Republicans posing a threat to national security? Is anyone surprised? Paul, Tuberville and several other members of Congress are at least “useful idiots” for Russia, China and who knows what other entities.
Republicans posing a threat to national security? Is anyone surprised? Paul, Tuberville and several other members of Congress are at least “useful idiots” for Russia, China and who knows what other entities.
The Senate is pretty hide bound when it comes to their rules. At this point the only thing Schumer et al can do is subject all of the nominees to the arduous floor vote procedure. That Tuberville refuses to relent shows not only his disdain for the military but that he's grossly unqualified to be a US senator. Can't believe the people of Alabama chose him over Doug Jones.
Rose, While I’m not aware of any procedure for imposing such a mandate, I do regret not having contacted Senate leadership to express my dismay over their adjourning, despite not having confirmed critically important high-level presidential nominations. Additionally, as I expect you know, the Republican-controlled House also adjourned, leaving eleven of the twelve must-pass 2024 budget measures unresolved.
Postscript for Rose: When I wrote this morning, I neglected to underscore that we could, and we should, prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month.
Thank you. And the House will return from its "vacation" with only 12 days to pass bills preventing a government shutdown.
So there you have it. Republicans in both chambers are attempting to destroy the government's ability to function. And that should be front page headlines every day. God forbid that Republicans would sit down with Democrats to get positive things done for the American public. Like healthcare for their constituents, clean energy independence, enhanced disaster relief programs, sheltering the homeless - in the richest nation to have ever existed! The list of opportunities to improve...to SAVE lives is very long.
Instead they obstruct and do damage to our readiness and to the families of military personnel. They create financial chaos that damages our global credit rating. They fight culture wars they can never win. Let's try to name one positive thing the GQP has proposed.
It's as if they have been infected with an alien mind worm that has taken control of their brains. Or Putin has poisoned their tap water. It's like the "Manchurian Candidate" on steroids or "Secret Invasion" where shape shifting Skrulls penetrate the highest level of power.
I think we have the makings of an unbelievably terrible movie. I don't want to watch it but apparently we can't leave the theater.
Tuberville, as all Repugs since Hastert and Gingrich, play politics like a football game. Win at any cost. Make up the rules as they go: i.e. McConnell and SCOTUS. Propriety and the good of the nation are barely afterthoughts. Anti abortion has been the underlying driver for incessant obstructionist maneuvers despite the will of the majority. Sanctimonious authoritarians.
Bill, First, an apology for my delayed response. As for my thoughts, while every one of your allegations against Republicans is spot-on, my mind, at present, mostly is wrapped around both chambers having adjourned for their August recess—critically important unfinished work be damned! While there is little we can do about the GOP-controlled House, regarding the Senate, we can, and, in my mind, we should, prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to confirm, one-by-one, the nominees for the critically important vacated Pentagon and State high-level posts. I say this because the country, in my view, needs to witness Dems standing up to Tuberville, let alone to the entire Senate Republican caucus that’s gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees for positions vital to our national security.
Both chambers should be in session. It is a dereliction of duty that they be on vacation when the funding of the US government expires next month. And it is an act of undermining our military readiness that we don't confirm these leaders. There is no question of their qualifications. And their family lives are in flux if not chaos.
Tuberville is using blackmail to impose HIS religious views on America. Views not shared by the vast majority. You are absolutely right. The Senate should start voting on them one by one. Now.
BILL , The ALIEN Mind WORM, is Actually a DRAGON ! & That DRAGONS name ! ,, is LuciFER !! EVIL ! POWER !, AND MAMMONITE- isim is Trying !, to Take OVER ! ( in " THAT DAY ! , IT ! , Will LOSE ! )
I agree. But the Senate in general and Schumer in particular doesn't much like altering its rules. McConnell, however, had no problem deciding to never actually recess the Senate so as to prevent Obama from making recess appointments to the court. Thus we have the theatrics of a pro-forma session in which one senator opens and closes it.
@MisTBlu, First, my apologies for the delayed reply. As for my thoughts, while I appreciate the comparison, I would note that Senate Leader Schumer is authorized to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to fill, one-by-one, the vacated Pentagon and State posts. I see this not only as necessary but also as a show of resistance both to Tuberville and to the entire Senate Republican caucus that has gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees, whose service is vital to our national security.
You're correct about Schumer's options. I only hope he knows what he's doing by not using them. As Paul released his hold on the State appts the only issue is getting Tommy Turkey to stop being a putz and putting our national security at rusk. Saw a clip of him tonight. He's di full of himself. It's that advisor of his, who's an even bigger putz.
Frankom, First, an apology for my delayed reply. As for my thoughts, because I don’t expect Schumer, anytime soon, to vacate his post, I say, due to Tuberville’s deleterious hold on Senate confirmations for posts vital to our national security, we must prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to get the job done, either one confirmation at a time, or by acclamation if Tuberville buckles.
MisTBlu it also shows just how much the Republicans have the upper hand. We are ruled by the minority, not majority. This reinforces the weakness of the Democrats.
Oh I can believe that Alabama chose him over Doug Jones. After all he was Alabama's football coach and what is more important there. The Senate is full of Rs who shouldn't even be voted in as dog catchers. Maybe OK to pick up horse dung from a parade.
I do love horses and I am sorry that I may have insulted them. Heard a story this am at the Saturday Market where 32 were rescued because of a fire south of us. And people also offered places for them to stay. A nice story to start the day. My person who does my CBD belongs to some group who does this. Good things do happen.
Same love here - people who do these rescues are saints! As are the ones who show up & record the roundups the BLM are are currently running - more than 30 horses dead so far - run in 80-90 degree heat, pregnant mares, newborn foals & being chased by helicopters & roped & dragged into trailers. More awareness of this roundup because of the deaths - about dam time. Sorry - ranting!!!
Actually, I disagree. Rules such as the filibuster, blue slips and stunts like Tuberville's are NOT laws...they are courtesies extended in good faith in the past. They are no longer relevant as there is no "good faith" left in the US Senate. The Republicans plow ahead ignoring the Dems and Schumer does nothing to stop them. In my opinion, he is the weakest Dem leader the Senate has had in decades. I was sorry he was re-elected as Senate Leader again as I felt he was so entrenched in "old way" of doing things he would let the R's walk all over him. Sadly, I now watch my fears played out in real time.
He's not the only Repubbie unable to recite the three branches of government correctly-there are a good many Repub Representatives and Senators who haven't a clue about how government functions.
Then you don’t know Alabama football and racism. The two trump (excuse me, please) all other considerations in the state where public schools for years have been 50th of 50 and “paddling” of students by teachers was “discipline.”
Sorry to disagree (that’s a lie; I have no qualms about being disagreeable), but there has been a good deal of coverage about Sen. Potato Head’s idiocy.
No doubt Tuberville, the Senate Idiot--make that ONE of the Senate Idiots--is actually enjoying the notoriety and power his ploy (and the media) is giving him. Tubby is about as dumb a person as I have ever seen elected to the position of Senator.
Agreed. At the risk of sounding condescending, I’m not sure football coaching has any aspects to it that prepare any American to be a member of the House or the Senate.
Tommy T's rank in the pantheon of Senate simpletons was under serious threat in the GA U.S. Senate election in 2022, but happily a small majority of the voters of that state -- by 100K votes out of 3.5M, or 51+% to 49-% -- declined to send Sen Herschel Walker to Washington. Manifestly PLAYING football produces even more encephalopathy than COACHING it. (Was Marcia, no, Marsha Blackburn a linebacker?)
Michele -- I'd never heard of the Palmer Report. This is what Googling led me to:
"The Palmer Report is an American liberal fake news website, founded in 2016 by Bill Palmer. It is known for making unsubstantiated or false claims, producing hyperpartisan content, and publishing conspiracy theories, especially on matters relating to Donald Trump and Russia. Wikipedia"
Trump's threat on his social media was well publicized at many many reputable sources.
That description is BS. I have seen it before. I find it quite good on current events. Sometimes the headlines are a little over the top, but the analysis is good. Wiki is wrong on this one. It is liberal, but not full of fake claims or any other part of this description. I ignore this nonsense from Wiki. There are several writers who are here, but a one or two in England even though American. I suggest you go to the site and read the latest articles. I just found one this am on Jack Smith responding to death star's threat and it described what he had done. It tries often to counteract what one reads in the mainstream media.
Thank you, Michele, for setting me straight. Not just about your post, but about Wiki in general. Being a stickler for vetting things myself, I will be even more diligent.
I understand. Wiki is OK for some things and I sometimes use it to look up a person or event. I do not know why this has stood, because it is certainly inaccurate. I find Palmer very sensible when everybody else is hyperventilating about some news story. It is also encourages people to work together against the current edition of the party of death. It has a list of House members who could use some donation help in districts where it would do the most good. I have found it excellent in explaining how the justice system works and what smart prosecutors like Jack Smith do, counteracting the doom sayers.
Michele -- I've found Wikipedia to be pretty reliable overall. Each Wiki (meaning an individual entry, and not shorthand for Wikipedia) has to pass the Smell Test for accuracy and truthfulness. As for Palmer -- he/it just does not appeal to me at all, so I won't be going there as a resource.
Yes, Wiki has the potential to be a great resource, with subject matter expert input on subjects from the Carolina wren to cataracts to Congress critters. But as an open source it can be incredibly unreliable (anyone can write anything.)
It’s a place to START, not a sole source of data or information.
Are we still going on about this. I like it and i find it to be reliable. It's not far left as far as I am concerned. To me far left is KBOO radio (slit your wrist radio as one person calls it) in Portland and Palmer doesn't even come close to that. But even with what you have posted here....this does't come close to what Wikipedia said. A lot of the coverage have been about death star's legal woes and I haven't found a thing that I consider far out. In fact, Palmer does an excellent job of explaining how the prosecutors go at these cases and admits that there is much we don't know because Garland doesn't leak and Jack Smith is a first rate prosecutor. I have never seen anything close to a conspiracy theory. I would appreciate it if you would stop trying to change my mind because it isn't going to happen. You've made your point and I disagree that there is something deeply flawed about this site.
I used to read it years ago. It's a rubbish site. You can do better by reading blogs like Emptywheel. Don't subject your mind to junk like Palmer, please.
Marycat2021 and Michele -- I went to the site, and will not be returning. They sure love Trump! Every article, regardless of subject, had Trump's photo attached. Huh???
It's all hyperbolic clickbait. And they tout themselves as being the "leading source" for political news. This is actually rather insidious and similar to right wing websites in that it's meant to influence the opinions of readers instead of providing facts to help them decide for themselves. Daily Kos is like that too.
Possibly Mr. BK meant more of a Dem outcry about the potential threats to our national security and hanging the blame around the necks of those who are causing it...?
Not enough and not loud enough. Definitely not enough coverage defining what the delays are doing to us, to the military and to the Democracy around the world.
Yeah, I think the problem is that the people who might benefit from the coverage have their heads shoved up fox news, newsmax, etc. Either that or they just don't care. Neither would surprise me at this point.
Media should pay as much attention to Republican efforts to hamstring government, as described today by HCR, as they do to the mouthing off of the indicted former president, a violation of the terms of his indictment that will eventually put him under stricter conditions of custody. The Republican Party does more harm to the nation than the out-of-office defeated former president can now do, preferring to cater to the anti-democratic forces of darkness rather than to the 'better angels of our nature,' as Abraham Lincoln remnded us in his first Inaugural Address.
We must be careful not to become what we despise. There is a right way and a wrong way. The right way almost always takes more time and the wrong way is usually motivated by the desire for instantaneous gratification like when you punch someone in the nose.
Paula, Your Point , is True ! With Joe, DOING Such a Great Job, in the Process, of Righting, SO MANY WRONGS, & Still Being BASHED by the Rs ( AND,.. some Ds !) The Method, of WAKING UP ! THESE People, may be having, to PULL OFF the GLOVES ! & DELIVER Piping HOT ! , KNUCKLE SANDWICHES !! ( LORD! ,have MERCY !)
BK I agree with the fact that the media isn't covering the Tuberville and Rand bully tactics enough. The group here knows about and hears about it, but we represent a small portion of the population. Those that listen to Fox probably haven't heard anything. And most of the population is too busy with their lives to keep up on the relentless assault by republicans on our democracy. Anything involving sex (or Hunter Biden) and the media is all over it.
As for downgrading the US credit rating, they've done it before and they'll do it again. Unfortunately, the apparent change of this administration's economic policy isn't echoed by the independent Fed who seems to insist that controlling inflation must be done through a target of 5% unemployment.The prevailing school of economic thought doesn't seem to reflect reality. There are plenty of indicators that economists need to go back to reading and evaluating all the available data. Perhaps they've chosen the wrong economic philosophy and the wrong datasets to watch in a world that may not longer be defined by national borders.
Michael, While I agree, I also would note that too many of us are sitting and waiting and watching to see what our political leaders will do. I say we flood them with phone calls, letters, and emails amplifying the stakes if they’re perceived as powerless to counter the increasing encroachment by the minority over the will of the majority.
Not just them -- our media needs to hear from us, the people who they ostensibly care about if only because we constitute their ratings and provide them income. We used to have citizens who protested the inaction of any part of society that was doing damage to the country.
Rozanna, Thank you for writing. I fully agree, and tomorrow (Sunday) I will set aside time to start doing my part, wherein I particularly will prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month. Additionally, per your comment, I also will incorporate media into my pleas.
The media sector could be doing something worthy of note, living up to the expectations (even, the needs) of those who were trying to give the citizens of this country a foundation for their governance of themselves as well as their society -- similar to the expectations of the educational sector. Then, we all could profit.
Michael, I agree! Let’s turn up the heat. Kamala Harris certainly blasted DeSatan for “inviting” her to discuss his odious, anti-Black curriculum. The insurrection continues with these blockers and haters. Tumorville is just beyond belief. Paul we know about and he finally caved, but he is an idiot and traitor also, imho.
I may add one more thing to what Tuberville is, he is dumb as a rock and has the IQ of a rock. These looney Fascist Rethugs are what i have been calling them for a year or so, they are a Domestic Terrorist Organization.
Someone had to have put this onerous idea to block military leadership nominees into Tuberville's head. He is not smart enough to have had that idea by himself. Rand Paul is the odious contrarian he has always been who thinks he's the smartest guy in the room. But it's a sure thing our enemies are watching this stupid sh*t going on and making plans. There are consequences to these ridiculous actions.
I can't believe someone hasn't made good Dem political hay out of Tuberville's "No one is more military than me.." remark contrasted with his LACK of military service and his intransigence over allowing military promotions and appointments to go through. Opportunity staring us in the face...
They do appear to let so many of these opportunities just slip by! The Repubs do such stupid s**t & make so many dimwitted statements - Is there anyone in the Dem party listening & watching? For crying out loud! DO SOMETHING!!
And stop letting the bullies win. “If you go after me, I’m coming after you” should mean Jailtime for Bozo. Maybe he could share his summer reading list like President Obama has done for years. I would certainly like to see it!
I’m fond of Tommy (what grown man is “Tommy?) Gooberville myself.
I’m sure the low level of intelligence in the state that sent him had nothing to do with the decision to keep Space Command in Colorado. Who would agree to live there?
Michael, I’ve heard Church Schumer on ABC,NBC,and CBS as well as MSNBC decrying the obstructionism of TT and Rand Paul at least once per week. Unfortunately, unlike their competitors, the “Big 3” are unwilling to feature him or Hakeem Jeffries when they can feature footage of TFG’s motorcade and plane landing.
I do love the cynical, Mary...being ever so clever.🫶
Just lost (due to a sloppy finger ) my first comment , still internet woes on top. 😬
I do hope someone is keeping a tally when we get both houses back what lack of protection needs cemented new laws. A felon can not run for President #1 or something to that whole despicable nature.
No coverage isn’t adequate of the GOOD being done ,doesn’t sell well 🤦♀️..isn’t dramatic enough , the minority knows how to pitch and bitch/bad actors in their own Game of Throw(n)s ie the baby out with the bath water because that’s exactly what it is.
The precedent is being s l o w l y tallied , it’s a lesson like so many others -each time a little more consequential . Losing ground has a frenzied finale as any cliff hanger/car chase/or who done it ALWAYS provides as the curtain goes down.
The list WILL be long, the names add up daily as bottom to the top progress puts players ...
IN JAIL.
It’s daily I hear ‘oh, he’ll never see a prison cell’ and for the lack of accountability handed down that’s been well documented over my lifetime...and it’s US who pay the harshest price...so".........
GET OUT THERE AND VOTE
💙💙VOTE THEM OUT💙💙 and hold the chosen, the elected ‘s -feet to the fire.
Precarious silence, allowing the subversion of our Government by Republicans like tt and the optomatrist (or eye doctor) pr ... Rediculous! Polls show our citizens are not paying attention to the antics... Focusing more on personal struggles allow the rats to play.
Yes,I agree.Our mainstream news media is not talking about these unfilled vacancies but maybe they should be.Our national security is greatly affected.The American people need to be made aware of this.
The question I have is: WHY? Why is MSM (seemingly) disinterested in a deep dive on these congressional maneuvers that can completely stop traffic? Color me "flummoxed". The press are "the eyes and ears" of the population(?). And yet, it seems they are more interested in reporting exactly what color suit and tie the golf cheater is wearing to court. I swear, we will will soon hear where he stops for burgers and chips on his way to proceedings. Forgive my rant. IMO, Tubby and the eye "doctor" require deeper investigative dives than they are getting, as well as this particular congressional rule allowing such procedural tyranny. For instance, has this rule ever produced a positive outcome for the country? If so, write about the five journalistic W's with respect to the issues. Readers WANT to KNOW, because, otherwise, it just sounds ridiculous from the bleachers. And, of course, IMHO, Chubby deserves a total news blackout both FROM him and about him.
I, like you, am also"flummoxed" by the press's indifference to matters that are of great importance to the American people and our national security. The msm is owned by billionaires but certainly they have children and grandchildren who would be greatly affected, as we all would, if this country is turned into a fascist dictatorship which is where TFG wants to take us. I have always given the press a lot of the credit for giving us Trump as POTUS in the first place. It was all Trump, Trump, Trump 24/7 , done mostly for ratings and it is continuing to this day. Biden's age and again all things Trump are our daily news offerings. Too bad HCRs letters can't be front page news daily.
Biden’s age = Trump’s age + 3. Which man can and frequently does ride a bicycle, as opposed to a golf cart? At either age, future health is more likely with healthy eating and exercise. When someone says B is too old, ask how old is T.
Correct. THey mocked JB for tripping on the way up the stairs to get onto AirForce 1 but this week we see him riding a bike, looking like a 50 yo. AND equipped for safety.
And while I wish Mitch McConnell (or any of these folks) no physical harm, his current physical symptoms are quite alarming. I don’t see crazy memes on FB about that.
So, it was better? I felt more comfortable that what I was hearing from Walter Cronkite was, at least, not sensational. I felt that he was giving us information that we needed to know. Now, it seems that information isn't what they're giving us but viewpoints.
It is hard to believe how dumb Tuberville is - how did he ever coach football? Really good assistant coaches?
As to news on trump I think it is important because I really think they got him. I still think he will flee to the UAE, maybe right after a trial, even with out a passport if that is lifted by the court.
That’s right, these obstructionists are waging war, hoping to discredit the Biden administration, and if lucky win a majority in the election after which they can fill all those vacancies with MAGA loyalists. There are plenty out there. Why are the Democrats so timid?
I don’t see why Leader Schumer does bring the Senate back in mid-August to debate the backlogged nominations. Schedule 16 hours per day, 7 days a week. Any day Sen Tuberville doesn’t show up, ram through the rest of them on unanimous consent.
Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 The penultimate gas bag. Schumer is there for self-glorification, glasses halfway down his nose posing as some wizened professor. Schumer could give a good damn about our Military. It's all theater for Schumer, and he is a bad actor; always has been.
Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 He has the spine of a wet noodle. He loves to hear himself speaking on the floor of the Senate. Glasses at half-staff down the nose, Schumer appears to imagine himself as some type of wise and learned professor. He is a huge gas bag and always has been.
so true - and the more people complain. the more the spineless republican members of congress will continue to block needed legislation and confirmations. The only way to "win" is to get them voted out of office. For Tumorville - not likely to happen - too many rightwing nitwits in Alabama.
That must be difficult. I live in western MA, and luckily our wider area is represented by two good Senators and reasonable reps. One is Jim McGovern who was in the hallway JUST beyond the door where one of the insurrectionists was killed. I had met him on an advocacy trip to DC when he was a new rep, talked to him with a few other advocates and literally felt sick as I watched in real time.
Just to note that Chuck Schumer could call the Senate back from the recess, line up the military promotions one after the other, and keep the body in session continuously until they are all voted up or down. Let the Senators squall.
Yep. Arnold was a patriot who sacrificed greatly for his country but turned after being treated badly. Neither of those dudes gave more than lip service.
Is a wonder Rand's neighbor kicked the crap out of him. And what of "Coach [dog]" Tommy's neighbors? Paul is as twisted as they come and Tuberville is corrupt and dumb as mud.
It's worth mentioning a reason for these micro-treasons which was posted on another Substack: Just as McConnell held back the nominees for Supreme Court Justices, until the court was packed by sycophants— with terribly ignorant judicial outcomes, this same ploy is being used to control the military and Department of State. The intentions are not as the saboteurs say, but to insert into our government a completely authoritarian right wing nation.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff are reasonable people. As much as leading our military, they are charged with avoiding a rush to peril, let's say by an irrational president. Without their savior faire, the United States would be at risk for a domineering military capable of a coup, a la Michael Flynn. There are plenty of Trumpers among the lesser ranks who would gladly do his dirty work.
We know Trump is only a pawn in the desired fascist outcome which some on the right desire. A Christian Nationalist state is an authoritarian government which has no respect for democracy or minorities. Sabotaging democratic institutions by installing obedient puppets, is one way to move toward their desired goals.
In this case, the might of our military and the presence of our diplomats abroad are the symbols of our democracy and the intention to protect it. However, they need to be bent into a future fascist government.
Until the wealthy, dark right wing has its way by installing departments filled with puppets— whose intentions are to avoid taxation, decimate social supports, as well as installing a national theocracy—they will continue their disgusting erosion of our institutions.
Tuberville may or or may not be at least a “useful idiot” for important unfriendly nations. I believe that term implies contact with the country(ies) involved. I don’t think we *know* that contact has taken place. So, without diminishing the point of your comment, I think that we should at most assume he wants to gain his own foothold on the slippery rung and this is his way. The Republicans are doing nothing useful - they have lots of time to make mischief (which is, I realize, far too light a description for their behavior.
Today’s column brought two thoughts to mind:
1.
America is in an epic crisis right now and everything points to an eventual smash-up. When compared to Trump, Tuberville is acting in an angry and silly way. But he is having an effect on military morale and on America’s reputation. We can never ever hope for the Republicans to come to their senses, disengage completely with Trump and all that is MAGA. It is now in their souls and Tuberville reflects that. There is no point really in hoping for an evolution of that Party away from the cursed direction they have taken. At some point there will be revolution.
2.
I think therefore that it should be started (legally) on the Democrats’ terms. In the second part of her essay Professor Cox Richardson wrote about Trump’s vile tweet with its naked threat. This must not be tolerated. I don’t give a flying fuck if he was at one time President if the United States. He has flouted the norms of courteous conduct and extra respect for former holders of the Office.
At this point there must be a campaign directed towards those who control his legal fate. There needs to be extreme pressure, aided by a bold, in your face public messaging program, to have Trump be summarily punished for not upholding the conditions of his parole. Otherwise he will grow more emboldened by the day and we will continue to utter our painfully weak “tsk, tsks”.
Suppose in a perfect world Judge Tanya Chutkan we’re to slap an immediate two week jail sentence on him. Revoke his bail and have him arrested and confined for a short period of time.
This will surely wrongfoot his lawyers, supporters and the great man /s himself. I presume there’d be an appeal, but I don’t know the law. Whether or not the two weeks were served it would be a fierce shot across the bow, sign that Americans who believe in democratic norms are fed up.
Perhaps it would incite violence amongst Trump‘s slavish adherents. I do not wish for that. However it’s going to come anyway. Let it come now when they are unprepared and at their weakest because so many are jailed. In other words, let the confrontation be righteously sparked by those who have opposed him all along.
If it doesn’t come, then Trump will have been blessed with a teachable moment. He may realize that the importance of those supporting more feverishly because of his indictments is not as unconditional as it sounds.
I am beyond fed up. Somebody always finds a reason to do nothing.
I agree, Eric O’Donnell, about painfully weak tsk tsks. What would happen to any other defendant who flouted the terms of his bond? I like your plan that he and his supporters have a learning experience they are not expecting.
Laura G: That is a circular argument. Be specific. What is the "security of our nation"? And is it our nation? Have you traveled the USA? Different places and folks are very different from other places and folks.
Thank you, Red. Not to mention the 400 MILLION guns owned by a minority of violent and angry Americans, leaving out decent gun owners (the majority, probably) who are trained in the use of guns and know the proper way to hunt and keep people safe.
I'm not sure that you can divide gun owners like this. After all, human beings are all subject to being impulsive, angry, reckless, careless, tired, misinformed, frustrated, etc. Throw a gun into this mix and anyone can do something they might regret later. That we accept that guns are so widely distributed among the population is just weird to me.
Red Thread: That is a very good answer to the question of what is national security and what is a nation.
For me, my biggest insecurity is the government in Washington DC, Sacramento, and the local county and city. They are the ones I'm afraid of.
Personally, I don't see how the USA can last much longer. It will go broke and split up like the Soviet Union did in 1991.
The globalists wants one central government but the small government movement is growing. Centralization is failing. Local communities are banding together.
I beg to differ. The real dysfunction is that we DON'T have a global government that has universal standards. To include freedom of speech, freedom FROM religion, freedom from Oligarchal control, true one vote/one person democracy, true protections of national boundaries, complete female rights and bodily autonomy, universal healthcare and education...
The REAL problem is that the UN has no teeth to stop a Vicious Madman like Putin from committing genocide. A sensible human species would have removed him from power in 2014.
No, decentralization gives us tribal local yahoos like Tuberville and DeSantis who live in a frightened white male antique bigoted mindset from the 19th century.
The real enemies of mankind are the whackos who find "pornography" in truthful books. The real perverts are the book banners who intimidate local school boards. The enemies we should be afraid of are the MAGA maniacs who threaten election workers when they lose elections.
Washington DC is filled with thousands of under-appreciated quiet hard working people who don't want to get caught in political crossfires. They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes, follow sensible environmental rules, help write bills to fund good infrastructure projects. And so much more stuff that a civilized country needs done.
Demonizing DC is like condemning your own family. But we do need to elect people who have an interest in helping people - not fighting stupid primitive culture wars.
Bill, Bravo for everything you wrote! I was a civil servant in NYC throughout my 40 years career. To serve was an honor and joy! Let’s ignore the troll who has snuck in to malign everyone. I am not sure what his takeaway is from being here. No more oxygen for trolls.
Bill Alstrom: You lost me with "They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes". Taxes are theft. They are extortion payments to the Government Gang.
Don't think so? See what happens if you don't pay your protection money to DC or your county gang.
There are strip malls everywhere, fast food everywhere, social security checks, medicare, and medicaid everywhere. From Maine to Guam, our military would defend our territory if threatened. Our diplomats work for all of us, from Florida to Alaska. Who's security should we be less concerned about?
Steve Abbott: So we as Americans are united by strip malls, fast food, social security checks, medicare and medicaid. What does that say about Americans?
The diplomats work for their pensions. So does the military or the southern border would be closed and secure.
Would your version of a better society be like "Lord of the Flies"?
Our military has indeed been used for really bad stuff, but without it, we could be living under Putin or the offspring of Hitler...
BTW, pensions are a sign of good social planning. We all work to have a decent retirement, don't we? Without diplomats we would have a lot more conflict, a lot more war and death. That's one of their functions.
Bill Alstrom: I hated that book "Lord of the Flies". It was pure government gang propaganda.
How do you figure Hitler or Putin could conquer the USA? Hitler couldn't even get to England. Putin has no transports and neither does China.
Well, gee. I sure wish those diplomats would wake up from their martini hangovers and go to work soon because the USA has been at war almost my whole life.
Like it or not, things like strip malls are a ubiquitous part of American culture. So are the social safety nets that allow so many to live with a modicum of dignity into old age. That you assume members of the diplomatic corps and military work solely for their pensions (pensions are also part of most work cultures) says more about you than those who serve. Our southern boarder is a mess because we, as a people, can't agree on how to clean it up. Mexico is our largest trading partner, with legal trade dwarfing even the elicit drug trade. It is unrealistic to close that boarder. Plus, you are ignoring the ~70% drop in illegal crossings since Biden's new rules went into effect. If we ignore what works, what chance do we have?
Steve Abbott: What 70% drop in illegal crossings? Over four million illegals have crossed the border since Biden became President.
The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.
I figured out that if I'd been able to keep all the taxes I paid into Social Security and Medicare all my working life. And if I'd invested that money every paycheck in an S & P 500 Index Fund, I would have had over $1 million dollars when I retired.
“The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.” Please give us data, that prove that no one gets a pension unless they were government employees. You might want to re-word your statement.
Anne Dempsey: I know of no one in private industry who gets a pension. I do know of people in private industry who lost their pensions back in the 1980s when their company was bought out or went bankrupt.
If you want data, look it up yourself.
The government employees in Police and Fire retire at 50 with full pensions and benefits if they have worked 30 years. A few years ago their pensions were increased 50% here in California. It's one of the major reasons that the state, counties, and cities are going broke.
Or you may have had some terrible accident, become disabled, and still have social security and Medicare benefits long after your nest egg would have run out. I was able to (almost) do both on a middle class income. If I had to foot the bill for all my parent's medical and living expenses at the end of their lives, I would have no savings to speak of. That was largely paid for by their Social Security benefits and Medicare. So, according to you, I (and millions of others) will have a reasonably secure retirement thanks to a Ponzi scheme.
Steve Abbott: Our generation is the last one that will have that "reasonably secure retirement". There aren't enough workers putting money into Social Security and Medicare to keep the Ponzi Scheme going much longer.
SS and Medicare taxes will go up and benefits will go down.
No, Timmy, you are incorrect. Many ancestors were fleeing their countries from tyrannical leaders. They sought security and some found it here. Others were forcibly brought here not of their own volition. Are you certain you are on the right substack page?
James F Davis: That's a pretty good definition. I don't believe in national security. There is only individual security. Isn't that why our ancestors emigrated to the USA?
Republicans posing a threat to national security? Is anyone surprised? Paul, Tuberville and several other members of Congress are at least “useful idiots” for Russia, China and who knows what other entities.
Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders should be raising hell every day. They’re not making a strong public case.
Agreed. Waaaayyy too much playing nice and not making anybody mad. Truck that.
The Senate is pretty hide bound when it comes to their rules. At this point the only thing Schumer et al can do is subject all of the nominees to the arduous floor vote procedure. That Tuberville refuses to relent shows not only his disdain for the military but that he's grossly unqualified to be a US senator. Can't believe the people of Alabama chose him over Doug Jones.
@MisTBlu, Your thoughtful comment notwithstanding, Schumer could have suspended the August recess until the Senate had completed its work.
That should be mandatory: nobody should leave on vacation until they’ve completed the work they were elected to do!
Rose, While I’m not aware of any procedure for imposing such a mandate, I do regret not having contacted Senate leadership to express my dismay over their adjourning, despite not having confirmed critically important high-level presidential nominations. Additionally, as I expect you know, the Republican-controlled House also adjourned, leaving eleven of the twelve must-pass 2024 budget measures unresolved.
Postscript for Rose: When I wrote this morning, I neglected to underscore that we could, and we should, prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month.
Thank you. And the House will return from its "vacation" with only 12 days to pass bills preventing a government shutdown.
So there you have it. Republicans in both chambers are attempting to destroy the government's ability to function. And that should be front page headlines every day. God forbid that Republicans would sit down with Democrats to get positive things done for the American public. Like healthcare for their constituents, clean energy independence, enhanced disaster relief programs, sheltering the homeless - in the richest nation to have ever existed! The list of opportunities to improve...to SAVE lives is very long.
Instead they obstruct and do damage to our readiness and to the families of military personnel. They create financial chaos that damages our global credit rating. They fight culture wars they can never win. Let's try to name one positive thing the GQP has proposed.
It's as if they have been infected with an alien mind worm that has taken control of their brains. Or Putin has poisoned their tap water. It's like the "Manchurian Candidate" on steroids or "Secret Invasion" where shape shifting Skrulls penetrate the highest level of power.
I think we have the makings of an unbelievably terrible movie. I don't want to watch it but apparently we can't leave the theater.
Tuberville, as all Repugs since Hastert and Gingrich, play politics like a football game. Win at any cost. Make up the rules as they go: i.e. McConnell and SCOTUS. Propriety and the good of the nation are barely afterthoughts. Anti abortion has been the underlying driver for incessant obstructionist maneuvers despite the will of the majority. Sanctimonious authoritarians.
Sadly your whole post is correct. Going to take a loooong time to overturn the fact that we Dems have been asleep at the wheel.
Trying to find consensus with a group only interested in imposing christian sharia law.
Yes. They are the American Taliban. And I really think "Christ" would be saying "WTF?"
Yup. Here is a group that cannot answer WWJD?
Bill, First, an apology for my delayed response. As for my thoughts, while every one of your allegations against Republicans is spot-on, my mind, at present, mostly is wrapped around both chambers having adjourned for their August recess—critically important unfinished work be damned! While there is little we can do about the GOP-controlled House, regarding the Senate, we can, and, in my mind, we should, prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to confirm, one-by-one, the nominees for the critically important vacated Pentagon and State high-level posts. I say this because the country, in my view, needs to witness Dems standing up to Tuberville, let alone to the entire Senate Republican caucus that’s gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees for positions vital to our national security.
Agreed! No apology needed. :)
Both chambers should be in session. It is a dereliction of duty that they be on vacation when the funding of the US government expires next month. And it is an act of undermining our military readiness that we don't confirm these leaders. There is no question of their qualifications. And their family lives are in flux if not chaos.
Tuberville is using blackmail to impose HIS religious views on America. Views not shared by the vast majority. You are absolutely right. The Senate should start voting on them one by one. Now.
BILL , The ALIEN Mind WORM, is Actually a DRAGON ! & That DRAGONS name ! ,, is LuciFER !! EVIL ! POWER !, AND MAMMONITE- isim is Trying !, to Take OVER ! ( in " THAT DAY ! , IT ! , Will LOSE ! )
I agree. But the Senate in general and Schumer in particular doesn't much like altering its rules. McConnell, however, had no problem deciding to never actually recess the Senate so as to prevent Obama from making recess appointments to the court. Thus we have the theatrics of a pro-forma session in which one senator opens and closes it.
@MisTBlu, First, my apologies for the delayed reply. As for my thoughts, while I appreciate the comparison, I would note that Senate Leader Schumer is authorized to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to fill, one-by-one, the vacated Pentagon and State posts. I see this not only as necessary but also as a show of resistance both to Tuberville and to the entire Senate Republican caucus that has gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees, whose service is vital to our national security.
You're correct about Schumer's options. I only hope he knows what he's doing by not using them. As Paul released his hold on the State appts the only issue is getting Tommy Turkey to stop being a putz and putting our national security at rusk. Saw a clip of him tonight. He's di full of himself. It's that advisor of his, who's an even bigger putz.
Schumer needs to go.
Frankom, First, an apology for my delayed reply. As for my thoughts, because I don’t expect Schumer, anytime soon, to vacate his post, I say, due to Tuberville’s deleterious hold on Senate confirmations for posts vital to our national security, we must prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to get the job done, either one confirmation at a time, or by acclamation if Tuberville buckles.
Absolutely!
MisTBlu it also shows just how much the Republicans have the upper hand. We are ruled by the minority, not majority. This reinforces the weakness of the Democrats.
Oh I can believe that Alabama chose him over Doug Jones. After all he was Alabama's football coach and what is more important there. The Senate is full of Rs who shouldn't even be voted in as dog catchers. Maybe OK to pick up horse dung from a parade.
Actually, Michele - dont think hes qualified for THAT either! Might take some common sense ("horsesense"?) He has none.
I do love horses and I am sorry that I may have insulted them. Heard a story this am at the Saturday Market where 32 were rescued because of a fire south of us. And people also offered places for them to stay. A nice story to start the day. My person who does my CBD belongs to some group who does this. Good things do happen.
Same love here - people who do these rescues are saints! As are the ones who show up & record the roundups the BLM are are currently running - more than 30 horses dead so far - run in 80-90 degree heat, pregnant mares, newborn foals & being chased by helicopters & roped & dragged into trailers. More awareness of this roundup because of the deaths - about dam time. Sorry - ranting!!!
What you describe is totally disgusting. I object to my tax money being used for this kind of atrocity.
We all should object to that BUT its been going on for decades! Google it - dont take my word for it. The more people who are aware the better.
I imagine the horses would feel quite insulted 🤷🏼♀️
Tubbs was actually Auburn's football coach. Nick Saban is Alabama's coach. Since football is a religion down here, I know these things . . .
That would be my vote.
Schedule the Senate for a 24 hour session and keep them on the floor voting on nominee after nominee until they begin to drop.
McConnell and Feinstein aren't going to be able go the distance but my guess is Tubby isn't either.
Make it painful.
Actually, I disagree. Rules such as the filibuster, blue slips and stunts like Tuberville's are NOT laws...they are courtesies extended in good faith in the past. They are no longer relevant as there is no "good faith" left in the US Senate. The Republicans plow ahead ignoring the Dems and Schumer does nothing to stop them. In my opinion, he is the weakest Dem leader the Senate has had in decades. I was sorry he was re-elected as Senate Leader again as I felt he was so entrenched in "old way" of doing things he would let the R's walk all over him. Sadly, I now watch my fears played out in real time.
So Schumer should start the floor vote process. Get on it. What else is more important?
Wasn’t Tuberville the one who couldn’t name the 3 branches of government? I wonder if he’s learned anything yet.
He's not the only Repubbie unable to recite the three branches of government correctly-there are a good many Repub Representatives and Senators who haven't a clue about how government functions.
Then you don’t know Alabama football and racism. The two trump (excuse me, please) all other considerations in the state where public schools for years have been 50th of 50 and “paddling” of students by teachers was “discipline.”
To MisTBlu that was.
So Schumer should do it. All of it. Do whatever the hell it takes.
People of Alabama … no surprise there.
Consider it trucked.
Sorry to disagree (that’s a lie; I have no qualms about being disagreeable), but there has been a good deal of coverage about Sen. Potato Head’s idiocy.
Too much coverage, it is all free publicity. There is an old saying that I don't care what you write about me a long as you spell my name correctly.
No doubt Tuberville, the Senate Idiot--make that ONE of the Senate Idiots--is actually enjoying the notoriety and power his ploy (and the media) is giving him. Tubby is about as dumb a person as I have ever seen elected to the position of Senator.
Agreed. At the risk of sounding condescending, I’m not sure football coaching has any aspects to it that prepare any American to be a member of the House or the Senate.
Condescending? Not a bit!
Tommy T's rank in the pantheon of Senate simpletons was under serious threat in the GA U.S. Senate election in 2022, but happily a small majority of the voters of that state -- by 100K votes out of 3.5M, or 51+% to 49-% -- declined to send Sen Herschel Walker to Washington. Manifestly PLAYING football produces even more encephalopathy than COACHING it. (Was Marcia, no, Marsha Blackburn a linebacker?)
And he was a terrible coach.
I also saw a story yesterday about death star's all caps threat and Jack Smith's response. It was the Palmer Report.
Michele -- I'd never heard of the Palmer Report. This is what Googling led me to:
"The Palmer Report is an American liberal fake news website, founded in 2016 by Bill Palmer. It is known for making unsubstantiated or false claims, producing hyperpartisan content, and publishing conspiracy theories, especially on matters relating to Donald Trump and Russia. Wikipedia"
Trump's threat on his social media was well publicized at many many reputable sources.
That description is BS. I have seen it before. I find it quite good on current events. Sometimes the headlines are a little over the top, but the analysis is good. Wiki is wrong on this one. It is liberal, but not full of fake claims or any other part of this description. I ignore this nonsense from Wiki. There are several writers who are here, but a one or two in England even though American. I suggest you go to the site and read the latest articles. I just found one this am on Jack Smith responding to death star's threat and it described what he had done. It tries often to counteract what one reads in the mainstream media.
Thank you, Michele, for setting me straight. Not just about your post, but about Wiki in general. Being a stickler for vetting things myself, I will be even more diligent.
I understand. Wiki is OK for some things and I sometimes use it to look up a person or event. I do not know why this has stood, because it is certainly inaccurate. I find Palmer very sensible when everybody else is hyperventilating about some news story. It is also encourages people to work together against the current edition of the party of death. It has a list of House members who could use some donation help in districts where it would do the most good. I have found it excellent in explaining how the justice system works and what smart prosecutors like Jack Smith do, counteracting the doom sayers.
Michele -- I've found Wikipedia to be pretty reliable overall. Each Wiki (meaning an individual entry, and not shorthand for Wikipedia) has to pass the Smell Test for accuracy and truthfulness. As for Palmer -- he/it just does not appeal to me at all, so I won't be going there as a resource.
Yes, Wiki has the potential to be a great resource, with subject matter expert input on subjects from the Carolina wren to cataracts to Congress critters. But as an open source it can be incredibly unreliable (anyone can write anything.)
It’s a place to START, not a sole source of data or information.
Absolutely!!
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/palmer-report/ MBFC rates this site a Far Left. "Factual Reporting: Mixed" "Credibility Rating: Medium Credibility."
Are we still going on about this. I like it and i find it to be reliable. It's not far left as far as I am concerned. To me far left is KBOO radio (slit your wrist radio as one person calls it) in Portland and Palmer doesn't even come close to that. But even with what you have posted here....this does't come close to what Wikipedia said. A lot of the coverage have been about death star's legal woes and I haven't found a thing that I consider far out. In fact, Palmer does an excellent job of explaining how the prosecutors go at these cases and admits that there is much we don't know because Garland doesn't leak and Jack Smith is a first rate prosecutor. I have never seen anything close to a conspiracy theory. I would appreciate it if you would stop trying to change my mind because it isn't going to happen. You've made your point and I disagree that there is something deeply flawed about this site.
I used to read it years ago. It's a rubbish site. You can do better by reading blogs like Emptywheel. Don't subject your mind to junk like Palmer, please.
Marycat2021 and Michele -- I went to the site, and will not be returning. They sure love Trump! Every article, regardless of subject, had Trump's photo attached. Huh???
It's all hyperbolic clickbait. And they tout themselves as being the "leading source" for political news. This is actually rather insidious and similar to right wing websites in that it's meant to influence the opinions of readers instead of providing facts to help them decide for themselves. Daily Kos is like that too.
Possibly Mr. BK meant more of a Dem outcry about the potential threats to our national security and hanging the blame around the necks of those who are causing it...?
Another worthwhile site is:
https://popular.info/p/the-biggest-misconception-about-trumps?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Check out https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/palmer-report/
Coverage is one thing, action is another matter entirely.
Not enough and not loud enough. Definitely not enough coverage defining what the delays are doing to us, to the military and to the Democracy around the world.
Yeah, I think the problem is that the people who might benefit from the coverage have their heads shoved up fox news, newsmax, etc. Either that or they just don't care. Neither would surprise me at this point.
Media should pay as much attention to Republican efforts to hamstring government, as described today by HCR, as they do to the mouthing off of the indicted former president, a violation of the terms of his indictment that will eventually put him under stricter conditions of custody. The Republican Party does more harm to the nation than the out-of-office defeated former president can now do, preferring to cater to the anti-democratic forces of darkness rather than to the 'better angels of our nature,' as Abraham Lincoln remnded us in his first Inaugural Address.
We must be careful not to become what we despise. There is a right way and a wrong way. The right way almost always takes more time and the wrong way is usually motivated by the desire for instantaneous gratification like when you punch someone in the nose.
Paula, Your Point , is True ! With Joe, DOING Such a Great Job, in the Process, of Righting, SO MANY WRONGS, & Still Being BASHED by the Rs ( AND,.. some Ds !) The Method, of WAKING UP ! THESE People, may be having, to PULL OFF the GLOVES ! & DELIVER Piping HOT ! , KNUCKLE SANDWICHES !! ( LORD! ,have MERCY !)
BK I agree with the fact that the media isn't covering the Tuberville and Rand bully tactics enough. The group here knows about and hears about it, but we represent a small portion of the population. Those that listen to Fox probably haven't heard anything. And most of the population is too busy with their lives to keep up on the relentless assault by republicans on our democracy. Anything involving sex (or Hunter Biden) and the media is all over it.
As for downgrading the US credit rating, they've done it before and they'll do it again. Unfortunately, the apparent change of this administration's economic policy isn't echoed by the independent Fed who seems to insist that controlling inflation must be done through a target of 5% unemployment.The prevailing school of economic thought doesn't seem to reflect reality. There are plenty of indicators that economists need to go back to reading and evaluating all the available data. Perhaps they've chosen the wrong economic philosophy and the wrong datasets to watch in a world that may not longer be defined by national borders.
Michael, While I agree, I also would note that too many of us are sitting and waiting and watching to see what our political leaders will do. I say we flood them with phone calls, letters, and emails amplifying the stakes if they’re perceived as powerless to counter the increasing encroachment by the minority over the will of the majority.
Not just them -- our media needs to hear from us, the people who they ostensibly care about if only because we constitute their ratings and provide them income. We used to have citizens who protested the inaction of any part of society that was doing damage to the country.
Rozanna, Thank you for writing. I fully agree, and tomorrow (Sunday) I will set aside time to start doing my part, wherein I particularly will prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month. Additionally, per your comment, I also will incorporate media into my pleas.
Thanks, Barbara Jo.
The media sector could be doing something worthy of note, living up to the expectations (even, the needs) of those who were trying to give the citizens of this country a foundation for their governance of themselves as well as their society -- similar to the expectations of the educational sector. Then, we all could profit.
💙💙💙📞✍️
That was my reaction Barbara Jo and I'm a Canadian.
I just emailed my senator. It’s not much, but at least it’s something.
Excellent idea. Let’s do it now.
Michael, I agree! Let’s turn up the heat. Kamala Harris certainly blasted DeSatan for “inviting” her to discuss his odious, anti-Black curriculum. The insurrection continues with these blockers and haters. Tumorville is just beyond belief. Paul we know about and he finally caved, but he is an idiot and traitor also, imho.
I may add one more thing to what Tuberville is, he is dumb as a rock and has the IQ of a rock. These looney Fascist Rethugs are what i have been calling them for a year or so, they are a Domestic Terrorist Organization.
Someone had to have put this onerous idea to block military leadership nominees into Tuberville's head. He is not smart enough to have had that idea by himself. Rand Paul is the odious contrarian he has always been who thinks he's the smartest guy in the room. But it's a sure thing our enemies are watching this stupid sh*t going on and making plans. There are consequences to these ridiculous actions.
I can't believe someone hasn't made good Dem political hay out of Tuberville's "No one is more military than me.." remark contrasted with his LACK of military service and his intransigence over allowing military promotions and appointments to go through. Opportunity staring us in the face...
They do appear to let so many of these opportunities just slip by! The Repubs do such stupid s**t & make so many dimwitted statements - Is there anyone in the Dem party listening & watching? For crying out loud! DO SOMETHING!!
And stop letting the bullies win. “If you go after me, I’m coming after you” should mean Jailtime for Bozo. Maybe he could share his summer reading list like President Obama has done for years. I would certainly like to see it!
Seriously! Do you really believe he has one?
Absolutely not. I think he never read a book to his children when they were little neither.
I really dont think he ever got near enough to those kids to read to them or anything else!
That someone is Morgan Murphy. While Tuberville wanted to get the military to alter their policy he hadn't the slightest idea how to do it. Enter the retired Navy captain, writer for Vanity Fair and seller of bacon products on QVC. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/26/meet-ex-food-writer-advising-tommy-tuberville-national-security/
Love your comment. Paul thinking he’s the smartest person in the room….
Tumorville, love it, Elisabeth!
I’m fond of Tommy (what grown man is “Tommy?) Gooberville myself.
I’m sure the low level of intelligence in the state that sent him had nothing to do with the decision to keep Space Command in Colorado. Who would agree to live there?
Very good question, Jen. I suspect its a southern thing.
Michael, I’ve heard Church Schumer on ABC,NBC,and CBS as well as MSNBC decrying the obstructionism of TT and Rand Paul at least once per week. Unfortunately, unlike their competitors, the “Big 3” are unwilling to feature him or Hakeem Jeffries when they can feature footage of TFG’s motorcade and plane landing.
I do love the cynical, Mary...being ever so clever.🫶
Just lost (due to a sloppy finger ) my first comment , still internet woes on top. 😬
I do hope someone is keeping a tally when we get both houses back what lack of protection needs cemented new laws. A felon can not run for President #1 or something to that whole despicable nature.
No coverage isn’t adequate of the GOOD being done ,doesn’t sell well 🤦♀️..isn’t dramatic enough , the minority knows how to pitch and bitch/bad actors in their own Game of Throw(n)s ie the baby out with the bath water because that’s exactly what it is.
The precedent is being s l o w l y tallied , it’s a lesson like so many others -each time a little more consequential . Losing ground has a frenzied finale as any cliff hanger/car chase/or who done it ALWAYS provides as the curtain goes down.
The list WILL be long, the names add up daily as bottom to the top progress puts players ...
IN JAIL.
It’s daily I hear ‘oh, he’ll never see a prison cell’ and for the lack of accountability handed down that’s been well documented over my lifetime...and it’s US who pay the harshest price...so".........
GET OUT THERE AND VOTE
💙💙VOTE THEM OUT💙💙 and hold the chosen, the elected ‘s -feet to the fire.
Patricia, yes—news manager question “Does it bleed, show horrific damage or feature TFG? Go with it. “
Patricia, sorry about your continuing internet woes.
Thank you. Within any element there is at least one lesson. Time is wasted too often by those seeking thrill, missing the lesson.
This culmination is many missed lessons.
🙏😔😶
That is really creepy and smacks of nothing but dark money and evil men.
You mean, dashcam footage of the filthy, broken, graffiti'd streets of Washington DC?
Completely agree
Precarious silence, allowing the subversion of our Government by Republicans like tt and the optomatrist (or eye doctor) pr ... Rediculous! Polls show our citizens are not paying attention to the antics... Focusing more on personal struggles allow the rats to play.
Yes,I agree.Our mainstream news media is not talking about these unfilled vacancies but maybe they should be.Our national security is greatly affected.The American people need to be made aware of this.
The question I have is: WHY? Why is MSM (seemingly) disinterested in a deep dive on these congressional maneuvers that can completely stop traffic? Color me "flummoxed". The press are "the eyes and ears" of the population(?). And yet, it seems they are more interested in reporting exactly what color suit and tie the golf cheater is wearing to court. I swear, we will will soon hear where he stops for burgers and chips on his way to proceedings. Forgive my rant. IMO, Tubby and the eye "doctor" require deeper investigative dives than they are getting, as well as this particular congressional rule allowing such procedural tyranny. For instance, has this rule ever produced a positive outcome for the country? If so, write about the five journalistic W's with respect to the issues. Readers WANT to KNOW, because, otherwise, it just sounds ridiculous from the bleachers. And, of course, IMHO, Chubby deserves a total news blackout both FROM him and about him.
I, like you, am also"flummoxed" by the press's indifference to matters that are of great importance to the American people and our national security. The msm is owned by billionaires but certainly they have children and grandchildren who would be greatly affected, as we all would, if this country is turned into a fascist dictatorship which is where TFG wants to take us. I have always given the press a lot of the credit for giving us Trump as POTUS in the first place. It was all Trump, Trump, Trump 24/7 , done mostly for ratings and it is continuing to this day. Biden's age and again all things Trump are our daily news offerings. Too bad HCRs letters can't be front page news daily.
Biden’s age = Trump’s age + 3. Which man can and frequently does ride a bicycle, as opposed to a golf cart? At either age, future health is more likely with healthy eating and exercise. When someone says B is too old, ask how old is T.
Trump’s fans think he is strong leader because he makes Big Threats. Meanwhile, Biden gets on with the actual work of a president of all the people.
Correct. THey mocked JB for tripping on the way up the stairs to get onto AirForce 1 but this week we see him riding a bike, looking like a 50 yo. AND equipped for safety.
And while I wish Mitch McConnell (or any of these folks) no physical harm, his current physical symptoms are quite alarming. I don’t see crazy memes on FB about that.
Carol , " t , .. is a PLASTIC KIM JONG Unn !! " LORD , Have MERCY ! ...
I'm wondering if the media was better in the Walter Cronkite days? If so, why?
Money probably.Seems it IS the root of all evil.
The ONSLAUGHT ! , of The MAMMONITES !! Money ! ( it IS !) Victoria !
So, it was better? I felt more comfortable that what I was hearing from Walter Cronkite was, at least, not sensational. I felt that he was giving us information that we needed to know. Now, it seems that information isn't what they're giving us but viewpoints.
How do we get the media to be better at what they're supposed to be doing for the citizens of this country?
It is hard to believe how dumb Tuberville is - how did he ever coach football? Really good assistant coaches?
As to news on trump I think it is important because I really think they got him. I still think he will flee to the UAE, maybe right after a trial, even with out a passport if that is lifted by the court.
Handcuffs are the only way out of that courtroom, as problematic as that might be. I can dream....
Fee? He'll bribe them? or just by a one-way ticket as fast as possible? (Mental vision of Trump Force One (!!!!) being buzzed by fighter jets).
Typo, fixed it.
That’s right, these obstructionists are waging war, hoping to discredit the Biden administration, and if lucky win a majority in the election after which they can fill all those vacancies with MAGA loyalists. There are plenty out there. Why are the Democrats so timid?
This is all too typical. The Democrats need to be louder and have sharper elbows, so to speak.
AMEN ! , Michael !
I don’t see why Leader Schumer does bring the Senate back in mid-August to debate the backlogged nominations. Schedule 16 hours per day, 7 days a week. Any day Sen Tuberville doesn’t show up, ram through the rest of them on unanimous consent.
Would the media cover it if they were? They’re way too breathless over the latest drumpf threat.
It's being covered but not nearly aggressive or prominent enough.
Schumer is USELESS...
Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 The penultimate gas bag. Schumer is there for self-glorification, glasses halfway down his nose posing as some wizened professor. Schumer could give a good damn about our Military. It's all theater for Schumer, and he is a bad actor; always has been.
Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 He has the spine of a wet noodle. He loves to hear himself speaking on the floor of the Senate. Glasses at half-staff down the nose, Schumer appears to imagine himself as some type of wise and learned professor. He is a huge gas bag and always has been.
so true - and the more people complain. the more the spineless republican members of congress will continue to block needed legislation and confirmations. The only way to "win" is to get them voted out of office. For Tumorville - not likely to happen - too many rightwing nitwits in Alabama.
That must be difficult. I live in western MA, and luckily our wider area is represented by two good Senators and reasonable reps. One is Jim McGovern who was in the hallway JUST beyond the door where one of the insurrectionists was killed. I had met him on an advocacy trip to DC when he was a new rep, talked to him with a few other advocates and literally felt sick as I watched in real time.
Just to note that Chuck Schumer could call the Senate back from the recess, line up the military promotions one after the other, and keep the body in session continuously until they are all voted up or down. Let the Senators squall.
Yeah I don't understand why he refuses.
Senator Rand Benidict Arnold Paul.
I envision that one day that epithet might morph into Senator Rand Donald Trump Paul.
Yep. Arnold was a patriot who sacrificed greatly for his country but turned after being treated badly. Neither of those dudes gave more than lip service.
‘Merica s wake up call. Lock him the f up.
Is a wonder Rand's neighbor kicked the crap out of him. And what of "Coach [dog]" Tommy's neighbors? Paul is as twisted as they come and Tuberville is corrupt and dumb as mud.
Some states try to send their best and most talented to represent us in Congress. Just not the way of reconstructionist Southern states.
Unreconstructed rebels and still proud to defend white supremacy.
You realize your giving mud a bad name
Regrettably, they are useless idiots for us.
Your characterization of Paul,Tuberville and others puts much too kind a face on them.
It's worth mentioning a reason for these micro-treasons which was posted on another Substack: Just as McConnell held back the nominees for Supreme Court Justices, until the court was packed by sycophants— with terribly ignorant judicial outcomes, this same ploy is being used to control the military and Department of State. The intentions are not as the saboteurs say, but to insert into our government a completely authoritarian right wing nation.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff are reasonable people. As much as leading our military, they are charged with avoiding a rush to peril, let's say by an irrational president. Without their savior faire, the United States would be at risk for a domineering military capable of a coup, a la Michael Flynn. There are plenty of Trumpers among the lesser ranks who would gladly do his dirty work.
We know Trump is only a pawn in the desired fascist outcome which some on the right desire. A Christian Nationalist state is an authoritarian government which has no respect for democracy or minorities. Sabotaging democratic institutions by installing obedient puppets, is one way to move toward their desired goals.
In this case, the might of our military and the presence of our diplomats abroad are the symbols of our democracy and the intention to protect it. However, they need to be bent into a future fascist government.
Until the wealthy, dark right wing has its way by installing departments filled with puppets— whose intentions are to avoid taxation, decimate social supports, as well as installing a national theocracy—they will continue their disgusting erosion of our institutions.
Hope--this is brilliant. Thank you.
Margaret, I second you on that.
Tuberville may or or may not be at least a “useful idiot” for important unfriendly nations. I believe that term implies contact with the country(ies) involved. I don’t think we *know* that contact has taken place. So, without diminishing the point of your comment, I think that we should at most assume he wants to gain his own foothold on the slippery rung and this is his way. The Republicans are doing nothing useful - they have lots of time to make mischief (which is, I realize, far too light a description for their behavior.
Today’s column brought two thoughts to mind:
1.
America is in an epic crisis right now and everything points to an eventual smash-up. When compared to Trump, Tuberville is acting in an angry and silly way. But he is having an effect on military morale and on America’s reputation. We can never ever hope for the Republicans to come to their senses, disengage completely with Trump and all that is MAGA. It is now in their souls and Tuberville reflects that. There is no point really in hoping for an evolution of that Party away from the cursed direction they have taken. At some point there will be revolution.
2.
I think therefore that it should be started (legally) on the Democrats’ terms. In the second part of her essay Professor Cox Richardson wrote about Trump’s vile tweet with its naked threat. This must not be tolerated. I don’t give a flying fuck if he was at one time President if the United States. He has flouted the norms of courteous conduct and extra respect for former holders of the Office.
At this point there must be a campaign directed towards those who control his legal fate. There needs to be extreme pressure, aided by a bold, in your face public messaging program, to have Trump be summarily punished for not upholding the conditions of his parole. Otherwise he will grow more emboldened by the day and we will continue to utter our painfully weak “tsk, tsks”.
Suppose in a perfect world Judge Tanya Chutkan we’re to slap an immediate two week jail sentence on him. Revoke his bail and have him arrested and confined for a short period of time.
This will surely wrongfoot his lawyers, supporters and the great man /s himself. I presume there’d be an appeal, but I don’t know the law. Whether or not the two weeks were served it would be a fierce shot across the bow, sign that Americans who believe in democratic norms are fed up.
Perhaps it would incite violence amongst Trump‘s slavish adherents. I do not wish for that. However it’s going to come anyway. Let it come now when they are unprepared and at their weakest because so many are jailed. In other words, let the confrontation be righteously sparked by those who have opposed him all along.
If it doesn’t come, then Trump will have been blessed with a teachable moment. He may realize that the importance of those supporting more feverishly because of his indictments is not as unconditional as it sounds.
I am beyond fed up. Somebody always finds a reason to do nothing.
I agree, Eric O’Donnell, about painfully weak tsk tsks. What would happen to any other defendant who flouted the terms of his bond? I like your plan that he and his supporters have a learning experience they are not expecting.
Treason?
Paul and Tuberville are not doing their job. I say “Impeach them.”
Shame on Tuberville, Paul and the members of the (so-called) Freedom Caucus for putting our country at risk!
James F Davis: Define "National Security". I have yet to find anyone in government or elsewhere who gives a satisfactory answer.
The security of our nation.
Laura G: That is a circular argument. Be specific. What is the "security of our nation"? And is it our nation? Have you traveled the USA? Different places and folks are very different from other places and folks.
Gee, timmy, not trolly at all.....
Do you really need a definition of "security of our nation?" If you do, head for some dumb ass site. Adults use this one.
Thank you, Bret. I was smh....who IS that guy.
Bret Yeilding: Define "Security of our nation". Define "our nation". Making insults at me doesn't obscure the fact that you can't answer the question.
Ooooooh.... good one, timmy. I'll give your post all the attention it deserves. See below.
Troll alert!
I know. But I bit and responded. Felt good. Arghh.
Thank you, Red. Not to mention the 400 MILLION guns owned by a minority of violent and angry Americans, leaving out decent gun owners (the majority, probably) who are trained in the use of guns and know the proper way to hunt and keep people safe.
I'm not sure that you can divide gun owners like this. After all, human beings are all subject to being impulsive, angry, reckless, careless, tired, misinformed, frustrated, etc. Throw a gun into this mix and anyone can do something they might regret later. That we accept that guns are so widely distributed among the population is just weird to me.
Red Thread: That is a very good answer to the question of what is national security and what is a nation.
For me, my biggest insecurity is the government in Washington DC, Sacramento, and the local county and city. They are the ones I'm afraid of.
Personally, I don't see how the USA can last much longer. It will go broke and split up like the Soviet Union did in 1991.
The globalists wants one central government but the small government movement is growing. Centralization is failing. Local communities are banding together.
Decentralization is the future.
I beg to differ. The real dysfunction is that we DON'T have a global government that has universal standards. To include freedom of speech, freedom FROM religion, freedom from Oligarchal control, true one vote/one person democracy, true protections of national boundaries, complete female rights and bodily autonomy, universal healthcare and education...
The REAL problem is that the UN has no teeth to stop a Vicious Madman like Putin from committing genocide. A sensible human species would have removed him from power in 2014.
No, decentralization gives us tribal local yahoos like Tuberville and DeSantis who live in a frightened white male antique bigoted mindset from the 19th century.
The real enemies of mankind are the whackos who find "pornography" in truthful books. The real perverts are the book banners who intimidate local school boards. The enemies we should be afraid of are the MAGA maniacs who threaten election workers when they lose elections.
Washington DC is filled with thousands of under-appreciated quiet hard working people who don't want to get caught in political crossfires. They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes, follow sensible environmental rules, help write bills to fund good infrastructure projects. And so much more stuff that a civilized country needs done.
Demonizing DC is like condemning your own family. But we do need to elect people who have an interest in helping people - not fighting stupid primitive culture wars.
Vote Blue - No Matter WHO.
Bill, Bravo for everything you wrote! I was a civil servant in NYC throughout my 40 years career. To serve was an honor and joy! Let’s ignore the troll who has snuck in to malign everyone. I am not sure what his takeaway is from being here. No more oxygen for trolls.
Bill Alstrom: You lost me with "They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes". Taxes are theft. They are extortion payments to the Government Gang.
Don't think so? See what happens if you don't pay your protection money to DC or your county gang.
Do you receive social security benefits? Medicare? Just curious.
Elisabeth Iler: Asking personal financial questions is a big NO-NO where I come from.
People like you, Mr. Taes, are a big NO-NO where I come from. I will no longer interchange with you. I feel sorry for everyone who knows you.
You know very well what the issue is. Tuberville is undermining the military, which protects the nation in a dangerous world.
Michael Bales: LOL! When has the military protected you or me in a dangerous world? Give an example please.
WWII in which my father gave up his future after he was drafted.
MLMinET: Your father had his future taken from him when he was drafted.
There are strip malls everywhere, fast food everywhere, social security checks, medicare, and medicaid everywhere. From Maine to Guam, our military would defend our territory if threatened. Our diplomats work for all of us, from Florida to Alaska. Who's security should we be less concerned about?
Steve Abbott: So we as Americans are united by strip malls, fast food, social security checks, medicare and medicaid. What does that say about Americans?
The diplomats work for their pensions. So does the military or the southern border would be closed and secure.
Would your version of a better society be like "Lord of the Flies"?
Our military has indeed been used for really bad stuff, but without it, we could be living under Putin or the offspring of Hitler...
BTW, pensions are a sign of good social planning. We all work to have a decent retirement, don't we? Without diplomats we would have a lot more conflict, a lot more war and death. That's one of their functions.
Bill Alstrom: I hated that book "Lord of the Flies". It was pure government gang propaganda.
How do you figure Hitler or Putin could conquer the USA? Hitler couldn't even get to England. Putin has no transports and neither does China.
Well, gee. I sure wish those diplomats would wake up from their martini hangovers and go to work soon because the USA has been at war almost my whole life.
Like it or not, things like strip malls are a ubiquitous part of American culture. So are the social safety nets that allow so many to live with a modicum of dignity into old age. That you assume members of the diplomatic corps and military work solely for their pensions (pensions are also part of most work cultures) says more about you than those who serve. Our southern boarder is a mess because we, as a people, can't agree on how to clean it up. Mexico is our largest trading partner, with legal trade dwarfing even the elicit drug trade. It is unrealistic to close that boarder. Plus, you are ignoring the ~70% drop in illegal crossings since Biden's new rules went into effect. If we ignore what works, what chance do we have?
Steve Abbott: What 70% drop in illegal crossings? Over four million illegals have crossed the border since Biden became President.
The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.
I figured out that if I'd been able to keep all the taxes I paid into Social Security and Medicare all my working life. And if I'd invested that money every paycheck in an S & P 500 Index Fund, I would have had over $1 million dollars when I retired.
SS is a Ponzi scheme.
“The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.” Please give us data, that prove that no one gets a pension unless they were government employees. You might want to re-word your statement.
Anne Dempsey: I know of no one in private industry who gets a pension. I do know of people in private industry who lost their pensions back in the 1980s when their company was bought out or went bankrupt.
If you want data, look it up yourself.
The government employees in Police and Fire retire at 50 with full pensions and benefits if they have worked 30 years. A few years ago their pensions were increased 50% here in California. It's one of the major reasons that the state, counties, and cities are going broke.
Or you may have had some terrible accident, become disabled, and still have social security and Medicare benefits long after your nest egg would have run out. I was able to (almost) do both on a middle class income. If I had to foot the bill for all my parent's medical and living expenses at the end of their lives, I would have no savings to speak of. That was largely paid for by their Social Security benefits and Medicare. So, according to you, I (and millions of others) will have a reasonably secure retirement thanks to a Ponzi scheme.
Steve Abbott: Our generation is the last one that will have that "reasonably secure retirement". There aren't enough workers putting money into Social Security and Medicare to keep the Ponzi Scheme going much longer.
SS and Medicare taxes will go up and benefits will go down.
You can't change the numbers.
Health, safety & wellbeing of the people in the broadest sense. Of course with that definition Congress does a pretty poor job overall.
How do you define national security?
No, Timmy, you are incorrect. Many ancestors were fleeing their countries from tyrannical leaders. They sought security and some found it here. Others were forcibly brought here not of their own volition. Are you certain you are on the right substack page?
Trolls like to eat
James F Davis: That's a pretty good definition. I don't believe in national security. There is only individual security. Isn't that why our ancestors emigrated to the USA?
That's an interesting thought. Has anyone done any research on how much Russia and China donate to GOP campaigns?
Is Tuberville still mad about secure US facility returned to CO from AL?