Speaking virtually today to the Munich Security Conference, the world’s largest gathering to discuss international security policy, President Biden promised that “America is back.” He assured the world that the U.S.
“Republicans have become the party of obstruction . . . “
Republicans are the party of NO, as in “No change from the 1800s.“
Republicans are the party of Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, craven self-serving pols who only care about lining their pockets, padding their resumes and making themselves look good on paper.
Republicans are the party of big business billionaires.
Republicans are the party of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump is the man who let himself be used by Vladimir Putin to shake down the Ukrainian president, obstruct Congress on January 6, and much more. He is the single most corrupt president in US history, and I dare anyone to refute that statement.
Republicans are the party of racism.
Republicans are the party of sexism and misogyny.
Republicans are the party of fighting against gay and lesbian rights.
Republicans are the party of QAnon.
Republicans are the party of David Duke and the KKK.
Nine times out of 10 Republican
politicians are the ones investigated and indicted for corruption.
Republicans are the party of members of Congress who oppose the people’s election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Republicans are the party of the attack on Congress, the first time in our nation’s history that has ever happened.
Republicans are not the party of Lincoln anymore, that’s for sure.
What party affiliation would Lincoln have today? Where would he fit in?
Republicans are the party of voter suppression, because their inherent racism forces them to target non-white voters. When do you ever hear of Democratic state and county officials targeting mostly white Republican towns and districts to suppress votes?
Republicans are the party of self service over public service.
Republicans are the party of union busting, because broken unions and non-unionized work forces make it even easier for corporations to exploit their workers with impunity than they already do. Remember Wisconsin?
The Republican Party has become such a reactionary group of extremists, so radical and off-the-reservation, that Joe Biden, a center right politician, looks like Fidel Castro to them.
Donald Trump, a lifelong New York Democrat, joined the Republican Party before making his run for the presidency. Why? Why would he do that?
The best nationally known Republicans are no longer George Bush and his family, Dick Cheney (what is it about the name Dick?), John McCain, Mitt Romney, and John Boehner.
The best nationally known Republicans are now Donald Trump and his family, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene. Now you can include Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley.
If the Republican Party were not turning into an extremist and terrorist organization which looks more and more like the IRA and the apartheid South African National Party of F.W. de Klerk, it would be Larry Hogan on everybody’s lips, not Rafael Edward Cruz.
One of your best efforts, Roland. There are so many memorable one liners, I’m going to have to write them down. I think “Republicans are the party of self service over public service” is my favorite.
You left out: The Republican Party is the party of the so-called Christian Evangelicals, people who do not follow the example of their savior, Jesus Christ, to love and care for everyone. I speak as a person who considers herself to be a practicing Christian.
“The Christians who are on the wrong side of history, like Mike Pence, are over there because they are attached to the pre-1960s model of one man one woman + children everyone straight man-has-more-power outdated Hallmark Channel family model. He is just as white supremacist and misogynistic as the social lepers from January 6, he just puts a glossy coat of paint over it.”
Any Christian who chooses Donald Trump over Joe Biden is missing the message of Joshua of Nazareth. The contrast between these two people, I won’t say men because one of them isn’t, could not be more stark. If you call yourself a Christian, and you vote for Donald Trump, then your religion and your church have been completely corrupted. Joshua will still love you, but he will place in the category of very lost and deluded member of his flock.
Bravo, Roland!! Excellent body of homework articulating the seditious party's destruction actions, goals and fanatical extremism. Al Qaeda has nothing on our homegrown terrorists and propagandist media arms.
Speaking of Wisconsin, I got Ron Johnson's email newsletter today (gotta know what he's 'thinking') and there is NO mention of Trump. 'There should have never been a trial (all political theater by "vindictive and divisive" dems, no due process) and Rush Limbaugh was God's gift to conservatism.' We here continue to be jerked around by a republican legislature who blocks everything our dem governor tries to do. HCR and those in this community have energized me to get more involved in elections and peaceful protests on every level to thwart this growing throttle-hold on democracy. Thank you for that!
Message from Maryland. Hogan is moderate for a republican. He still is not someone I would choose to vote for in an election going forward - too focused on business over environment, unwilling to fund necessary upgrades to education.
Thank you for the info. I’m sure there’s no way I would vote for Hogan either, my point is that he is not an anarchist. He is a sensible Republican. He couldn’t wait to get the Maryland National Guard in there to quell the Riot. All the seditionists, the Rioters and the Republican members of Congress, attacked the Congress which is the People's voice, because they want to continue the lovely 4 years of racist and sexist society. Donald Trump is their wet dream, their fondest wish come true. Now American society is reverting back to form and not giving them their paradise anymore. So they threw a temper tantrum.
Agree on Hogan but worried he might run against Van Hollen successfully. MD is 2:1 Dems but obviously quite a few voted for Hogan statewide when he ran against a weak (and black) Dem.
But over 74 million voted for them. Are they all ignorant of all the epithets and truths that you bring to the fore? Do they agree with some of it.......but agree much less with what the Dems have to offer? It's not a black and white question as you know very well and is imposed only because there are only 2 Parties....which in their entirety represent no one....not even those elected under their banners.
Yes. See my post above. On a normal bell shaped curve of distribution, 74 million is only 25% of the American population. I’m a psychologist and administer IQ tests. In theory 25% on the low end of the bell shaped curve are intellectually disabled.
IQ assessment and interpretation are not understood by most. All humans have a cognitive profile of at least 7 constructs. Each one is measured and together makes the composite score. I never look at the composite score but instead the patterns of strengths and weaknesses in the individual constructs.
What are those constructs? In layman’s terms they measure the following capabilities in humans: understanding and using language; vision and hearing; speed at which you process information; long term memory; short term memory; etc
But this is why it’s so important to ‘get out the vote’. Think about how many people didn’t even bother to vote. It’s a lot! 74 million, in comparison to 300 million Americans, is only 25%+- of the population. That’s the very lowest end of a bell shaped curve distribution.
Thank you for putting that into a context that brought my blood pressure down a notch or two. 74 million is a huge number but opening up the eyes of a few hundred million Americans so they do their civic duty and vote ... well that’s a worthy goal!!!
Yes, it is. I have to confess, I always voted in the Presidential elections from the time I had the chance to vote but in my younger days, I didn’t bother much with local elections. That is a mistake many of us have made. It’s so important that Civics as a required course gets more traction in today’s education. As I listen to my niece, who is a wife, mother and business owner tell me she doesn’t have the time or energy to stay engaged with the issues we face, I understand her feeling of overwhelm. I tried to express the importance of staying engaged as it will impact her life and her business and her children’s future but I was where she was once. My words fall on deaf ears. Complacency of so many citizens is why I feel we find ourselves in this very serious assault on our democracy. Hindsight, right?
Only 40% of the American population votes. That’s all. Why do you think we got Trump? It’s because having a black president motivated the opposition to get out and vote for change‼️ Nothing is going to motivate racists more than having the first African-American president in history. Polls don’t mean jack. The only thing that matters is who actually submits a legal ballot that is counted. Period. And when less than half the population is voting, VOTER TURNOUT IS ALL THAT COUNTS.
Ah, but at its very core it IS a black and white question. Institutionalized racism and the recent attacks on anything resembling addressing it (the "1776 Manifesto" in response to the "1619 Project) is but one example) are at the fundamental core of this divide between today's Republicans and today's Democrats.
My American history tends to start a few thousand years ago and both dates are important but they record more the invasion of colonialists and their somewhat deleterious impact upon a highly civilized human environment.
Stuart I love you and your writing but I frequently don’t follow your train of thought. That said, racism and sexism (and homophobia) are at the core of what is Republican. If a POC or a woman, preferably both, is attacked, it’s always a Republican attack. There is nearly always a cover story or excuse or BS reason for the attack, but the attack is racist and sexist. You can tell. Same with voter suppression. That is fueled by racism. This is a black-and-white issue.
My son who is 17 is constantly decrying our two party system. I am beginning to see that he is wise despite his lack of years. Perhaps the Republicans will really splinter asunder giving cover for the Democrats to do the same. But does it really function better to have an Italian or Israeli style government? I hope the Democrats can hobble oligarchs and big business to some extent. Perhaps my head is in the sand?
The italian example is perhaps not the best and Isreal's current difficulties are somewhat recent in origin and concern divisive personalities. The key in any proportional system is always the extent of regionalization of the voting process and the minimum percentage vote requirement for representation. A better example to study might be the German situation on one hand and the Dutch on the other. Forming governments that tend to limit the influence of extremes but still reflect the distance and direction from the centre dictated by the people's votes.
But then Belgium is a very strange, unreal beast with all the complexities of the French administrative model and the opposing "simplicities" and rigidities of the Protestant Dutch. In reality it is a country that doesn't exist as a whole.
I much enjoyed the time i spent living and working in Brussels, though; didn't meet many Belgians but evolved in young international community.
I never liked a multiple party idea. It just didn't make sense to me. However, in light of the last decade or so it's becoming apparent that there are at least 3 major philosophies that could be articulated. Another aspect is regionalism. A friend has suggested that the USA could/should be four separate countries. That flipped me out, but maybe some form of regional 'government' between the state and federal level might help functionality?
In France they add layers without clarifying the limits and responsibilities of each and it adds to the confusion.
Once you start looking at the different intellectual currents, often mutually exclusive, that you would find in each existing party, three would hardly suffice.
The German system is the only one I have some fleeting familiarity with, since I grew up there. I am an ignoramus on multiparty systems, I defer to all of you.
I can definitely see this: ranging from the extreme progressive Democrats to the reactionary Republicans with the middle ground being occupied by the "rational" reds and blues.
I can't see many progressive Dems leaving the party. We prefer staying with our party and working to improve it. Let Repugs crack up like the Whigs and be irrelevant for a decade or more.
Or overpower them with numbers. That’s what happened in California in 2010 when a state-appointed citizen’s committee redistricted the entire state. Eliminating gerrymandering also eliminated the California Republican Party as a viable party. They have been an endangered species, irrelevant in state politics because of Democratic supermajorities. Eliminating gerrymandering disempowers the Republican Party to the point where its power is commensurate with its true numbers. That’s how you defeat racism sexism and homophobia. Eliminate gerrymandering. Reduce voter suppression. Get out the vote. In the meantime, power play them like they play us. Take off the gloves.
Roland’s “Dick” comment was a minor insult against a man guilty of monstrous behavior. His role in the Bush administration took us down a path we are still reckoning with. If anything it was too lighthearted.
I have to agree with Diane and Steven. Dick Cheney was an animal. “Monstrous behavior” only begins to do it justice. And let’s not forget, he is probably the number one person responsible for the Iraq war, Halliburton profited beautifully. World class sleazebag.
My deceased mother would tell me she thought Cheney was hiding in the bunker under the White House, like Hitler. She always felt he was the one calling the shots because she didn’t think George Jr. was smart enough.
She was right...and he was just following the dictum of Charles Wilson..."what is good for General Motors (in this case Halliburton) is good for the world"
Sorry Dick I don’t always keep it clean and clear. I didn’t mean to insult you or anyone else with the name Dick, that’s for sure. I was actually referring to Tricky Dick Nixon. When I think of Dick Cheney it reminds me of Richard Nixon, especially thinking of Republicans. I read a book about Dick Cheney and some of the vicious things he did to betray people around him in govt.
My apologies. Thanks for the feedback, it helps me get better at staying human.
No worries, I remember “Tricky Dick “ well, the night that he resigned, we opened up and drank a bottle of Cognac that was bottled when Napoleon was raging around Europe, it was very, very good as was the day.
I once worked in a bookstore where 5 out of 8 staff were named Mike, and they were all jerks! Any explanation would have an ineffable quality to it. (I had to look up "ineffable.")
Roland, I enjoyed your righteous, political singalong. We have a small disagreement about Joe Biden. I would call him a centrist, rather than center-right as you did. In fact, I believe he has moved a smidgen to the left, perhaps, because the need of the people demands it.
You are correct, but so am I. It depends on where you are standing, it depends on perspective. In the last few days I’ve been exchanging views here with a gentleman from England. By western European standards, Biden is as I described. Absolutely he’s moving left, that is clear. I think your take is more accurate for the American perspective, you have me there.
I have to find a way to copy this and save it for useful reference when speaking with my family Trumpsters. Thank you, Roland! 🥰👍🏻 Like the ironic wit, too. So helpful! ❤️🤍💙
I could tell you how to copy and paste this, but in my experience when attempting to speak with my family Trumpsters, the more factual I become, the more fractious they retort. The only hope I see is if their ministers, CEOs, and financial portfolio consultants speak to them with the same truths.
Roland, thank you for laying it all out there. It seems ludicrous that so many citizens still follow the party blindly... or are they? Am I simply naive in believing those that stay with the current Republican Party do not see what it has become? Or are really seeing it for what it now stands for and relishing it? Are there that many who would cut off their noses to spite their face to hold on to white power?
You are correct in every respect. Republicans do not see. They gravitate to white power and male power. They don’t care that Donald Trump has abused several dozen women. They don’t care that he insults and despises non-whites and non-males from Barack to the Squad etc. etc. They probably secretly admire him. They are oblivious to being sexist and racist, in their mind they probably just think whites are still better and men are still better, and that’s the way it should be. They are closet racists, sexists, homophobes and anti-Semites. Except of course the ones who are right out there in the open with it.
People of conscience twist themselves up in knots trying to figure out what the hell the latest Republican rationalization means. People, we are working too hard to try to figure these schmucks out. Forget the latest mind bender that they come up with. Because they are in denial of their own sexism and racism, they spew all kinds of nonsense to justify and excuse and rationalize themselves and their behavior. And they project like crazy. Notice how Donald Trump was trying to steal an election, and he was accusing everybody except himself for doing it. That is the definition of a complete fucking moron in denial.
My opinion, that’s all it is I am no predictor, is a break-up. The party looks like it’s fracturing. I for one am delighted, because nothing brings me more joy than watching the coalition of racists sexists and homophobes called “The GOP” fighting it out in internecine warfare. Find your favorite sofa or armchair, and let’s watch the show together 🍿🍿
Thanks Roland! I hope that can be done without destroying our democracy! A "functioning" two-party system would be nice! In the meantime, my wife and I will be celebrating the completion of our covid vaccinations with a Zoom meeting with our Granddaughter and family, followed by a cocktail and fine Oregon Pinot with dinner.
It may be a trend, but what kind? I've read that many Repug defectors leave b/c business Republicans aren't rabid enough for them. They may un-register but still lust to support the Unnamed Former.
Roland I have to take back my previous comment on not being in an echo chamber. But I do enjoy the reverberations of how awful the Republicans have become. We here who have come to enjoy life again during the insanity of the tRump regime, who have come to weather that increasingly awful experience under Heather’s words of wisdom are grateful to her and to each other. Thank you all for your support.
The HIJACKED Republican Party is thus. Can it be released and rescued, or is it now so far off course, a new Responsible party must step into the void.
Hard to embrace the perpetrators after Democracy being threatened of extinction for four years. It is such a relief to be able to breathe and to see a President working for the country and its citizens. It brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Heather for highlighting these moments. We need this for healing
My hope is Republicans will allow themselves to open to the possibility of embracing Democracy and denouncing self serving autocrats. I worked hard to defeat Susan Collins because of her inability to take a stand against the tax cuts for the millionaires, Justice Kavanaugh, etc. but now she takes a brave stand as Senator. I can applaud her for that. I pray with time we will be better able to work together. However as a psychotherapist who worked with trauma patients I know it takes a long time to heal. It will take me a while to recover from the last four years of watching our Democracy being replaced with fascism. It is moments of watching and hearing Biden wanting to work with Europe that lets me rest and breathe again.
Clarity and honesty, both yours and Biden...totally refreshing. tRump's takeover of the state R machines is troubling, particularly the repression of voting rights. Such a gift is the vision of JRB, he does seem destined for the role of Statesperson, molded by years in the crucible of the Senate, to lead into a future of a more equitable world. Deep gratitude to you, dear Heather, for your work on behalf of the nation, placing events into perspective and keeping an even keel. You are a national treasure!
Makes me think of Paul Nash and Game Theory.......a real sub-optimal solution of the "prisoner game" for all 3 of them, as only the DOJ wins....and a classic of police detective TV and literature.
Professor and mathematician credited with most recent development of the theory and its application to economics. Unfortunately also had a problem with schizophrenia which eventually his university adapted to in recognition of his contribution.
Through his wife's constant support, a friend in the Dean's chair and a continued stream of game-changing research enabled a cocoon to be woven around him enabling him to function without the devastating intellectual impact of the pills that are otherwise required.
Paradoxically, government is extremely important to them....small, totally controlling and cheap....as long as it doesn't get in their way! A strong, autocratic federal government under their control is the only way they can continue to act as if government doesn't exist locally around their zone of existence for them...only for the others.
I agree 99%, David. But anarchism is a coherent humane political philosophy, not mere chaos; the GOP is nihilist. They proved it last summer when they abandoned any party platform. They officially stand for nothing, hence nihilism.
“'Democracy doesn’t happen by accident... We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it. We have to prove that our model isn’t a relic of our history; it’s the single best way to revitalize the promise of our future.'"
"'[I]f we work together with our democratic partners, with strength and confidence, I know that we’ll meet every challenge and outpace every challenger.'"
May the Force be with you, President Biden! I'm so delighted that you're here!
All the more reason to hurry up and pass the John Lewis Voting Act! I simply cannot wait until the commission to investigate the insurrection reveals exactly who are the criminals in Congress.
Don't hold your breath on the voting act, since as long as the two morons Manchin and Sinema are there working to be "bipartisan" and defend the filibuster, there will never be 60 votes for it. You'd think those two fools could figure out that the voting act would make their re-elections easier, but never doubt the idiocy of "moderate conservatives."
No. Reconciliation has nothing to do with eliminating the filibuster. It only allows budget bills to be passed by a simple majority. The filibuster can only be changed by officially changing the rules. Wish it was as easy as you think, but nope.
"More than 72% percent of Americans like Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Sixty-one percent want a $15 federal minimum wage, which is currently in the American Rescue Plan. Sixty-three percent want the U.S. to be in the Paris climate agreement (which we officially rejoined today), and 83% want undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, the so-called Dreamers, to have a path to citizenship. Biden promised 100 million vaccines in his first 100 days; we should actually hit that goal by late March— a month early-- even if the pace stays where it is."
Obstruction. Delection. Projection. Rejection.
That is the GOP go-to response - may, strategy - to anything and anyone who seeks benefits for the greater good, whether in principle or practice. In my view they do this out of fear. Fear that the Democrats will succeed where they have failed. Fear that people will see through their failure to offer alternative approached that benefit more than just their "base." Fear that their base may, in fact, like what Biden has to offer.
They've had their chances, most recently after Romney's defeat to Obama in 2012, despite McConnell's vow to limit Obama to one term. They said they were going to conduct a post mortem. They talked about inviting more voters into their tent, of engaging communities of color and young voters. And then they did nothing. In 2016 they reviled Trump but lined up behind him, rationalizing each successive transgression. In 2020 they offered nothing, deciding that no party platform was sufficient, maybe because they thought the strong economy would be their ticket to victory, perhaps because Trump was uncontrollable, but so long as they could nominate conservative judges they'd put up with him.
Ultimately they offered nothing because they had nothing. They voted over 60 times to repeal and replace Obamacare, but in 8 years never countered with a different approach. Trump regularly promised a much better, much cheaper plan than the ACA. It would be coming in two weeks. After four years it never arrived.
They've arrived empty hsnded because they just don't care. These Ivy educated, gold plated resume politicians DO. NOT. CARE. if you're not white, wealthy, and Christian, you're invisible to them, and their goal is to institutionalize that invisibility by trying to eliminate your options to vote. They hope to starve you of hope until you give up.
But in 2020 the nation didn't give up, though it was a bit close for comfort. Biden is attempting to rebuild confidence better and abroad, trying to rekindle hope, and the GOP will try to wait him out by saying "No.".
Obstruction. Delection. Projection. Rejection. Don't let them do it. Hold their feet to the fire. Call them out on their BS. There's still a chance. There's still hope.
Their playbook is a bit threadbare. Although 2020 was too close for comfort, I'll do what I can to make 2022 more of an uphill climb. The pandemic, climate catastrophes, and other disasters have given all of us a clear view of those who aim to help. I've yet to see any Republicans through that window.
Did you see the interview with Dan Patrick here in Texas? I was impressed how the host called him out on his lies and comments about maintenance on our grid but also about his comments on California’s fire maintenance. If the media and press are going to regain their credibility, challenges to the truth with facts to back it up, must become the norm.
A commentary on an Austin-based local news station (I forget which), straight up called out Gov. Greg Abbott for his blatant lies blaming the power outages on frozen wind turbines. I suspect, however, that this misinformation continues unchallenged on right-leaning media streams.
But speaking of Dan Patrick ... shortly after the pandemic began, he called on elderly to sacrifice their lives to Covid so as to save the economy. This week, ex-Sec & ex-Gov Rick Perry left the rest of Texans shivering in out boots: “Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business."
Dan Patrick is truly loathsome; in a decent world those remarks would have cost him his job. But the Colo City mayor who's similarly callous is in the dustbin of history now. May he be joined ASAP by more of his ilk.
I think my Holocaust parents would agree with Paine. Needless to say, they never thought that we would be going through what we have. So glad they aren’t alive as they suffered enough.
One strength of LFAA is to re-present the enduring words and values from our past to our present. From 1760s through 1870s we were given a remarkable lexicon and set of principles that remain remarkably relevant even now. I never tire of citing the immortals: Henry, Paine, Jefferson, Douglass, Lincoln, Grant, Howe et al.
I think we can find better use of eggs than to waste them on those "Cruzzing" to a stand-still. Something more potent might do the job better. Ex President of France, Jacque Chirac was asked, after losing decisively his snap elect to reshape National Assembly to his liking, what defeat felt like and he answered "How do you think I feel after receiving 2 million well aimed slaps in the face?"
Could be my COVID vaccine working, or only being 12° outside, but your Happy Days rendition from Sister Act gave me CHILLS!! Look where we are today!!!! A month into Biden's presidency and Democracy is happening, terrorist t-Rump is off our airwaves, and the news is normal stuff! Happy Days indeed!
Late night comedy writers have been suffering from the sudden dearth of material due to the absence of the former president's daily, hourly, Twitter feed. Ted Cruz took it upon himself to step up and fill the void, as it were. Although the skim milk of Cruz's just plain stupid (jps) doesn't satisfy like the rich cream of the former president's psychotic narcissisism and megalomania, if it's all you have, put in the biscuit batter anyway.
We, The Amalgamated Brotherhood of Comedy Scribes and Biscuit Bakers, Local 695, salute Ted Cruz and bestow upon him honorary membership.
That cost him some karma points. "That's a nice leg you have there. It would be too bad if someone bit it." Or mistook it for a fire hydrant - whoops that's a trickle-down joke.
I did not think it was humanly possible for an American politician to out-lie Ted Cruz this week. But to my utter astonishment and utter revulsion, Joe Manchin proved me wrong with his intellectually insulting, steaming pile of BS excuse for objecting to Biden's nomination of Neera Tanden. Not one voter in WV could give a flying fuck about Neera Tanden, so Manchin's objection was just another example of misogynistic, wildly egotistical personality. The English have no trouble applying the most hated derogatory word starting with the letter "C" to disgusting humanoids like Manchin. As my dear ladylike mother always said, "If the choe fits, wear it".
I had a bumper sticker and pins made with the slogan "Re-elect No One". And, I sent emails to Senator Cornyn, US Rep Chip Roy and Texas Rep Murr that I cannot vote for any candidate with an R next to their name (or Q or T.. ) after the Republicans acquitted DT on a technicality. With a caveat, that if they formed a Lincoln Party I would consider those candidates.
Cathy, you make me smile 😊...re-elect no one! Love it! Too bad we can’t post photos. It would be a hoot to see that bumper sticker and pin. You go girl!
Yes, It is interesting that term limits is something people of both parties want. The only ones that don't are our elected officials who want to keep their power for as long as possible. The foxes want to keep the key to the chicken coop.
Manchin is flexing his muscles, testing the strength of his position as "swing" vote. He also knows what he must do to satisfy WV voters; he's done it for ages. Unfortunately sometimes the country will suffer from his appeasement. Equally unfortunate, anyone replacing him is more likely a worse Repug than a better Democrat. Still, he and Sinema will help deliver some Dem victories. At least, they'd better!
Hopefully in 2022 there will be 2-3 Democrats get elected to the Senate and DINO Manchin can be kicked out to become the Republican he knows he is at heart.
yes, he really is concerning. I saw red flags when he actually verbalized his misogyny wanting Kamala Harris to request his permission to speak in his state...he must be addicted to his mirror. Doesn't seem he is advocating for his constituents. Seeks press on himself. He and Sinema are attention-seeking adolescents who could really challenge the progress this administration needs to make. IMHO.
Regarding voting rights, the fact that Democrats in 37 states have more bills out to protect voting rights than Republicans have to suppress voting rights is very encouraging. We need to clone Stacy Abrams!
One of the things I think Republicans have done very poorly is be Republicans. Have you looked at the national debt? Have you noticed how the national debt growth relates to Republican admirations beginning with Reagan. Republicans were supposed to be deficit hawks. What a bad joke. It is as if the Republican moto is "Small government big deficits". The question is, what did those huge deficits pay for? At least with Democrats you might get a few miles of new interstate roads or a few bridges and damns repaired.
The most frustrating part of the myth about Republicans being better for the economy is that so many people continue to believe it. Should the Democrats rent billboard space that shows Wall Street's jump when a Democratic administration took over to dispel this fallacy?
According to Gore Vidal, the U.S. became a debtor nation under Ronald Reagan. He spent more money than FDR and LBJ did put together. It seems Democrats tax and spend on the General welfare for taxpayers in the U. S. Whereas Republicans borrow and spend for the military and contractors overseas.
Reagan increased the national debt by 186%
George W. Bush increased the national debt by 101%
Barack Obama increased the national debt by 73.6%
George H. Bush increased the national debt by 54%
That list of Presidents spent money over 8 years. Trump raised the National debt in 4 years to more than George W. Bush did in 8 years!
The crisis in Texas and, on a much wider scale, the pandemic are both clear cases of failures in the Republican philosophy of "a government that governs least is a government that governs best." The failure to address climate change is another such example. Whenever the Republicans are faced with a challenge, they fail. Continuing to give them power is like expecting an elephant to fly or a baboon to write a symphony.
I worked in the environmental law section of a large law firm for many years. We constantly counseled clients to clean up their act when trying to get around regulations. They complained that we were trying to run their business, but the response was that we were trying to keep them out of jail. T***p's gutting of EPA and other regulatory bodies did boost the economy (because of big business being let off the hook), but we'll be paying the cost for a very long time.
Absolutely. I am sickened by the steps my Arizona State Legislature is taking to restrict voting rights. Even though our Republican Governor, Attorney General and the Republican Majority County Supervisors for Maricopa County (Phoenix) stand by the vote for Biden, the State Legislature is still desperate to turn over the election results. I have voted by mail in Arizona since the 90's. I have no idea where my polling place is located. And we should never force people to go into highly congested areas again for critical needs like voting.
Yes, definetly! They should also pass HR1, ‘For the People Act’ (about voting rights). Regarding states’ voter suppression bills, we owe Marc Elias and Democracy Docket (democracy docket.com) a debt of gratitude. Marc Elias won 60+ court cases against DJT’s team, and he continues to fight the repub’s voter suppression bills. He’s a very talented lawyer and we owe him a lot!
“Republicans have become the party of obstruction . . . “
Republicans are the party of NO, as in “No change from the 1800s.“
Republicans are the party of Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, craven self-serving pols who only care about lining their pockets, padding their resumes and making themselves look good on paper.
Republicans are the party of big business billionaires.
Republicans are the party of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump is the man who let himself be used by Vladimir Putin to shake down the Ukrainian president, obstruct Congress on January 6, and much more. He is the single most corrupt president in US history, and I dare anyone to refute that statement.
Republicans are the party of racism.
Republicans are the party of sexism and misogyny.
Republicans are the party of fighting against gay and lesbian rights.
Republicans are the party of QAnon.
Republicans are the party of David Duke and the KKK.
Nine times out of 10 Republican
politicians are the ones investigated and indicted for corruption.
Republicans are the party of members of Congress who oppose the people’s election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Republicans are the party of the attack on Congress, the first time in our nation’s history that has ever happened.
Republicans are not the party of Lincoln anymore, that’s for sure.
What party affiliation would Lincoln have today? Where would he fit in?
Republicans are the party of voter suppression, because their inherent racism forces them to target non-white voters. When do you ever hear of Democratic state and county officials targeting mostly white Republican towns and districts to suppress votes?
Republicans are the party of self service over public service.
Republicans are the party of union busting, because broken unions and non-unionized work forces make it even easier for corporations to exploit their workers with impunity than they already do. Remember Wisconsin?
The Republican Party has become such a reactionary group of extremists, so radical and off-the-reservation, that Joe Biden, a center right politician, looks like Fidel Castro to them.
Donald Trump, a lifelong New York Democrat, joined the Republican Party before making his run for the presidency. Why? Why would he do that?
The best nationally known Republicans are no longer George Bush and his family, Dick Cheney (what is it about the name Dick?), John McCain, Mitt Romney, and John Boehner.
The best nationally known Republicans are now Donald Trump and his family, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene. Now you can include Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley.
If the Republican Party were not turning into an extremist and terrorist organization which looks more and more like the IRA and the apartheid South African National Party of F.W. de Klerk, it would be Larry Hogan on everybody’s lips, not Rafael Edward Cruz.
One of your best efforts, Roland. There are so many memorable one liners, I’m going to have to write them down. I think “Republicans are the party of self service over public service” is my favorite.
🙏🙏
You left out: The Republican Party is the party of the so-called Christian Evangelicals, people who do not follow the example of their savior, Jesus Christ, to love and care for everyone. I speak as a person who considers herself to be a practicing Christian.
Yes, indeed! I have so often said the very same thing, even though I don't call myself a Christian.
Here’s an excerpt from my Feb. 16 HCR post:
“The Christians who are on the wrong side of history, like Mike Pence, are over there because they are attached to the pre-1960s model of one man one woman + children everyone straight man-has-more-power outdated Hallmark Channel family model. He is just as white supremacist and misogynistic as the social lepers from January 6, he just puts a glossy coat of paint over it.”
Any Christian who chooses Donald Trump over Joe Biden is missing the message of Joshua of Nazareth. The contrast between these two people, I won’t say men because one of them isn’t, could not be more stark. If you call yourself a Christian, and you vote for Donald Trump, then your religion and your church have been completely corrupted. Joshua will still love you, but he will place in the category of very lost and deluded member of his flock.
Thank you Sally ❤️❤️
Bravo, Roland!! Excellent body of homework articulating the seditious party's destruction actions, goals and fanatical extremism. Al Qaeda has nothing on our homegrown terrorists and propagandist media arms.
🙏
Speaking of Wisconsin, I got Ron Johnson's email newsletter today (gotta know what he's 'thinking') and there is NO mention of Trump. 'There should have never been a trial (all political theater by "vindictive and divisive" dems, no due process) and Rush Limbaugh was God's gift to conservatism.' We here continue to be jerked around by a republican legislature who blocks everything our dem governor tries to do. HCR and those in this community have energized me to get more involved in elections and peaceful protests on every level to thwart this growing throttle-hold on democracy. Thank you for that!
Message from Maryland. Hogan is moderate for a republican. He still is not someone I would choose to vote for in an election going forward - too focused on business over environment, unwilling to fund necessary upgrades to education.
Thank you for the info. I’m sure there’s no way I would vote for Hogan either, my point is that he is not an anarchist. He is a sensible Republican. He couldn’t wait to get the Maryland National Guard in there to quell the Riot. All the seditionists, the Rioters and the Republican members of Congress, attacked the Congress which is the People's voice, because they want to continue the lovely 4 years of racist and sexist society. Donald Trump is their wet dream, their fondest wish come true. Now American society is reverting back to form and not giving them their paradise anymore. So they threw a temper tantrum.
True, Roland. Hogan made heroic efforts to mobilize the MD Natl Guard to protect the Capitol, but was thwarted by his own traitorous party.
That said, I am wary of the potential appeal of any moderate Republican. If they want to present as Dem Lite, they should join the Dem Party.
Agree on Hogan but worried he might run against Van Hollen successfully. MD is 2:1 Dems but obviously quite a few voted for Hogan statewide when he ran against a weak (and black) Dem.
I like Hogan as an intraparty gadfly scourging GOP comrades.
But over 74 million voted for them. Are they all ignorant of all the epithets and truths that you bring to the fore? Do they agree with some of it.......but agree much less with what the Dems have to offer? It's not a black and white question as you know very well and is imposed only because there are only 2 Parties....which in their entirety represent no one....not even those elected under their banners.
It’s scary as hell isn't it Stuart? 74 million Trump supporters can’t be ignored. It keeps me awake at night.
Never forget that half of the population has below-average IQ's
Yes. See my post above. On a normal bell shaped curve of distribution, 74 million is only 25% of the American population. I’m a psychologist and administer IQ tests. In theory 25% on the low end of the bell shaped curve are intellectually disabled.
Not sure IQ tests measure common sense.
IQ assessment and interpretation are not understood by most. All humans have a cognitive profile of at least 7 constructs. Each one is measured and together makes the composite score. I never look at the composite score but instead the patterns of strengths and weaknesses in the individual constructs.
What are those constructs? In layman’s terms they measure the following capabilities in humans: understanding and using language; vision and hearing; speed at which you process information; long term memory; short term memory; etc
Tricia, unfortunately, most of those in your 25% category seem to vote in the same states...and they are not affected by the voting restrictions.
But this is why it’s so important to ‘get out the vote’. Think about how many people didn’t even bother to vote. It’s a lot! 74 million, in comparison to 300 million Americans, is only 25%+- of the population. That’s the very lowest end of a bell shaped curve distribution.
Thank you for putting that into a context that brought my blood pressure down a notch or two. 74 million is a huge number but opening up the eyes of a few hundred million Americans so they do their civic duty and vote ... well that’s a worthy goal!!!
Yes! Right? It’s crazy that millions of Americans don’t bother to vote.
Yes, it is. I have to confess, I always voted in the Presidential elections from the time I had the chance to vote but in my younger days, I didn’t bother much with local elections. That is a mistake many of us have made. It’s so important that Civics as a required course gets more traction in today’s education. As I listen to my niece, who is a wife, mother and business owner tell me she doesn’t have the time or energy to stay engaged with the issues we face, I understand her feeling of overwhelm. I tried to express the importance of staying engaged as it will impact her life and her business and her children’s future but I was where she was once. My words fall on deaf ears. Complacency of so many citizens is why I feel we find ourselves in this very serious assault on our democracy. Hindsight, right?
Only 40% of the American population votes. That’s all. Why do you think we got Trump? It’s because having a black president motivated the opposition to get out and vote for change‼️ Nothing is going to motivate racists more than having the first African-American president in history. Polls don’t mean jack. The only thing that matters is who actually submits a legal ballot that is counted. Period. And when less than half the population is voting, VOTER TURNOUT IS ALL THAT COUNTS.
Don’t forget, the ones that might tolerate a black man wouldn’t countenance a woman.
Trust me, I haven’t forgotten. How many voters voted Republican this last time around not just FOR Trump but AGAINST Kamala Harris?
And unfortunately you do the same to a lot of them!
Ah, but at its very core it IS a black and white question. Institutionalized racism and the recent attacks on anything resembling addressing it (the "1776 Manifesto" in response to the "1619 Project) is but one example) are at the fundamental core of this divide between today's Republicans and today's Democrats.
1776P doesn't rely on facts and evidence like 1619P.
Yes but...a trifle limitative i fear!
Your fears are well-funded, Stuart. But the 1776P is so pathetic that it deserves no more than the scant attention it received.
My American history tends to start a few thousand years ago and both dates are important but they record more the invasion of colonialists and their somewhat deleterious impact upon a highly civilized human environment.
Stuart I love you and your writing but I frequently don’t follow your train of thought. That said, racism and sexism (and homophobia) are at the core of what is Republican. If a POC or a woman, preferably both, is attacked, it’s always a Republican attack. There is nearly always a cover story or excuse or BS reason for the attack, but the attack is racist and sexist. You can tell. Same with voter suppression. That is fueled by racism. This is a black-and-white issue.
My son who is 17 is constantly decrying our two party system. I am beginning to see that he is wise despite his lack of years. Perhaps the Republicans will really splinter asunder giving cover for the Democrats to do the same. But does it really function better to have an Italian or Israeli style government? I hope the Democrats can hobble oligarchs and big business to some extent. Perhaps my head is in the sand?
The italian example is perhaps not the best and Isreal's current difficulties are somewhat recent in origin and concern divisive personalities. The key in any proportional system is always the extent of regionalization of the voting process and the minimum percentage vote requirement for representation. A better example to study might be the German situation on one hand and the Dutch on the other. Forming governments that tend to limit the influence of extremes but still reflect the distance and direction from the centre dictated by the people's votes.
Whatever model you choose to follow, do not even consider Belgium.
But then Belgium is a very strange, unreal beast with all the complexities of the French administrative model and the opposing "simplicities" and rigidities of the Protestant Dutch. In reality it is a country that doesn't exist as a whole.
I much enjoyed the time i spent living and working in Brussels, though; didn't meet many Belgians but evolved in young international community.
I never liked a multiple party idea. It just didn't make sense to me. However, in light of the last decade or so it's becoming apparent that there are at least 3 major philosophies that could be articulated. Another aspect is regionalism. A friend has suggested that the USA could/should be four separate countries. That flipped me out, but maybe some form of regional 'government' between the state and federal level might help functionality?
In France they add layers without clarifying the limits and responsibilities of each and it adds to the confusion.
Once you start looking at the different intellectual currents, often mutually exclusive, that you would find in each existing party, three would hardly suffice.
Stuart, you are on to something here. I am fond of the German model.
The German system is the only one I have some fleeting familiarity with, since I grew up there. I am an ignoramus on multiparty systems, I defer to all of you.
I think we have the makings of 4 parties right now.
I can definitely see this: ranging from the extreme progressive Democrats to the reactionary Republicans with the middle ground being occupied by the "rational" reds and blues.
I can't see many progressive Dems leaving the party. We prefer staying with our party and working to improve it. Let Repugs crack up like the Whigs and be irrelevant for a decade or more.
Love this entire thread. From all your lips . . .
Part of the 74 million are ignorant and the rest take advantage of them.
Of course but they are just "gaming" the system with a certain degree of success. The Dems have to beat them at the "game" or change the rules.
Or overpower them with numbers. That’s what happened in California in 2010 when a state-appointed citizen’s committee redistricted the entire state. Eliminating gerrymandering also eliminated the California Republican Party as a viable party. They have been an endangered species, irrelevant in state politics because of Democratic supermajorities. Eliminating gerrymandering disempowers the Republican Party to the point where its power is commensurate with its true numbers. That’s how you defeat racism sexism and homophobia. Eliminate gerrymandering. Reduce voter suppression. Get out the vote. In the meantime, power play them like they play us. Take off the gloves.
Sounds like a successful gerrymandering of the Cal GOP. Not that I'm complaining.
We are still dealing with gerrymandering in CA! Our local governments embrace it. 😡
Ignorant or manipulators. You cannot be half pregnant
You had me with you until you got to Dick Cheney, then you got personal, other than that I agree with you
Roland’s “Dick” comment was a minor insult against a man guilty of monstrous behavior. His role in the Bush administration took us down a path we are still reckoning with. If anything it was too lighthearted.
Dick Cheney was arguably more dangerous than Trump, because Cheney was more clever and intelligent...and he "hid" behind the maleable George W.
I have to agree with Diane and Steven. Dick Cheney was an animal. “Monstrous behavior” only begins to do it justice. And let’s not forget, he is probably the number one person responsible for the Iraq war, Halliburton profited beautifully. World class sleazebag.
Cheney is a monster. But as Ed Markey said after Jan 6, Trumpsky "has done serious damage to America," more than Cheney did.
My deceased mother would tell me she thought Cheney was hiding in the bunker under the White House, like Hitler. She always felt he was the one calling the shots because she didn’t think George Jr. was smart enough.
She was right...and he was just following the dictum of Charles Wilson..."what is good for General Motors (in this case Halliburton) is good for the world"
Sorry Dick I don’t always keep it clean and clear. I didn’t mean to insult you or anyone else with the name Dick, that’s for sure. I was actually referring to Tricky Dick Nixon. When I think of Dick Cheney it reminds me of Richard Nixon, especially thinking of Republicans. I read a book about Dick Cheney and some of the vicious things he did to betray people around him in govt.
My apologies. Thanks for the feedback, it helps me get better at staying human.
Brings to mind the poster from the 70's, "Dick Nixon before he dicks you."
No worries, I remember “Tricky Dick “ well, the night that he resigned, we opened up and drank a bottle of Cognac that was bottled when Napoleon was raging around Europe, it was very, very good as was the day.
I’ve always wondered about the word ‘dick’ and how it got married with the male appendage. Do you know? I’m serious asking. Not a snark!
I wonder how Dick became a nickname for Richard. Maybe it was slang for member first?
Yes! And I know guys named Richard. And guess what? They are 'dicks'. Explain that.
I once worked in a bookstore where 5 out of 8 staff were named Mike, and they were all jerks! Any explanation would have an ineffable quality to it. (I had to look up "ineffable.")
😂😂😂
Roland, I enjoyed your righteous, political singalong. We have a small disagreement about Joe Biden. I would call him a centrist, rather than center-right as you did. In fact, I believe he has moved a smidgen to the left, perhaps, because the need of the people demands it.
You are correct, but so am I. It depends on where you are standing, it depends on perspective. In the last few days I’ve been exchanging views here with a gentleman from England. By western European standards, Biden is as I described. Absolutely he’s moving left, that is clear. I think your take is more accurate for the American perspective, you have me there.
I agree.
The Republican Party are the ambassadors of cheating.
Thank you Charlene‼️
I welcome additions to the list. Cheating. Using any means to have it their way. Power plays.
Thuggishness
I have to find a way to copy this and save it for useful reference when speaking with my family Trumpsters. Thank you, Roland! 🥰👍🏻 Like the ironic wit, too. So helpful! ❤️🤍💙
I could tell you how to copy and paste this, but in my experience when attempting to speak with my family Trumpsters, the more factual I become, the more fractious they retort. The only hope I see is if their ministers, CEOs, and financial portfolio consultants speak to them with the same truths.
Facts are such pesky things ....
🙏🙏
Roland, thank you for laying it all out there. It seems ludicrous that so many citizens still follow the party blindly... or are they? Am I simply naive in believing those that stay with the current Republican Party do not see what it has become? Or are really seeing it for what it now stands for and relishing it? Are there that many who would cut off their noses to spite their face to hold on to white power?
You are correct in every respect. Republicans do not see. They gravitate to white power and male power. They don’t care that Donald Trump has abused several dozen women. They don’t care that he insults and despises non-whites and non-males from Barack to the Squad etc. etc. They probably secretly admire him. They are oblivious to being sexist and racist, in their mind they probably just think whites are still better and men are still better, and that’s the way it should be. They are closet racists, sexists, homophobes and anti-Semites. Except of course the ones who are right out there in the open with it.
People of conscience twist themselves up in knots trying to figure out what the hell the latest Republican rationalization means. People, we are working too hard to try to figure these schmucks out. Forget the latest mind bender that they come up with. Because they are in denial of their own sexism and racism, they spew all kinds of nonsense to justify and excuse and rationalize themselves and their behavior. And they project like crazy. Notice how Donald Trump was trying to steal an election, and he was accusing everybody except himself for doing it. That is the definition of a complete fucking moron in denial.
Some people are hard of hearing. Trumpskyites are hard of listening.
Roland, do you think enough R's will defect to put them in PANIC mode?
My opinion, that’s all it is I am no predictor, is a break-up. The party looks like it’s fracturing. I for one am delighted, because nothing brings me more joy than watching the coalition of racists sexists and homophobes called “The GOP” fighting it out in internecine warfare. Find your favorite sofa or armchair, and let’s watch the show together 🍿🍿
Thanks Roland! I hope that can be done without destroying our democracy! A "functioning" two-party system would be nice! In the meantime, my wife and I will be celebrating the completion of our covid vaccinations with a Zoom meeting with our Granddaughter and family, followed by a cocktail and fine Oregon Pinot with dinner.
Cheers!
My understanding is that thousands have unregistered as Republicans after Jan. 6. Perhaps an awakening? Hoping it's a trend.
It may be a trend, but what kind? I've read that many Repug defectors leave b/c business Republicans aren't rabid enough for them. They may un-register but still lust to support the Unnamed Former.
There are that many who have been threatened
Roland I have to take back my previous comment on not being in an echo chamber. But I do enjoy the reverberations of how awful the Republicans have become. We here who have come to enjoy life again during the insanity of the tRump regime, who have come to weather that increasingly awful experience under Heather’s words of wisdom are grateful to her and to each other. Thank you all for your support.
Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful anaysis!
🙏🙏
👏 Bravo!!!
The HIJACKED Republican Party is thus. Can it be released and rescued, or is it now so far off course, a new Responsible party must step into the void.
I plopped myself down on my sofa and I am watching the show 🍿🍿
Thank you, Roland. This is a nice expansion of a view I’ve held of the Republican Party since about 1971.
Two ❤️❤️
Three ❤️❤️❤️
Hard to embrace the perpetrators after Democracy being threatened of extinction for four years. It is such a relief to be able to breathe and to see a President working for the country and its citizens. It brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Heather for highlighting these moments. We need this for healing
My hope is Republicans will allow themselves to open to the possibility of embracing Democracy and denouncing self serving autocrats. I worked hard to defeat Susan Collins because of her inability to take a stand against the tax cuts for the millionaires, Justice Kavanaugh, etc. but now she takes a brave stand as Senator. I can applaud her for that. I pray with time we will be better able to work together. However as a psychotherapist who worked with trauma patients I know it takes a long time to heal. It will take me a while to recover from the last four years of watching our Democracy being replaced with fascism. It is moments of watching and hearing Biden wanting to work with Europe that lets me rest and breathe again.
It was breathtaking during the inauguration to watch Democracy replace fascism in real time. The healing has begun.
Clarity and honesty, both yours and Biden...totally refreshing. tRump's takeover of the state R machines is troubling, particularly the repression of voting rights. Such a gift is the vision of JRB, he does seem destined for the role of Statesperson, molded by years in the crucible of the Senate, to lead into a future of a more equitable world. Deep gratitude to you, dear Heather, for your work on behalf of the nation, placing events into perspective and keeping an even keel. You are a national treasure!
Other good news is that three of the Proud Boy traitors have each accused the other two of having turned into cooperating witnesses.
The Deplorables' cannibal feast. Now there's news to sink our teeth into. Yum!
Makes me think of Paul Nash and Game Theory.......a real sub-optimal solution of the "prisoner game" for all 3 of them, as only the DOJ wins....and a classic of police detective TV and literature.
John Nash?
He was the subject of a move a few years back called A Beautiful Mind.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Beautiful_Mind_(film)
James Horner’s A Beautiful Mind is one of my favorite movie soundtracks. Genius with Charlotte Church’s vocal as another instrument in the orchestra.
Tragic that he died in a small plane crash a few years ago.
https://youtu.be/BrEFp_R1n4U
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Beautiful_Mind_(soundtrack)
Professor and mathematician credited with most recent development of the theory and its application to economics. Unfortunately also had a problem with schizophrenia which eventually his university adapted to in recognition of his contribution.
And wouldn’t it be lovely if we could better adapt to mental illness for all affected. Some societies do, we only see pathology or danger.
Through his wife's constant support, a friend in the Dean's chair and a continued stream of game-changing research enabled a cocoon to be woven around him enabling him to function without the devastating intellectual impact of the pills that are otherwise required.
Did not know this. Good.News!!! 🤣 Go DoJ and FBI. ❤️🤍💙
I can’t wait to see these anarchists get their due.
Anarchists? They seem the opposite of anarchists to me, devotees of authoritarianism.
Paradoxically, government is extremely important to them....small, totally controlling and cheap....as long as it doesn't get in their way! A strong, autocratic federal government under their control is the only way they can continue to act as if government doesn't exist locally around their zone of existence for them...only for the others.
I agree 99%, David. But anarchism is a coherent humane political philosophy, not mere chaos; the GOP is nihilist. They proved it last summer when they abandoned any party platform. They officially stand for nothing, hence nihilism.
“'Democracy doesn’t happen by accident... We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it. We have to prove that our model isn’t a relic of our history; it’s the single best way to revitalize the promise of our future.'"
"'[I]f we work together with our democratic partners, with strength and confidence, I know that we’ll meet every challenge and outpace every challenger.'"
May the Force be with you, President Biden! I'm so delighted that you're here!
All the more reason to hurry up and pass the John Lewis Voting Act! I simply cannot wait until the commission to investigate the insurrection reveals exactly who are the criminals in Congress.
Don't hold your breath on the voting act, since as long as the two morons Manchin and Sinema are there working to be "bipartisan" and defend the filibuster, there will never be 60 votes for it. You'd think those two fools could figure out that the voting act would make their re-elections easier, but never doubt the idiocy of "moderate conservatives."
Filibuster and voting rights are mutually exclusive, I fear.
A TN state rep (Repub of course) is introducing a bill to eliminate early voting and voting machines. Jeez.
At least I have a Democratic representative (Hakeem, District 28, Chattanooga).
Burchett, District 2
In your state - (and my home state) - all too possible it could pass. Best of luck to you
I am holding my breath. Manchin has always been a stick in the mud but Sinema’s stance is surprising to me.
But reconciliation could eliminate the filibuster, and then its wide open simple majorityville.
No. Reconciliation has nothing to do with eliminating the filibuster. It only allows budget bills to be passed by a simple majority. The filibuster can only be changed by officially changing the rules. Wish it was as easy as you think, but nope.
Well that stinks.
"More than 72% percent of Americans like Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Sixty-one percent want a $15 federal minimum wage, which is currently in the American Rescue Plan. Sixty-three percent want the U.S. to be in the Paris climate agreement (which we officially rejoined today), and 83% want undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, the so-called Dreamers, to have a path to citizenship. Biden promised 100 million vaccines in his first 100 days; we should actually hit that goal by late March— a month early-- even if the pace stays where it is."
Obstruction. Delection. Projection. Rejection.
That is the GOP go-to response - may, strategy - to anything and anyone who seeks benefits for the greater good, whether in principle or practice. In my view they do this out of fear. Fear that the Democrats will succeed where they have failed. Fear that people will see through their failure to offer alternative approached that benefit more than just their "base." Fear that their base may, in fact, like what Biden has to offer.
They've had their chances, most recently after Romney's defeat to Obama in 2012, despite McConnell's vow to limit Obama to one term. They said they were going to conduct a post mortem. They talked about inviting more voters into their tent, of engaging communities of color and young voters. And then they did nothing. In 2016 they reviled Trump but lined up behind him, rationalizing each successive transgression. In 2020 they offered nothing, deciding that no party platform was sufficient, maybe because they thought the strong economy would be their ticket to victory, perhaps because Trump was uncontrollable, but so long as they could nominate conservative judges they'd put up with him.
Ultimately they offered nothing because they had nothing. They voted over 60 times to repeal and replace Obamacare, but in 8 years never countered with a different approach. Trump regularly promised a much better, much cheaper plan than the ACA. It would be coming in two weeks. After four years it never arrived.
They've arrived empty hsnded because they just don't care. These Ivy educated, gold plated resume politicians DO. NOT. CARE. if you're not white, wealthy, and Christian, you're invisible to them, and their goal is to institutionalize that invisibility by trying to eliminate your options to vote. They hope to starve you of hope until you give up.
But in 2020 the nation didn't give up, though it was a bit close for comfort. Biden is attempting to rebuild confidence better and abroad, trying to rekindle hope, and the GOP will try to wait him out by saying "No.".
Obstruction. Delection. Projection. Rejection. Don't let them do it. Hold their feet to the fire. Call them out on their BS. There's still a chance. There's still hope.
We won’t let these bastidges get us down Scott.
"Bastidges" is worth remembering. It could come in handy.
Their playbook is a bit threadbare. Although 2020 was too close for comfort, I'll do what I can to make 2022 more of an uphill climb. The pandemic, climate catastrophes, and other disasters have given all of us a clear view of those who aim to help. I've yet to see any Republicans through that window.
Did you see the interview with Dan Patrick here in Texas? I was impressed how the host called him out on his lies and comments about maintenance on our grid but also about his comments on California’s fire maintenance. If the media and press are going to regain their credibility, challenges to the truth with facts to back it up, must become the norm.
A commentary on an Austin-based local news station (I forget which), straight up called out Gov. Greg Abbott for his blatant lies blaming the power outages on frozen wind turbines. I suspect, however, that this misinformation continues unchallenged on right-leaning media streams.
But speaking of Dan Patrick ... shortly after the pandemic began, he called on elderly to sacrifice their lives to Covid so as to save the economy. This week, ex-Sec & ex-Gov Rick Perry left the rest of Texans shivering in out boots: “Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business."
Dan Patrick is truly loathsome; in a decent world those remarks would have cost him his job. But the Colo City mayor who's similarly callous is in the dustbin of history now. May he be joined ASAP by more of his ilk.
These interviews will be hours long if the reporter challenges every lie! (just kidding)
NO kidding
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! Oh, Happy Day! Who's to say which of these is the best. I couldn't decide...so you choose: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=oh+happy+day+song&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3doh%2bhappy%2bday%2bsong%26form%3dANNTH1%26refig%3d177ddf9473df4ab49eca87923ca2c37f%26sp%3d3%26qs%3dEP%26pq%3doh%2bhappy%26sk%3dPRES1LS2%26sc%3d8-8%26cvid%3d177ddf9473df4ab49eca87923ca2c37f&view=detail&mid=707E2FE477942CDBDB04707E2FE477942CDBDB04&rvsmid=CCCC305349AC92A150F3CCCC305349AC92A150F3&FORM=VDRVRV
In a nod to Founding Father Thomas Paine (and a wink to House Manager Raskin): "Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way!"
Somebody get that Cruz guy a towel; he's got egg all over his face: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/aoc-raises-2m-for-texas-relief-heads-to-houston-after-blasting-cruz-for-mexico-trip/ar-BB1dQ2xq?ebsb=1&ocid=uxbndlbing
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/aoc-social-20210219?refcode=tw20210219
"I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace."
-- Tom Paine
I think my Holocaust parents would agree with Paine. Needless to say, they never thought that we would be going through what we have. So glad they aren’t alive as they suffered enough.
I love how reaching back into history can galvanize our strength to fight against those trying to dismantle democracy.
One strength of LFAA is to re-present the enduring words and values from our past to our present. From 1760s through 1870s we were given a remarkable lexicon and set of principles that remain remarkably relevant even now. I never tire of citing the immortals: Henry, Paine, Jefferson, Douglass, Lincoln, Grant, Howe et al.
I think we can find better use of eggs than to waste them on those "Cruzzing" to a stand-still. Something more potent might do the job better. Ex President of France, Jacque Chirac was asked, after losing decisively his snap elect to reshape National Assembly to his liking, what defeat felt like and he answered "How do you think I feel after receiving 2 million well aimed slaps in the face?"
Could be my COVID vaccine working, or only being 12° outside, but your Happy Days rendition from Sister Act gave me CHILLS!! Look where we are today!!!! A month into Biden's presidency and Democracy is happening, terrorist t-Rump is off our airwaves, and the news is normal stuff! Happy Days indeed!
Thanks, MaryPat; that's how I see it!
Thank you both, MP & L. Normal is thrilling! Who knew??
BTW, while I prefer the original EHS version from 1968, the Oh Happy Day anthology is exhilarating.
That was my first pick: Here, give it a go: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=OH+Happy+Day+Original+Version&&view=detail&mid=6D2106F2A5DD072FECAE6D2106F2A5DD072FECAE&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DOH%2BHappy%2BDay%2BOriginal%2BVersion%26FORM%3DVRIBQP
Try this one. Near the end Mr Cooke's voice descending the scales sounds exactly like a waterfall. Prepare to feel exalted!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5f6-Z71Dvw
Now, that's what I'm talking about, TPJ! Apropos to what they say Texas needs most right now.
Happy Saturday, Lynell! Stay toasty!
Happy Saturday to you, too, Daria! Kissing my "grid" that's keeping us toasty here in the Mid-Atlantic states!
Real leaders step up in a crisis.
Late night comedy writers have been suffering from the sudden dearth of material due to the absence of the former president's daily, hourly, Twitter feed. Ted Cruz took it upon himself to step up and fill the void, as it were. Although the skim milk of Cruz's just plain stupid (jps) doesn't satisfy like the rich cream of the former president's psychotic narcissisism and megalomania, if it's all you have, put in the biscuit batter anyway.
We, The Amalgamated Brotherhood of Comedy Scribes and Biscuit Bakers, Local 695, salute Ted Cruz and bestow upon him honorary membership.
He really saved our biscuits!
My favorite tidbit arose from the white poodle left behind. ❤️🤍💙
That cost him some karma points. "That's a nice leg you have there. It would be too bad if someone bit it." Or mistook it for a fire hydrant - whoops that's a trickle-down joke.
I find it completely ironic he has a dog named "Snowflake"
Over on Quora someone suggested that Cruz originally wanted to name the pup “Libtard”, but his daughters wouldn’t allow that.
The jokes write themselves.
Abandoning the poodle > Abandoning Texas > Voting against the Electoral College results...
I saw the poor thing on TV last night, with a epically forlorn look on her/his face. At least Romney put the pooch in a pouch (sic) on the roof.
Poor little creature might have opted for the cold in lieu of spending time with Pop.
Family Services should rescue the pup from Fled Ted's clutches. No doubt you'd give it a good home, Nancy.
I'd be glad to have him, and would try to protect him from my very spoiled cats. It couldn't be worse than living with Fled Ted, and it's warm.
That he did. 😂
I did not think it was humanly possible for an American politician to out-lie Ted Cruz this week. But to my utter astonishment and utter revulsion, Joe Manchin proved me wrong with his intellectually insulting, steaming pile of BS excuse for objecting to Biden's nomination of Neera Tanden. Not one voter in WV could give a flying fuck about Neera Tanden, so Manchin's objection was just another example of misogynistic, wildly egotistical personality. The English have no trouble applying the most hated derogatory word starting with the letter "C" to disgusting humanoids like Manchin. As my dear ladylike mother always said, "If the choe fits, wear it".
I would have you consider Governor Abbott with his lies about the problems Texas is having were caused by the New Green Deal and the wind turbines.
One callous TX mayor is gone already. Maybe a governor next, possibly a senator or two?
I had a bumper sticker and pins made with the slogan "Re-elect No One". And, I sent emails to Senator Cornyn, US Rep Chip Roy and Texas Rep Murr that I cannot vote for any candidate with an R next to their name (or Q or T.. ) after the Republicans acquitted DT on a technicality. With a caveat, that if they formed a Lincoln Party I would consider those candidates.
Cathy, you make me smile 😊...re-elect no one! Love it! Too bad we can’t post photos. It would be a hoot to see that bumper sticker and pin. You go girl!
A shortcut to term limits!
Yes, It is interesting that term limits is something people of both parties want. The only ones that don't are our elected officials who want to keep their power for as long as possible. The foxes want to keep the key to the chicken coop.
Good For You. Really like your slogan, Cathy Learoyd! 👍🏻 I assume you live in the Lone 💔 Star State? ❤️🤍💙
Yep, I've lived in Texas for the past twenty years.
Manchin is flexing his muscles, testing the strength of his position as "swing" vote. He also knows what he must do to satisfy WV voters; he's done it for ages. Unfortunately sometimes the country will suffer from his appeasement. Equally unfortunate, anyone replacing him is more likely a worse Repug than a better Democrat. Still, he and Sinema will help deliver some Dem victories. At least, they'd better!
Hopefully in 2022 there will be 2-3 Democrats get elected to the Senate and DINO Manchin can be kicked out to become the Republican he knows he is at heart.
See that’s the scary thing about WVA. Manchin is a likable Democrat in a red state. He is obnoxious and definitely not a promoter of any WOC.
The "right gound" of the Dems and the "left ground" of the Repubs has always suffered from a very fuzzy border.
"Left ground" Republicans? Neither Murkowski nor Collins has any real "left" in them. They just aren't as consistently hard right as the rest of them.
True but the rest of the "6" perhaps and there is a basis of Republican supprters of the "Lincoln" GOPers.
yes, he really is concerning. I saw red flags when he actually verbalized his misogyny wanting Kamala Harris to request his permission to speak in his state...he must be addicted to his mirror. Doesn't seem he is advocating for his constituents. Seeks press on himself. He and Sinema are attention-seeking adolescents who could really challenge the progress this administration needs to make. IMHO.
The Vice President for all Americans doesnn't need anyone's "permission" to address a particular state.
Regarding voting rights, the fact that Democrats in 37 states have more bills out to protect voting rights than Republicans have to suppress voting rights is very encouraging. We need to clone Stacy Abrams!
and work with her!
Indeed!
And donate to Fair Fight!
Thank you so much. It is my daughter’s 20th birthday and we will celebrate a more hopeful direction for our nation.
One of the things I think Republicans have done very poorly is be Republicans. Have you looked at the national debt? Have you noticed how the national debt growth relates to Republican admirations beginning with Reagan. Republicans were supposed to be deficit hawks. What a bad joke. It is as if the Republican moto is "Small government big deficits". The question is, what did those huge deficits pay for? At least with Democrats you might get a few miles of new interstate roads or a few bridges and damns repaired.
...the Republican moto is "Small government big deficits".
The Democratic motto? “We repair damns” :)
Or "damn roads"
Darn those damn dams ....
The most frustrating part of the myth about Republicans being better for the economy is that so many people continue to believe it. Should the Democrats rent billboard space that shows Wall Street's jump when a Democratic administration took over to dispel this fallacy?
Wall Street is not a honest measure of the health of the economy OR the society.
Absolutely, but many people have no concept of how it works or what constitutes a good economy, let alone a healthy society.
A handy book to read with only 136 pages written by Joseph E. Stiglitz et al, is "Mismeasuring Our Lives: why GDP doesn't add up"
Europe has surpassed the U.S. in quality of life by using 9 indicators of society:
1. Growth rate of GDP per person
2. Production & consumption ratio
3. Number at-risk-of-poverty
4. Employment rate
5. Healthy Life Years and life expectancy
6. Total greenhouse gas emissions
7. Energy consumption of transportation
8. Common bird and fish index
9. Official Development Assistance (ODA)
According to Gore Vidal, the U.S. became a debtor nation under Ronald Reagan. He spent more money than FDR and LBJ did put together. It seems Democrats tax and spend on the General welfare for taxpayers in the U. S. Whereas Republicans borrow and spend for the military and contractors overseas.
Reagan increased the national debt by 186%
George W. Bush increased the national debt by 101%
Barack Obama increased the national debt by 73.6%
George H. Bush increased the national debt by 54%
That list of Presidents spent money over 8 years. Trump raised the National debt in 4 years to more than George W. Bush did in 8 years!
Correction: Trump spent almost twice as much as George H. Bush did in 8 years, placing him 3rd on the list.
The crisis in Texas and, on a much wider scale, the pandemic are both clear cases of failures in the Republican philosophy of "a government that governs least is a government that governs best." The failure to address climate change is another such example. Whenever the Republicans are faced with a challenge, they fail. Continuing to give them power is like expecting an elephant to fly or a baboon to write a symphony.
Deregulation is the enemy
I worked in the environmental law section of a large law firm for many years. We constantly counseled clients to clean up their act when trying to get around regulations. They complained that we were trying to run their business, but the response was that we were trying to keep them out of jail. T***p's gutting of EPA and other regulatory bodies did boost the economy (because of big business being let off the hook), but we'll be paying the cost for a very long time.
Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and stop the Republican voter suppression efforts in their tracks.
Absolutely. I am sickened by the steps my Arizona State Legislature is taking to restrict voting rights. Even though our Republican Governor, Attorney General and the Republican Majority County Supervisors for Maricopa County (Phoenix) stand by the vote for Biden, the State Legislature is still desperate to turn over the election results. I have voted by mail in Arizona since the 90's. I have no idea where my polling place is located. And we should never force people to go into highly congested areas again for critical needs like voting.
Yes, definetly! They should also pass HR1, ‘For the People Act’ (about voting rights). Regarding states’ voter suppression bills, we owe Marc Elias and Democracy Docket (democracy docket.com) a debt of gratitude. Marc Elias won 60+ court cases against DJT’s team, and he continues to fight the repub’s voter suppression bills. He’s a very talented lawyer and we owe him a lot!