal clear! or all the people who are anti-abortion but pro-IVF will not understand it. The democrats cannot count on the press to cover this legislation, when they like to cover the crazy antics of Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump!
The press is addicted to sensational headlines that sell, not covering the news well.
Daniel, Regrettably, workers throughout the country, many of whom vote Republican, are voting for a Party, which on every single issue economically (and otherwise) run counter to their interests and concerns.
But "her emails", but "guns", but "the border".... The repubs make their base fearful of everything but the reality of retiring poor and without affordable healthcare.
Nancy, While I agree, I would add that the MAGA base largely is fixated on withholding opportunity from those they deem less deserving, more so than whether their own needs are fulfilled.
Erica, In my view, if we merely write off this substantial swath of the country as “stupid,” we’ll never achieve a sufficient enough understanding to help explain their behavior so we can try and change it.
Writing off the MAGA base as “stupid” simply ignores how Donald Trump, by stoking the grievances (many legitimate) of a sizable swath of the country, has fueled an extremist movement. If we expect to preserve our democracy, increasingly more people must feel that Democratic leadership sees them, cares about them, and is working on the problems that affect their lives.
Linda, For some perspective, given that income subjected to the payroll tax currently is capped at $168,000, Jeff Bezos had paid payroll tax due in 2024 within 7 minutes, give or take, into January. (Source: Robert Reich)
It would potentially have a big impact on businesses which pay 50% of the tax - IOW 6.2% of salary up to the cap for each employee - especially the ones that pay their C-suite employees outrageous salaries! More corporate welfare at the expense of the low-to-middle income people!
Your post got me curious, so I found the historical limits for SS taxes:
There are several ways to handle it. Social Security is not just a retirement program - it protects the wage earner and the qualifying family. Social Security is social insurance and everyone who is fully and currently insured has the equivalent of a million dollar policy covering the entire family. There are two funds, the retirement fund and the disability fund. As of today, the funds are still solvent, although it's estimated that the retirement fund will "default" in 2033. Republicans tried to kill the disability fund several times. I've written about it, Save the Social Security Disability Trust Fund! and Reduce SSI Exposure to the General Fund, 36 J. Nat’l Ass’n Admin. L. Judiciary 142 (2016). https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1601&context=naalj
I've also written about the retirement fund. The main problem is that baby boomers had huge populations that will expend expenses until the apex in 2033, when population should return to normal. Once upon a time, my theory was that if the rate of contribution were supplemented, using charitable deductions, the apex could be exceeded.
Here's a paper I wrote for lawyers, December 01, 2011 FINANCIAL PLANNING
Social Security—Maybe Charity Should Begin at Home
By Daniel F. Solomon
For most of its history, Social Security was a terrific bargain: our parents and grandparents most probably received significantly more benefits than they paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. The trust fund comprises the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds (OASDI, collectively).
In most cases, because our family units could rely on these benefits, they were able to enjoy enough financial independence to send people like us to school so that we could become lawyers—productive and, in some cases, wealthy, members of society. For 75 years, the Social Security Trust Fund has helped enable American soci- ety to achieve far beyond the aspirations of its founders, ultimately providing more than subsistence to retirees by also protecting widows, orphans, and disabled people. The dignity provided to needy beneficiaries surely far outweighs the economic value of the funds.
However, financial experts have long predicted a future insolvency of the funds. A majority of Americans have invested in the funds, recognize their social utility, and do not want to burden their heirs. Although there have been legislative attempts to “fix” the system, there is no consensus how to do it. The Congressional Research Service reported:
For example, for workers who earned average wages and retired in 1980 at age 65, it took 2.8 years to recover the value of the retirement portion of the combined employee and employer shares of their Social Security taxes plus interest. For their counterparts who retired at age 65 in 2002, it will take 16.9 years. For those retiring in 2020, it will take 20.9 years.
Geoffrey Kollmann and Dawn Nuschler, “Social Security Reform” (October 2002).
The National Commission on Social Security Reform (informally known as the “Greenspan Commission” after its chairman) was appointed by the Congress and President Ronald Reagan in 1981 in response to a short-term financing crisis that Social Security faced at that time. Estimates were that the OASI Trust Fund would run out of money possibly as early as August 1983. Congress rendered a compromise that extended the retirement age from 65 to 67, through a deal that raised payroll taxes and trimmed benefits enough to keep Social Security solvent. See Jackie Calmes, “Political Memo: The Bipartisan Panel: Did It Really Work?” New York Times, January 18, 2010. However, the legislation addressed only the immediate problem and did not address the long-term viability of the fund. See also Rudolph G. Penner, “The Greenspan Commission and the Social Security Reforms of 1983,” in Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency, David Abshire, Editor. Washington: Center for the Study of the Presidency, pp. 129–31.
The George W. Bush administration commission deliberated on the issue and then called for a transition to a combination of a government-funded program and personal accounts (“individual” or “private accounts”) through partial privatization of the system.
President Barack Obama reportedly strongly opposes privatization or raising the retirement age but supports raising the cap on the payroll tax ($106,800 in 2009) to help fund the program. He has appointed a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which is to report and offer another fix.
Current estimates predict that payroll taxes will only cover 78% of the scheduled payout amounts after 2037. This declines to 75% by 2084. 2010 OASDI Trust- ees Report, Figure II.D2, www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2010/ trTOC.html.
Although the congressional plan was to ensure solvency through Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, there is a private means to help: to also consider the humanitarian and charitable nature of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which has been possible since a legislative fix in 1972. Before then, bequests naming Social Security or a trust fund as a beneficiary could not be accepted, which caused problems in administration of some estates. Money gifts or bequests may be accepted for deposit by the managing trustee of the OASI and DI funds. Section 170(c)(l) of the Internal Revenue Code lists the U.S. government among the educational or charitable organizations to which donations are acceptable. Gifts must be unconditional, except that the donor may designate to which fund the gift should be donated. If no fund is designated, the gift is credited to the OASI Trust Fund.
However, SSA has not publicized its charitable persona. Although the agency has received some gifts and bequests, they have been insignificant and not given consideration in a possible fix. The concept has been so unimportant to the experts that the Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin does not specify how much the administration has received in gifts and bequests. Total revenue from gifts to the trust funds has been quite small. From 1974 to 1979 the most received in any one year was $91,949.88. During that period, the average annual amount was only $39,847. In 1980, almost two-thirds of the gifts were less than $100. The median gift size was $50. One person, for example, donated $13.11. She arrived at that amount by applying 5.85% (the employee tax rate then in effect) to her benefit amount and donated it to help “‘shore up’ the sagging, dwindling Social Security fund.” However, the 2010 Social Security Trustees Report lists them as about $98,000 (www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2010/III_ cyoper.html#2). Compared to many other charities, this is a paltry amount.
Apparently, SSA has never done a feasibility study nor marketing research to determine how an aggressive campaign could raise funds to support Social Security, or how gifts and bequests could reduce the current estimates of impending doom. According to some estimates total deductions taken for all charities next year would be $413.5 billion. Estimates for fiscal year 2011 are that SSA will spend $730 billion. That amount is already covered through “contributions” (taxes), but it is reasonable that charitable contributions to the trust fund could significantly lessen taxpayer exposure for impending doom, if not return the fund to solvency.
As lawyers, we have the capacity to remind our families, our clients, and the public at large that there is a way to contribute to help endow future generations in the pursuit of the same kind of social stability that Social Security provided to our parents and grandparents.
Yes, this is the kind of detail that should be included. And the big question of why it is capped at $168,000. Given how much more money is earned by some that could be funding our economy and ending our multi-trillion dollar debt, and funding all entitlement programs, it makes no sense. Ironically my daughter's political science class at the University in Germany is comparing retirement insurance as it is called in Germany with the retirements plans in the USA. My daughter was having difficulty understanding how one could have a retirement account that is subject to market forces as most businesses are now-a-days. I pointed out to her that a friend's wife, who grooms dogs, does not get any pension or other benefits. It is unclear to me whether her business is even paying into social security. What I do understand is that the owner has several small grooming businesses in the city and gets around paying by not having enough employees in any one shop to be required to pay. However, I have said repeatedly that they should unionize across shops. It was not clear to me which union dog groomers belong to. Any suggestions anyone?
WOAAA there ! Let's review how this program works. Medicare and SS are payroll tax deductions where the employee and employer each pay 1/2 the % mandated. This $ is earmarked, going to the SS and Medicare trust funds and does NOT fund any other government expense without an Congressional Act to borrow from it, which they have.
And this is a major reason why contributions to Social Security (historically, not logically) are based on an individual’s earnings. The FDR Administration sold SS retirement on the basis that it would be funded by individual assessments deposited into the individuals’ accounts (this was the basic idea). It was not conceived/sold as a new *tax*, especially a progressive tax, because it would never have passed Congress (which was far less liberal than many think it was).
SEIU- Service Employees International union. They include everyone from social workers to waiters since they are service workers.as a social worker I was a member for 23 years till I retired.
Andra Watkin has read and dissected the almost 1000 pages of Project 2025.
She provides shareable📣 info:⬇️
“For a Christian Nationalist, who cares how many people die as long as they sat in a pew or endured other religious indoctrination beforehand?”
“The CDC can and should make assessments as to the health costs and benefits of health interventions, but it has limited to no capacity to measure the social costs or benefits they may entail. For example, how much risk mitigation is worth the price of shutting down churches on the holiest day of the Christian calendar and far beyond as happened in 2020? What is the proper balance of lives saved versus souls saved?”
“Of course, the framers of Project 2025 can’t stand that much success from one government agency. Especially when it prefers tools like the scientific method over the Bible. Here’s how they will destroy the National Institutes of Health.”
“Make no mistake. Christian Nationalists will go further. Their endorsement of fertility awareness methods means they could ban all man-made types of birth control.”
Well done Linda, thank you. The press is addicted because many Americans are addicted to being entertained. Look at "Entertaining Ourselves To Death", by the late Neil Postman. Written in early 80's, Postman foretells how our attachment to 'having fun' and being entitled to our slightest whim for pleasure was not a good sight going forward. A trumper I saw recently , when asked why she supports him still replied " because he is fun. He makes me. laugh. And, here we are !
How tragic. It reminds me of working in a bar and the bartender said she was going to vote for Ronald Reagan because he had given her a good tip once. I was shocked about that. I still remember all of the Democrats who voted for Reagan. I could not believe that anyone would think an actor was qualified to run, or run a country. Ditto for Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump! Wonder which bad actors are considering funding his debt so that they can own him. Or, do they think it is too big a risk.
Reagan was Governor of California, and a not-unsuccessful one, when he ran for President. His paper qualifications were as good as having been Governor of Georgia.
Reagan’s policies, though, were quite another matter. :-(
At that point I did not know him so well, but whatever news my family was exposed to I saw him as not good in the areas we looked at. I look at health, education, welfare and foreign policy. His stint in California did not support the first 3 in ways I would agree with. I would say that Reagan balanced the budget even though he ran as a tax cutter, he raised the taxes, and then increased the spending, but cracked down hard on student protests calling out the national guard. Then as president implemented a switch from university education being largely grants to making them take out loans. As governor drastically reduced mental health care, and when laws were proposed to protect doctors who perform abortions, he stood by anti-abortionists but still signed a modified law that would not prosecute when done to protect the health of the mother, forcing much of the bill to be dropped. He was a big supporter of capital punishment. In education he supported increased funding in lower income districts, but it was funded by sales tax increases which more largely effect those of lower incomes. Still, I can see how things that he accomplished in CA seemed good to many people.
Russia's little monster Vladdie, has means to prop the boy from Mara-Lardo up forever. At this point, I expect , said monster is very desperate to get IT back into power if he is to keep his grandiose Ponzi of world dominance scheme alive. The laws of impermanence is that all things are subject to perpetual change in given time. Look how all of this chaos has emerged from 'under the wrap' of the false security we once had. Though counter-intuitive, I say to myself, make peace with the chaos and do all you can to see it as building blocks for where we are headed as a species. Dictators have Dirt Parties too, and time will welcome them to step inside eternity. Not so enough though! Peace.
You raise a very important point, what does qualify a person to run the country? A long career as a politician? Success in business? Law degrees? Community service? Educator? Comedian like Zelensky?
Actors can be excellent communicators and that is a very valuable quality. If Jane Fonda or Oprah, or Jon Stewart ran, I’d be inclined to consider them seriously (because they have my values).
I guess being a good communicator is useful, but it is not the main part of the job in the way that teachers need to communicate well, because that is their whole job. And, is an actor a good communicator, or good at parroting someone else's words with feeling? I would not consider any of the 3 media personalities you mention seriously because I don't think they would be effective in getting things done. That is having the experience with negotiating with people in both parties to come to a compromise, and knowing where they can stand their ground. I also worry that stars, who get catered to a lot know how to be just plain folks. I do think legislative experience is important, and it would be good if one had studied government and how it works. Foreign policy knowledge is important too, as is historical knowledge. Knowing a lot of people to hire to fill the different jobs, particularly as advisor is important. That is why vice presidents are well placed to understand what the job entails. I am not saying they always have the other skills. I really believe in expertise and experiential learning. I am not saying no one could, I am also not saying your media personalities could not, I don't know them in that way. What I am saying is I don't think just anyone who has some ideas can do it. I am very seriously hoping that if Trump wins some of his ideas won't fly, even if he has the whole backing of The Heritage Foundation and other right wing organizations. Last night I was at a friend's house and they had rented this movie which costs 5 dollars to screen. We watched it together and discussed it. It is called God and COuntry, or something like that, and really looks at the influence of the White Christian Nationalists on Trump and how he plays to them and has taken on their agenda. https://watch.eventive.org/godandcountry/play/65e601a2a2d7070041c33efd
I highly recommend seeing it. Trump did not have success in business, but as a charismatic leader like these So called Christian pastors, he is a good communicator of his message. That does not qualify him to be president in a country where the separation of Church and State is a very intentional part of you constitution.
Susan, our views of what is funny, or fun to us varies enormously, as you are well aware. Humor at the expense of another living being of any sort is sinister and it is cruel.
A book I read, a few years ago, by a professor of government makes the point that many citizens don’t know that many government social programs actually are *government* programs. He explains: the programs are structured and administered in such a way that *contractors*, not identifiable government employees deliver benefits. “Traditional” Medicare is delivered by medical personnel, not government employees. The face of Medicare Part D is various insurance companies that hawk and run their own programs; the federal government, which underwrites most of their programs is so far in the background as to be invisible.
So it is with many other programs. So the government doesn’t get credit, in the public mind, for many of the fine things it does or has done.
Our federal government is forbidden by law (I believe) to engage in public relations (smart agencies like NASA have competent public *information* operations) – so some political action groups need to properly inform the public about how government programs really work.
Although the current campaign, is about preserving democracy, a major sub-issue is the roles the government plays in helping ordinary Americans. It’s about far more than the latest programs Biden has pushed through Congress.
Why Robert, I could’ve sworn you had a bit of fun writing tonight’s newsletter! I can tell you that there were parts where I laughed. :)
I watched parts of today’s hearing featuring Parnas and the ever arrogant Bobulinski. Parnas was articulate and very precise in pointing out the dastardly deeds he had done for Rudy and Trump. He was a great witness for the Dems. Bobulinski was far worse than Hur. He reminded me of a big snapdragon! I also saw Biden’s speech that he gave in AZ regarding the chips. I feel all of these science and energy ideas and implementation will enable people not to be poor anymore. Biden mentioned that people would be able to make a salary in the $100,000’s without a college degree. Tapping into one’s mechanical, building, or technical skills will truly enable a lot of people to achieve their dreams. Joe and Kamala must stay so that they can witness their achievements! We are helping them do just that.
From what I saw of the hearings, they were a triumph for Democrats. I have been reading Barbara McQuade’s new book Attack from Within. I recommend it heartily. It gives me a specific framework through which to understand both the chaos of Republican disinformation machination and why people are so dedicated to them, against all reason. At least when I witness or read about all this stuff, I can recall from the book what the strategy is and how it is quite intentional, as chaotic as it seems.
I can’t wait to read that book! I learned about it through the podcast #sisters in law with McQuade, Joyce, Vance, Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Jill winebanks. I highly recommend this podcast. They break down all the legal intricacies of Trump’s various lawsuits.
Just wondering. Did the NYT cover the GOP's disastrous impeachment hearing with Lev Parnas? Seems to me it should be front page news rather than a puff piece about how Trump is the master of TV drama in regard to his VP pick, which then turned to how VPs don't matter anyway, by which point I stopped reading. Proof of Russian spy craft and GOP willing dupes is a pretty big story, no?
Hi, NC. You make an excellent point. The coverage in WaPo and NYTimes barely mentioned Parnas, but it did discuss the other witnesses. The stories were generally negative about the GOP, but Parnas's testimony should have been headline material.
I have canceled the NYT, so I can't answer. But the WaPo buried it. Here's my letter to their editorial staff:
"... I had to scroll down, down, down to find Jacqueline Alemany's article, and then even within it, there are hundreds of words (12 paragraphs) before there is even a mention of yesterday's testimony. You can't tell me that a sworn witness before Congress could have named a sitting Democratic Senator, Congressman and former Attorney General by name as knowingly using Russian disinformation to harm a political opponent, and it wouldn't be covered in huge headlines, above the fold, for days on end. It is astonishing the lengths the WaPo will go to to boost Donald Trump back into the presidency."
I wrote to the NYT, using my letter here and some of Ellen Thomas's language above.
I was struck today by the absence of coverage of the most important part of the GOP’s spurious Biden impeachment hearings. While the NYT had a front page article on Trump’s dramatic flair at suspense and how he was applying it to his VP pick, and then informing us that VP picks don’t much matter anyway, some very serious allegations surfaced at the impeachment hearings. Lev Parnas , under oath, testified that a sitting Senator, a sitting Representative, and the Attorney General, all knew the accusations against Joe Biden and Hunter Biden were false and had emanated directly from the Kremlin. People in the heart of our government knew they were taking propaganda straight from the Russians. The lies were then repeated and amplified on Fox News and other right wing outlets, all in an effort to affect the outcome of the election. I can’t understand how the NYT could not discern that this is of grave national importance, especially as we go through the meat grinder of another election with the ever present danger of Russian meddling. Could you not have given some space to this on your front page-- or even investigated it!-- and a little less ink to the non-story about Trump’s latest distraction?
As of yesterday (Wednesday, March 20), here is a list of signatories to the discharge petition for aid to Ukraine. If this is correct, there are only 15 signatures left to get to 200, the total Republicans say they want to see before adding their names. If you don't see your Dem rep on the list, call them to urge them to sign on.
Lynell, While I was certain my district Rep. had signed, providing this list is crucially important service to help ensure we promptly hit that 200 threshold. The existential threat to Ukraine and beyond grows excruciatingly more palpable each day arms supplies are withheld.
Me, too, BJ. I scrolled the list for my rep and became increasingly fearful that she had not signed on. Then I saw her name...right before I reached the bottom! That said, I have high hopes that this petition will be a success for Ukraine.
I think a lot of the lawmakers opposing it are doing so because of Israel aid, which is in all the same packages. Without conditions on the aid some lawmakers just won't sign on.
Lynell, many thanks for the link. I checked and was grateful to see my rep. was on it. Will call her office today to thank her. A little reinforcement never hurts….
I so agree with you, Sheila. A little thanks goes a long way, IMO. I always thank my reps and their staff whenever I contact them. I also express my wishes that they be well, stay strong, and stay safe!
My weekly action, wearing a Biden shirt grocery shopping, 👕 🛒 has reduced my anxiety plenty.
At first it was because it feels so good to DO SOMETHING for the 2024 election.
The anxiety decreased further when I found that wearing my Biden shirt (in Florida) on 25 grocery runs so far has been 100% positive. My single detractor (a grocery clerk) very respectfully disagreed with my “DEMS MAKE LIFE BETTER” shirt. I pointed to the issues on the back: protecting reproductive rights, climate action, LGBTQ rights, etc and asked what she disagreed with.
Her response was “I disagree with their methods.” And then she said she’d pray for me cheerfully and sincerely.
Fellow Floridian 😎 Shawn encouraged me to wear a t-shirt on grocery runs. About 2 months in and agree it’s been 100% positive and empowering !This week we planted our Biden/Harris yard sign to grow the positivity.
Awesome, Annette. Let's paint NC Blue! Your state is my fav driving distance vacation from FL. I pass a lot of confederate flags in SC on my way there, though.
The quote "I disagree with their methods " is an oft repeated attack commonly heard on Fox News. It lacks any substance, evidence or import. Enacting legislation is actually part of the process of governnace...a process that has become foreign to the GOP, the party of NO. Evidently they have done a good job convincing a fair number that doing nothing is to be rewarded by re-electing individuals who are masters in that art. I think I knew someone in high school like that.
So what exactly do they say is the problem with the methods, if you were to ask that followup question? I haven't heard this one. So I'm curious how the conversation plays out.
Bob, I have a dear friend who is solidly MAGA and very intelligent. He can counter EVERY Dem talking point with Judo-esque skill. He calls the EPA the deep state filled with unelected officials who impose laws that circumvent the legislative process. Indeed, that is exactly what just happened with the new tailpipe regulations for automakers. I fully support the EPA decisions. And I am pre-inclined to do so. But the facts help perpetuate the "deep state conspiracy" story that fuels MAGA drive and firmly dug-in heels.
He can also talk for hours about Hunter Biden. Listen to "Decoding Fox News" and you'll understand why. Fox's coverage of Hunter every week rivals their mentions of Gaza.
Have him call me. Judo has no chance against Brazilian jujitsu and krav maga. The deep state argument is tired, unfounded and weak. It is word salad dressed with vitriol and oil, to make it seem smooth. Sorry he is a dear friend. Easier to deal with as an acquaintance or less.
“He calls the EPA the deep state filled with unelected officials who impose laws that circumvent the legislative process. Indeed, that is exactly what just happened with the new tailpipe regulations for automakers.” —
Sorry, but that’s incorrect in many ways:
• They are unelected officials *who work under the supervision of officials appointed by the President, an elected official.
• The officials do not circumvent the legislative process: they are acting under the authority of laws enacted by Congress. Those laws give EPA the authority to create tailpipe regulations so beloved by conservatives.
Again, I read your newsletter with great interest and much appreciation. (I was glad I watched the Chris Hayes video with regard to the Ohio election.) But I am writing primarily to strongly endorse your recommendation of Jessica Craven's newsletter, Chop Wood. Carry Water. I am very happy I get that daily. She, along with you contribute greatly to my ability to try to do what I can while remaining hopeful. And I agree with your mantra that actions actually reinforce and increase hope. I first subscribed to Jessica Craven after reading her recommendation in for the Climate Action Now app in the comment section of your newsletter. I got the app, use it daily and love being able to do so much in so little time. (For readers who don't know this and might be interested, Jessica recently added a newsletter for world affairs called Chop Wood. Carry the World, in which she writes about and suggests actions with regard to things outside domestic issues, like the horrors unfolding in Israel and Gaza. Thank you again.
The GOP budget alone shows why it is not enough to keep Trump out of the White House. We must not elect ANY Republicans. Why is this so difficult? It shouldn’t even be a contest.
I honestly think our brains are wired differently than MAGA’s. How can they not see that their Representatives don’t have their best interests at heart? I am flummoxed.
My breakfast enjoyment surged this morning. Off topic - well maybe not - how is it the Peter Navarro goes to jail for contempt of congress, while that guy who never wears a jacket (how disrespectful) didn't??? (Gym)
I have been wondering the same thing. A friend recently got a subpoena, it was incredibly inconvenient as she had just started a new job. She said, "I have to appear or I will go to jail." The average citizen knows that. Being a member of congress shouldn't make one above the law.
Being a member of Congress doesn’t make one above the law. In Jordan’s case, the Justice Department apparently doesn’t want to get into a propaganda war with a skilled propagandist.
There’s an old saying that one shouldn’t get into a pissing contest with a skunk.
Thank you Robert for reading the email about Mark Elias and the Big Tent event. Regarding voter suppression movement explained at length during the presentation, I posted in the chat a backdoor attempt voted down at the Walpole, New Hampshire town meeting last weekend. The resolution wanted to remove all voting machines and hand count the ballots. This petition was obviously to slow down the vote count process, which would wreak havoc in all but the smallest towns.
Asked to one of the petitioners why they wanted to stop using the tabulation machines, the person stated "they didn't trust machines." The chair of the Republican party said they had nothing to do with it. Hmmm.... The petition was voted down 172-5
Another small victory for in the defense of democracy.
I can't remember the last time (if ever) I voted a paper ballot. I live in a county with over 1M people andalmost 800K registered voters!
We switched about a decade ago to a machine where your choices are printed on a paper ballot that gets spit out of the voting machine. f you are paraniod or OCD you can verify the ballot a second time at this point. We take it over to a tabulation machine where the voter can watch it being accepted as it is tabulated. The voting machines are stand-alone and not connected to any computer network.
As a former (and "recovering") engineer, I am dismayed and discombobulated at the mental contortions the conspiracy theorists must make in order to be convinced that there is massive voter fraud.
I do find it ironic though that Trump (who himself votes by mail) has convinced a large swath of his loyal cult members to disavow a system that the GOP strongly endorsed as a way to ensure that their older voter base actually voted and which made their GOTV efforts more effective.
I live in one of the five all-mail ballot states, where people can vote in person if they choose to, but the vast majority simply drop a paper ballot off at the convenient drop boxes around the city. (I know of two within a mile and a half of my house.) But we get notifications when the ballot has been received, accepted as valid, and then counted. Best way to vote ever.
Early in person voting is easiest for me. IN NC you have to have 2 witnesses or a Notary and I'm single and live alone. Unattended drop boxes are prohibited. So you can mail a ballot to the BoE, drop it by BoE during regular business hours or bring it to an EV site. We have 18 days of early voting and 1 have 2 EV sites wiithin a few miles of my house, so I vote early in person.
As a fellow NH resident I was glad to hear your story. Our reps in Concord are wasting time on attacking LGBTQ people, eliminating the rights of women’s healthcare options and just the other day proposed the “all-important “ legalization of brass knuckles! Knuckleheads!!
My neifling (trans - niece/nephew) is part of a UNH group bringing attention to LGBTQ issues and GOTV in the state. Yay New Hampshire! Yay for the newest generation of voters!!
I live in the great state of Vermont, but Walpole is only 45 minutes away and across the river. Of course, a great little town with a fantastic restaurant , Burdicks, and the home of the most famous history documentarian, Ken Burns.
James Comer (KY 1st) is a disgrace. A self righteous fabulist. A wholly owned subsidiary of Trump, Inc. Wouldn't it be a wonderful development if he had competition in November? Worthy competition? Even a level headed Republican would be a blessing for our country.
Thank you, Robert, for headlining this important story about the mismanagement of our government by the House Oversight Committee; it's something that should be news, and it's complete absence in the NYTimes further confirms the failure of the mainstream media to inform the American public. I felt it was important to point this out to them :
It was odd to look at today's NYT and see no mention of the House Oversight Committee Impeachment hearing yesterday...lots of clickbait but very little substance. We get First Legal fantasies, Shohei's translator, H. Emmet Walsh, the "poet of sleaze", the $10,000 brooch, the latest on Beyonce, March Madness, the eclipse...but nothing about the corruption and disinformation of the GOP in trying to discredit our President, damage the reputation of the country, and interfere in the upcoming election. Surely this is newsworthy, isn't it?
Meanwhile, we look elsewhere for the news; perhaps someday readers will come back to the Times when it returns to reporting the news.
I'm still waiting for the headline: "If enacted, House GOP Budget will destroy the economy, old people on the street, and let people die from lack of healthcare."
But none of that is as important as the possible illness of the princess.
just wrote to them UPDATE. Using that email gets you a form letter saying the editorial board deals with opinions, not news stories. The place to go to contact the newsroom is
If you think our youth are our future, here is the result of The Marist Poll in Georgia...
Compared with the Exit Polls of the 2020 General Election results, Trump has gained support among younger Americans. He is now +5 percentage points over Biden among those 18 to 29. Biden carried this age group in 2020 by 13 percentage points. Among those 30 to 44, Biden is +2 percentage points against Trump. Biden carried these voters by 10 percentage points in 2020.
There are still hundreds of thousands of unregistered women in GA. Field Team 6 has a database of them.
To protect American democracy, reach out to millions of unregistered likely Democrats using a dedicated database using every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts.
It seems to me that most Americans do not understand how social security or medicare work and the funding of these programs. The Democratic party should be doing much more education around that. Not just saying they want to end it, but explaining how it works in chunks over different ads. They can talk about the funding and how the super wealthy do not pay into it at the rate they earn. It should also be made clear that IVF is affected by these fetal rights bills--Crystal clear! or all the people who are anti-abortion but pro-IVF will not understand it. The democrats cannot count on the press to cover this legislation, when they like to cover the crazy antics of Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump!
The press is addicted to sensational headlines that sell, not covering the news well.
Nothing more ironic than a voter who is on SSI supporting a party that wants to eliminate it.
Daniel, Regrettably, workers throughout the country, many of whom vote Republican, are voting for a Party, which on every single issue economically (and otherwise) run counter to their interests and concerns.
But "her emails", but "guns", but "the border".... The repubs make their base fearful of everything but the reality of retiring poor and without affordable healthcare.
Nancy, While I agree, I would add that the MAGA base largely is fixated on withholding opportunity from those they deem less deserving, more so than whether their own needs are fulfilled.
And then they're shocked when they lose THEIR benefits. Because they are just plain stupid.
Erica, In my view, if we merely write off this substantial swath of the country as “stupid,” we’ll never achieve a sufficient enough understanding to help explain their behavior so we can try and change it.
It’s not that deep.
Writing off the MAGA base as “stupid” simply ignores how Donald Trump, by stoking the grievances (many legitimate) of a sizable swath of the country, has fueled an extremist movement. If we expect to preserve our democracy, increasingly more people must feel that Democratic leadership sees them, cares about them, and is working on the problems that affect their lives.
Linda, For some perspective, given that income subjected to the payroll tax currently is capped at $168,000, Jeff Bezos had paid payroll tax due in 2024 within 7 minutes, give or take, into January. (Source: Robert Reich)
I'm not sure why anyone is against removing the cap on that tbh. It would immediately be a huge win for Americans and it's a pretty small tax.
It would potentially have a big impact on businesses which pay 50% of the tax - IOW 6.2% of salary up to the cap for each employee - especially the ones that pay their C-suite employees outrageous salaries! More corporate welfare at the expense of the low-to-middle income people!
Your post got me curious, so I found the historical limits for SS taxes:
https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/file/188863/download?token=FvBNV9HY
thanks for the link!
You are welcome!
There are several ways to handle it. Social Security is not just a retirement program - it protects the wage earner and the qualifying family. Social Security is social insurance and everyone who is fully and currently insured has the equivalent of a million dollar policy covering the entire family. There are two funds, the retirement fund and the disability fund. As of today, the funds are still solvent, although it's estimated that the retirement fund will "default" in 2033. Republicans tried to kill the disability fund several times. I've written about it, Save the Social Security Disability Trust Fund! and Reduce SSI Exposure to the General Fund, 36 J. Nat’l Ass’n Admin. L. Judiciary 142 (2016). https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1601&context=naalj
I've also written about the retirement fund. The main problem is that baby boomers had huge populations that will expend expenses until the apex in 2033, when population should return to normal. Once upon a time, my theory was that if the rate of contribution were supplemented, using charitable deductions, the apex could be exceeded.
Here's a paper I wrote for lawyers, December 01, 2011 FINANCIAL PLANNING
Social Security—Maybe Charity Should Begin at Home
By Daniel F. Solomon
For most of its history, Social Security was a terrific bargain: our parents and grandparents most probably received significantly more benefits than they paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. The trust fund comprises the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds (OASDI, collectively).
In most cases, because our family units could rely on these benefits, they were able to enjoy enough financial independence to send people like us to school so that we could become lawyers—productive and, in some cases, wealthy, members of society. For 75 years, the Social Security Trust Fund has helped enable American soci- ety to achieve far beyond the aspirations of its founders, ultimately providing more than subsistence to retirees by also protecting widows, orphans, and disabled people. The dignity provided to needy beneficiaries surely far outweighs the economic value of the funds.
However, financial experts have long predicted a future insolvency of the funds. A majority of Americans have invested in the funds, recognize their social utility, and do not want to burden their heirs. Although there have been legislative attempts to “fix” the system, there is no consensus how to do it. The Congressional Research Service reported:
For example, for workers who earned average wages and retired in 1980 at age 65, it took 2.8 years to recover the value of the retirement portion of the combined employee and employer shares of their Social Security taxes plus interest. For their counterparts who retired at age 65 in 2002, it will take 16.9 years. For those retiring in 2020, it will take 20.9 years.
Geoffrey Kollmann and Dawn Nuschler, “Social Security Reform” (October 2002).
The National Commission on Social Security Reform (informally known as the “Greenspan Commission” after its chairman) was appointed by the Congress and President Ronald Reagan in 1981 in response to a short-term financing crisis that Social Security faced at that time. Estimates were that the OASI Trust Fund would run out of money possibly as early as August 1983. Congress rendered a compromise that extended the retirement age from 65 to 67, through a deal that raised payroll taxes and trimmed benefits enough to keep Social Security solvent. See Jackie Calmes, “Political Memo: The Bipartisan Panel: Did It Really Work?” New York Times, January 18, 2010. However, the legislation addressed only the immediate problem and did not address the long-term viability of the fund. See also Rudolph G. Penner, “The Greenspan Commission and the Social Security Reforms of 1983,” in Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency, David Abshire, Editor. Washington: Center for the Study of the Presidency, pp. 129–31.
The George W. Bush administration commission deliberated on the issue and then called for a transition to a combination of a government-funded program and personal accounts (“individual” or “private accounts”) through partial privatization of the system.
President Barack Obama reportedly strongly opposes privatization or raising the retirement age but supports raising the cap on the payroll tax ($106,800 in 2009) to help fund the program. He has appointed a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which is to report and offer another fix.
Current estimates predict that payroll taxes will only cover 78% of the scheduled payout amounts after 2037. This declines to 75% by 2084. 2010 OASDI Trust- ees Report, Figure II.D2, www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2010/ trTOC.html.
Although the congressional plan was to ensure solvency through Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, there is a private means to help: to also consider the humanitarian and charitable nature of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which has been possible since a legislative fix in 1972. Before then, bequests naming Social Security or a trust fund as a beneficiary could not be accepted, which caused problems in administration of some estates. Money gifts or bequests may be accepted for deposit by the managing trustee of the OASI and DI funds. Section 170(c)(l) of the Internal Revenue Code lists the U.S. government among the educational or charitable organizations to which donations are acceptable. Gifts must be unconditional, except that the donor may designate to which fund the gift should be donated. If no fund is designated, the gift is credited to the OASI Trust Fund.
However, SSA has not publicized its charitable persona. Although the agency has received some gifts and bequests, they have been insignificant and not given consideration in a possible fix. The concept has been so unimportant to the experts that the Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin does not specify how much the administration has received in gifts and bequests. Total revenue from gifts to the trust funds has been quite small. From 1974 to 1979 the most received in any one year was $91,949.88. During that period, the average annual amount was only $39,847. In 1980, almost two-thirds of the gifts were less than $100. The median gift size was $50. One person, for example, donated $13.11. She arrived at that amount by applying 5.85% (the employee tax rate then in effect) to her benefit amount and donated it to help “‘shore up’ the sagging, dwindling Social Security fund.” However, the 2010 Social Security Trustees Report lists them as about $98,000 (www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2010/III_ cyoper.html#2). Compared to many other charities, this is a paltry amount.
Apparently, SSA has never done a feasibility study nor marketing research to determine how an aggressive campaign could raise funds to support Social Security, or how gifts and bequests could reduce the current estimates of impending doom. According to some estimates total deductions taken for all charities next year would be $413.5 billion. Estimates for fiscal year 2011 are that SSA will spend $730 billion. That amount is already covered through “contributions” (taxes), but it is reasonable that charitable contributions to the trust fund could significantly lessen taxpayer exposure for impending doom, if not return the fund to solvency.
As lawyers, we have the capacity to remind our families, our clients, and the public at large that there is a way to contribute to help endow future generations in the pursuit of the same kind of social stability that Social Security provided to our parents and grandparents.
[signed me]
Very interesting! Thank you!
Even if they don’t eliminate a cap, surely they could raise the cap as a compromise, or eliminate it in a graduated way over seven years or something.
Great ad material!
Yes, this is the kind of detail that should be included. And the big question of why it is capped at $168,000. Given how much more money is earned by some that could be funding our economy and ending our multi-trillion dollar debt, and funding all entitlement programs, it makes no sense. Ironically my daughter's political science class at the University in Germany is comparing retirement insurance as it is called in Germany with the retirements plans in the USA. My daughter was having difficulty understanding how one could have a retirement account that is subject to market forces as most businesses are now-a-days. I pointed out to her that a friend's wife, who grooms dogs, does not get any pension or other benefits. It is unclear to me whether her business is even paying into social security. What I do understand is that the owner has several small grooming businesses in the city and gets around paying by not having enough employees in any one shop to be required to pay. However, I have said repeatedly that they should unionize across shops. It was not clear to me which union dog groomers belong to. Any suggestions anyone?
WOAAA there ! Let's review how this program works. Medicare and SS are payroll tax deductions where the employee and employer each pay 1/2 the % mandated. This $ is earmarked, going to the SS and Medicare trust funds and does NOT fund any other government expense without an Congressional Act to borrow from it, which they have.
And this is a major reason why contributions to Social Security (historically, not logically) are based on an individual’s earnings. The FDR Administration sold SS retirement on the basis that it would be funded by individual assessments deposited into the individuals’ accounts (this was the basic idea). It was not conceived/sold as a new *tax*, especially a progressive tax, because it would never have passed Congress (which was far less liberal than many think it was).
SEIU- Service Employees International union. They include everyone from social workers to waiters since they are service workers.as a social worker I was a member for 23 years till I retired.
I will let her know. Thank you Pat!
Andra Watkin has read and dissected the almost 1000 pages of Project 2025.
She provides shareable📣 info:⬇️
“For a Christian Nationalist, who cares how many people die as long as they sat in a pew or endured other religious indoctrination beforehand?”
“The CDC can and should make assessments as to the health costs and benefits of health interventions, but it has limited to no capacity to measure the social costs or benefits they may entail. For example, how much risk mitigation is worth the price of shutting down churches on the holiest day of the Christian calendar and far beyond as happened in 2020? What is the proper balance of lives saved versus souls saved?”
Project 2025, page 453
https://open.substack.com/pub/project2025istheocracy/p/project-2025-destroy-the-centers?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
“Of course, the framers of Project 2025 can’t stand that much success from one government agency. Especially when it prefers tools like the scientific method over the Bible. Here’s how they will destroy the National Institutes of Health.”
https://open.substack.com/pub/project2025istheocracy/p/project-2025s-bioethics-reform-of?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
“Make no mistake. Christian Nationalists will go further. Their endorsement of fertility awareness methods means they could ban all man-made types of birth control.”
https://open.substack.com/pub/project2025istheocracy/p/reader-question-what-does-project?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Well done Linda, thank you. The press is addicted because many Americans are addicted to being entertained. Look at "Entertaining Ourselves To Death", by the late Neil Postman. Written in early 80's, Postman foretells how our attachment to 'having fun' and being entitled to our slightest whim for pleasure was not a good sight going forward. A trumper I saw recently , when asked why she supports him still replied " because he is fun. He makes me. laugh. And, here we are !
How tragic. It reminds me of working in a bar and the bartender said she was going to vote for Ronald Reagan because he had given her a good tip once. I was shocked about that. I still remember all of the Democrats who voted for Reagan. I could not believe that anyone would think an actor was qualified to run, or run a country. Ditto for Treacherous-treasonous-traitor-Trump! Wonder which bad actors are considering funding his debt so that they can own him. Or, do they think it is too big a risk.
Reagan was Governor of California, and a not-unsuccessful one, when he ran for President. His paper qualifications were as good as having been Governor of Georgia.
Reagan’s policies, though, were quite another matter. :-(
At that point I did not know him so well, but whatever news my family was exposed to I saw him as not good in the areas we looked at. I look at health, education, welfare and foreign policy. His stint in California did not support the first 3 in ways I would agree with. I would say that Reagan balanced the budget even though he ran as a tax cutter, he raised the taxes, and then increased the spending, but cracked down hard on student protests calling out the national guard. Then as president implemented a switch from university education being largely grants to making them take out loans. As governor drastically reduced mental health care, and when laws were proposed to protect doctors who perform abortions, he stood by anti-abortionists but still signed a modified law that would not prosecute when done to protect the health of the mother, forcing much of the bill to be dropped. He was a big supporter of capital punishment. In education he supported increased funding in lower income districts, but it was funded by sales tax increases which more largely effect those of lower incomes. Still, I can see how things that he accomplished in CA seemed good to many people.
Russia's little monster Vladdie, has means to prop the boy from Mara-Lardo up forever. At this point, I expect , said monster is very desperate to get IT back into power if he is to keep his grandiose Ponzi of world dominance scheme alive. The laws of impermanence is that all things are subject to perpetual change in given time. Look how all of this chaos has emerged from 'under the wrap' of the false security we once had. Though counter-intuitive, I say to myself, make peace with the chaos and do all you can to see it as building blocks for where we are headed as a species. Dictators have Dirt Parties too, and time will welcome them to step inside eternity. Not so enough though! Peace.
You raise a very important point, what does qualify a person to run the country? A long career as a politician? Success in business? Law degrees? Community service? Educator? Comedian like Zelensky?
Actors can be excellent communicators and that is a very valuable quality. If Jane Fonda or Oprah, or Jon Stewart ran, I’d be inclined to consider them seriously (because they have my values).
I guess being a good communicator is useful, but it is not the main part of the job in the way that teachers need to communicate well, because that is their whole job. And, is an actor a good communicator, or good at parroting someone else's words with feeling? I would not consider any of the 3 media personalities you mention seriously because I don't think they would be effective in getting things done. That is having the experience with negotiating with people in both parties to come to a compromise, and knowing where they can stand their ground. I also worry that stars, who get catered to a lot know how to be just plain folks. I do think legislative experience is important, and it would be good if one had studied government and how it works. Foreign policy knowledge is important too, as is historical knowledge. Knowing a lot of people to hire to fill the different jobs, particularly as advisor is important. That is why vice presidents are well placed to understand what the job entails. I am not saying they always have the other skills. I really believe in expertise and experiential learning. I am not saying no one could, I am also not saying your media personalities could not, I don't know them in that way. What I am saying is I don't think just anyone who has some ideas can do it. I am very seriously hoping that if Trump wins some of his ideas won't fly, even if he has the whole backing of The Heritage Foundation and other right wing organizations. Last night I was at a friend's house and they had rented this movie which costs 5 dollars to screen. We watched it together and discussed it. It is called God and COuntry, or something like that, and really looks at the influence of the White Christian Nationalists on Trump and how he plays to them and has taken on their agenda. https://watch.eventive.org/godandcountry/play/65e601a2a2d7070041c33efd
I highly recommend seeing it. Trump did not have success in business, but as a charismatic leader like these So called Christian pastors, he is a good communicator of his message. That does not qualify him to be president in a country where the separation of Church and State is a very intentional part of you constitution.
I’ve wondered about this for a long time, although I don’t see anything funny about Donald Trump and never did. Thanks for the insight.
Susan, our views of what is funny, or fun to us varies enormously, as you are well aware. Humor at the expense of another living being of any sort is sinister and it is cruel.
A book I read, a few years ago, by a professor of government makes the point that many citizens don’t know that many government social programs actually are *government* programs. He explains: the programs are structured and administered in such a way that *contractors*, not identifiable government employees deliver benefits. “Traditional” Medicare is delivered by medical personnel, not government employees. The face of Medicare Part D is various insurance companies that hawk and run their own programs; the federal government, which underwrites most of their programs is so far in the background as to be invisible.
So it is with many other programs. So the government doesn’t get credit, in the public mind, for many of the fine things it does or has done.
Our federal government is forbidden by law (I believe) to engage in public relations (smart agencies like NASA have competent public *information* operations) – so some political action groups need to properly inform the public about how government programs really work.
Although the current campaign, is about preserving democracy, a major sub-issue is the roles the government plays in helping ordinary Americans. It’s about far more than the latest programs Biden has pushed through Congress.
Why Robert, I could’ve sworn you had a bit of fun writing tonight’s newsletter! I can tell you that there were parts where I laughed. :)
I watched parts of today’s hearing featuring Parnas and the ever arrogant Bobulinski. Parnas was articulate and very precise in pointing out the dastardly deeds he had done for Rudy and Trump. He was a great witness for the Dems. Bobulinski was far worse than Hur. He reminded me of a big snapdragon! I also saw Biden’s speech that he gave in AZ regarding the chips. I feel all of these science and energy ideas and implementation will enable people not to be poor anymore. Biden mentioned that people would be able to make a salary in the $100,000’s without a college degree. Tapping into one’s mechanical, building, or technical skills will truly enable a lot of people to achieve their dreams. Joe and Kamala must stay so that they can witness their achievements! We are helping them do just that.
From what I saw of the hearings, they were a triumph for Democrats. I have been reading Barbara McQuade’s new book Attack from Within. I recommend it heartily. It gives me a specific framework through which to understand both the chaos of Republican disinformation machination and why people are so dedicated to them, against all reason. At least when I witness or read about all this stuff, I can recall from the book what the strategy is and how it is quite intentional, as chaotic as it seems.
I can’t wait to read that book! I learned about it through the podcast #sisters in law with McQuade, Joyce, Vance, Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Jill winebanks. I highly recommend this podcast. They break down all the legal intricacies of Trump’s various lawsuits.
I am also a big fan of that podcast - they bring such an interesting perspective!
I listen to them every Saturday morning!
Thanks, Susan, for this recommendation!
I just got it!
I'm sure you will love it. I want to underline practically everything.
That’s what I did with HCR’s recent book too!
Just wondering. Did the NYT cover the GOP's disastrous impeachment hearing with Lev Parnas? Seems to me it should be front page news rather than a puff piece about how Trump is the master of TV drama in regard to his VP pick, which then turned to how VPs don't matter anyway, by which point I stopped reading. Proof of Russian spy craft and GOP willing dupes is a pretty big story, no?
Hi, NC. You make an excellent point. The coverage in WaPo and NYTimes barely mentioned Parnas, but it did discuss the other witnesses. The stories were generally negative about the GOP, but Parnas's testimony should have been headline material.
I have canceled the NYT, so I can't answer. But the WaPo buried it. Here's my letter to their editorial staff:
"... I had to scroll down, down, down to find Jacqueline Alemany's article, and then even within it, there are hundreds of words (12 paragraphs) before there is even a mention of yesterday's testimony. You can't tell me that a sworn witness before Congress could have named a sitting Democratic Senator, Congressman and former Attorney General by name as knowingly using Russian disinformation to harm a political opponent, and it wouldn't be covered in huge headlines, above the fold, for days on end. It is astonishing the lengths the WaPo will go to to boost Donald Trump back into the presidency."
Thanks for the specifics about the coverage (or lack thereof) about Parnas.
No. Tell them at editorial@nytimes,com.
I wrote to the NYT, using my letter here and some of Ellen Thomas's language above.
I was struck today by the absence of coverage of the most important part of the GOP’s spurious Biden impeachment hearings. While the NYT had a front page article on Trump’s dramatic flair at suspense and how he was applying it to his VP pick, and then informing us that VP picks don’t much matter anyway, some very serious allegations surfaced at the impeachment hearings. Lev Parnas , under oath, testified that a sitting Senator, a sitting Representative, and the Attorney General, all knew the accusations against Joe Biden and Hunter Biden were false and had emanated directly from the Kremlin. People in the heart of our government knew they were taking propaganda straight from the Russians. The lies were then repeated and amplified on Fox News and other right wing outlets, all in an effort to affect the outcome of the election. I can’t understand how the NYT could not discern that this is of grave national importance, especially as we go through the meat grinder of another election with the ever present danger of Russian meddling. Could you not have given some space to this on your front page-- or even investigated it!-- and a little less ink to the non-story about Trump’s latest distraction?
Will do. Thanks for the email address
Nothing in the NYT. I found it in the PBS Newshour Instagram feed. It should be a huge headline!
As of yesterday (Wednesday, March 20), here is a list of signatories to the discharge petition for aid to Ukraine. If this is correct, there are only 15 signatures left to get to 200, the total Republicans say they want to see before adding their names. If you don't see your Dem rep on the list, call them to urge them to sign on.
https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2024031209?CongressNum=118
Here is contact info:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTaMB3k5Z37OAM8HEMhDtwbLGzwn1wDXSNcoTmXEJbpfbacfp-m0fJGyb36lcNOhgqGO5-bArbibS5a/pubhtml?gid=614612044&single=true
Hi, Lynell. These are phenomenal resources! Thanks!
Lynell, While I was certain my district Rep. had signed, providing this list is crucially important service to help ensure we promptly hit that 200 threshold. The existential threat to Ukraine and beyond grows excruciatingly more palpable each day arms supplies are withheld.
Me, too, BJ. I scrolled the list for my rep and became increasingly fearful that she had not signed on. Then I saw her name...right before I reached the bottom! That said, I have high hopes that this petition will be a success for Ukraine.
Lynell, A success both for Ukraine and also for the West on behalf of whom Ukrainians also fight.
I sent a plea to Joaquin Castro who has not signed the petition.
Thanks for the list. I hope he will be persuaded.
I know it's hard, but the recommendation is to contact them 1X day til they sign. Fingers crossed for you, Barbara.
Mine hasn’t signed yet, despite my calls! I’ll call again today and tomorrow and Monday … thanks for letting us know the score!
All we can do is...be a pain and nudge, nudge, nudge!
Thank you so much for this information!!! Pramilla Jayapal has not signed the petition😳! I urged her to do so in all caps😠!
All Caps oughta do it, SAH...fingers crossed!
I will call later to ask why exactly is she opposed…
I think that's a valid question to ask. And her answer may be a very sound one; who knows?
I think a lot of the lawmakers opposing it are doing so because of Israel aid, which is in all the same packages. Without conditions on the aid some lawmakers just won't sign on.
Well – they *ought* to be supporting aid to Israel.
Lynell, many thanks for the link. I checked and was grateful to see my rep. was on it. Will call her office today to thank her. A little reinforcement never hurts….
I so agree with you, Sheila. A little thanks goes a long way, IMO. I always thank my reps and their staff whenever I contact them. I also express my wishes that they be well, stay strong, and stay safe!
Thanks, Lynell ! I wish I had a Dem Rep although I will call the two Florida legislators who haven’t yet signed.⬇️
Maxwell Frost(opposed but persuadable) 202-225-2176
Lois Frankel(likely to sign) 202-225-9890
Thanks, Kathy!
Lynell, thank you for providing this list
You're welcome, Helen!
My weekly action, wearing a Biden shirt grocery shopping, 👕 🛒 has reduced my anxiety plenty.
At first it was because it feels so good to DO SOMETHING for the 2024 election.
The anxiety decreased further when I found that wearing my Biden shirt (in Florida) on 25 grocery runs so far has been 100% positive. My single detractor (a grocery clerk) very respectfully disagreed with my “DEMS MAKE LIFE BETTER” shirt. I pointed to the issues on the back: protecting reproductive rights, climate action, LGBTQ rights, etc and asked what she disagreed with.
Her response was “I disagree with their methods.” And then she said she’d pray for me cheerfully and sincerely.
Fellow Floridian 😎 Shawn encouraged me to wear a t-shirt on grocery runs. About 2 months in and agree it’s been 100% positive and empowering !This week we planted our Biden/Harris yard sign to grow the positivity.
👕🛒
🪧❤️🤍💙
High Five Kathy! Your comments are creating echos and ripples that keep drawing attention and moving shirts!
Join my one-person-grassroots-grocery-Biden-fashion show:
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/demsmakelifebetter
Thanks. Just ordered one.
Awesome, Annette. Let's paint NC Blue! Your state is my fav driving distance vacation from FL. I pass a lot of confederate flags in SC on my way there, though.
Thanks for the encouragement, Shawn and Kathy! My shirt arrived in the mail yesterday and I will don it today.
Robert Hubbell, Jessica Craven and so many commenters here have been so supportive of this Biden And Grocery Shopping campaign, it's incredible.
The quote "I disagree with their methods " is an oft repeated attack commonly heard on Fox News. It lacks any substance, evidence or import. Enacting legislation is actually part of the process of governnace...a process that has become foreign to the GOP, the party of NO. Evidently they have done a good job convincing a fair number that doing nothing is to be rewarded by re-electing individuals who are masters in that art. I think I knew someone in high school like that.
So what exactly do they say is the problem with the methods, if you were to ask that followup question? I haven't heard this one. So I'm curious how the conversation plays out.
I said I don't need you to change your mind. I'm just showing support for those who agree with me.
Bob, I have a dear friend who is solidly MAGA and very intelligent. He can counter EVERY Dem talking point with Judo-esque skill. He calls the EPA the deep state filled with unelected officials who impose laws that circumvent the legislative process. Indeed, that is exactly what just happened with the new tailpipe regulations for automakers. I fully support the EPA decisions. And I am pre-inclined to do so. But the facts help perpetuate the "deep state conspiracy" story that fuels MAGA drive and firmly dug-in heels.
He can also talk for hours about Hunter Biden. Listen to "Decoding Fox News" and you'll understand why. Fox's coverage of Hunter every week rivals their mentions of Gaza.
Have him call me. Judo has no chance against Brazilian jujitsu and krav maga. The deep state argument is tired, unfounded and weak. It is word salad dressed with vitriol and oil, to make it seem smooth. Sorry he is a dear friend. Easier to deal with as an acquaintance or less.
“He calls the EPA the deep state filled with unelected officials who impose laws that circumvent the legislative process. Indeed, that is exactly what just happened with the new tailpipe regulations for automakers.” —
Sorry, but that’s incorrect in many ways:
• They are unelected officials *who work under the supervision of officials appointed by the President, an elected official.
• The officials do not circumvent the legislative process: they are acting under the authority of laws enacted by Congress. Those laws give EPA the authority to create tailpipe regulations so beloved by conservatives.
Your dear friend is wrong on his “facts”.
Again, I read your newsletter with great interest and much appreciation. (I was glad I watched the Chris Hayes video with regard to the Ohio election.) But I am writing primarily to strongly endorse your recommendation of Jessica Craven's newsletter, Chop Wood. Carry Water. I am very happy I get that daily. She, along with you contribute greatly to my ability to try to do what I can while remaining hopeful. And I agree with your mantra that actions actually reinforce and increase hope. I first subscribed to Jessica Craven after reading her recommendation in for the Climate Action Now app in the comment section of your newsletter. I got the app, use it daily and love being able to do so much in so little time. (For readers who don't know this and might be interested, Jessica recently added a newsletter for world affairs called Chop Wood. Carry the World, in which she writes about and suggests actions with regard to things outside domestic issues, like the horrors unfolding in Israel and Gaza. Thank you again.
Thanks, Shelley!
The GOP budget alone shows why it is not enough to keep Trump out of the White House. We must not elect ANY Republicans. Why is this so difficult? It shouldn’t even be a contest.
I honestly think our brains are wired differently than MAGA’s. How can they not see that their Representatives don’t have their best interests at heart? I am flummoxed.
Ask them how Trump's policies have benefited them! There is no answer to that!
Well there is, but I don’t think it’s grounded in reality!
My breakfast enjoyment surged this morning. Off topic - well maybe not - how is it the Peter Navarro goes to jail for contempt of congress, while that guy who never wears a jacket (how disrespectful) didn't??? (Gym)
I have been wondering the same thing. A friend recently got a subpoena, it was incredibly inconvenient as she had just started a new job. She said, "I have to appear or I will go to jail." The average citizen knows that. Being a member of congress shouldn't make one above the law.
Being a member of Congress doesn’t make one above the law. In Jordan’s case, the Justice Department apparently doesn’t want to get into a propaganda war with a skilled propagandist.
There’s an old saying that one shouldn’t get into a pissing contest with a skunk.
Thank you Robert for reading the email about Mark Elias and the Big Tent event. Regarding voter suppression movement explained at length during the presentation, I posted in the chat a backdoor attempt voted down at the Walpole, New Hampshire town meeting last weekend. The resolution wanted to remove all voting machines and hand count the ballots. This petition was obviously to slow down the vote count process, which would wreak havoc in all but the smallest towns.
Asked to one of the petitioners why they wanted to stop using the tabulation machines, the person stated "they didn't trust machines." The chair of the Republican party said they had nothing to do with it. Hmmm.... The petition was voted down 172-5
Another small victory for in the defense of democracy.
I can't remember the last time (if ever) I voted a paper ballot. I live in a county with over 1M people andalmost 800K registered voters!
We switched about a decade ago to a machine where your choices are printed on a paper ballot that gets spit out of the voting machine. f you are paraniod or OCD you can verify the ballot a second time at this point. We take it over to a tabulation machine where the voter can watch it being accepted as it is tabulated. The voting machines are stand-alone and not connected to any computer network.
As a former (and "recovering") engineer, I am dismayed and discombobulated at the mental contortions the conspiracy theorists must make in order to be convinced that there is massive voter fraud.
I do find it ironic though that Trump (who himself votes by mail) has convinced a large swath of his loyal cult members to disavow a system that the GOP strongly endorsed as a way to ensure that their older voter base actually voted and which made their GOTV efforts more effective.
I live in one of the five all-mail ballot states, where people can vote in person if they choose to, but the vast majority simply drop a paper ballot off at the convenient drop boxes around the city. (I know of two within a mile and a half of my house.) But we get notifications when the ballot has been received, accepted as valid, and then counted. Best way to vote ever.
Early in person voting is easiest for me. IN NC you have to have 2 witnesses or a Notary and I'm single and live alone. Unattended drop boxes are prohibited. So you can mail a ballot to the BoE, drop it by BoE during regular business hours or bring it to an EV site. We have 18 days of early voting and 1 have 2 EV sites wiithin a few miles of my house, so I vote early in person.
As a fellow NH resident I was glad to hear your story. Our reps in Concord are wasting time on attacking LGBTQ people, eliminating the rights of women’s healthcare options and just the other day proposed the “all-important “ legalization of brass knuckles! Knuckleheads!!
My neifling (trans - niece/nephew) is part of a UNH group bringing attention to LGBTQ issues and GOTV in the state. Yay New Hampshire! Yay for the newest generation of voters!!
I live in the great state of Vermont, but Walpole is only 45 minutes away and across the river. Of course, a great little town with a fantastic restaurant , Burdicks, and the home of the most famous history documentarian, Ken Burns.
Thank you for the dose of positive reality Robert. As I've said before, I'll sleep better tonight and hit it hard in the morning.
James Comer (KY 1st) is a disgrace. A self righteous fabulist. A wholly owned subsidiary of Trump, Inc. Wouldn't it be a wonderful development if he had competition in November? Worthy competition? Even a level headed Republican would be a blessing for our country.
Thank you, Robert, for headlining this important story about the mismanagement of our government by the House Oversight Committee; it's something that should be news, and it's complete absence in the NYTimes further confirms the failure of the mainstream media to inform the American public. I felt it was important to point this out to them :
editorial@nytimes.com
It was odd to look at today's NYT and see no mention of the House Oversight Committee Impeachment hearing yesterday...lots of clickbait but very little substance. We get First Legal fantasies, Shohei's translator, H. Emmet Walsh, the "poet of sleaze", the $10,000 brooch, the latest on Beyonce, March Madness, the eclipse...but nothing about the corruption and disinformation of the GOP in trying to discredit our President, damage the reputation of the country, and interfere in the upcoming election. Surely this is newsworthy, isn't it?
Meanwhile, we look elsewhere for the news; perhaps someday readers will come back to the Times when it returns to reporting the news.
Yours-
I'm still waiting for the headline: "If enacted, House GOP Budget will destroy the economy, old people on the street, and let people die from lack of healthcare."
But none of that is as important as the possible illness of the princess.
You should be the headline writer for the NYTimes!
Well, she IS a princess...!
just wrote to them UPDATE. Using that email gets you a form letter saying the editorial board deals with opinions, not news stories. The place to go to contact the newsroom is
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/15/homepage/contact-newsroom.html
The manufacturing facilities are a huge line of defense. If China has its way with Taiwan there will be no chips.
Yes – but see my Comment, which should be farther down in today’s thread.
"Action is the antidote to anxiety." My new mantra! Thank you!
Our challenge...
If you think our youth are our future, here is the result of The Marist Poll in Georgia...
Compared with the Exit Polls of the 2020 General Election results, Trump has gained support among younger Americans. He is now +5 percentage points over Biden among those 18 to 29. Biden carried this age group in 2020 by 13 percentage points. Among those 30 to 44, Biden is +2 percentage points against Trump. Biden carried these voters by 10 percentage points in 2020.
We have more work to do.
There are still hundreds of thousands of unregistered women in GA. Field Team 6 has a database of them.
To protect American democracy, reach out to millions of unregistered likely Democrats using a dedicated database using every outreach method possible (phone and text, postcard, email and targeted ad, and in-person too), where new Democratic voters will make the most impact – in the most flippable states and districts.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
I am a big fan of Field Team 6.
PoliticsGirl did a great show with Jason Berlin, the founder of Field Team 6 a few months ago. Here is the link to it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVUsBHUBvS8