“The measure went to the House of Representatives, where House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he will not take it up, even though his far-right supporters acknowledged that a majority of the representatives supported it and that if it did come to the floor, it would pass. “
“The measure went to the House of Representatives, where House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he will not take it up, even though his far-right supporters acknowledged that a majority of the representatives supported it and that if it did come to the floor, it would pass. “
Strange that the Jesus focus on love has been abandoned by the evangelicals (and many others who profess). I agree, it is more powerful when it is real.
She stands heads & shoulders above any recent gop speaker & things got done. Now that johnson heads the house, this is the most do-nothing congress in history. Yes, Nancy was fair & brave to stand up to the monster that is trump.
I don't know if anything trump does well is moral or ethical. Clearly, much isn't even legal. And one of those bad things he does so well is to find the little places in our laws and regulations that aren't perfectly buttoned up and impenetrable. So, in this situation, there are no laws that stipulate that a party can't do what an unelected person tells them to do with his threats. And although the gop has chosen not to defy him since they were faced with who to nominate in 2016, and have passed on every opportunity since, he keeps on doing it. They are the ones most responsible for how "cock-eyed" the system has gotten. Strange that he is self-destructing and they are going down with him and continue to stay on that sinking ship. They're even tossing buckets of water onto the ship. So weird!
I have no thoughts on how to protect ourselves from this kind of manipulation with laws. I think there are a number of things that voters can do if they haven't already, starting with, wake up, pay attention, read a book or take a class on critical thinking, think about what conspiracy theorists, pundits and politicians or even friends and family tell you, think for yourself and vote. And I hate to say it, but till the gop regains it's sanity, vote Blue...Democrat, liberal or left. Just stop electing these wealthy con men and women.
Sorry. I don't know why I slip into sermonizing so much nowadays. It never was my way til around 2020. I wonder what happened that year. Does turning 70 make it worse? LOL!
I think it's a given that political corruption isn't new. Human beings are corrupt. But I've rarely, if ever seen anyone as blatantly corrupt as dt. He barely tries to hide it as he clearly thinks he should be able to do whatever he wants to without consequences. And when the law tries to hold him accountable, he acts as if the law and everyone else who disapproves is being unreasonable. Again, Im kinda old and I've never seen anyone quite like him, except an actual 3 year old.
But yeah, all corruption is a problem. The funny thing is, I know there are plenty of corrupt democrats, but they are practically invisible when trump dominates the corruption spotlight nearly everyday. The trump era is just so fu*in' strange.
So, patriotism, national defense, and being tough on crime are not worthwhile goals and the left should not support them? That was a full sentence you wrote but makes no sense. What are you trying to say?
I will be simplistic. If we in the US move to the center of politics, we will be victorious. If we insist on moving to the left as we seem to be, the right wins under autocratic regimes. Even ole man himself, Plato ruminated that Tyranny follows Democracy. It’s that simple but I don’t have faith that this concept will be followed.
Bill, it appears we are winning, as the House control is shifting toward Dems, the Oval Office and Senate (albeit barely) are still Blue, and voter support up and down the list of issues that are most relevant today (abortion, climate, taxes, investment in infrastructure, guns, censorship, and I'd posit even immigration, as Dems have been trying for years to pass a bill; etc.) is in the Blue column. Where would you like to position us on these issues? Shouldn't women have the right to bodily self-determination? Shouldn't we continue to try to slow/stop/reverse the effects of climate change? Aren't we all happy to see roads, bridges, internet access etc. improved? Shouldn't we all be able to live without the dread fear of ready access to guns by the mentally ill? Why should religious zealots determine what a child may or may not read -- isn't that the parents' role? As to immigration, the Senate passed a bill that meets the stated demands of Republicans and Pres Biden said he'd sign it -- but Johnson declares it DOA on orders from the would-be autocrat. And let's not forget support for Ukraine and defense of NATO -- certainly popular.
So I'll ask again, in a different way: if all of the above issues are generally popular, isn't *that* the center?
Doug, you are absolutely correct. Mainstream voters back commonsense legislation on gun control, immigration, fair taxation, climate change, universal healthcare, education. The media creates a false image of division in this country. Dobbs proved it. A vocal religious minority got what they wanted, and since then, in election after election, the centrist viewpoint (women deserve to control their reproductive healthcare) has prevailed. We have to continue to work hard.
Thank you for a very thoughtful and well articulated comment, Doug. Before I read it I bought into the idea that those positions are far left, but you're right. This is the new center.
Yes yes yes. Fully agree. But when I was suggesting a further left, these weren’t this issues I had in mind. As to guns, the frustration is that a super majority of Americans want real gun control. But unless we win super majorities, we will never get it. Why? Because the NRA has destroyed our chances. They have instilled the notion the 2nd amendment really gives everyone the right to own weapon but it doesn’t and never did. If you repeat the same lie the lie is believed. I had a chat with a cop not long ago. I asked him how he felt about guns and his unthinking response was that the 2nd amendment give all the right to protect ourselves and h is quite mistaken. So even if the NRA is in a dying stage, they have already done their damage.
I agree about the guns issue, Bill. Today's horrific news in Kansas City is further proof of the danger that the NRA, its supporters and lackeys, including Scalia, Alito, Robert's, Thomas and Kennedy wrought upon our country.
Personally, I take what cops say about social subjects with a grain of salt as for 2 years police nationwide were dying from Covid because they wouldn't get the vaccine. It was the number one killer of cops for 2 years in a row, so there's that. Most police, including the ones I'm related to, are very pro 2nd amendment & pro NRA & are anti red flag laws. I don't get it, as cops are often of the victims of people who should not ever have access to guns & they also witness what domestic victims go through when they encounter them, but here we are.... I agree with you about the damage the NRA has done to our country. When the NRA wouldn't stand up when little elementary kids & their teachers were slaughtered my husband quit them, saying that he was ashamed of them & wanted no part of them despite being a gun owner of many years . After seeing the news of late with the man who headed the NRA & his almost predictable money crimes, what does this group have to offer except their hatred & more death to innocents?
I need to respond. My theory about cops relating to 2nd amendment is that and I think this goes to self selection. Those who go to war or spend much time serving in the military are more destined to want to go into law enforcement. Personally I think those who have been in war zones are the least capable of staying steady in close encounters with the public as a cop. The suffer to varying degrees, ptsd. Lastly, my father was a card member of the NRA. When he died in 1982, his membership lapsed. Yes, he was a VP even that long ago and a letter from his office asked my father to renew membership. Since my name was the same as his, my mother gave me the letter and I was incensed over it. I soon wrote what would be my first op-ed in my local paper and I was rather proud of myself for the youthful response I gave. The only purpose of the NRA is to serve the interested of the very profitable gun lobby. When people are hardwired to think a certain way, all logic is tossed out the window. The NRA has achieved their damaging goal. It’s over until super majorities of democrats can gain power. But we democrats are too thick-headed to realize that we must stop pushing unpopular issues or we will never ultimately win. And one ver big issue is the border. Why Biden refused for 3 years to stop this scourge I don’t know but I do know that many democrats don’t think we have a problem. Why? Because we are hard wired to think we don’t have this problem. In my opinion, our golden period is behind us.
I was a left leaning centrist for most of my life. The appalling tack the right has taken pushed me farther to the left. I don't know about the green new deal, for example, but climate change MUST be addressed. The right won't do it. Same with gun safety. Same with immigration. Same with women's health. I was always for a woman's right to decide to carry a pregnancy to term or not, but the extremism of forced birth made me hold my breath until I turned true blue.
Fortunately or unfortunately, we live in a two party system. Party identity has become so rigid and extreme due to the advent of cable networks that escalate every issue to existential threat levels to keep loyalty intact and gerrymandered districts that ensure the only challenge must come from the extreme. I'll say this is more true of Republicans after their 'Red State' project in the 2000s. We need those who collaborate with respect in congress, and we are getting those who tear things apart.
A perfect witch’s brew of old cable, social media, unlimited money as in companies are people there, spending unlimited, gerrymandering. It’s a perfect storm for authoritarian rule and it won’t be from the left. But as I’ve said, the progressive left does t help much and indeed, insures break up.
You're just too cynical, Bill. The progressive left is younger and more 21st century in its approach to our policies and laws (Sanders and Warren being the exceptions to the young part). In today's world it makes economic sense to fix the tax structure, provide public day care and early education, install renewable energy systems, reduce medical costs, and make high-speed internet available everywhere. America needs all that to be competitive.
The racism, sexism, and nationalism of the right are 19th century positions that are simply not viable any more. We can blame the media and corporate greed, but better to fix the problems than the blame, no?
A new dance craze is sweeping the nation called, The Goose-Step, Two-step March. This invigorating new exercise is easy to learn! First, link arms on the dance floor. As you move backward in line, turn your head to the right and lift your left leg straight up as high as it will go. Then step forward as you turn your head to the left and lift your right leg straight up in the air.
It's very similar to square dancing or line dancing. Soon the dance floor will be filled with goose-steppers. Forward, backward, round and round. If you step out of line, you are tagged, the caller detains you, interrogates you, strip searches you, and sends you off to detainment camps for disloyalty.
This new dance craze is not to be confused with serious charges of criminal activity. By the time the youngins reach the age of reason, they will be quick to form into lines upon request for impromptu Goose-Step, Two-Step Marches and other forms of family entertainment.
Yada yada yada. This theory has been proven wrong so often in recent U.S. electoral history that it is incredible that anyone still has a delusional belief in it. Joe Biden, Mitt Romney, Hilary, etc etc are all theoretical centrists and all losers except for Biden’s win which happened only through the manipulation of the DNC to assure no progressive candidate would win. The progressive candidates - roundly mocked and critized by people like you are winning their elections handily while those who pander to the so-called center find themselves in contests where they are often indistinguishable from their opponents after they - like Biden - eschew any progressive independence and offer only weak centrist alternatives. If it weren’t for the polarizing and regressive attacks on progressive policies such as the right to choose by SCOTUS Democratic candidates would have even less chance of winning against all the rapid MAGA candidates out there.
Let me remind you that a progressive bloated-headed consumer aging advocate single-handedly destroyed the nation when he ran in 2000 taking 90,000 votes from a real environmentalist candidate and through his efforts the Ahole that was elected nominated two blowhard federalist Justices thereby cementing a tyrannical rule for the next 50 years.
Next up, 2016 your wonderful Blowhard ego maniac Jack and Jill Stein ran pulling votes for our dearly beloved— not Hillary Clinton and who knows maybe she could have won.
So keep up your good work. One day we should eventually have our own A—doff the Meat Tenderizer Hitler running things. Hope you’re not Jewish. Oops I thing things are in process. Bye y’all.
Yada yada indeed! I have no idea what this gibberish is trying to say. I do know that I am indeed Jewish and that I have never ever supported or voted for any Jack or Jill candidate in my life none of whom are “beloved” LOL! Talk about putting words in someone’s mouth! Try looking in the mirror!
Hey. Almost half the Senate Republicans voted Yes! And there are some House Republicans ready to vote Yes. We'll need more if members of the House Progressive Caucus follow Sanders' and Merkley's purity test bad precedent.
(They could've voted for aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Gaza - and used Biden's new National Security Memorandum to withhold delivery of aid to the criminal Netanyahu regime. Broadcasting this would also put more pressure on Israel for a ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid.)
Yes AIPAC and the Evangelicals are the security threat to Israel and a disaster for Palestinians and all people of good conscience.
But Sanders and Merkley took a self indulgent, simplistic, and symbolic stance - which blocks aid to Ukraine and Gaza, without stopping Netanyahu. They had a better choice through Biden's National Security Memorandum.
Lin. There have been several serious attempts to resolve the Israeli/Palestinian issue. Even one that Arafat agreed to but extremists on both side rejected the terms. On the Israeli side, Rabin was assassinated and the Palestinians reacted with the Intifada which I think Arafat promoted. Biden does have the leverage to help unseat Netanyahu.
Yes, on both sides extremists have sought their own personal political advantage over peace. We see the result. But all along there have been people on both sides working together for justice. Maybe this time they will be listened to.
Before Oct 7, Israelis were in the streets in thousands for months protesting the Netanyahu regime. They still are. They will unseat him if he allows an election.
Biden and Blinken are marginalizing Netanyahu through international diplomacy, while bringing forward negotiating a two state solution. Of course, AIPAC, the Evangelicals, and the 'genocide joe' crew are more interested in their own political agendas than actually taking constructive action. They, like Bibi, would like to see Trump back in power, for their own reasons - none of them good.
Jim Holley. Biden has issued a Memorandum to a Foreign Military Aid bill that the arms can not be used in violation of humanitarian rights. It was, in my humble opinion, a reminder to Netanyahu that the aid does come with a restriction that could be invoked. Obviously this is a difficult political issue and the House has not yet passed the foreign aid package..But it might come in handy when the negotiations for two states or for political control in the Gaza get serious. I do need to point out that Hamas expected even welcomed a brutal response by Israel in the hope that a world reaction to the violence might push Israel towards a two state solution. It is a painful event to watch but when you push a stick in a giant's eye, there will be a reaction.
My thought exactly, maybe congress needs to create a rule, no, make it a freakin' law, that says once a bill passes in either body, the other body has to vote on it too? WTF.
In theory they're there to legislate, but they seem to think their role is to obstruct and pontificate, not to mention disinform. What else can we take away from Mayorkas' impeachment, Hunter's laptop, Benghazi, Hillary's emails, and frickin' Tuberville?
Power isn't given, it is taken, atleast as per the current world circumstances. If Rs fail to show full support, Puttin will take it, much to the detriment of the US. Putting isn't fighting Ukraine. It is indirectly fighting US to render it powerless and now exert its authoritarianism to the rest of the world. Puttin's way of working is a replica of how they are working in Africa. He profits from chaos and push US to the periphery of the continent. Rs should know Supporting Ukraine shouldn't start first with opposing Ds. The far-right Rs should know when to fight and when not to fight for that's where real strength lies.
NB. If you haven't read the Making of Shakahola massacre (e-book), I kindly invite you to do so. Check in my referral program. 2 subs and you get it. (Sorry for the reminder).
Have to agree, when to fight and when not to fight. Repubs can’t get past the hate of anything Dem since Rush spewed his libtard crap. Then the righteous whiteys joined in with a bit of greed and the pot began to boil. Not a melting pot, but a witch’s brew. A little nuance would serve them better.
Repubs... Dem... libtard crap..righteous whiteys.. the pot began to boil..not a melting pot..but a witch's brew.....
Political speak these days... clever and "Rush-ish" : back atcha sorta
Regarding the *bit* of greed. they "shoot themselves in the foot" because all of this boomerangs sooner or later... when the Dems wake up from being too "woke".
"repubs", "libtard", "whiteys"....I love to hate it. Name-calling that is ubiquitous now and now here is complaining about Rush Limbaugh, the father of it all... hateful partisanship. That is where we are.
Putin is a very bad character trying to stay in power in a sort of pyramid scheme where everyone around him is in cahoots to keep their own status. The country is subdued and appeased and lied to. The Federation similarly to some degree. Putin has his tentacles almost everywhere, Africa, the Middle East, making trouble, gaining influence and power with those leaders or aspiring leaders of like mind. Trump is threatening the US with the same. He's in a minority right now but gaining, looking to take over. We cannot let that happen out of fear or complacency.
All it takes is people of good will to fail to act... including "independents" who would put a pox on both houses and tune out... or would rather complain about Biden's forgetfulness.
I listen to Mark Galeotti's In Moscow's Shadows podcast.. very insighful about Putin and Russia. Putin seems weaker than he projects...
"Putin is a very bad character trying to stay in power in a sort of pyramid scheme where everyone around him is in cahoots to keep their own status. The country is subdued and appeased and lied to." Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Just substitute Trump for Putin.
No it's not at that point here at all. We are threatened by this especially if you feel it's an accomplished fact... then you can go back to your knitting and tune out.
If you think that what is happening here is equivalent to what Putin has done to hold power in Russia, the whole country, I was being facetious that you should keep your head down. We are not there, not yet and we have a ways to go. This is a battle here and by no means settled and not subduing the population.
If you do think that, then that means, that you would be going back to your knitting (so to speak) and keeping your head down. Here, there are those that are enthusiastic about Trump/MAGA and some close for their own status but this is by no means the whole country. Nor is there a ruling force out to get those that dare speak in opposition... we still have our freedom and the freedom to argue and vote.
It is well-known in Africa that Kenya licks the boot of the American neo-imperialists. Putin is respected in Africa for his resistance to American imperialist meddling. African countries on good terms with Russia include Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Mali, Algeria and others.
"Russian soldiers... believe that they are defending Russia, plain and simple. And the emotional gain from a possible victory in the fight with the entire West - not the entire world - is simply enormous, like nothing it has been for generations. The fact that the “Global South” is seen as supporting this Russian struggle – against the arrogant imperialist West – helps.
Die Tatsache, dass der „globale Süden“ als Unterstützer dieses russischen Kampfes – gegen den arroganten imperialistischen Westen – angesehen wird, hilft dabei.
No John, corrupt governments get paid off by outsiders such as Putin not realizing that they are selling out their people. That’s an old refrain. You read a few inferior articles and call yourself a historian and then pontificate like a professor. You must fill in your down time in your truck on the interstates with such gibberishness.
Regarding Ukraine, I don’t disagree that we naively instigated what eventually became a Russian invasion. I never thought Ukraine was worth a huge destabilizing war. Half of Ukraine was Russian anyway like the US and Canada. So we never learn to avoid wars. But that ship has sailed, John. Now it arm the Ukraine until victory or more likely, a settlement perhaps with Crimea returning to Russia. But overall, our system of government is still the one preferred over authoritarianism. Maybe you disagree but that’s your prerogative.
Here's an article about democracy in Ukraine by a respected British think tank. It observes that Ukraine failed to hold parliamentary elections back in October, but neglects to mention that the government "suspended" all the opposition parties and seized their TV stations:
During our Civil War, I do believe Lincoln proclaimed the suspension of habeas corpus and other freedoms in order to prosecute the war. A natural response to any war effort.
Ukraine has been invaded by Russia and has a "fifth Column" within. A state of military rule was necessary. Ukraine otherwise is headed towards democracy.
I disagree with your assessment of Putin. The United States, by supporting regime change in Ukraine in 2014, imposed a reverse "Cuban Missile Crisis" on Russia with the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO and hosting NATO missiles pointed at Russia. We backed Russia into a corner, and they lashed out at us.
In addition, the post-revolution Ukrainian rump parliament began by passing a law to ban the use of the Russian language in government, in a multi-ethnic country where Russian was the first language of about half the population. This ban was enforced by making the far-right leader Arsen Avakov the Interior Minister, in charge of the police.
With Avakov in charge of the police, bigoted far-right extremist gangs operated with impunity in Ukraine, in an environment of lawless terror.
See "Far-Right Extremism as a Threat to Ukrainian Democracy":
The U.S.-sponsored Maidan Revolution brought ongoing civil war to Ukraine, in which neighboring Russia intervened. Before that, Russia under Putin was considered a reliable business partner: The G-7 expanded for a while to include Russia, becoming the G-8.
I get your point and the explanation is on point. But Russia is what it is. Provoked or unprovoked, it remains authoritarian. While the US might have exacerbated by Interference, Putin is intent on meddling even the peaceful.
Please read my above to Schmeeckle. Misinformation keeps getting repeated and accepted as fact. This is why we are in trouble.
We did support the Maidan, Ukraine's turning to the West and need of support against Putin. We did not cause regime change. Russia was interfering in a major way in Ukraine. Trump, all about himself and kissing up to Putin, both dangerous men. We can at least be informed.
Russia knows no country would want to take over Russia. Where are immigrants lining up to get in? It's only using that ploy for propaganda. Russia needs an enemy to keep its people in fear and in line.
All this talk of geopolitical this and that, and all the blame game as well misses the point. The only thing that really matters here is who is dying here, and why, and what will be the cost/benefit when it's over, if ever? It is the same question that has haunted us since large scale aggressive warfare for geographical and political gain was invented in the hot wastes of Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago. (Check out the Stele of the Vultures).
Thousands have died in this struggle, and before any other consideration we have to ask what makes this terrible price worth paying? What is Vladimir Putin buying with the lives of his people, let alone those of the Ukrainians, and is the purchase worth the price? And if he wins, what will he have gained?
As just one example, let's ask the ghosts of Hitler and the German Army what they gained, even at the height of their conquests? A whole lot of very angry people who consistently rose against the Wehrmacht and the quislings it put in charge of those conquests, even when those risings were initially futile and beaten back over and over. And even if the Germans had managed to hold onto their gains in Europe, what would the cost/benefit have been? Does anyone actually think the Germans would have slept any more soundly than all those Southern slaveowners did, despite all their claims about the benefits of slavery?
What did we gain in Vietnam except the enmity of the very people we claimed we were trying to save for whatever we thought we were saving them from.
What would the British have gained if they'd won the Revolution?
What did we or the Russians actually win in Afghanistan?
As Israeli prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin famously said, "It is with your bitter enemy whom you make peace."
Russia was clear about its stated goals at the beginning. Then, when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sabotaged Russia's and Ukraine's early mutual effort at a peace settlement, things changed.
I'll suggest revisiting the terms of that proposed early settlement (April 2022?) as a starting point.
Reported to Substack Inc as part of a proposed "Declaratory Relief Mediation" (DRM) at JAMS SF against Substack Inc not Trolls. I have alleged on-going Substack Inc violations of its contracts with "Authors" (one author has left) & "Readers" (at least one LFAA Reader has left). Substack picked the forum at JAMS SF. Substack picked the choice of California law.
I also invite Substack Inc to mediate at JAMS SF its written, express, representations to "Readers" about platform management or lack thereof.
Substack have your Counsel call or email me. Respectfully, BSM
Why do you believe "...Russian was the first language of about half the population."? You ignore the fact that Ukraine and other countries such as Hungary were a part of the USSR bloc, where everyone in those countries was forced to learn Russian as their first language, and use of their native language was not allowed in their schools and governments.
In 1921 little Ukraine was stapled together weith Russian-speaking Novorossiya ("New Russia, depopulated by the Crimean Tatar slave-raiders and re-claimed in the 18th century by Russia) to make the core of present-day Ukraine.
The Moscow supported Regime in Ukraine was toppled by popular protest.. the Maidan, "Revolution of Dignity". We did NOT sponsor it.
Ukrainians were led to believe that they were headed towards the EU and the Moscow pressured leader, Yanukovych did an about turn. Russia was meddling in Ukraine big time. Their propaganda took hold here apparently. See Tim Snyder's lecture series on the history ( the REAL history) of Ukraine and the guest lecture by Prof. Marci Shore on the Maidan Revolution; she was there.
Perhaps you missed that the Maidan Revolution was a popular revolution. Ukraine does not want to be part of Russia. Ukraine is sovereign and was invaded, has been invaded since it gave up it's nuclear weapons. Ukraine deserves to be defended by the West... and was promised. Perhaps you missed that.
Ukraine is an artificial state, where around half the population was Russian-speaking. A lot of them would rather live in Russia than in the new post-Maidan bigoted anti-Russian far-right police state.
That's why Crimea broke away, and then civil war extending to Kharkiv, Odessa (quickly suppressed) and the Donbass.
The Budapest Memorandum promised protection to a NEUTRAL Ukraine, but the new post-revolutionary thug regime abandoned neutrality and sought NATO membership, so no more guarantees.
When assessing the rights and wrongs of all that has unfolded between Ukraine and Russia, a critical question is the legitimacy (or lack thereof) of the Maidan Revolution.
The Maidan was a Popular Revolution. People were angry over Russia's interference in their domestic business and wanted a relationship with the West. They are sovereign and have this right. They elected Zelensky overwhelmingly because of this. The US will support democracy movements wherever and will act against violations of international law.
So I suppose you think the U.S. will condemn itself for violations of international law in Iraq, Libya and Syria.
The Maidan Revolution did include a prominent popular element, but it was the right-wing thugs who gave it staying power, and they were rewarded with control over the police stations.
Zelensky was elected with a campaign pledge to make peace in the Donbass, but he capitulated to neo-Nazi war-mongers and reneged on his promise. And Zelensky has suppressed all opposition parties and seized their TV stations. What an othermucking "democrat."
We were acting under on a UN Resolution and in coalition. Putin is not; he is in violation of the UN, the charter and international law (ICJ as well) Russia needs to be kicked off the Security Council.
Zelensky is presiding over a war of aggression perpetrated upon the country with a fifth column within. The so-called "neo-Nazi"'s that were fighting Russian aggression in Donbas have since joined the national fight. Peace in Donbass has depended on getting the Russians out and to stop claiming they own Ukraine, especially because folks spoke Russian.. and also some infiltrated. This has been going on for years, at least 10. If this does not make sense to you I don't know what would. Zelensky has the confidence of the people.
PS I do not think I would convince you of anything...but at least i am not calling you names ( at the moment).
Our system isn't flawed so much as reliant on customs and traditions instead of written rules. It was designed by people who couldn't dream that members of Congress would allow a tyrant to rule them, especially one who is merely a citizen.
Agreed. I think they also expected that a majority of people with honor and integrity and decency would serve we, the people. They’d be horrified by the vile humans who follow Trump/Putin in our Congress.
Though this article deals specifically with the presidency, it isn't too much to think that the framers would have expected about the same from members of Congress.
“The process of election affords a moral certainty,” [Alexander] Hamilton wrote, “that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.”
One flaw is the electoral college. It needs to be abolished in my opinion. Colorado can’t decide apart from the other states which candidates are qualified for the federal ticket—that’s what I heard from the SCOTUS questions the other day. Well as it stands now a minority of states decide who is president. Makes no sense. It is a leftover from our shameful days of slavery when a minority of states with a lot of money (made with free labor) could influence our country. Why are our law makers NOT making laws? They are too busy making $ deals. How can we still be saddled with a system leftover from our days of slavery? Makes no sense.
...or that SCOTUS justices have no code of ethics, literally. The appearance of being bought & sold by the rich is now traceable to 4 of them. Why did the FBI not interview Anita Hill or Christine Blasey Ford's witnesses to their sexual abuse by Thomas & Kavanaugh? They were given lists of names to back up these & multiple other women's experiences with these men. The FBI didn't investigate a single one. Who paid off Kavanaugh's huge debt? In 2017 he owed between $60,000 to $200,00 on 3 credit cards & a loan against his retirement account. By the time he was nominated in 2018 the debts vanished. His reported income & assets were not seemly sufficient to pay off all that debt with his upper class lifestyle. He had 2 kids in an expensive private school & a posh country club membership with a $92,000 initiation fee. No other recent SC nominee had so many unanswered questions regarding their finances. Who would get a job if they yelled at their job interview like Brett yelled at Senator Klobuchar while screaming how he liked beer? Good gawd.
However, the good thing is that after the win in both NY and Pennsylvania by Dems taking Republican seats, Republicans might be more willing to vote in their self interest as opposed to voting in Trump's self interest. When I say self interest as a presidential candidate, not as a citizen of the USA, whom he may be permanently tarnishing. Right on Hakeem! Right on for all Republicans who support this work-around. Here is the recent interview with Jeffries himself on the topic. https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/leader-jeffries-right-thing-do-or-down-vote-comprehensive-bipartisan-national
The amount of control that Trump has fashioned over the congress and over the Republican Party amazes me. The "brownshirts" that threaten everyone that fails to do as he wishes are a big part of the takeover. Anybody know who is running that? Russians? Trump becomes ever more dangerous.
In 30 days, any member of the House can file a discharge petition to bypass the Speaker and bring the bill to the floor for a vote. It's likely that Johnson sees a 30-day delay in passing the supplemental as some sort of face-saving measure he can lay before his orange puppeteer and the Freedumb Caucus trogs, but he's still going to lose.
On top of this impending loss, Johnson is going to lose on the Lankford-Sinema-Murphy border deal as well. Suozzi's victory in NY last night shows that the "crisis at the border" trope the GOP has manufactured to drum up their base is a losing strategy. Every GOP Rep in a swing seat is going to drop that campaign narrative like a hot potato - likely a few GOP Senators up for reelection will as well. This impending loss of support may even allow negotiation of a better bill, with fewer capitulations the chaos agents in Congress.
The best part about the impending loss of the power of the fake "border crisis" narrative is that it will hurt tRump.
Maybe Heather or someone else can site a time in American history when one unelected person told an entire party what to do. This ain't right. Shouldn't a representative democracy be led by who the voters elect, not the one voted out; the one we fired?
I am sure that if Johnson or a few others really loved and valued Americans and our democracy, they'd be willing to follow Liz Cheney's lead and take a hit in their careers by standing up to trump. C'mon Mike, defy donnie for your country. Let the house vote on the Ukraine/Israel bill for the good of the US and world democracy. Let the maga gop fire you. Be a big boy and defy trump. You have the power to free yourself from his withering grip. Serve the people and you wont need to be so dishonest and shake in your boots in fear that the little don will be mean to you.
Yes, I just saw that it may b on Thursday or he'll have to wait till after the House takes an extended recess for President's Day, the end of the monthl
GOVERN BY ONE - AGAIN
“The measure went to the House of Representatives, where House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he will not take it up, even though his far-right supporters acknowledged that a majority of the representatives supported it and that if it did come to the floor, it would pass. “
This government by one needs to stop!
If legal, the system is cock-eyed.
Corrupted by Repubs over the 50 years
Seems to be the only thing they do with energy and enthuriasm.
And collect their dark money-they are pretty energized by that, too. Sheesh…
Hate is powerful.
... but so too is LOVE ... [respect is the missing ingredient]!!!
Strange that the Jesus focus on love has been abandoned by the evangelicals (and many others who profess). I agree, it is more powerful when it is real.
And, in fairness, by Democrats as well. Speakers have been consolidating their power for years, the recent Republicans just aren't as subtle about it.
Or as obviously anti-democracy.
Nancy was non too subtle either.
Not at all, except when she needed to be. That's a degree of political maturity that Johnson has yet to achieve.
Pelosi was never taking marching orders, as the neophyte Johnson is.
Pelosi could be the most polite blunt instrument, as when she politely stopped Trump’s first State of the Union speech due to his government shutdown.
Really Nancy Pelosi was a fair speaker?
She stands heads & shoulders above any recent gop speaker & things got done. Now that johnson heads the house, this is the most do-nothing congress in history. Yes, Nancy was fair & brave to stand up to the monster that is trump.
Subtle, like as a heart attack.. I've been watching for 50 years. Dems ignored too much for too long.
AKA "corrupt".
I don't know if anything trump does well is moral or ethical. Clearly, much isn't even legal. And one of those bad things he does so well is to find the little places in our laws and regulations that aren't perfectly buttoned up and impenetrable. So, in this situation, there are no laws that stipulate that a party can't do what an unelected person tells them to do with his threats. And although the gop has chosen not to defy him since they were faced with who to nominate in 2016, and have passed on every opportunity since, he keeps on doing it. They are the ones most responsible for how "cock-eyed" the system has gotten. Strange that he is self-destructing and they are going down with him and continue to stay on that sinking ship. They're even tossing buckets of water onto the ship. So weird!
I have no thoughts on how to protect ourselves from this kind of manipulation with laws. I think there are a number of things that voters can do if they haven't already, starting with, wake up, pay attention, read a book or take a class on critical thinking, think about what conspiracy theorists, pundits and politicians or even friends and family tell you, think for yourself and vote. And I hate to say it, but till the gop regains it's sanity, vote Blue...Democrat, liberal or left. Just stop electing these wealthy con men and women.
Sorry. I don't know why I slip into sermonizing so much nowadays. It never was my way til around 2020. I wonder what happened that year. Does turning 70 make it worse? LOL!
And he is the only one that is blatantly doing it. What about all the others that hide their corruption?
I guess it has been there since the beginning of time.
I think it's a given that political corruption isn't new. Human beings are corrupt. But I've rarely, if ever seen anyone as blatantly corrupt as dt. He barely tries to hide it as he clearly thinks he should be able to do whatever he wants to without consequences. And when the law tries to hold him accountable, he acts as if the law and everyone else who disapproves is being unreasonable. Again, Im kinda old and I've never seen anyone quite like him, except an actual 3 year old.
But yeah, all corruption is a problem. The funny thing is, I know there are plenty of corrupt democrats, but they are practically invisible when trump dominates the corruption spotlight nearly everyday. The trump era is just so fu*in' strange.
Well,at least we can still reach across the aisle for a stick of gum,some orange juice,or nasty pictures of.....
The system is cock-eyed, but it was one of the key factors that allowed Nancy Pelosi to get so much done.
So, patriotism, national defense, and being tough on crime are not worthwhile goals and the left should not support them? That was a full sentence you wrote but makes no sense. What are you trying to say?
I will be simplistic. If we in the US move to the center of politics, we will be victorious. If we insist on moving to the left as we seem to be, the right wins under autocratic regimes. Even ole man himself, Plato ruminated that Tyranny follows Democracy. It’s that simple but I don’t have faith that this concept will be followed.
Bill, it appears we are winning, as the House control is shifting toward Dems, the Oval Office and Senate (albeit barely) are still Blue, and voter support up and down the list of issues that are most relevant today (abortion, climate, taxes, investment in infrastructure, guns, censorship, and I'd posit even immigration, as Dems have been trying for years to pass a bill; etc.) is in the Blue column. Where would you like to position us on these issues? Shouldn't women have the right to bodily self-determination? Shouldn't we continue to try to slow/stop/reverse the effects of climate change? Aren't we all happy to see roads, bridges, internet access etc. improved? Shouldn't we all be able to live without the dread fear of ready access to guns by the mentally ill? Why should religious zealots determine what a child may or may not read -- isn't that the parents' role? As to immigration, the Senate passed a bill that meets the stated demands of Republicans and Pres Biden said he'd sign it -- but Johnson declares it DOA on orders from the would-be autocrat. And let's not forget support for Ukraine and defense of NATO -- certainly popular.
So I'll ask again, in a different way: if all of the above issues are generally popular, isn't *that* the center?
Doug, you are absolutely correct. Mainstream voters back commonsense legislation on gun control, immigration, fair taxation, climate change, universal healthcare, education. The media creates a false image of division in this country. Dobbs proved it. A vocal religious minority got what they wanted, and since then, in election after election, the centrist viewpoint (women deserve to control their reproductive healthcare) has prevailed. We have to continue to work hard.
Thank you, GMB. That is the struggle -- when the views of the majority are ignored and subverted by a gerrymandered minority.
Well-said
Thank you, Deanna
Thank you for a very thoughtful and well articulated comment, Doug. Before I read it I bought into the idea that those positions are far left, but you're right. This is the new center.
Thank you, Lauren.
Yes yes yes. Fully agree. But when I was suggesting a further left, these weren’t this issues I had in mind. As to guns, the frustration is that a super majority of Americans want real gun control. But unless we win super majorities, we will never get it. Why? Because the NRA has destroyed our chances. They have instilled the notion the 2nd amendment really gives everyone the right to own weapon but it doesn’t and never did. If you repeat the same lie the lie is believed. I had a chat with a cop not long ago. I asked him how he felt about guns and his unthinking response was that the 2nd amendment give all the right to protect ourselves and h is quite mistaken. So even if the NRA is in a dying stage, they have already done their damage.
I agree about the guns issue, Bill. Today's horrific news in Kansas City is further proof of the danger that the NRA, its supporters and lackeys, including Scalia, Alito, Robert's, Thomas and Kennedy wrought upon our country.
Personally, I take what cops say about social subjects with a grain of salt as for 2 years police nationwide were dying from Covid because they wouldn't get the vaccine. It was the number one killer of cops for 2 years in a row, so there's that. Most police, including the ones I'm related to, are very pro 2nd amendment & pro NRA & are anti red flag laws. I don't get it, as cops are often of the victims of people who should not ever have access to guns & they also witness what domestic victims go through when they encounter them, but here we are.... I agree with you about the damage the NRA has done to our country. When the NRA wouldn't stand up when little elementary kids & their teachers were slaughtered my husband quit them, saying that he was ashamed of them & wanted no part of them despite being a gun owner of many years . After seeing the news of late with the man who headed the NRA & his almost predictable money crimes, what does this group have to offer except their hatred & more death to innocents?
I need to respond. My theory about cops relating to 2nd amendment is that and I think this goes to self selection. Those who go to war or spend much time serving in the military are more destined to want to go into law enforcement. Personally I think those who have been in war zones are the least capable of staying steady in close encounters with the public as a cop. The suffer to varying degrees, ptsd. Lastly, my father was a card member of the NRA. When he died in 1982, his membership lapsed. Yes, he was a VP even that long ago and a letter from his office asked my father to renew membership. Since my name was the same as his, my mother gave me the letter and I was incensed over it. I soon wrote what would be my first op-ed in my local paper and I was rather proud of myself for the youthful response I gave. The only purpose of the NRA is to serve the interested of the very profitable gun lobby. When people are hardwired to think a certain way, all logic is tossed out the window. The NRA has achieved their damaging goal. It’s over until super majorities of democrats can gain power. But we democrats are too thick-headed to realize that we must stop pushing unpopular issues or we will never ultimately win. And one ver big issue is the border. Why Biden refused for 3 years to stop this scourge I don’t know but I do know that many democrats don’t think we have a problem. Why? Because we are hard wired to think we don’t have this problem. In my opinion, our golden period is behind us.
I was a left leaning centrist for most of my life. The appalling tack the right has taken pushed me farther to the left. I don't know about the green new deal, for example, but climate change MUST be addressed. The right won't do it. Same with gun safety. Same with immigration. Same with women's health. I was always for a woman's right to decide to carry a pregnancy to term or not, but the extremism of forced birth made me hold my breath until I turned true blue.
I toss rose petals in your path.
Fortunately or unfortunately, we live in a two party system. Party identity has become so rigid and extreme due to the advent of cable networks that escalate every issue to existential threat levels to keep loyalty intact and gerrymandered districts that ensure the only challenge must come from the extreme. I'll say this is more true of Republicans after their 'Red State' project in the 2000s. We need those who collaborate with respect in congress, and we are getting those who tear things apart.
A perfect witch’s brew of old cable, social media, unlimited money as in companies are people there, spending unlimited, gerrymandering. It’s a perfect storm for authoritarian rule and it won’t be from the left. But as I’ve said, the progressive left does t help much and indeed, insures break up.
You're just too cynical, Bill. The progressive left is younger and more 21st century in its approach to our policies and laws (Sanders and Warren being the exceptions to the young part). In today's world it makes economic sense to fix the tax structure, provide public day care and early education, install renewable energy systems, reduce medical costs, and make high-speed internet available everywhere. America needs all that to be competitive.
The racism, sexism, and nationalism of the right are 19th century positions that are simply not viable any more. We can blame the media and corporate greed, but better to fix the problems than the blame, no?
Welcome to The New Snazzy Nazi States of America
(Introducing The Goose-Step, Two-Step March)
A new dance craze is sweeping the nation called, The Goose-Step, Two-step March. This invigorating new exercise is easy to learn! First, link arms on the dance floor. As you move backward in line, turn your head to the right and lift your left leg straight up as high as it will go. Then step forward as you turn your head to the left and lift your right leg straight up in the air.
It's very similar to square dancing or line dancing. Soon the dance floor will be filled with goose-steppers. Forward, backward, round and round. If you step out of line, you are tagged, the caller detains you, interrogates you, strip searches you, and sends you off to detainment camps for disloyalty.
This new dance craze is not to be confused with serious charges of criminal activity. By the time the youngins reach the age of reason, they will be quick to form into lines upon request for impromptu Goose-Step, Two-Step Marches and other forms of family entertainment.
I’ve laid out my vision. And btw, you may access my book on the topic if you wish.
And you have your version. As they say at the graveyard humor, “See ya in hell.”
Except we’re not.
Except we are not what. Speak in full sentences, please.
Moving to the left. You must have missed the memo: Democrats stand for patriotism, a strong national defense and being tough on crime.
Yada yada yada. This theory has been proven wrong so often in recent U.S. electoral history that it is incredible that anyone still has a delusional belief in it. Joe Biden, Mitt Romney, Hilary, etc etc are all theoretical centrists and all losers except for Biden’s win which happened only through the manipulation of the DNC to assure no progressive candidate would win. The progressive candidates - roundly mocked and critized by people like you are winning their elections handily while those who pander to the so-called center find themselves in contests where they are often indistinguishable from their opponents after they - like Biden - eschew any progressive independence and offer only weak centrist alternatives. If it weren’t for the polarizing and regressive attacks on progressive policies such as the right to choose by SCOTUS Democratic candidates would have even less chance of winning against all the rapid MAGA candidates out there.
Oh… Oh… Oh… fight time :)
Yada yada yada…
Let me remind you that a progressive bloated-headed consumer aging advocate single-handedly destroyed the nation when he ran in 2000 taking 90,000 votes from a real environmentalist candidate and through his efforts the Ahole that was elected nominated two blowhard federalist Justices thereby cementing a tyrannical rule for the next 50 years.
Next up, 2016 your wonderful Blowhard ego maniac Jack and Jill Stein ran pulling votes for our dearly beloved— not Hillary Clinton and who knows maybe she could have won.
So keep up your good work. One day we should eventually have our own A—doff the Meat Tenderizer Hitler running things. Hope you’re not Jewish. Oops I thing things are in process. Bye y’all.
Yada yada indeed! I have no idea what this gibberish is trying to say. I do know that I am indeed Jewish and that I have never ever supported or voted for any Jack or Jill candidate in my life none of whom are “beloved” LOL! Talk about putting words in someone’s mouth! Try looking in the mirror!
The system is cock-eyed.
Koch, "eyed" is more like it.
Hey. Almost half the Senate Republicans voted Yes! And there are some House Republicans ready to vote Yes. We'll need more if members of the House Progressive Caucus follow Sanders' and Merkley's purity test bad precedent.
(They could've voted for aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Gaza - and used Biden's new National Security Memorandum to withhold delivery of aid to the criminal Netanyahu regime. Broadcasting this would also put more pressure on Israel for a ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid.)
Yes AIPAC and the Evangelicals are the security threat to Israel and a disaster for Palestinians and all people of good conscience.
But Sanders and Merkley took a self indulgent, simplistic, and symbolic stance - which blocks aid to Ukraine and Gaza, without stopping Netanyahu. They had a better choice through Biden's National Security Memorandum.
Lin. There have been several serious attempts to resolve the Israeli/Palestinian issue. Even one that Arafat agreed to but extremists on both side rejected the terms. On the Israeli side, Rabin was assassinated and the Palestinians reacted with the Intifada which I think Arafat promoted. Biden does have the leverage to help unseat Netanyahu.
Yes, on both sides extremists have sought their own personal political advantage over peace. We see the result. But all along there have been people on both sides working together for justice. Maybe this time they will be listened to.
George, I’d like to know more about Biden’s leverage to unseat Bibi. That seems like a complex proposition.
Before Oct 7, Israelis were in the streets in thousands for months protesting the Netanyahu regime. They still are. They will unseat him if he allows an election.
Biden and Blinken are marginalizing Netanyahu through international diplomacy, while bringing forward negotiating a two state solution. Of course, AIPAC, the Evangelicals, and the 'genocide joe' crew are more interested in their own political agendas than actually taking constructive action. They, like Bibi, would like to see Trump back in power, for their own reasons - none of them good.
Jim Holley. Biden has issued a Memorandum to a Foreign Military Aid bill that the arms can not be used in violation of humanitarian rights. It was, in my humble opinion, a reminder to Netanyahu that the aid does come with a restriction that could be invoked. Obviously this is a difficult political issue and the House has not yet passed the foreign aid package..But it might come in handy when the negotiations for two states or for political control in the Gaza get serious. I do need to point out that Hamas expected even welcomed a brutal response by Israel in the hope that a world reaction to the violence might push Israel towards a two state solution. It is a painful event to watch but when you push a stick in a giant's eye, there will be a reaction.
My thought exactly, maybe congress needs to create a rule, no, make it a freakin' law, that says once a bill passes in either body, the other body has to vote on it too? WTF.
Soundgood, but I need to think it through. It may have some negative repercussions.
I don't see a downside to that rule. What could be wrong with an up or down vote? After all, isn't that what they are there to do?
In theory they're there to legislate, but they seem to think their role is to obstruct and pontificate, not to mention disinform. What else can we take away from Mayorkas' impeachment, Hunter's laptop, Benghazi, Hillary's emails, and frickin' Tuberville?
Power isn't given, it is taken, atleast as per the current world circumstances. If Rs fail to show full support, Puttin will take it, much to the detriment of the US. Putting isn't fighting Ukraine. It is indirectly fighting US to render it powerless and now exert its authoritarianism to the rest of the world. Puttin's way of working is a replica of how they are working in Africa. He profits from chaos and push US to the periphery of the continent. Rs should know Supporting Ukraine shouldn't start first with opposing Ds. The far-right Rs should know when to fight and when not to fight for that's where real strength lies.
NB. If you haven't read the Making of Shakahola massacre (e-book), I kindly invite you to do so. Check in my referral program. 2 subs and you get it. (Sorry for the reminder).
Have to agree, when to fight and when not to fight. Repubs can’t get past the hate of anything Dem since Rush spewed his libtard crap. Then the righteous whiteys joined in with a bit of greed and the pot began to boil. Not a melting pot, but a witch’s brew. A little nuance would serve them better.
Repubs... Dem... libtard crap..righteous whiteys.. the pot began to boil..not a melting pot..but a witch's brew.....
Political speak these days... clever and "Rush-ish" : back atcha sorta
Regarding the *bit* of greed. they "shoot themselves in the foot" because all of this boomerangs sooner or later... when the Dems wake up from being too "woke".
I'm not one of those "too woke" that Bill Maher denigrates non stop. Just one who has been waiting for the boomerang, which is surely on the way.
Well what a an enlightened and useful comment.
"repubs", "libtard", "whiteys"....I love to hate it. Name-calling that is ubiquitous now and now here is complaining about Rush Limbaugh, the father of it all... hateful partisanship. That is where we are.
Putin is a very bad character trying to stay in power in a sort of pyramid scheme where everyone around him is in cahoots to keep their own status. The country is subdued and appeased and lied to. The Federation similarly to some degree. Putin has his tentacles almost everywhere, Africa, the Middle East, making trouble, gaining influence and power with those leaders or aspiring leaders of like mind. Trump is threatening the US with the same. He's in a minority right now but gaining, looking to take over. We cannot let that happen out of fear or complacency.
All it takes is people of good will to fail to act... including "independents" who would put a pox on both houses and tune out... or would rather complain about Biden's forgetfulness.
I listen to Mark Galeotti's In Moscow's Shadows podcast.. very insighful about Putin and Russia. Putin seems weaker than he projects...
The consequences of people voting the No Labels party terrifies me.
Stupidity...we have it... plenty. This is a scary time.
"Putin is a very bad character trying to stay in power in a sort of pyramid scheme where everyone around him is in cahoots to keep their own status. The country is subdued and appeased and lied to." Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Just substitute Trump for Putin.
No it's not at that point here at all. We are threatened by this especially if you feel it's an accomplished fact... then you can go back to your knitting and tune out.
Potter, were you trying to be insulting?
If you think that what is happening here is equivalent to what Putin has done to hold power in Russia, the whole country, I was being facetious that you should keep your head down. We are not there, not yet and we have a ways to go. This is a battle here and by no means settled and not subduing the population.
If you do think that, then that means, that you would be going back to your knitting (so to speak) and keeping your head down. Here, there are those that are enthusiastic about Trump/MAGA and some close for their own status but this is by no means the whole country. Nor is there a ruling force out to get those that dare speak in opposition... we still have our freedom and the freedom to argue and vote.
(Part 3)
It is well-known in Africa that Kenya licks the boot of the American neo-imperialists. Putin is respected in Africa for his resistance to American imperialist meddling. African countries on good terms with Russia include Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Mali, Algeria and others.
Russia loves where there is war. Ethiopia, Chad, CAR, Niger, and Mali have rebels. Any coup is beneficial to Russia
Here's a quote from the German magazine Overton:
"Russian soldiers... believe that they are defending Russia, plain and simple. And the emotional gain from a possible victory in the fight with the entire West - not the entire world - is simply enormous, like nothing it has been for generations. The fact that the “Global South” is seen as supporting this Russian struggle – against the arrogant imperialist West – helps.
https://overton-magazin.de/top-story/was-medien-und-politik-des-westens-ueber-russland-nicht-verstehen/
Part of the original German:
Die Tatsache, dass der „globale Süden“ als Unterstützer dieses russischen Kampfes – gegen den arroganten imperialistischen Westen – angesehen wird, hilft dabei.
Russia loves where there is war. Ethiopia, Chad, CAR, Niger, and Mali have rebels. Any coup is beneficial to Russia
Right you are!
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No John, corrupt governments get paid off by outsiders such as Putin not realizing that they are selling out their people. That’s an old refrain. You read a few inferior articles and call yourself a historian and then pontificate like a professor. You must fill in your down time in your truck on the interstates with such gibberishness.
Regarding Ukraine, I don’t disagree that we naively instigated what eventually became a Russian invasion. I never thought Ukraine was worth a huge destabilizing war. Half of Ukraine was Russian anyway like the US and Canada. So we never learn to avoid wars. But that ship has sailed, John. Now it arm the Ukraine until victory or more likely, a settlement perhaps with Crimea returning to Russia. But overall, our system of government is still the one preferred over authoritarianism. Maybe you disagree but that’s your prerogative.
please do not feed the troll.
Here's an article about democracy in Ukraine by a respected British think tank. It observes that Ukraine failed to hold parliamentary elections back in October, but neglects to mention that the government "suspended" all the opposition parties and seized their TV stations:
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2023/11/democracy-ukraine
Here's a source for Ukraine becoming a one-party state:
https://www.npr.org/2022/07/08/1110577439/zelenskyy-has-consolidated-ukraines-tv-outlets-and-dissolved-rival-political-par
For the -nth time: Ukraine is at war and military rule is essential. No one except you gets it? LOL
President Lincoln didn’t do that during the Civil War.
During our Civil War, I do believe Lincoln proclaimed the suspension of habeas corpus and other freedoms in order to prosecute the war. A natural response to any war effort.
But he didn't seize newspapers or shut down the Democratic Party or cancel congressional or presidential elections.
Ukraine is just as authoritarian as Russia. It's a one-party police state where the ruling party controls the news media.
Maybe that's how you like it.
Everyone is controlled by everyone else. Don’t you know that? You are controlled by that inferior rubbish you read then heap on others as gospel.
Ukraine has been invaded by Russia and has a "fifth Column" within. A state of military rule was necessary. Ukraine otherwise is headed towards democracy.
I disagree with your assessment of Putin. The United States, by supporting regime change in Ukraine in 2014, imposed a reverse "Cuban Missile Crisis" on Russia with the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO and hosting NATO missiles pointed at Russia. We backed Russia into a corner, and they lashed out at us.
In addition, the post-revolution Ukrainian rump parliament began by passing a law to ban the use of the Russian language in government, in a multi-ethnic country where Russian was the first language of about half the population. This ban was enforced by making the far-right leader Arsen Avakov the Interior Minister, in charge of the police.
With Avakov in charge of the police, bigoted far-right extremist gangs operated with impunity in Ukraine, in an environment of lawless terror.
See "Far-Right Extremism as a Threat to Ukrainian Democracy":
https://freedomhouse.org/report/analytical-brief/2018/far-right-extremism-threat-ukrainian-democracy
The U.S.-sponsored Maidan Revolution brought ongoing civil war to Ukraine, in which neighboring Russia intervened. Before that, Russia under Putin was considered a reliable business partner: The G-7 expanded for a while to include Russia, becoming the G-8.
I get your point and the explanation is on point. But Russia is what it is. Provoked or unprovoked, it remains authoritarian. While the US might have exacerbated by Interference, Putin is intent on meddling even the peaceful.
Please do not feed the troll
As if the USA isn't governed by the plutocracy!
read my above.. this is so annoying. Misinformation gets repeated and repeated.
"While the US might have exacerbated by Interference, Putin is intent on meddling even the peaceful."
What does this mean?
I believe it means that Putin does not need an excuse of Chaos to cause trouble.
Please read my above to Schmeeckle. Misinformation keeps getting repeated and accepted as fact. This is why we are in trouble.
We did support the Maidan, Ukraine's turning to the West and need of support against Putin. We did not cause regime change. Russia was interfering in a major way in Ukraine. Trump, all about himself and kissing up to Putin, both dangerous men. We can at least be informed.
I'm all for breaking Russia up into as many pieces as can be done.
Please do not feed the troll.
...said the hate-filled imperialist war-monger.
You are not even worthy debating this since you have an agenda. And it’s predicted on fake arguments.
Please do not feed the troll.
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Well spoken Vlad. But you really need to look in the mirror.
If he looked in the mirror there would be no reflection.
Please do not feed the troll.
I see that you write The Planets Speak.
The one that speaks the loudest seems to be Uranus.
@Tom, that was funny. But responding to trolls encourages them.
Russia knows no country would want to take over Russia. Where are immigrants lining up to get in? It's only using that ploy for propaganda. Russia needs an enemy to keep its people in fear and in line.
Please do not feed the troll.
Oh John, you "expertise" is once again showing.
He thinks
Please do not feed the troll.
I see it does give you therapeutic relief as Katz suggests.
Remember the iron curtain? Poland was not allowed to use their language. Russian was the official language of Poland for many many years.
You don't know what you're talking about. A couple centuries BEFORE the Iron Curton, Poland got gobbled up by its neighbors, including Russia.
East Germans shot in the back if they tried to get into West Germany with their families...
Please do not feed the troll.
All this talk of geopolitical this and that, and all the blame game as well misses the point. The only thing that really matters here is who is dying here, and why, and what will be the cost/benefit when it's over, if ever? It is the same question that has haunted us since large scale aggressive warfare for geographical and political gain was invented in the hot wastes of Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago. (Check out the Stele of the Vultures).
Thousands have died in this struggle, and before any other consideration we have to ask what makes this terrible price worth paying? What is Vladimir Putin buying with the lives of his people, let alone those of the Ukrainians, and is the purchase worth the price? And if he wins, what will he have gained?
As just one example, let's ask the ghosts of Hitler and the German Army what they gained, even at the height of their conquests? A whole lot of very angry people who consistently rose against the Wehrmacht and the quislings it put in charge of those conquests, even when those risings were initially futile and beaten back over and over. And even if the Germans had managed to hold onto their gains in Europe, what would the cost/benefit have been? Does anyone actually think the Germans would have slept any more soundly than all those Southern slaveowners did, despite all their claims about the benefits of slavery?
What did we gain in Vietnam except the enmity of the very people we claimed we were trying to save for whatever we thought we were saving them from.
What would the British have gained if they'd won the Revolution?
What did we or the Russians actually win in Afghanistan?
As Israeli prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin famously said, "It is with your bitter enemy whom you make peace."
Russia was clear about its stated goals at the beginning. Then, when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sabotaged Russia's and Ukraine's early mutual effort at a peace settlement, things changed.
I'll suggest revisiting the terms of that proposed early settlement (April 2022?) as a starting point.
I'm sure all of that will be of great comfort to the dead of both countries.
The idea of peace negotiations is to find a way to stop killing people.
Umm…Crimea? And Ukraine was NOT and HAS NOT been invited to join NATO. I could see it happening now after Putin’s onslaught of war crimes.
Reported to Substack Inc as part of a proposed "Declaratory Relief Mediation" (DRM) at JAMS SF against Substack Inc not Trolls. I have alleged on-going Substack Inc violations of its contracts with "Authors" (one author has left) & "Readers" (at least one LFAA Reader has left). Substack picked the forum at JAMS SF. Substack picked the choice of California law.
I also invite Substack Inc to mediate at JAMS SF its written, express, representations to "Readers" about platform management or lack thereof.
Substack have your Counsel call or email me. Respectfully, BSM
Why do you believe "...Russian was the first language of about half the population."? You ignore the fact that Ukraine and other countries such as Hungary were a part of the USSR bloc, where everyone in those countries was forced to learn Russian as their first language, and use of their native language was not allowed in their schools and governments.
Lucy Johnson, you are badly mistaken. See "Languages of the Soviet Union":
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_Soviet_Union
In 1921 little Ukraine was stapled together weith Russian-speaking Novorossiya ("New Russia, depopulated by the Crimean Tatar slave-raiders and re-claimed in the 18th century by Russia) to make the core of present-day Ukraine.
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Is there actually a comment here, other than a blank page?
That IS my comment to the troll.
You are repeating Putin's propaganda.
Fact: NATO missiles were not pointed at Russia.
Misinformation lives on and on. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/115204.htm#:~:text=Fact%3A%20NATO%20ballistic%20missile%20defence,outside%20the%20Euro%2DAtlantic%20area.
The Moscow supported Regime in Ukraine was toppled by popular protest.. the Maidan, "Revolution of Dignity". We did NOT sponsor it.
Ukrainians were led to believe that they were headed towards the EU and the Moscow pressured leader, Yanukovych did an about turn. Russia was meddling in Ukraine big time. Their propaganda took hold here apparently. See Tim Snyder's lecture series on the history ( the REAL history) of Ukraine and the guest lecture by Prof. Marci Shore on the Maidan Revolution; she was there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_of_Dignity
https://snyder.substack.com/p/ukraines-maidan-revolution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_CLI3xY58
Potter,
Perhaps you missed my word "prospect," referring to a future likelihood
Perhaps you missed that the Maidan Revolution was a popular revolution. Ukraine does not want to be part of Russia. Ukraine is sovereign and was invaded, has been invaded since it gave up it's nuclear weapons. Ukraine deserves to be defended by the West... and was promised. Perhaps you missed that.
Perhaps you missed my reply to your other post: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-13-2024/comment/49542213
Ukraine is an artificial state, where around half the population was Russian-speaking. A lot of them would rather live in Russia than in the new post-Maidan bigoted anti-Russian far-right police state.
That's why Crimea broke away, and then civil war extending to Kharkiv, Odessa (quickly suppressed) and the Donbass.
The Budapest Memorandum promised protection to a NEUTRAL Ukraine, but the new post-revolutionary thug regime abandoned neutrality and sought NATO membership, so no more guarantees.
Perhaps you missed that.
(Part 2)
When assessing the rights and wrongs of all that has unfolded between Ukraine and Russia, a critical question is the legitimacy (or lack thereof) of the Maidan Revolution.
See https://therealnews.com/iiopatonok0810ukraine
and
https://mate.substack.com/p/by-using-ukraine-to-fight-russia
Did the United States violate the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of another state?
https://pesd.princeton.edu/node/551
If so, was this part of an ongoing campaign to subjugate and/or dismember Russia?
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The Maidan was a Popular Revolution. People were angry over Russia's interference in their domestic business and wanted a relationship with the West. They are sovereign and have this right. They elected Zelensky overwhelmingly because of this. The US will support democracy movements wherever and will act against violations of international law.
So I suppose you think the U.S. will condemn itself for violations of international law in Iraq, Libya and Syria.
The Maidan Revolution did include a prominent popular element, but it was the right-wing thugs who gave it staying power, and they were rewarded with control over the police stations.
Zelensky was elected with a campaign pledge to make peace in the Donbass, but he capitulated to neo-Nazi war-mongers and reneged on his promise. And Zelensky has suppressed all opposition parties and seized their TV stations. What an othermucking "democrat."
He's been cancelling elections, too.
We were acting under on a UN Resolution and in coalition. Putin is not; he is in violation of the UN, the charter and international law (ICJ as well) Russia needs to be kicked off the Security Council.
Zelensky is presiding over a war of aggression perpetrated upon the country with a fifth column within. The so-called "neo-Nazi"'s that were fighting Russian aggression in Donbas have since joined the national fight. Peace in Donbass has depended on getting the Russians out and to stop claiming they own Ukraine, especially because folks spoke Russian.. and also some infiltrated. This has been going on for years, at least 10. If this does not make sense to you I don't know what would. Zelensky has the confidence of the people.
PS I do not think I would convince you of anything...but at least i am not calling you names ( at the moment).
So I suppose you think the U.S. will condemn itself for violations of international law in Iraq, Libya and Syria.
And then the U.S. military will just go home and tell Israel to stop violating those United Nations resolutions.
p.s. Perhaps you are hallucinating about Zelensky being popular.
"Ukrainians are losing trust in Zelensky over his handling of the Russian invasion and his rule is becoming increasingly autocratic..."
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-increasingly-authoritarian-unpopular-mxv30mf6r
Zelensky has been VERY DEEPLY unpopular ever since before the Russian invasion, with less than 25% saying they would vote for him:
https://euobserver.com/opinion/152478
I hope you're not on drugs.
And that "one" is Trump, not Johnson Johnson is a tool, in every sense of the word.
An empty cab pulled up in front of the Capitol and Mike Johnson got out.
Our system is deeply flawed, and these flaws may become our undoing in the age of the Trump cult.
Our system isn't flawed so much as reliant on customs and traditions instead of written rules. It was designed by people who couldn't dream that members of Congress would allow a tyrant to rule them, especially one who is merely a citizen.
Agreed. I think they also expected that a majority of people with honor and integrity and decency would serve we, the people. They’d be horrified by the vile humans who follow Trump/Putin in our Congress.
Though this article deals specifically with the presidency, it isn't too much to think that the framers would have expected about the same from members of Congress.
“The process of election affords a moral certainty,” [Alexander] Hamilton wrote, “that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/george-conway-trump-unfit-office/599128/
One flaw is the electoral college. It needs to be abolished in my opinion. Colorado can’t decide apart from the other states which candidates are qualified for the federal ticket—that’s what I heard from the SCOTUS questions the other day. Well as it stands now a minority of states decide who is president. Makes no sense. It is a leftover from our shameful days of slavery when a minority of states with a lot of money (made with free labor) could influence our country. Why are our law makers NOT making laws? They are too busy making $ deals. How can we still be saddled with a system leftover from our days of slavery? Makes no sense.
Another flaw is that SCOTUS justices do not have term limits.
...or that SCOTUS justices have no code of ethics, literally. The appearance of being bought & sold by the rich is now traceable to 4 of them. Why did the FBI not interview Anita Hill or Christine Blasey Ford's witnesses to their sexual abuse by Thomas & Kavanaugh? They were given lists of names to back up these & multiple other women's experiences with these men. The FBI didn't investigate a single one. Who paid off Kavanaugh's huge debt? In 2017 he owed between $60,000 to $200,00 on 3 credit cards & a loan against his retirement account. By the time he was nominated in 2018 the debts vanished. His reported income & assets were not seemly sufficient to pay off all that debt with his upper class lifestyle. He had 2 kids in an expensive private school & a posh country club membership with a $92,000 initiation fee. No other recent SC nominee had so many unanswered questions regarding their finances. Who would get a job if they yelled at their job interview like Brett yelled at Senator Klobuchar while screaming how he liked beer? Good gawd.
John I haven’t played bridge for years, but I am inclined to play again so I can bid THREE NO TRUMP.
Get past Mike Johnson: discharge petition
https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-propose-discharge-petition-get-past-mike-johnson-1869521
How long would this take?
depends on support and determination
I read in a substack today that there is a work-around that Hakeem Jeffries is pursuing. It will require some Republican votes.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/08/congress/dems-open-to-discharge-petition-00140539
However, the good thing is that after the win in both NY and Pennsylvania by Dems taking Republican seats, Republicans might be more willing to vote in their self interest as opposed to voting in Trump's self interest. When I say self interest as a presidential candidate, not as a citizen of the USA, whom he may be permanently tarnishing. Right on Hakeem! Right on for all Republicans who support this work-around. Here is the recent interview with Jeffries himself on the topic. https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/leader-jeffries-right-thing-do-or-down-vote-comprehensive-bipartisan-national
The amount of control that Trump has fashioned over the congress and over the Republican Party amazes me. The "brownshirts" that threaten everyone that fails to do as he wishes are a big part of the takeover. Anybody know who is running that? Russians? Trump becomes ever more dangerous.
A wolf in sheep's clothing.
https://yadontknow.blogspot.com/2023/11/sheeps-clothing.html
(Although the cloak of Evangelicalism is getting pretty grungy)
In 30 days, any member of the House can file a discharge petition to bypass the Speaker and bring the bill to the floor for a vote. It's likely that Johnson sees a 30-day delay in passing the supplemental as some sort of face-saving measure he can lay before his orange puppeteer and the Freedumb Caucus trogs, but he's still going to lose.
On top of this impending loss, Johnson is going to lose on the Lankford-Sinema-Murphy border deal as well. Suozzi's victory in NY last night shows that the "crisis at the border" trope the GOP has manufactured to drum up their base is a losing strategy. Every GOP Rep in a swing seat is going to drop that campaign narrative like a hot potato - likely a few GOP Senators up for reelection will as well. This impending loss of support may even allow negotiation of a better bill, with fewer capitulations the chaos agents in Congress.
The best part about the impending loss of the power of the fake "border crisis" narrative is that it will hurt tRump.
Maybe Heather or someone else can site a time in American history when one unelected person told an entire party what to do. This ain't right. Shouldn't a representative democracy be led by who the voters elect, not the one voted out; the one we fired?
I am sure that if Johnson or a few others really loved and valued Americans and our democracy, they'd be willing to follow Liz Cheney's lead and take a hit in their careers by standing up to trump. C'mon Mike, defy donnie for your country. Let the house vote on the Ukraine/Israel bill for the good of the US and world democracy. Let the maga gop fire you. Be a big boy and defy trump. You have the power to free yourself from his withering grip. Serve the people and you wont need to be so dishonest and shake in your boots in fear that the little don will be mean to you.
And if truth be known, that "one" is not the so-called "Speaker." We all know who that "one" really is.
When will Tom Souzzi be seated, John?
I have read as early at tomorrow (Thursday 2/15) or as late as the end of the month of Feb.
Yes, I just saw that it may b on Thursday or he'll have to wait till after the House takes an extended recess for President's Day, the end of the monthl