On January 6, insurrectionists trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election stormed the U.S. Capitol and sent our lawmakers into hiding. Since President Joe Biden took office on January 20, just two weeks after the attack, we have been engaged in a great struggle between those trying to restore our democracy and those determined to undermine it.
I appreciate this cogent summary of the year that was, Professor Richardson. Thank you for this and for all your letters this year. As we move into 2022, I think of a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill: “When going through hell, keep going." Let's keep going, friends
It’s funny! Three years ago…feel the shift and where we seemed to be heading, I went and checked Churchill’s most recent biography out of the library. I started reading it. I need to check it out again for inspiration! My mantra at that time was, “Where is Churchill when we need him?” In the absence of the man, the next best thing was the lessons!
Your summary of political, social and economic achievements of the Biden administration should be required reading for all who claim government cannot restore the strength of our country. Yes, there were a few “slips” but lessons are always learned when risks are undertaken. This administration does not sugarcoat the realities of where we are and what needs to be accomplished. Unfortunately the Republican posture has no backbone. Your knowledge, insight and wisdom has carried me through 2021. 2022 is going to be a wild ride but your letters will help all of us who read your letters religiously.
Thank you, Ann. I considered sending this Letter to the few hard-core Republicans that I still speak to, but decided against bothering. One of my friends has two children, who now claim to be anti-TFG, but remain committed to their party, and when given one of Heather's letters, actually laughed, calling it ridiculous. What MUST happen is to work tirelessly to pass both voting rights bills, so that those of us who recognize the risks we face can save everyone, including those who don't have a clue.
Well said. I had to stop sharing HCRs letters with those unwilling to open their eyes to the truth. Frustration was consuming me. Their willful ignorance defies logic. We must do what it takes to pass voting rights bills.
I'm with you. Some small minority have been hoodwinked, but I believe the rest are, as you say, willfully ignorant. We must be proactive, and leave the reeducation to others, if it can be accomplished, but I doubt that will happen.
I don’t think it is ignorance. It it tribalism. And the pleasure of belonging to a group. Would you be open to being educated out of your belief system/ religion?
I agree that tribalism is involved, but if a person is shown facts and figures that refute the premise that person has held as the truth and refuses to accept that he/she has come to a mistaken conclusion, then it follows that willful ignorance is the reason for that refusal.
Keep sending them anyway. As we've learned from corporate American advertising, repetition sells. Unfortunately, they won't read it all the way through....it's not bullet points.
They'll be unmoved. Logic doesn't apply, and the two referenced in my post are both well-educated and get plenty of information from their mother (my good friend). Apparently, the fact that they now claim to disapprove of Trump is an absolution of them for everything their party is currently doing to destroy democracy.
Nancy, This letter is full of facts Maybe the anti-TFG will pay attention to it. Especially if their stocks are going up. That’s the only god some of them have
The problem with these facts, accurate though they are, is that they'd be interpreted as coming from the left side of the aisle, so they're fake news. The numbers on the economy, jobless rates, and other good news will be labeled socialist propaganda and then countered with the false premise that this "socialist uncontrolled spending" will ruin our economy and make us a welfare state. If facts could change their minds, they would have before now, and 67% of Republicans would not believe that the election had been stolen. They need the current narrative to justify their insane behavior. If the facts are helpful in engaging all Democrats to put aside their bickering and help to get the voters to the polls, that's where we'll beat these cretins.
They don’t read that closely. Honestly, I think they read anything ‘we’ send them with an eye for what they can pounce on and refute. It’s so sad and helpless feeling.
Did not care for it. I’ve lived through it, am living through it, and am worried about the future. I don’t need a movie like this, well acted or not. Anyone who might benefit from this won’t be watching it. After the first half hour there was nothing new to say.
Meri Bond, - It’s about us, TFG and the warming environment.. Don’t Look Up is real, a contender. Amusing. Terrifyingly real. It will happen or it won’t, while we’re here. Space poses the question: what, why, where and when - will it happen. Big Bang. Black Hole. God? The far edge. Photosynthesis? Where? Water? Where. Atomic table, everywhere. Smallest living things? Getting destroyed. Covid-19: the result. Living through this? Hope so. Booster City. Addiction. Obesity epidemic Diabetes 2. Oral, anal, genital. Self knowledge? 54 Great Books. OED new edition. Starving insects. Birds. Plankton suffocating. Oxygen destroyed. Water fouled. Don’t Look Up. Look down, the poor are dying. And they’re Black.
What an excellent summation of the year Professor! And such wonderful comments! I find I can add little to this wealth of knowledge and insight. I will however add this bit, that arises from my meditation practice, as I seek to fine tune the clutter and the chatter of events. So much of where we find ourselves seems connected to the idea of faith in goodness. That those of us here and millions like us across the land keep the candles of hope and faith in the basic goodness of people lit, and that our opposition, for lack of a better term, have extinguished theirs, or perhaps never believed in this fundamental to begin with. Wishing you all a 2022 pregnant with the possibilities of a brighter future. Namaste 🙏
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
I too am often tempted to share with those that have no clue to civic duties, functions or our true history but then realize life itself requires oxygen so believe it is important to share this with others that are just tired of the disinformation and are tempted to give up. We must never give up. Never. Keep reading. Keep believing.
I absolutely agree with your statement: "the Democrats’ biggest miscalculation might well be refusing to address the disinformation of the Republicans directly in order to promote bipartisanship and move the country forward together." The Dems don't have to play dirty. They just have to speak up and point out the lies. :(
I agree, however I've noticed that to the other side, a criticism or pointing out anything critically, now matter how truthful, can FEEL like an attack. IMHO, it's a fine line and must be handled carefully, standing by the idea that truths are being aired in the name of democracy as opposed to shots being fired for the purpose of getting votes.
Part of the problem is that you cannot reason with unreasonable people. No matter the good faith, rock solid truth, and gentle delivery of a truthful and accurate statement it will be met with either a blast of vitriol or a thoughtful, well reasoned, "Nu uh. Fake news".
I have tried. I have given up engaging on social media with these so-called friends, people that I served with that I thought were good, honest, moral people that are showing themselves to be anything but when it comes to destroying our country in the name of their version of our country which does not include over half of us
I have made no headway either. What I see is lots of flag waving and complaints about things that are complex with no simple answers. I am trying to help some of the Bernie types here in Salem to try to understand that dissing Biden does not help either. No progress there either. Now I see that the Central Point schmuck who insulted Biden on Christmas Eve might run for office good little Trumper and of course, "Christian" that he is.
My "favorite" Oregon crackpot of the year is Mike Nearman, who was booted from the state Legislature after opening a door to the closed Capitol, allowing right-wing protestors inside. I hope the same fate awaits U.S. members of Congress who aided and abetted the insurrection.
Yes, he certainly gets a nod for crackpot of the year, but he is more than that, a goon that was willing to endanger his fellow legislators. I am glad they threw him out. And yes, I hope that the insurrectionists are treated as the underminers of our form of government as they should be. It would be nice to see them in jail and no longer in Congress.
Aaargh, I lived and worked in Roseburg, Douglas County, perhaps the epitome of the strange, bizarre thoughts and actions of the radical Republicans. Art ran for congress in that time. I can't believe the things he said and believed. Even worse, were the minions that were on his side. This movement stems from decades ago. It isn't just a Trump phenomenon. In Douglas County at least, bitterness from the Clinton administration which limited clear-cut foresting was one big factor. Another was the evangelical anti-abortion movement.
Haha! Not to mock Oregon, but I left! It really is a beautiful state with lots of wonderful people, such as the Oregonians who post here. It does seem to be suffering trials and tribulations now, though. Stay on it Ally!
I was born and raised in Indiana and I will take Oregon over that any time. Yes, we have problems, but I think many places have the same problems. There are no easy solutions for the unhoused for example. I hope Portland can become a better place again. Unfortunately, it has a small core of dopes who like to vandalize and smash things. I think a lot of them are apolitical, but just like to run wild.
Yes Kim. The people I know in the Tr$p camp mostly seem to think and act out of fear , mistrust. So the Biden admin practice of careful steady action and calming words affirming hope seem the most likely to work long term .
The problem is, we don't have the long term. We have the next ten months, and then an election which will turn on how well people have received the dual messages of improvements in American society and economy, and of the corruption of the previous administration.
If Democrats lose the majority in 2022, there is no need to wait until 2024 to see the direction the country will move. If the House is lost, the January 6 investigations will stop. If the Senate is lost, confirmation of justices will stop. In either case, any laws that substantially improve the lives of Americans will die on the vine, given the Republican governing theory that anything that makes people angry at government helps the cause of the party out of power.
Most important, any bills aimed at making elections reflect the will of the majority will die in one house or the other, allowing state governments to cement permanent minority rule at both the state and national levels.
Up to now, Democrats have been able to periodically reverse the policy mismanagement and corruption of Republican administrations. That seesaw is coming to a stop, and when it does, only one party will have its feet on the ground. If it's the Democrats, it should be possible to rebuild a government that reflects the majority but respects the minority. If it's the Republicans, no Democrat will exercise any amount of power in the national government for a long time.
Long term thinking is great, but it won't work this time. The clock is running out.
Everyone talks about how the Dems are lousy at messaging, but honestly, how does one get a message out? With 20 second sound bites that are forgotten and not repeated after the 24 hour news cycle?
The democrats need their own Lincoln Project style Super PAC. We need to fund a highly creative team that viscerally understands and is dedicated to revealing the difference between the two parties. On an ongoing basis we need eye-catching campaigns targeted to every constituency highlighting what the Democratic Party stands for and why it’s necessary to get out and vote at every level. We have all kinds of PACS and Super PACS, but they are almost always geared towards a candidate, an issue or a specific election.
Dems can't give up because nobody believes them. If the only thing people are hearing is from the GOP, they've got no option but to believe it. Dems need to keep speaking up with the FACTS. It won't convince the diehard Trump followers, but it could win over some of the people who are still on the fence.
That one struck me as well. Unlike others who express hope and faith here, I feel our country is doomed. It doesn't matter what democrats say, the radical right has the upper hand, their propaganda works. It doesn't matter what the investigation of January 6th produces, the trump republicans will convince their followers & more that it is an unlawful conspiracy, and it's findings are lies. The best selling political book this year was a screed against Biden written by Mark Levine. Best. Selling. The last time I tried to share one of HCR's letters with a family member (who's God is Joe Rogan) he laughed and said, Ya, right, this is BS. Tucker Carlson. We can focus on telling the truth, but no one is listening to that, will they listen to "proof" of the lies the radical right are telling?
I hate to say we are doomed but, if every democracy-loving individual doesn't soon wake up, it will be our fate. My sister started watching FOX during the televised Hillary hearings and has become a staunch believer in all things FOX. Both she and her husband watch 2-3-4 hours of that sh*t show every day. My brothers and I have given up trying to 'reason' with them. It's useless. Like your family member, what we're saying is all BS. They trash Biden for being a senile liar, yet they can't see what Trump has done and continues to do. It blows my mind, and it scares the heck out of me that there are thousands/millions who think the same way. Of course, I've been scared ever since Trump was nominated back in 2016. Why would the GOP nominate a mentally impaired, incompetent, dangerous narcissist? Unfortunately, the answer becomes clearer every day.
“Lots to do in ‘22.” Frame it however you want. One friend said to me, “right, Christine, we got shit to do in ‘22.” This was right before a PAC committee meeting to discuss support of local school board candidates in ‘22.
Our advantage over ‘21 is that the initiatives in front of us are focused in ‘22. Voting rights and boosting not only the vax but also our majority in Congress, keeping children out of poverty and all issues of the human infrastructure bill.
I like all of our hands on the wheel and the Light guiding those hands.
Morning, Ally!! Have been taking Heather's advice to take a break when we feel the need. I still read her letters, but truth be told, it's the excellent commentary which I have a hard time NOT reading! I find that the next reply is as good, if not better, than the last. So as we all know, several hundred comments to each Letter makes for heavy overload.
For now, I'd like to be able to "Heart" without replying if at all possible. Will let you know how that works out, she said laughing out loud!
I have been muted too Lynell but taking in all of the wisdom from Heather and all of you on this blog. I think maybe the last time I posted I said I was exhausted. Now Omicron and so many unvaccinated still overwhelming our hospitals. Hopefully this will be over soon. I have been getting outside and walking, doing some meditation, and trying to take of myself while still working. I’m feeling better. Happy New Year to all of you! And thank you all for the work you do in saving our democracy!
Karen, it's good to hear that you are feeling better. Nothing like being outdoors to clear one's head. Being with my horses and cats (and husband!) keeps me grounded. Still, I'm concerned by how you and your community have been so negligently abused. Makes me want to "knock some heads together" at times! Happy New Year to you and yours as well.
And I look as the treasonous, bloated Republicans dance their dance to rule us, not govern us….it’s enough to make a person cry. So I will tilt my chin up, dry my tears, flounce my hair and “walk on by”. We got things to do in ‘22.
Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate, wrote a new poem for this new year called ‘New Days Lyric’. I can’t seem to add a link here but please look it up. Very powerful and speaks so honestly to where we are in this country and the possibilities it holds. Beautiful.
"I'm always shy to quote my own poems, but I believe it in my bones when I say: Come, look up with kindness yet, for wherever we come together, we will forever overcome."
Heather, Thank you for the excellent summary of the year 2021. You write with clarity, truth, insight and hope. We need you more now than ever. Please stay healthy and productive. Blessings, Joe
When WW II broke out, I recall how America, divided by American Firsters, united to fight a common enemy. In the global Pandemic War, I am appalled by how many Republican leaders and Trump sycophants have been treacherous in sabotaging vital war efforts, such as encouraging vaccinations, mask wearing, and other essential wartime measures. Even now, with deaths predicted to exceed 1 million, this Fifth Column continues its dastardly and deadly subversion. I wonder, years hence, how historians will treat these modern-day ‘black marketeers.’
“Is this the darkness of the tomb, or the darkness of the womb?” This quote, from American activist Valarie Kaur inspires me. It sums up our exhausting effort and reminds me to keep going. “Letters from an American” has been a source of balanced research, historical perspective, and informed opinion. Everyday, I never fail to appreciate the effort HCR puts into this. Deep Thanks, Heather.
Amid the coordinated efforts by Trump and the Republican Party to put in place an infrastructure to control the outcome of future elections despite what the votes might say, in my view, the defining question of 22 is whether mainstream institutions of American life will hold up to what is unfolding.
One disturbing fact is that, while a huge percentage of Republicans believe democracy is under assault, the same cannot be said of Democrats. Hence, as the people who actually are the real threat to democracy believe they are defending it, for far too many others a kind of complacency seems to have set in. Some commentators have surmised that perhaps these people think, since Trump wasn’t able to steal the election when he held all the levers of the Presidency, that he hardly would be in a position to do it in 2024. The fact, however, contrary to the haphazard attempt in 2020, is that what we’re seeing now is being methodically plotted out as an ironclad veto of the people’s choice. And unless a walloping majority of voters acknowledge the urgency of that threat and are out there organizing for voting rights and pressing for Senate Democrats to set aside the filibuster to save our democracy, make no mistake: the false grievances that the 2020 election was stolen will prevail unimpeded. Last, I would note, though 2021 saw President Biden doing many good things—HCR rightfully has praised his work on the economy, on vaccinations, and on much more—as the most powerful person in the country, Biden must lead the charge against the filibuster, against the big lie, against all of the Trump plots yesterday’s Associated Press identified in its standout piece “‘Slow-motion insurrection’: How GOP seizes election power.”
You bring up a point that I have noticed frequently: That when one of my RWNJ (Right Wing Nut Job) friends makes a statement, produces (or copies), or in some other form a brief statement that I happen to agree with (i.e. "Democracy is under attack") I find that while I agree 100%, our belief in who the attackers are is not the same. I have attempted to engage in some meaningful conversations over this, and pointing out to these RWNJ's that there is someone who stands to profit greatly from a divided America, I am met with such sound and reasoned thinking as "you drunk the coolaid" or "your just a demoncrat" (direct quotes, both of them, spelling and grammar intact). I had read that AP article yesterday; chilling.
However, I keep reading about how the R's are most likely going to take back control during the mid terms.
This scares me so much. I keep looking at how Obama had to fight so hard and if the R's take back control I fear come 2024 things will only get worse and we end up with an R as president.
Especially when it seems like the MSM are more into things like D's are bickering and fighting among themselves or stories about how President Biden is so unpopular that we are doomed.
So I've been telling people to write letters to the editor of their local papers. To write letter to the big MSM companies and tell them that it's time to step up for our country and stop with the BS reports about the negativity and start posting about how much President Biden has done to help all the citizens.
And we need to do something in regards to faux news.
On the bright side, my husband was in a major decline a week before Christmas and I was worried that he not bounce back.
We slept through Christmas and got eight wonderful hours of sleep and now my husband seems to be back to where he was before.
So I think we're going to sleep through news years.
There are days I shake in my boots. I worry if the authoritarian republicans will really pull off the bloodless coup they’ve been working so hard on for so long. It has changed the way my day-to-day activities have been for so long, but I can’t let it be front and center in my life any more for the sake of my mental health.
For many years, long before the 2016, I read the news voraciously, tuned into cable news and generally felt informed and not fearful of our democracy being dismantled. When the republicans were shoving and kicking to see who would get the nomination, Donald Trump stuck out like a sore thumb. I remembered him and his antics all too well while I lived in PA and NJ. Even back then I had no respect for him because of his personal lack of morals, decency, and integrity. When he threw his hat into the ring I told everyone who slowed down long enough to be button-holed exactly what I thought about him. I did my best, I’m not sure I changed anyone’s mind, but I tried. His election and administration was one outrage after another, of course. All this culminated in his refusal to accept the results of the election, which, in turn, with lots of help from cronies outside of the government as well as more help from elected Congressmen and women on the inside who were happy to promote and enable a seditious riot.
So here we are. Professor Cox Richardson writes her Letter to an American, which I cling to like a life ring in the ocean. I allow myself to feel comfortable and reassured while I am reading her letter. I am delighted that it is delivered in the late evening so I can read the letter, feel the reassurance wash over me. Then I can close down all my devices, get ready for bed and sleep a bit more comfortably than I would without her letter.
But, inevitably, morning arrives with all the frightening news I tried to avoid the evening before. I listen to music stations on Public Radio from all over - with no news breaks or commercials. When it’s later in the day, I might put on a mindless rom-com, or an interesting documentary. I don’t go out much - COVID is always the elephant in the closet - and it’s winter so I don’t have many gardening opportunities.
When I can’t put the horrible things in our current lives out of my mind what ever I do, I shake in my boots!
I hear you. The days when I could rush home from work, tune in to Walter (yes, I’m old), and still have the gumption to focus on family, friends and my life, are gone. Have been since Rupert was given permission to tear our world apart. The propaganda network is “Walter” to many, hence our “alternative facts.” Since the election, I keep waiting for a blast from the Dems to counter the narrative and get some traction. Some have tried heroically. Joe travels the country making speeches while Fox spews lies at 90 decibels. Seems every republican follows chump’s strategy of chaos upon chaos with hate thrown in. We are drowning; Heather’s lifeboat is so welcome but only holds the choir, it seems. Truth is so intoxicating and welcome. Churchill keeps me grounded “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” My enthusiasm flags often but we must plod on with as much energy as we can muster. Evil is very energetic these days, as it was in Winston’s time. Success is still ours to grasp.
“write an American story of hope, not fear… [a] story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history…. That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived.”
You have a choice. Succumb to the fear or help "democracy and hope, truth and justice" thrive.
This should be read out loud on every "mainstream" tv/radio station, printed in every newspaper, and spread far and wide over as much "social" media as possible. Flood all forms of the media!! The power of the pen has a far greater reach than ever before.
Yes, as was pointed out in an earlier letter, the power of the pen is great. Thomas Paine helped to rally us after the psychologically significant Battle of Trenton to spread the message to the first American People, who had many Tories in their midst working diligently to thwart our Revolution. He told them that determined citizen soldiers led by capable officers in our army, could, astonishingly, win against the very powerful British and their supporters here. Like then, we are winning now. It may not alway appear as such because our route is a discursive one that is made even more so by a large and virulent minority bent on hindering our country’s progress long enough to retake power over the majority by any means possible. This will never happen, and they know they’ve already lost, but they persist in their self destructive delusions stoked by lies and cynical disinformation in their echo chamber, meant to play to the fears of people afraid to embrace progressive change. Our country wins when we work together for goals that benefit the majority…not the minority….of Americans. Sometimes it’s hard for people to see that for just what it is, but that is the way we humans can be. Like Washington during our Revolution, it seemed that our quest to establish a new country would be “smothered in its cradle”; a terrible phrase McConnell recently used to characterize his efforts to stop our duly elected president Joe Biden’s efforts to right the ship of state after a very corrosive four years brought about by the former president and his misguided supporters. We don’t gain anything by being divided but there are times when we need to strike more decisively against those who would hobble us internally. Joe Biden has decided that the best pathway for our country to unite and succeed is to show results and let the results please the majority and win over the doubters. It’s how we roll in a successful democracy, and we must show patience more now than frustration, by keeping to this better but harder path. And like those who faught so hard for our freedom in 1776, we must recognize that it will be our determination to succeed and calmness in the face of opponents who favor minority rule over the will of the majority, that wins the day in 2022, and in the decades ahead. God Bless America, today and always. Happy New Year everyone!
History writes many successes and failures, we can pick and choose which we want to be, if we are not history blind. "Those who study history are doomed to repeat it. Yet those who do study history are doomed to stand by helplessly while everyone else repeats it." Cartoon by Tom Toro from The New Yorker
Yes, but they’d have to figure out how to condense it into pithy sound bite form and/or make it an epic battle of good and evil, lest the easily bored go back to playing video games or watching Dancing With The Stars.
exactly. I fault our "free press" for much of this. They have followed Rupert down the rabbit hole with disastrous consequences. Where is Edward R. Murrow? No, we don't need Frank Luntz' sophisticated lies. Nancy and Adam try but they are drowned out by the hate mongers. Robert Reich is a great spokesperson but he has no "reach" to compare with Fox. Bloomberg is the only one with the reach, maybe he will rejoin the effort with renewed vigor. I dream.
Biden is a great President. The GOP has power but not legitimacy as it flaunts decency and constitutional precedence. Whatever news comes our way in 2022, it is a privilege to serve the country simply by remaining dedicated to truth, transparency, equality, and justice.
Yes, the Democrats chose the high road in 2021. But, unfortunately for the nation, the high road (as they defined it) was to ignore the Big Lie and to refuse to vigorously call out the Republicans for their blatant attacks on democracy. By refusing to fight fire with fire, they have appeared timid and allowed the Republicans to control the narrative regarding the 2020 election. They have also dropped the ball when it comes to touting their achievements. In your role as historian, your Letters do a better job of pointing out the administration’s accomplishments than the Democratic party has done this year.
I appreciate this cogent summary of the year that was, Professor Richardson. Thank you for this and for all your letters this year. As we move into 2022, I think of a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill: “When going through hell, keep going." Let's keep going, friends
I must add my favorite admonition, “ Never, never, never give up. - Winston Churchill.
This is the time we must insist on decent and legal outcomes.
Thank you, Art! I sent a card with this Churchill quote to my son when he was deployed to Afghanistan
I keep looking for a Churchill during this critical time; substituting HCR.
It’s funny! Three years ago…feel the shift and where we seemed to be heading, I went and checked Churchill’s most recent biography out of the library. I started reading it. I need to check it out again for inspiration! My mantra at that time was, “Where is Churchill when we need him?” In the absence of the man, the next best thing was the lessons!
Adore the man. Don’t miss Darkest Hour on Netflix. It is wonderful. And yes, keep going we must. Thank you, ClaireBlue!
"Darkest Hour" is wonderful - thank you, Cary!
Your summary of political, social and economic achievements of the Biden administration should be required reading for all who claim government cannot restore the strength of our country. Yes, there were a few “slips” but lessons are always learned when risks are undertaken. This administration does not sugarcoat the realities of where we are and what needs to be accomplished. Unfortunately the Republican posture has no backbone. Your knowledge, insight and wisdom has carried me through 2021. 2022 is going to be a wild ride but your letters will help all of us who read your letters religiously.
Thank you, Ann. I considered sending this Letter to the few hard-core Republicans that I still speak to, but decided against bothering. One of my friends has two children, who now claim to be anti-TFG, but remain committed to their party, and when given one of Heather's letters, actually laughed, calling it ridiculous. What MUST happen is to work tirelessly to pass both voting rights bills, so that those of us who recognize the risks we face can save everyone, including those who don't have a clue.
Well said. I had to stop sharing HCRs letters with those unwilling to open their eyes to the truth. Frustration was consuming me. Their willful ignorance defies logic. We must do what it takes to pass voting rights bills.
Trying to talk to such people just seems to make them dig deeper into their hole. I tried with my brother but finally quit for that reason.
Me too.
I'm with you. Some small minority have been hoodwinked, but I believe the rest are, as you say, willfully ignorant. We must be proactive, and leave the reeducation to others, if it can be accomplished, but I doubt that will happen.
I don’t think it is ignorance. It it tribalism. And the pleasure of belonging to a group. Would you be open to being educated out of your belief system/ religion?
I agree that tribalism is involved, but if a person is shown facts and figures that refute the premise that person has held as the truth and refuses to accept that he/she has come to a mistaken conclusion, then it follows that willful ignorance is the reason for that refusal.
Those blindly accepting lies while refuting facts are, in my opinion, willfully ignorant.
Keep sending them anyway. As we've learned from corporate American advertising, repetition sells. Unfortunately, they won't read it all the way through....it's not bullet points.
And that is why we need good bullet points. We can say things that are simple, emotionally compelling, and true.
They'll be unmoved. Logic doesn't apply, and the two referenced in my post are both well-educated and get plenty of information from their mother (my good friend). Apparently, the fact that they now claim to disapprove of Trump is an absolution of them for everything their party is currently doing to destroy democracy.
Nancy, This letter is full of facts Maybe the anti-TFG will pay attention to it. Especially if their stocks are going up. That’s the only god some of them have
The problem with these facts, accurate though they are, is that they'd be interpreted as coming from the left side of the aisle, so they're fake news. The numbers on the economy, jobless rates, and other good news will be labeled socialist propaganda and then countered with the false premise that this "socialist uncontrolled spending" will ruin our economy and make us a welfare state. If facts could change their minds, they would have before now, and 67% of Republicans would not believe that the election had been stolen. They need the current narrative to justify their insane behavior. If the facts are helpful in engaging all Democrats to put aside their bickering and help to get the voters to the polls, that's where we'll beat these cretins.
They don’t read that closely. Honestly, I think they read anything ‘we’ send them with an eye for what they can pounce on and refute. It’s so sad and helpless feeling.
Don’t Look Up
A brilliant take on the djt years...highly recommend it...
Did not care for it. I’ve lived through it, am living through it, and am worried about the future. I don’t need a movie like this, well acted or not. Anyone who might benefit from this won’t be watching it. After the first half hour there was nothing new to say.
Meri Bond, - It’s about us, TFG and the warming environment.. Don’t Look Up is real, a contender. Amusing. Terrifyingly real. It will happen or it won’t, while we’re here. Space poses the question: what, why, where and when - will it happen. Big Bang. Black Hole. God? The far edge. Photosynthesis? Where? Water? Where. Atomic table, everywhere. Smallest living things? Getting destroyed. Covid-19: the result. Living through this? Hope so. Booster City. Addiction. Obesity epidemic Diabetes 2. Oral, anal, genital. Self knowledge? 54 Great Books. OED new edition. Starving insects. Birds. Plankton suffocating. Oxygen destroyed. Water fouled. Don’t Look Up. Look down, the poor are dying. And they’re Black.
And I was worried about losing our democracy, lol. Quite seriously, I’m concerned about so many things, it’s amazing I function as well as I do.
What an excellent summation of the year Professor! And such wonderful comments! I find I can add little to this wealth of knowledge and insight. I will however add this bit, that arises from my meditation practice, as I seek to fine tune the clutter and the chatter of events. So much of where we find ourselves seems connected to the idea of faith in goodness. That those of us here and millions like us across the land keep the candles of hope and faith in the basic goodness of people lit, and that our opposition, for lack of a better term, have extinguished theirs, or perhaps never believed in this fundamental to begin with. Wishing you all a 2022 pregnant with the possibilities of a brighter future. Namaste 🙏
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Few words written of greater wisdom than these 🙏
I like your focus on the basic goodness of people and working towards a brighter 2022!
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."
James Keller
I too am often tempted to share with those that have no clue to civic duties, functions or our true history but then realize life itself requires oxygen so believe it is important to share this with others that are just tired of the disinformation and are tempted to give up. We must never give up. Never. Keep reading. Keep believing.
Namaste 🙏 Jeff
🙏
I absolutely agree with your statement: "the Democrats’ biggest miscalculation might well be refusing to address the disinformation of the Republicans directly in order to promote bipartisanship and move the country forward together." The Dems don't have to play dirty. They just have to speak up and point out the lies. :(
I agree, however I've noticed that to the other side, a criticism or pointing out anything critically, now matter how truthful, can FEEL like an attack. IMHO, it's a fine line and must be handled carefully, standing by the idea that truths are being aired in the name of democracy as opposed to shots being fired for the purpose of getting votes.
Part of the problem is that you cannot reason with unreasonable people. No matter the good faith, rock solid truth, and gentle delivery of a truthful and accurate statement it will be met with either a blast of vitriol or a thoughtful, well reasoned, "Nu uh. Fake news".
I have tried. I have given up engaging on social media with these so-called friends, people that I served with that I thought were good, honest, moral people that are showing themselves to be anything but when it comes to destroying our country in the name of their version of our country which does not include over half of us
I have made no headway either. What I see is lots of flag waving and complaints about things that are complex with no simple answers. I am trying to help some of the Bernie types here in Salem to try to understand that dissing Biden does not help either. No progress there either. Now I see that the Central Point schmuck who insulted Biden on Christmas Eve might run for office good little Trumper and of course, "Christian" that he is.
He’s “Joe the plumber” from McCain’s time.
Quickly and mercifully faded into oblivion.
Let's hope. Central Point is the kind of place who would elect this schmuck.
We sure do have our share of crackpots here, don't we?
My "favorite" Oregon crackpot of the year is Mike Nearman, who was booted from the state Legislature after opening a door to the closed Capitol, allowing right-wing protestors inside. I hope the same fate awaits U.S. members of Congress who aided and abetted the insurrection.
Yes, he certainly gets a nod for crackpot of the year, but he is more than that, a goon that was willing to endanger his fellow legislators. I am glad they threw him out. And yes, I hope that the insurrectionists are treated as the underminers of our form of government as they should be. It would be nice to see them in jail and no longer in Congress.
Indeed we do. My fav is that jerk who ran against DeFazio and wanted people to send him their urine...Art Robinson, now in the state legislature.
Aaargh, I lived and worked in Roseburg, Douglas County, perhaps the epitome of the strange, bizarre thoughts and actions of the radical Republicans. Art ran for congress in that time. I can't believe the things he said and believed. Even worse, were the minions that were on his side. This movement stems from decades ago. It isn't just a Trump phenomenon. In Douglas County at least, bitterness from the Clinton administration which limited clear-cut foresting was one big factor. Another was the evangelical anti-abortion movement.
Yeah, he's top of the list.
Haha! Not to mock Oregon, but I left! It really is a beautiful state with lots of wonderful people, such as the Oregonians who post here. It does seem to be suffering trials and tribulations now, though. Stay on it Ally!
I was born and raised in Indiana and I will take Oregon over that any time. Yes, we have problems, but I think many places have the same problems. There are no easy solutions for the unhoused for example. I hope Portland can become a better place again. Unfortunately, it has a small core of dopes who like to vandalize and smash things. I think a lot of them are apolitical, but just like to run wild.
Yes Kim. The people I know in the Tr$p camp mostly seem to think and act out of fear , mistrust. So the Biden admin practice of careful steady action and calming words affirming hope seem the most likely to work long term .
The problem is, we don't have the long term. We have the next ten months, and then an election which will turn on how well people have received the dual messages of improvements in American society and economy, and of the corruption of the previous administration.
If Democrats lose the majority in 2022, there is no need to wait until 2024 to see the direction the country will move. If the House is lost, the January 6 investigations will stop. If the Senate is lost, confirmation of justices will stop. In either case, any laws that substantially improve the lives of Americans will die on the vine, given the Republican governing theory that anything that makes people angry at government helps the cause of the party out of power.
Most important, any bills aimed at making elections reflect the will of the majority will die in one house or the other, allowing state governments to cement permanent minority rule at both the state and national levels.
Up to now, Democrats have been able to periodically reverse the policy mismanagement and corruption of Republican administrations. That seesaw is coming to a stop, and when it does, only one party will have its feet on the ground. If it's the Democrats, it should be possible to rebuild a government that reflects the majority but respects the minority. If it's the Republicans, no Democrat will exercise any amount of power in the national government for a long time.
Long term thinking is great, but it won't work this time. The clock is running out.
Everyone talks about how the Dems are lousy at messaging, but honestly, how does one get a message out? With 20 second sound bites that are forgotten and not repeated after the 24 hour news cycle?
The democrats need their own Lincoln Project style Super PAC. We need to fund a highly creative team that viscerally understands and is dedicated to revealing the difference between the two parties. On an ongoing basis we need eye-catching campaigns targeted to every constituency highlighting what the Democratic Party stands for and why it’s necessary to get out and vote at every level. We have all kinds of PACS and Super PACS, but they are almost always geared towards a candidate, an issue or a specific election.
In story form: https://youtu.be/iZme-GsKv_g (Mayberry Comes to Life - Ted Koppel)
Totally agree. That's why I stipulate Dems don't have to play dirty. Just counter the misinformation and lies with FACTS.
And how is that accomplished when your arguments and words are suspect from the get go?
Dems can't give up because nobody believes them. If the only thing people are hearing is from the GOP, they've got no option but to believe it. Dems need to keep speaking up with the FACTS. It won't convince the diehard Trump followers, but it could win over some of the people who are still on the fence.
Yes, Joan. That's absolutely a problem.
Spot on Kim!!
That one struck me as well. Unlike others who express hope and faith here, I feel our country is doomed. It doesn't matter what democrats say, the radical right has the upper hand, their propaganda works. It doesn't matter what the investigation of January 6th produces, the trump republicans will convince their followers & more that it is an unlawful conspiracy, and it's findings are lies. The best selling political book this year was a screed against Biden written by Mark Levine. Best. Selling. The last time I tried to share one of HCR's letters with a family member (who's God is Joe Rogan) he laughed and said, Ya, right, this is BS. Tucker Carlson. We can focus on telling the truth, but no one is listening to that, will they listen to "proof" of the lies the radical right are telling?
I hate to say we are doomed but, if every democracy-loving individual doesn't soon wake up, it will be our fate. My sister started watching FOX during the televised Hillary hearings and has become a staunch believer in all things FOX. Both she and her husband watch 2-3-4 hours of that sh*t show every day. My brothers and I have given up trying to 'reason' with them. It's useless. Like your family member, what we're saying is all BS. They trash Biden for being a senile liar, yet they can't see what Trump has done and continues to do. It blows my mind, and it scares the heck out of me that there are thousands/millions who think the same way. Of course, I've been scared ever since Trump was nominated back in 2016. Why would the GOP nominate a mentally impaired, incompetent, dangerous narcissist? Unfortunately, the answer becomes clearer every day.
“Lots to do in ‘22.” Frame it however you want. One friend said to me, “right, Christine, we got shit to do in ‘22.” This was right before a PAC committee meeting to discuss support of local school board candidates in ‘22.
Our advantage over ‘21 is that the initiatives in front of us are focused in ‘22. Voting rights and boosting not only the vax but also our majority in Congress, keeping children out of poverty and all issues of the human infrastructure bill.
I like all of our hands on the wheel and the Light guiding those hands.
Happy New Year! United!
Cheers 🥂🙋🏻🙋🏼🙋🏽🙋🏾🙋🏿
Happy United New Year, Christine. I have muted my voice of late, but my ears are still in gear!
Happy New year to you too, Lynell. We are all going to need ears eyes and voice in this coming year.
Happy New Year to Lynell and all who frequent this blog and especially to HCR who has provided us with history, analysis, and wise words.
Happy New Year, Michele!
Happy New Year - morning/afternoon! -- Stuart!!
Your voice is in my ears every day, Lynell. Our hands are on the wheel. Salud!
Thanks for lending your hand for me, Christine, as we go blue in '22!
Morning, Lynell. I have missed your muted voice, and hoped all was well with you.
Morning, Ally!! Have been taking Heather's advice to take a break when we feel the need. I still read her letters, but truth be told, it's the excellent commentary which I have a hard time NOT reading! I find that the next reply is as good, if not better, than the last. So as we all know, several hundred comments to each Letter makes for heavy overload.
For now, I'd like to be able to "Heart" without replying if at all possible. Will let you know how that works out, she said laughing out loud!
I have been muted too Lynell but taking in all of the wisdom from Heather and all of you on this blog. I think maybe the last time I posted I said I was exhausted. Now Omicron and so many unvaccinated still overwhelming our hospitals. Hopefully this will be over soon. I have been getting outside and walking, doing some meditation, and trying to take of myself while still working. I’m feeling better. Happy New Year to all of you! And thank you all for the work you do in saving our democracy!
Karen, it's good to hear that you are feeling better. Nothing like being outdoors to clear one's head. Being with my horses and cats (and husband!) keeps me grounded. Still, I'm concerned by how you and your community have been so negligently abused. Makes me want to "knock some heads together" at times! Happy New Year to you and yours as well.
I do understand! Happy New Year to you and your family. May we all find peace this year.
Lynell, you have been missed! Happy New Year!
I've missed you, too, Daria...Happy New Year - Morning!!
My husband just called us "The Divided States of America"
That we are, d017, and we've pretty much always been!
Thanks Christine, I wish I could add a whole row of HEARTS to that! A pagefull of them.
YES!!!
All of our hands on the wheel and the Light guiding those hands.
Happy New Year! United!
Happy New Year to you Christine. I love your diverse emoji! 'All hands...."
🎉👍🥂
2021 remembrances, hope in 2022 (Song from Carousel, 1945 Broadway)
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone.
And I look as the treasonous, bloated Republicans dance their dance to rule us, not govern us….it’s enough to make a person cry. So I will tilt my chin up, dry my tears, flounce my hair and “walk on by”. We got things to do in ‘22.
By the elegant Ms Dionne Warwick.
https://youtu.be/vsGsCvJWEo8
" ...things to do in '22'. Got that right, thank you.
Not forgetting her husband and bandleader Johnny Dankworth.
Barbra Streisand's rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" in 2001 after 9/11
https://youtu.be/ozhWlm-EGbo
Ellie Remarkable, unannounced Streisand rendition to close the Emmys two months after 9/11. Brought back powerful memories.
Powerful! Inspiring! Thank you, Ellie!
Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate, wrote a new poem for this new year called ‘New Days Lyric’. I can’t seem to add a link here but please look it up. Very powerful and speaks so honestly to where we are in this country and the possibilities it holds. Beautiful.
I think this is it, Janet.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/read-amanda-gormans-new-years-poem-new-days-lyric-in-full-e2-80-94-we-will-forever-overcome/ar-AAShe8U?ocid=uxbndlbing
"I'm always shy to quote my own poems, but I believe it in my bones when I say: Come, look up with kindness yet, for wherever we come together, we will forever overcome."
Yes it is! 🙏💝
Love Linkin’ Lynell! But yes, do take care of yourself so as not to get consumed by high volume of comments!
Much appreciated, Ellie. Don't know how YOU do it!
Just can't read through all of them like once upon a time when I was getting consumed because they are so compelling!
Ain't that the truth...Morning, Ellie!
Thanks for the link, Lynell.
Her poetry is so uplifting. Reading it is a great way to greet the New Year!
Many thx for the info. She is an inspiration!
Here https://youtu.be/SVfyaRLVvpY
Thank you, Cathy. The video is exquisite.
Just read it. Beautiful, uplifting and full of hope. Thanks for posting.
Sheryl Crows' Safe and Sound after 9 /11 on piano backed by candlelight.
With you, walking on.
Thank you. Let's walk on together.
This tune will be now stuck in my head.
Joe Parkes
Heather, Thank you for the excellent summary of the year 2021. You write with clarity, truth, insight and hope. We need you more now than ever. Please stay healthy and productive. Blessings, Joe
Thank you, Joe for all you have done in your life and aI am sure you continue to do. Warm regards for a Happy NewYear….
When WW II broke out, I recall how America, divided by American Firsters, united to fight a common enemy. In the global Pandemic War, I am appalled by how many Republican leaders and Trump sycophants have been treacherous in sabotaging vital war efforts, such as encouraging vaccinations, mask wearing, and other essential wartime measures. Even now, with deaths predicted to exceed 1 million, this Fifth Column continues its dastardly and deadly subversion. I wonder, years hence, how historians will treat these modern-day ‘black marketeers.’
Mitch plans to rewrite history, hope he eats those words
He makes my blood boil! Such an arrogant and destructive toad.
Your words are too kind in describing McTurtleneck....but true just the same.
“Is this the darkness of the tomb, or the darkness of the womb?” This quote, from American activist Valarie Kaur inspires me. It sums up our exhausting effort and reminds me to keep going. “Letters from an American” has been a source of balanced research, historical perspective, and informed opinion. Everyday, I never fail to appreciate the effort HCR puts into this. Deep Thanks, Heather.
Amid the coordinated efforts by Trump and the Republican Party to put in place an infrastructure to control the outcome of future elections despite what the votes might say, in my view, the defining question of 22 is whether mainstream institutions of American life will hold up to what is unfolding.
One disturbing fact is that, while a huge percentage of Republicans believe democracy is under assault, the same cannot be said of Democrats. Hence, as the people who actually are the real threat to democracy believe they are defending it, for far too many others a kind of complacency seems to have set in. Some commentators have surmised that perhaps these people think, since Trump wasn’t able to steal the election when he held all the levers of the Presidency, that he hardly would be in a position to do it in 2024. The fact, however, contrary to the haphazard attempt in 2020, is that what we’re seeing now is being methodically plotted out as an ironclad veto of the people’s choice. And unless a walloping majority of voters acknowledge the urgency of that threat and are out there organizing for voting rights and pressing for Senate Democrats to set aside the filibuster to save our democracy, make no mistake: the false grievances that the 2020 election was stolen will prevail unimpeded. Last, I would note, though 2021 saw President Biden doing many good things—HCR rightfully has praised his work on the economy, on vaccinations, and on much more—as the most powerful person in the country, Biden must lead the charge against the filibuster, against the big lie, against all of the Trump plots yesterday’s Associated Press identified in its standout piece “‘Slow-motion insurrection’: How GOP seizes election power.”
You bring up a point that I have noticed frequently: That when one of my RWNJ (Right Wing Nut Job) friends makes a statement, produces (or copies), or in some other form a brief statement that I happen to agree with (i.e. "Democracy is under attack") I find that while I agree 100%, our belief in who the attackers are is not the same. I have attempted to engage in some meaningful conversations over this, and pointing out to these RWNJ's that there is someone who stands to profit greatly from a divided America, I am met with such sound and reasoned thinking as "you drunk the coolaid" or "your just a demoncrat" (direct quotes, both of them, spelling and grammar intact). I had read that AP article yesterday; chilling.
Thanks for an excellent letter.
However, I keep reading about how the R's are most likely going to take back control during the mid terms.
This scares me so much. I keep looking at how Obama had to fight so hard and if the R's take back control I fear come 2024 things will only get worse and we end up with an R as president.
Especially when it seems like the MSM are more into things like D's are bickering and fighting among themselves or stories about how President Biden is so unpopular that we are doomed.
So I've been telling people to write letters to the editor of their local papers. To write letter to the big MSM companies and tell them that it's time to step up for our country and stop with the BS reports about the negativity and start posting about how much President Biden has done to help all the citizens.
And we need to do something in regards to faux news.
On the bright side, my husband was in a major decline a week before Christmas and I was worried that he not bounce back.
We slept through Christmas and got eight wonderful hours of sleep and now my husband seems to be back to where he was before.
So I think we're going to sleep through news years.
Happy New Year.
I'm so glad your husband is better. Take care.
A breath of good Christmas news.
There are days I shake in my boots. I worry if the authoritarian republicans will really pull off the bloodless coup they’ve been working so hard on for so long. It has changed the way my day-to-day activities have been for so long, but I can’t let it be front and center in my life any more for the sake of my mental health.
For many years, long before the 2016, I read the news voraciously, tuned into cable news and generally felt informed and not fearful of our democracy being dismantled. When the republicans were shoving and kicking to see who would get the nomination, Donald Trump stuck out like a sore thumb. I remembered him and his antics all too well while I lived in PA and NJ. Even back then I had no respect for him because of his personal lack of morals, decency, and integrity. When he threw his hat into the ring I told everyone who slowed down long enough to be button-holed exactly what I thought about him. I did my best, I’m not sure I changed anyone’s mind, but I tried. His election and administration was one outrage after another, of course. All this culminated in his refusal to accept the results of the election, which, in turn, with lots of help from cronies outside of the government as well as more help from elected Congressmen and women on the inside who were happy to promote and enable a seditious riot.
So here we are. Professor Cox Richardson writes her Letter to an American, which I cling to like a life ring in the ocean. I allow myself to feel comfortable and reassured while I am reading her letter. I am delighted that it is delivered in the late evening so I can read the letter, feel the reassurance wash over me. Then I can close down all my devices, get ready for bed and sleep a bit more comfortably than I would without her letter.
But, inevitably, morning arrives with all the frightening news I tried to avoid the evening before. I listen to music stations on Public Radio from all over - with no news breaks or commercials. When it’s later in the day, I might put on a mindless rom-com, or an interesting documentary. I don’t go out much - COVID is always the elephant in the closet - and it’s winter so I don’t have many gardening opportunities.
When I can’t put the horrible things in our current lives out of my mind what ever I do, I shake in my boots!
I hear you. The days when I could rush home from work, tune in to Walter (yes, I’m old), and still have the gumption to focus on family, friends and my life, are gone. Have been since Rupert was given permission to tear our world apart. The propaganda network is “Walter” to many, hence our “alternative facts.” Since the election, I keep waiting for a blast from the Dems to counter the narrative and get some traction. Some have tried heroically. Joe travels the country making speeches while Fox spews lies at 90 decibels. Seems every republican follows chump’s strategy of chaos upon chaos with hate thrown in. We are drowning; Heather’s lifeboat is so welcome but only holds the choir, it seems. Truth is so intoxicating and welcome. Churchill keeps me grounded “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” My enthusiasm flags often but we must plod on with as much energy as we can muster. Evil is very energetic these days, as it was in Winston’s time. Success is still ours to grasp.
Quoting Heather quoting Pres. Biden’s inaugural address:
“write an American story of hope, not fear… [a] story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history…. That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived.”
You have a choice. Succumb to the fear or help "democracy and hope, truth and justice" thrive.
Yes Kim. Choose!
This should be read out loud on every "mainstream" tv/radio station, printed in every newspaper, and spread far and wide over as much "social" media as possible. Flood all forms of the media!! The power of the pen has a far greater reach than ever before.
Yes, as was pointed out in an earlier letter, the power of the pen is great. Thomas Paine helped to rally us after the psychologically significant Battle of Trenton to spread the message to the first American People, who had many Tories in their midst working diligently to thwart our Revolution. He told them that determined citizen soldiers led by capable officers in our army, could, astonishingly, win against the very powerful British and their supporters here. Like then, we are winning now. It may not alway appear as such because our route is a discursive one that is made even more so by a large and virulent minority bent on hindering our country’s progress long enough to retake power over the majority by any means possible. This will never happen, and they know they’ve already lost, but they persist in their self destructive delusions stoked by lies and cynical disinformation in their echo chamber, meant to play to the fears of people afraid to embrace progressive change. Our country wins when we work together for goals that benefit the majority…not the minority….of Americans. Sometimes it’s hard for people to see that for just what it is, but that is the way we humans can be. Like Washington during our Revolution, it seemed that our quest to establish a new country would be “smothered in its cradle”; a terrible phrase McConnell recently used to characterize his efforts to stop our duly elected president Joe Biden’s efforts to right the ship of state after a very corrosive four years brought about by the former president and his misguided supporters. We don’t gain anything by being divided but there are times when we need to strike more decisively against those who would hobble us internally. Joe Biden has decided that the best pathway for our country to unite and succeed is to show results and let the results please the majority and win over the doubters. It’s how we roll in a successful democracy, and we must show patience more now than frustration, by keeping to this better but harder path. And like those who faught so hard for our freedom in 1776, we must recognize that it will be our determination to succeed and calmness in the face of opponents who favor minority rule over the will of the majority, that wins the day in 2022, and in the decades ahead. God Bless America, today and always. Happy New Year everyone!
History writes many successes and failures, we can pick and choose which we want to be, if we are not history blind. "Those who study history are doomed to repeat it. Yet those who do study history are doomed to stand by helplessly while everyone else repeats it." Cartoon by Tom Toro from The New Yorker
Always remembering that History tends to be written by and for the Victors!
Mitch is counting on that, and his victory
Always.
Yes, but they’d have to figure out how to condense it into pithy sound bite form and/or make it an epic battle of good and evil, lest the easily bored go back to playing video games or watching Dancing With The Stars.
exactly. I fault our "free press" for much of this. They have followed Rupert down the rabbit hole with disastrous consequences. Where is Edward R. Murrow? No, we don't need Frank Luntz' sophisticated lies. Nancy and Adam try but they are drowned out by the hate mongers. Robert Reich is a great spokesperson but he has no "reach" to compare with Fox. Bloomberg is the only one with the reach, maybe he will rejoin the effort with renewed vigor. I dream.
The power of propaganda has a far greater reach than ever before, sad to say. The choir is convinced.
Very powerful. Thank you for your perspective and clarity and presenting clear choices to make to ensure Democracy will continue.
Biden is a great President. The GOP has power but not legitimacy as it flaunts decency and constitutional precedence. Whatever news comes our way in 2022, it is a privilege to serve the country simply by remaining dedicated to truth, transparency, equality, and justice.
Thank you Jim.
Yes, the Democrats chose the high road in 2021. But, unfortunately for the nation, the high road (as they defined it) was to ignore the Big Lie and to refuse to vigorously call out the Republicans for their blatant attacks on democracy. By refusing to fight fire with fire, they have appeared timid and allowed the Republicans to control the narrative regarding the 2020 election. They have also dropped the ball when it comes to touting their achievements. In your role as historian, your Letters do a better job of pointing out the administration’s accomplishments than the Democratic party has done this year.