In some ways it would be easier if today's fight for democracy was measured in men, food and guns. Those are concrete things you can be confident are what they seem to be. Today's battles are about words, some true, some noble, some sacred, some damned, some lies and some Damned Lies. I suppose one thing similar about the two eras is the side with the strongest army still wins. If truth mobilizes more warriors to the ballot box than damned lies, then democracy as we imagine it can win. Democracy as we know it is sick, and tired, and discouraged. We have a champion for democracy, but he seems a bit frail, and substantially alone. I'm looking for some strong voices in the other branches of government, strong enough to stand out from the crowd, to steal some media time from the Grahams, Pauls, McConnells, McCarthy's and the freshmen rabble in congress. I'm hoping some true statesmen will find their voice, and even more so, capture the imagination of the press. I'm tired of our press behaving like flies on a corpse. Unless, perhaps, it's the cold remains of that yellow narcissistic sociopath we endured for four too many years.
Senators Whitehouse, Swalwell, Warnock are three that spring to mind. There are other more than we've had in years that are giving me hope. Ossoff and Katie Porter in the House is a real standout.
My concern is that we lack a strong media apparatus that can go toe to toe with their right wing propaganda machine.
My concern for 40 years. I watched smart people, morons, the fearful, the haters, and the greedy bastards, coalesce into a force more dangerous than even Lee was. And the press gives Rupert a pass on every evil deed.
Tracy: Or Schiff, or Booker? You are right — in the absence of “a strong media apparatus” or attention grabbing trickery, they are not able to be heard loudly enough over the roar of the Republican information war machine....Yet.
Raskin all the way. I met him very briefly last fall after marveling at his oratorical brilliance litigating the second impeachment trial. He is a man of 100% impeccable character and goodness. Even if he is not put forward as the Dems’ presidential candidate someday, he is the polar opposite of everything the slime on the other side of the aisle will never be.
Jamie Raskin is everything you say. And he wrote his book, Unthinkable, in five months, following the suicide of his son, and while he was running the impeachment. So he also has unusual ability and stamina. I'm just sorry his mother--who I knew--is not here to see him, except that I'm glad she wasn't here to see her grandson's suicide. Definitely Raskin.
He is a terrific human being. Makes me proud to be from Maryland. I got to see him up close during the fracking battle in Maryland when he was a State Senator. VERY impressive.
After hearing the disrespect and outrageous manipulation of facts and the avoidance of relevant questions by the Gang of 4 & the Twit, Cory Booker brought us all back to the who and what of Judge Jackson and what was relevant and purpose of the hearings in the best of ways. At the conclusion each day I could brush off the stench and muck the Republicans on the Committee had thrown on all of us. I hope Chief Justice Roberts sees the job he has in front of him because three women on the Court will not be able to do it alone.
I love Mayor Pete, but do wonder where he's been as Secy. of Transportation. I haven't heard boo from him about the supply chain problems, which should be in his wheelhouse. I'd hoped he'd stand out among the appointees, but nary a word. Disappointing.
Debby, Mayor Pete has been busy. He was interviewed on MSNBC not long after the ports and trucking stalled. His answers were brilliant, and he was (is) 'on it.'
He didn't take SecTrans to 'administer' it, he came to FIX it. Impressive guy, he had to become an expert overnight, even with some prior experience. I don't think he has full jurisdiction over the ports, but he sure did get the trucks rolling again!
Since he's not running for anything he is just quietly doing a spectacular job for President Joe and country. We definitely should hear more from him, but I'm just happy he's busy.
I hope you're right. And you've got a good point about the press. Biut without decent press now, if/when he runs for national office later, it'll be easier to crucify him, I'm afraid. I was an early supporter of Pete & do hope he has a future in the party.
Debby, he's been on MSNBC, CBS Mornings, etc. several times, talking about these issues. He visited the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which got him on our local (LA) news. Trust me, Secretary Pete is on the job!
You haven't heard boo from him because the press can't be bothered--unless there's a new crisis in the supply chain or something else, or a scandal. Please don't be disappointed in him--put that emotion where it belongs: on our media.
Poor main stream media coverage: being paid to keep controversy going because of not wanting to alienate either side. -----Having a good secretary (or president) doing an actual job helping our country....where's the controversy in that?
Don't forget Murphy and even Pelosi. There are people trying to right the ship, but it does seem like the tsunami of rightist propaganda aided by the press keeps washing away the voices of reason and sanity.
A lot of these women were mentioned but not all. I appreciate you adding their names to this discussion. We truly are fortunate to have so many courageous and brave public servants working hard to save democracy.
Here in Georgia Sen. Warnock will likely face the former UGA football star Hershel Walker in the upcoming Senate race and his morality and intelligence are unquestioned. Warnock, of course, was the pastor at the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church, the position that Martin Luther King once held. Walker barely graduated college yet has lied that he was at the "top of his class," and has a history of domestic violence and mental health issues. He recently tried to debunk the theory of evolution by saying, "If man came from apes, why are there still apes?" But he also has the endorsement of Donald Trump and is leading Warnock in the polls. Reason has slid down the rope and fallen on the floor.
This is also the result of the right wing war on good education. They seem intent on dumbing down the American population, to make it easier to sway them with their lies.
For if leisure and security were enjoyed by all alike, the great mass of human beings who are normally stupefied by poverty would become literate and would learn to think for themselves; and when once they had done this, they would sooner or later realize that the privileged minority had no function, and they would sweep it away. In the long run, a hierarchical society was only possible on a basis of poverty and ignorance.”
Right. Hypocrite Ted Cruz excoriated our new Supreme Court justice— KJB about the private school her children go to where critical race theory/antiracism is taught even though his children and many other republicans children go to such schools and learn about it, as they should. Having a complete and well rounded education should never be just for the privileged who can afford private schools. The Republicans absolutely want us dumb and divided so they can have economic freedom without challenge.
It seems worse than just his hypocrisy in that he grandstands for the sake of maintaining his power and from what I can see it has little to do with his actually wanting to govern. These extremists seem intent on two things - holding on to power and dismantling our democracy.
I believe her daughters are teenagers - maybe they originally went to that school but the issue was she was on the Board. That appeared to make her totally responsible for the curriculum - NOT!
I taught government for a few years and the class I enjoyed the most was the one with no college prep students. Sadly, I realized that most of them would not vote because they probably thought their vote would not make any difference. Now with the internet and Fox, they are awash in nonsense and many believe they are experts because they saw it online. Also there is a long history of anti-intellectualism in the country and that shows up as well. Then add the stupidity of standardized testing and you see the result.
Yes that’s true but don’t count The powerful Stacy Abrams out as she is giving Georgia the education they’ve needed to hear for centuries! The R’s placed Herschel against Warnock because they are counting on their populace placing a well-known, once a sports guy against a magnificent gentleman who speaks the truth from the pulpit to the Senate. Normal people will vote Warnock in and I pray Stacy Abrams knocks Kemp off of his pedestal.
Most here recognize the challenge. The task is to meet it and save democracy, regardless of the odds. The nation has done it in the past, and can do it again on November 8.
While improved education would make many things better, it would not help Warnock win the election. The problem is not education. It’s worse. It’s racism. Even though Walker is black, he identifies with his white masters. Racists love Uncle Toms. Close to 80% of the white voters in Georgia will vote for Walker because they know he’ll help Republicans preserve the advantages of white Americans.
It is offensive to call people Uncle Toms, but you know that. I don't know who you are, but the term is itself racist. It implies that all Black people must think one way. Is there a similar term you have for White people? Probably not! Walker is a product of a certain kind of self loathing perhaps! He is a tool of the racist white population perhaps, or he is dumb enough to think that his wealth is better protected by Republicans, over his skin being protected by Democrats. So, pick which side he is on. Sometimes celebrities don't have the skin color that the rest of the people do because we are a celebrity worshiping country. However, I have White Georgian friends that will vote for Warnock. That is because they think issues. Let us hope there are more like my friends than the ones you are talking about.
I will vote for Warnock, as will all of my Democratic friends. Most people I've spoken with understand that Walker is unqualified, mentally unstable, a liar, and a fraud. It could be close, but I doubt that his race will make a lot of difference to Black voters. They know he's serving himself, not the community. Being a resident of Texas will not help him, either.
The only hope is to outvote them by getting Democrats, which includes some white voters and most black voters, to the ballot box. Regarding the term “Uncle Tom,” it’s disparaging, but I don’t think it’s racist. It’s short for “a Black person who is overeager to win the approval of whites (as by obsequious behavior or uncritical acceptance of white values and goals).”
I have to slightly disagree, Rex. It is about education and it is about racism. How do we fight racism? Education. We need the humanities back in our public schools. In consistent, huge doses. It teaches critical thinking skills and empathy.
Being educated means having the ability to think critically and analytically. These are skills that can help a person become less prejudiced. Reducing racism and improving education go hand in hand. They also help with the fears and magical thinking that keep racist myths in place. While education isn't the silver bullet, a well-educated populace can make for a healthier democracy.
If Walker (who is less qualified to be a Senator than anyone reading this) defeats Warnock in November, it's time to take a long hard look at the flaws in our democrat system and either correct them with Constitutional amendments or start looking for a less dangerous form of government, a very difficult quest. Democracy got us to the place in which we now find ourselves.
Mike Cynical satirist H.L. Menken wrote robustly about Americans getting the government that they deserve—and it was not flattery. Perhaps we deserve what we get.
No, WE don't deserve the miscreants that are calling the cards right now, nor the malignant narcissist that is continuing to plague us (and who should be jailed). I'm sick to death of paying for someone else's poor choices, most of which are being supported by our own oligarchs.
Mencken wrote, and would be horrified that the “yellow dog journalism” of his days grew and potentiated while instantly being communicated faster than men (universal) can think.
Hersh Walker, famous football player, wife abuser, and general low life. Sounds a lot like O. J. Simpson, who had the same sense of sports immortality that morphed into immorality (and double murder).
Though I am not familiar with the entire Republican slate of candidates, Walker sees at the bottom of a very deep barrel, though Dr. Oz (who insists on keeping his Turkey citizenship) may challenge him as bottom scraper.
It looks like Trump (like god?) is seeking candidates in his own image—slimy and scummy.
Walker went pro after his junior year at UGA. He's deeply flawed, as you say, and is being foisted by the Rethuglicans only to attract minority votes. His "apes" comment demonstrates why he is refusing to debate. I'm hoping that Raphael will manage to eviscerate him - nicely, while smiling.
Randy - the selection of Walker was an act of genius. It will bring over some of the black vote - which got Warnock in there in the first place. A big deal. Also, importantly, football is large and in charge in the south. More so than any other region of America. Any candidate with a football background instantly has an advantage. Just look at neighbor Alabama where a fundamentally unqualified Tuberville (ex-football coach not that successful even) easily beat an imminently qualified Doug Jones (although to be fair he is a Democrat). I fear the same thing will happen. Walker is a terrible candidate by any measure. A dufus far as I can tell. And an "Uncle Tom" if I may. If there are any debates, Warnock will clean his clock. But I fear it won't matter. It is going to be close I think, and it should not be.
Both are gross and instead of Thomas keeping his head down, he flashes his third finger at us all. I don’t care if they are both black, they have shat on the integrity of their race.
Trudy The Thomas/Walker photo is further evidence of the apolitical posture of Justice Ginni/Clarence Thomas. I suspect that he will recuse himself on political issues before the Stench Court the day that I am awarded the Nobel Prize. Breathlessly awaiting that phone call.
I have been questioning that very same thing for years! That is why I do not believe in the polls. We cannot be guided by them. Biden was asked what he thought of his low rating in the polls and he said “I don’t look at polls”.
I count 6 people here who have never been polled, 7 counting me. A typical poll consists of around 1000-1500 people chosen at random from a population of about 258 million (U.S. adult population in 2020). So the chance of a particular individual being chosen for one particular poll is minuscule, about .000006, or 6 in a million (using the larger number 1500 and rounding up). The probability of one or more members of a group of 7 individuals being chosen for a particular poll is still minuscule. Even for repeated polls, it's still small: probability of a particular individual being chosen in a series of 1000 independently repeated polls is about 6%. These are just rough numbers, not accounting for all the bells and whistles in polling (I'm not a pollster, so am not aware of all of them), but the big picture is clear: no surprise that none of us were chosen for a poll.
But interesting that professional pollster Frank Luntz used his resources to develop the Republican buzz words that Newt Gingrich coached Republican members of Congress to wield categorically against Democrats.
Maybe it is that I live in Iowa, but I have been polled endlessly during election years. To the point where I usually defer and ask them to call someone else. Today got a DSCC email saying Biden is surging in the polls, and that I should donate. I rely on 538 and they still show Biden under 43%. He deserves better, but the ignorance and grievances are all powerful at least right now. I didn't donate, if they have new info, they should share it with their supporters, not just say he is surging. Please let it be true! I feel very strongly that Pres. Biden will get a nice rebound before the end of his first term, fingers crossed! Ignorance and ageism work against him.
Bill, I heard a commentator (Lawrence O'Donnell?) explain the phenomenon by saying that we all suffered four years of TFG, divisive politics, the pandemic, inflation, supply chain problems, and all the rest, so it's easy to blame Biden for all of it. Most fail to understand that our economy is better than it has been in years, even with the rescue plans and the potential of BBB and other stimulus. Here in Georgia, Governor Kemp is being challenged by David Perdue, Stacey Abrams and others, so he's cutting taxes and spending on all kinds of programs - most of it funded by Biden's stimulus. Of course, he's not breathing a word of the source of his spending. If the Democrats manage to survive the midterms, Biden might just be redeemed in the polls. As you said, currently ignorance and grievances are the prevalent driver right now. Let's hope the dust settles soon.
I live in NH too and never have been polled-but then, if I don't recognize the phone number calling me, I wait to see if a live person is @ the other end of the line-99% of of the time, the party hangs up, not waiting for an answer.
My overriding concern as well. In writing of Eric Boehlert's death, Joan Walsh stated, "Eric helped me see, belatedly, that the media always needs a horse race." To make the current state in the U.S. anything close to a horserace, the media is negating achievements of the current administration and failing to hold the Republicans accountable for their atrocious actions.
You mean somebody who can keep the attention of our “free press” who have joined with Rupert to “both sides” us to death. CBS has led the way, how long before NBC and ABC hire propaganda masters.
Such a horrid thought, Jeri, but you’re right. Remember when MSNBC (I think) hired the female host from Fox? That went over like a lead balloon, thank goodness. The only person I have any respect for, Shep Smith, left Rupert. Now CNN has hired Wallace. It’s a game of mishmosh!
Yeah…their CEO is obviously a Repub. i will not be surprised to see their news anchors leave. I pretty much watch MSNBC and read HRC, Lucian Truscott, Greg OLear, and Timothy Snyder to get real news.
Stuart, I applaud your perspective. Someone who "lights fires" is exactly who we need. While a persuasive message should be based on reality, it absolutely MUST be delivered with relevant and incendiary emotional insight and power to actually motivate people to take action.
In the current civil propaganda war besieging our nation, we need to find someone who is capable of effectively channeling Marcus Antonius.
Warren was our choice in the primary. She has the knowledge and swims in the right direction. She created the Bureau to protect us. But she couldn't carry her/our home state. Because she has that "Hillary problem". If she were a male, she would be viewed as brilliant. But she is seen as shrill. I love her. More shrill, please. But I don't think the US is ready for that.
Warren is brilliant, and has other virtues, and I say that as a Massachusetts man who has voted for her for Senate. But I did not vote for her in the primary, because she does not play outside of Massachusetts, she rubs too many people the wrong way, and I can feel in my gut why that is. If I were going to replace Biden, my first choice would be Raskin and my second choice Klobuchar.
That said, the first time I watched a video on the internet for more than five minutes was a speech Warren gave at UC Berkeley some years ago. It was terrific. But she comes across as school-marmish, and as someone who doesn't listen to people who don't agree with her.
Well I personally think Stacey Abrams IS emerging but all these keyboard warriors yelp “not enough experience!” Like she hasn’t lived her damn life the way she has. Aging slacktivists haven’t run for dogcatcher or haven’t advised/mentored youth or run county D parties and haven’t bothered to run a ham sandwich in heavily R areas year after year while simultaneously squealing that people don’t have enough fucking experience.
I think Stacey knows that all politics begins locally. Once she's taken care of Georgia, she can then pursue her dream nationally. Kemp and his tribe need to be ushered out!
We don't need another Obama. He didn't love politicking. A Kennedy, Clinton, or LBJ could have gotten Waxman-Markey passed, and other legislation that stalled out under O, and absent Vietnam, in LBJ's case, or Monicagate, in Clinton's, could have seen himself followed by another Democrat. And any of those would not have anointed Hillary Clinton, who did not campaign in Penn, Mich, and Wisconsin despite Bill having pushed her to do so.
Ed, We're gonna have to dig up Ted Kennedy. An immediate transfusion of blood from Warnock, Booker, Schiff, Raskin, and Klobuchar should fire him back up....
I mean, you want a scion? Is Chelsea interested or would that be too Vanky-but-with-curly-hair? How soon can Sasha & Malia announce interest? Seriously though what about a King scion then, not a Kennedy?
I agree with Gus that we don't want scions. RFK's grandson, a former congressman who challenged Markey for his senate seat shows how lame that can be. He was running on his name and had none of the brilliance or charisma of JFK, RFK, Kick, or Teddy.
One thing the Democrats badly need though is a new immigration policy. We ARE the party of open borders, that was obvious in the debates, when one of the moderators who had been born in Mexico asked the candidates to raise their hands if they wouild refuse to deport anyone, and everyone raised their hands strongly except Biden.
There's a new book: Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth. Impeccably researched, with 296 footnotes mostly from academic economic history, but also from statements by Black leaders, beginning with Frederick Douglass, whose sons were downwrdly mobile because employers were sending ships to Europe and bringing back white people so that they could fire their Black employees, and gov't commissions on immigration reform, all of which recommended substantial reductions in immigration, including the Barbara Jordan commission under Clinton.
But now, of course, it's not just Blacks who are suffering from too much immigration as employers keep importing people from abroad, but white workers--this fuels the opioid crisis--and recent immigrant workers. The latter is why Trump gained Hispanic support in 2020. (In case you're inclined to think this must be some xenophobic screed, the author repeatedly admonishes readers not to blame immigrants, and he sent his kids to Black majority schools.) (The book is $9 on Amazon)
We Democrats have lost our traditional base, American workers. If we decided to pass a national, mandatory E-Verify, and cut immigration down to a quarter of a million annually, we'd get the working classes back, and the GOP would no longer be a threat to our Democracy.
If we did all that, housing prices would stabilize instead of going inexorably up (and I say that as someone who has a lot of wealth from a house that has nigh doubled in value over the last 18 years). We'd no longer have to build roads, and sprawl would stop spreading, and we'd stop the ruination of ecosystem services, which in my youth--through the '60s--prevented lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and kept carbon dioxide in the soil, which holds three times as much carbon as the atmosphere--carbon which gets released every time wild land is plowed for farmland, or paved, or turned to suburban tracts, or whathaveyou.
Nature has limits, but the Democrats don't realize it, with the attitude that we can keep adding millions to our country, even though the New York Times Magazine and ProPublica warned that within the next two or three decades climate change would make climate refugees out of a lot of Americans. If you want to scare yourself, read this:
Actually Laura, no. I don't want any scions please. I want a Lion. The last Lion I know of was Ted Kennedy. I was jesting with Ed that we should dig him up. Thought about adding to my comment that we should immediately shoot a bolus of the Rev. Al Sharpton's blood into the exhumed remains if our custom mixture failed to re-animate. All in jest!
You could argue that John L. Lewis was a Lion and I would totally agree. I marched with him once. But he is also gone from us. Let that Lion rest in peace.
I also think both Raskin and Jayapal are rising Lions, but they don't yet command the Republican's respect like Ted did.
We need a Lion to speak for us right now -- no scions please!
Don't forget Rep. Jamie Raskin, perhaps the most eloquent of all the members of congress. Also Adam Schiff, who has relentlessly fought against republican corruption, lies, and attempts to steal elections and our democracy.
Not all that they spew is propaganda.There is no way in hell I would be a part and party to of being a ‘snitch ‘ on my neighbor personal medical choices or providing help and support for their child and ‘snitch ‘ and by calling DCF and saying it’s Abuse ? This same Party want’s to make Voting harder. Trump Voted by Mail but now they want to make your Seniors/Disabled, working Ppl, maybe all those pregnant woman, work hard to Vote.Sometimes “ if you give certain Ppl enough rope “.You know the rest.You just can’t convince me at this point that they have the supporters that they had in ‘2016 ‘. Those in Office fear Donnie The Destroyer will ruin them if they don’t go along with the “ Reality Show “. Vice President Harris was a Prosecutor . They don’t play ‘ Nice ‘. Give her more up front and personal time. Cut her lose !
smv1540, yes, we have to lift him up again with everything we have. He very well could be a lion of the senate someday, which is why the R's want to nip him in the bud.
I knocked on doors for two months for Warnock and Ossoff during the last runoff. Not sure if you were aware, but GA Republicans shortened runoffs for federal races by a month, I think, sparing us little time to GOTV so that doesn't happen again. They are bloody ruthless.
I continue to support him, but he's doing just fine financially. To date, his war chest is $23,000,000, with $9.8 Million raised in the last quarter. He'll need every penny, but he's not facing a shortfall.
I couldn’t agree with you more, the democrats and the Biden team have done an incredible amount to benefit all of us without bias, you would have to be moronic not to be grateful to someone that helps you in a moment of need, and yet that is what we are seeing. I believe that the democrats need to do a complete shakeup of their entire messaging apparatus, from lobbing groups to PR firms, they are all incompetent and sucking up whatever $$$ is available. I’m a member of the Lincoln Project and have been since the beginning, we know how to message to effectively communicate our POV and it works, we stay on the attack and that is exactly what the democrats will have to do this year if they are to have any chance of building a majority in the senate, much less keep control of the house.
Dick Montagne, awe come on, they’re our loving darling Democrats. PR? Sure. Remember the smiling honest intense long shot Georgia peanut farmer, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, and the best pal any of us ever had, Fritz Mondale from Minnesota, Jimmy’s utterly charming brother Billy and his support man in North Africa, his truly dear mother, Lillian, big Bert Lance and smooth talking snorting Hamilton Jordan. Remember the most eloquent Adlai Ewing Stevenson’s shoe, JFK in the White House pool, the slick lying Texan LBJ’s gall bladder, his Beagle’s ears, my friend Bill Clinton’s most personal business... you have to love this bunch. But they sure beat the PR of Orange County’s Veep Richard M. Nixon, his love of Helen Gahagan Douglas, the honest Spiro “Ted” Agnew from the highways of Maryland, the 70 odd Watergate heroes... CREEP Head John Newton Mitchell, his wife Martha Elizabeth Beall in the shower whispering to the fabulous hinest Jack Northman Anderson, honest Cy Vance, brilliant John H. Gutfreund, jailed John Dean, Donald Segretti, HR Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, it’s all so wonderful... a troubled republic if you can believe it, just ask The Donald and robotic Mike Pence’s blind brother, our GOP senators minus three... it’s a comedy, a three ring circus, it’s a TV show, and don’t forget Dumbo, Ronny Reagan and GHWB and W. and Halliburton’s best. Take two Tylenol and don’t call me in the morning.
In addition there are Klobuchar, Abrams, Pelosi, Harris etc.. There are some exceedingly strong women in the Democratic Party who have seemed to be more willing to speak out than the men.
My overriding concern is that we lack the will of the people.
There are many outstanding Black representatives who get little if no attention. Lauren Underwood. Joyce Beatty. Lucy McBath. Joe Neguse. They serve their constituents quietly and effectively and get no to very little media attention. They also have actual legislative accomplishments unlike many of the so called "Democrats" who take up all the media oxygen.
Absolutely agree. What we need right now, however, are those loud voices to counter the anti-Democracy voices. The Democratic Senator from Hawaii, Brian Schatz who gave Hawley what for last week got tons of media coverage. Senator Schatz did not lie. He spoke the loud truth and it resonated so wonderfully across the media.
They are challenging sitting Congressional Reps. They vote against “sell-out” bills. They complain constantly the polls show their programs are popular—while losing elections. They have already “announced” they want to run Bernie’s campaign manager, Rep. Ro Khanna, if Biden doesn’t run. All they could do more to divide/defeat Democrats is to take to Twitter and tell their followers to stay home (“a legitimate form of protest”).
These are not stupid people—I don’t get it. and I think Pelosi has given up trying to compete with Bernie telling them to fight for the people.
Another Senator with potential to help restore the nation is Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat from Connecticut. Listening to the Bulwark podcast I heard a floor speech from Mr. Murphy pointing out the hypocrisy of Josh Hawley. His speech was like a breath of fresh air, truth at last. It's reassuring to know someone else sees what I see and calls it out. Thank you, Senator Murphy.
It’s all a Fascist gimmick to parrot back about the ‘Left ‘ who they( Right ) are and what they are doing. Have heard several experts comment about this. Plus it distracts from real issues. Like the Insurrection.And all the other Rights they are denying Ppl and the bad actors in the party.
Well aimed hammer on the head of the nail. It may be that our only hope is the emergence of a statesman or woman, a new and different voice, possibly on the “right”, someone who can bring the Republican Party back into the fold away from its personality and conspiracy cult rabbit hole, if we are to survive as a democracy. And yes, let the press stop feeding off the decay!
I took part in a Democrat party conference in my county. And I listened to so many up and coming young people, filled with passion and conviction. One young man stood up to talk about education and correcting the path Texas is taking. He started by saying I know you think at 25 I’m too young. I made a beeline for him after the meetings and said you’re not too young, you’re exactly what we need!
Do you know any Texans? About 70% of the white ones are Abbott or worse, and they have control of the state. Voter suppression and schemes to ignore the vote will keep them in power for a long time.
I do, in fact! My cousin lives there. But there are many people fighting against the Texas Repub regime. Look at Beto, for instance. You can’t discount the things he has done and is doing.
True. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the 30% of white Texans and that of the 60% of Texans who have some nonEuropean ancestors who work to elect Democrats. Unfortunately, the other 70% of white Texans are running the show, and they are brutally unscrupulous. The rest can’t give up, but winning is a tall order.
Gary, at this point I’d take a strong voice, credible and true, from even entertainment, or our citizenry, or retired military. Or all of them! Thanks.
Wow, Cary! 'Muchly' appreciated compliment. Especially since you and I are in the company of so many brilliant people here. Very nice of you, and I'll try to live up to your regard.
Like to be adored? Maybe and nothin’ wrong with that, sugar, but NEED to be adored? Not an effin chance. Neither of those powerhouses gives a flying eff what some pissant like you or me thinks of them, and I’d want either Dolly or Rock to have my back in any bar fight I started.
Megaphone needed, Oprah has one but she was demonized by the tea party nuts. I can hear Rupert’s gaggle now, Lordy, they know how to focus and destroy. Just take a gander at Christopher Rufo’s made up war against CRT.
She has been trashed before and survived. She could be an extremely valuable influence in the African-American community to encourage them to vote as if their lives depended on it - as it does for all of us.
What ya see is what ya got currently.....and that's gonna have to do the job until......The people are going to have to do this job for themselves as the Democrats do not seem up to it....perhaps too decent, too earnest (if one is equally nice) etc but not a lot of bite......hardly the wolf taking down the prey!
Too true, that “going high” thing has been a losing strategy for decades. All the right (which is always on the side of wrong) has to do is scream socialism, the the cult quakes.
I’d respectfully disagree-I think there were a lot of remorseful Republicans after 2016, especially women, people of good conscience who maybe voted on the choice/life issue or because Pastor Dumbfuck or that pig Hannity told their husbands to and they are “surrendered women” - get a candidate from South or from Appalachia who doesn’t slip up with “clinging to guns and religion” condescending shit and MAYBE JUST MAYBE you’ll reach a rich stream of civic-minded (as in save our country) voters who vibe to the message that both parties have screwed the workers and the rural and strangled our education budgets, then laughed at us for being hicks who drink mountain dew.
My ex-BFF (oxymoron) was a chump fan because hubby dictated what all in the family would do. She is still the smartest women I have run across in my life. Smart can also be emotionally bullied; know more examples than I can list here.
"The Civil War was won not by the dashing sons of wealthy planters, but by people like Grant, who dragged himself out of his blankets and pulled a dirty soldier’s uniform over his pounding head on an April morning because he knew he had to get up and get to work."
We need to rise, to do our work and defend our democracy from the claws of wealthy autocrats -- note my omission of the word "dashing."
While much of the southern leadership were planters and the "dashing sons of" went to war, the bulk of the Confederate army were middle class and poor people, most of whom did not own slaves, but bought the party line about "states rights" and any white man was better than any black man. Rich men aren't privates in any war. But we do need to defend democracy from autocrats. There's work to do.
and something I've noticed-the Federalist Society selected SCOTUS members seem to have forgotten that there's a Federal Supremacy clause in the Constitution.
True but we gotta dash NOW! or Stephen Miller will be putting our asses in cattle cars after 2022 (Vanky Trump for Pres if daddy’s martyred in the jail by Merrick Garland?)!
They certainly thought they were. The sad part about most wars is the folks who fight them believe it's their patriotic duty to defend the homeland, no matter what the political issues. Putin had to deceive his army to even get an invasion to happen.
If she can get Governor of Ga. - she came close before, than she should run for president in the near future. Somewhere inside of me , I sense her power.
I like "Mayor Pete", voted for him in our primary knowing he didn't have a chance. He needs to be given a bigger stage if he's to move up in rank. He doesn't get much press as Transportation sec.
It's the press he does get that will help him, it's mostly positive and very family oriented. The question about Pete for President is whether or not he and Chasten want to deal with the intense negative campaign that will be waged against them based on their sexual orientation. BTW, I voted for him too with the same knowledge.
I want to read about the work of all cabinet members in the main stream press. We're missing the most relevant news about our country's progress, distracted by noisemakers.
We don't even see much about the cabinet in the alternatives like Heather's Letters, Robert Hubble's Newsletter, the Bulwark, or The Dispatch. You're right about what we're missing and it could, one day, be important.
It might be that it is too late for America. After all, America is totally OK with electing an experienced con man to the Presidency and then trying to keep said con man in power forever.
I think Stacey Abrams is pretty close to the right person at the right time. However, she is not, so far, running. If I could influence her (I cannot) I would do everything possible to elect her.
Abrams embodies the America that Grant was working to create.
America wasn't OK with the results of the 2016 election, 38% of eligible voters couldn't bring themselves to vote for either of two very poor choices. In the words of fictional Senator John Blutarski, "nothing is over until we decide it is" and as long as we care enough to get involved and have good candidates to support, the battle will go on. I'll admit that no Democrats leap into mind for 2024 so it may be Stacey by default as VP but it just doesn't feel right to me.
Not necessarily, despite Jeri's comment below. If he's still with us, Mr. Biden will almost by definition be the Democratic nominee and his choice of running mate will be critical. If she's performed capably as Governor, I think Ms. Abrams will be a great choice but, if not, we'll need to look elsewhere. I do think she's got a good shot at beating Kemp but there is that hurdle first.
For you, perhaps. Not for me. My joy in voting for Clinton equaled the joy I felt the other day, when Judge Jackson became Justice Jackson. I understand that many think she was too corporatist, too not Bernie, too much baggage. Too female? I assert that the most qualified candidate we have had in many years suffered from 30 years of press vilification, and that’s the biggest reason she lost. Not because she was a poor candidate; in fact, the opposite. Because she was competent, and a woman, and dangerous to the right. Just watch the same thing happen to AOC. And to Harris. It’s happening already.
Mike, you write a lot about white men in power. Well, for once in my life I got to vote for a candidate with whom I shared a lot. It felt really great. More than half the population had never voted for a candidate with whom they shared something so basic. Maybe when you finally can vote for a candidate with whom you share as much, you will understand.
I would also note that Biden, also considered a corporatist, has turned out to be quite a progressive president. Imagine the progress we could make with a real congressional majority.
Yes, because Mr. Obama's re-election was virtually a foregone conclusion in most folks minds and 2016 was an exciting race to the bottom; many of the voters were making as much a statement against whoever they voted for as they were in support of 'their' candidate. Mr. Biden benefited from the same trend in 2020 as did his opponent to a lesser extent.
Perhaps. But they said it was too soon for Obama. And 45 had zero qualifications to run for President. Both won because America wanted change.
Abrams would be a serious change. And can she speak! (She also writes a great novel).
Abrams has already made a huge difference by getting out the vote - hence our 51 in the Senate. I would support her in a heartbeat.
As to her chances? What were the chances for 44, 45 and even 46? Biden was going to come up short again, but there was the NC surprise. In retrospect, doesn't it seem incredible that 43 was taken seriously enough to win twice?
If that's the goal, she should be the Democratic National Chairperson. We've seen the impact of Presidents who don't have the administrative or communications skills for the office and, like it or not, those are needed. The suggestion was specific to her candidacy for the Presidency.
I know how devoted she is to Georgia and she also thinks her talents fit better with her work getting out the vote and addressing voter suppression in Georgia. I hope she becomes governor!
Senator Whitehouse has taken a stand for democracy in his regularly-scheduled lectures to the Senate on the Koch Kleptocrats’ 16 Billion dollar cempaign of propaganda, capturing 5,000 professorships and creating a flotilla of operations attacking all the hidden weaknesses in our governments, financed with anonymous dirty money. Over the past 40 years you can tie it to battles all over the matrix of government that have gradually turned the tide against democracy.
But the media isn’t nearly as interested Whitehouse’s revelations as they are in the Kleps Team’s shenanigans, especially the bawdy fascist rumor mill.
And even more humbling, I have not heard of any big money who are ready to mount a serious counterattack to the Kleps’ successful campaign.
When he lost the primary he lost interest and defunded his very well done national operation. Staff he hired were let go with little notice. This from the NYT as it happened. Bloomberg may have contributed in other ways, however, the largess once promised never came through.
I favor Senator Whitehouse. His "lectures" are delivered rationally, devoid of hysterical grandstanding, IMHO, but impactful. But we need several more!
Lynell, I agree that Whitehouse is a fine statesman, but I worry that he is a one man band, playing the same tune. We need to hear more from him on topics other than dark money....although that topic is one that should be shouted from rooftops.
Agree, Pam and MK. Though I believe his "tune" affects many dark money Democrats as well, my "vision" is that he be out there - along with the Jamie Raskins, the Jon Ossoffs, the Raphael Warnocks, the Brian Schatzes, etc. - on the campaign trail for democracy, rebutting the likes of the extreme right wingers...names intentionally omitted here.
Nathan our Civil War was also fought with words that were sacred and lies. The big lie then that set up the whole armed conflict was that people of African descent were "less than" and better off being slaves. They were not equal to white men in any way...except possibly stronger backs and better at being servants. On the sacred side Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is probably quoted more than any other speech ever given by a US President. Believe me the Confederacy could have won...or not lost, which is all they needed to do. There were more than a few opportunities. For example If a few things had turned out differently at Gettysburg Lee might have destroyed that US Army and then turned on Washington. Lincoln had to go through multiple generals over 2 years of bloody warfare to finally get to Grant as commander 4 months after Abe gave the Gettysburg Address. The struggle we are in now can turn out many different ways. I agree with you, we need united, strong voices, who speak the truth and fight for democracy. I also recommend that anyone who wants to understand more about Grant and his leadership and mindset before and during Appomattox read Jeff Sharra's "Last Full Measure". It puts you there.
Until he had a strong ally in France, all Washington had to do was not lose, and over a much longer period. As a Virginia aged 69 I grew up knowing way too much about Lee and not nearly enough about Grant. Could someone recommend a popularly written, I.e. not scholarly, biography of Grant?
I highly recommend Jeff Shaara's "Last Full Measure" to get real insight into his character. It's an historical novel, that's very well researched. It's a good read & Jeff's a friend. You will feel Grant's headaches.
It's good reading. His dad's "Killer Angels" won the Pulitzer prize for fiction. He spent 8 years researching and writing it. Jeff was a teenager and assisted with the field work. Later he picked up the mantle and provided the "book ends" to the Gettysburg story.
“ Rumors have persisted for many years that Ulysses S. Grant did not entirely write his own memoirs. In a February 2012 article for The Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates explained the myth by stating that, ‘a lot of really intelligent people are under the impression that Grant’s lucid prose are really the result of Mark Twain’s editing hand . . . My sense is that people read Grant’s writing, hear about the association with Twain and assume that explains it.’ However, the claim is untrue. The original hand-written manuscript still survives and is entirely penned with Grant’s own handwriting.” https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/how-mark-twain-helped-ulysses-s-grant-write-his-personal-memoirs.htm
Grant, dying of cancer, wrote every word of his excellent autobiography, finishing it just before his death. Yes, he wrote it to provide financial security for his family. That is because he refused to enrich himself as a famous General and during his presidency. I find that impressive, even awesome.
One of the things Jeff does really well is show you both sides of the story, it's not "slanted" to one side. You are in the room with the characters and experience the action first hand.
Oh?...has summer arrived in your neck of upstate? I'm looking at snow falling this very minute (in CNY)...but agree summer's a hard time to do a lot of reading; too much to get done!
Yes, snow is falling, but, it is warm enough to plow and in short order plant. Plus, there is always the Honeysuckle to clear as it greens up first in the spring.
Whomever brought Honeysuckle in to the States may just have, over time, eliminated the entire Northeastern Hardwood Forest. No joke.
Ally, I am not joking. Honeysuckle grows agressively, covers the ground in shade and prevents reforestation.
I am doing a project right now in NY that includes dense honeysuckle removal and then planting of 2200 trees.
But, nature cannot do it anymore. The honeysuckle overtakes fields before the trees can do it ESPECIALLY now that the fast growing ash, which used to be the early growth in open fields, is being killed by EAB.
It looks like Senator Brian Schwartz (D-Hawaii) is doing something we should encourage all our elected officials to be doing. Greg Sargent in yesterday’s WAPO wrote about this:
“I contacted the Hawaii Democrat to talk about his extraordinary eruption at Sen. Josh Hawley on the Senate floor Thursday. Schatz ripped his Missouri Republican colleague over his hold on a senior staffing nominee to the Defense Department, even as the United States is calibrating its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
But that was the superficial cause of the eruption. The deeper catalyst was how Hawley is doing this — that his arguments are saturated in almost bottomless levels of bad faith.
This raises some questions: Why don’t Democrats create moments like this more often? Are there other ways of getting loud, as Schatz did here, that don’t degrade our politics and are substantively and politically productive?
What sparked Schatz’s ire is Hawley’s justification for his hold on President Biden’s nominees, particularly Hawley’s claim that Biden isn’t delivering sufficient military aid to Ukraine fast enough. Schatz also blasted Hawley’s demand that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin resign over the Afghanistan withdrawal to get his holds lifted.
One can legitimately criticize Biden as overly cautious in aiding Ukraine. But you rarely hear critics explain why Biden’s reason for this caution — the fear that Russia will discern an act of war and escalate — is wrong, and they play down all that the administration has already given to Ukraine. That lets Republicans wildly inflate the meaning of relatively narrow disagreements over the response.
Beyond this, Schatz noted that it’s absurd to use these differences as an excuse to apply a hold, especially given Hawley’s vote against a spending bill that contained billions in military aid to Ukraine sought by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. And Schatz derided the call for Austin to resign as ludicrous grandstanding.
“That is not a reasonable request from a United States senator,” Schatz fumed on the Senate floor. “And coming from a person who exonerated Donald Trump for extorting Zelensky!”
Indeed, to this day, few Republicans will fundamentally renounce Trump’s strongarming of Zelensky or Trump’s years of efforts to align our interests with Russia and against Ukraine and the West.
“Spare me the new solidarity with the Ukrainians,” Schatz said of Hawley on the floor. “Because this man’s record is exactly the opposite.”
Grandstanding and disingenuousness are endemic to politics. The tension between sordid political theatrics and the higher ideals they serve goes back to the ancients. But at a certain point, the pileup of absurdities becomes so comically ludicrous, so obviously unmoored from even the most basic standards of conduct, that it needs to be called out.
Yet we don’t hear enough from Democrats putting down hard emotional markers indicating that at moments like these, something is deeply amiss, and something unusually absurd and depraved is happening.”
Michelle…excellent commentary! When dealing with these Repugnant Republicans wouldn’t a strong offense be the best defense? Something needs to be done with the Midterms just around the corner!
Nathan, Amid the present existential battle between democracies and authoritarian regimes, I couldn’t empathize more with your call for strong voices from every branch of government to impress upon the electorate the importance of supporting candidates who accept the results of elections, of voting for candidates who accept the rule of law, who don’t congenitally lie, and who don’t pander and indulge in conspiracy theories.
While this is a conversation we should be having, I fear that if the President isn’t leading it, we simply won’t have it. Hence, I continue to write letters prevailing upon the President to lead this conversation. I maintain, as the leader for democracies abroad, that the President now has to act like it here at home.
A prime example relates to Republicans, who, while scrambling onto the side of Ukrainians overseas, have become increasingly less supportive of democracy here at home. I imagine I’m hardly the only one who is disturbed that the President doesn’t seem to want to make that connection, perhaps fearing the repercussions of appearing overly partisan. Clearly, his reluctance, whatever the reason, poses a major threat to our democratic standing both at home and abroad that will not resolve on its own.
Hence, as we Americans and many of our friends around the world are watching and waiting and hoping for leadership to emerge that provokes a moral awakening, I take heart in grassroots leadership who are helping their peers to acquire the requisite training, knowledge, and strength to do it for ourselves. Here, I owe a special debt to those who have helped me believe that our individual involvement is worthwhile, that what we do in the public sphere will not be in vain.
Scary our world is on the tipping point of two leaders. Biden and Putin's actions can save democracy or nuke the earth. It seems unbelievable we have reached this point as in a James Bond movie.
Barbara, I totally agree and I do not want to regret not doing enough. I hope and would think a blue wave would wipe the slate clean and we can build a future based on facts and what is good for the country. Whatever may save us will have to come from the top down as I do not see evidence that most liberals
Frank, Even in the absence of sufficient evidence, I routinely have argued that we must resist the idea that “[w]hat ever may save us will have to come from the top down…”. Instead, I would submit the only way to save ourselves is through a more democratic world—through democracy from the inside, bottom up, citizen / activists convinced “you can fight City Hall.” That may sound foolish, utopian, and silly. But, in my view, person-power is both the heart and imperative for social change and the true legacy of a democratic society.
Best visible evidence of how unmotivated the population seems is to notice across the country how many unneeded lights are on overnight. This in spite of warnings of climate change now or the planet will boil. I see climate and fascism as equally urgent with no recourse once done.
One voice won’t do it, they need to rise up from every valley, and mountain top. So far, Joe tries, but press “both sides” his pulpit like it was a Sunday sermon.
I have to admit that even knowing better, I paid attention almost every time tfg made the news, if only hoping that for once he'd say something worthy of the office of president. I think he did so a few times, but in doing so the press said "meh", as if "not controversial enough..." I am one person who is longing to hear the leader speak; not in long-winded oratorios but in topic-specific speeches that lay out and reiterate our highest values and the policies that reflect them. I'd be happy if he claimed the mic on a very regular basis, gaffes or not. What the press call gaffes are often unsubstantial, sometimes stumbling over words (he's not the only person I know who does this sometimes-simply makes him human in my view). There's a reason why "call and response" is such an effective tool in some settings; people want to be able to say "that's right", "Amen", "You go, Girl", and other responses affirming and reaffirming principles that uplift the assembled audience. It's the difference between spectator and participant. It can uplift, motivate, restore optimism and hope, re-energize when coming from a true leader who speaks the truth. One thing I notice about Putin whenever he's featured on the news; it's the "dead eyes", the expressionless face. He finds obtuse ways of saying things that elicits no emotional response (it can't be ALL just the translation)...kind of like staring at a catfish head-on.
Nathan, While I appreciate your comment overall, I especially am struck by your distinguishing between spectator and participant and wish to expand a bit. For some time I’ve been bothered by how leadership treats ordinary people too much as an audience and not enough as citizens. We’re invited to look through the window but too infrequently to come through the door and to participate, to make dialogue, the lifeblood of democracy, truly public. “There used to be a thing or a commodity we put great store by,” John Steinbeck wrote. “It was called the people.”
Outstanding comment Nathan. To your thought on today’s armaments being words, allow me to suggest the addition of “....and hypocritical slander elevated to the effect of cluster bombs.” Compliments on your analogy characterizing the press’ behavior — that says it all! Thank you.
I don't believe this Nov. 8 is the "final" battle any more than Chancellorsville ended the Civil War, or Monocacy (look that one up, if you aren't aware of it...Lew Wallace who wrote Ben Hur later in life was crucial there). I do agree that the DNC needs to do better...I feel both party "machines" are not at their best. Right now the leadership and "tip of the spear" is in the House Select Committee on the Jan 6 Insurrection and the flanks are being held by legal actions in NY and elsewhere. It would be VERY good to not loose the House and Senate, but it's not the end.
The next time the Republicans take the Congress, they will, by hook or by crook, hold it for the foreseeable future. Look at how the Red states are tilting the playing field in their direction ahead of midterms. Do you see this trend stopping?
And in ‘24? Whatever it takes to win. Whatever it takes.
There's no doubt they are trying. However I don't see anything in the future as fixed in place or a sure thing. History has pivoted too many times based on too many variables. Do I see them stopping? No I don't. There needs to be constant resistance and positive moves forward.
Principled, well balanced, calm and brilliantly educated, a good father and husband, Colorado Senator Michael Ferrand Bennet is a stand out. As is Rep. Adam Schiff who is wonderful. Sen. Amy Jean Klobuchar is brilliant and equally principled.
Then the Democratic Party should get Schiff, Bennet, Klobuchar and probably Cory Booker as well, out on the road speaking the truth to Americans in gatherings sponsored by local Democratic organizations before audiences as large as is possible. Add VP Harris to that list. Merely appearing with the talking heads on CNN and MSNBC isn't quite the same. And this should be happening starting now!
Yes, Jack. And President Biden should INSTANTLY fulfill President Zelenskyy’s requests. If Russia crushes Ukraine, the USA is no longer the leader of the free world, and Western Europe will slowly fall to Russia - Baltic states first - Poland next. Putin wants the USSR and more. The Hermit State wants more and more. Ukraine falls without our support - Ukraine falls if Western Europe buys Russian oil and Russian gas. They are funding what’s happening to Ukraine.
The precedent for fulfilling President Zelenskyy's request exists. I wonder, Sandy, how many Americans are aware of the aid the United States gave to Poland as they fought the Polish-Russian War from 1919 until 1921 to thwart Russia's efforts to march through Poland to militarily support Communist parties further west in Europe. Poland stood in the way of such Russian aggression just as Ukraine today blocks Russian attempts to reconstruct the empire of the Tsars and the USSR. Besides humanitarian aid and food, we also supplied Poland with hundreds of tanks and planes and most of all, some pilots to fly those planes, who were instrumental in a battle for Lviv, now in Ukraine. For the full story, visit
I like those folks on the dems side and m I probably vote for them however my issue with the dems is the platform as with the repubs.
I have often wondered… what if all bills submitted were required to have a social benefit part and a business part to it and both parts gad to be negotiated for the entire bill to pass…. It seems one of our failings is that there are wide gaps in the investments into addressing both social and business needs at any point in time. Then when one party gets control there is massive amounts of spending to catch up or massive amounts of tax breaks for businesses and the wealthier individuals. That is when all the anger, miss-information campaign goes into high gear. We need to change the way we operate!
Which of them do you believe are waiting in the wings for an announcement from Biden on 2024? I don't see Harris as the heir apparent at this point. It seems she hasn't captured the imagination of non-conservatives or her party as a next leader. Perhaps it will look like 2020 again on the Democratic side? Independents are becoming the single biggest voter block; non-party candidate?
If it becomes apparent that President Biden will choose not to run, I would look for Senator Bennet to start gathering resources, both financial and human.
You read my mind, and articulated my thoughts better than I ever could. I would just add the cold remains of that evil, old and poor excuse for a journalist, Rupert, that we have endured for four decades.
I read you every day, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning, and usually find some hope that our democracy perhaps might find a way to survive these perilous times. We have in the past, more than I knew about.
Most Americans are like Grant. We get up, get dressed (or not), get in our transportation (or not), and go to work. Once there we face a day of getting done what we must to keep ourselves and our families in the basics: food, shelter, clothing. No glitz, no glamour. The past two years have strained many of us to the breaking point, but we soldiered on. Your letters have been an anchor for me as I saw my beloved country being threatened by the twin disasters of a self coup attempt and SARS2-COV-19.
Well said, sister of the front lines. I am retired from law enforcement, and honor your front line work against COVID-19. I do my little part in addressing the attempted coup with those who would support it, and engage in the activities I can. I must confess that a former favorite of mine, mocking conservatives with my sousaphone has become much more dangerous, since it is hard to engage in defensive measures whilst wrapped in 33 pounds of brass. Also, I have to carry off hand, because of where K-Rex* hits my right hip.
The same courage he used to finish his memoirs as he was dying, a project that would solve his financial problems and release his family from disaster when he was gone.
Grant's memoirs, which he wrote when he was old and sick, and broke, to try and make some money for his family, was published by Mark Twain and has never been out of print.
In 1865 Grant was not a political leader...he was the sword to Lincoln's pen. But the way he was most like Zelensky was their understanding of what they were fighting for and what they need to do to win. In 1864 Grant was not trying to hold ground, he was trying to destroy Lee's ability to wage war...and with Sherman the goal was to take the war to the southern people, make life difficult for them, destroy supplies and food. The thing the US Army did not do in 1864-65 was target civilians and murder them the way Putin is. I feel Putin has gone much too far in his desire to control Ukraine and it's past time for the world to step in. My questions is where are UN Peacekeeping forces? What is the UN for, if not to intervene in horror like this?
So this situation show's the "problem" with that veto power. In this case since the US has been unwilling to lead a coalition like the Gulf War, Putin knows he can act with the impunity and disregard for civilian life in Ukraine that he has. I understand the reluctance to unleash NATO, it's a defensive pact for member countries. But this has become really obscene. He's willing to destroy a nation to win what he wants...which is pathetic and visionless. Who wants a country in rubble, with people who despise you ? Or is he just willing to kill those who fight him and fill back in with folks who don't care? It appears we can only go to war with dictators of non security council members.
You are having a hard time rationalizing Putin’s actions and that’s why there’s a whole science devoted to trying to understand insanity. We don’t even know what he’s being fed by his inner circle, but it doesn’t matter, we know what he’s capable of. Simply put, all of this devastation is the result of one man’s ego….
That is appearing to be true, which is why the world can't just send weapons and aid but stand back from real military intervention. We have all of this hardware and the means to deploy it...it's hurtful at a soul level to watch this unfold.
Mike Without the veto the Soviet Union would not have joined the UN. In realpolitik, similar rock-and-hard place compromises were made to accomplish our Constitution in 1787. On occasion the General Assembly has passed resolutions that have expressed the world’s outrage. Even America, on rare occasions, has exercised the veto. I doubt that, without the right to veto, Congress would have agreed to subordinate our ‘sovereignty’ to an international body.
Understood on all counts...but this Ukraine situation is VERY frustrating to watch happen in real time. Putin has to be the most despised man on the planet right now. I just heard 2 A-10's fly over a few minutes ago here...how I wish the Ukranian's had a few squadrons
By a quirk, in 1950 the UN Security Council voted for a UN military action against the North Korean invasion of South Korea. Russia, protesting that China (representing Taiwan) was chair of the Security Council that month (after Mao had taken mainland China) chose not to attend.
Alas, while Russia is highly critical of the UN (and General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, today it will not relinquish its Security Council veto (nor will China).
No, part of the UN charter was the guaranty of superpower dominance as permanent members and the theoretical "only" nuclear powers.
Wikipedia has a good article on the Security council - I recommend it as a good survey article. Opening paragraph:
"The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN)[1] and is charged with ensuring international peace and security,[2] recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly,[3] and approving any changes to the UN Charter.[4] Its powers include establishing peacekeeping operations, enacting international sanctions, and authorizing military action. The UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.
It doesn’t look like there is a plan to deal with a member like Russia. So, how can the UN operate in the world’s best interest against a bullying superpower, armed with nuclear weapons?
The nuclear powers aspect was never part of the official requirements for a seat on the Security Council. The Republic of China (Taiwan) was granted a seat on the Security Council. "On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council." (source linked below).
Putin has gone on and on about Ukraine being as much part of the USSR or Russian empire as Russia itself. It would be technically possible to apply a version of the process used with China, to declare Ukraine the true heir of the USSR. All theoretical. Today, the question is whether NATO will break the Russian blockade of Black Sea shipping, or at least provide a minesweeper.
It has always been an unwritten understanding among "superpowers."
PRC's admission in place of ROC was part of that unwritten understanding, along with Nixon and Kissinger's attempt to exert influence over mainland China by opening it to the West. Those 5 are the ony "nuclear weapon states" recognized by the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty and in essence, were also the victors in WW II.
Marc Thiessen has an interesting piece in WAPO that asserts your thesis, but the problem isn't who are the members - it's the need for unanimity.
As much as I think contemporary justice would make Ukraine a better permanent member, that creates a slew of second and third order problems, and so long as China supports Russia, it does little to address the current problem.
The five permanent members could easily become somewhat irrelevant across enough years of history as nations rise and fall in global influence. Individual nations influence other nations and the world via their political, economic and military strength. When Russia controlled the Soviet Union, it projected political, military and economic power. It has lost a tremendous amount of political and economic power. It retains military and technological power in some areas (nuclear technology, space exploration, oil/gas) but is remarkably non-influential for a nation of such vast geographic size in many areas of public life. Seems to me there should perhaps be a two tiered membership; verified nuclear weapon capable and non-nuclear capable nations, without permanent status and without permanent veto power. The security council should have term limits in the nuclear and non-nuclear categories. One man's opinion...
I hope history repeats itself very soon. The Ukraine winning and Russia surrendering. The Russian people having their supplies cut off and starving figuratively. Putin being taken down by his own people for incompetence and treachery. His generals surrendering by default.
Yesterday evening I was with a fellow musician who told me of a friend who forced his sister to leave Moscow this past week. She is, or was, among the highest regarded pianists in the great Mariinsky Theater. She packed two suitcases, leaving her musical scores and her beloved piano and got on a train to Germany. This may seem banal to those who are not professional musicians. Believe me: it is like leaving your children behind.
Recently a professional Ukrainian ballerina , touring in the U.S.,learned her home had been destroyed. She reached out to the Russian owners of my ballet school in Florida who offered her job and are raising funds to help her settle….with her single suitcase. She will be safe….but she’s leaving so much behind.😥🩰
With what ballet school are you affiliated? My daughter was with Miami City Ballet during her teen year summers. I'd like to make a donation to your school.
One of the owners is the great-granddaughter of Agripinna Vaganova, of the Vagonva training method. Her husband ,and artistic director, has coordinated performances that brought together young dancers throughout our community to perform with the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
We have friends in Lviv. He’s American, he got his Ukrainian wife and three children to Krakow, then returned to help bring supplies to the east and bring refugees out. 💔💔💔
Hear, hear! I was thinking of Washington, keeping his army in the field against the might of England. Money and arms from France came after the American victory at Saratoga… in 1777. The French men and matériel that made the difference didn’t arrive until Rochambeau in 1780, and victory was won at Yorktown in 1781. British troops didn’t leave the US until 1783. I pray God the brave people of Ukraine and their own Washington, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, do not have to wait as long.
Makes me feel like a dutiful scholar, that I remember learning about this day of Grant’s, a few years ago, reading your letters! He gave the enemy soldiers the rations because they were his countrymen and his brothers. Aren’t we all?
From the book "Grant," I learned that Ulysses Grant was a master of logistics. He taught himself logistics by humbly taking on the task that other officers -- who came from more elevated backgrounds -- didn't like doing. Unlike the Russian army in Ukraine, he paid farmers and merchants for food to feed his troops, even when he was operating in contested territory. In the early part of the Civil War, Northern generals that Abraham Lincoln assigned to the task of defending the nation's capital lost more battles than they won. But Grant took on the unwanted western part of the southern theater and won more battles than he lost. President Lincoln noticed the difference, and promoted Grant to the topmost post in the Northern army. After that, Grant and the competent generals he promoted started winning across a broad front from east to west. Grant could promise food to General Lee for his starving troops -- and deliver on his promise -- because he knew logistics.
My great-grandfather, Captain Frederick C. Winkler, fought in one of Grant’s divisions from 1862 until the end. Later, my uncle compiled his wartime letters home into a limited edition book for Captain Winkler’s descendants. Very interesting to learn about the war as described by a participant. Sometime during the final year, he was promoted to general.
This is a sad and beautiful tale, thank you. I just watched both episodes of Ken Burns' Ben Franklin, and that was also sad and beautiful, especially Franklin's wise and compassionate statements in the last years of his life. I wonder how many of the "Originalists' on the Supreme Court have listened to the words of this true Original.
I think of you, Heather, putting your head on the dining room table to get some sleep, then pulling on your clothes to get up and write and work for your country.
In some ways it would be easier if today's fight for democracy was measured in men, food and guns. Those are concrete things you can be confident are what they seem to be. Today's battles are about words, some true, some noble, some sacred, some damned, some lies and some Damned Lies. I suppose one thing similar about the two eras is the side with the strongest army still wins. If truth mobilizes more warriors to the ballot box than damned lies, then democracy as we imagine it can win. Democracy as we know it is sick, and tired, and discouraged. We have a champion for democracy, but he seems a bit frail, and substantially alone. I'm looking for some strong voices in the other branches of government, strong enough to stand out from the crowd, to steal some media time from the Grahams, Pauls, McConnells, McCarthy's and the freshmen rabble in congress. I'm hoping some true statesmen will find their voice, and even more so, capture the imagination of the press. I'm tired of our press behaving like flies on a corpse. Unless, perhaps, it's the cold remains of that yellow narcissistic sociopath we endured for four too many years.
Senators Whitehouse, Swalwell, Warnock are three that spring to mind. There are other more than we've had in years that are giving me hope. Ossoff and Katie Porter in the House is a real standout.
My concern is that we lack a strong media apparatus that can go toe to toe with their right wing propaganda machine.
My concern for 40 years. I watched smart people, morons, the fearful, the haters, and the greedy bastards, coalesce into a force more dangerous than even Lee was. And the press gives Rupert a pass on every evil deed.
Rupees father was a racist. He believed in eugenics.
No doubt.
Tracy: Or Schiff, or Booker? You are right — in the absence of “a strong media apparatus” or attention grabbing trickery, they are not able to be heard loudly enough over the roar of the Republican information war machine....Yet.
Raskin all the way. I met him very briefly last fall after marveling at his oratorical brilliance litigating the second impeachment trial. He is a man of 100% impeccable character and goodness. Even if he is not put forward as the Dems’ presidential candidate someday, he is the polar opposite of everything the slime on the other side of the aisle will never be.
Jamie Raskin is everything you say. And he wrote his book, Unthinkable, in five months, following the suicide of his son, and while he was running the impeachment. So he also has unusual ability and stamina. I'm just sorry his mother--who I knew--is not here to see him, except that I'm glad she wasn't here to see her grandson's suicide. Definitely Raskin.
She is proud. Raskin is living the values inculcated in her household.
Wonder if he has considered it or at least been approached
Yes, for Raskin!!
Integrity personified...🌿
He is a terrific human being. Makes me proud to be from Maryland. I got to see him up close during the fracking battle in Maryland when he was a State Senator. VERY impressive.
Yes. Rep. Jamie Raskin is outstanding.
Yeah Raskin, too!
Gus, I agree—especially Senator Booker. His speech during the KJB hearing was a shining moment.
Throw my vote to Cory Booker. A truly good man.
I met Booker twice. He is the real deal. Very genuine. Nothing phony about him.
Yes it was, Arthur! So inspiring!
After hearing the disrespect and outrageous manipulation of facts and the avoidance of relevant questions by the Gang of 4 & the Twit, Cory Booker brought us all back to the who and what of Judge Jackson and what was relevant and purpose of the hearings in the best of ways. At the conclusion each day I could brush off the stench and muck the Republicans on the Committee had thrown on all of us. I hope Chief Justice Roberts sees the job he has in front of him because three women on the Court will not be able to do it alone.
Also, I gotta put a plug in for Mayor Pete. Like Booker, a smart, good man.
In reading all of these comments, I realize anew that we have many arrows in our quiver.
I was about to say, "but we have to shoot them". That can be misinterpreted, but you know what I mean.
😒 Understood.
I love Mayor Pete, but do wonder where he's been as Secy. of Transportation. I haven't heard boo from him about the supply chain problems, which should be in his wheelhouse. I'd hoped he'd stand out among the appointees, but nary a word. Disappointing.
Debby, Mayor Pete has been busy. He was interviewed on MSNBC not long after the ports and trucking stalled. His answers were brilliant, and he was (is) 'on it.'
He didn't take SecTrans to 'administer' it, he came to FIX it. Impressive guy, he had to become an expert overnight, even with some prior experience. I don't think he has full jurisdiction over the ports, but he sure did get the trucks rolling again!
Since he's not running for anything he is just quietly doing a spectacular job for President Joe and country. We definitely should hear more from him, but I'm just happy he's busy.
I hope you're right. And you've got a good point about the press. Biut without decent press now, if/when he runs for national office later, it'll be easier to crucify him, I'm afraid. I was an early supporter of Pete & do hope he has a future in the party.
Debby, he's been on MSNBC, CBS Mornings, etc. several times, talking about these issues. He visited the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which got him on our local (LA) news. Trust me, Secretary Pete is on the job!
Thanks - I don't watch TV, I just read the NY Times & the Washington Post, plus some stuff I find on FB.
I follow Mayor Pete's fb page. Truly jnspiring!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/595142717910172/?ref=share
You haven't heard boo from him because the press can't be bothered--unless there's a new crisis in the supply chain or something else, or a scandal. Please don't be disappointed in him--put that emotion where it belongs: on our media.
Poor main stream media coverage: being paid to keep controversy going because of not wanting to alienate either side. -----Having a good secretary (or president) doing an actual job helping our country....where's the controversy in that?
There is so much other stuff in the news! The media doesn't have time to report good things! We will probably be amazed at all he is accomplishing!
https://fb.watch/ciXri-6EsY/
You just haven't seen him but he has been visible on MSNBC and CNN as well as our local broadcast stations once or twice.
So true, Ken!
Don't forget Murphy and even Pelosi. There are people trying to right the ship, but it does seem like the tsunami of rightist propaganda aided by the press keeps washing away the voices of reason and sanity.
…tsunami of rightist propaganda aided by the Kremlin and megachurches.
https://twitter.com/ellie_kona/status/1513278314206547968?s=21&t=ogU43eWL4VQMz81MNmPyBg
Yes, Murphy has been good in NJ. Pelosi is pretty old...
Hey, hey, old but mighty!!!
You mean disinformation machine?
Gayle, point taken. But, all republican information IS disinformation, isn't it?
Yes, Gus!
What about the women?- Warren, Katie Porter , Amy klobucher, Lisa murkowski, Tammy baldwin, Karen bass, Pramila Jayapal, Barbara Lee, Jackie spier , Maxine waters, Doris Matsui etc, etc
A lot of these women were mentioned but not all. I appreciate you adding their names to this discussion. We truly are fortunate to have so many courageous and brave public servants working hard to save democracy.
Excellent point.
Love them!
Amy Klobuchar
Another excellent one, Robert!
Add Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii:
https://twitter.com/sam_jeske/status/1512149257498898441?s=21&t=3qRTRlJNMY0GcyktOe5ljA
There is "good trouble" and there is "good loud". More like this please!
Very true, Bill!
This was an amazing speech he gave in response to that slime ball! I loved it!
Here in Georgia Sen. Warnock will likely face the former UGA football star Hershel Walker in the upcoming Senate race and his morality and intelligence are unquestioned. Warnock, of course, was the pastor at the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church, the position that Martin Luther King once held. Walker barely graduated college yet has lied that he was at the "top of his class," and has a history of domestic violence and mental health issues. He recently tried to debunk the theory of evolution by saying, "If man came from apes, why are there still apes?" But he also has the endorsement of Donald Trump and is leading Warnock in the polls. Reason has slid down the rope and fallen on the floor.
yep. The problem is not Herschel Walker or Trump.
The problem is much worse than that. Like Jefferson predicted, "the ignorant cannot hold their Democracy".
We, the ignorant American masses, are about to vote ourselves out of existence as a Democracy.
This is also the result of the right wing war on good education. They seem intent on dumbing down the American population, to make it easier to sway them with their lies.
For if leisure and security were enjoyed by all alike, the great mass of human beings who are normally stupefied by poverty would become literate and would learn to think for themselves; and when once they had done this, they would sooner or later realize that the privileged minority had no function, and they would sweep it away. In the long run, a hierarchical society was only possible on a basis of poverty and ignorance.”
George Orwell, 1984
Dang! Orwell’s 1984, like Roddenberry’s Star Trek, was way ahead in broad thinking.
Right. Hypocrite Ted Cruz excoriated our new Supreme Court justice— KJB about the private school her children go to where critical race theory/antiracism is taught even though his children and many other republicans children go to such schools and learn about it, as they should. Having a complete and well rounded education should never be just for the privileged who can afford private schools. The Republicans absolutely want us dumb and divided so they can have economic freedom without challenge.
It seems worse than just his hypocrisy in that he grandstands for the sake of maintaining his power and from what I can see it has little to do with his actually wanting to govern. These extremists seem intent on two things - holding on to power and dismantling our democracy.
I believe her daughters are teenagers - maybe they originally went to that school but the issue was she was on the Board. That appeared to make her totally responsible for the curriculum - NOT!
Deductive reasoning is their enemy. Burn the books, they say.
That is absolutely the strategy
I taught government for a few years and the class I enjoyed the most was the one with no college prep students. Sadly, I realized that most of them would not vote because they probably thought their vote would not make any difference. Now with the internet and Fox, they are awash in nonsense and many believe they are experts because they saw it online. Also there is a long history of anti-intellectualism in the country and that shows up as well. Then add the stupidity of standardized testing and you see the result.
Yes that’s true but don’t count The powerful Stacy Abrams out as she is giving Georgia the education they’ve needed to hear for centuries! The R’s placed Herschel against Warnock because they are counting on their populace placing a well-known, once a sports guy against a magnificent gentleman who speaks the truth from the pulpit to the Senate. Normal people will vote Warnock in and I pray Stacy Abrams knocks Kemp off of his pedestal.
Yes, private schools are less rigorous then public schools. But, of course, they are sans black people.
and sans disabled kids as well.
Most here recognize the challenge. The task is to meet it and save democracy, regardless of the odds. The nation has done it in the past, and can do it again on November 8.
❤️
While improved education would make many things better, it would not help Warnock win the election. The problem is not education. It’s worse. It’s racism. Even though Walker is black, he identifies with his white masters. Racists love Uncle Toms. Close to 80% of the white voters in Georgia will vote for Walker because they know he’ll help Republicans preserve the advantages of white Americans.
It is offensive to call people Uncle Toms, but you know that. I don't know who you are, but the term is itself racist. It implies that all Black people must think one way. Is there a similar term you have for White people? Probably not! Walker is a product of a certain kind of self loathing perhaps! He is a tool of the racist white population perhaps, or he is dumb enough to think that his wealth is better protected by Republicans, over his skin being protected by Democrats. So, pick which side he is on. Sometimes celebrities don't have the skin color that the rest of the people do because we are a celebrity worshiping country. However, I have White Georgian friends that will vote for Warnock. That is because they think issues. Let us hope there are more like my friends than the ones you are talking about.
I will vote for Warnock, as will all of my Democratic friends. Most people I've spoken with understand that Walker is unqualified, mentally unstable, a liar, and a fraud. It could be close, but I doubt that his race will make a lot of difference to Black voters. They know he's serving himself, not the community. Being a resident of Texas will not help him, either.
The only hope is to outvote them by getting Democrats, which includes some white voters and most black voters, to the ballot box. Regarding the term “Uncle Tom,” it’s disparaging, but I don’t think it’s racist. It’s short for “a Black person who is overeager to win the approval of whites (as by obsequious behavior or uncritical acceptance of white values and goals).”
I have to slightly disagree, Rex. It is about education and it is about racism. How do we fight racism? Education. We need the humanities back in our public schools. In consistent, huge doses. It teaches critical thinking skills and empathy.
Being educated means having the ability to think critically and analytically. These are skills that can help a person become less prejudiced. Reducing racism and improving education go hand in hand. They also help with the fears and magical thinking that keep racist myths in place. While education isn't the silver bullet, a well-educated populace can make for a healthier democracy.
Yes, reducing racism requires education of the most difficult kind, namely re-education. Racists are, after all, “carefully taught,” as the song says.
Walker serves two clear purposes. Split the Black vote and provide a mallleable Senator should he win.
If Walker (who is less qualified to be a Senator than anyone reading this) defeats Warnock in November, it's time to take a long hard look at the flaws in our democrat system and either correct them with Constitutional amendments or start looking for a less dangerous form of government, a very difficult quest. Democracy got us to the place in which we now find ourselves.
Mike Cynical satirist H.L. Menken wrote robustly about Americans getting the government that they deserve—and it was not flattery. Perhaps we deserve what we get.
No, WE don't deserve the miscreants that are calling the cards right now, nor the malignant narcissist that is continuing to plague us (and who should be jailed). I'm sick to death of paying for someone else's poor choices, most of which are being supported by our own oligarchs.
Mencken wrote, and would be horrified that the “yellow dog journalism” of his days grew and potentiated while instantly being communicated faster than men (universal) can think.
So sad, Randy, as Sen Warnock is SO smart, great speaker, knows the issues, excellent!
Hersh Walker, famous football player, wife abuser, and general low life. Sounds a lot like O. J. Simpson, who had the same sense of sports immortality that morphed into immorality (and double murder).
Though I am not familiar with the entire Republican slate of candidates, Walker sees at the bottom of a very deep barrel, though Dr. Oz (who insists on keeping his Turkey citizenship) may challenge him as bottom scraper.
It looks like Trump (like god?) is seeking candidates in his own image—slimy and scummy.
But Keith, surely you know that he gets the Best People. Just like Him. (one of them was too many....)
Gus, like the Oscars, Trump’s ‘Best People” are those who get indicted. I’d like to be at the ceremony and slap their faces.
Ah so, we can call Dr Oz a Turkey! (I know, it's a stretch.)
Walker went pro after his junior year at UGA. He's deeply flawed, as you say, and is being foisted by the Rethuglicans only to attract minority votes. His "apes" comment demonstrates why he is refusing to debate. I'm hoping that Raphael will manage to eviscerate him - nicely, while smiling.
And Warnock will do exactly that, Nancy!
Randy - the selection of Walker was an act of genius. It will bring over some of the black vote - which got Warnock in there in the first place. A big deal. Also, importantly, football is large and in charge in the south. More so than any other region of America. Any candidate with a football background instantly has an advantage. Just look at neighbor Alabama where a fundamentally unqualified Tuberville (ex-football coach not that successful even) easily beat an imminently qualified Doug Jones (although to be fair he is a Democrat). I fear the same thing will happen. Walker is a terrible candidate by any measure. A dufus far as I can tell. And an "Uncle Tom" if I may. If there are any debates, Warnock will clean his clock. But I fear it won't matter. It is going to be close I think, and it should not be.
And how many ill-informed voters will not be sure who is who since both names begin "WA."
And Clarence Thomas posed with a photo of him that went around the twitter world yesterday.
Both are gross and instead of Thomas keeping his head down, he flashes his third finger at us all. I don’t care if they are both black, they have shat on the integrity of their race.
Trudy The Thomas/Walker photo is further evidence of the apolitical posture of Justice Ginni/Clarence Thomas. I suspect that he will recuse himself on political issues before the Stench Court the day that I am awarded the Nobel Prize. Breathlessly awaiting that phone call.
'the polls'
I have been questioning that very same thing for years! That is why I do not believe in the polls. We cannot be guided by them. Biden was asked what he thought of his low rating in the polls and he said “I don’t look at polls”.
I keep wondering the same thing.
I count 6 people here who have never been polled, 7 counting me. A typical poll consists of around 1000-1500 people chosen at random from a population of about 258 million (U.S. adult population in 2020). So the chance of a particular individual being chosen for one particular poll is minuscule, about .000006, or 6 in a million (using the larger number 1500 and rounding up). The probability of one or more members of a group of 7 individuals being chosen for a particular poll is still minuscule. Even for repeated polls, it's still small: probability of a particular individual being chosen in a series of 1000 independently repeated polls is about 6%. These are just rough numbers, not accounting for all the bells and whistles in polling (I'm not a pollster, so am not aware of all of them), but the big picture is clear: no surprise that none of us were chosen for a poll.
But interesting that professional pollster Frank Luntz used his resources to develop the Republican buzz words that Newt Gingrich coached Republican members of Congress to wield categorically against Democrats.
I have NEVER been polled. EVER.
Bob, come to think of it, me neither! Say....
Maybe it is that I live in Iowa, but I have been polled endlessly during election years. To the point where I usually defer and ask them to call someone else. Today got a DSCC email saying Biden is surging in the polls, and that I should donate. I rely on 538 and they still show Biden under 43%. He deserves better, but the ignorance and grievances are all powerful at least right now. I didn't donate, if they have new info, they should share it with their supporters, not just say he is surging. Please let it be true! I feel very strongly that Pres. Biden will get a nice rebound before the end of his first term, fingers crossed! Ignorance and ageism work against him.
Bill, I heard a commentator (Lawrence O'Donnell?) explain the phenomenon by saying that we all suffered four years of TFG, divisive politics, the pandemic, inflation, supply chain problems, and all the rest, so it's easy to blame Biden for all of it. Most fail to understand that our economy is better than it has been in years, even with the rescue plans and the potential of BBB and other stimulus. Here in Georgia, Governor Kemp is being challenged by David Perdue, Stacey Abrams and others, so he's cutting taxes and spending on all kinds of programs - most of it funded by Biden's stimulus. Of course, he's not breathing a word of the source of his spending. If the Democrats manage to survive the midterms, Biden might just be redeemed in the polls. As you said, currently ignorance and grievances are the prevalent driver right now. Let's hope the dust settles soon.
True for me also.
Eric Boehlert Will be greatly missed.
I wish I didn't live in NH!! Every 4 years I get called by pollsters ad nauseum. I stopped answering the phone. Thank goodness for answering machines.
I live in NH too and never have been polled-but then, if I don't recognize the phone number calling me, I wait to see if a live person is @ the other end of the line-99% of of the time, the party hangs up, not waiting for an answer.
Do you think one can get on a list that gets called routinely? I get jury duty summons more frequently than many people.
My overriding concern as well. In writing of Eric Boehlert's death, Joan Walsh stated, "Eric helped me see, belatedly, that the media always needs a horse race." To make the current state in the U.S. anything close to a horserace, the media is negating achievements of the current administration and failing to hold the Republicans accountable for their atrocious actions.
I would also add Cory Booker and Politics Girl to that list.
Learning her name: Politics Girl is Leigh McGowan.
Love both but Politics Girl…👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Is Politics Girl Rachel Maddow, Bonnie?
https://youtu.be/555aZy5IPkw
Thx Bonnie I c why people like her!
She lives in California and is a forceful voice about the current political climate.
No. She’s a political blogger.
These seem to me to be excellent second string leaders but they don't light fires wherever they pass.
You mean somebody who can keep the attention of our “free press” who have joined with Rupert to “both sides” us to death. CBS has led the way, how long before NBC and ABC hire propaganda masters.
Such a horrid thought, Jeri, but you’re right. Remember when MSNBC (I think) hired the female host from Fox? That went over like a lead balloon, thank goodness. The only person I have any respect for, Shep Smith, left Rupert. Now CNN has hired Wallace. It’s a game of mishmosh!
But let's not forget-CBS hired Mulvaney-gag!
Yeah…their CEO is obviously a Repub. i will not be surprised to see their news anchors leave. I pretty much watch MSNBC and read HRC, Lucian Truscott, Greg OLear, and Timothy Snyder to get real news.
Stuart, I applaud your perspective. Someone who "lights fires" is exactly who we need. While a persuasive message should be based on reality, it absolutely MUST be delivered with relevant and incendiary emotional insight and power to actually motivate people to take action.
In the current civil propaganda war besieging our nation, we need to find someone who is capable of effectively channeling Marcus Antonius.
May we consider the extraordinary - and relentless - Elizabeth Warren?
Warren was our choice in the primary. She has the knowledge and swims in the right direction. She created the Bureau to protect us. But she couldn't carry her/our home state. Because she has that "Hillary problem". If she were a male, she would be viewed as brilliant. But she is seen as shrill. I love her. More shrill, please. But I don't think the US is ready for that.
She was my choice as well. But I do understand how women must always smile and never be too assertive.
Sad to say, I think you are 100% accurate. So often I heard "I just don't like her personality" when discussing Warren.
Ah yes, misogyny is alive and well everywhere.
You’re right. We are a long way from a female president.
Warren is brilliant, and has other virtues, and I say that as a Massachusetts man who has voted for her for Senate. But I did not vote for her in the primary, because she does not play outside of Massachusetts, she rubs too many people the wrong way, and I can feel in my gut why that is. If I were going to replace Biden, my first choice would be Raskin and my second choice Klobuchar.
That said, the first time I watched a video on the internet for more than five minutes was a speech Warren gave at UC Berkeley some years ago. It was terrific. But she comes across as school-marmish, and as someone who doesn't listen to people who don't agree with her.
I love her too, but she turns a lot of people off
Somewhere in-between communication styles of Al and Elizabeth
No way. She does not light fires, just always comes across as being on fire.
YES, Abu!
Maybe Dems could hire Al Franken
I miss him...a lot.
Jeri, Franken would do it for free. I'm re-reading his books right now. Funny, and they cut the R's into little pieces....
He is an excellent one, Jeri
Yes!
Maybe Al Franken should move and run again
We need charisma: think Kennedy, Clinton, Obama. Surely someone will emerge as they did.
Well I personally think Stacey Abrams IS emerging but all these keyboard warriors yelp “not enough experience!” Like she hasn’t lived her damn life the way she has. Aging slacktivists haven’t run for dogcatcher or haven’t advised/mentored youth or run county D parties and haven’t bothered to run a ham sandwich in heavily R areas year after year while simultaneously squealing that people don’t have enough fucking experience.
I think Stacey knows that all politics begins locally. Once she's taken care of Georgia, she can then pursue her dream nationally. Kemp and his tribe need to be ushered out!
Laura, I'm sold out on Abrams -- but as I feared, her national voice has been localized here in GA as she is busy fighting Kemp.
We don't need another Obama. He didn't love politicking. A Kennedy, Clinton, or LBJ could have gotten Waxman-Markey passed, and other legislation that stalled out under O, and absent Vietnam, in LBJ's case, or Monicagate, in Clinton's, could have seen himself followed by another Democrat. And any of those would not have anointed Hillary Clinton, who did not campaign in Penn, Mich, and Wisconsin despite Bill having pushed her to do so.
Ed, We're gonna have to dig up Ted Kennedy. An immediate transfusion of blood from Warnock, Booker, Schiff, Raskin, and Klobuchar should fire him back up....
I mean, you want a scion? Is Chelsea interested or would that be too Vanky-but-with-curly-hair? How soon can Sasha & Malia announce interest? Seriously though what about a King scion then, not a Kennedy?
I agree with Gus that we don't want scions. RFK's grandson, a former congressman who challenged Markey for his senate seat shows how lame that can be. He was running on his name and had none of the brilliance or charisma of JFK, RFK, Kick, or Teddy.
One thing the Democrats badly need though is a new immigration policy. We ARE the party of open borders, that was obvious in the debates, when one of the moderators who had been born in Mexico asked the candidates to raise their hands if they wouild refuse to deport anyone, and everyone raised their hands strongly except Biden.
There's a new book: Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth. Impeccably researched, with 296 footnotes mostly from academic economic history, but also from statements by Black leaders, beginning with Frederick Douglass, whose sons were downwrdly mobile because employers were sending ships to Europe and bringing back white people so that they could fire their Black employees, and gov't commissions on immigration reform, all of which recommended substantial reductions in immigration, including the Barbara Jordan commission under Clinton.
But now, of course, it's not just Blacks who are suffering from too much immigration as employers keep importing people from abroad, but white workers--this fuels the opioid crisis--and recent immigrant workers. The latter is why Trump gained Hispanic support in 2020. (In case you're inclined to think this must be some xenophobic screed, the author repeatedly admonishes readers not to blame immigrants, and he sent his kids to Black majority schools.) (The book is $9 on Amazon)
We Democrats have lost our traditional base, American workers. If we decided to pass a national, mandatory E-Verify, and cut immigration down to a quarter of a million annually, we'd get the working classes back, and the GOP would no longer be a threat to our Democracy.
If we did all that, housing prices would stabilize instead of going inexorably up (and I say that as someone who has a lot of wealth from a house that has nigh doubled in value over the last 18 years). We'd no longer have to build roads, and sprawl would stop spreading, and we'd stop the ruination of ecosystem services, which in my youth--through the '60s--prevented lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and kept carbon dioxide in the soil, which holds three times as much carbon as the atmosphere--carbon which gets released every time wild land is plowed for farmland, or paved, or turned to suburban tracts, or whathaveyou.
Nature has limits, but the Democrats don't realize it, with the attitude that we can keep adding millions to our country, even though the New York Times Magazine and ProPublica warned that within the next two or three decades climate change would make climate refugees out of a lot of Americans. If you want to scare yourself, read this:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/15/magazine/climate-crisis-migration-america.html
At the current rate, we'll be adding one NY State's worth of people every two decades.
Actually Laura, no. I don't want any scions please. I want a Lion. The last Lion I know of was Ted Kennedy. I was jesting with Ed that we should dig him up. Thought about adding to my comment that we should immediately shoot a bolus of the Rev. Al Sharpton's blood into the exhumed remains if our custom mixture failed to re-animate. All in jest!
You could argue that John L. Lewis was a Lion and I would totally agree. I marched with him once. But he is also gone from us. Let that Lion rest in peace.
I also think both Raskin and Jayapal are rising Lions, but they don't yet command the Republican's respect like Ted did.
We need a Lion to speak for us right now -- no scions please!
haha!
Rem acu tetigisti
Obama is coming out to help.
Stuart, how are you feeling about the election there in France?
Don't forget Rep. Jamie Raskin, perhaps the most eloquent of all the members of congress. Also Adam Schiff, who has relentlessly fought against republican corruption, lies, and attempts to steal elections and our democracy.
I agree… I just think new and different voices would have an energizing effect.
I'm guessing the "media" would love someone new & different! That seems to always really light their fires! Whether an actual good candidate or not.
Not all that they spew is propaganda.There is no way in hell I would be a part and party to of being a ‘snitch ‘ on my neighbor personal medical choices or providing help and support for their child and ‘snitch ‘ and by calling DCF and saying it’s Abuse ? This same Party want’s to make Voting harder. Trump Voted by Mail but now they want to make your Seniors/Disabled, working Ppl, maybe all those pregnant woman, work hard to Vote.Sometimes “ if you give certain Ppl enough rope “.You know the rest.You just can’t convince me at this point that they have the supporters that they had in ‘2016 ‘. Those in Office fear Donnie The Destroyer will ruin them if they don’t go along with the “ Reality Show “. Vice President Harris was a Prosecutor . They don’t play ‘ Nice ‘. Give her more up front and personal time. Cut her lose !
I've been so impressed, Tracy, with Sen Warnock. I have been supporting him but he needs more of us and more $.
smv1540, yes, we have to lift him up again with everything we have. He very well could be a lion of the senate someday, which is why the R's want to nip him in the bud.
I was glad to hear from Nancy that he has quite a war chest, but as she says he'll need it all!
I knocked on doors for two months for Warnock and Ossoff during the last runoff. Not sure if you were aware, but GA Republicans shortened runoffs for federal races by a month, I think, sparing us little time to GOTV so that doesn't happen again. They are bloody ruthless.
I continue to support him, but he's doing just fine financially. To date, his war chest is $23,000,000, with $9.8 Million raised in the last quarter. He'll need every penny, but he's not facing a shortfall.
Thx for the info Nancy!
You're welcome. Now, on to victory.
Totally agree. He and Jon Ossoff are amazing!
I couldn’t agree with you more, the democrats and the Biden team have done an incredible amount to benefit all of us without bias, you would have to be moronic not to be grateful to someone that helps you in a moment of need, and yet that is what we are seeing. I believe that the democrats need to do a complete shakeup of their entire messaging apparatus, from lobbing groups to PR firms, they are all incompetent and sucking up whatever $$$ is available. I’m a member of the Lincoln Project and have been since the beginning, we know how to message to effectively communicate our POV and it works, we stay on the attack and that is exactly what the democrats will have to do this year if they are to have any chance of building a majority in the senate, much less keep control of the house.
I have been a member of the Lincoln Project since the beginning as well. Glad to see Democrat Joe Trippi working with them on messaging.
I don't believe this will affect the media bias.
Yes. Attack, attack, attack. Rewrite the rules. Keep attacking. Fascism is fascism. Treason is treason.
Dick Montagne, awe come on, they’re our loving darling Democrats. PR? Sure. Remember the smiling honest intense long shot Georgia peanut farmer, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, and the best pal any of us ever had, Fritz Mondale from Minnesota, Jimmy’s utterly charming brother Billy and his support man in North Africa, his truly dear mother, Lillian, big Bert Lance and smooth talking snorting Hamilton Jordan. Remember the most eloquent Adlai Ewing Stevenson’s shoe, JFK in the White House pool, the slick lying Texan LBJ’s gall bladder, his Beagle’s ears, my friend Bill Clinton’s most personal business... you have to love this bunch. But they sure beat the PR of Orange County’s Veep Richard M. Nixon, his love of Helen Gahagan Douglas, the honest Spiro “Ted” Agnew from the highways of Maryland, the 70 odd Watergate heroes... CREEP Head John Newton Mitchell, his wife Martha Elizabeth Beall in the shower whispering to the fabulous hinest Jack Northman Anderson, honest Cy Vance, brilliant John H. Gutfreund, jailed John Dean, Donald Segretti, HR Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, it’s all so wonderful... a troubled republic if you can believe it, just ask The Donald and robotic Mike Pence’s blind brother, our GOP senators minus three... it’s a comedy, a three ring circus, it’s a TV show, and don’t forget Dumbo, Ronny Reagan and GHWB and W. and Halliburton’s best. Take two Tylenol and don’t call me in the morning.
Excellent points Dick!
In addition there are Klobuchar, Abrams, Pelosi, Harris etc.. There are some exceedingly strong women in the Democratic Party who have seemed to be more willing to speak out than the men.
My overriding concern is that we lack the will of the people.
There are many outstanding Black representatives who get little if no attention. Lauren Underwood. Joyce Beatty. Lucy McBath. Joe Neguse. They serve their constituents quietly and effectively and get no to very little media attention. They also have actual legislative accomplishments unlike many of the so called "Democrats" who take up all the media oxygen.
Absolutely agree. What we need right now, however, are those loud voices to counter the anti-Democracy voices. The Democratic Senator from Hawaii, Brian Schatz who gave Hawley what for last week got tons of media coverage. Senator Schatz did not lie. He spoke the loud truth and it resonated so wonderfully across the media.
Isn't it wonderful? And DNC Chair Jaimie Harrison tweeted that Republican party was fascist. Loved it.
Jaimie should be a little vocal. He hasn’t said much.
Yay!
(I particularly like Lauren-An RN, like I was till I retired in 2015.)
We lack cohesion.
There is a faction among Democrats/Independents who prefer ideological purity to insuring the Republicans don’t win.
Perhaps the same faction who pounded the defund the police message. They are accused of costing the Democrats seats in the 2020 election in the House.
They are challenging sitting Congressional Reps. They vote against “sell-out” bills. They complain constantly the polls show their programs are popular—while losing elections. They have already “announced” they want to run Bernie’s campaign manager, Rep. Ro Khanna, if Biden doesn’t run. All they could do more to divide/defeat Democrats is to take to Twitter and tell their followers to stay home (“a legitimate form of protest”).
These are not stupid people—I don’t get it. and I think Pelosi has given up trying to compete with Bernie telling them to fight for the people.
Another Senator with potential to help restore the nation is Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat from Connecticut. Listening to the Bulwark podcast I heard a floor speech from Mr. Murphy pointing out the hypocrisy of Josh Hawley. His speech was like a breath of fresh air, truth at last. It's reassuring to know someone else sees what I see and calls it out. Thank you, Senator Murphy.
Reminds me to also add Maine’s Sen. Angus King to the list.
YES indeed!
Absolutely
Don't forget Jamie Raskin and Adam Schiff. Everyone you mentioned give me hope, and there are more.
There are so many..
And we need them all!
Their insistence on “fair balanced” (whataboutism) is almost more damaging than Fox’s lies.
It’s all a Fascist gimmick to parrot back about the ‘Left ‘ who they( Right ) are and what they are doing. Have heard several experts comment about this. Plus it distracts from real issues. Like the Insurrection.And all the other Rights they are denying Ppl and the bad actors in the party.
Nathan
Well aimed hammer on the head of the nail. It may be that our only hope is the emergence of a statesman or woman, a new and different voice, possibly on the “right”, someone who can bring the Republican Party back into the fold away from its personality and conspiracy cult rabbit hole, if we are to survive as a democracy. And yes, let the press stop feeding off the decay!
I took part in a Democrat party conference in my county. And I listened to so many up and coming young people, filled with passion and conviction. One young man stood up to talk about education and correcting the path Texas is taking. He started by saying I know you think at 25 I’m too young. I made a beeline for him after the meetings and said you’re not too young, you’re exactly what we need!
Lordy, rope that young man and treat him like treasure
I think eventually, Texas will make a sharp turn to the left. I hope to see it in my lifetime as I did with Ann Richards.
Do you know any Texans? About 70% of the white ones are Abbott or worse, and they have control of the state. Voter suppression and schemes to ignore the vote will keep them in power for a long time.
I do, in fact! My cousin lives there. But there are many people fighting against the Texas Repub regime. Look at Beto, for instance. You can’t discount the things he has done and is doing.
True. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the 30% of white Texans and that of the 60% of Texans who have some nonEuropean ancestors who work to elect Democrats. Unfortunately, the other 70% of white Texans are running the show, and they are brutally unscrupulous. The rest can’t give up, but winning is a tall order.
Don’t undermine the many progressive Texans working hard to protect democracy, many of whom are part of this LFAA community.
We so miss Ann Richards!
Not a complaint or anything like one, but "Democrat party" is a right wing slur. The party has traditionally used DemocratIC. Just sayin... :-)
Thanks for clarification.
You're welcome - the sneakiness of their slurs is always surprising.
Yes!
More like him, Denise. We have one who showed up at our Dem Club mtg in March. So impressive and he accepted the position of VP!
Gary, at this point I’d take a strong voice, credible and true, from even entertainment, or our citizenry, or retired military. Or all of them! Thanks.
It is our voices.
Gus, you have a strong and charismatic voice that I’ve been drawn to since you first came here. I take more just like you!
Wow, Cary! 'Muchly' appreciated compliment. Especially since you and I are in the company of so many brilliant people here. Very nice of you, and I'll try to live up to your regard.
Rock aka Duane Johnson and Dolly Parton on a co-ticket and some of us poors could get a little healthcare and our teeth fixed.
Ha, both like to be adored. Chump welcomed dirty fighting. Not many were trained by Roy Cohn…
Like to be adored? Maybe and nothin’ wrong with that, sugar, but NEED to be adored? Not an effin chance. Neither of those powerhouses gives a flying eff what some pissant like you or me thinks of them, and I’d want either Dolly or Rock to have my back in any bar fight I started.
Megaphone needed, Oprah has one but she was demonized by the tea party nuts. I can hear Rupert’s gaggle now, Lordy, they know how to focus and destroy. Just take a gander at Christopher Rufo’s made up war against CRT.
Oprah would be great but does she want to do it/have that fire? Duane Johnson is HUNGRY and Dolly Parton is INDEFATIGABLE
She is black and would be trashed beyond belief
She has been trashed before and survived. She could be an extremely valuable influence in the African-American community to encourage them to vote as if their lives depended on it - as it does for all of us.
What about Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Oprah… all of them together… LeBron James, Stef Curry….
Yes, Gus, All hands on deck!
Sent an email to L. Graham this morning and was thinking Stephen Colbert should run against him.
His sister tried running and was voted down, unfortunately.
Love that idea…
If you hold your breath waiting for that, you'll turn blue and die. Just a suggestion - don't.
What ya see is what ya got currently.....and that's gonna have to do the job until......The people are going to have to do this job for themselves as the Democrats do not seem up to it....perhaps too decent, too earnest (if one is equally nice) etc but not a lot of bite......hardly the wolf taking down the prey!
Too true, that “going high” thing has been a losing strategy for decades. All the right (which is always on the side of wrong) has to do is scream socialism, the the cult quakes.
Now the extreme right, aka Repulsive Party, doesn’t think that’s enough. They are screaming pedophile at anyone who isn’t them.
I’d respectfully disagree-I think there were a lot of remorseful Republicans after 2016, especially women, people of good conscience who maybe voted on the choice/life issue or because Pastor Dumbfuck or that pig Hannity told their husbands to and they are “surrendered women” - get a candidate from South or from Appalachia who doesn’t slip up with “clinging to guns and religion” condescending shit and MAYBE JUST MAYBE you’ll reach a rich stream of civic-minded (as in save our country) voters who vibe to the message that both parties have screwed the workers and the rural and strangled our education budgets, then laughed at us for being hicks who drink mountain dew.
My ex-BFF (oxymoron) was a chump fan because hubby dictated what all in the family would do. She is still the smartest women I have run across in my life. Smart can also be emotionally bullied; know more examples than I can list here.
Zelenskyy took on the Ukrainian oligarchy and more. Fascinating to watch Netflix “Servant of the People” and how life imitates art.
I think the repubs will have to lose big before they ever change, if they do.
They lost big in 2012 and were advised to change and become more inclusive. Then they really showed who they are at their core.
No, they need to lose by a "wipe out." A 61-vote D Senate, an 80+ majority D House.
So we'll said, Nathan!
Well noted, Nathan. But as Heather states:
"The Civil War was won not by the dashing sons of wealthy planters, but by people like Grant, who dragged himself out of his blankets and pulled a dirty soldier’s uniform over his pounding head on an April morning because he knew he had to get up and get to work."
We need to rise, to do our work and defend our democracy from the claws of wealthy autocrats -- note my omission of the word "dashing."
While much of the southern leadership were planters and the "dashing sons of" went to war, the bulk of the Confederate army were middle class and poor people, most of whom did not own slaves, but bought the party line about "states rights" and any white man was better than any black man. Rich men aren't privates in any war. But we do need to defend democracy from autocrats. There's work to do.
and something I've noticed-the Federalist Society selected SCOTUS members seem to have forgotten that there's a Federal Supremacy clause in the Constitution.
Rowshan, Excellent reminder of our duty, as our Professor strongly implied!
True but we gotta dash NOW! or Stephen Miller will be putting our asses in cattle cars after 2022 (Vanky Trump for Pres if daddy’s martyred in the jail by Merrick Garland?)!
That was my take away too! Thank you! Love that you left out “dashing” lol
They certainly thought they were. The sad part about most wars is the folks who fight them believe it's their patriotic duty to defend the homeland, no matter what the political issues. Putin had to deceive his army to even get an invasion to happen.
"I'm looking for some strong voices".......
I do believe that if Stacey Abrams ran for President it would be:
1. Dangerous for her.
2. Fantastic for America.
Her voice rings and her messaging is brilliant.
If she can get Governor of Ga. - she came close before, than she should run for president in the near future. Somewhere inside of me , I sense her power.
She's had an impressive run, one hopes it will continue.
Maybe Pete B at some point in the near future?
I like "Mayor Pete", voted for him in our primary knowing he didn't have a chance. He needs to be given a bigger stage if he's to move up in rank. He doesn't get much press as Transportation sec.
It's the press he does get that will help him, it's mostly positive and very family oriented. The question about Pete for President is whether or not he and Chasten want to deal with the intense negative campaign that will be waged against them based on their sexual orientation. BTW, I voted for him too with the same knowledge.
I want to read about the work of all cabinet members in the main stream press. We're missing the most relevant news about our country's progress, distracted by noisemakers.
We don't even see much about the cabinet in the alternatives like Heather's Letters, Robert Hubble's Newsletter, the Bulwark, or The Dispatch. You're right about what we're missing and it could, one day, be important.
https://fb.watch/ciXri-6EsY/
Thanks MaryPat.
It's too soon for Ms. Abrams. I'm impressed by her too but let's see how she does as Governor of GA before we boost her into the White House.
I am not sure.
It might be that it is too late for America. After all, America is totally OK with electing an experienced con man to the Presidency and then trying to keep said con man in power forever.
I think Stacey Abrams is pretty close to the right person at the right time. However, she is not, so far, running. If I could influence her (I cannot) I would do everything possible to elect her.
Abrams embodies the America that Grant was working to create.
America wasn't OK with the results of the 2016 election, 38% of eligible voters couldn't bring themselves to vote for either of two very poor choices. In the words of fictional Senator John Blutarski, "nothing is over until we decide it is" and as long as we care enough to get involved and have good candidates to support, the battle will go on. I'll admit that no Democrats leap into mind for 2024 so it may be Stacey by default as VP but it just doesn't feel right to me.
Are you letting the perfect be the enemy of the good?
Always
Not necessarily, despite Jeri's comment below. If he's still with us, Mr. Biden will almost by definition be the Democratic nominee and his choice of running mate will be critical. If she's performed capably as Governor, I think Ms. Abrams will be a great choice but, if not, we'll need to look elsewhere. I do think she's got a good shot at beating Kemp but there is that hurdle first.
Dave. Good reminder that the only way to vote in 2016 was by holding one's nose.
For you, perhaps. Not for me. My joy in voting for Clinton equaled the joy I felt the other day, when Judge Jackson became Justice Jackson. I understand that many think she was too corporatist, too not Bernie, too much baggage. Too female? I assert that the most qualified candidate we have had in many years suffered from 30 years of press vilification, and that’s the biggest reason she lost. Not because she was a poor candidate; in fact, the opposite. Because she was competent, and a woman, and dangerous to the right. Just watch the same thing happen to AOC. And to Harris. It’s happening already.
Mike, you write a lot about white men in power. Well, for once in my life I got to vote for a candidate with whom I shared a lot. It felt really great. More than half the population had never voted for a candidate with whom they shared something so basic. Maybe when you finally can vote for a candidate with whom you share as much, you will understand.
I would also note that Biden, also considered a corporatist, has turned out to be quite a progressive president. Imagine the progress we could make with a real congressional majority.
FYI, voter turnout was higher in 2016 than in 2012.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/324206-new-report-finds-that-voter-turnout-in-2016-topped-2012/
Yes, because Mr. Obama's re-election was virtually a foregone conclusion in most folks minds and 2016 was an exciting race to the bottom; many of the voters were making as much a statement against whoever they voted for as they were in support of 'their' candidate. Mr. Biden benefited from the same trend in 2020 as did his opponent to a lesser extent.
Perhaps. But they said it was too soon for Obama. And 45 had zero qualifications to run for President. Both won because America wanted change.
Abrams would be a serious change. And can she speak! (She also writes a great novel).
Abrams has already made a huge difference by getting out the vote - hence our 51 in the Senate. I would support her in a heartbeat.
As to her chances? What were the chances for 44, 45 and even 46? Biden was going to come up short again, but there was the NC surprise. In retrospect, doesn't it seem incredible that 43 was taken seriously enough to win twice?
How about passing the voting legislation that languishes .
That suggestion has nothing to do with the white house. She is the best at mobilizing voters and speaking the truth.
If that's the goal, she should be the Democratic National Chairperson. We've seen the impact of Presidents who don't have the administrative or communications skills for the office and, like it or not, those are needed. The suggestion was specific to her candidacy for the Presidency.
I know how devoted she is to Georgia and she also thinks her talents fit better with her work getting out the vote and addressing voter suppression in Georgia. I hope she becomes governor!
Stacy is a great suggestion!
Senator Whitehouse has taken a stand for democracy in his regularly-scheduled lectures to the Senate on the Koch Kleptocrats’ 16 Billion dollar cempaign of propaganda, capturing 5,000 professorships and creating a flotilla of operations attacking all the hidden weaknesses in our governments, financed with anonymous dirty money. Over the past 40 years you can tie it to battles all over the matrix of government that have gradually turned the tide against democracy.
But the media isn’t nearly as interested Whitehouse’s revelations as they are in the Kleps Team’s shenanigans, especially the bawdy fascist rumor mill.
And even more humbling, I have not heard of any big money who are ready to mount a serious counterattack to the Kleps’ successful campaign.
Whitehouse is, indeed, a well spoken researcher of dark money and his youtube channel is well worth watching.
And, yes, his well spoken revelations appear not to find their way into a short, hateful tweet that the press will jump on and report.
I thought Bloomberg, but Dems seemed to dis him from the git go
Bloomberg is too wealthy, perhaps just another pirate.
I believe Bloomberg did not follow through on the promise of funding the Dems in 2016.
He tried
When he lost the primary he lost interest and defunded his very well done national operation. Staff he hired were let go with little notice. This from the NYT as it happened. Bloomberg may have contributed in other ways, however, the largess once promised never came through.
And Bloomberg would be so pleasant about his approach. We need someone ready to hire jackals that can seriously counter the Kleps’ insidious tactics.
I favor Senator Whitehouse. His "lectures" are delivered rationally, devoid of hysterical grandstanding, IMHO, but impactful. But we need several more!
Lynell, I agree that Whitehouse is a fine statesman, but I worry that he is a one man band, playing the same tune. We need to hear more from him on topics other than dark money....although that topic is one that should be shouted from rooftops.
He's not a one concern person. He has also been very active in concerns about the environment. Please read this run down of bills he has sponsored or co-sponsored: https://www.oceanchampions.org/champions/sheldon-whitehouse.html
Agree, Pam and MK. Though I believe his "tune" affects many dark money Democrats as well, my "vision" is that he be out there - along with the Jamie Raskins, the Jon Ossoffs, the Raphael Warnocks, the Brian Schatzes, etc. - on the campaign trail for democracy, rebutting the likes of the extreme right wingers...names intentionally omitted here.
I stumbled upon Whitehouse's lectures...see the problem? I like him so much, but he's not getting media attention. It's a shame.
No megaphone and CBS hired Mick, I see the problem
I second.
Nathan our Civil War was also fought with words that were sacred and lies. The big lie then that set up the whole armed conflict was that people of African descent were "less than" and better off being slaves. They were not equal to white men in any way...except possibly stronger backs and better at being servants. On the sacred side Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is probably quoted more than any other speech ever given by a US President. Believe me the Confederacy could have won...or not lost, which is all they needed to do. There were more than a few opportunities. For example If a few things had turned out differently at Gettysburg Lee might have destroyed that US Army and then turned on Washington. Lincoln had to go through multiple generals over 2 years of bloody warfare to finally get to Grant as commander 4 months after Abe gave the Gettysburg Address. The struggle we are in now can turn out many different ways. I agree with you, we need united, strong voices, who speak the truth and fight for democracy. I also recommend that anyone who wants to understand more about Grant and his leadership and mindset before and during Appomattox read Jeff Sharra's "Last Full Measure". It puts you there.
Until he had a strong ally in France, all Washington had to do was not lose, and over a much longer period. As a Virginia aged 69 I grew up knowing way too much about Lee and not nearly enough about Grant. Could someone recommend a popularly written, I.e. not scholarly, biography of Grant?
I highly recommend Jeff Shaara's "Last Full Measure" to get real insight into his character. It's an historical novel, that's very well researched. It's a good read & Jeff's a friend. You will feel Grant's headaches.
Thank you, I’ll add it to my order! I just remembered Ron Chernow’s *Grant* - any thoughts on that?
Loved the book, it was also just made into an excellent 3-part miniseries, available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
I thought is was a great read - learned much about Grant and the era in which he lived.
Agreed. ( like button not working)
Yes, an excellent choice.
You CANNOT go wrong reading Chernow. IMO
Have ordered the 3-Vol set, used paperback. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially when the facts are straight and well researched.
It's good reading. His dad's "Killer Angels" won the Pulitzer prize for fiction. He spent 8 years researching and writing it. Jeff was a teenager and assisted with the field work. Later he picked up the mantle and provided the "book ends" to the Gettysburg story.
Grant wrote his own autobiography.
Wasn’t that kinda churned out fast w a ghostwriter to get some $ in the bank for his family? Not being snide idk
“ Rumors have persisted for many years that Ulysses S. Grant did not entirely write his own memoirs. In a February 2012 article for The Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates explained the myth by stating that, ‘a lot of really intelligent people are under the impression that Grant’s lucid prose are really the result of Mark Twain’s editing hand . . . My sense is that people read Grant’s writing, hear about the association with Twain and assume that explains it.’ However, the claim is untrue. The original hand-written manuscript still survives and is entirely penned with Grant’s own handwriting.” https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/how-mark-twain-helped-ulysses-s-grant-write-his-personal-memoirs.htm
Also, I've been to the house where he finished his autobiography about 2 weeks before he died of throat cancer. It's in Wilton NY: https://libguides.css.edu/usgrant/home/usgrant/cottage
Thank you for the education!
I usually find anything the National Parks Service does really solid but would appreciate a deeper dive into evidence before being sure…
No, he wrote it personally with the encouragement of Mark Twain. He finished the manuscript just a short time before he died.
Thanks for schooling me-source please?
Grant, dying of cancer, wrote every word of his excellent autobiography, finishing it just before his death. Yes, he wrote it to provide financial security for his family. That is because he refused to enrich himself as a famous General and during his presidency. I find that impressive, even awesome.
Grant & Ike are both impressive Generals and I believe good Presidents and under rated men
Thanks for the book recommendation. I just put it on hold at my library. tough to read during summer months though. Might have to wait until fall.
One of the things Jeff does really well is show you both sides of the story, it's not "slanted" to one side. You are in the room with the characters and experience the action first hand.
Oh?...has summer arrived in your neck of upstate? I'm looking at snow falling this very minute (in CNY)...but agree summer's a hard time to do a lot of reading; too much to get done!
Yes, snow is falling, but, it is warm enough to plow and in short order plant. Plus, there is always the Honeysuckle to clear as it greens up first in the spring.
Whomever brought Honeysuckle in to the States may just have, over time, eliminated the entire Northeastern Hardwood Forest. No joke.
Same for kudzu in the south and tumbleweed out here in the west.
Damn.
Ally, I am not joking. Honeysuckle grows agressively, covers the ground in shade and prevents reforestation.
I am doing a project right now in NY that includes dense honeysuckle removal and then planting of 2200 trees.
But, nature cannot do it anymore. The honeysuckle overtakes fields before the trees can do it ESPECIALLY now that the fast growing ash, which used to be the early growth in open fields, is being killed by EAB.
Mike, thanks for the book. I’m looking it up.
Gus- Jeff Sharra has written multiple novels about the Revolutionary and Civil War and WW2. Here's a chronological listing: https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/jeff-shaara/
On it. Thanks!
It looks like Senator Brian Schwartz (D-Hawaii) is doing something we should encourage all our elected officials to be doing. Greg Sargent in yesterday’s WAPO wrote about this:
“I contacted the Hawaii Democrat to talk about his extraordinary eruption at Sen. Josh Hawley on the Senate floor Thursday. Schatz ripped his Missouri Republican colleague over his hold on a senior staffing nominee to the Defense Department, even as the United States is calibrating its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
But that was the superficial cause of the eruption. The deeper catalyst was how Hawley is doing this — that his arguments are saturated in almost bottomless levels of bad faith.
This raises some questions: Why don’t Democrats create moments like this more often? Are there other ways of getting loud, as Schatz did here, that don’t degrade our politics and are substantively and politically productive?
What sparked Schatz’s ire is Hawley’s justification for his hold on President Biden’s nominees, particularly Hawley’s claim that Biden isn’t delivering sufficient military aid to Ukraine fast enough. Schatz also blasted Hawley’s demand that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin resign over the Afghanistan withdrawal to get his holds lifted.
One can legitimately criticize Biden as overly cautious in aiding Ukraine. But you rarely hear critics explain why Biden’s reason for this caution — the fear that Russia will discern an act of war and escalate — is wrong, and they play down all that the administration has already given to Ukraine. That lets Republicans wildly inflate the meaning of relatively narrow disagreements over the response.
Beyond this, Schatz noted that it’s absurd to use these differences as an excuse to apply a hold, especially given Hawley’s vote against a spending bill that contained billions in military aid to Ukraine sought by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. And Schatz derided the call for Austin to resign as ludicrous grandstanding.
“That is not a reasonable request from a United States senator,” Schatz fumed on the Senate floor. “And coming from a person who exonerated Donald Trump for extorting Zelensky!”
Indeed, to this day, few Republicans will fundamentally renounce Trump’s strongarming of Zelensky or Trump’s years of efforts to align our interests with Russia and against Ukraine and the West.
“Spare me the new solidarity with the Ukrainians,” Schatz said of Hawley on the floor. “Because this man’s record is exactly the opposite.”
Grandstanding and disingenuousness are endemic to politics. The tension between sordid political theatrics and the higher ideals they serve goes back to the ancients. But at a certain point, the pileup of absurdities becomes so comically ludicrous, so obviously unmoored from even the most basic standards of conduct, that it needs to be called out.
Yet we don’t hear enough from Democrats putting down hard emotional markers indicating that at moments like these, something is deeply amiss, and something unusually absurd and depraved is happening.”
Action tip:
When calling a member of Congress, we get more bang for the buck by asking to speak to a Legislative Aide (L.A.).
Michelle…excellent commentary! When dealing with these Repugnant Republicans wouldn’t a strong offense be the best defense? Something needs to be done with the Midterms just around the corner!
thanks for sharing this evidence for someone calling out the travesty that apparently occurs regularly in our highest legislative chamber.
Thank you for this
Nathan, Amid the present existential battle between democracies and authoritarian regimes, I couldn’t empathize more with your call for strong voices from every branch of government to impress upon the electorate the importance of supporting candidates who accept the results of elections, of voting for candidates who accept the rule of law, who don’t congenitally lie, and who don’t pander and indulge in conspiracy theories.
While this is a conversation we should be having, I fear that if the President isn’t leading it, we simply won’t have it. Hence, I continue to write letters prevailing upon the President to lead this conversation. I maintain, as the leader for democracies abroad, that the President now has to act like it here at home.
A prime example relates to Republicans, who, while scrambling onto the side of Ukrainians overseas, have become increasingly less supportive of democracy here at home. I imagine I’m hardly the only one who is disturbed that the President doesn’t seem to want to make that connection, perhaps fearing the repercussions of appearing overly partisan. Clearly, his reluctance, whatever the reason, poses a major threat to our democratic standing both at home and abroad that will not resolve on its own.
Hence, as we Americans and many of our friends around the world are watching and waiting and hoping for leadership to emerge that provokes a moral awakening, I take heart in grassroots leadership who are helping their peers to acquire the requisite training, knowledge, and strength to do it for ourselves. Here, I owe a special debt to those who have helped me believe that our individual involvement is worthwhile, that what we do in the public sphere will not be in vain.
Scary our world is on the tipping point of two leaders. Biden and Putin's actions can save democracy or nuke the earth. It seems unbelievable we have reached this point as in a James Bond movie.
And so quickly.
Frank, What can one say except we must each do our part lest we be left to contemplate the chaotic disaster of our own making.
Barbara, I totally agree and I do not want to regret not doing enough. I hope and would think a blue wave would wipe the slate clean and we can build a future based on facts and what is good for the country. Whatever may save us will have to come from the top down as I do not see evidence that most liberals
are highly motivated.
Frank, Even in the absence of sufficient evidence, I routinely have argued that we must resist the idea that “[w]hat ever may save us will have to come from the top down…”. Instead, I would submit the only way to save ourselves is through a more democratic world—through democracy from the inside, bottom up, citizen / activists convinced “you can fight City Hall.” That may sound foolish, utopian, and silly. But, in my view, person-power is both the heart and imperative for social change and the true legacy of a democratic society.
Frank, Quick note to let you know I just edited my last response to you, which had read like a word salad.
Best visible evidence of how unmotivated the population seems is to notice across the country how many unneeded lights are on overnight. This in spite of warnings of climate change now or the planet will boil. I see climate and fascism as equally urgent with no recourse once done.
One voice won’t do it, they need to rise up from every valley, and mountain top. So far, Joe tries, but press “both sides” his pulpit like it was a Sunday sermon.
Jeri, I grant your call for a compelling chorus of voices is spot on, but I still would submit that Biden’s must be a prominent presence.
I have to admit that even knowing better, I paid attention almost every time tfg made the news, if only hoping that for once he'd say something worthy of the office of president. I think he did so a few times, but in doing so the press said "meh", as if "not controversial enough..." I am one person who is longing to hear the leader speak; not in long-winded oratorios but in topic-specific speeches that lay out and reiterate our highest values and the policies that reflect them. I'd be happy if he claimed the mic on a very regular basis, gaffes or not. What the press call gaffes are often unsubstantial, sometimes stumbling over words (he's not the only person I know who does this sometimes-simply makes him human in my view). There's a reason why "call and response" is such an effective tool in some settings; people want to be able to say "that's right", "Amen", "You go, Girl", and other responses affirming and reaffirming principles that uplift the assembled audience. It's the difference between spectator and participant. It can uplift, motivate, restore optimism and hope, re-energize when coming from a true leader who speaks the truth. One thing I notice about Putin whenever he's featured on the news; it's the "dead eyes", the expressionless face. He finds obtuse ways of saying things that elicits no emotional response (it can't be ALL just the translation)...kind of like staring at a catfish head-on.
Nathan, While I appreciate your comment overall, I especially am struck by your distinguishing between spectator and participant and wish to expand a bit. For some time I’ve been bothered by how leadership treats ordinary people too much as an audience and not enough as citizens. We’re invited to look through the window but too infrequently to come through the door and to participate, to make dialogue, the lifeblood of democracy, truly public. “There used to be a thing or a commodity we put great store by,” John Steinbeck wrote. “It was called the people.”
Outstanding comment Nathan. To your thought on today’s armaments being words, allow me to suggest the addition of “....and hypocritical slander elevated to the effect of cluster bombs.” Compliments on your analogy characterizing the press’ behavior — that says it all! Thank you.
Rupert’s forte and our Waterloo
Last sentence: that's what it is. He pushed everything out of balance.
Like flies on a corpse - well said.
Well said Nathan, very well said.👍👍👍👍
Ukraine is dying for us Americans NOW
The Confederacy has won the battle for the judicial branch of the government.
The battle for the legislative branch will be settled at midterms.
I have yet to hear of any specific, concrete plans from the DNC of how to distract voters from inflation, gas prices, immigration issues, etc.
Does anyone know of any such plans?
I get constant requests for 💰💰 but never specific, concrete ideas. Never.
And no. Insults and name calling will not suffice.
The war is raging now.
The final battle is scheduled for November 8th.
I don't believe this Nov. 8 is the "final" battle any more than Chancellorsville ended the Civil War, or Monocacy (look that one up, if you aren't aware of it...Lew Wallace who wrote Ben Hur later in life was crucial there). I do agree that the DNC needs to do better...I feel both party "machines" are not at their best. Right now the leadership and "tip of the spear" is in the House Select Committee on the Jan 6 Insurrection and the flanks are being held by legal actions in NY and elsewhere. It would be VERY good to not loose the House and Senate, but it's not the end.
The next time the Republicans take the Congress, they will, by hook or by crook, hold it for the foreseeable future. Look at how the Red states are tilting the playing field in their direction ahead of midterms. Do you see this trend stopping?
And in ‘24? Whatever it takes to win. Whatever it takes.
There's no doubt they are trying. However I don't see anything in the future as fixed in place or a sure thing. History has pivoted too many times based on too many variables. Do I see them stopping? No I don't. There needs to be constant resistance and positive moves forward.
Principled, well balanced, calm and brilliantly educated, a good father and husband, Colorado Senator Michael Ferrand Bennet is a stand out. As is Rep. Adam Schiff who is wonderful. Sen. Amy Jean Klobuchar is brilliant and equally principled.
Then the Democratic Party should get Schiff, Bennet, Klobuchar and probably Cory Booker as well, out on the road speaking the truth to Americans in gatherings sponsored by local Democratic organizations before audiences as large as is possible. Add VP Harris to that list. Merely appearing with the talking heads on CNN and MSNBC isn't quite the same. And this should be happening starting now!
Yes, Jack. And President Biden should INSTANTLY fulfill President Zelenskyy’s requests. If Russia crushes Ukraine, the USA is no longer the leader of the free world, and Western Europe will slowly fall to Russia - Baltic states first - Poland next. Putin wants the USSR and more. The Hermit State wants more and more. Ukraine falls without our support - Ukraine falls if Western Europe buys Russian oil and Russian gas. They are funding what’s happening to Ukraine.
The precedent for fulfilling President Zelenskyy's request exists. I wonder, Sandy, how many Americans are aware of the aid the United States gave to Poland as they fought the Polish-Russian War from 1919 until 1921 to thwart Russia's efforts to march through Poland to militarily support Communist parties further west in Europe. Poland stood in the way of such Russian aggression just as Ukraine today blocks Russian attempts to reconstruct the empire of the Tsars and the USSR. Besides humanitarian aid and food, we also supplied Poland with hundreds of tanks and planes and most of all, some pilots to fly those planes, who were instrumental in a battle for Lviv, now in Ukraine. For the full story, visit
https://www.gov.pl/web/usa-en/american-support-for-poland-in-the-polish-soviet-war
We are coming up with a Good list of these best Senators and House members!
I like those folks on the dems side and m I probably vote for them however my issue with the dems is the platform as with the repubs.
I have often wondered… what if all bills submitted were required to have a social benefit part and a business part to it and both parts gad to be negotiated for the entire bill to pass…. It seems one of our failings is that there are wide gaps in the investments into addressing both social and business needs at any point in time. Then when one party gets control there is massive amounts of spending to catch up or massive amounts of tax breaks for businesses and the wealthier individuals. That is when all the anger, miss-information campaign goes into high gear. We need to change the way we operate!
Which of them do you believe are waiting in the wings for an announcement from Biden on 2024? I don't see Harris as the heir apparent at this point. It seems she hasn't captured the imagination of non-conservatives or her party as a next leader. Perhaps it will look like 2020 again on the Democratic side? Independents are becoming the single biggest voter block; non-party candidate?
If it becomes apparent that President Biden will choose not to run, I would look for Senator Bennet to start gathering resources, both financial and human.
You read my mind, and articulated my thoughts better than I ever could. I would just add the cold remains of that evil, old and poor excuse for a journalist, Rupert, that we have endured for four decades.
I read you every day, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning, and usually find some hope that our democracy perhaps might find a way to survive these perilous times. We have in the past, more than I knew about.
Most Americans are like Grant. We get up, get dressed (or not), get in our transportation (or not), and go to work. Once there we face a day of getting done what we must to keep ourselves and our families in the basics: food, shelter, clothing. No glitz, no glamour. The past two years have strained many of us to the breaking point, but we soldiered on. Your letters have been an anchor for me as I saw my beloved country being threatened by the twin disasters of a self coup attempt and SARS2-COV-19.
Thank you for all you do, Susan. It means a lot and matters to us all everyday.
Well said, sister of the front lines. I am retired from law enforcement, and honor your front line work against COVID-19. I do my little part in addressing the attempted coup with those who would support it, and engage in the activities I can. I must confess that a former favorite of mine, mocking conservatives with my sousaphone has become much more dangerous, since it is hard to engage in defensive measures whilst wrapped in 33 pounds of brass. Also, I have to carry off hand, because of where K-Rex* hits my right hip.
*K-Rex = 1962 King sousaphone
Enjoy watching two dimensional sheet metal get turned into a brass musical instrument!
https://twitter.com/lauraehall/status/1509253875450081283?s=10&t=ogU43eWL4VQMz81MNmPyBg
That is so cool!!!
Very well put Susan, and thank you for your service.
A beautiful story.
As usual, Heather gives me hope with her lessons from history.
The same courage he used to finish his memoirs as he was dying, a project that would solve his financial problems and release his family from disaster when he was gone.
Never out of print since.
And a powerful read.
Thank goodness for Mark Twain. He made it possible.
Grant's memoirs, which he wrote when he was old and sick, and broke, to try and make some money for his family, was published by Mark Twain and has never been out of print.
Grant=Zelenskyy--his appeals to God's ears....
In 1865 Grant was not a political leader...he was the sword to Lincoln's pen. But the way he was most like Zelensky was their understanding of what they were fighting for and what they need to do to win. In 1864 Grant was not trying to hold ground, he was trying to destroy Lee's ability to wage war...and with Sherman the goal was to take the war to the southern people, make life difficult for them, destroy supplies and food. The thing the US Army did not do in 1864-65 was target civilians and murder them the way Putin is. I feel Putin has gone much too far in his desire to control Ukraine and it's past time for the world to step in. My questions is where are UN Peacekeeping forces? What is the UN for, if not to intervene in horror like this?
UN can only intervene if the Security Council approves. Russia, England, France, China and the US all have veto power in the Security Council.
So this situation show's the "problem" with that veto power. In this case since the US has been unwilling to lead a coalition like the Gulf War, Putin knows he can act with the impunity and disregard for civilian life in Ukraine that he has. I understand the reluctance to unleash NATO, it's a defensive pact for member countries. But this has become really obscene. He's willing to destroy a nation to win what he wants...which is pathetic and visionless. Who wants a country in rubble, with people who despise you ? Or is he just willing to kill those who fight him and fill back in with folks who don't care? It appears we can only go to war with dictators of non security council members.
You are having a hard time rationalizing Putin’s actions and that’s why there’s a whole science devoted to trying to understand insanity. We don’t even know what he’s being fed by his inner circle, but it doesn’t matter, we know what he’s capable of. Simply put, all of this devastation is the result of one man’s ego….
It seems that most of the problems of the world come down to "one man's ego"...and the people who enable him...or just turn away.
Enablers exercising self interest in wealth and power.
He wants to commit genocide and entirely wipe out the Ukrainian people, take the country, and place Russians on Ukrainian soil.
That is appearing to be true, which is why the world can't just send weapons and aid but stand back from real military intervention. We have all of this hardware and the means to deploy it...it's hurtful at a soul level to watch this unfold.
Mike Without the veto the Soviet Union would not have joined the UN. In realpolitik, similar rock-and-hard place compromises were made to accomplish our Constitution in 1787. On occasion the General Assembly has passed resolutions that have expressed the world’s outrage. Even America, on rare occasions, has exercised the veto. I doubt that, without the right to veto, Congress would have agreed to subordinate our ‘sovereignty’ to an international body.
Understood on all counts...but this Ukraine situation is VERY frustrating to watch happen in real time. Putin has to be the most despised man on the planet right now. I just heard 2 A-10's fly over a few minutes ago here...how I wish the Ukranian's had a few squadrons
By a quirk, in 1950 the UN Security Council voted for a UN military action against the North Korean invasion of South Korea. Russia, protesting that China (representing Taiwan) was chair of the Security Council that month (after Mao had taken mainland China) chose not to attend.
Alas, while Russia is highly critical of the UN (and General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, today it will not relinquish its Security Council veto (nor will China).
Two vetoes on peacekeepers for sure.
Is there a path out of a UN veto? Can a country be removed from the Security Council?
Russia could be, since it is occupying the seat of the defunct USSR. Ukraine has as much claim to that seat as Russia.
Not really. The Security Council's permanent members are limited to nuclear weapons nations.
No, part of the UN charter was the guaranty of superpower dominance as permanent members and the theoretical "only" nuclear powers.
Wikipedia has a good article on the Security council - I recommend it as a good survey article. Opening paragraph:
"The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN)[1] and is charged with ensuring international peace and security,[2] recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly,[3] and approving any changes to the UN Charter.[4] Its powers include establishing peacekeeping operations, enacting international sanctions, and authorizing military action. The UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council
It doesn’t look like there is a plan to deal with a member like Russia. So, how can the UN operate in the world’s best interest against a bullying superpower, armed with nuclear weapons?
Right now, the only way to stop Russia is to have Ukraine defeat it on the conventional battlefield in Donbas.
The nuclear powers aspect was never part of the official requirements for a seat on the Security Council. The Republic of China (Taiwan) was granted a seat on the Security Council. "On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council." (source linked below).
Putin has gone on and on about Ukraine being as much part of the USSR or Russian empire as Russia itself. It would be technically possible to apply a version of the process used with China, to declare Ukraine the true heir of the USSR. All theoretical. Today, the question is whether NATO will break the Russian blockade of Black Sea shipping, or at least provide a minesweeper.
It has always been an unwritten understanding among "superpowers."
PRC's admission in place of ROC was part of that unwritten understanding, along with Nixon and Kissinger's attempt to exert influence over mainland China by opening it to the West. Those 5 are the ony "nuclear weapon states" recognized by the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty and in essence, were also the victors in WW II.
Marc Thiessen has an interesting piece in WAPO that asserts your thesis, but the problem isn't who are the members - it's the need for unanimity.
As much as I think contemporary justice would make Ukraine a better permanent member, that creates a slew of second and third order problems, and so long as China supports Russia, it does little to address the current problem.
The five permanent members could easily become somewhat irrelevant across enough years of history as nations rise and fall in global influence. Individual nations influence other nations and the world via their political, economic and military strength. When Russia controlled the Soviet Union, it projected political, military and economic power. It has lost a tremendous amount of political and economic power. It retains military and technological power in some areas (nuclear technology, space exploration, oil/gas) but is remarkably non-influential for a nation of such vast geographic size in many areas of public life. Seems to me there should perhaps be a two tiered membership; verified nuclear weapon capable and non-nuclear capable nations, without permanent status and without permanent veto power. The security council should have term limits in the nuclear and non-nuclear categories. One man's opinion...
While I agree with that aspirational sentiment, good luck trying to re-write the UN Charter to achieve it.
Yes. What is the UN for, if not to stop one nation from destroying its neighbor?
I hope history repeats itself very soon. The Ukraine winning and Russia surrendering. The Russian people having their supplies cut off and starving figuratively. Putin being taken down by his own people for incompetence and treachery. His generals surrendering by default.
Yesterday evening I was with a fellow musician who told me of a friend who forced his sister to leave Moscow this past week. She is, or was, among the highest regarded pianists in the great Mariinsky Theater. She packed two suitcases, leaving her musical scores and her beloved piano and got on a train to Germany. This may seem banal to those who are not professional musicians. Believe me: it is like leaving your children behind.
So heartbreaking, Rosalind.
Recently a professional Ukrainian ballerina , touring in the U.S.,learned her home had been destroyed. She reached out to the Russian owners of my ballet school in Florida who offered her job and are raising funds to help her settle….with her single suitcase. She will be safe….but she’s leaving so much behind.😥🩰
With what ballet school are you affiliated? My daughter was with Miami City Ballet during her teen year summers. I'd like to make a donation to your school.
We Dance Academies: https://www.wedanceacademies.com/
One of the owners is the great-granddaughter of Agripinna Vaganova, of the Vagonva training method. Her husband ,and artistic director, has coordinated performances that brought together young dancers throughout our community to perform with the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
Here is the link to donate and for information about Julija https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-wdas-new-ballet-teacher-from-ukraine
Thank you! 🩰💞
Done!
💞
💞
We have friends in Lviv. He’s American, he got his Ukrainian wife and three children to Krakow, then returned to help bring supplies to the east and bring refugees out. 💔💔💔
Wow. Just, wow. I hope she has a gift for composition; that would make one amazing concerto.
💔💔💔
😢
Hear, hear! I was thinking of Washington, keeping his army in the field against the might of England. Money and arms from France came after the American victory at Saratoga… in 1777. The French men and matériel that made the difference didn’t arrive until Rochambeau in 1780, and victory was won at Yorktown in 1781. British troops didn’t leave the US until 1783. I pray God the brave people of Ukraine and their own Washington, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, do not have to wait as long.
Just reading tonight’s letter rid me of my migraine headache.👏🏼👏🏼
🤙🏻
Such a vivid and meaningful account — with lessons needed for today's struggle.
That's what it will take again.
Amen.
Makes me feel like a dutiful scholar, that I remember learning about this day of Grant’s, a few years ago, reading your letters! He gave the enemy soldiers the rations because they were his countrymen and his brothers. Aren’t we all?
Grant’s humanity and compassion was striking.
From the book "Grant," I learned that Ulysses Grant was a master of logistics. He taught himself logistics by humbly taking on the task that other officers -- who came from more elevated backgrounds -- didn't like doing. Unlike the Russian army in Ukraine, he paid farmers and merchants for food to feed his troops, even when he was operating in contested territory. In the early part of the Civil War, Northern generals that Abraham Lincoln assigned to the task of defending the nation's capital lost more battles than they won. But Grant took on the unwanted western part of the southern theater and won more battles than he lost. President Lincoln noticed the difference, and promoted Grant to the topmost post in the Northern army. After that, Grant and the competent generals he promoted started winning across a broad front from east to west. Grant could promise food to General Lee for his starving troops -- and deliver on his promise -- because he knew logistics.
Amazing how such knowledge made a major difference in WW2 as well.
My great-grandfather, Captain Frederick C. Winkler, fought in one of Grant’s divisions from 1862 until the end. Later, my uncle compiled his wartime letters home into a limited edition book for Captain Winkler’s descendants. Very interesting to learn about the war as described by a participant. Sometime during the final year, he was promoted to general.
Wow!
This is a sad and beautiful tale, thank you. I just watched both episodes of Ken Burns' Ben Franklin, and that was also sad and beautiful, especially Franklin's wise and compassionate statements in the last years of his life. I wonder how many of the "Originalists' on the Supreme Court have listened to the words of this true Original.
Not a damn one, I’ll wager. Ben makes them all seem like the “Originalists” worst nightmare, in comparison.
I think of you, Heather, putting your head on the dining room table to get some sleep, then pulling on your clothes to get up and write and work for your country.
Yes. Yes, yes, yes. I bet Heather doesn't look at it that way, but we know it's true. : )
I love this story and how you framed it. Thank you!