Thanks Heather, we live in an environment where we think the GOP has gone as low as it can go then it manages to go even lower. You would have to search the Universe to find a more irresponsible and reprehensible group of politicians. All of our WWll veterans are turning in their graves. The GOP wants us to become a third world country. They are certainly on their way.
Thanks Heather, we live in an environment where we think the GOP has gone as low as it can go then it manages to go even lower. You would have to search the Universe to find a more irresponsible and reprehensible group of politicians. All of our WWll veterans are turning in their graves. The GOP wants us to become a third world country. They are certainly on their way.
Mike Johnson needs to understand that he is the Speaker of Our House. It's the People's House, not his. And a bipartisan majority of Our Representatives want to sustain aid to Ukraine. How dare he allow a minority faction of MAGA extremists to betray us, our European allies and the courageous Ukrainian resistance.
We need to do more than just complain in the comments section. We need to raise our voices and be heard where it counts.
Everyone reading this can help by calling your Representative and urge them to pass the Ukraine aid package using whatever parliamentary procedure is available (discharge petition, etc.) as soon as it passes the Senate. If you don't know their number, call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121.
For more information, and the phone numbers of six influential "traditional Republicans" to call, please visit www.FeathersOfHope.net
Trouble is, we don't exist for Speaker Howdy Doody. The only people who do exist for him are fellow co-religionists who have as their mission to push, warp, force all the world into the commonality to which they've packaged themselves.
They don't like so many other types of people -- and types is what we're left with as only option for these ideologues as quite proudly they've no personal, individual identities themselves. And zero schooling, no humanities, to see any "others" as individuals.
Imaginatively this takes us back thousands of years to earliest, most atavistic tribalism.
Phil, At this moment, we are right to fear the emergence of ancient tribalisms accompanied by the тАЬgangsterizationтАЭ of culture rightly characterized as тАЬI want power now. I want pleasure now. I want property now. Your property. Give it to me.тАЭ
While thereтАЩs no overnight solution, I believe we need to begin, neighborhood by neighborhood, resuscitating a sense of what it is to be human, with all its decency, integrity, and compassion. When these values are practiced, a movement can emerge.
Sadly, they have had 40+ years while we have 8 months. I think we could have a million-man-March and nobody would notice. Too busy locked on to the crazy man.
Jeri, Considering I am part of a group nearly at the stage of reaching out to political-lightening-rod-type-figures to help bring recognition to a project that includes a nationwide March for democracy on July 4th, and also entails other marches across the country, likely embedded in existing parades and holiday events, I imagine you would hope I prove you wrong.
After the Ssndy Hook slaughter of the innocents I called for a march on Washington from Woodstock, Vermont, in colonial militia attire and kit minus the guns, to call for the repeal of the Second Amendment. I did this in the form of a colonial militia notice to be posted on the Green and printed in the paper. I posted it on my church bulletin board. No one commented on it except the Priest, who told me effectively to mindy own business because the Episcopal Bishops of America have this matter well in hand. When I submitted the notice to the Valley News and requested a quote for placing it as an advertisement, I was ignored.
.... Of did get a quote for printing it from a printer who engages in colonial reenactments up on Canada. He told me I had no idea how much trouble it would get me in were I append name to the thing and publish it.
....Briefly, it would get me killed. And were such a march to have occurred, others participating would have been.
But that is what it would take for this nation to come about on the issue of gun control and require both Congress and the Supreme Court to accept the reimposition of the assault weapons ban.
Though after Citizens United, I am not sure even this would work.
The House has frequently been the domain of radicals. Today worse than ever. The original sin here is unlimited campaign funding since money dictates special interest which frequently lead to less compromising along with gerrymandering. So what to do. Try again with a border enforcement inclusion this time without mandatory 5000 crossing the border each week. This added feature I saw was a deal breaker even before it reached the House. Just drop it and give in there is no choice. Speaker will probably reject it anyway but at least this can be successfully used as an election issue. ThatтАЩs all we can do. I keep thinking that Trump is a gift to Biden for all his apparent faults. LetтАЩs not kill the goose yet. And a word of advice to us democrats; Get ride of the extreme progressive issues they donтАЩt sell to the main body politic and we are watching the end result of this.
IтАЩm not going to get scadaddled in specifics. No need to. IтАЩve had this discussion countless times in the past. IтАЩm a centrist. IтАЩm registered as a democrat solely so I can vote in the primaries in my town of very blue Hartford. I am clearly not partisan. And when I read or hear partisan democratic talking points, some of which I agree with others I donтАЩt, I ruminate that we all donтАЩt understand how to built super majorities anymore. We are likely condemned to squeak by every election cycle. This anyway, is my perspective. You have a different perspective. I donтАЩt need to yap about issues at hand. IтАЩm not about to convince anyone. This is who is am. You are who you are. Cool. We are not that Big Tent anymore. It would be nice if we were but we are not.
Now we are on the very cusp of a Titanic shift toward nationalism, authoritarianism. We are unable to see the bigger picture. ItтАЩs happening in Europe and itтАЩs happening here. The Europeans donтАЩt understand it either. Are we all doomed to repeat history. In my humble opinion, we are. Enjoy your day.
Yo... BILL!! Agree'd. #45, a jack-ass and buffoon whose only strategy exists at the end of his dick. Which as us males know, our actions become more stupid as it enlarges lowering blood-flow to our brain. And, with his obviously 'small' brain the reactionis pre-dick-table(pun intended!) as we see. I mean, you wouldn't have seen Maggie Haberman on his staff or behind a desk in his administration..., she's "not my type" surely. Now Alieena Habeenah.... hohoho... she fits in. Huh? Anyway, in keeping with what you said about taking advantage of #45's preposterous behavior, you are correct, it is indeed a trove even Mad Magazine would be pushed to come up with. I mean, #45 is so fullof s-- t his eyes must be brown.., and the rest toilet paper. Yeah.. I learned that in hi-school.
At what point do you stop trying to demonstrate kindness and reason with a fervent party out to destroy what we value and begin to actually say no and do something about it.
Steve, My reply to Phil was aspirational. At this moment, in my view, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to hold power. Accordingly, contrary to Trump who presents himself as a savior, particularly of white people, Democrats need to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble that Donald Trump is stoking, the trouble that Donald Trump is making worse, and show, receipts in hand, particularly for those who doubt that Democrats care about the wreckage of their dreams, that they can work jointly on legitimate issues and grievances.
My experience is that the extreme right cannot be reasoned or coddled into clarity about anything to do with patriotism or adherence to law. They only whine and nurse their grudges. There is no remedy but to throw the bums out.
Yes. Losing our faith in humanity deepens the abyss. What you propose is happening in many places and must continue regardless of the odds of immediate тАШsuccess.тАЩ
In the memorable words of Linus, "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand." Likewise, I really cannot stand the mob roaring and clapping at trampler's rallies. In some ways they have truly rejected their own humanity by giving fealty to that monster. I hope for their sakes they regain their senses and don't go to their graves still loving to lick trampler's boots, but I despair of them. I want to concentrate on the people who have not sold their souls - new voters, as-yet-uncommitted voters, laissez-faire Democrats, and anyone else who still remains a member of the human community.
Fear won't get us anywhere. We need to take our stand on human rights and the constitution and vote all these deviants out of office. I think of the opening scenes of Gladiator, where Aurelius' army efficiently puts the Germanic tribe down. We must be Centurions, not frightened slaves.
Lauren, When living through one of the more terrifying moments in human history, fear is an understandable response. The point is that we not let it paralyze us. In that regard, my sense is that virtually every HCR subscriber is in the fight.
Feelings are more powerful than reason. Fear is natural. I feel obligated to encourage myself and others not to let it or its partner, paralysis, prevail. When we are calm we can think of solutions to whatever ails us. IMHO the solution to America's worst problems is to vote out the R's. If true conservatism ever returns to the right wing we can welcome the Republican party back into our government.
No..nonono..Kathy.., read my comment and you'll see what really occupies #45s' mind. It's what he's gong to do to them in the end (err with 'the end'). Hahahaa..,yup..., it's where his "strategy" exists. Consider him the Titanic. He's going to go down, if we can just hang on,it's been a slow ride (SlowRide - FogHat 1975)
I definitely agree. Musk got taken down when the Delaware chancellor of their corporate court smacked down the boardтАЩs decision to award him $56B in salary. The chancellor found the board was not disinterested and their members were far too cozy with Musk.
IтАЩve seen some whispers online that the Russians are now using Starlink in Ukraine. If true, that is just simply terrible. IтАЩm not usually a big fan of nationalizing companies, but IтАЩd be all for it in this case. WouldnтАЩt that be a huge violation of sanctions?
How long before he dumps Lindsey and Marco? Maybe they can join McCarthy. He needs more room on the crazy train for Elon and Zuck. Social media is as much a megaphone for him as Fox.
I think there is more going on here with Graham and Rubio. Both have been "super hawks" on defense re: Russia. The only answer I can come up with is that Trump has dirt on both of them. I am beginning to feel as if he has files like J. Edgar Hoover had. Something is just not right when two guys who have solid careers just spin on a dime and follow the "boss's" orders. I heard Rubio speaking and he sounded like a chastened puppy dog. That is NOT his style.
Trump may be using more than direct intimidation. He might be using information. Classic, isn't it?
"like nothing we've ever seen"... Im afraid so! No humour really intended but this like Terminator 2 when the T1000 "just keeps coming back? Those suggesting active involvement in the 2024 election campaigns have it nailed.
Phil, I have been looking for something to call the current Speaker and Howdy Doody does fit. Right now I am reading a history of the ancient Rome and their 700 year rivalry with Persia....any of the kingdoms and empires in the area of Iraq and Iran. Right now it is mostly the Parthian empire and lots of smaller kingdoms trying to decide which empire to support. It involves asking for help in some situations and not getting it if either side decided it wasn't worth it. And of course, lots of murders and assassinations. Then there were some Roman generals and emperors deciding this area was a good place to make their mark with various disasters and successes. I am reminded of what we have right now in Ukraine and also in the general area of the middle east.
There's probably some real truth in Johnson feeling he's been chosen by God, Moses no less, wow! but I've run into all sorts of people who feel they are "chosen".... the OT/NT has a litany of the self-chosen "God chosen"... it's the perfect lock-down mechanism for closed minds.
I just sent an email to Tom Emmer, my Minnesota US House Representative. Oh what would be the difference if he had gained the speakership in the US House.
I'm busy lighting up Fischbach's ass. She is more misogynistic than most men I know. She reminds me of Nazi guard in a woman's concentration camp. She is an insurrectionist. She joined the lawsuit to end abortion medication. She is a racist. So are 80% of her voters. Rural Minnesota. Small farmers, who's farm have been swallowed up by corporate farms. Left out of those subsidies that went to the top 2% of corporate farms. But, yet they still vote Republican. And they are begging migrants for help.
Interesting points you are making, Lisa! Church going God fearing folks also, I would gather! They hear from the pews how the Dems are a Satanic coalition.
Satan is everywhere, they proclaim. Which is a way of saying, 'I dont have to take responsibility for my actions'. These are aging out communities. They spend their days watching Fox and going to funerals. These towns are dying across the country. Especially the farm towns. I see it on our road trips around the country.
Not hard to connect those dots. Sorry they canтАЩt seem to. Small farms will save agriculture and society if done ecologically. Even the UN has acknowledged that.
Cynical response: that's what they get for voting against their own interest and keeping themselves too ignorant to ascertain where their interest lies.
Don't get me wrong, any small biz that got swallowed up by big corps. has my sympathy. My theme for today and pretty much every day is vote them out. If we don't clean out the rot, the country will get gangrene. We might have to excise Texas to save the body politic.
Thanks Jerry. Mission accepted. I am glad to see Thom Tillis is on board, although his track record of standing strong on issues is hardly iron-clad.
As for Johnson, he's more concerned with covering his own butt than keeping the world safe, or even maintaining the commitments of his country. A 'sniveling knave' if ever there was one.
Yes indeed. How dare they? How can a small number of тАЬrepresentativesтАЭ bring about chaos? Democracy is a wonderful concept. The idea that a majority of citizens can actually bring about their will is the myth we tell ourselves. We have a kind of democracy. Representative democracy with many arcane rules and an organizing document written over two hundred years ago by a very select group of men. We are now entering a period of extreme uncertainty and extreme danger. The idea that a few ignorant self serving individuals can bring over 340 million people to this juncture by the application of тАЬrulesтАЭ and not the constitution is absurd. TrumpтАЩs pronouncements are becoming increasingly irrational. Each day is yet another reminder of the need for an overhaul of the constitution to bring our form of government into the 21st century and to make it more тАЬdemocraticтАЭ.
Jerry, Thank you for urging us to do our part to press for a discharge petition were a bill to pass in the Senate and advance to the House. I would note I had understood, before a House member could file a discharge motion, the bill, first, had to be introduced and referred to a standing committee for 30 days. Please correct me if I have gotten anything wrong.
You are correct, Barbara Jo. But I'm guessing that Minority Leader Jeffries anticipated this and already has a stealth bill in some committee. That's what he did for the debt ceiling increase last year.
BTW, Mr. Jeffries began suggesting a discharge petition a few days ago, and centrist Republican Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also subtly refers to it in this recent statement:
"I know we need to get aid to Israel quickly, and itтАЩs in our national security interests to keep Ukraine independent and help Ukrainians defeat RussiaтАЩs barbaric invasion by sending them military weapons. IтАЩll work with the likeminded folks and the Speaker to determine what is best way to move forward," Bacon said.
Ken Buck has suddenly grown a spine, and of course he's leaving. I have called and thanked him, when I used to rail at him.
And I'll be working for whichever dem runs against Boebert in my district, or whichever of the republicans they nominate. 5 of the 7 have proudly noted they've been arrested.
ЁЯШ▒Such is the 180┬░ spin of what was once the party of order, rules and laws. Hard to believe that 5 of the 7 candidates actually BRAG about their arrest records. Good Lord, how low can we fall?
Someone should take Johnson to the woodshed. He is the man who says he was "Chosen" by God for the speakership. Johnson is a dark and sinister ideologue who bows to Trump's wishes and believes all gays should be made pure. In other words, cured by any means necessary to make them straight. The evil darkness that has taken hold of the Republican Party may very well do permanent damage to our country while they relish in the process of doing so. Johnson is a Christo-fascist member of a "secret" Christian society. As an ordained Christian graduate seminarian, I must ask: What is it about Jesus that must be kept so secret? Easy answer: They are not Christian by any measure. They are anti-patriots, the political equivalent of the anti-Christ. They are power-struck zealots who have set out to ruin or destroy our republic. They are up to no good and up to everything bad and evil.
As a resident of MA, I know Rep Stephen Lynch will be voting in favor of the Ukraine aid package, and I just called to ask him to do whatever he can to get this passed!
I don't think Johnson played nice in the sandbox. He may still be stuck there, with his bully buddies and religious hypocrites. He certainly never learned that we're all "God's Children" or that it is self evident that we're all born equal.
They certainly are, and I think it should be shouted from every rooftop that Rump will destroy NATO because Putin TOLD HIM TO. And the Great Orange Dictator will do just that, to gain favour with his Lord, Master and Idol: Sauron in the Kremlin. The GOP is bought and sold by Russia, and Rump will plunge the world into World War III just for his own pathetic gain.
I like the reference to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien certainly knew what he was talking about and we are witnessing it in real time as one Republican after another succumbs to the fatal attraction of the ring of power. Nevertheless I am still appalled and dumbfounded that this is happening in the United States, despite how тАШflawedтАЩ its democracy is. (See democracy ratings of Transparency International.)
Tolkien sure knew about the corrupting force that worldly power holds... And, just like Sauron, Putin is also very good at playing big in the long game.
P.S. And the real loser in this game will be the planet. Both Chump and Putin couldn't care a rat's ass for the environment - as long as they can stay in power, everything's fine for them.
We all know this is true. What I am concerned about is that none of his followers will ever read HeatherтАЩs words. No MAGA will ever agree with most of the historians and political intellects simply because they wonтАЩt read. It is like banging your drum in a vacuum.
It sure is. As long as we've types like John Sm├йagol around who keep defending Putin and pointing to Biden as the source of all evil, we're not getting anywhere. I'm almost curious to see how he will react when Putin launches his endgame and WWIII starts. And I'm waiting for Tom High to come crashing in with a flying kick, all screaming, swearing and insulting...
The war is on, John. Dutch Mike is absolutely right. This is not a normal election year. Trump and the Government of Putin (GOP) are all in to take us down. The sad part is they donтАЩt even have to win the election. The Steve plans (Bannon and Miller) gather steam while we knit on the sidelines.
The United States, with Biden as a point man, built up the military of UkraineтАЩs corrupt far-right thug regime where Interior Minister Avakov, political boss of the neo-Nazis, controlled the police stations, precipitating rebellion in UkraineтАЩs Russian-speaking areas (about half the country). Ukraine in 2022 built up its troops on the line of contact in the Donbass, preparing to invade. Russia then signed mutual defense treaties with the breakaway Donbass republics. As Ukrainian oligarchs fled (draining the Kyiv airport of rental jets) and Lloyd's stopped insuring Ukrainian cargoes, Ukraine began its pre-invasion bombardment, and Russia intervened.
Ukraine's history is complex and ancient. As you know there is no love lost between Ukraine and Russia - especially after the Stalin era starvation of millions of Ukrainians. I will agree Ukraine has a history of corruption. I will also agree that a little known, thought to be light weight, Zelenskyy, like few others throughout world history, started a new chapter of Ukrainian history and embraced democracy. He demonstrated the power of leadership like few others. He has fought against corruption. Does some corruption remain? Sure it does - just like it is rampant right now in the US and in most countries. However, the bottom line is this, Putin invaded a sovereign nation, in large part because he thought the world would not be watching or reacting. He thought NATO would cave because of Trump's rhetoric and actions, and given the inaction by the Obama administration when he invaded Crimea after a corrupt pro-Russian puppet President was overwhelmingly voted out. Putin and Trump were wrong.
Russia did not intervene, it attacked sovereign Ukrainian soil, not only in the Donbass but also greater Ukraine. It stole children and committed war crimes. Nations have a right to self determination and in history there comes a time when every generation faces their Sudetanland aka Alamo moment. Ours is now, no backbone? Another "peace in our time". In this invasion Russia is not heroic nor is it the hailed liberator. It is merely a nation seeking brutal reestablishing of a past empire, just as Putin has declared in his speeches.
Steve Hinds, you ably summarize Establishment talking points, without any evidence.
I remember the story about Saddam Hussein's soldiers dumping babies in the hospital out of incubators onto the floor to die. This story inflamed the whole country, including me, and helped justify our war against Iraq. Then, afterwards, it was widely reported that the story was a bare-faced lie.
I have seen much of the same in the barrage of propaganda against Russia, but I have no doubt that some of the stories of atrocities are true.
Isolated acts by military units are different from a systematic policy. I have been taking a wait-and-see attitude, remembering how we all got brainwashed in the past.
Regarding the "kidnapped" children, I remember reading that Russia relocated orphans from a war zone to safety in Russia. What's the true story, and how do we find out?
I think that, regarding why the war "unfroze" in 2022, Russia has a case that should be considered, and I think that there is a lot of misinformation exaggerating Russian atrocities, but I think that some atrocities definitely did happen, just like the United States did in Vietnam and Iraq. I said more in this reply:
My position is that we need to accept that we can't defeat the Russians militarily, which means that we'll eventually have to negotiate with them, so it makes sense to be aware of their side of the story and the underlying big picture.
Furthermore, our government is broke, and Congress is broken:
Biden's reckless policy, supported by leading Democrats and Republicans since Obama was President, has been to shore up Ukraine's thuggish government and use Ukraine as a weapon against Russia. America leaders, especially Biden, have foolishly undermined American national security and wasted military resources.
I've said more about Ukraine's brutal far-right thug regime here:
Dark money flows through their veins. They are being propped up to overthrow our democracy because they know they cannot win as the party of white evangelicals. Their war is on and well-funded.
I am wondering why trump endorsed Sheehy instead of Rosendale who has so kissed up to trump. Sheehy is a millionaire that can provide trump with $$$$$$. Follow the $$$$$. Beside reforming the electoral college, getting dark $$$$$$ out of politics would go a long way in the future to get fascist out of politics
Unfortunately, we will have to first pry the MAGAts who are already in Congress, out by sheer numbers of votes. Because they will hang onto their power until their cold dead fingers are forced to let go. Once most of the fringe right-wing radicals are kicked out....I'm hoping and praying that Congress will begin to act more like a body of rational beings who faithfully represent their constituents interests AND their country's interests.
I was interested in the statement made on PBSтАЩ political hour with Ami and Tamara stating TFFG makes speeches ( campaigning rhetoric) but the audience is smallтАжexcept for repeating the press and people do of itтАж.i underscore this folks. ItтАЩs hard not to, the world is in an uproar about it today and increasingly so . As it was earlier suggested тАЬit was getting rough and going to get a lot rougherтАЭ.
ThereтАЩs a feeling of astonishment in every corner except theirs.
ItтАЩs food for their ego and base declined as it is, getting to a point of chopping the legs off AmericanтАЩs stand alone Big Brother claim.
It is without a doubt the biggest slap in the face to US AMERICANS as the rest of the world depending on us.
For those who support and supported him , his sycophants, the liars-cheats-screaming-crotch grabbing-putin supporting-headline seeking TREASON TRAITOR TARTS
WE THE PEOPLE are going to тАж..ЁЯТЩЁЯТЩVOTE YOU OUT FOREVERЁЯТЩЁЯТЩ
I just wonder why some military people support trump. Republicans keep digging this hole, they should consult Jules Verne for sigh seeing hints while on their journey to the center of the earth.
Thanks Heather, we live in an environment where we think the GOP has gone as low as it can go then it manages to go even lower. You would have to search the Universe to find a more irresponsible and reprehensible group of politicians. All of our WWll veterans are turning in their graves. The GOP wants us to become a third world country. They are certainly on their way.
Mike Johnson needs to understand that he is the Speaker of Our House. It's the People's House, not his. And a bipartisan majority of Our Representatives want to sustain aid to Ukraine. How dare he allow a minority faction of MAGA extremists to betray us, our European allies and the courageous Ukrainian resistance.
We need to do more than just complain in the comments section. We need to raise our voices and be heard where it counts.
Everyone reading this can help by calling your Representative and urge them to pass the Ukraine aid package using whatever parliamentary procedure is available (discharge petition, etc.) as soon as it passes the Senate. If you don't know their number, call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121.
For more information, and the phone numbers of six influential "traditional Republicans" to call, please visit www.FeathersOfHope.net
.
Nice, Jerry -- fancying it "Our House."
Trouble is, we don't exist for Speaker Howdy Doody. The only people who do exist for him are fellow co-religionists who have as their mission to push, warp, force all the world into the commonality to which they've packaged themselves.
They don't like so many other types of people -- and types is what we're left with as only option for these ideologues as quite proudly they've no personal, individual identities themselves. And zero schooling, no humanities, to see any "others" as individuals.
Imaginatively this takes us back thousands of years to earliest, most atavistic tribalism.
Phil, At this moment, we are right to fear the emergence of ancient tribalisms accompanied by the тАЬgangsterizationтАЭ of culture rightly characterized as тАЬI want power now. I want pleasure now. I want property now. Your property. Give it to me.тАЭ
While thereтАЩs no overnight solution, I believe we need to begin, neighborhood by neighborhood, resuscitating a sense of what it is to be human, with all its decency, integrity, and compassion. When these values are practiced, a movement can emerge.
Sadly, they have had 40+ years while we have 8 months. I think we could have a million-man-March and nobody would notice. Too busy locked on to the crazy man.
Jeri, Considering I am part of a group nearly at the stage of reaching out to political-lightening-rod-type-figures to help bring recognition to a project that includes a nationwide March for democracy on July 4th, and also entails other marches across the country, likely embedded in existing parades and holiday events, I imagine you would hope I prove you wrong.
Oh please, I'd love it.
Barbara, this is a wonderful idea. I hope it gains traction.
After the Ssndy Hook slaughter of the innocents I called for a march on Washington from Woodstock, Vermont, in colonial militia attire and kit minus the guns, to call for the repeal of the Second Amendment. I did this in the form of a colonial militia notice to be posted on the Green and printed in the paper. I posted it on my church bulletin board. No one commented on it except the Priest, who told me effectively to mindy own business because the Episcopal Bishops of America have this matter well in hand. When I submitted the notice to the Valley News and requested a quote for placing it as an advertisement, I was ignored.
.... Of did get a quote for printing it from a printer who engages in colonial reenactments up on Canada. He told me I had no idea how much trouble it would get me in were I append name to the thing and publish it.
....Briefly, it would get me killed. And were such a march to have occurred, others participating would have been.
But that is what it would take for this nation to come about on the issue of gun control and require both Congress and the Supreme Court to accept the reimposition of the assault weapons ban.
Though after Citizens United, I am not sure even this would work.
I tried that just a little less than 20 years ago, I failed when I got no response nor backing. But then I am just little old me.
The House has frequently been the domain of radicals. Today worse than ever. The original sin here is unlimited campaign funding since money dictates special interest which frequently lead to less compromising along with gerrymandering. So what to do. Try again with a border enforcement inclusion this time without mandatory 5000 crossing the border each week. This added feature I saw was a deal breaker even before it reached the House. Just drop it and give in there is no choice. Speaker will probably reject it anyway but at least this can be successfully used as an election issue. ThatтАЩs all we can do. I keep thinking that Trump is a gift to Biden for all his apparent faults. LetтАЩs not kill the goose yet. And a word of advice to us democrats; Get ride of the extreme progressive issues they donтАЩt sell to the main body politic and we are watching the end result of this.
Bill Katz, Specifically what "extreme progressive issues they donтАЩt sell to the main body politic" should Democrats get rid of?
IтАЩm not going to get scadaddled in specifics. No need to. IтАЩve had this discussion countless times in the past. IтАЩm a centrist. IтАЩm registered as a democrat solely so I can vote in the primaries in my town of very blue Hartford. I am clearly not partisan. And when I read or hear partisan democratic talking points, some of which I agree with others I donтАЩt, I ruminate that we all donтАЩt understand how to built super majorities anymore. We are likely condemned to squeak by every election cycle. This anyway, is my perspective. You have a different perspective. I donтАЩt need to yap about issues at hand. IтАЩm not about to convince anyone. This is who is am. You are who you are. Cool. We are not that Big Tent anymore. It would be nice if we were but we are not.
Now we are on the very cusp of a Titanic shift toward nationalism, authoritarianism. We are unable to see the bigger picture. ItтАЩs happening in Europe and itтАЩs happening here. The Europeans donтАЩt understand it either. Are we all doomed to repeat history. In my humble opinion, we are. Enjoy your day.
Yo... BILL!! Agree'd. #45, a jack-ass and buffoon whose only strategy exists at the end of his dick. Which as us males know, our actions become more stupid as it enlarges lowering blood-flow to our brain. And, with his obviously 'small' brain the reactionis pre-dick-table(pun intended!) as we see. I mean, you wouldn't have seen Maggie Haberman on his staff or behind a desk in his administration..., she's "not my type" surely. Now Alieena Habeenah.... hohoho... she fits in. Huh? Anyway, in keeping with what you said about taking advantage of #45's preposterous behavior, you are correct, it is indeed a trove even Mad Magazine would be pushed to come up with. I mean, #45 is so fullof s-- t his eyes must be brown.., and the rest toilet paper. Yeah.. I learned that in hi-school.
Or perhaps hope for some kind of a JFK arrangement.
At what point do you stop trying to demonstrate kindness and reason with a fervent party out to destroy what we value and begin to actually say no and do something about it.
Steve, My reply to Phil was aspirational. At this moment, in my view, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to hold power. Accordingly, contrary to Trump who presents himself as a savior, particularly of white people, Democrats need to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble that Donald Trump is stoking, the trouble that Donald Trump is making worse, and show, receipts in hand, particularly for those who doubt that Democrats care about the wreckage of their dreams, that they can work jointly on legitimate issues and grievances.
My experience is that the extreme right cannot be reasoned or coddled into clarity about anything to do with patriotism or adherence to law. They only whine and nurse their grudges. There is no remedy but to throw the bums out.
Yes. Losing our faith in humanity deepens the abyss. What you propose is happening in many places and must continue regardless of the odds of immediate тАШsuccess.тАЩ
In the memorable words of Linus, "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand." Likewise, I really cannot stand the mob roaring and clapping at trampler's rallies. In some ways they have truly rejected their own humanity by giving fealty to that monster. I hope for their sakes they regain their senses and don't go to their graves still loving to lick trampler's boots, but I despair of them. I want to concentrate on the people who have not sold their souls - new voters, as-yet-uncommitted voters, laissez-faire Democrats, and anyone else who still remains a member of the human community.
Fear won't get us anywhere. We need to take our stand on human rights and the constitution and vote all these deviants out of office. I think of the opening scenes of Gladiator, where Aurelius' army efficiently puts the Germanic tribe down. We must be Centurions, not frightened slaves.
Lauren, When living through one of the more terrifying moments in human history, fear is an understandable response. The point is that we not let it paralyze us. In that regard, my sense is that virtually every HCR subscriber is in the fight.
Agreed, Barbara Jo.
Feelings are more powerful than reason. Fear is natural. I feel obligated to encourage myself and others not to let it or its partner, paralysis, prevail. When we are calm we can think of solutions to whatever ails us. IMHO the solution to America's worst problems is to vote out the R's. If true conservatism ever returns to the right wing we can welcome the Republican party back into our government.
He also thinks only of his campaign contributors.
No..nonono..Kathy.., read my comment and you'll see what really occupies #45s' mind. It's what he's gong to do to them in the end (err with 'the end'). Hahahaa..,yup..., it's where his "strategy" exists. Consider him the Titanic. He's going to go down, if we can just hang on,it's been a slow ride (SlowRide - FogHat 1975)
I definitely agree. Musk got taken down when the Delaware chancellor of their corporate court smacked down the boardтАЩs decision to award him $56B in salary. The chancellor found the board was not disinterested and their members were far too cozy with Musk.
MuskтАЩs disaster in buying and running X (Twitter) has been so bad that heтАЩs losing money with his other businesses like Tesla.
Lapdog Lindsey (aka Lady) G and Little Marco are disgraceful Trump toadies.
IтАЩve seen some whispers online that the Russians are now using Starlink in Ukraine. If true, that is just simply terrible. IтАЩm not usually a big fan of nationalizing companies, but IтАЩd be all for it in this case. WouldnтАЩt that be a huge violation of sanctions?
How long before he dumps Lindsey and Marco? Maybe they can join McCarthy. He needs more room on the crazy train for Elon and Zuck. Social media is as much a megaphone for him as Fox.
Jeri,
I think there is more going on here with Graham and Rubio. Both have been "super hawks" on defense re: Russia. The only answer I can come up with is that Trump has dirt on both of them. I am beginning to feel as if he has files like J. Edgar Hoover had. Something is just not right when two guys who have solid careers just spin on a dime and follow the "boss's" orders. I heard Rubio speaking and he sounded like a chastened puppy dog. That is NOT his style.
Trump may be using more than direct intimidation. He might be using information. Classic, isn't it?
"like nothing we've ever seen"... Im afraid so! No humour really intended but this like Terminator 2 when the T1000 "just keeps coming back? Those suggesting active involvement in the 2024 election campaigns have it nailed.
Republicans these days either get voted out or win by cheating.
Phil, I have been looking for something to call the current Speaker and Howdy Doody does fit. Right now I am reading a history of the ancient Rome and their 700 year rivalry with Persia....any of the kingdoms and empires in the area of Iraq and Iran. Right now it is mostly the Parthian empire and lots of smaller kingdoms trying to decide which empire to support. It involves asking for help in some situations and not getting it if either side decided it wasn't worth it. And of course, lots of murders and assassinations. Then there were some Roman generals and emperors deciding this area was a good place to make their mark with various disasters and successes. I am reminded of what we have right now in Ukraine and also in the general area of the middle east.
Johnson also has some egotism in comparing himself to Moses. JohnsonтАЩs a cheap theocrat who blindly worships Trump.
Johnson just plain creeps me out.
CanтАЩt help but think of the line from The Maltese Falcon: тАЬThe cheaper the crook, the gaudier the patter.тАЭ
Yes. He seems robotic. Maybe he is...
He seems like a Stepford Wife to me.
There's probably some real truth in Johnson feeling he's been chosen by God, Moses no less, wow! but I've run into all sorts of people who feel they are "chosen".... the OT/NT has a litany of the self-chosen "God chosen"... it's the perfect lock-down mechanism for closed minds.
In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye says to God: тАЬNext time, couldnтАЩt you choose someone else?тАЭ
THE problem with the OVERLY chosen... Fiddler exceptional notwithstanding. Great musical/movie saw when i was a young adult.
Didn't Jesus say something along those lines in Gethsemane?
it's the perfect lock-down mechanism for closed minds.
You nailed it!
Speaker Mike Johnson is not caving to the MAGA extremists. He IS a MAGA extremist. And he reigns by consent of the greater GOP.
I just sent an email to Tom Emmer, my Minnesota US House Representative. Oh what would be the difference if he had gained the speakership in the US House.
I'm busy lighting up Fischbach's ass. She is more misogynistic than most men I know. She reminds me of Nazi guard in a woman's concentration camp. She is an insurrectionist. She joined the lawsuit to end abortion medication. She is a racist. So are 80% of her voters. Rural Minnesota. Small farmers, who's farm have been swallowed up by corporate farms. Left out of those subsidies that went to the top 2% of corporate farms. But, yet they still vote Republican. And they are begging migrants for help.
Interesting points you are making, Lisa! Church going God fearing folks also, I would gather! They hear from the pews how the Dems are a Satanic coalition.
Satan is everywhere, they proclaim. Which is a way of saying, 'I dont have to take responsibility for my actions'. These are aging out communities. They spend their days watching Fox and going to funerals. These towns are dying across the country. Especially the farm towns. I see it on our road trips around the country.
Happens to include the largest white male suicide demographic. Without being political about it, this is depression in excess.
This is so sad, because they are good people........turned to hateful cult members.
Not hard to connect those dots. Sorry they canтАЩt seem to. Small farms will save agriculture and society if done ecologically. Even the UN has acknowledged that.
The irony is soul crushing for anyone who understands what irony is.
Cynical response: that's what they get for voting against their own interest and keeping themselves too ignorant to ascertain where their interest lies.
Don't get me wrong, any small biz that got swallowed up by big corps. has my sympathy. My theme for today and pretty much every day is vote them out. If we don't clean out the rot, the country will get gangrene. We might have to excise Texas to save the body politic.
Tom Emmer would also do whatever the orange Jesus told him to do. HeтАЩs just a puppet.
Precious little I fear.
Thanks Jerry. Mission accepted. I am glad to see Thom Tillis is on board, although his track record of standing strong on issues is hardly iron-clad.
As for Johnson, he's more concerned with covering his own butt than keeping the world safe, or even maintaining the commitments of his country. A 'sniveling knave' if ever there was one.
Tillis is leaving the Senate. Not much the crazies can do to him.
A sniveling knave with an expensive haircut
Yes indeed. How dare they? How can a small number of тАЬrepresentativesтАЭ bring about chaos? Democracy is a wonderful concept. The idea that a majority of citizens can actually bring about their will is the myth we tell ourselves. We have a kind of democracy. Representative democracy with many arcane rules and an organizing document written over two hundred years ago by a very select group of men. We are now entering a period of extreme uncertainty and extreme danger. The idea that a few ignorant self serving individuals can bring over 340 million people to this juncture by the application of тАЬrulesтАЭ and not the constitution is absurd. TrumpтАЩs pronouncements are becoming increasingly irrational. Each day is yet another reminder of the need for an overhaul of the constitution to bring our form of government into the 21st century and to make it more тАЬdemocraticтАЭ.
In some international comparisons I've encountered, USA has fallen into the "imperfect democracies" category. You'll do better in ex-Nazi Germany. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/10/21/spring-2021-democracy-appendix-a-classifying-democracies/
Jerry Jackal Johnson is a puppet and Trump in the puppeteer. тАШNuff said?
Keith, hence Phil Balla's "Howdy-Doody of the House" seems particularly apt!
Jerry, Thank you for urging us to do our part to press for a discharge petition were a bill to pass in the Senate and advance to the House. I would note I had understood, before a House member could file a discharge motion, the bill, first, had to be introduced and referred to a standing committee for 30 days. Please correct me if I have gotten anything wrong.
You are correct, Barbara Jo. But I'm guessing that Minority Leader Jeffries anticipated this and already has a stealth bill in some committee. That's what he did for the debt ceiling increase last year.
BTW, Mr. Jeffries began suggesting a discharge petition a few days ago, and centrist Republican Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also subtly refers to it in this recent statement:
"I know we need to get aid to Israel quickly, and itтАЩs in our national security interests to keep Ukraine independent and help Ukrainians defeat RussiaтАЩs barbaric invasion by sending them military weapons. IтАЩll work with the likeminded folks and the Speaker to determine what is best way to move forward," Bacon said.
.
Onward!
he. does. not. care.
He is a ZEALOT.
Ken Buck has suddenly grown a spine, and of course he's leaving. I have called and thanked him, when I used to rail at him.
And I'll be working for whichever dem runs against Boebert in my district, or whichever of the republicans they nominate. 5 of the 7 have proudly noted they've been arrested.
ЁЯШ▒Such is the 180┬░ spin of what was once the party of order, rules and laws. Hard to believe that 5 of the 7 candidates actually BRAG about their arrest records. Good Lord, how low can we fall?
Probably the only thing they ever did worthy of note.
My latest comment on HuffPost:
Someone should take Johnson to the woodshed. He is the man who says he was "Chosen" by God for the speakership. Johnson is a dark and sinister ideologue who bows to Trump's wishes and believes all gays should be made pure. In other words, cured by any means necessary to make them straight. The evil darkness that has taken hold of the Republican Party may very well do permanent damage to our country while they relish in the process of doing so. Johnson is a Christo-fascist member of a "secret" Christian society. As an ordained Christian graduate seminarian, I must ask: What is it about Jesus that must be kept so secret? Easy answer: They are not Christian by any measure. They are anti-patriots, the political equivalent of the anti-Christ. They are power-struck zealots who have set out to ruin or destroy our republic. They are up to no good and up to everything bad and evil.
Woodshed? How about a trip to .....>> DELIVERANCE >( oinkkk oinkkk!
Call Speaker Johnson at (202) 225-2777 and ask him to bring the Ukraine funding package to the House floor.
We could try it, but my guess is that we won't be able to record a message unless we live in his district.
People not in Johnson's district have told me that they've been able to leave a message for him. Every call counts!
Good.
Yes, Susan. Definitely call the Speaker. But that is Mike Johnson's old number. Since becoming Speaker, his new number is (202) 225-4000 .
.
Thanks!
Thanks for the link Jerry. Will make some calls to representatives. ItтАЩs something at least.
As a resident of MA, I know Rep Stephen Lynch will be voting in favor of the Ukraine aid package, and I just called to ask him to do whatever he can to get this passed!
Discharge petition sounds like a plan: HereтАЩs politicoтАЩs article.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/08/congress/dems-open-to-discharge-petition-00140539
I don't think Johnson played nice in the sandbox. He may still be stuck there, with his bully buddies and religious hypocrites. He certainly never learned that we're all "God's Children" or that it is self evident that we're all born equal.
They certainly are, and I think it should be shouted from every rooftop that Rump will destroy NATO because Putin TOLD HIM TO. And the Great Orange Dictator will do just that, to gain favour with his Lord, Master and Idol: Sauron in the Kremlin. The GOP is bought and sold by Russia, and Rump will plunge the world into World War III just for his own pathetic gain.
I like the reference to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien certainly knew what he was talking about and we are witnessing it in real time as one Republican after another succumbs to the fatal attraction of the ring of power. Nevertheless I am still appalled and dumbfounded that this is happening in the United States, despite how тАШflawedтАЩ its democracy is. (See democracy ratings of Transparency International.)
Tolkien sure knew about the corrupting force that worldly power holds... And, just like Sauron, Putin is also very good at playing big in the long game.
Eventually the game ends for all of us. Even Putin will have to step into the void we call death. Maybe sooner than later.
That's why he's in a hurry to establish his Great Russian Empire. Putin isn't 35 anymore...
But no shots fired, chump would roll over his first day, the dictator day, after that he would bow to Putin. Deal done.
Yep, that's *exactly* how it's gonna play out!
P.S. And the real loser in this game will be the planet. Both Chump and Putin couldn't care a rat's ass for the environment - as long as they can stay in power, everything's fine for them.
We've got to give it our best shot...
Of course, you gotta!! It's no use laying down, rolling over and playing dead...
That will come soon enough, for real. Kick arse while you can...
We all know this is true. What I am concerned about is that none of his followers will ever read HeatherтАЩs words. No MAGA will ever agree with most of the historians and political intellects simply because they wonтАЩt read. It is like banging your drum in a vacuum.
It sure is. As long as we've types like John Sm├йagol around who keep defending Putin and pointing to Biden as the source of all evil, we're not getting anywhere. I'm almost curious to see how he will react when Putin launches his endgame and WWIII starts. And I'm waiting for Tom High to come crashing in with a flying kick, all screaming, swearing and insulting...
They are defended against any self-reflection
Spot on, Dutch Mike. We are already there and it grows worse every single day.
I agree ЁЯТп I guess now we know the focus of the "private " meeting between T***p and Putin in Helsinki ЁЯШб
Yup... "You hand me over the US and Europe, and I will reward you with riches untold"...
Dutch Mike is foaming at the mouth again.
The war is on, John. Dutch Mike is absolutely right. This is not a normal election year. Trump and the Government of Putin (GOP) are all in to take us down. The sad part is they donтАЩt even have to win the election. The Steve plans (Bannon and Miller) gather steam while we knit on the sidelines.
Please do not feed the troll.
You are entitled to your opinion. Here's mine:
The United States, with Biden as a point man, built up the military of UkraineтАЩs corrupt far-right thug regime where Interior Minister Avakov, political boss of the neo-Nazis, controlled the police stations, precipitating rebellion in UkraineтАЩs Russian-speaking areas (about half the country). Ukraine in 2022 built up its troops on the line of contact in the Donbass, preparing to invade. Russia then signed mutual defense treaties with the breakaway Donbass republics. As Ukrainian oligarchs fled (draining the Kyiv airport of rental jets) and Lloyd's stopped insuring Ukrainian cargoes, Ukraine began its pre-invasion bombardment, and Russia intervened.
Ukraine's history is complex and ancient. As you know there is no love lost between Ukraine and Russia - especially after the Stalin era starvation of millions of Ukrainians. I will agree Ukraine has a history of corruption. I will also agree that a little known, thought to be light weight, Zelenskyy, like few others throughout world history, started a new chapter of Ukrainian history and embraced democracy. He demonstrated the power of leadership like few others. He has fought against corruption. Does some corruption remain? Sure it does - just like it is rampant right now in the US and in most countries. However, the bottom line is this, Putin invaded a sovereign nation, in large part because he thought the world would not be watching or reacting. He thought NATO would cave because of Trump's rhetoric and actions, and given the inaction by the Obama administration when he invaded Crimea after a corrupt pro-Russian puppet President was overwhelmingly voted out. Putin and Trump were wrong.
Russia did not intervene, it attacked sovereign Ukrainian soil, not only in the Donbass but also greater Ukraine. It stole children and committed war crimes. Nations have a right to self determination and in history there comes a time when every generation faces their Sudetanland aka Alamo moment. Ours is now, no backbone? Another "peace in our time". In this invasion Russia is not heroic nor is it the hailed liberator. It is merely a nation seeking brutal reestablishing of a past empire, just as Putin has declared in his speeches.
Steve Hinds, you ably summarize Establishment talking points, without any evidence.
I remember the story about Saddam Hussein's soldiers dumping babies in the hospital out of incubators onto the floor to die. This story inflamed the whole country, including me, and helped justify our war against Iraq. Then, afterwards, it was widely reported that the story was a bare-faced lie.
I have seen much of the same in the barrage of propaganda against Russia, but I have no doubt that some of the stories of atrocities are true.
Isolated acts by military units are different from a systematic policy. I have been taking a wait-and-see attitude, remembering how we all got brainwashed in the past.
Regarding the "kidnapped" children, I remember reading that Russia relocated orphans from a war zone to safety in Russia. What's the true story, and how do we find out?
I think that, regarding why the war "unfroze" in 2022, Russia has a case that should be considered, and I think that there is a lot of misinformation exaggerating Russian atrocities, but I think that some atrocities definitely did happen, just like the United States did in Vietnam and Iraq. I said more in this reply:
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/january-17-2023-14e/comment/47632143
My position is that we need to accept that we can't defeat the Russians militarily, which means that we'll eventually have to negotiate with them, so it makes sense to be aware of their side of the story and the underlying big picture.
Furthermore, our government is broke, and Congress is broken:
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/january-18-2024/comment/47632311
Biden's reckless policy, supported by leading Democrats and Republicans since Obama was President, has been to shore up Ukraine's thuggish government and use Ukraine as a weapon against Russia. America leaders, especially Biden, have foolishly undermined American national security and wasted military resources.
I've said more about Ukraine's brutal far-right thug regime here:
https://substack.com/profile/85178460-john-schmeeckle/note/c-46724624
Yeah, that's the second time you've published the same unhinged paragraph.
You mockingly dismiss without engaging.
Trump talks exactly like the ole mafia Dons of New York. Why so many cannot understand this buffoonery is anyoneтАЩs guess.
Dark money flows through their veins. They are being propped up to overthrow our democracy because they know they cannot win as the party of white evangelicals. Their war is on and well-funded.
I am wondering why trump endorsed Sheehy instead of Rosendale who has so kissed up to trump. Sheehy is a millionaire that can provide trump with $$$$$$. Follow the $$$$$. Beside reforming the electoral college, getting dark $$$$$$ out of politics would go a long way in the future to get fascist out of politics
Unfortunately, we will have to first pry the MAGAts who are already in Congress, out by sheer numbers of votes. Because they will hang onto their power until their cold dead fingers are forced to let go. Once most of the fringe right-wing radicals are kicked out....I'm hoping and praying that Congress will begin to act more like a body of rational beings who faithfully represent their constituents interests AND their country's interests.
Not just our WWII veterans. As a career officer since Cold War days, having stood at the free side of the Iron Curtain, this is serious.
My father is one who is turning in his grave.
I was interested in the statement made on PBSтАЩ political hour with Ami and Tamara stating TFFG makes speeches ( campaigning rhetoric) but the audience is smallтАжexcept for repeating the press and people do of itтАж.i underscore this folks. ItтАЩs hard not to, the world is in an uproar about it today and increasingly so . As it was earlier suggested тАЬit was getting rough and going to get a lot rougherтАЭ.
ThereтАЩs a feeling of astonishment in every corner except theirs.
ItтАЩs food for their ego and base declined as it is, getting to a point of chopping the legs off AmericanтАЩs stand alone Big Brother claim.
It is without a doubt the biggest slap in the face to US AMERICANS as the rest of the world depending on us.
For those who support and supported him , his sycophants, the liars-cheats-screaming-crotch grabbing-putin supporting-headline seeking TREASON TRAITOR TARTS
WE THE PEOPLE are going to тАж..ЁЯТЩЁЯТЩVOTE YOU OUT FOREVERЁЯТЩЁЯТЩ
Unbidden, the phrase "Make America a sh*thole country, vote Trump 2024" has been roiling around in my head for the past week or two. Now I know why.
I just wonder why some military people support trump. Republicans keep digging this hole, they should consult Jules Verne for sigh seeing hints while on their journey to the center of the earth.