We awoke this morning to news that President Joe Biden was in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he pledged “our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” Air raid sirens blared as Biden and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky walked through the streets during the U.S.
Such stark contests. Biden and Zelensky. Carlson and Taylor Greene. Decency and integrity vs hate and self-interest. When will people open their eyes to truth? Thanks, Professor, for continuing the good fight of truth telling. It matters. YOU matter. Thank you.
Regarding integrity: I listened to WHAM 1180 on AM radio yesterday starting around 8 am.
Two guys got on the radio and started shouting at each other about Hunter Biden, Ukraine, how all of the (unspecified) "conspiracy theories" were true, how Biden is a criminal. The shouting went on and on for about 15 minutes before I turned it back to NPR to hear something that sounds less insane. If there was anything true that was said during the 15 minute diatribe, I was not able to pick it out of the noise.
BUT, guys, you should all listen to WHAM 1180 AM for 15 minutes today to hear what millions of Americans are listening to all day long every day all cross the Nazi Media empire put in place by Republicans over the last 30 years.
Americans are so drunk on the crazy cool aid of Fox and AM radio that they have no idea what is integrity and what is true anymore.
BUT, those same Americans are ENJOYING the hate. They FEEL GOOD about the shouting denigration on AM radio.
MJT? She LOVES to HATE. We are back to the future of America's past (as Dr. Richardson points out today) which, quite honestly, is profoundly hate filled.
In Wisconsin, especially in the north part of the state where I live, it is not only AM radio but it is FM radio as well. We need to do something more to counteract this media take over. Here's a story about someone in Wisconsin that is trying to do something about it. -saw-
As Damian Penny is always fond of saying, it's not a disagreement between Red States and Blue Statets, it's a disagreement between rural and urban America.
Hmn, get what you're saying, but I have friends in rural OH, NY, and MA, and I phonebank in PA and WI. True they're in the minority in most cases. But They Are Not Alone. Whereas my conservative friends/kin live in Cleveland, San Diego, Cambridge MA and Naples FL. Statistically insignificant, I know. But let's not forget those good people who still have their wits about them in the parts of the country that grow our food and brew our beer! Give them some support--donate to No Dem Left Behind, Back Roads, and above all the Movement Voter Project: https://movement.vote/
Or maybe a disagreement between concrete and abstract thinkers: in other words it's a problem about education, giving children the tools to think things through.
This is so exciting!! Thank you, Steve. I read the article and I'm in love with "Mike Crute, is a talk radio veteran. The other, Sage Weil, is a young tech zillionaire who relocated from the West Coast to Madison to accommodate his wife’s career." The idea of a local community radio that's not far right or far left or pro Democrat but pro-democracy fills me with hope about reaching out to rural America with something that balances the far right radio that fills the airwaves not. I can't wait to learn more!
I hate to be a buzzkill, but I know of a radio station like this in Austin TX, and sadly, so far as I can tell, it reaches "the usual suspects." The people it wants to reach have all be informed frequently that the station is "unAmerican" and "pro-socialist," so they know to stay well away.
The article I read sounded like they know what they are doing, so I'm going to keep my fingers (and toes!) crossed, and hold them in the light of possibility.
Seems like they could extend the project up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, then across and down over the Mackinac Bridge! Then Dr. Bob Lorinser may have a better chance of beating out our seditionist U.S. Rep Bagman Bergman, who has proposed a bill taking federal money away from any company or entity that tries to restrict, regulate or impede gun manufacture design and sales. Clearly Bergman is NOT an MSU grad.
I have to admit I dont listen to radio anymore but I have been aware that here in NY and maybe other areas, the Sinclair Broadcasting Co/corp have made inroads in the tv stations - sounds right wing - they tell their stations what they want to broadcast or possibly HOW it should lean. I dont think the local stations near me are a part of that group - yet.
They're in Cambridge Massachusetts too, the belly of what they presumably call The Beast. Many Sinclair stations used to be Clear Channel stations (which through bankruptcy and buy out became iHeartMedia) in the Claear Channel communications network that ran shows by Linebaugh, Hannity, Glen Beck etc, and put Louis Armstrong's "It's Wonderful Life" on a long list of banned songs...
Excellent article about talk radio in Wisconsin. I hope they are successful! I found a link to another interesting topic while reading the above article. The article was written in 2021 to look at the 10 year anniversary of Scott Walker's destruction of Unions in Wisconsin. Remember "Right to Work"? https://www.wpr.org/decade-after-act-10-its-different-world-wisconsin-unions
Noted WISDEMS highlighted this article, thanks for noting it here!
Moved to SE WI in '16 from a suburb in Chicago- much of WI is a balanced/fair news desert . There is a general mind set here that's stuck in the past and it's been cultivated for decades by the GOP.
Agreed Mike. AM radio and Fox News = lies and hate. It makes me want to vomit after listening for just a minute or two.
But I am coming down on the side of realism and optimism this morning. Call me naive. But I am focusing on the actionable aspect of our future elections. The people who watch Fox BS and and listen to AM assholes are old.
"The median age of Fox News and MSNBC viewers is 65, and that of CNN viewers is 60."
"The median age of listeners to the AM band is 57 years old, a full generation older than the median age of FM listeners."
Our efforts should be aimed at the folks who don't tune into that garbage. We are NEVER going to convince Joe Bigot SixPack - who lost his job for mouthing off at his boss - to vote for a "socialist" or a "woke" person. NEVER.
The future is in the hands of those who listen to podcasts, watch TicTok videos, and stream TV. They get their news and info from their phones. The youngest of them have never listened to a radio, ever. They could care less what cable TV is showing. They are LIVING on their phones. Take the battle to TikTok, Instagram or whatever the latest social media hot spot is.
The haters are getting nastier but older. It's undeniable. And they may die earlier for lack of vaccination and smart living habits. It is Gen Y and Z that will have the power - if we can get them to the polls. And that, I believe, is the mission. Y, Z and the younger part of X are the America that will determine the future.
We need to find them on their phones. Radios are relics for them. TVs are for watching "Stranger Things" or the latest Super Hero stuff. Cable cord cutting is accelerating and advertisers are rapidly shifting their money to streaming platforms.
I hope the DNC and the White House Communications teams consist of young people. Many of the old audiences will be history soon. Let's find the young ones where they live.
Don't be too hard on Joe 6 pack, he or she might surprise you in the future. Things have gotten so bad for many workers in "right to work States" (really right to exploit States) that some of these folks are starting to see the need for unions to fight back. "Stop the steal" should really mean stop taking my money and giving it to the bosses' boss.
You got it. And maybe some of those corporate dollars that are used for stock buybacks could go to the employees that keep the gears grinding? I was a management guy for years. Now I am a big union supporter. If companies were smart enough to treat their customers and employees as well as they treat their shareholders, unions wouldn't need to exist. But too many companies are selfish and stupid. Time for some "Norma Rae"!
We need to offer the true history of our country/world in the public school curriculum to begin with. Look at Fl. Who is learning what? I wish I had known to question what they were teaching me in schools when I was young. Man do I feel duped.
Many in Gen Z have really been stepping up, but too many don't know how to speak up and make a difference. My own children, in the last election, didn't bother to vote. Didn't feel it was important. They have watched me for years be involved with legislative matters, but they prefer to sit back and be quiet. How do we wake people up?
We have to communicate and have discussions. All 3 of my kids voted, and knew very well where their parents stood on issues. I have one in the military, so we know how he voted, but the other 2 were on board with us! 4 of 5 is good!
They need to be scared shitless. But that will only happen if they pay attention. You may have to scream at them. You may have to tell them that the people like Trump and MJT are as dangerous as Hitler. Maybe show them what Putin is doing?
Sadly Democrats still mostly employ the inside the beltway consultants that cost HRC the presidency. We need to hire the best Madmen on Madison Avenue and fire the dinosaurs, they can go get jobs at think tanks and foundations.
Mike, AM radio is completely dominated by Republican hate 24/7. On occasion when I feel I have a strong constitution, I listen to AM stations. I think just to hear what the latest conspiracy theory is. The reality is, that is the medium that older voters listen to and the Democrats are again missing the boat at not infiltrating those bandwaves.
Come to think of it, what are the Democrats doing to prepare for the upcoming General Election?
Yet, few people know that with the avoidance of media coverage. The media has determined the next election, not us. Over the weekend, I saw a number of sources ramping up the same narrative that a number of Bidens fellow democrats are not backing him or seeing a clear path to victory in 2024. That was not coming from FOX . Although, I'm sure that is their narrative.
Linda, here in rural Maine where we have been constantly bombarded by lying right wing extremist ads for years we are seeing a really nice informational paid for ad explaining how the infrastructure bill is benefiting us. I was so surprised by it, I didn’t catch who’s paying for it. Such ads are important to counteract the lies, especially with so much of the MSM in the bag for the fascist GOP. I hate the manipulative, rhetorical GOP ads, but this one was purely informational about what is happening in our area thanks to the “bipartisan” infrastructure bill. Eventually some people might see the good that’s happening and want to be part of it? 🤞🏼
Christy, hopefully you will get some people on board.
I live in Central New York. New York was a traditional Blue state that is becoming cherry red. Horrible to witness.
There are a number of documents you can get off of the White House website that are designed to show facts that the Government has implemented in a concise form that is just the facts. I have copied them and posted them to certain people that have really gone off the deep end on social media. In the past these "fact sheets" were met with, "oh I didn't know that". Now I get trounced on from multiple people (unsolicited) saying these are lies and liberal propaganda.
True Christy, ab out the right wing extremism in Central Maine. I live on the coast (up near Acadia) and during my occasional trips down to New Hampshire I pass through the town of Chelsea right outside of Gardiner. There's a house with a bunch of signs in the yard like "Biden Pedofile" (yeah, that's the spelling). Am I supposed to feel bad for these people? I certainly feel bad for the nation as a whole.
Linda Bailey --I've been phone banking, with many others, for elections, special and off-year, in Pennsylvania (we won all 3 seats in the state legislature), Wisconsin (critical state Supreme Court primary is today, general is April 4) and Virginia, which holds state legislature elections in the off-years. You can too! Google Swing Left, Swing Blue Alliance, Movement Voter Project, Field Team 6, Sister Districts (if you live in a Blue state that doesn't need help), etc.. https://www.mobilize.us/
Great news! But so I guess I don't know what you mean by "Democrats are so late to the dance." Seems like thousands and thousands of us are organizing and phonebanking and writing letters to the editor and articles for our local papers and posting useful information up and down the internet and all over the country, including you! How are we late? I started within days of the November elections.
Don’t let yourself be seduced into accepting the omnipotence of evil. Remember that Democrats control the White House and the Senate, and the Republicans in the House are so divided that they can’t do anything. We are advancing, they are on the defensive. As in Ukraine.
Thanks, Jon. I think it's very important that we keep reminding ourselves of what you've said. Our self-talk affects our feelings and attitudes. We must remain positive, like Zelensky.
But the republicans are still managing to do a lot of harm by not raising the debt ceiling. Hard for me to believe how much that radical 20 controls the whole party.
Actually, they are doing harm only if Democrats permit them to. As I've pointed out several times here, and elsewhere, Sec. 4 of the 14th Amendment forbids default. It states that the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned. If that means anything, it must mean that debts will be paid as they come due. I've been saying for months that Biden should just announce that the debt will be paid, whatever Congress does or doesn't do. Let the Republicans scream.
It also says But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States. I guess there are some representatives such as Biggs, Gosar, Greene, Boebert, Gaetz and a few others who shouldn't be getting paid. Josh Hawley could fall in there too.
I'm referring to the 41,000 hours of surveillance video from January 6th that we (American people) were forbade to see, but Carlson gets it on a silver platter. Ask Jamie Raskin what he thinks about that.
Linda, when I was a grad student burning the midnight oil to make a living, I would listen to AM radio talkshows (like Limbaugh) on my way home. I’d get so mad I would be fully awake the entire hour drive!
Rose, oh I remember those days. I used to always have the radio on at night growing up, I still do but for a different reason. I'm in year 3 of Tinnitus. Back in the day, AM stations had cleaner signals at night. It was one conspiracy theorist after another every channel, every night. Everything from UFO's to politics.
Ironically, I had an appointment last week with my audiologist. My hearing is exceptional though somewhat deterred in my left ear where the Tinnitus is living. She mentioned that some people do find relief with hearing aids, but it would be counter productive as my hearing is as good as it is, but it could be a down the road option.
If I could add, my Tinnitus developed shortly after my first COVID vacvine. At that time audiologists were drawing lines between the high numbers of vaccines and new Tinnitus patients as a connection.
I visited Pennsylvania a few years back and recall one afternoon when I dialed the AM radio and I could hear Rush Limbaugh on 5 stations simultaneously. It was a striking example of propaganda at work and now MTG and a large portion of the NEOGOP are rootin’ for Putin. Appalling.
Thank you for doing the thing that I no longer can. I have removed all AM radio stations from my presets, and I cannot remember the last time (probably 6 or more years ago) I actually tried to listen to the main AM talk radio station in the Boston metropolitan area. I felt sick, listening to the sneering, hateful lies. I haven't repeated the experiment since.
I like 90.3 as well--Public Radio International, and some interesting music. Not classical though. The loss of classical music on radio around Boston is pure idiocy--it's the US capital of classical music! I boycotted 89.7 (WGBH) for years over it, still don't donate (donate to WBUR instead), but I can't resist Jim Braude and Margery Eagan's "Boston Public Radio."
Jon, thanks for the reminder. The noise coming out of am radio and Faux News is never ending, and seems insurmountable, but the governing on the part of the Dems is encouraging and what the people need.
This older voter decidedly does NOT listen to rw radio unless I want to better understand MAGAts. I have gotten more progressive as i age! Please do not lump all seniors together. As with all demographic groups, we are not all the same.
100%. Hate is a product of a division strategy illicited by demagoguery supported by the oligarchy. Why? Because 30% is predisposed to Authoritarianism. The Greeks warned of this threat to democracy. Excess comfort, accepting of the easy answer ( blaming others, typically the vulnerable). When the easy comfortable answer is primed by emotion first, that 30% grows. Until...
MTG has learned “The Kremlin Playbook” of crisis continuation. Fascism is about identifying an enemy and attacking & destroying them. For Putin it is Ukraine and the west. For MTG it’s Democrats, nonwhite citizens, LGBT community, and immigrants. For Putin, taking all of Ukraine isn’t the goal anymore. It’s about continuing the war on the margins to maintain the narrative that the West is at fault, the west wants to destroy Russia, the West wants to take Russian resources. So Putin will continue to attack eastern Ukraine. MTG will continue to attack Democrats, plurality, education, and challenge decency without ever offering a policy. Continue the crisis. That is the playbook. Slow bleed democracy to death. It’s a really crazy way to get national attention. Building her national brand of demagoguery. For both, what a horrible example of failing at leadership for young people. Their playbook is as unethical as it is immoral.
Your comment reminds me of how in the late 1970s, I read 1984 and Farenheit 451 in my English class (Science Fiction), and we saw both books as warnings. Now, not only are both books probably banned, they seem to be used as handbooks by the wannabe dictators...
Yes, you are right here about the hate.The thing I can glean here is the Republican Party and the people who follow them all hate the same people.That’s it in a nutshell.It is truly sad that this hate-filled AM radio show and others along with Fox”News”are the ways a lot of Americans get their”news”.They are so removed from reality that I think bringing them back to reality is hopeless.
Money needs to be poured into education. Education must be of the highest level, teaching skills and critical thinking. Only then will WHAM 1180 start losing listeners and sponsors.
It sure would help!!! Which of us would listen to any of that BS and take it seriously?? Total waste of time. And people who learn these skills and sharpen their ability to really think become more empowered. Most people who listen to that crap are angry, fearful and vengeful because they feel disempowered... and have no idea about it.
Whoa, we're neighbors! I don't listen to any radio except WXXI once in awhile. I grew up in Batavia but live in a Rochester suburb now. I couldn't stomach WHAM even if I tried. Except for public radio, the airwaves have been taken over by Sky, Sinclair and whatever the Murdochs are calling themselves these days. I know it's conjecture, but I think there might be some dubious entities keeping radio afloat financially now that streaming has taken over.
It makes me wonder what has happened to us as a society. MTG is only a symptom.
We are kind of neighbors. But I moved from Ontario to Vancouver some years ago.
I’ve been to Rochester once for a cross country meet. I liked what I was able to see.
I have a twitchy sort of fear about MTG. She’s sly and ambitious, a grasper of opportunity. If the Democrats don’t pummel The Rs in the next three election cycles, she might get enough traction to get in a position where her total parochial racism and ignorance of the world, could light some fires. Boebert’s a twit. MTG is a planner.
Does anyone know FCC rules regarding spreading lies? I bellieve that one of the challenges with cable is that it is outside outside the purview of the FCC. Is that correct?
Deregulation, defunding, lack of real enforcement since 1980 has its consquences. A general weaking of our society, by doing the same to our Department of Education. Dereguatlion of communications, education, and interstate commerce has hallowed out the middle class, grown ignorance and hate, sewn division, and made us vulnerable to lies and demagougery. The Fairness Doctrine had solid logic and increased our National Security. Deregulation of mass communications has made us less competitive, dumber, weaker and less secure. The dog has caught the car is an understatement. I dont know what the FCC could do to fix this under current laws. I think it has to start with increased education funding, planning, strategies to create better informed citizens with critical thinking skills.
"I think it has to start with increased education funding, planning, strategies to create better informed citizens with critical thinking skills."
I think you're spot on here, Ted. This is a huge factor, tho not the only one. Agree on SCOTUS ... they've (tragically) lost their credibility. No one respects them at this point... which is NOT how it was designed to work.
Mike , if democracy is to survive, we must find some way to prevent the use of media to spread hatred, lies, and wild conspiracy theories. at one time FCC enforced a "fairness doctrine" but it has now been rescinded. Perhaps it is time to revive it. Hello Chuck Schumer, are you reading this?
It’s the loss of the middle class with trickle down economics plus Covid and Trump that has exacerbated “normal” opposition to democracy and brought racism to the fore with a much larger disadvantaged population than in prior years.
Don’t these guys get exhausted by all their hating? It’s pretty mindless. I suppose it’s like the song goes”all that pain has to go somewhere.” Sad and dangerous. Best to hold tight to your thinking caps, folks.
Whatever you write matters! What a legacy you are leaving for future generations!
“‘Our country is governed by the Constitution. You swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Secession is unconstitutional. No member of Congress should advocate secession, Marjorie.’” Liz Cheney to Marjorie Taylor Greene
Her place? To me MTG’s place is in prison for being a traitor to her country. She occupies a trusted position in the American government, yet every day she breaks her sacred oath to uphold the constitution. How is that possible?
Exactly what struck me from today's letter. The red states couldn't survive w/o "alimony" from the wealthier blue states. And didn't Keith Olbermann recently suggest a similar concept, for the exact opposite reason-- for blue states to use their majority economic advantages to somehow stop the tyranny of the minority?
On today's Breaking Points show, Krystal and Emily (sitting in for Saagar) did a GREAT job talking about how this entire concept Maggie Q <-- LOVE that BK!! has suggested is first of all ... totally UN-American!! YES!!
Giving up on our own country that's based in free and open tolerance to disagree??
Emily pointed out for starters that it's beyond ridiculous from the get-go... because... uuuhhh... GEORGIA!! (BIG SMILE!) And they went from there with a smart and authentic report and analysis on it.
P.S. MOST of BP's audience is younger than most of us. Maybe 9-10% Boomers is what they just said on their Sunday Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) segment. It's apparently the #1 independent news show right now... heard from another independent news source I trust.
If you're not familiar... https://breakingpoints.supercast.com/new_landing? Hubs and I never miss it and we learn sooo much!!! We don't always agree with any or all of them... however... we get our brains tweaked and minds opened just about every single day. And we like it that way!! :D
What has been going on over recent years -- harum-scarum, hocus-pocus, higgledy-piggedly, topsy-turvy…? Double words are expressive, but Mark Twain said, ‘The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.’ What’s the right word or page or report that spells out what’s going on in our world today? Portions of today’s letter that seemed to come close:
‘And over 50 nations stepped up to make sure the rules-based international order in place since World War II, which prevents one country from attacking another, held. Those backing Ukraine against Russian aggression have squeezed Russia with economic sanctions and supported Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid. As Biden said today, standing next to Zelensky:’ “Kyiv stands and Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.” (Letter)
But, BUT then there is this:
'As Biden visits Ukraine, China’s top diplomat goes to Russia'
‘The optics of the two trips – taking place just days before the one-year anniversary of the brutal war on Friday – underscores the sharpening of geopolitical fault lines between the world’s two superpowers.’ (CNN)
We are accustomed to the picture changing.
‘Just under a year ago, the global equation looked very different. On February 4, 2022, Chinese president Xi Jinping hosted Russian president Vladimir Putin on the opening day of the Winter Olympics. The two men pledged to work together in a partnership with “no limits” in a transparent attempt to counter U.S. global leadership and assert a new international order based on their own authoritarian systems.’ (Letter)
But, BUT:
‘Putin says Russia will suspend role in New START nuclear accord with U.S.’
‘Putin said Russia will not “withdraw” completely from the treaty, which has been extended to run through Feb. 4, 2026, but he said that Russia would not allow NATO countries to inspect its nuclear arsenal. He accused the alliance of helping Ukraine conduct drone strikes on Russian air bases that host strategic bombers that are part of the country’s nuclear forces.’ (WAPO)
These are the power-brokers; this is our world. It is not a tennis match and there is not a word or book that spells it all out.
We are doing piece work; we look for the best sources; read books; watch new reports and public affairs programs; talk with friends; join grass-roots organizations, write postcards, letters and make phone calls; attend town-meetings, school-board meetings… and gratefully, are subscribers to the standout, Letters from an American.
Thanks for bringing Russia's moves (change in nuclear stance) into focus. That Putin is countering Biden's visit and NATO support with escalating nuclear threats, is the bigger story here, imho.
I sure don't know. But it's clearly the move of a bully but also of someone determined to regain the imperial power of his country's past, right? But for me the question is Is he so mentally imbalanced that he would actually use nuclear powers? Or if not mentally ill, so evil/bent on winning.
We need to stand up to bullies, as Biden and NATO are doing. If we don't, they will take as much as they can take until they are stopped.
If he's mentally ill or evil, he needs to be taken out, hopefully before he does more damage. We can let a mentally ill person overtake the world!
I hope someone files for a restraining order to stop McCarthy from giving Congresses video to FNC. That video was assembled by the government, owned by the taxpayers of America, and should not be given to any corporation for their use.
Actually, it's more complicated, since there is plenty of security info in those tapes that would make a future attack on the Capitol more deadly. https://substack.com/inbox/post/104255859
they already have the footage, they were allowed in the capital to dig through security footage at will, no need for a FOIA request or any due process.
How does Kevin McCarthy have the right to release all those hours of tapes EXCLUSIVELY to Tucker Carlson?
Those tapes contain information about security measures at the Capitol. Is McCarthy trying to get them leaked to insurrectionists without his fingerprints directly on them?
That is an interesting question. When the Republicans demanded Pelosi release the footage from the day before the attack when the Republicans were giving suspicious tours Pelosi's office said that the security footage was held by the Capitol Police according to this article. There is a Board that oversees the Capitol police and they also are under the jurisdiction of House and Senate oversight committees.
The ulterior motive, IMHO, is to be able to find some frame of reference that could be used as 'evidence' that Fox 'News' wasn't guilty, as the Dominion voting machine suit appears to be close to proving, of libel against the voting machine company. Fox may be grasping at straws but it is in deep trouble, and I think Murdoch knows it.
I expect that's why Quevin did this. Former Sen. Claire McCaskell pointed out that last evening on MSNBC that the ability to evade them would allow an invader to do harm to House and Senate members in the future.
You can bet that Jan 6 was a trial run, the next one will be nearly catastrophic, in part because there will be participants who we think are on our side. Think about the strategic and logistical planning that will go into it compliments of these tapes. You know, uniform-wearers who took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution and our government. Many of the 1/6ers had already been in that group, except they took the other oth, the OathKeepers version.
Exactly, it appears they are planning the next insurrection. Studying the tapes, no doubt, to figure out how to be successful the next time around. Absolutely sickening that we don’t have any protection from these violent insurrectionists continuing to plot against our constitution
I keep hearing and reading the downcast sentiment that it feels as if we don't have any heroes anymore.
But, frankly, I think we just have become ill at ease with having heroes. We have figured out that hero worship makes you a sucker. We have been disillusioned so many times, and that has been so because we are bad at recognizing what makes a hero in the first place, and what does not.
In the real world, there are no superheroes, only people. Superheroes are mythical and always save the day. People are fallible and make endless mistakes. As yesterday's Letter showed, some folks cannot seem to appreciate flawed heroes. Some would rather whitewash the mistakes of our cultural heroes, preserving the myth, and denying the full story. Others see the mistakes, but refuse to esteem anyone they judge as failing the righteous tests of today.
A hero - whether a revered historical figure, a currently inspiring leader, your sports star of choice, or your Mom who made you soup when you were sick - is not someone who never made any errors, or has only admirable qualities, or can lift the Earth with one finger. A hero is a human being who steps up when they are needed, who brings aid to other human beings in need, who does what they believe to be right when the pressure is on. Heroes are all around us.
Hero worship may be unhealthy. Yet hero recognition deserves a comeback.
Happy to see photos of two of my current heroes together in Kiev today.
I have been admiring your comments for some time now. You pull together ideas really well. And your wordsmithing is great. Have you considered writing a newsletter or creating your own substack articles? Many of us would welcome your creativity and good sense.
Actually, I'd love to see Will coauthor something with TCinLA, they are of different generations and I think both their takes on about any subject would be a fascinating read!
And to quote a soldier refusing to accede to Russian demands…..
“Russian warship….go f*ck yourself.”
I use the exact quote today to MTGreene. And to cozy Kevin and Tuck for sharing video footage in planning for the continuing, convenient insurrection taking place daily against all Americans.
Well said, Will. It is interesting that you talk about heroes. I cannot think of any one person (real or imagined) that I would say fits the common definition/belief about heroes. I have seen some behavior that I would describe as heroic (perhaps engaged in it a few times professionally) but no one that I can really identify as a hero. I do think that Zelensky's comment "I don't need a ride, I need ammunition" ascends that level of conduct.
Will, it seems to me that our recognition of honorable values is degrading. Trust, faithfulness, integrity, credibility, empathy, loyalty et al are being replaced by cunning, deceit, “winning” at any cost
We cannot find the admirable people because we can no longer find these words of value to define them. One “aw shit” erases 100 Brownie Points
Pragmatism is required yet is called out by Progressives as flawed compromising
True, true, Dave. This is a point that David Brooks makes in his book The Road to Character -- namely, we don't have (have forgotten) the language of integrity, of faithfulness, of truth, of empathy, et al. These are the virtues of heroes, of statesmen, of patriots. But when the language is submerged so are the virtues.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) explicitly called for dividing the nation. She tweeted: “We need a national divorce. We need to separate by red states and blue states and shrink the federal government. Everyone I talk to says this.”
You have NOT spoken to me, MTG! If you did, I would suggest YOU separate yourself from the Union you are attempting to dysfunction, and move to Russia or China—they should be red enough for you!
"Everybody I talk to says this". Here we go again. "Everyone says so." "I'm hearing this everywhere". (Now, who was it that used to say this all the time? Someone else with dyed hair and pancake makeup...)
I think the potentially honest statement here, and certainly the most revealing, is "Everybody I talk to says this." Uh, yeah, that's what happens when the major requirement for interacting with you is the ability to tell you what you want to hear.
Everyone I talk to thinks a certain crazy lady should fall into a very special sewer that empties in the center of the Earth's molten core. But I'm guessing there isn't much overlap between my everyone and her everyone. Funny how that works.
LOL! Yes, that same orange fg who now claims “everyone wants [him] to run” in 2024. Yikes!
BTW, didn’t you love it when tfg criticized Rihanna’s hair stylist for the Superbowl’s halftime show? Such irony! And his pancake artist should be reminded to also smear his ears; their whiteness stands out like whipped cream on pumpkin pie.
That doesn't surprise me at all. I worked in theatre for many years and and was familiar with stage and television makeup. I could never understand why any professional makeup artist would have left bright white circles around his eyes. People used to say it was the lights. I knew better.
Sorry, Anne-Louise and Kimberlee! “Pumpkin” perfectly describes the shade of his foundation. The contrast with his whipped-cream ears and, yes!, his eyelids was naturally inevitable 😉
Advocating for red states to divorce blue states, certainly sounds like there is an enemy of our United States of America sitting in a Congressional seat.
AND being the voice steering Speaker Kevin McFarty and his every move. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was told by MTG to send the tapes to FOX NEWS! She tells him when to fart and when to use the bathroom!!!
If she had an ounce of sense, she would see that the red states would founder badly. Their "army" would be composed of the yahoos who are self-armed to the teeth. While they may cause a lot of destruction, they are a profoundly undisciplined lot. The bulk of wealth and taxpayers are in the blue states. Hopefully, no self respecting BIPOC would join their side, either. Sayonara, Empty Greene!
A recent show of hands revealed a scarcity of veterans in the crowd. My father two brothers and I felt compelled to serve the nation but we are old now. Dad and Tom have passed leaving Scott and I to wonder where have all the soldiers gone?
None of us received more than $100.00/month base pay. We considered it the price of freedom and extended the contract our forefathers bequeathed us. Spend it wisely MTG and company.
Please do not despair as MTG ultimately is a Democratic asset in that her appeals to “the base” do not come even close to resonate with a majority of the country’s voters! The more she is represented as “the true leader” of the Republican Party, the more she actually turns away “business/corporate republicans.” The intolerant and repressive Rs in the House along with Carlson et al are burying themselves in support of Putin, Trump, and DeSantis--2018, 2020 and even 2022 prove that point, while 2024 will relegate them to the junkyard of history!
Doggone it Ira. Your astute observation is going to blow her cover. Shssss. Republicans haven’t figured out she has infiltrated. “They say “ her name is really Tokyo Marigold. You know daughter of Tokyo Rose. You are absolutely right. She is destroying Georgia and the Republican Party. That is her mission. Shsss!
Pretty obvious to me. The train-wreck (no pun intended) in Ohio was due in part to big business being 'in charge' of protecting our safety, having been given the license to do so by the tRump administration loosening the EPA.., along with the NHTSA (elaine chow). The 'Heads' of these agencies are the ones who need to have their noses shoved into the sludge on the ground along with the governors of those two states.., not the President. The mess there and at the border are the job of an effective government being in-charge, not big business. Congress...anybody home?
Such a conundrum when a quasi-slur used by a racist is still so apt for an influential Asian (in an interracial marriage to an influential politician - protected by the same Amendment as gay marriages) is chowing down on the public trough.
"due in part to big business being 'in charge' of protecting our safety, having been given the license to do so by the tRump administration loosening the EPA.., along with the NHTSA"
Letting big business run the country for their own benefit goes back a long way, but it really took an unhealthy turn under Reagan, and tRump is just the current and so far, most odious manifestation of that ideology.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people". It's not just a good idea, it's the law.
The train company announced last that they started a one million dollar fund to help the victims of the disaster. Their revenue last year was four billion, much of which was used for stock buy backs.
A million will be gone quite quickly. It will take many millions just to relocate people from areas that probably will be dangerous to live in forever.
Yes!! AND ... expecting those corporations (RRs, in this case) to be 'good stewards' in their industry... with little to no oversight or *protections* (what they like to call 'regulations') for safety of their own equipment, for their workers or US (plain old citizens) in place... what do we expect?? Nearly 3 wks later... STILL there is little to no support for those unfortunate residents who just happened to live in small town America. Where else is this fallout from capital corruption going to erupt next?? And who do we think these already disgruntled (trumpist) voters are going to support in next elections?? For so many reasons, this is the quintessentially inevitable domestic American tragedy...
I'm with you Suz-an. There once was a time when American workers--the proletariat, let's call 'em--were taught to trust their corporate employers and to be grateful for the jobs provided to them for the owners knew best. Just take a stroll through the bloody slog of labor history--young children working 12-hour days, despicable and dangerous working conditions, union busting, etc. Regulations finally changed things, but here we are today facing the very men (mostly) who fight for laissez-faire lunacy as hard as the robber barons and back in the day for one simple reason. It benefited them the most. In the early 21st century we find conditions and workers' rights at the highest level in history. But one thing remains the same.
It is impossible to ignore that the underbelly of capitalism will never disappear. The shiny profit motive subjugates Lincoln's better angels and the greedy number counters pray for just one more decimal point. People will do just about anything for money, and worse do nothing for even more. Like not keeping your damn trainline in shape. Politicians and citizens alike should include greed and neglect in the calculus that foresees our economic freedom or demise. Capitalism should be handicapped.
OH YEAH, Randy!! Absolutely on the mark. the ONLY word i would exchange in your post is "Regulations" for the more accurate word "Protections." No one likes 'regulations' so it's easily used by the laissez-faire lunatics you so well describe.
George Lakoff (genius author of "Don't Think of an Elephant!" if you're not familiar) teaches us how words really matter. The reality is that so-called regulations (drag on biz) are better understood as PROTECTIONS (for all of US!). So... i have learned to NEVER use that R word at all. The P word is one that most people do like and warm right up to... what do ya think?
Protections is a much better word, Suz-an. Unfortunately, words have fallen into a carnival land and should often not be trusted. That's why I'm a Biden fan; his actions speak volumes despite any criticism. It's sad that more people don't acknowledge reality instead of being plain snookered. The why of that would require a deep dive into the American psyche and that's not a neighborhood I'm comfortable in these days.
Perhaps because of his long political career, and maybe because after age 70 you swap your license to drive for a license to say exactly what you think, Biden has done some fine rhetorical counterpunching vis-a-vis the Republicans' flat-footed bile. You can feel the Republicans and Fox running out of narrative. They have nothing to offer their constituents except sustenance for their fear and rage. Eventually, you have to deliver more than that or you'll be tuned out.
"And over 50 nations stepped up to make sure the rules-based international order in place since World War II, which prevents one country from attacking another, held."
Vietnam
Afghanistan
Iraq
Iran
All of the above countries were attacked by the United States of America outside the "rules based order".
In the case of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh sought to throw off the yoke of French Colonialism and free his people. The US stepped in to attempt to make sure that did not happen by invading.
In the case of Afghanistan the US posed the false narrative that Afghanistan had something to do with 911. It did not. That was a lie. The US invaded Afghanistan based on a lie and occupied it for 20 years.
In the case of Iraq, The US SUPPORTED Iraq in the war against Iran (although Reagan ALSO sold arms to Iran). Then, The US invaded Iraq based on known lies that the CIA directly refuted and that a British MI5 agent outed as lies (Weapons of Mass Destruction).
In 1953 the US, after a Democratic election in Iran elected a leader that the US did not like, the CIA overthrew the democratically elected government and installed the brutal Shah of Iran.
It is a not true that there has been a "rules based order" since WW II.
It IS true that in countries with white Europeans that there has been a rules based order since WWII.
But, it is equally true that the US has ignored the rules based order where non-white nations are relevant.
Every word you say is true. As Americans we should face up to these shameful wars. Just as we should face up to the legacy of slavery and all the brutality it encompassed. And all the disenfranchisement of their descendants that continues today. And we should remind everyone on Columbus Day that good ole Christopher was a butcher who slaughtered Indigenous People with abandon. That we attempted to exterminate the rest for centuries thereafter.
We have a lot to atone for. A lot to teach. But today, I celebrate the leadership of President Biden. I celebrate the team he has assembled. I am PROUD. In fact, I am going to send him a letter of praise right now.
You are right, Mike. But there are some bright spots. We're a complicated nation.
Columbus Day was started when Italians were discriminated against in this country as dark skinned foreigners. It was about welcoming a group of immigrants who were being treated badly. Times change, but that's where it comes from.
Distraction distraction, Mike. While our country is under the care of this President, this country’s government is following the rules of human decency. We join with our allies to stand firm for self-determination in Ukraine against unprovoked Russian aggression. Let’s all help Biden stop the perpetration of current atrocities and genocide now, and deal with the perpetrators of past atrocities when the world is a little safer, ok?
We can take a minute to remember US interference in other countries without compromising our support for Ukraine. I can remember marching in our streets against American wars in Vietnam and Iraq, and for that matter against US interference in Central America, and for the same reasons object to Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
True about the US, not about Europe. Russian tanks periodically rolled into their Eastern European vassals for years after WWII when the puppet governments risked losing control. While I agree that US support for Ukraine is very important, that’s no reason to pretend the history Mike lists did not happen. Just like, we can support equal rights within this country and acknowledge the history to this day of discrimination.
My guess is that most readers here know this, Mike. I believe we are the very people who tried to right this wrong. Clumsy as it might have been, it was Pres. Biden who ended the Afghanistan war after 20 years of malfeasance. There is no doubt that the "masters of war" still are a force to be reckoned with, but you are preaching to the choir, here.
There’s a reason many countries hate the US and Mike has stated just a few of them. American Imperialism and the impact of Corporate greed ($$) on other countries are a couple more. Many of these imperialistic and corporate “invasions” are not know by average Americans as they fly under the radar. Understanding why so many people in other countries hate the US is the first step toward reconciliation. It can also be a relief of sorts to know, to become aware…. “ahhh, so that’s why they dislike us so much.”
I thought the Shah was a good guy. Was he not the force behind modern Iran back then? Didn’t he decree that women didn’t have to wear hijabs and head scarves. Was he not a friend to the US? What was brutal about him?
Susan, this is from the Encyclopedia Britannica: "Opposition to the shah himself was based upon his autocratic rule, corruption in his government, the unequal distribution of oil wealth, forced Westernization, and the activities of SAVAK (the secret police) in suppressing dissent and opposition to his rule. These negative aspects of the shah’s rule became markedly accentuated after Iran began to reap greater revenues from its petroleum exports beginning in 1973."
Russias borders end nowhere because Russia is nowhere.
It's a failed state, that can't exist without plundering. it is unable to create anything but chaos. Maybe if enough Russian men escape, the women will take over and clean up the mess.
That “Russia’s border ends nowhere,” phrase struck me as especially creepy, and channels the sociopathic ambitions of some of humanity's most destructive dictators, past and present. I sure hope the Russians love their children too.
Good morning all. May I interject something? (sorry for the rhetorical question: it's a Tuesday . . .) I would like to point out, briefly, something that will clarify the starkest contrast I can think of. Here goes:
In the last few days I have been thinking about Georgia. There are two of them, really. The Georgia of MTG, whose growing power is accompanied by her growing confidence that she can say and do anything, as long as it is utterly outrageous, hateful, and ludicrous. She is the face--quite literally--of a disturbingly large percentage of the USA. And she has a platform because of the wholehearted embracing of the nazification of the Right by corporate interests, in particular in the media outlets that provide her, for free, with such a platform. Why? Because--like Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz discovered in the 1930s and 40s--nazi policies means big business gets really, really rich. Often by embracing a policy that includes the enslavement of populations deemed "degenerate" or "inferior." The Right is headed in that direction.
But there's another Georgia, one I have been thinking a lot about in the last few days. The Georgia that, in the 1970s, elected Jimmy Carter as governor and embraced--and continues to embrace--his vision of the world from his presidency to his post-presidency. People often forget that Jimmy has lived in Georgia his entire life (except for his stint at Annapolis and in the Navy) and that Plains is a small rural community that should be the mirror for MTG's hate-filled affect but is not. Because Jimmy and Rosalind live there.
I am not a fan of Christianity, which, for the vast majority of its existence as an institution, has been one of the most malign influences in the history of the world. It has embraced the politics of exclusivity and exclusion, perpetuated patriarchy in the most violent ways, and justified the slaughter of millions because of a vision of the Divine and the afterlife that appeals to the worst, most base, urges of the ruling class. And yet, Christianity is the driver of what Jimmy Carter believes and how he has acted. Because Jimmy is a follower of Jesus (and, to be honest, Buddha--he and the Dalai Lama are good buds), not Paul, not the Church as a monolithic institution, and certainly not the Southern Baptist conference out of which his faith developed. Jimmy is also a product of Georgia. And his life's work has been devoted to making Georgia a better place to be.
Georgians who are now waiting, mourning, for Jimmy Carter's end as he slips away from us are probably also, at least in part, those who adore MTG's nazi rants. I know that making political hay out of the passing of one of the great men of our era is considered inapt, but we need to do this--and Jimmy would agree.
Rachel had a beautiful tribute to Carter last night that highlighted his essential role in preventing nuclear meltdown in a Canadian facility back when he was a mere 28-year-old Navy officer -- a brilliant one who knew how to organize the safe dismantling of the reactor. A graceful passing to you, Jimmy.
I saw that and was amazed! He was in charge and established a protocol for dismantling the reactor step by step. Each step involved one person going in for 90 seconds - the longest time calculated to avoid deadly radiation exposure. He went in 89 (?) times! The reactor was fully dismantled and eventually rebuilt elsewhere. Apparently, Jimmy’s urine tested positive for radiation for six months after.
To MTG and those who think like her...that separation thing didn't work out so well for those who attempted it in 1861. It basically destroyed their cherished way of life. I'm suitably impressed by our President visiting Ukraine this week. Putin must be spitting nails. This will be quite a week in the history books.
Maybe we’ll get a speech from Poland tomorrow about democracy being a government for winners and authoritarianism being a government by psychopathic bullies for losers.
Several people have pointed out that even if you tried to accomplish her suggestion, how do you define Red or Blue ? By Senators? Governor? Voter registration ? Her idea is so ridiculous. Who keeps the forts, the military...all of the Federal infrastructure that we ALL paid & pay for ? It's total lunacy.
It's also, as Rachel Maddow described, the anniversary of the 2014 protests against the then Russian-backed authoritarian government in Ukraine, when protestors were gunned down by their own troops. (We've had that happen here, too, at Kent State).
Kent State, closely preceded by the same at Jackson State. There was a national freak out only after Kent State, because those were white kids being shot down.
I mention Kent State because it has particular sgnificance to me. I watched the reports of it on the Armed Forces Network in Phu Bai, South Viet Nam. In my previous duty station in Puerto Rico, I had been tasked with training my Marine company in riot control, using the DoD manual. And in that manual were the rules for engagement with a sniper, which the Ohio National Guard claimed fired upon them. Those rules are strict: one rifleman is given rounds, one at a time, by an officer, who then directs his return fire. The officer is supposed to have his hand on the shoulder of the rifleman; that's how carefully the response is to be handled. One round at a time.
But the Ohio National Guard had distributed live rounds to its troops. And they were not under proper control. To me, it was murder, plain and simple. Was it negligent homicide? Perhaps. But it was done by the state, using its own intentionally armed troops against civilians.
I think the court case after the fact determined that the commander of the guard was to blame. My late husband was studying in the Kent State Library that overlooks the site that day.
Dave, a huge THANK YOU for sharing the details of your Signia hearing aids. I copied the information and shared it with my fiancé. Unfortunately, I now cannot find your original comment to reply directly to it, but hope you do see it here. Thanks again, and all the best to you!
Like I said, uour mileage my vary, but these hearing aids solved the tinnitus, plus a second left ear issue stemming from a horrible infection. Happy camper here. I no longer mutter “what?” After every comment my wife makes
I am writing this a couple of hours after reading this. I read some brief news stories since and thought about other unrelated things and I just realized I’m feeling unsettled and disquieted. What happened today and these few days in general seems seminal, not unlike the feelings I had just after the January 6th riot.
When I watched the rioting on the television, it was like watching a movie. Is this real?! What would this be like if it were real? IT IS REAL!!!
That is the way I feel right now! McCarthy handing over 40,000 hours of Capital video tapes of Jan. 6 *exclusively* to Tucker Carlson! Marjorie Taylor Greene’s saying that the US needs to get a divorce from itself! President Biden in an ACTIVE WAR ZONE without US military protection!
Something is up. It’s in the air. I feel like birds before an earthquake. It’s not a comfortable spot.
There WAS military protection. Very MAJOR surveillance and weaponry ready. That was a in Putin's face and they knew it. Biden and Zelensky were standing right where Putin wanted to be for the propaganda he needs to win over Russians. It is a very historical spot for Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Christian believers. They wouldn't do that type of stance without military protection. We just couldn't see it. It's like when I took my kids to D.C. when they were young (during the Obama years). We were out with my friend after dark so tourists were no longer out much. We saw the White House and my youngest wanted to go closer. There was a sign or something that said not to go closer. But it was deceiving with what looked to be no security. I told her there was security and they would pop out from nowhere if she went closer. Of course she did go closer and out popped security very well hidden not far away.
"Greene echoed authoritarian leaders Viktor Orbán of Hungary and Putin himself when she called for splitting the nation over “the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats” and “the Democrat’s [sic] traitorous America Last policies.” "
"Splitting the country into red and blue states" is sedition and given McCarthy's past statements about "always supporting that woman" is profoundly troubling.
Not sure who the puppet-master is controlling those two but the release of all those tapes and this language from Greene is setting the stage for another attack on the Capitol. McCarthy has the right as Speaker to invite Trump to the Capitol....Perhaps to give a speech on the weaponization of the FBI and DOJ...
Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection and Other Rights
Section 3 Disqualification from Holding Office
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
She took the oath. She has admitted she has talked to others about dividing the country. She is certainly aiding the secessionist cause by her comments. Has she just made the case against herself to be removed from Congress?
She most definitely has, but where are the GOP Congressmen and women who will put country over party. Same place they have been for at least 6 years, either right there with her or cowering in the bathroom…
"watch how support for Ukraine is framed as incompatible with US national interests.” She notes that a similar narrative in Canada argues that support for Ukraine hurts Canadian veterans."
Divide and conquer is as old as dirt. Too often in works, but only when too many let it.
Such stark contests. Biden and Zelensky. Carlson and Taylor Greene. Decency and integrity vs hate and self-interest. When will people open their eyes to truth? Thanks, Professor, for continuing the good fight of truth telling. It matters. YOU matter. Thank you.
Regarding integrity: I listened to WHAM 1180 on AM radio yesterday starting around 8 am.
Two guys got on the radio and started shouting at each other about Hunter Biden, Ukraine, how all of the (unspecified) "conspiracy theories" were true, how Biden is a criminal. The shouting went on and on for about 15 minutes before I turned it back to NPR to hear something that sounds less insane. If there was anything true that was said during the 15 minute diatribe, I was not able to pick it out of the noise.
BUT, guys, you should all listen to WHAM 1180 AM for 15 minutes today to hear what millions of Americans are listening to all day long every day all cross the Nazi Media empire put in place by Republicans over the last 30 years.
Americans are so drunk on the crazy cool aid of Fox and AM radio that they have no idea what is integrity and what is true anymore.
BUT, those same Americans are ENJOYING the hate. They FEEL GOOD about the shouting denigration on AM radio.
MJT? She LOVES to HATE. We are back to the future of America's past (as Dr. Richardson points out today) which, quite honestly, is profoundly hate filled.
In Wisconsin, especially in the north part of the state where I live, it is not only AM radio but it is FM radio as well. We need to do something more to counteract this media take over. Here's a story about someone in Wisconsin that is trying to do something about it. -saw-
https://captimes.com/opinion/paul-fanlund/opinion-breaking-far-right-talk-radio-s-hold-over-rural-wisconsin/article_0d137709-f56f-5301-b124-4b8643c34696.html
Now do Minnesota!
And PA...and OH...and...
As Damian Penny is always fond of saying, it's not a disagreement between Red States and Blue Statets, it's a disagreement between rural and urban America.
Hmn, get what you're saying, but I have friends in rural OH, NY, and MA, and I phonebank in PA and WI. True they're in the minority in most cases. But They Are Not Alone. Whereas my conservative friends/kin live in Cleveland, San Diego, Cambridge MA and Naples FL. Statistically insignificant, I know. But let's not forget those good people who still have their wits about them in the parts of the country that grow our food and brew our beer! Give them some support--donate to No Dem Left Behind, Back Roads, and above all the Movement Voter Project: https://movement.vote/
Or maybe a disagreement between concrete and abstract thinkers: in other words it's a problem about education, giving children the tools to think things through.
This is so exciting!! Thank you, Steve. I read the article and I'm in love with "Mike Crute, is a talk radio veteran. The other, Sage Weil, is a young tech zillionaire who relocated from the West Coast to Madison to accommodate his wife’s career." The idea of a local community radio that's not far right or far left or pro Democrat but pro-democracy fills me with hope about reaching out to rural America with something that balances the far right radio that fills the airwaves not. I can't wait to learn more!
Seems like a good place fir a fireside chat or 2 as well!
I hate to be a buzzkill, but I know of a radio station like this in Austin TX, and sadly, so far as I can tell, it reaches "the usual suspects." The people it wants to reach have all be informed frequently that the station is "unAmerican" and "pro-socialist," so they know to stay well away.
The article I read sounded like they know what they are doing, so I'm going to keep my fingers (and toes!) crossed, and hold them in the light of possibility.
Give Wisconsin (peace) a chance!!
Seems like they could extend the project up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, then across and down over the Mackinac Bridge! Then Dr. Bob Lorinser may have a better chance of beating out our seditionist U.S. Rep Bagman Bergman, who has proposed a bill taking federal money away from any company or entity that tries to restrict, regulate or impede gun manufacture design and sales. Clearly Bergman is NOT an MSU grad.
I have to admit I dont listen to radio anymore but I have been aware that here in NY and maybe other areas, the Sinclair Broadcasting Co/corp have made inroads in the tv stations - sounds right wing - they tell their stations what they want to broadcast or possibly HOW it should lean. I dont think the local stations near me are a part of that group - yet.
They're in Cambridge Massachusetts too, the belly of what they presumably call The Beast. Many Sinclair stations used to be Clear Channel stations (which through bankruptcy and buy out became iHeartMedia) in the Claear Channel communications network that ran shows by Linebaugh, Hannity, Glen Beck etc, and put Louis Armstrong's "It's Wonderful Life" on a long list of banned songs...
Thank you for this; I didn’t read the whole thing but forwarded to 2 friends here (AZ) who are winter visitors from Appleton.
Excellent article about talk radio in Wisconsin. I hope they are successful! I found a link to another interesting topic while reading the above article. The article was written in 2021 to look at the 10 year anniversary of Scott Walker's destruction of Unions in Wisconsin. Remember "Right to Work"? https://www.wpr.org/decade-after-act-10-its-different-world-wisconsin-unions
Noted WISDEMS highlighted this article, thanks for noting it here!
Moved to SE WI in '16 from a suburb in Chicago- much of WI is a balanced/fair news desert . There is a general mind set here that's stuck in the past and it's been cultivated for decades by the GOP.
Thank You! Shared the great article!!
Agreed Mike. AM radio and Fox News = lies and hate. It makes me want to vomit after listening for just a minute or two.
But I am coming down on the side of realism and optimism this morning. Call me naive. But I am focusing on the actionable aspect of our future elections. The people who watch Fox BS and and listen to AM assholes are old.
"The median age of Fox News and MSNBC viewers is 65, and that of CNN viewers is 60."
"The median age of listeners to the AM band is 57 years old, a full generation older than the median age of FM listeners."
Our efforts should be aimed at the folks who don't tune into that garbage. We are NEVER going to convince Joe Bigot SixPack - who lost his job for mouthing off at his boss - to vote for a "socialist" or a "woke" person. NEVER.
The future is in the hands of those who listen to podcasts, watch TicTok videos, and stream TV. They get their news and info from their phones. The youngest of them have never listened to a radio, ever. They could care less what cable TV is showing. They are LIVING on their phones. Take the battle to TikTok, Instagram or whatever the latest social media hot spot is.
The haters are getting nastier but older. It's undeniable. And they may die earlier for lack of vaccination and smart living habits. It is Gen Y and Z that will have the power - if we can get them to the polls. And that, I believe, is the mission. Y, Z and the younger part of X are the America that will determine the future.
We need to find them on their phones. Radios are relics for them. TVs are for watching "Stranger Things" or the latest Super Hero stuff. Cable cord cutting is accelerating and advertisers are rapidly shifting their money to streaming platforms.
I hope the DNC and the White House Communications teams consist of young people. Many of the old audiences will be history soon. Let's find the young ones where they live.
Don't be too hard on Joe 6 pack, he or she might surprise you in the future. Things have gotten so bad for many workers in "right to work States" (really right to exploit States) that some of these folks are starting to see the need for unions to fight back. "Stop the steal" should really mean stop taking my money and giving it to the bosses' boss.
You got it. And maybe some of those corporate dollars that are used for stock buybacks could go to the employees that keep the gears grinding? I was a management guy for years. Now I am a big union supporter. If companies were smart enough to treat their customers and employees as well as they treat their shareholders, unions wouldn't need to exist. But too many companies are selfish and stupid. Time for some "Norma Rae"!
They stayed with Reagan even though he destroyed their unions and lowered their standard of living. I don't have much faith in Joe 6 pack.
The future is our kids. We have to believe they will get motivated and VOTE.
First make sure they've been educated.
We need to offer the true history of our country/world in the public school curriculum to begin with. Look at Fl. Who is learning what? I wish I had known to question what they were teaching me in schools when I was young. Man do I feel duped.
Many in Gen Z have really been stepping up, but too many don't know how to speak up and make a difference. My own children, in the last election, didn't bother to vote. Didn't feel it was important. They have watched me for years be involved with legislative matters, but they prefer to sit back and be quiet. How do we wake people up?
We have to communicate and have discussions. All 3 of my kids voted, and knew very well where their parents stood on issues. I have one in the military, so we know how he voted, but the other 2 were on board with us! 4 of 5 is good!
They need to be scared shitless. But that will only happen if they pay attention. You may have to scream at them. You may have to tell them that the people like Trump and MJT are as dangerous as Hitler. Maybe show them what Putin is doing?
I feel for your situation. But they own this now.
Ah, the voice of reason and reality to the rescue
Sadly Democrats still mostly employ the inside the beltway consultants that cost HRC the presidency. We need to hire the best Madmen on Madison Avenue and fire the dinosaurs, they can go get jobs at think tanks and foundations.
Mike, AM radio is completely dominated by Republican hate 24/7. On occasion when I feel I have a strong constitution, I listen to AM stations. I think just to hear what the latest conspiracy theory is. The reality is, that is the medium that older voters listen to and the Democrats are again missing the boat at not infiltrating those bandwaves.
Come to think of it, what are the Democrats doing to prepare for the upcoming General Election?
Governing, it seems.
And, hopefully electing another DEM to the House TODAY in a Special Election for a seat in a Virginia. Vote!
Yet, few people know that with the avoidance of media coverage. The media has determined the next election, not us. Over the weekend, I saw a number of sources ramping up the same narrative that a number of Bidens fellow democrats are not backing him or seeing a clear path to victory in 2024. That was not coming from FOX . Although, I'm sure that is their narrative.
If the Democrats don't, then what is Plan B?
Linda, here in rural Maine where we have been constantly bombarded by lying right wing extremist ads for years we are seeing a really nice informational paid for ad explaining how the infrastructure bill is benefiting us. I was so surprised by it, I didn’t catch who’s paying for it. Such ads are important to counteract the lies, especially with so much of the MSM in the bag for the fascist GOP. I hate the manipulative, rhetorical GOP ads, but this one was purely informational about what is happening in our area thanks to the “bipartisan” infrastructure bill. Eventually some people might see the good that’s happening and want to be part of it? 🤞🏼
Christy, hopefully you will get some people on board.
I live in Central New York. New York was a traditional Blue state that is becoming cherry red. Horrible to witness.
There are a number of documents you can get off of the White House website that are designed to show facts that the Government has implemented in a concise form that is just the facts. I have copied them and posted them to certain people that have really gone off the deep end on social media. In the past these "fact sheets" were met with, "oh I didn't know that". Now I get trounced on from multiple people (unsolicited) saying these are lies and liberal propaganda.
I am nearing the end of fighting the good fight.
True Christy, ab out the right wing extremism in Central Maine. I live on the coast (up near Acadia) and during my occasional trips down to New Hampshire I pass through the town of Chelsea right outside of Gardiner. There's a house with a bunch of signs in the yard like "Biden Pedofile" (yeah, that's the spelling). Am I supposed to feel bad for these people? I certainly feel bad for the nation as a whole.
Linda Bailey --I've been phone banking, with many others, for elections, special and off-year, in Pennsylvania (we won all 3 seats in the state legislature), Wisconsin (critical state Supreme Court primary is today, general is April 4) and Virginia, which holds state legislature elections in the off-years. You can too! Google Swing Left, Swing Blue Alliance, Movement Voter Project, Field Team 6, Sister Districts (if you live in a Blue state that doesn't need help), etc.. https://www.mobilize.us/
Mary oh I do. Believe me.
Great news! But so I guess I don't know what you mean by "Democrats are so late to the dance." Seems like thousands and thousands of us are organizing and phonebanking and writing letters to the editor and articles for our local papers and posting useful information up and down the internet and all over the country, including you! How are we late? I started within days of the November elections.
Don’t let yourself be seduced into accepting the omnipotence of evil. Remember that Democrats control the White House and the Senate, and the Republicans in the House are so divided that they can’t do anything. We are advancing, they are on the defensive. As in Ukraine.
Thanks, Jon. I think it's very important that we keep reminding ourselves of what you've said. Our self-talk affects our feelings and attitudes. We must remain positive, like Zelensky.
But the republicans are still managing to do a lot of harm by not raising the debt ceiling. Hard for me to believe how much that radical 20 controls the whole party.
Actually, they are doing harm only if Democrats permit them to. As I've pointed out several times here, and elsewhere, Sec. 4 of the 14th Amendment forbids default. It states that the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned. If that means anything, it must mean that debts will be paid as they come due. I've been saying for months that Biden should just announce that the debt will be paid, whatever Congress does or doesn't do. Let the Republicans scream.
I agree with you but it has never been tested. I'd like to see Biden test it. Unfortunately, I don't think he will.
It also says But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States. I guess there are some representatives such as Biggs, Gosar, Greene, Boebert, Gaetz and a few others who shouldn't be getting paid. Josh Hawley could fall in there too.
Thank You for this important reminder Jon.
Yet, McCarthy gave _ucker Carlson everything he will need to ruin the Democrats through the twisting of evidence for 2024.
What makes you think that? I mean, really, what basis do you have for that judgment?
I'm referring to the 41,000 hours of surveillance video from January 6th that we (American people) were forbade to see, but Carlson gets it on a silver platter. Ask Jamie Raskin what he thinks about that.
I sure hope you are right, Jon!
Linda, when I was a grad student burning the midnight oil to make a living, I would listen to AM radio talkshows (like Limbaugh) on my way home. I’d get so mad I would be fully awake the entire hour drive!
Rose, oh I remember those days. I used to always have the radio on at night growing up, I still do but for a different reason. I'm in year 3 of Tinnitus. Back in the day, AM stations had cleaner signals at night. It was one conspiracy theorist after another every channel, every night. Everything from UFO's to politics.
My old VW only had AM, and driving at night in SoFlo, the choice was Idiots Talking or Reggae. I started getting into that style of music.
Tinnitus? I wince in sympathy.
Same here!
Linda, when I got hearing aids, the tinnitus subsided significantly
Ironically, I had an appointment last week with my audiologist. My hearing is exceptional though somewhat deterred in my left ear where the Tinnitus is living. She mentioned that some people do find relief with hearing aids, but it would be counter productive as my hearing is as good as it is, but it could be a down the road option.
If I could add, my Tinnitus developed shortly after my first COVID vacvine. At that time audiologists were drawing lines between the high numbers of vaccines and new Tinnitus patients as a connection.
That's good news. I know of patients who had their tinnitus worsen with hearing aides. Maybe they make them better now?
Tinnitus sounds terrible. Take good care.
Marj, thank you.
Ah, the Larry King days
I used to eat peanuts, one by one to stay awake driving
I wasn’t earning enough peanuts to buy peanuts. But popcorn did the trick, for 1/4 of the cost 😉
You were so poor you couldn't pay attention? : ()
Wasabi.
Eat the sushi fresh. Save the the wasabi for 2 am.
Great advice, plus it clears your sinuses.
I visited Pennsylvania a few years back and recall one afternoon when I dialed the AM radio and I could hear Rush Limbaugh on 5 stations simultaneously. It was a striking example of propaganda at work and now MTG and a large portion of the NEOGOP are rootin’ for Putin. Appalling.
From the radio to Congress the slime has slithered.
It sure has.
Thank you for doing the thing that I no longer can. I have removed all AM radio stations from my presets, and I cannot remember the last time (probably 6 or more years ago) I actually tried to listen to the main AM talk radio station in the Boston metropolitan area. I felt sick, listening to the sneering, hateful lies. I haven't repeated the experiment since.
89.7, 90.9 and 91.9 are my presets! Wish we still had a classical music station.
90.9 is my only preset...classical music calms me when I drive....🎶🎶🎶
I like 90.3 as well--Public Radio International, and some interesting music. Not classical though. The loss of classical music on radio around Boston is pure idiocy--it's the US capital of classical music! I boycotted 89.7 (WGBH) for years over it, still don't donate (donate to WBUR instead), but I can't resist Jim Braude and Margery Eagan's "Boston Public Radio."
Jon, thanks for the reminder. The noise coming out of am radio and Faux News is never ending, and seems insurmountable, but the governing on the part of the Dems is encouraging and what the people need.
This older voter decidedly does NOT listen to rw radio unless I want to better understand MAGAts. I have gotten more progressive as i age! Please do not lump all seniors together. As with all demographic groups, we are not all the same.
Some breathing sentient beings remember the Lessons of the 60s!
AM tells you their audience are near leaving this mortal coil...
just think how happy Putin is with these American stooges. He doesn't have to bomb the U.S. He's got noise bombs right here.
100%. Hate is a product of a division strategy illicited by demagoguery supported by the oligarchy. Why? Because 30% is predisposed to Authoritarianism. The Greeks warned of this threat to democracy. Excess comfort, accepting of the easy answer ( blaming others, typically the vulnerable). When the easy comfortable answer is primed by emotion first, that 30% grows. Until...
MTG has learned “The Kremlin Playbook” of crisis continuation. Fascism is about identifying an enemy and attacking & destroying them. For Putin it is Ukraine and the west. For MTG it’s Democrats, nonwhite citizens, LGBT community, and immigrants. For Putin, taking all of Ukraine isn’t the goal anymore. It’s about continuing the war on the margins to maintain the narrative that the West is at fault, the west wants to destroy Russia, the West wants to take Russian resources. So Putin will continue to attack eastern Ukraine. MTG will continue to attack Democrats, plurality, education, and challenge decency without ever offering a policy. Continue the crisis. That is the playbook. Slow bleed democracy to death. It’s a really crazy way to get national attention. Building her national brand of demagoguery. For both, what a horrible example of failing at leadership for young people. Their playbook is as unethical as it is immoral.
Your comment reminds me of how in the late 1970s, I read 1984 and Farenheit 451 in my English class (Science Fiction), and we saw both books as warnings. Now, not only are both books probably banned, they seem to be used as handbooks by the wannabe dictators...
Yes, you are right here about the hate.The thing I can glean here is the Republican Party and the people who follow them all hate the same people.That’s it in a nutshell.It is truly sad that this hate-filled AM radio show and others along with Fox”News”are the ways a lot of Americans get their”news”.They are so removed from reality that I think bringing them back to reality is hopeless.
She swings that lower jaw into action.
Money needs to be poured into education. Education must be of the highest level, teaching skills and critical thinking. Only then will WHAM 1180 start losing listeners and sponsors.
It sure would help!!! Which of us would listen to any of that BS and take it seriously?? Total waste of time. And people who learn these skills and sharpen their ability to really think become more empowered. Most people who listen to that crap are angry, fearful and vengeful because they feel disempowered... and have no idea about it.
It might be posed that access to increasingly false information dissemination spells the collapse of Democracy and individual’s Freedom from Oligarchy
Whoa, we're neighbors! I don't listen to any radio except WXXI once in awhile. I grew up in Batavia but live in a Rochester suburb now. I couldn't stomach WHAM even if I tried. Except for public radio, the airwaves have been taken over by Sky, Sinclair and whatever the Murdochs are calling themselves these days. I know it's conjecture, but I think there might be some dubious entities keeping radio afloat financially now that streaming has taken over.
It makes me wonder what has happened to us as a society. MTG is only a symptom.
Your Like button failed me.
We are kind of neighbors. But I moved from Ontario to Vancouver some years ago.
I’ve been to Rochester once for a cross country meet. I liked what I was able to see.
I have a twitchy sort of fear about MTG. She’s sly and ambitious, a grasper of opportunity. If the Democrats don’t pummel The Rs in the next three election cycles, she might get enough traction to get in a position where her total parochial racism and ignorance of the world, could light some fires. Boebert’s a twit. MTG is a planner.
Does anyone know FCC rules regarding spreading lies? I bellieve that one of the challenges with cable is that it is outside outside the purview of the FCC. Is that correct?
Deregulation, defunding, lack of real enforcement since 1980 has its consquences. A general weaking of our society, by doing the same to our Department of Education. Dereguatlion of communications, education, and interstate commerce has hallowed out the middle class, grown ignorance and hate, sewn division, and made us vulnerable to lies and demagougery. The Fairness Doctrine had solid logic and increased our National Security. Deregulation of mass communications has made us less competitive, dumber, weaker and less secure. The dog has caught the car is an understatement. I dont know what the FCC could do to fix this under current laws. I think it has to start with increased education funding, planning, strategies to create better informed citizens with critical thinking skills.
and the first amendment... free speech includes lying and propaganda... as much as we don't like them...
Really hope the defamation sets a precedent. But we know how the Supreme Court would rule on appeal.
"I think it has to start with increased education funding, planning, strategies to create better informed citizens with critical thinking skills."
I think you're spot on here, Ted. This is a huge factor, tho not the only one. Agree on SCOTUS ... they've (tragically) lost their credibility. No one respects them at this point... which is NOT how it was designed to work.
Must be completely legal?
Since I could not hit “like”, I will say: your post is a fearful reminder of the “hate” some of our fellow Americans are enjoying at this moment.
Systemic stupidity and hate.! Tfg must be so happy. You must have excellent blood pressure to listen to the lies they spew, Mike.
Mike , if democracy is to survive, we must find some way to prevent the use of media to spread hatred, lies, and wild conspiracy theories. at one time FCC enforced a "fairness doctrine" but it has now been rescinded. Perhaps it is time to revive it. Hello Chuck Schumer, are you reading this?
Of course it's been rescinded, George, How else are those poor authoritarians supposed to control their semi -literate base?
It’s the loss of the middle class with trickle down economics plus Covid and Trump that has exacerbated “normal” opposition to democracy and brought racism to the fore with a much larger disadvantaged population than in prior years.
Don’t these guys get exhausted by all their hating? It’s pretty mindless. I suppose it’s like the song goes”all that pain has to go somewhere.” Sad and dangerous. Best to hold tight to your thinking caps, folks.
Whatever you write matters! What a legacy you are leaving for future generations!
“‘Our country is governed by the Constitution. You swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Secession is unconstitutional. No member of Congress should advocate secession, Marjorie.’” Liz Cheney to Marjorie Taylor Greene
So glad that Cheney consistently puts MTG in her place!
Particularly because she's in an unassailable position: white, female, enormously experienced and respected congresswoman.
Her place? To me MTG’s place is in prison for being a traitor to her country. She occupies a trusted position in the American government, yet every day she breaks her sacred oath to uphold the constitution. How is that possible?
I think Anne meant Liz, not MTg?
Susan, good point.
Love the “wake up Maggie” reference!
Exactly what struck me from today's letter. The red states couldn't survive w/o "alimony" from the wealthier blue states. And didn't Keith Olbermann recently suggest a similar concept, for the exact opposite reason-- for blue states to use their majority economic advantages to somehow stop the tyranny of the minority?
I remember reading this when it was published! Thanks.
This is a critical point that needs to be kept in the spotlight.
On today's Breaking Points show, Krystal and Emily (sitting in for Saagar) did a GREAT job talking about how this entire concept Maggie Q <-- LOVE that BK!! has suggested is first of all ... totally UN-American!! YES!!
Giving up on our own country that's based in free and open tolerance to disagree??
Emily pointed out for starters that it's beyond ridiculous from the get-go... because... uuuhhh... GEORGIA!! (BIG SMILE!) And they went from there with a smart and authentic report and analysis on it.
P.S. MOST of BP's audience is younger than most of us. Maybe 9-10% Boomers is what they just said on their Sunday Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) segment. It's apparently the #1 independent news show right now... heard from another independent news source I trust.
If you're not familiar... https://breakingpoints.supercast.com/new_landing? Hubs and I never miss it and we learn sooo much!!! We don't always agree with any or all of them... however... we get our brains tweaked and minds opened just about every single day. And we like it that way!! :D
What has been going on over recent years -- harum-scarum, hocus-pocus, higgledy-piggedly, topsy-turvy…? Double words are expressive, but Mark Twain said, ‘The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.’ What’s the right word or page or report that spells out what’s going on in our world today? Portions of today’s letter that seemed to come close:
‘And over 50 nations stepped up to make sure the rules-based international order in place since World War II, which prevents one country from attacking another, held. Those backing Ukraine against Russian aggression have squeezed Russia with economic sanctions and supported Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid. As Biden said today, standing next to Zelensky:’ “Kyiv stands and Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.” (Letter)
But, BUT then there is this:
'As Biden visits Ukraine, China’s top diplomat goes to Russia'
‘The optics of the two trips – taking place just days before the one-year anniversary of the brutal war on Friday – underscores the sharpening of geopolitical fault lines between the world’s two superpowers.’ (CNN)
We are accustomed to the picture changing.
‘Just under a year ago, the global equation looked very different. On February 4, 2022, Chinese president Xi Jinping hosted Russian president Vladimir Putin on the opening day of the Winter Olympics. The two men pledged to work together in a partnership with “no limits” in a transparent attempt to counter U.S. global leadership and assert a new international order based on their own authoritarian systems.’ (Letter)
But, BUT:
‘Putin says Russia will suspend role in New START nuclear accord with U.S.’
‘Putin said Russia will not “withdraw” completely from the treaty, which has been extended to run through Feb. 4, 2026, but he said that Russia would not allow NATO countries to inspect its nuclear arsenal. He accused the alliance of helping Ukraine conduct drone strikes on Russian air bases that host strategic bombers that are part of the country’s nuclear forces.’ (WAPO)
These are the power-brokers; this is our world. It is not a tennis match and there is not a word or book that spells it all out.
We are doing piece work; we look for the best sources; read books; watch new reports and public affairs programs; talk with friends; join grass-roots organizations, write postcards, letters and make phone calls; attend town-meetings, school-board meetings… and gratefully, are subscribers to the standout, Letters from an American.
Thanks for bringing Russia's moves (change in nuclear stance) into focus. That Putin is countering Biden's visit and NATO support with escalating nuclear threats, is the bigger story here, imho.
Is it purely for show or is it a tell or both? This is Putin, now desperate. Does he know what he's doing; do we?
I sure don't know. But it's clearly the move of a bully but also of someone determined to regain the imperial power of his country's past, right? But for me the question is Is he so mentally imbalanced that he would actually use nuclear powers? Or if not mentally ill, so evil/bent on winning.
We need to stand up to bullies, as Biden and NATO are doing. If we don't, they will take as much as they can take until they are stopped.
If he's mentally ill or evil, he needs to be taken out, hopefully before he does more damage. We can let a mentally ill person overtake the world!
Correction: We Can't let a mentally ill person take over the world (obviously)
We need more scholars of disinformation behavior.
I hope someone files for a restraining order to stop McCarthy from giving Congresses video to FNC. That video was assembled by the government, owned by the taxpayers of America, and should not be given to any corporation for their use.
Might National Archives and Records Administration have a say in this matter?
No brainer, WTH
100%.
Right. Either keep it private, or make it public.
Actually, it's more complicated, since there is plenty of security info in those tapes that would make a future attack on the Capitol more deadly. https://substack.com/inbox/post/104255859
In Russia, RT would doctor the video by embedding Antifa signs and slogans.
I'm worried about that happening HERE. Deep fakes and all.
they already have the footage, they were allowed in the capital to dig through security footage at will, no need for a FOIA request or any due process.
How does Kevin McCarthy have the right to release all those hours of tapes EXCLUSIVELY to Tucker Carlson?
Those tapes contain information about security measures at the Capitol. Is McCarthy trying to get them leaked to insurrectionists without his fingerprints directly on them?
That was my question too! Aren’t they the property of our nation, subsidized by all taxpayers? And what did McCarthy get in return?
And who gave them to him?
Excellent question, Anne-Louise!
That is an interesting question. When the Republicans demanded Pelosi release the footage from the day before the attack when the Republicans were giving suspicious tours Pelosi's office said that the security footage was held by the Capitol Police according to this article. There is a Board that oversees the Capitol police and they also are under the jurisdiction of House and Senate oversight committees.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/gop-jan-6-pelosi-security-tape-b2018371.html
And some more on the Capitol Police Board and the Duties of the House Sargant at Arms.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11570
The ulterior motive, IMHO, is to be able to find some frame of reference that could be used as 'evidence' that Fox 'News' wasn't guilty, as the Dominion voting machine suit appears to be close to proving, of libel against the voting machine company. Fox may be grasping at straws but it is in deep trouble, and I think Murdoch knows it.
And just in time for the 2024 ramp up. Whoopsie!
I expect that's why Quevin did this. Former Sen. Claire McCaskell pointed out that last evening on MSNBC that the ability to evade them would allow an invader to do harm to House and Senate members in the future.
Georgia, I think so. He is using them as training tapes for the next Insurrection.
You can bet that Jan 6 was a trial run, the next one will be nearly catastrophic, in part because there will be participants who we think are on our side. Think about the strategic and logistical planning that will go into it compliments of these tapes. You know, uniform-wearers who took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution and our government. Many of the 1/6ers had already been in that group, except they took the other oth, the OathKeepers version.
Exactly, it appears they are planning the next insurrection. Studying the tapes, no doubt, to figure out how to be successful the next time around. Absolutely sickening that we don’t have any protection from these violent insurrectionists continuing to plot against our constitution
Imagine for a moment that Republicans controlled the house Jan 6th? Now think about 2024, and Jan 6th, 2025.
I keep hearing and reading the downcast sentiment that it feels as if we don't have any heroes anymore.
But, frankly, I think we just have become ill at ease with having heroes. We have figured out that hero worship makes you a sucker. We have been disillusioned so many times, and that has been so because we are bad at recognizing what makes a hero in the first place, and what does not.
In the real world, there are no superheroes, only people. Superheroes are mythical and always save the day. People are fallible and make endless mistakes. As yesterday's Letter showed, some folks cannot seem to appreciate flawed heroes. Some would rather whitewash the mistakes of our cultural heroes, preserving the myth, and denying the full story. Others see the mistakes, but refuse to esteem anyone they judge as failing the righteous tests of today.
A hero - whether a revered historical figure, a currently inspiring leader, your sports star of choice, or your Mom who made you soup when you were sick - is not someone who never made any errors, or has only admirable qualities, or can lift the Earth with one finger. A hero is a human being who steps up when they are needed, who brings aid to other human beings in need, who does what they believe to be right when the pressure is on. Heroes are all around us.
Hero worship may be unhealthy. Yet hero recognition deserves a comeback.
Happy to see photos of two of my current heroes together in Kiev today.
Will. Thank you for this. Kudos on this comment.
I have been admiring your comments for some time now. You pull together ideas really well. And your wordsmithing is great. Have you considered writing a newsletter or creating your own substack articles? Many of us would welcome your creativity and good sense.
Actually, I'd love to see Will coauthor something with TCinLA, they are of different generations and I think both their takes on about any subject would be a fascinating read!
Lovely, Will. This hit my heart.
Slavi Ukraini!
And to quote a soldier refusing to accede to Russian demands…..
“Russian warship….go f*ck yourself.”
I use the exact quote today to MTGreene. And to cozy Kevin and Tuck for sharing video footage in planning for the continuing, convenient insurrection taking place daily against all Americans.
Salud, Will. My heroes also.
🗽
Ah, another quote that ascends to heroic behavior. Exactly that.
except it turned out to be fake...
Well said, Will. It is interesting that you talk about heroes. I cannot think of any one person (real or imagined) that I would say fits the common definition/belief about heroes. I have seen some behavior that I would describe as heroic (perhaps engaged in it a few times professionally) but no one that I can really identify as a hero. I do think that Zelensky's comment "I don't need a ride, I need ammunition" ascends that level of conduct.
Will, it seems to me that our recognition of honorable values is degrading. Trust, faithfulness, integrity, credibility, empathy, loyalty et al are being replaced by cunning, deceit, “winning” at any cost
We cannot find the admirable people because we can no longer find these words of value to define them. One “aw shit” erases 100 Brownie Points
Pragmatism is required yet is called out by Progressives as flawed compromising
The world is shades of grey
True, true, Dave. This is a point that David Brooks makes in his book The Road to Character -- namely, we don't have (have forgotten) the language of integrity, of faithfulness, of truth, of empathy, et al. These are the virtues of heroes, of statesmen, of patriots. But when the language is submerged so are the virtues.
Thank you Will!
I am proud of President Biden showing such courage in visiting President Zelenskyy in Kiev. Thank you for this inspiring report.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) explicitly called for dividing the nation. She tweeted: “We need a national divorce. We need to separate by red states and blue states and shrink the federal government. Everyone I talk to says this.”
You have NOT spoken to me, MTG! If you did, I would suggest YOU separate yourself from the Union you are attempting to dysfunction, and move to Russia or China—they should be red enough for you!
"Everybody I talk to says this". Here we go again. "Everyone says so." "I'm hearing this everywhere". (Now, who was it that used to say this all the time? Someone else with dyed hair and pancake makeup...)
I think the potentially honest statement here, and certainly the most revealing, is "Everybody I talk to says this." Uh, yeah, that's what happens when the major requirement for interacting with you is the ability to tell you what you want to hear.
Everyone I talk to thinks a certain crazy lady should fall into a very special sewer that empties in the center of the Earth's molten core. But I'm guessing there isn't much overlap between my everyone and her everyone. Funny how that works.
Funny that. Indeed.
"Everybody I talk to says this" indicates to me that her subject pool is, well, subject.
She was talking to the mirror again.
You made me lol!
LOL! Yes, that same orange fg who now claims “everyone wants [him] to run” in 2024. Yikes!
BTW, didn’t you love it when tfg criticized Rihanna’s hair stylist for the Superbowl’s halftime show? Such irony! And his pancake artist should be reminded to also smear his ears; their whiteness stands out like whipped cream on pumpkin pie.
He does his own hair and makeup! Ugh.
Ahhh… i now see why he criticized Rihanna. He’s jealous that she can afford to have a stylist!
Really! Well, that would explain a lot. Where did that revelation come from?
Someone who worked for him —can’t remember who. Maggie Haberman’s book talks about the large number of hairspray cans in his private bathroom.
That doesn't surprise me at all. I worked in theatre for many years and and was familiar with stage and television makeup. I could never understand why any professional makeup artist would have left bright white circles around his eyes. People used to say it was the lights. I knew better.
LOLOL!!!!
Well, thanks for ruining pumpkin pie forever.
That was my takeaway from that .....no more pumpkin pie !!!!
Love it!!!!
LOLOLOL!!!
Sorry, Anne-Louise and Kimberlee! “Pumpkin” perfectly describes the shade of his foundation. The contrast with his whipped-cream ears and, yes!, his eyelids was naturally inevitable 😉
HA!!!! :D
"they say"
Priceless,Marj.
😂
Advocating for red states to divorce blue states, certainly sounds like there is an enemy of our United States of America sitting in a Congressional seat.
And on the Homeland Security committee--WTF???
AND being the voice steering Speaker Kevin McFarty and his every move. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was told by MTG to send the tapes to FOX NEWS! She tells him when to fart and when to use the bathroom!!!
That's a one-way plane ticket, I'd gladly support paying!
If she had an ounce of sense, she would see that the red states would founder badly. Their "army" would be composed of the yahoos who are self-armed to the teeth. While they may cause a lot of destruction, they are a profoundly undisciplined lot. The bulk of wealth and taxpayers are in the blue states. Hopefully, no self respecting BIPOC would join their side, either. Sayonara, Empty Greene!
Here’s some proof for your pudding 😁😁
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2020/11/09/biden-voting-counties-equal-70-of-americas-economy-what-does-this-mean-for-the-nations-political-economic-divide/amp/
thank you!
Unless “They” reinstitute the draft , “They” won’t have an army.
A recent show of hands revealed a scarcity of veterans in the crowd. My father two brothers and I felt compelled to serve the nation but we are old now. Dad and Tom have passed leaving Scott and I to wonder where have all the soldiers gone?
None of us received more than $100.00/month base pay. We considered it the price of freedom and extended the contract our forefathers bequeathed us. Spend it wisely MTG and company.
There are a number of military members who are MAGAs. I wonder about their ultimate loyalty. Hopefully they will never be put to the test!
Yes Hope. How they squander their inheritance is who they are.
Please do not despair as MTG ultimately is a Democratic asset in that her appeals to “the base” do not come even close to resonate with a majority of the country’s voters! The more she is represented as “the true leader” of the Republican Party, the more she actually turns away “business/corporate republicans.” The intolerant and repressive Rs in the House along with Carlson et al are burying themselves in support of Putin, Trump, and DeSantis--2018, 2020 and even 2022 prove that point, while 2024 will relegate them to the junkyard of history!
Doggone it Ira. Your astute observation is going to blow her cover. Shssss. Republicans haven’t figured out she has infiltrated. “They say “ her name is really Tokyo Marigold. You know daughter of Tokyo Rose. You are absolutely right. She is destroying Georgia and the Republican Party. That is her mission. Shsss!
Pretty obvious to me. The train-wreck (no pun intended) in Ohio was due in part to big business being 'in charge' of protecting our safety, having been given the license to do so by the tRump administration loosening the EPA.., along with the NHTSA (elaine chow). The 'Heads' of these agencies are the ones who need to have their noses shoved into the sludge on the ground along with the governors of those two states.., not the President. The mess there and at the border are the job of an effective government being in-charge, not big business. Congress...anybody home?
This is minor, but: It's Elaine CHAO. "Chow" is a quasi-slur used by tfg, so the edit button may be needed here.
Such a conundrum when a quasi-slur used by a racist is still so apt for an influential Asian (in an interracial marriage to an influential politician - protected by the same Amendment as gay marriages) is chowing down on the public trough.
Brilliantly expressed, Rob!
"due in part to big business being 'in charge' of protecting our safety, having been given the license to do so by the tRump administration loosening the EPA.., along with the NHTSA"
Letting big business run the country for their own benefit goes back a long way, but it really took an unhealthy turn under Reagan, and tRump is just the current and so far, most odious manifestation of that ideology.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people". It's not just a good idea, it's the law.
The train company announced last that they started a one million dollar fund to help the victims of the disaster. Their revenue last year was four billion, much of which was used for stock buy backs.
A million will be gone quite quickly. It will take many millions just to relocate people from areas that probably will be dangerous to live in forever.
Disgusting.
The maga morons do not care about the average American they are too busy ogling Hunter Biden's dick pics .... jealous !!
Yes!! AND ... expecting those corporations (RRs, in this case) to be 'good stewards' in their industry... with little to no oversight or *protections* (what they like to call 'regulations') for safety of their own equipment, for their workers or US (plain old citizens) in place... what do we expect?? Nearly 3 wks later... STILL there is little to no support for those unfortunate residents who just happened to live in small town America. Where else is this fallout from capital corruption going to erupt next?? And who do we think these already disgruntled (trumpist) voters are going to support in next elections?? For so many reasons, this is the quintessentially inevitable domestic American tragedy...
I'm with you Suz-an. There once was a time when American workers--the proletariat, let's call 'em--were taught to trust their corporate employers and to be grateful for the jobs provided to them for the owners knew best. Just take a stroll through the bloody slog of labor history--young children working 12-hour days, despicable and dangerous working conditions, union busting, etc. Regulations finally changed things, but here we are today facing the very men (mostly) who fight for laissez-faire lunacy as hard as the robber barons and back in the day for one simple reason. It benefited them the most. In the early 21st century we find conditions and workers' rights at the highest level in history. But one thing remains the same.
It is impossible to ignore that the underbelly of capitalism will never disappear. The shiny profit motive subjugates Lincoln's better angels and the greedy number counters pray for just one more decimal point. People will do just about anything for money, and worse do nothing for even more. Like not keeping your damn trainline in shape. Politicians and citizens alike should include greed and neglect in the calculus that foresees our economic freedom or demise. Capitalism should be handicapped.
OH YEAH, Randy!! Absolutely on the mark. the ONLY word i would exchange in your post is "Regulations" for the more accurate word "Protections." No one likes 'regulations' so it's easily used by the laissez-faire lunatics you so well describe.
George Lakoff (genius author of "Don't Think of an Elephant!" if you're not familiar) teaches us how words really matter. The reality is that so-called regulations (drag on biz) are better understood as PROTECTIONS (for all of US!). So... i have learned to NEVER use that R word at all. The P word is one that most people do like and warm right up to... what do ya think?
Protections is a much better word, Suz-an. Unfortunately, words have fallen into a carnival land and should often not be trusted. That's why I'm a Biden fan; his actions speak volumes despite any criticism. It's sad that more people don't acknowledge reality instead of being plain snookered. The why of that would require a deep dive into the American psyche and that's not a neighborhood I'm comfortable in these days.
Perhaps because of his long political career, and maybe because after age 70 you swap your license to drive for a license to say exactly what you think, Biden has done some fine rhetorical counterpunching vis-a-vis the Republicans' flat-footed bile. You can feel the Republicans and Fox running out of narrative. They have nothing to offer their constituents except sustenance for their fear and rage. Eventually, you have to deliver more than that or you'll be tuned out.
"And over 50 nations stepped up to make sure the rules-based international order in place since World War II, which prevents one country from attacking another, held."
Vietnam
Afghanistan
Iraq
Iran
All of the above countries were attacked by the United States of America outside the "rules based order".
In the case of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh sought to throw off the yoke of French Colonialism and free his people. The US stepped in to attempt to make sure that did not happen by invading.
In the case of Afghanistan the US posed the false narrative that Afghanistan had something to do with 911. It did not. That was a lie. The US invaded Afghanistan based on a lie and occupied it for 20 years.
In the case of Iraq, The US SUPPORTED Iraq in the war against Iran (although Reagan ALSO sold arms to Iran). Then, The US invaded Iraq based on known lies that the CIA directly refuted and that a British MI5 agent outed as lies (Weapons of Mass Destruction).
In 1953 the US, after a Democratic election in Iran elected a leader that the US did not like, the CIA overthrew the democratically elected government and installed the brutal Shah of Iran.
It is a not true that there has been a "rules based order" since WW II.
It IS true that in countries with white Europeans that there has been a rules based order since WWII.
But, it is equally true that the US has ignored the rules based order where non-white nations are relevant.
Every word you say is true. As Americans we should face up to these shameful wars. Just as we should face up to the legacy of slavery and all the brutality it encompassed. And all the disenfranchisement of their descendants that continues today. And we should remind everyone on Columbus Day that good ole Christopher was a butcher who slaughtered Indigenous People with abandon. That we attempted to exterminate the rest for centuries thereafter.
We have a lot to atone for. A lot to teach. But today, I celebrate the leadership of President Biden. I celebrate the team he has assembled. I am PROUD. In fact, I am going to send him a letter of praise right now.
You are right, Mike. But there are some bright spots. We're a complicated nation.
Columbus Day was started when Italians were discriminated against in this country as dark skinned foreigners. It was about welcoming a group of immigrants who were being treated badly. Times change, but that's where it comes from.
Distraction distraction, Mike. While our country is under the care of this President, this country’s government is following the rules of human decency. We join with our allies to stand firm for self-determination in Ukraine against unprovoked Russian aggression. Let’s all help Biden stop the perpetration of current atrocities and genocide now, and deal with the perpetrators of past atrocities when the world is a little safer, ok?
We can take a minute to remember US interference in other countries without compromising our support for Ukraine. I can remember marching in our streets against American wars in Vietnam and Iraq, and for that matter against US interference in Central America, and for the same reasons object to Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Meredith.
It was not I that made a broad and not true statement focused on a past “rules based order” post WW Ii.
Clarifying that statement is what everyone should seek to do.
Making up stuff like that is harmful.
True about the US, not about Europe. Russian tanks periodically rolled into their Eastern European vassals for years after WWII when the puppet governments risked losing control. While I agree that US support for Ukraine is very important, that’s no reason to pretend the history Mike lists did not happen. Just like, we can support equal rights within this country and acknowledge the history to this day of discrimination.
My guess is that most readers here know this, Mike. I believe we are the very people who tried to right this wrong. Clumsy as it might have been, it was Pres. Biden who ended the Afghanistan war after 20 years of malfeasance. There is no doubt that the "masters of war" still are a force to be reckoned with, but you are preaching to the choir, here.
There’s a reason many countries hate the US and Mike has stated just a few of them. American Imperialism and the impact of Corporate greed ($$) on other countries are a couple more. Many of these imperialistic and corporate “invasions” are not know by average Americans as they fly under the radar. Understanding why so many people in other countries hate the US is the first step toward reconciliation. It can also be a relief of sorts to know, to become aware…. “ahhh, so that’s why they dislike us so much.”
I thought the Shah was a good guy. Was he not the force behind modern Iran back then? Didn’t he decree that women didn’t have to wear hijabs and head scarves. Was he not a friend to the US? What was brutal about him?
Susan, this is from the Encyclopedia Britannica: "Opposition to the shah himself was based upon his autocratic rule, corruption in his government, the unequal distribution of oil wealth, forced Westernization, and the activities of SAVAK (the secret police) in suppressing dissent and opposition to his rule. These negative aspects of the shah’s rule became markedly accentuated after Iran began to reap greater revenues from its petroleum exports beginning in 1973."
Aha! Much appreciated, Hope
Russias borders end nowhere because Russia is nowhere.
It's a failed state, that can't exist without plundering. it is unable to create anything but chaos. Maybe if enough Russian men escape, the women will take over and clean up the mess.
That “Russia’s border ends nowhere,” phrase struck me as especially creepy, and channels the sociopathic ambitions of some of humanity's most destructive dictators, past and present. I sure hope the Russians love their children too.
Good morning all. May I interject something? (sorry for the rhetorical question: it's a Tuesday . . .) I would like to point out, briefly, something that will clarify the starkest contrast I can think of. Here goes:
In the last few days I have been thinking about Georgia. There are two of them, really. The Georgia of MTG, whose growing power is accompanied by her growing confidence that she can say and do anything, as long as it is utterly outrageous, hateful, and ludicrous. She is the face--quite literally--of a disturbingly large percentage of the USA. And she has a platform because of the wholehearted embracing of the nazification of the Right by corporate interests, in particular in the media outlets that provide her, for free, with such a platform. Why? Because--like Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz discovered in the 1930s and 40s--nazi policies means big business gets really, really rich. Often by embracing a policy that includes the enslavement of populations deemed "degenerate" or "inferior." The Right is headed in that direction.
But there's another Georgia, one I have been thinking a lot about in the last few days. The Georgia that, in the 1970s, elected Jimmy Carter as governor and embraced--and continues to embrace--his vision of the world from his presidency to his post-presidency. People often forget that Jimmy has lived in Georgia his entire life (except for his stint at Annapolis and in the Navy) and that Plains is a small rural community that should be the mirror for MTG's hate-filled affect but is not. Because Jimmy and Rosalind live there.
I am not a fan of Christianity, which, for the vast majority of its existence as an institution, has been one of the most malign influences in the history of the world. It has embraced the politics of exclusivity and exclusion, perpetuated patriarchy in the most violent ways, and justified the slaughter of millions because of a vision of the Divine and the afterlife that appeals to the worst, most base, urges of the ruling class. And yet, Christianity is the driver of what Jimmy Carter believes and how he has acted. Because Jimmy is a follower of Jesus (and, to be honest, Buddha--he and the Dalai Lama are good buds), not Paul, not the Church as a monolithic institution, and certainly not the Southern Baptist conference out of which his faith developed. Jimmy is also a product of Georgia. And his life's work has been devoted to making Georgia a better place to be.
Georgians who are now waiting, mourning, for Jimmy Carter's end as he slips away from us are probably also, at least in part, those who adore MTG's nazi rants. I know that making political hay out of the passing of one of the great men of our era is considered inapt, but we need to do this--and Jimmy would agree.
Rachel had a beautiful tribute to Carter last night that highlighted his essential role in preventing nuclear meltdown in a Canadian facility back when he was a mere 28-year-old Navy officer -- a brilliant one who knew how to organize the safe dismantling of the reactor. A graceful passing to you, Jimmy.
I saw that and was amazed! He was in charge and established a protocol for dismantling the reactor step by step. Each step involved one person going in for 90 seconds - the longest time calculated to avoid deadly radiation exposure. He went in 89 (?) times! The reactor was fully dismantled and eventually rebuilt elsewhere. Apparently, Jimmy’s urine tested positive for radiation for six months after.
To MTG and those who think like her...that separation thing didn't work out so well for those who attempted it in 1861. It basically destroyed their cherished way of life. I'm suitably impressed by our President visiting Ukraine this week. Putin must be spitting nails. This will be quite a week in the history books.
As my history-buff Dad likes to point out, not only were the Confederates the definition of traitors, more importantly, they were losers as well.
Maybe we’ll get a speech from Poland tomorrow about democracy being a government for winners and authoritarianism being a government by psychopathic bullies for losers.
You'd think, being from Georgia, she would know that. Maybe she was absent that day from history class.
Several people have pointed out that even if you tried to accomplish her suggestion, how do you define Red or Blue ? By Senators? Governor? Voter registration ? Her idea is so ridiculous. Who keeps the forts, the military...all of the Federal infrastructure that we ALL paid & pay for ? It's total lunacy.
It's also, as Rachel Maddow described, the anniversary of the 2014 protests against the then Russian-backed authoritarian government in Ukraine, when protestors were gunned down by their own troops. (We've had that happen here, too, at Kent State).
Protesting Nixon's Cambodia mess.
Mineral resources to plunder in Cambodia include iron ore, copper, and gold.
Yes, there are lots of messes to clean up. What do you think of Biden’s handling of the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russia.
Kent State, closely preceded by the same at Jackson State. There was a national freak out only after Kent State, because those were white kids being shot down.
Actually, the Kent State shooting was May 4, 1970 and the Jackson State event was May 15, almost two weeks after. Both should be remembered.
Thank you for the correction.
I mention Kent State because it has particular sgnificance to me. I watched the reports of it on the Armed Forces Network in Phu Bai, South Viet Nam. In my previous duty station in Puerto Rico, I had been tasked with training my Marine company in riot control, using the DoD manual. And in that manual were the rules for engagement with a sniper, which the Ohio National Guard claimed fired upon them. Those rules are strict: one rifleman is given rounds, one at a time, by an officer, who then directs his return fire. The officer is supposed to have his hand on the shoulder of the rifleman; that's how carefully the response is to be handled. One round at a time.
But the Ohio National Guard had distributed live rounds to its troops. And they were not under proper control. To me, it was murder, plain and simple. Was it negligent homicide? Perhaps. But it was done by the state, using its own intentionally armed troops against civilians.
I think the court case after the fact determined that the commander of the guard was to blame. My late husband was studying in the Kent State Library that overlooks the site that day.
Never forget
https://youtu.be/YdVMGKOFIwY
Dave, a huge THANK YOU for sharing the details of your Signia hearing aids. I copied the information and shared it with my fiancé. Unfortunately, I now cannot find your original comment to reply directly to it, but hope you do see it here. Thanks again, and all the best to you!
Like I said, uour mileage my vary, but these hearing aids solved the tinnitus, plus a second left ear issue stemming from a horrible infection. Happy camper here. I no longer mutter “what?” After every comment my wife makes
Easy to use, comfortable, unobtrusive
4 stars
Wonderful news to MY ears! Thanks again, Dave!
I am writing this a couple of hours after reading this. I read some brief news stories since and thought about other unrelated things and I just realized I’m feeling unsettled and disquieted. What happened today and these few days in general seems seminal, not unlike the feelings I had just after the January 6th riot.
When I watched the rioting on the television, it was like watching a movie. Is this real?! What would this be like if it were real? IT IS REAL!!!
That is the way I feel right now! McCarthy handing over 40,000 hours of Capital video tapes of Jan. 6 *exclusively* to Tucker Carlson! Marjorie Taylor Greene’s saying that the US needs to get a divorce from itself! President Biden in an ACTIVE WAR ZONE without US military protection!
Something is up. It’s in the air. I feel like birds before an earthquake. It’s not a comfortable spot.
There WAS military protection. Very MAJOR surveillance and weaponry ready. That was a in Putin's face and they knew it. Biden and Zelensky were standing right where Putin wanted to be for the propaganda he needs to win over Russians. It is a very historical spot for Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Christian believers. They wouldn't do that type of stance without military protection. We just couldn't see it. It's like when I took my kids to D.C. when they were young (during the Obama years). We were out with my friend after dark so tourists were no longer out much. We saw the White House and my youngest wanted to go closer. There was a sign or something that said not to go closer. But it was deceiving with what looked to be no security. I told her there was security and they would pop out from nowhere if she went closer. Of course she did go closer and out popped security very well hidden not far away.
I agree Betsy. Something is in the air. I'm getting a strange sense of coming troubles but peacefullness afterward.
It seems to build up and build up daily. Waiting for all hell to really break loose.
Yes
"Greene echoed authoritarian leaders Viktor Orbán of Hungary and Putin himself when she called for splitting the nation over “the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats” and “the Democrat’s [sic] traitorous America Last policies.” "
"Splitting the country into red and blue states" is sedition and given McCarthy's past statements about "always supporting that woman" is profoundly troubling.
Not sure who the puppet-master is controlling those two but the release of all those tapes and this language from Greene is setting the stage for another attack on the Capitol. McCarthy has the right as Speaker to invite Trump to the Capitol....Perhaps to give a speech on the weaponization of the FBI and DOJ...
Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection and Other Rights
Section 3 Disqualification from Holding Office
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/section-3/
She took the oath. She has admitted she has talked to others about dividing the country. She is certainly aiding the secessionist cause by her comments. Has she just made the case against herself to be removed from Congress?
Georgia —
"Has she just made the case against herself to be removed from Congress?"
Let's hope so!
She most definitely has, but where are the GOP Congressmen and women who will put country over party. Same place they have been for at least 6 years, either right there with her or cowering in the bathroom…
This is probably the best summation of today's RepubliQan party that I have seen.
A Rules based legal system no longer exists. The bar to indictment is forever beyond the pole vaulter’s leap
Possible puppet master: Stephen Miller. If it's not him, I bet he knows who it is.
Ugh. My father and my uncles who fought in world war 2 are rolling in their graves right now.
Mine is right there with yours. Father, that is. No uncles.
Or Steve Bannon...
"watch how support for Ukraine is framed as incompatible with US national interests.” She notes that a similar narrative in Canada argues that support for Ukraine hurts Canadian veterans."
Divide and conquer is as old as dirt. Too often in works, but only when too many let it.