President Joe Biden’s doctor says the president’s symptoms from Covid have "almost completely resolved.” The president spoke to two different groups today, virtually, and those two speeches indicated both that the January 6 hearings have weakened Trump and that Biden continues to try to rebuild the American middle class.
Biden's remarks today about the insurrection are right on, but please much more — every day. Hammer the messages into the minds of the American people. Push Democratic Party leaders to do the same, as well as its prominent party supporters in the entertainment industry. The J6 committee has delivered the ammunition, now use it before it's too late. The blaring alarm has never been louder.
Correct - urgent action required. The Washington Post is filled with so many headlined opinion pieces on the subject of Joe-is-past-it that there are increasing comments from longstanding readers that they are going to cancel their subscription.
WAPO headline Today: " Biden Poised for Big Wins in Congress" with analysis by Yasmin & Mike. Note, the DC region feeds on WAPO like Cereal. Very broad market with targeted submarkets. Running LIVE "Politics Now" too. Also, WAPO Editorial today nails " Glacial Vote Count" in Maryland because of Gov. Larry Hogan's Veto of funds to count early votes. This is a Picture of a battle happening NOW & more will come in future actions by Seditionists. UPDATE: Merrick Garland will be interviewed by Lester Holt Tonite July 26 on NBC Nightly News. Likely, to repeat "no one is above the Law" or similar regardless of political status of Perp, but you will have to do your own analysis of Garland Speak.
Interesting. There is good information here, but is there a way to attract more attention to it, make it interesting to people of any political persuasion? The titles have all the allure of the titles in a scientific journal.
I agree about Politics Girl. She's witty and bright. Wish the DNC or whoever does messaging would hire her. Also, Stephen Colbert is one helluva cheerleader for Biden and company, and very entertaining, too. He is one I would see could make a difference. His monologues are pretty accurate if you ask me.
Your Congressional member, Your State representative, Your city council member, Your college universities professors and libraries, Your various democratic action committees in your neighborhood with contacts found at your local libraries, etc, etc, etc...
I looked up the Palmer Report on Wikipedia. Here's a summary: "The Palmer Report is a hyperpartisan[6] liberal[2] fake news political blog.[3] It is known for making unsubstantiated or false claims[5] and publishing conspiracy theories,[7][8] especially on matters relating to Donald Trump and Russia.[9][11][12][13]"
I don't know who wrote the Wikipedia article, but there are many citations of (hopefully) reliable sources; whether Wikipedia itself is reliable in this instance, I don't know. The point is, before getting too excited about the Palmer Report or any other source, it's worth checking it. (A sad commentary on today's media landscape.)
That is utter nonsense. It isn't fake news. It is partisan and liberal, but so what and it doesn't try to hide that it is. It does not publish conspiracy theories. I am able to discern conspiracy theories and false claims, so I would say that the Wikipedia article is bull pucky. I am still going to recommend it as a place that you can find positive news on Biden and a a reasonable analysis of what the DOJ is saying. It's the headlines on the articles that are hyperbole and over the top.
Wikipedia is void of all normally required vetting efforts...
any one can say any thing until the next overly zealous person/entity comes along and further bastardizes the previous adulteration of fact...it seems this is certainly the case with the current Wikipedia opinion with The Palmer Report...do your own vetting process for verification of the truth, Eh!?
As usual self appointed Democratic know it alls didn't see or know that many of us have been confused by their negativity. Maybe because they are younger than most of us? We have zero influence on inflation and it isn't like Biden isn't trying to bring it under control. He is. Sadly controlling inflation is like herding cats. The economy is actually good. Most of us understand what a strong dollar and low unemployment means for most people. However, we do have influence over what rights need to be codified and we do that with our voices and vote. Being young doesn't mean you know everything. I remember thinking I knew better. Slowly we learn, step by step. I'm glad Biden is president more now than ever. Nobody knows our government better than him, nobody knows Europe better than him, few have experienced his losses (including elections) or watched their child go to war. I don't think he was ever in this for the money. He has been steadfast in his beliefs and causes. He is the anti-trump. He can get us through this but building back from Trump's rubble will take more than 4 years and if he wants the chance I'm going to have no problem giving it to him. However, I would not be surprised that if he gets a real majority in Congress this November it might be all he needs to get the job done and be satisfied with 1 terrific term. Right now we are gazing into our crystal ball. Thank goodness the young people writing the headlines are not running the country. Remember they're in the "if it bleeds it leads business" And they're climbing the journalism ladder. I recommend keeping your subscriptions and ignoring the headlines.
Oh well written Martha. I believe that if Joe can fight off the ravages of time for six more years (that would get him to the end of a second term), then he should be our guy. He has his head screwed on straight, and has a good staff to help him. But think about that - does he have six quality years in him? Already he is showing some signs of diminished memory, etc, just like most elderly folks. I know - I am an elderly folk, and younger than Biden by seven years. No, we Democrats have a big fat problem IMO. In 2020, we selected the candidate that we felt had the best chance of beating a man who simply must be beaten. One can argue who that candidate should have been, but the Biden campaign pulled it out and succeeded. DNC did the right thing.
What we got for it is a quality president but with limited shelf life. BTW, that is also what we would have gotten with Bernie, had he gotten the nomination. I cannot stop thinking about Reagan, how late in his presidency, was showing the signs of dementia or Alzheimer's. I honestly don't know what the best thing to do is. But if 2022 goes the wrong way, it may not matter.
Biden's never been a great public speaker. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he has any diminished capacity. I've also known many people well into their 90s that were sharp as a tack, sharper than me in my 60s.
His disability as a life-time speech impaired stutterer sometimes masks the brilliance of his mind and the abundance of the love in his heart for America and Americans!
Yes! (And btw, I see to my dismay that my remark about Chomsky has come in above this; your "his" of course refers to Biden, not Chomsky, who as far as I know has never had to overcome a stutter :)
Chomsky is looking more biblical every time he appears on screen, with his serried ranks of thin books behind him. No apparent cognitive deficiency there.
System wouldn’t allow me to give you a “like!” Anyway…well said Jay. I think the Democratic Party strategists need to immediately get on with planning carefully for the future…which could be as soon as tomorrow! Life can change quickly for us senior citizens...I’m shocked at my own changes on the threshold of my eightieth…but what will be, will be! Joe Biden has done an admirable job for America…especially considering what and who he inherited. Can he come up with 2 more…let alone 6! He’s probably got a better chance than I do. Anyway…you know the minute he starts to falter the wolves will be on him. He deserves the best treatment and all the respect he has earned. Face it…he saved America!!! For now anyway! That said…we all know…life moves on…the Party needs to have viable candidates …Male and Female “on deck!” I sometimes wonder if the Democrats have got what it takes to win the battle for American Democracy. Right now the RR’s (Repugnant Republicans) appear to be running circles around us. It doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to know what happens to the American Democracy if the RR’s flip the House and Senate. If we lose the Presidency I shudder to think what will happen!
Not arguing, but we all have a limited shelf life and Bernie would have been useless in Ukraine although quite knowledgeable about our domestic problems. Also, I've noticed that his gate is a bit awkward and his shoulders stooped but if I had flown to the middle east to deal with a murderer, spent time in Europe, delt with 3 horrific massacres, and had Joe Manchin as a friend, I think I'd be a bit tired and stooped too:)
Take a look at this year's Newport Jazz Festival and watch Joni Mitchell singing. And old Bonnie Raitt sits behind her.
My point is this. Don't be in such a hurry to cast the hard won wisdom and experience of old politicians. (Or any old person for that matter.)
We drift into ageism when we decide old politicians/people need to be cast out in favor of younger people running things. My gentler approach is to allow the process of the transferring of power to younger people as a gradual process. Is there currently anyone with the core experience of Pelosi and Biden to guide us through this perilous time? Is there any younger person capable of travelling to Europe and reinvigorating NATO?
We undermine the bully power of the Presidency when we cast our Democratic President aside 2 years before an election.
Bernie Sanders is 80 years old. His message is very narrow and scares a lot of voters. It is regrettable that progressive have been labeled by the Republicans as Socialists and demonized. But the truth is that right now a narrowly defined Progressive is dangerous to the Democratic Party.
These discussions about age concern me. Everyone, no matter what their age, gender, color, etc. brings something, a unique perspective to the table. What we really need is for everyone who believes in democracy to work together. Making broad comments about a group only divides us. Talk about a person's attributes or shortfalls specifically, not about what demographic they fall into.
Why? Francis is older yet he is changing a 2,000 year old organization that spans the globe and is comprised of 1.2-1.3 billion people. I fail to understand the, "why can't we be led by someone younger?" argument.
Nixon was younger, Reagan was younger, the Bushes were younger...
Voting would be good starting point for younger people.
President Biden came out of retirement because of Charlottesville. Pelosi stayed on because of trump. I admire those tired warriors. And I support inculcating the Democratic Party with younger people. I have great hope in Buttigieg, O'Rourke, Klobuchar, and others. Let's groom the younger candidates and also support the old ones while they do the work of the Country.
Ally, I couldn't agree more. Part of being a good leader is recognizing talent and cultivating it so there is a steady stream of able leaders. Someone who has been in office for decades stops that process by their refusal to pass the torch. Some will say, "But they have experience". Yes the do, but by the same token they are also capping the flow of fresh energy, ideas and strategies that those younger than us may bring to the table.
I think it is a balance. Utilize the power and wisdom of the elders and also call them to task on passing the torch. Age limits is a good starting point. No one 80 years or older needs to be in politics. No one (Like McConnell) needs to spends many decades in office.
It is skill, intelligence, resources, networks, support teams and successful experiences blended with a sincere patriotic love of America just like our Joe IS.
AND
NOT the clawing upward striving ego enhancing wannabe appearing in repetitive "Look-At-Me" advertisements ad nauseum everywhere you look...
That is all the others sniffing political blood after only two years of our Joe being hampered by MoscowBitch McConnell and his ilk ...
Vote intelligently this November
Boot out all those republicans and give Joe a chance at implementing the programs HE promised for America's healing and regrowth!!!
WaPo's byline: "Democracy dies in darkness." Slogans are great only when they are put into action. As for "Joe", I agree we need younger blood. I am 78, one year younger than Biden. If Biden runs for reelection, that very well may assure a loss for Democrats in 2024.
I just read a WaPo headline that was positive about Joe. Shocked. I don't know that Biden will run. He shouldn't. I am his age and I can't imagine being prez.
I concur. Joe should remain adamant that he intends to run until the right time as determined by him and his advisors from the DNC that an endorsement of a successor in prime time is logical. Then expand the SCOTUS and move onto to it as one of the new justices.
You are on the right track, I think. Those calling for him to step down are foolish. He would become a lame duck and have limitied power to get anything done because all media attention would shift to the contest for his successor. He is a highly competent leader who knows how to delegate authority and guide his associates. He will have to make a decision based on information that only he can know - how he feels. Until then, he shouldstay the course. It is the right one and that will be clearer once the economy, which reflects myriad worlswide upheavals, improves.
I just had to delete one of mine from yesterday because it had become so surrounded by later posts that it was meaningless! The sluggish heart machine is making a lot of us write more than we'd otherwise have done.
Don't read the WaPO. And canceling subscriptions is something these entities understand. But some of them continue to stumble on. The local rag which has long since stopped being anything more than a bird cage liner, doesn't print an edition on Saturday. We have an on-line subscription so that we can read the obits and the very few stories that have some interest.
Great clip Christine. He has been remarkable through all this, given the intense loss he and family sustained on the eve of these hearings. However, this, THIS! is the strongest, clearest and most clarifying appearance and words I have had the pleasure to see as yet. Bravo, Raskin!! That is the kind of tough clear factual talk we all crave. (IMHO)
And how he ended on a personal note with Stephen Colbert talking about his son was so patriotic of the heart. I hold respect and admiration for him as a man so very much.
Thanks for the clips! Raskin is such an important person to have on the J6 committee. He is clever, so very smart, and passionate. Passionate about his family and compassionate to the plight of others. I too, admire his tenacity. God forbid, the R’s have anyone close to his character!
Agree and good morning, Marlene. I project Representative Raskin as an excellent vice presidential candidate on a 2024 ticket. His leadership and passion for democracy are stellar. 🗽
"If Aristotle, Livy, and Harrington knew what a republic was, the British constitution is much more like a republic than an empire. They define a republic to be a government of laws, and not of men." -John Adams
A party that fights the good fight and does not hitch a ride with entropy bears the burden of upholding and maintaining truth to the best of their ability, thus the appear of "the dark side".
That said, just as lies propagate with repetition and promotion, so does truth. Focused, effective public speakers aid this process, be they elected or from "grass roots", and so we honor the likes of Lincoln or MLK who spoke often enough and clearly enough to affect positive change. That also made them targets for assassins, but that only underlines how influential they became. More modest efforts from many quarters are needed as well.
Democrats have NEVER had “message discipline.” It’s a coalition party, and has no qualms shooting at another coalition. “Democrats need to fall in love; Republicans just fall in line.”
Last night an ad came on an Internet service my wife was using in which Ron DeSantis angrily proclaimed that Biden had "declared war" on US energy and was solely responsible of inflation, which he called "Biden-flation". This is the scale of lies my elementary school teachers told us in the 1950s were part and parcel of dictatorships, especially the Third Reich and the the USSR. Democracy is robust enough to withstand lies, but not when and where consequential lying becomes normalized.
Lying is a deliberate choice, and lies and liars can do serious harm. Lies initiate wars. Lies supercharged the the pandemic. Lies tore children from the arms of their immigrant parents. Racism is a big lie.
Despite the need to generally err on the side of free speech, for some lies, where critical duties are neglected or perverted, prosecution is appropriate. Where not, a vigilant court of public opinion is required to maintain the integrity a society requires to deliver liberty and justice for all, and we have been far too passively been neglecting that.
I think that's a really, really good idea. Turn the conversation away from those who want to tear down democracy and focus on those who want to build our country back together. I suspect after all the negativity, there are a lot of Americans who would be delighted to start a new conversation that begins with building back better together.
Just seems like GOP Presidents do their best to destroy the country and economy and the next Dem is left to clean up the mess, like the guy trailing the circus elephant sweeping up paddies. Sure would be nice to break this cycle. Biden, Obama and Clinton were far superior to their predecessors.
I think Americans would learn more from and about the past in America if school systems would teach American history with more of a warts-and-all approach which honestly discusses America's mistakes and failures in addition to playing up its successes and triumphs. When I studied the subject in school, it was taught almost as religious doctrine with various presidents taking on the roles of saints.
I recall a story about Lincoln which is I have since read is without an empirical source but still makes sense if not good history. Basically when the protagonist is assured that
"God's on our side" he asks "are we on the side of God". I am not religious in any conventional sense, but I note two flavors of religion, one I admire and one I fear, which on the one hand is humble, helpful, and compassionate, and another that is profoundly narcissistic, even sociopathic. The one is the likes of someone such as MLK, and the other burned people at the stake, or flew planeloads of terrified people into the sides of buildings.
Less and less is being taught concerning the true process and value of governing of the people, by the people and for the people. along with a review of the consequences of government by the few to lift up a person who wants to control everyone except himself or herself.
We need to begin in kindergarten. Having worked with preschoolers, believe me, they understand the concept of rules and bounderies.....whether they like it or not.
Once upon a time at a PTA meeting one of the parents stood up and said "we need you to learn our students". In other words not only teach it but see that they learn it. We teachers were stunned. This from a parent with 2 of the most undisciplined, low achievement students who reported to us teachers that no one read at home, no homework time and no parental interest in school subjects.
Get parents involved in learning. Get politicians out of the classroom. Treat Teachers like the professionals they are.
I had a conversation not long ago with someone advising that "I'm Just a Bill" is wholly inaccurate regarding how legislation is made. Sadly, that's about all the gist of law making most Americans have.
Rules and boundaries, as you indicate, that are part of every human interaction. Perhaps th4e canonization of profit has resulted in rethinking education as needing to be more intensely focused on vocational training; but while preparation for work is surely a large part of its value, education also offers more broadly the skills one is likely to need to be a resilient, successful person. I recall, for example, one afternoon in 5th or 6th grade, my class spent an hour or two talking about formal logical fallacies. Great, but BS detection is a survival skill for individuals and societies as a whole, as current events are demonstrating, and like language skills, should be cultivated throughout. Science is not a catalog of technical findings but a mental discipline, useful for a trip to the grocer as well as the moon. The arts allow us to transmit to one another the feeling, breathing, thinking inner experience of human sentience. Psychology and anthropology help us to be better acquainted with our own nature; and IF we are entirely serious about DYI, governance, a lot more development of the requisite skills to successfully perform it would surely help.
Schools are what we make them. Increasingly teachers (my wife was one) are hobbled, not helped by clueless politicians and bureaucrats. If you think about the extended consequences of an empowering education, kindergarten teachers should be trained at least as well, in their own craft, as college professors, and paid for it too. It seems to me that an excellent or poor teacher a far more critical matter working with the very young than an excellent or poor university professor with adolescents or adults. College and graduate students can weather a discouraging or weak encounter at the near-adult level far better than callow kiddos. A university president gave a speech to parents at my daughter's U in which he asked us to think of teachers who changed our lives, and got me thinking of several.
We are ultimately standing on the shoulders of layer upon layer of giants (and many, many more who contributed as well).
Please, Let’s not blame elementary teachers for right wing extremism today. Take a look at white evangelical movements, Murdoch and his folks, social media, and other forces behind the dumbing down of America
We're not blaming the teachers. They're forced to teach what is mandated, which is not Civics, Government, or History. It is no surprise that so many Americans are gullible - because they are truly ignorant.
It’s a mixed bag- teaching what is mandated in some schools or districts in this country and/or in others what parents desire. Think about current controversies about CRT. Critical Race Theory. Teaching the Truth for some is as dangerous as teaching sex education. Think about the Scopes Trial. It’s Science. Today it’s Truth. There’s Antibias curriculum” not particularly new. In my MA in Human Development we learned not only history of education but Development of curriculum. Louise Derman Sparks pioneered Antibias curriculum for young children through adults. And Pablo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed). Parents have historically objected to curriculum that they felt threatened their personal beliefs, and we’ve seen home schooling movements develop into charter choices and religious schools receive government funding or be part of the controversies. Now. Public School. Private School. Charter School. When, what and how to teach. There’s abundant research and teacher training, education, has more often than not included at least the history and science of education, the praxis. It’s the Politics of education that’s the problem.
Yes, Irenie, politics in education, especially at the K-12 level, is horrifying. The lies you and I were taught, were more than likely, not even known by the instructors who taught them. But teachers in this era, do know and are held to the fire to teach misinformation. Shameful that politics infiltrates truthful learning.
Yes, many Americans do seem terribly gullible and ignorant. Plus, they are watching the deafening silence of their elected leaders who have been unable to speak out or stand up to Trump despite all we’ve seen and heard about J6. I kinda doubt that a different civics teacher or curriculum is the problem.
I agree about the elected leaders remaining silent. I will not vote for any Republican since none* of them have shown an ounce of ethics or principles or backbone or whatever it takes to speak out against the lying, cheating, corrupt, treasonous leader of their party and his enablers.
I worry that electronic media, especially television, tends to infantilize our sense of agency. We see what TV producers want us to see. At best it's like viewing the world from a moving train; when its not just story time.
I used to think, having used the Internet since it was monochrome and command line driven, that it's decentralized peer to peer architecture made it inherently democratic, and it is; but has also has proven disproportionately available for financial and political interests to propagate top-down manipulation.
Talia When I was taught history in school [there was a lot less of it back then] it was American presidents, a smattering of civics, and how good we [white] Americans were.
As a history professor from from age 58 to 80, I was appalled at how little American history my students knew after two years of American history. I provided them a rigorous exposure to the diverse panorama of American history. I provided students my written narrative on each class, which began with their writing on a 15-minute THINK question related to the reading. These THINK questions provided nearly 50% of their grade and provided the basis for class discussion.
Alas, I doubt that I would have been permitted to include much of my subject matter in a high school history course for being ‘too controversial.’ P. S. Most of my college students appreciated my ‘stimulating story’ approach to American history in which conclusions were discussed rather than white-washed down.
We were warned about the “dumbing down” of America in 1980, the Reagan Administration. Schools added classes in “civics” but we are barely civilized now. Students don’t learn to think analytically, let alone learn their history. Philosophy, not “civics,” please. Reasoned responses, not reactions and a preference for propaganda, slogans, jingoism . . .
I can't agree with students not being taught to think analytically. I know I worked on this in my classroom and I've seen my grandchildren offered many wonderful opportunities to do so in their studies. Applying the learning is another story - this is where the dinner table conversation comes in handy, or taking advantage of the opportunity when a political ad full of propaganda hits the TV screen. Parents need to do the work, too.
I taught a class called government in the middle 90s, so maybe it depended on where a person was. They did a lot of their own research and we had many discussions. I also assigned an essay, a day without government. They actually realized the many things that government does, once some of them (male) got past the idea of running wild. I have used their responses many times to those who want to diss government all the time. I love telling adults that high schoolers understood what government does even if they don't. I don't see much nonsense actually except on Nextdoor where a lot of nut cases love to post and a small amount on Facebook
In 8th grade, we were required to take a Civics class. You learned about the federal gov and our state gov. You were required to know each state and their capitol. Just a host of other things including the history of how the US came to be. It was white-man's history.
At the least. you had a foundation from which to learn more on your own, in high school, and in college. It was intriguing for me.
I had a class called American Problems in year twelve. The teacher had been hired as a coach of something and had graduated from a local Bible college. I don't remember anything about it. In my class the kids did lots of library research and we had some textbooks available, but didn't use them on a regular basis. No tests or quizzes either, except we had this silly thing called finals week which allowed a certain portion of our staff to sit on their butts in the teachers' lounge while their student aides graded the tests which were true/false, etc. For mine, I met with each student and gave them a whole load of options which they could choose to make up 100 points. They could suggest something too if I thought it was OK. Some choose to do over 100 points worth.
I took Civics in the 8th grade in Georgia, in 1965. It covered the structure and function of the federal government, on down to who was responsible for building the roads and what was used to pave them.
I read about the Pope's call for forgiveness for the atrocities committed in Canadian schools for indigenous children. Might that public confession of wrongdoing inspire the telling of full truths in American history classes, rather than the white-washed version conservatives are demanding?
Nancy The Pope’s modest apology for despicable church actions in indigenous Canada is only the prologue for papal and other ‘confessions.’ He might have been speaking about the ‘way it was,’ as was the situation in America dealing with slavery, the treatment of women, denigration of non-Western European immigrants….
I find it imperative that integral to ‘the American experience’ is the good/bad/ugly history of our country. There are still major warts to be addressed. Let’s have a common educational experience in which these (and other) warts are identified and addressed.
For many Americans ‘the good ole days’ weren’t that great.
I want to like this, but substack won't let me. Yes, with all the warts. I often think about the good ole days for many. When I was growing up this was all under the table....enormous suffering and we heard nothing.
YES! We have created our own history of horror against native Americans, people of color, Catholics, the Irish, etc…
What should daily slap us into reality is that inspire of our prejudice and cruelty, we would have not survived our wars, or sickness, or have had railroads built without all of us… We have a long way to go to NOT GET IN THE WAY OF REALIZING WE ARE A GIFT to one another…to honor and respect the beauty and greatness of each human being. Hatred destroys, love builds up!
History by Disney. I got that too. Fortune favors the prepared mind, and filling a mind with fluff is useless at best. Reality is reality, so we are likely to adapt to and influence it best when we get real about it, the good and the bad, of which there is quite a lot of each.
When it wasn't a sales pitch, my elementary school history tended to be endless chronologies of names, battles, and dates. While there is surely a place for such information, history lit up for me when I later realized it was the story of how things got to be the way they now are, and that sorting though patterns of that evolutionary process is the most substantial foundation for extrapolating and adjusting forward into which possibilities are most probable in the future. Yearly graphs of world temperatures for example (with probable wild cards in the mix).
JL My good friend and favorite American historian David McCullough speaks with great passion of the importance of storytelling in exploring American history. The personalities are incredible (see David’s BRAVE COMPANIONS). In the Foreign Service, during. The Congo hostage crisis, I found that telling a compelling story would catch the eye and attention of Secretary Rusk. Under Secretary George Ball, and Governor Harriman. [It also permitted me to make policy, since some of my stories were deliberately slanted.]
Much later with my students, when I was a college professor age 58 to 80, I almost always concluded a class with a few minutes of Quirky History—bizarre incidents that were fun and memorable.
that IS the point! if people can relate or get the relevance for themselves... it goes nowhere. THANKS for being the influencer you must've been in those positions... and for continuing to share with us, here. most inspiring, Keith!
Parents have a responsibility to know and share accurate historical facts within their families a!so........please do not leave it all up to the teachers.
That would have to be honest American History. Two factors prevent that. 1. The lack of time allotted to teach complicated facts, and 2. Drip-Drip propaganda of socialism in public schools has created self-censoring of any negative history that affects our present.
Patricia Having taught American history in college for over two decades (1992-2013), I can share my personal experiences—some of which relate directly to those who teach high school American history.
1) There is too much history to be taught in two semesters.
2) Text books, even the better ones, tend to be chronological. Almost all of revised ‘by committee’ and the writing tends to be boring.
3) I often found my my students had chronologically only gotten through WW II—-chapter by chapter/
I was able to skip entire periods—I skipped Columbus and much of early American history to focus on the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Hamilton Plan.
I skilled Reconstruction and the Gilded Age and focused on the Great Depression up to the present. This required continual skipping of earlier chapters, as I added Clinton, Bush W, and Obama.
I also included several review sessions each semester. Less well studied seemed better than racing through endless chapters.
Also, textbook sales depend heavily on approval in CA and TX. Especially in TX, I understand that ‘controversial’ material is unacceptable.
Incidentally, I was the only professor at my college who did not stick to a strict chronology. Also, I provided considerable supplementary material (often self-written) on more current periods.
Thank you for giving as more detailed breakdown of the issues I was referring to above. It very well shows the complexity of teaching any history. In the lower grades, such complexity is beyond the scope of hours allowed for teaching what is a very rich and complex subject.
Suz’ ‘Showing our age?’ It was simpler—I only had one president, FDR, from birth ‘til I was 12, though the VPs changed. It was a bit confusing when our enemy—Stalin/Soviet Union—became our wartime ally—and then post-war enemy, but I was otherwise engaged in hating the Japanese and the Nazis, while not much caring which side the Italians were on.
An early constant was that the Republicans were opposed to anything that seemed to constrain Wall Street and help the common man. FDR’s modest Social Security program was denounced by Republicans as ‘socialism.’ Ditto when Truman proposed a national health program that was ignored by Congress (twice).
I am reminded of Will Rogers: “I don’t belong to a political party. I am a Democrat.’
My mother remembered her first encounter with radio; passing around a set of headphones with extended family. We as a nation have evolved from horse and buggy days to ubiquitous handheld computer/multimedia devices, and many stranger things than dreamt of not so many years in the past. Seems probable that we would be in need of even more thorough introduction to effective, responsible citizenship, not less.
I'm not sure that's uniquely American. Hegel said that the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history, but then we Americans like to think we are exceptional. Perhaps that means we learn even less from history, even from history barely past (and the insurrection is not really over).
From Tom Taro at the New Yorker in 2020 “Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it. Those who do study history are doomed to stand by helplessly while everyone else repeats it.”
Perhaps not helplessly. Despite rejecting the concept of inherited aristocracy, American colonists recreated even more pernicious facsimiles of feudal estates as slave plantations. Although divided, we as a nation rejected slavery and have haltingly made significant efforts to reduce racism and sexism.
It was not for nothing that "Gilded Age" plutocrats were scornfully called "robber barons". The middle class" subsequently grew with resistance and reform from salient elected leaders and social movements. With the so-called Reagan Revolution plutocracy rallied, and resolved to control modern media. It's been a great 40+ years for quasi-monopolies and billionaires and not to great for most others, and it only gets worse when we lose perspective and succumb to the notion that resistance is futile.
The J6th Committee has slid the rock to the point that sunlight threatens the nest of opportunistic roaches. We all need to "heave" on three to push it off the rest of the way.
As a boomer, I believe we grew up in a highly optimistic time, and one of significant social progress, although the benefits and burdens were then, as now, very unevenly shared. Some efforts went toward improving that balance. It was not exactly the good-old-days, with a lot of needed social empowerment still evolving, such as a recent black president, a female presidential candidate who won the popular vote, and openly gay people in positions of influence, which would not have been possible, or at least was not happening a few decades earlier.
But I also think that positions that were considered pretty viable and mainstream are widely labeled "extreme" and unworkable today though the filter of 40 years of "Reaganomics". And I think as a result of that, our society has become in many ways less democratic and in many ways, less just. I compare the reactions and the issues that triggered Nixon's resignation versus multiple and dramatic manifestations of US political corruption today, and think that we as a nation have been dangerously letting our guard down.
Not since the once "Party of Lincoln" saw a chance to dominate American politics by pandering to loser's lingering and smoldering resentments and fanning it into a flame. When Democrats finally rejected their role as a harbor for institutionalized racism, Republicans saw it as a recruiting opportunity. After Nixon fell for his dishonesty, the Republican Party shifted to a strategy of "big lies" on which they never let up.
From CSD on twitter 2018 “They piss themselves every presidency, while we “tax and spend” libs have to buy new sheets.” Says it all, almost. Then the “pissers” scream “socialism” at those cleaning up their mess and the public gets brain freeze. Let’s scream back “fascist pigs” and give them a taste of their own medicine. I know that is not “bipartisan,” but when did republicans last practice bipartisanship. Way before Mitch. Has anybody looked at the best sellers at the Times. Newt is still promoting crap, as are O’Reilly, and every half wit that has helped destroy any civil discourse. And they are best sellers. ALEC, The Heritage Foundation and their ilk are still spewing propaganda along with Rupert and clones. Dems are busy fixing the mess, even with enemies in their camp. And MSM blathers about both sides and Joe’s age and Poll numbers, with hardly a word about the “new sheets” he is trying to give the country. A set up for hell if we don’t call them what they are…
Bipartisanship could resume when there is a loyal opposition party with an ounce of integrity committed to democracy and the rule of law. For now, my image for Democrats is from Peter O"Toole in Lawrence of Arabia as he leads a charge. Remember what he said? Remember those steely blue eyes? Remember the rage?
While the neo-"GOP" appears to me to truly be moving into fascist territory, the medicine I see making some kind of difference is the J6th Hearings. I love it when an ethical, smart and skilled prosecutor (or investigator) backs the perpetrator into a "checkmate" corner. Politics is always rough and tumble, but really since Reagan, the party has embraced shameless "big lies" and despotic techniques beyond any limit of legitimacy. Democrats have been far too shy about making them wear it.
It seems to me that modern "GOP" presidents and their associated party have been pretty much captured by will of plutocrats. Since great wealth is asymmetric by definition, an agenda that serves plutocracy is anti-democratic by definition. And since making the rich richer and the poor poorer is a pathetic populist message in plain speech, they slip it through cloaked in a cloud of distractions. Since evidence weighs against them, they attack it as "fake science" and "fake news". And since their MO inevitably makes life worse for the majority, they bellow and fume and accuse anyone but themselves, and use generalized discontent with the outcomes they have wrought to pin the blame on their detractors.
Destroying the country and the economy is not, I think, the aim, but an inevitable side effect, to which they are indifferent so long as they manage to shift the blame to somebody else.
Because their "true beliefs" that they are being overrun and dispossessed of their "rightful" place override the ability to see through the propaganda.
It takes bravery to stand up for what you see as true and turning from what you saw in the past to be true. It affects friendships, relationships with family and neighbors. It isolates one from church "friends". It can expose ones family to violence, exclusion....many other serious "attacks". Just consult with our brave and tenacious friends of color who have dealt with and continue to deal with such struggles. It affects the safety of ones children. Have you not been listening to members of the Republican party who have been terrified of harm to their families and have left politics?
Did you not hear of the bravery of black women assisting with the vote in
Georgia?
To me it is better vs worse because nothing in this world is perfect. It is being willing to love my family and friends and worship but standing alone in what I see is true, not fake, not self-centered.
A suggestion. Everyone here go to the twitter of each of those Florida law makers and post this: Thank you President Biden for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which every Florida law maker voted AGAINST yet now takes credit for because of the money President Biden has brought to the state.
It's easy to find them. Just type in their name and the word twitter. You can then go to their twitter and highlight their twitter name.
I'm not wasting my time on them. I am writing Buttigieg urging him to get down to Florida. Now. Get on the TV stations. Do interviews. Flood the media with the truth on the Infrastructure Bill. Get Biden down there. Heck get every Democratic leader down there. They are on vacation anyway.
This is DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis I was gone most of the day and it took me a while to get all of the rest of the Florida senators and representatives. Let me know if you want them.
This is DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis I was gone most of the day and it took me a while to get all of the rest of the Florida senators and representatives. Let me know if you want them.
Thank you Kathy. I had begun this in the morning before I left. And didn't have time to look them all up. I have all the rest for anyone who wants them.
Let's stop for a moment and think about DeSantis and other Florida Republicans presenting checks for infrastructure projects as if they're the font of generosity — the ones who are helping to modernize the state. But as Heather reminds us, Biden was the driving force behind the mega federal infrastructure bill that Republicans vehemently opposed.
Grotesque hypocrisy and dishonesty are guiding principles of the GOP. That is, the party with an increasing number of leaders who are calling themselves Christian Nationalists.
Will atheists and Jews, for example, be able to drive on these new bridges and highways?
Thank you, I think, for sharing! Even though I can’t believe I’m hearing and seeing this antisemitic, white suprematism touted by repugs (now and past) in an attempt to stir up even more division and violence.in America. Actually I can believe it. The idea we’re a White Christian nation has been amplified by fanatics here and worldwide, a white Christian World. I’m a “minority.” It’s all frightening because most people who are not in that club are either visible or invisible in not being eligible for membership. In Santa Barbara in 1958 I wanted to join a YMCA club but never even asked. I already knew a ten year old Jewish kid wouldn’t fit in. Or eligible. To be fair, that might not have been true, but antisemitism and racism can instill fear in those who don’t fit in. Fear is just one of the ways to control the people.
I would be a bit worried about another Kristallnacht...except judging from video of Trump's statement rehearsal released by 1/6 Committee, I doubt they could pronounce it much less spell it.
🤣 I guffawed loudly reading this but antisemitic literature was just dropped in several Jewish neighborhoods in the Twin Cities area over the weekend. Trump may not be able to say the word yesterday but DeSantis lies with the best if them. I’m sick and tired of being one of those “net tax states” that funds these efforts that liars and fascists take credit for but can’t pay for because they lower taxes, then take my hard earned 💰to support their photo opportunities. Vote blue and work to get out the vote.
I ditched “Christian” when the churches decided that God was a republican, which I knew to be blasphemy. Seeing MTG stand up and claim to be Christian would have made Jesus heave, at least the Jesus I learned about. Time to clear the Pharisees out of the temple, or do they rule???
Then Biden needs to get down to Florida (when he recovers.) Buttigieg needs to get down to Florida. Every single Democratic Leader needs to get down to Florida.
Bad news for Trump and Republicans is Good News for America.
Every morning, I wake up hoping I'm going to read my newsfeed and find out he snarfed his final chizzbugga and had his massive fatal myocardial infarction and died screaming in agony.
I used to work with a woman whose fondest hope was for tfg to trip while exiting Air Force One, fall the length of the staircase, break his neck hitting the tarmac and instantly die. She was convinced that any other way he left the planet would be immediately ruled (by the GQP) as murder. She figured that that scenario would be recorded by the local news media and show it to be his own physical inadequacies. I reminded her about the Zapruder film and said there would still be claims of a conspiracy.
I am addicted to your wonderful, well thought out and well researched column. I hope you will soon write about what has happened to Kamala Harris. We almost never see her. I don't hear about Biden giving her important tasks. And I don't hear about him grooming her to move into the Presidency should anything happen to him -- as many presidents before him have done. He's no spring chicken and having someone on hand who could fluidly move into the task of being president in case something should happen seems only smart to me. Why isn't he doing that?
I cannot rebut this article effectively. Being the VP has always been touted as the person behind the scenes, whose major role is to take over when the President becomes unable to continue his/her duties. But it would be helpful IMO if NYT would refer to Vice President Harris as "Vice President Harris" or "VP Harris" or just "Harris" instead of "Ms. Harris." Just sayin'.
You know, in my day as a court stenographer, I did a mini survey to myself while listening to and reporting testimony. Across the board, I would hear words to the effect: "At the meeting was George Schweitzer, Evan Johannsen, Luke Kaspersak, and...Mary somebody. I can't remember her last name." So kudos to NYT for remembering her last name.
Mike, I had this very conversation over lunch last week. When it was announced that that President Biden had tested positive for Covid, my very educated, politically active friend said , then the Vice President is on high alert to step in if necessary. He stopped and said, "why can't I remember who the Vice President is?" . Sadly, I don't think he was the first person to have that brain fog over that.
The other day one of our readers reminded me that the Atlantic is only accessible to paid subscribers. I notice they don't even allow a paid subscriber to gift one of their articles, at least I haven't found where you can do that. Someone else pointed out that the right-wing messaging is provided for free. That is disturbing, to say the least.
Having said all that, these two articles by Tom Nichols (A Republican) complement today's Letter IMO. The first was written in January 2022. He states, in part, "Democracy is in danger and we have about a year to save it. What do we do? We could, I suppose, keep bickering about policies and legislation. This would be reassuring and make us feel normal, as if we had survived our authoritarian moment. It would also be pointless, because if Americans elect a Republican House—and maybe even return the Senate to the GOP—the stage will be set for the accelerated collapse of American democracy." https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/peacefield/61d483f2d4168200210ce491/a-coalition-strategy-for-2022/
He states in the second, "A conservative who cares about the future of the constitutional order must face the reality that the Republican Party has become a menace to the Constitution and our system of government."
I just posted this - it appeared twice so I deleted one, and both vanished. Second try: Jonathan Swan has just published three consecutive articles on schedule F, under the heading of "Inside Trump 25", which are enough to congeal the blood. https://www.axios.com/authors/jonathanswan
I have been copying and pasting Atlantic articles (since I subscibe) on facebook when I post them. Tedious, but it they are that good, figure it's worth it.
There is truth in this. Trauma changes the brain. I'm fascinated about the tragedies that seem to pursue some of my R friends'families. Our country is largely traumatized and our media keeps us there, working from the survival zone, rather than the higher thinking frontal lobe. It's no accident. This take on things has helped me find empathy for those that continue to vote against the collective good.
Steph, if infants are left alone too long, by their standard of need, their brain switches from learning mode (I am safe) to survival mode (I am not safe). The anxiety is established. The limbic system is in control. The nation needs educated on healthy parenting and healthy conflict resolution.
True that. I worked in child welfare for sixteen years. Saw it with my own two eyes. I was trying not to get too wonky in how our HPA axis chain is getting constantly yanked, including through early hard coding which makes us more prone to that fall into that HPA cascade and I would also say harder to see it, and through epigenetic changes in the genome. The switch, I would argue, can be in many cases switched back, but at a minimum attenuated, with considerable effort.
I suspect that my D.I.D., CPTSD, GAD, PANIC, AGORAPHOBIA, MDD, etc have thrown my HPA axis into DEFCON 2 and that's the reason I have insulin resistance but not T2. I mean the birth child of this body is 2 years old. I have had anxiety for at least 71 years. So it wasn't until later in life that I learned about anxiety and hypervigilance. Oh, so I was neurosparky and didn't even know it.
This is wonderful so many facts that we don’t see reported by our media So many truths we all need to know Thank you again Professor for all the work you do to teach and inform us👏👏👏
Reading about trump's inaction on January 6th reminds me of the iconic photo of him with his arms crossed at the G7 meeting with Angela Merkel standing over him, trying to get him to change his mind about climate change.
What an imature, spoiled little crybaby. He gets what he wants even when he knows he's wrong. That's been him his whole life. He knows he lost the election but he still wants to be king. He'll never change.
I read and consider every word you write, trusting your scholarship and your soul.
In this current contentious contest for our nation’s future, I have chosen the pro people and pro planet side, the all persons are created equal side, the liberty and justice for all side. Damn the torpedoes!
So Heather, do you mean to say we can be a bit hopeful that democracy will remain intact? I just think of my dad who would fall straight out of his chair, no he was walking fine until 3 days before he died. I mean he would have never, ever believed such a thing could come to pass in the country his mother came to at age 20 for a better life.
President Biden should be speaking about what the January 6th Committee has uncovered 24/7. Republicans are doubling down on their contrary stand toward the Committee. "It's a sham. It's a witch hunt" and more seems to be their rebuttal to the Committee. The comments appear to be a rehash of the Mueller Report and Impeachment mantra. It worked last time.
While driving in the country this weekend, I saw a large handwritten sign infront of a Trumpers house that read "Stop Democrats from spreading the lies on the witch hunt TV trial. "
Imagine having these Nazis as the persons in charge of your county including the Sheriff whose extra large white Stetson he wears both indoors and outdoors regardless of weather which he exchanges for a pointy white hat off duty? That's rural Montana where I live. Where monster trucks drive in large caravans through town w oversized upside down Confederate flags flown next to the Don't Tread on Me flag permanently poled into the beds of their trucks. And as a Jewish, elderly, disabled, single woman I am supposed to register to vote and go into town to vote?
Sabrina, no I can't imagine that. I have heard that Montana is not remotely what the travel ads make it out to be. I worked with a guy who had a lifelong goal of living there. He bought into it at an early age. He moved to Billings about 6 years ago, lasted a couple of years there then moved back to New York.
Thank you Linda. I am sorry about your friend. Billings is Thuglican headquarters for Montana. It must have been painful for your friend. I would move right now if I could replace my access to Yellowstone with my horses and the extremely low cost of my USDA mortgage. The ads about the beauty of Montana are truly understated. The people living in the remote rural communities are completely aligned with WS and WCN with a very few exceptions. My immediate neighbors have made themselves very clear I am not welcome here.
I'm so sorry your neighbors are like that to you. This country is so difficult just to get by in let alone these current conditions that make it heartbreaking.
My friend told someone that he ran into that Montana is beautiful country, it's just the people that make it impossible to enjoy and stay there.
Thank you. Yes it is sad. I have lived here wo leaving since 2003. The decent pp either leave or only stay here a brief time per year. Having lived in all states west of the Rockies I never felt settled till here. The Thuglicans make life so much less than it could be.
Just a side note: AOC tweeted out a way to access floor debates on bills that are introduced in the House. For example, she says to google "cspan debate contraception." There you can find who said what about the bill. That one is for the contraception bill which has since passed.
I was thinking, though, for future bills we could do the same by googling "cspan debate..." then type in whatever the bill is that is being proposed.
Meanwhile in Europe, fall of Italy's national unity government under Mario Draghi and a very real threat of resurgent fascism, in the shape of Fratelli d'Italia, the latest avatar of the National Fascist Party.
Naturally enough, party to Putin's nascent Neo-Fascist International which, as we have been seeing in the US, is more like a global mafia web.
Apparently, the FDI have formed a new overseas chapter in Orlando FL... Local links?
I don't think there's any real danger of a return of fascism in Italy - the old scars are deep and painful. The Italians are by nature ungovernable - they flout the laws, love to argue and complain - also there are big cultural differences north and south of Rome - but when Beppe Grillo's "movement" got into government they had no idea what to do... I haven't seen any traces of infiltration by Bannon and/or Farage.
No, I agree with you that the old forms are improbable in Italy, as is a fully criminal regime on Hungarian lines. It's more like making a fine art (a very, very conceptual one) of headless chicken irresponsibility.
I love my Italian friends' passion but am totally puzzled by their enthusiasm for unmoored ideas and for dictators like Putin.
It takes highly intelligent people to do the most stupid things...
It is in the USA that the very worst symptoms of the disease are already very much in evidence, yet the head surgeons seem deeply hesitant.
All the forms of fascism seem to be a very real possibility, yet the people sleep on...
*
As for the Berlusca... before he entered Italian politics I went through a phase of wondering if the successful businessman's gifts of intuition could be useful in national politics. The Cavaliere put paid to such notions. His opportunism was and is entirely devoted to his personal interests.
Too much to ask myopic Americans with their cult of "success" to learn that lesson...
Very interesting post, Peter. The intellectual elite in Italy are on a stratospheric plane - in every field - but the biting criticism and satire in literature and cinema, (everyone - from Rossellini and De Sica through Fellini, Visconti and Pasolini to Sorrentino) although universally admired, hold up a mirror which produces no practical effect. Toscanini locked horns with Mussolini, publicly refusing to play "Giovinezza" before the opera, but the only thing that resulted from that was that Toscanini moved to America. Your lines about the Cavaliere fit the star of The Apprentice, builder of hotels.
“It takes highly intelligent people to do the most stupid things.” Learned this while working at jr high. The poor average slogger couldn’t do nearly as much damage as a brilliant disaffected teen. Still true.
Recent polls in Italy show that 60% of Italians are shocked and dismayed that the Draghi government has fallen, while 60% also intend to vote for a coalition of Fratelli d'Italia (Meloni), la Lega (Salvini) and Forza Italia (Berlusconi) who -- along with the Cinque Stelle -- conspired to bring down Draghi and force early elections.
The USA has Trump. Italy is Italy. Tutto il mondo è un paese.
Berlusca is getting a wee bit old to be dangerous, in spite of all available artificial aids. If they get a good man (Prodi, Draghi, Renzi) they make mincemeat out of him. How do you solve a problem like Italia? (with apologies to Hammerstein).
Anne-Louise, Berlusca is still dangerous because his remaining loyal followers are the difference between the Right taking power or not. He has been promised the prestigious presidency of the Senate as a reward for helping to bring down Draghi. A great pal of Putin's, he is still a clown, but the joke has worn thin. And while I appreciate the wisdom of both Prodi and Draghi, i do not trust the narcissistic Renzi to do what's best for Italy. Smart he is, but neither honest nor trustworthy. I think Italy is at its best when the populists are on short leashes.
Renzi - pity. I'd thought better of him, although he certainly didn't make a quantum leap from Mayor of Florence. But your pithy summing up actually describes a great many Italians. (Not the Professore, though - )
But who is to hold the populists on short leashes?
As in the USA, it's up to the voters. At least all resident Italian citizens are automatically registered to vote and elections are held on a Sunday. No excuses.
“The group distributed flyers, one of which said "every single aspect of abortion is Jewish."
“Creative Loafing Tampa Bay photographer Dave Decker caught photos of the neo-Nazis waving swastika flags, along with flags that read "DeSantis Country."
Sure... Trying to help found a center for ultra-conservative studies in an ancient Charterhouse. His help doesn't seem to have been helpful to the undertaking...
Biden's remarks today about the insurrection are right on, but please much more — every day. Hammer the messages into the minds of the American people. Push Democratic Party leaders to do the same, as well as its prominent party supporters in the entertainment industry. The J6 committee has delivered the ammunition, now use it before it's too late. The blaring alarm has never been louder.
Correct - urgent action required. The Washington Post is filled with so many headlined opinion pieces on the subject of Joe-is-past-it that there are increasing comments from longstanding readers that they are going to cancel their subscription.
The NYT is equally frustrating.
Where, besides HCR Letters to an American, does one go to find good reporting on the positive steps taken by the Biden Administration?
WAPO headline Today: " Biden Poised for Big Wins in Congress" with analysis by Yasmin & Mike. Note, the DC region feeds on WAPO like Cereal. Very broad market with targeted submarkets. Running LIVE "Politics Now" too. Also, WAPO Editorial today nails " Glacial Vote Count" in Maryland because of Gov. Larry Hogan's Veto of funds to count early votes. This is a Picture of a battle happening NOW & more will come in future actions by Seditionists. UPDATE: Merrick Garland will be interviewed by Lester Holt Tonite July 26 on NBC Nightly News. Likely, to repeat "no one is above the Law" or similar regardless of political status of Perp, but you will have to do your own analysis of Garland Speak.
Right here.
You will be told what the WH wants you to know.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/
Interesting. There is good information here, but is there a way to attract more attention to it, make it interesting to people of any political persuasion? The titles have all the allure of the titles in a scientific journal.
You can also catch the daily briefings live on C-Span.
Thank you for this link. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know about it.
I'm not ashamed to join you in that admission.
me, neither... which isn't a failing of ours. if WE don't even know about it, then neither does joe schmoe ... and why isn't it common knowledge?
The Politics girl is excellent.
Jane Mayer is great. Anne Applebaum is wonderful.
I agree about Politics Girl. She's witty and bright. Wish the DNC or whoever does messaging would hire her. Also, Stephen Colbert is one helluva cheerleader for Biden and company, and very entertaining, too. He is one I would see could make a difference. His monologues are pretty accurate if you ask me.
Your Congressional member, Your State representative, Your city council member, Your college universities professors and libraries, Your various democratic action committees in your neighborhood with contacts found at your local libraries, etc, etc, etc...
Bill Palmer despite the headlines on the essays.
I looked up the Palmer Report on Wikipedia. Here's a summary: "The Palmer Report is a hyperpartisan[6] liberal[2] fake news political blog.[3] It is known for making unsubstantiated or false claims[5] and publishing conspiracy theories,[7][8] especially on matters relating to Donald Trump and Russia.[9][11][12][13]"
I don't know who wrote the Wikipedia article, but there are many citations of (hopefully) reliable sources; whether Wikipedia itself is reliable in this instance, I don't know. The point is, before getting too excited about the Palmer Report or any other source, it's worth checking it. (A sad commentary on today's media landscape.)
That is utter nonsense. It isn't fake news. It is partisan and liberal, but so what and it doesn't try to hide that it is. It does not publish conspiracy theories. I am able to discern conspiracy theories and false claims, so I would say that the Wikipedia article is bull pucky. I am still going to recommend it as a place that you can find positive news on Biden and a a reasonable analysis of what the DOJ is saying. It's the headlines on the articles that are hyperbole and over the top.
Caution!
Wikipedia is void of all normally required vetting efforts...
any one can say any thing until the next overly zealous person/entity comes along and further bastardizes the previous adulteration of fact...it seems this is certainly the case with the current Wikipedia opinion with The Palmer Report...do your own vetting process for verification of the truth, Eh!?
That Wikipedia entry needs unequivocally sourced correction.
Thanks for this. I'll check it out. This is a very interesting, knowledgeable, and informed group. Glad to be part of this!
Same here! These links are gold.
As usual self appointed Democratic know it alls didn't see or know that many of us have been confused by their negativity. Maybe because they are younger than most of us? We have zero influence on inflation and it isn't like Biden isn't trying to bring it under control. He is. Sadly controlling inflation is like herding cats. The economy is actually good. Most of us understand what a strong dollar and low unemployment means for most people. However, we do have influence over what rights need to be codified and we do that with our voices and vote. Being young doesn't mean you know everything. I remember thinking I knew better. Slowly we learn, step by step. I'm glad Biden is president more now than ever. Nobody knows our government better than him, nobody knows Europe better than him, few have experienced his losses (including elections) or watched their child go to war. I don't think he was ever in this for the money. He has been steadfast in his beliefs and causes. He is the anti-trump. He can get us through this but building back from Trump's rubble will take more than 4 years and if he wants the chance I'm going to have no problem giving it to him. However, I would not be surprised that if he gets a real majority in Congress this November it might be all he needs to get the job done and be satisfied with 1 terrific term. Right now we are gazing into our crystal ball. Thank goodness the young people writing the headlines are not running the country. Remember they're in the "if it bleeds it leads business" And they're climbing the journalism ladder. I recommend keeping your subscriptions and ignoring the headlines.
Oh well written Martha. I believe that if Joe can fight off the ravages of time for six more years (that would get him to the end of a second term), then he should be our guy. He has his head screwed on straight, and has a good staff to help him. But think about that - does he have six quality years in him? Already he is showing some signs of diminished memory, etc, just like most elderly folks. I know - I am an elderly folk, and younger than Biden by seven years. No, we Democrats have a big fat problem IMO. In 2020, we selected the candidate that we felt had the best chance of beating a man who simply must be beaten. One can argue who that candidate should have been, but the Biden campaign pulled it out and succeeded. DNC did the right thing.
What we got for it is a quality president but with limited shelf life. BTW, that is also what we would have gotten with Bernie, had he gotten the nomination. I cannot stop thinking about Reagan, how late in his presidency, was showing the signs of dementia or Alzheimer's. I honestly don't know what the best thing to do is. But if 2022 goes the wrong way, it may not matter.
Biden's never been a great public speaker. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he has any diminished capacity. I've also known many people well into their 90s that were sharp as a tack, sharper than me in my 60s.
His disability as a life-time speech impaired stutterer sometimes masks the brilliance of his mind and the abundance of the love in his heart for America and Americans!
Yes! (And btw, I see to my dismay that my remark about Chomsky has come in above this; your "his" of course refers to Biden, not Chomsky, who as far as I know has never had to overcome a stutter :)
Chomsky is looking more biblical every time he appears on screen, with his serried ranks of thin books behind him. No apparent cognitive deficiency there.
System wouldn’t allow me to give you a “like!” Anyway…well said Jay. I think the Democratic Party strategists need to immediately get on with planning carefully for the future…which could be as soon as tomorrow! Life can change quickly for us senior citizens...I’m shocked at my own changes on the threshold of my eightieth…but what will be, will be! Joe Biden has done an admirable job for America…especially considering what and who he inherited. Can he come up with 2 more…let alone 6! He’s probably got a better chance than I do. Anyway…you know the minute he starts to falter the wolves will be on him. He deserves the best treatment and all the respect he has earned. Face it…he saved America!!! For now anyway! That said…we all know…life moves on…the Party needs to have viable candidates …Male and Female “on deck!” I sometimes wonder if the Democrats have got what it takes to win the battle for American Democracy. Right now the RR’s (Repugnant Republicans) appear to be running circles around us. It doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to know what happens to the American Democracy if the RR’s flip the House and Senate. If we lose the Presidency I shudder to think what will happen!
Do not waste your time and energy worrying Bob...nothing positive about worrying was ever the best solution to a problem...
become instead aggressively proactive and extend all of your discretionary resources to the candidate/incumbents of your choice.
Enlist others into you enthusiasm!
You will totally relieve yourself of defeatism and realize instead the wonderful reward of victory!
the system is sometimes slow to react
Not arguing, but we all have a limited shelf life and Bernie would have been useless in Ukraine although quite knowledgeable about our domestic problems. Also, I've noticed that his gate is a bit awkward and his shoulders stooped but if I had flown to the middle east to deal with a murderer, spent time in Europe, delt with 3 horrific massacres, and had Joe Manchin as a friend, I think I'd be a bit tired and stooped too:)
100%. (Has the heart machine gone partisan on us?)
Most of us here remember the negative activities infamously ascribed as, The Yellow Papers" Eh!?
Attempted like
Succeeded like!
Thank you, Martha.
Nicely put. Thanks.
Excellent rebuttal …
Thank you
I cancelled mine
You’ll miss the news if a younger Democrat steps up and is a valid candidate.
I like Biden, but can’t we be led by someone younger?
Take a look at this year's Newport Jazz Festival and watch Joni Mitchell singing. And old Bonnie Raitt sits behind her.
My point is this. Don't be in such a hurry to cast the hard won wisdom and experience of old politicians. (Or any old person for that matter.)
We drift into ageism when we decide old politicians/people need to be cast out in favor of younger people running things. My gentler approach is to allow the process of the transferring of power to younger people as a gradual process. Is there currently anyone with the core experience of Pelosi and Biden to guide us through this perilous time? Is there any younger person capable of travelling to Europe and reinvigorating NATO?
We undermine the bully power of the Presidency when we cast our Democratic President aside 2 years before an election.
Well said, Barbara. And to add, don't forget how popular Bernie is with young people. It's the message, not the messenger.
Can we please stop dividing the Democratic Party?
Bernie Sanders is 80 years old. His message is very narrow and scares a lot of voters. It is regrettable that progressive have been labeled by the Republicans as Socialists and demonized. But the truth is that right now a narrowly defined Progressive is dangerous to the Democratic Party.
Small correction. That’s Wynona, not Bonnie Raitt, behind Joni.
I stand corrected. Thank You Sir.
Barbara!
BRAVO!
"Old" Bonnie Raitt?! I don't think she'd appreciate that characterization. ;)
I am old. It's not a bad thing. People call me old. It is a fact. And what in the world are people so afraid of in growing old?
These discussions about age concern me. Everyone, no matter what their age, gender, color, etc. brings something, a unique perspective to the table. What we really need is for everyone who believes in democracy to work together. Making broad comments about a group only divides us. Talk about a person's attributes or shortfalls specifically, not about what demographic they fall into.
Why? Francis is older yet he is changing a 2,000 year old organization that spans the globe and is comprised of 1.2-1.3 billion people. I fail to understand the, "why can't we be led by someone younger?" argument.
Nixon was younger, Reagan was younger, the Bushes were younger...
Not yet! He's still our elected leader.
Yes. He’s our current President.
It really is time for Boomers to "yield back" the reins and give subsequent generations the opportunities to lead us out of the morass we've created.
Voting would be good starting point for younger people.
President Biden came out of retirement because of Charlottesville. Pelosi stayed on because of trump. I admire those tired warriors. And I support inculcating the Democratic Party with younger people. I have great hope in Buttigieg, O'Rourke, Klobuchar, and others. Let's groom the younger candidates and also support the old ones while they do the work of the Country.
Ally, I couldn't agree more. Part of being a good leader is recognizing talent and cultivating it so there is a steady stream of able leaders. Someone who has been in office for decades stops that process by their refusal to pass the torch. Some will say, "But they have experience". Yes the do, but by the same token they are also capping the flow of fresh energy, ideas and strategies that those younger than us may bring to the table.
I think it is a balance. Utilize the power and wisdom of the elders and also call them to task on passing the torch. Age limits is a good starting point. No one 80 years or older needs to be in politics. No one (Like McConnell) needs to spends many decades in office.
They need to allow their fledgling wisdom to let them do so...
What is all this B. S. about age!!!
It is skill, intelligence, resources, networks, support teams and successful experiences blended with a sincere patriotic love of America just like our Joe IS.
AND
NOT the clawing upward striving ego enhancing wannabe appearing in repetitive "Look-At-Me" advertisements ad nauseum everywhere you look...
That is all the others sniffing political blood after only two years of our Joe being hampered by MoscowBitch McConnell and his ilk ...
Vote intelligently this November
Boot out all those republicans and give Joe a chance at implementing the programs HE promised for America's healing and regrowth!!!
Klobuchar?
Here’s a list https://wapo.st/3cDcmNA
Why not stay and counter their lies and the trolls in the comments? We can't walk away from fights.
WaPo's byline: "Democracy dies in darkness." Slogans are great only when they are put into action. As for "Joe", I agree we need younger blood. I am 78, one year younger than Biden. If Biden runs for reelection, that very well may assure a loss for Democrats in 2024.
I just read a WaPo headline that was positive about Joe. Shocked. I don't know that Biden will run. He shouldn't. I am his age and I can't imagine being prez.
Michele,
I concur. Joe should remain adamant that he intends to run until the right time as determined by him and his advisors from the DNC that an endorsement of a successor in prime time is logical. Then expand the SCOTUS and move onto to it as one of the new justices.
JPD
You are on the right track, I think. Those calling for him to step down are foolish. He would become a lame duck and have limitied power to get anything done because all media attention would shift to the contest for his successor. He is a highly competent leader who knows how to delegate authority and guide his associates. He will have to make a decision based on information that only he can know - how he feels. Until then, he shouldstay the course. It is the right one and that will be clearer once the economy, which reflects myriad worlswide upheavals, improves.
I agree Biden should continue to state he’s running, otherwise he’s a lame duck immediately.
McConnell has already stated Biden will not get another seat on the SCOTUS
Likewise.
J. P. Dwyer
Hmmmm...very interesting grasshopper!
and most here would agree with you Michele...so what is your point?
No idea what this post from you means.
I just had to delete one of mine from yesterday because it had become so surrounded by later posts that it was meaningless! The sluggish heart machine is making a lot of us write more than we'd otherwise have done.
B. S. PHOOY!
Don't read the WaPO. And canceling subscriptions is something these entities understand. But some of them continue to stumble on. The local rag which has long since stopped being anything more than a bird cage liner, doesn't print an edition on Saturday. We have an on-line subscription so that we can read the obits and the very few stories that have some interest.
Representative Jamie Raskin on Colbert last night. Speaking out….
https://youtu.be/YCjN96uOriU
https://youtu.be/l_TwGNoK_FE
Great clip Christine. He has been remarkable through all this, given the intense loss he and family sustained on the eve of these hearings. However, this, THIS! is the strongest, clearest and most clarifying appearance and words I have had the pleasure to see as yet. Bravo, Raskin!! That is the kind of tough clear factual talk we all crave. (IMHO)
And how he ended on a personal note with Stephen Colbert talking about his son was so patriotic of the heart. I hold respect and admiration for him as a man so very much.
Glad to share it with you, K Barnes. 🗽
Thanks for the clips! Raskin is such an important person to have on the J6 committee. He is clever, so very smart, and passionate. Passionate about his family and compassionate to the plight of others. I too, admire his tenacity. God forbid, the R’s have anyone close to his character!
Agree and good morning, Marlene. I project Representative Raskin as an excellent vice presidential candidate on a 2024 ticket. His leadership and passion for democracy are stellar. 🗽
The VP is a waste of Raskin's genius...
he is much more effective right where he is now...including authoring more of his wonderful thought provoking books!
He has deeply and profoundly touched my heart, especially after reading his "Unthinkable".
He's such a mensch!
Raskin brings it. Thanks.
As well as Pete Buttigieg. He even did the absolutely “perfect” messaging on Fox News. He is stellar.
🗽
The FGOP (formerly Grand Old Party) publishes talking points, and their candidates use them. Why, oh, why, can't the Democratic Party do the same?
Such as women should stay in violent marriages?
And former republican party:
"If Aristotle, Livy, and Harrington knew what a republic was, the British constitution is much more like a republic than an empire. They define a republic to be a government of laws, and not of men." -John Adams
A party that fights the good fight and does not hitch a ride with entropy bears the burden of upholding and maintaining truth to the best of their ability, thus the appear of "the dark side".
That said, just as lies propagate with repetition and promotion, so does truth. Focused, effective public speakers aid this process, be they elected or from "grass roots", and so we honor the likes of Lincoln or MLK who spoke often enough and clearly enough to affect positive change. That also made them targets for assassins, but that only underlines how influential they became. More modest efforts from many quarters are needed as well.
Democrats have NEVER had “message discipline.” It’s a coalition party, and has no qualms shooting at another coalition. “Democrats need to fall in love; Republicans just fall in line.”
Last night an ad came on an Internet service my wife was using in which Ron DeSantis angrily proclaimed that Biden had "declared war" on US energy and was solely responsible of inflation, which he called "Biden-flation". This is the scale of lies my elementary school teachers told us in the 1950s were part and parcel of dictatorships, especially the Third Reich and the the USSR. Democracy is robust enough to withstand lies, but not when and where consequential lying becomes normalized.
Lying is a deliberate choice, and lies and liars can do serious harm. Lies initiate wars. Lies supercharged the the pandemic. Lies tore children from the arms of their immigrant parents. Racism is a big lie.
Despite the need to generally err on the side of free speech, for some lies, where critical duties are neglected or perverted, prosecution is appropriate. Where not, a vigilant court of public opinion is required to maintain the integrity a society requires to deliver liberty and justice for all, and we have been far too passively been neglecting that.
I think that's a really, really good idea. Turn the conversation away from those who want to tear down democracy and focus on those who want to build our country back together. I suspect after all the negativity, there are a lot of Americans who would be delighted to start a new conversation that begins with building back better together.
Just seems like GOP Presidents do their best to destroy the country and economy and the next Dem is left to clean up the mess, like the guy trailing the circus elephant sweeping up paddies. Sure would be nice to break this cycle. Biden, Obama and Clinton were far superior to their predecessors.
Bradley. The cycle goes all the way back to FDR cleaning up after 10 years of Republican economic “policy” which produced the Great Depression.
Americans are unique in their ability to be born and learn nothing at all about the past.
I think Americans would learn more from and about the past in America if school systems would teach American history with more of a warts-and-all approach which honestly discusses America's mistakes and failures in addition to playing up its successes and triumphs. When I studied the subject in school, it was taught almost as religious doctrine with various presidents taking on the roles of saints.
the words of Bob Dylan still make me cry:
Oh, the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh, the country was young
With God on its side
The Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War, too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I was made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side
Indeed.
I recall a story about Lincoln which is I have since read is without an empirical source but still makes sense if not good history. Basically when the protagonist is assured that
"God's on our side" he asks "are we on the side of God". I am not religious in any conventional sense, but I note two flavors of religion, one I admire and one I fear, which on the one hand is humble, helpful, and compassionate, and another that is profoundly narcissistic, even sociopathic. The one is the likes of someone such as MLK, and the other burned people at the stake, or flew planeloads of terrified people into the sides of buildings.
One of the best—always
Less and less is being taught concerning the true process and value of governing of the people, by the people and for the people. along with a review of the consequences of government by the few to lift up a person who wants to control everyone except himself or herself.
We need to begin in kindergarten. Having worked with preschoolers, believe me, they understand the concept of rules and bounderies.....whether they like it or not.
Once upon a time at a PTA meeting one of the parents stood up and said "we need you to learn our students". In other words not only teach it but see that they learn it. We teachers were stunned. This from a parent with 2 of the most undisciplined, low achievement students who reported to us teachers that no one read at home, no homework time and no parental interest in school subjects.
Get parents involved in learning. Get politicians out of the classroom. Treat Teachers like the professionals they are.
Yeah; teachers end up as de facto parents for far, far too many children.
And as punching bags for politicians
I had a conversation not long ago with someone advising that "I'm Just a Bill" is wholly inaccurate regarding how legislation is made. Sadly, that's about all the gist of law making most Americans have.
We are so lucky that FLA is taking education seriously. (not) Always wondered about the dangerous content in Math Books!!
https://popular.info/p/inside-the-dangerous-math-textbooks
Well, math is not my thing, but I never thought it was dangerous, just frustrating sometimes.
It’s all them there multipliers and dividers teachin’ kids bad morals. And that Al Jebra jihadist teachin.
Rules and boundaries, as you indicate, that are part of every human interaction. Perhaps th4e canonization of profit has resulted in rethinking education as needing to be more intensely focused on vocational training; but while preparation for work is surely a large part of its value, education also offers more broadly the skills one is likely to need to be a resilient, successful person. I recall, for example, one afternoon in 5th or 6th grade, my class spent an hour or two talking about formal logical fallacies. Great, but BS detection is a survival skill for individuals and societies as a whole, as current events are demonstrating, and like language skills, should be cultivated throughout. Science is not a catalog of technical findings but a mental discipline, useful for a trip to the grocer as well as the moon. The arts allow us to transmit to one another the feeling, breathing, thinking inner experience of human sentience. Psychology and anthropology help us to be better acquainted with our own nature; and IF we are entirely serious about DYI, governance, a lot more development of the requisite skills to successfully perform it would surely help.
Schools are what we make them. Increasingly teachers (my wife was one) are hobbled, not helped by clueless politicians and bureaucrats. If you think about the extended consequences of an empowering education, kindergarten teachers should be trained at least as well, in their own craft, as college professors, and paid for it too. It seems to me that an excellent or poor teacher a far more critical matter working with the very young than an excellent or poor university professor with adolescents or adults. College and graduate students can weather a discouraging or weak encounter at the near-adult level far better than callow kiddos. A university president gave a speech to parents at my daughter's U in which he asked us to think of teachers who changed our lives, and got me thinking of several.
We are ultimately standing on the shoulders of layer upon layer of giants (and many, many more who contributed as well).
Please, Let’s not blame elementary teachers for right wing extremism today. Take a look at white evangelical movements, Murdoch and his folks, social media, and other forces behind the dumbing down of America
We're not blaming the teachers. They're forced to teach what is mandated, which is not Civics, Government, or History. It is no surprise that so many Americans are gullible - because they are truly ignorant.
It’s a mixed bag- teaching what is mandated in some schools or districts in this country and/or in others what parents desire. Think about current controversies about CRT. Critical Race Theory. Teaching the Truth for some is as dangerous as teaching sex education. Think about the Scopes Trial. It’s Science. Today it’s Truth. There’s Antibias curriculum” not particularly new. In my MA in Human Development we learned not only history of education but Development of curriculum. Louise Derman Sparks pioneered Antibias curriculum for young children through adults. And Pablo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed). Parents have historically objected to curriculum that they felt threatened their personal beliefs, and we’ve seen home schooling movements develop into charter choices and religious schools receive government funding or be part of the controversies. Now. Public School. Private School. Charter School. When, what and how to teach. There’s abundant research and teacher training, education, has more often than not included at least the history and science of education, the praxis. It’s the Politics of education that’s the problem.
Yes, Irenie, politics in education, especially at the K-12 level, is horrifying. The lies you and I were taught, were more than likely, not even known by the instructors who taught them. But teachers in this era, do know and are held to the fire to teach misinformation. Shameful that politics infiltrates truthful learning.
Yes, many Americans do seem terribly gullible and ignorant. Plus, they are watching the deafening silence of their elected leaders who have been unable to speak out or stand up to Trump despite all we’ve seen and heard about J6. I kinda doubt that a different civics teacher or curriculum is the problem.
I agree about the elected leaders remaining silent. I will not vote for any Republican since none* of them have shown an ounce of ethics or principles or backbone or whatever it takes to speak out against the lying, cheating, corrupt, treasonous leader of their party and his enablers.
*except Cheney and Kinzinger
I worry that electronic media, especially television, tends to infantilize our sense of agency. We see what TV producers want us to see. At best it's like viewing the world from a moving train; when its not just story time.
I used to think, having used the Internet since it was monochrome and command line driven, that it's decentralized peer to peer architecture made it inherently democratic, and it is; but has also has proven disproportionately available for financial and political interests to propagate top-down manipulation.
Talia When I was taught history in school [there was a lot less of it back then] it was American presidents, a smattering of civics, and how good we [white] Americans were.
As a history professor from from age 58 to 80, I was appalled at how little American history my students knew after two years of American history. I provided them a rigorous exposure to the diverse panorama of American history. I provided students my written narrative on each class, which began with their writing on a 15-minute THINK question related to the reading. These THINK questions provided nearly 50% of their grade and provided the basis for class discussion.
Alas, I doubt that I would have been permitted to include much of my subject matter in a high school history course for being ‘too controversial.’ P. S. Most of my college students appreciated my ‘stimulating story’ approach to American history in which conclusions were discussed rather than white-washed down.
Sounds like a great class!
Yed!
Keith
They do need to read a book or two which is a lost art.
Good teaching tells.
Yes.
We were warned about the “dumbing down” of America in 1980, the Reagan Administration. Schools added classes in “civics” but we are barely civilized now. Students don’t learn to think analytically, let alone learn their history. Philosophy, not “civics,” please. Reasoned responses, not reactions and a preference for propaganda, slogans, jingoism . . .
I can't agree with students not being taught to think analytically. I know I worked on this in my classroom and I've seen my grandchildren offered many wonderful opportunities to do so in their studies. Applying the learning is another story - this is where the dinner table conversation comes in handy, or taking advantage of the opportunity when a political ad full of propaganda hits the TV screen. Parents need to do the work, too.
I taught a class called government in the middle 90s, so maybe it depended on where a person was. They did a lot of their own research and we had many discussions. I also assigned an essay, a day without government. They actually realized the many things that government does, once some of them (male) got past the idea of running wild. I have used their responses many times to those who want to diss government all the time. I love telling adults that high schoolers understood what government does even if they don't. I don't see much nonsense actually except on Nextdoor where a lot of nut cases love to post and a small amount on Facebook
Michele:
In 8th grade, we were required to take a Civics class. You learned about the federal gov and our state gov. You were required to know each state and their capitol. Just a host of other things including the history of how the US came to be. It was white-man's history.
At the least. you had a foundation from which to learn more on your own, in high school, and in college. It was intriguing for me.
I had a class called American Problems in year twelve. The teacher had been hired as a coach of something and had graduated from a local Bible college. I don't remember anything about it. In my class the kids did lots of library research and we had some textbooks available, but didn't use them on a regular basis. No tests or quizzes either, except we had this silly thing called finals week which allowed a certain portion of our staff to sit on their butts in the teachers' lounge while their student aides graded the tests which were true/false, etc. For mine, I met with each student and gave them a whole load of options which they could choose to make up 100 points. They could suggest something too if I thought it was OK. Some choose to do over 100 points worth.
Sorry — but Civics was a required subject when I graduated in 1963 — in Texas.
Guess what happened next.
I graduated in ‘69 from a high school in a small town in NC and yes, civics was a required class.
ditto in 63
I took Civics in the 8th grade in Georgia, in 1965. It covered the structure and function of the federal government, on down to who was responsible for building the roads and what was used to pave them.
I read about the Pope's call for forgiveness for the atrocities committed in Canadian schools for indigenous children. Might that public confession of wrongdoing inspire the telling of full truths in American history classes, rather than the white-washed version conservatives are demanding?
Nancy The Pope’s modest apology for despicable church actions in indigenous Canada is only the prologue for papal and other ‘confessions.’ He might have been speaking about the ‘way it was,’ as was the situation in America dealing with slavery, the treatment of women, denigration of non-Western European immigrants….
I find it imperative that integral to ‘the American experience’ is the good/bad/ugly history of our country. There are still major warts to be addressed. Let’s have a common educational experience in which these (and other) warts are identified and addressed.
For many Americans ‘the good ole days’ weren’t that great.
I want to like this, but substack won't let me. Yes, with all the warts. I often think about the good ole days for many. When I was growing up this was all under the table....enormous suffering and we heard nothing.
YES! We have created our own history of horror against native Americans, people of color, Catholics, the Irish, etc…
What should daily slap us into reality is that inspire of our prejudice and cruelty, we would have not survived our wars, or sickness, or have had railroads built without all of us… We have a long way to go to NOT GET IN THE WAY OF REALIZING WE ARE A GIFT to one another…to honor and respect the beauty and greatness of each human being. Hatred destroys, love builds up!
Agree
History by Disney. I got that too. Fortune favors the prepared mind, and filling a mind with fluff is useless at best. Reality is reality, so we are likely to adapt to and influence it best when we get real about it, the good and the bad, of which there is quite a lot of each.
When it wasn't a sales pitch, my elementary school history tended to be endless chronologies of names, battles, and dates. While there is surely a place for such information, history lit up for me when I later realized it was the story of how things got to be the way they now are, and that sorting though patterns of that evolutionary process is the most substantial foundation for extrapolating and adjusting forward into which possibilities are most probable in the future. Yearly graphs of world temperatures for example (with probable wild cards in the mix).
JL My good friend and favorite American historian David McCullough speaks with great passion of the importance of storytelling in exploring American history. The personalities are incredible (see David’s BRAVE COMPANIONS). In the Foreign Service, during. The Congo hostage crisis, I found that telling a compelling story would catch the eye and attention of Secretary Rusk. Under Secretary George Ball, and Governor Harriman. [It also permitted me to make policy, since some of my stories were deliberately slanted.]
Much later with my students, when I was a college professor age 58 to 80, I almost always concluded a class with a few minutes of Quirky History—bizarre incidents that were fun and memorable.
that IS the point! if people can relate or get the relevance for themselves... it goes nowhere. THANKS for being the influencer you must've been in those positions... and for continuing to share with us, here. most inspiring, Keith!
sorry!!! if people CAN'T relate... <-- correction
Cool!
Parents have a responsibility to know and share accurate historical facts within their families a!so........please do not leave it all up to the teachers.
Good luck with that plan. Teachers are tightly controlled about what they can teach about American History.
That would have to be honest American History. Two factors prevent that. 1. The lack of time allotted to teach complicated facts, and 2. Drip-Drip propaganda of socialism in public schools has created self-censoring of any negative history that affects our present.
Patricia Having taught American history in college for over two decades (1992-2013), I can share my personal experiences—some of which relate directly to those who teach high school American history.
1) There is too much history to be taught in two semesters.
2) Text books, even the better ones, tend to be chronological. Almost all of revised ‘by committee’ and the writing tends to be boring.
3) I often found my my students had chronologically only gotten through WW II—-chapter by chapter/
I was able to skip entire periods—I skipped Columbus and much of early American history to focus on the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Hamilton Plan.
I skilled Reconstruction and the Gilded Age and focused on the Great Depression up to the present. This required continual skipping of earlier chapters, as I added Clinton, Bush W, and Obama.
I also included several review sessions each semester. Less well studied seemed better than racing through endless chapters.
Also, textbook sales depend heavily on approval in CA and TX. Especially in TX, I understand that ‘controversial’ material is unacceptable.
Incidentally, I was the only professor at my college who did not stick to a strict chronology. Also, I provided considerable supplementary material (often self-written) on more current periods.
Thank you for giving as more detailed breakdown of the issues I was referring to above. It very well shows the complexity of teaching any history. In the lower grades, such complexity is beyond the scope of hours allowed for teaching what is a very rich and complex subject.
Suz’ ‘Showing our age?’ It was simpler—I only had one president, FDR, from birth ‘til I was 12, though the VPs changed. It was a bit confusing when our enemy—Stalin/Soviet Union—became our wartime ally—and then post-war enemy, but I was otherwise engaged in hating the Japanese and the Nazis, while not much caring which side the Italians were on.
An early constant was that the Republicans were opposed to anything that seemed to constrain Wall Street and help the common man. FDR’s modest Social Security program was denounced by Republicans as ‘socialism.’ Ditto when Truman proposed a national health program that was ignored by Congress (twice).
I am reminded of Will Rogers: “I don’t belong to a political party. I am a Democrat.’
My mother remembered her first encounter with radio; passing around a set of headphones with extended family. We as a nation have evolved from horse and buggy days to ubiquitous handheld computer/multimedia devices, and many stranger things than dreamt of not so many years in the past. Seems probable that we would be in need of even more thorough introduction to effective, responsible citizenship, not less.
In fact recent events suggest a lot more.
I'm not sure that's uniquely American. Hegel said that the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history, but then we Americans like to think we are exceptional. Perhaps that means we learn even less from history, even from history barely past (and the insurrection is not really over).
From Tom Taro at the New Yorker in 2020 “Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it. Those who do study history are doomed to stand by helplessly while everyone else repeats it.”
Was it Faulkner who said, “The past is not dead. It’s not even past.”?
This always reminds me of Cassandra who was given the gift of prophecy, but cursed by the gods to have her prophecies always disbelieved.😪
Perhaps not helplessly. Despite rejecting the concept of inherited aristocracy, American colonists recreated even more pernicious facsimiles of feudal estates as slave plantations. Although divided, we as a nation rejected slavery and have haltingly made significant efforts to reduce racism and sexism.
It was not for nothing that "Gilded Age" plutocrats were scornfully called "robber barons". The middle class" subsequently grew with resistance and reform from salient elected leaders and social movements. With the so-called Reagan Revolution plutocracy rallied, and resolved to control modern media. It's been a great 40+ years for quasi-monopolies and billionaires and not to great for most others, and it only gets worse when we lose perspective and succumb to the notion that resistance is futile.
The J6th Committee has slid the rock to the point that sunlight threatens the nest of opportunistic roaches. We all need to "heave" on three to push it off the rest of the way.
As a boomer, I believe we grew up in a highly optimistic time, and one of significant social progress, although the benefits and burdens were then, as now, very unevenly shared. Some efforts went toward improving that balance. It was not exactly the good-old-days, with a lot of needed social empowerment still evolving, such as a recent black president, a female presidential candidate who won the popular vote, and openly gay people in positions of influence, which would not have been possible, or at least was not happening a few decades earlier.
But I also think that positions that were considered pretty viable and mainstream are widely labeled "extreme" and unworkable today though the filter of 40 years of "Reaganomics". And I think as a result of that, our society has become in many ways less democratic and in many ways, less just. I compare the reactions and the issues that triggered Nixon's resignation versus multiple and dramatic manifestations of US political corruption today, and think that we as a nation have been dangerously letting our guard down.
Attempted like
Neither is the Civil War, it seems.
Not since the once "Party of Lincoln" saw a chance to dominate American politics by pandering to loser's lingering and smoldering resentments and fanning it into a flame. When Democrats finally rejected their role as a harbor for institutionalized racism, Republicans saw it as a recruiting opportunity. After Nixon fell for his dishonesty, the Republican Party shifted to a strategy of "big lies" on which they never let up.
Certainly a possibility
Not unique, it happens everywhere. We are unique in experiencing it here because that's where we live.
Germany took a deep dive into their history after WWII. Some folks took it seriously enough to feel collective guilt.
From CSD on twitter 2018 “They piss themselves every presidency, while we “tax and spend” libs have to buy new sheets.” Says it all, almost. Then the “pissers” scream “socialism” at those cleaning up their mess and the public gets brain freeze. Let’s scream back “fascist pigs” and give them a taste of their own medicine. I know that is not “bipartisan,” but when did republicans last practice bipartisanship. Way before Mitch. Has anybody looked at the best sellers at the Times. Newt is still promoting crap, as are O’Reilly, and every half wit that has helped destroy any civil discourse. And they are best sellers. ALEC, The Heritage Foundation and their ilk are still spewing propaganda along with Rupert and clones. Dems are busy fixing the mess, even with enemies in their camp. And MSM blathers about both sides and Joe’s age and Poll numbers, with hardly a word about the “new sheets” he is trying to give the country. A set up for hell if we don’t call them what they are…
Bipartisanship could resume when there is a loyal opposition party with an ounce of integrity committed to democracy and the rule of law. For now, my image for Democrats is from Peter O"Toole in Lawrence of Arabia as he leads a charge. Remember what he said? Remember those steely blue eyes? Remember the rage?
While the neo-"GOP" appears to me to truly be moving into fascist territory, the medicine I see making some kind of difference is the J6th Hearings. I love it when an ethical, smart and skilled prosecutor (or investigator) backs the perpetrator into a "checkmate" corner. Politics is always rough and tumble, but really since Reagan, the party has embraced shameless "big lies" and despotic techniques beyond any limit of legitimacy. Democrats have been far too shy about making them wear it.
Jeri as prolific as you are this is a shining gem!
Hear, hear!!! It is getting very frustrating reading the WaPo. Thankfully, I don't tweet. ARGH!
It seems to me that modern "GOP" presidents and their associated party have been pretty much captured by will of plutocrats. Since great wealth is asymmetric by definition, an agenda that serves plutocracy is anti-democratic by definition. And since making the rich richer and the poor poorer is a pathetic populist message in plain speech, they slip it through cloaked in a cloud of distractions. Since evidence weighs against them, they attack it as "fake science" and "fake news". And since their MO inevitably makes life worse for the majority, they bellow and fume and accuse anyone but themselves, and use generalized discontent with the outcomes they have wrought to pin the blame on their detractors.
Destroying the country and the economy is not, I think, the aim, but an inevitable side effect, to which they are indifferent so long as they manage to shift the blame to somebody else.
My thoughts exactly, thank you
I disagree. I think they do want to destroy the government currently in place and put an authoritarian government in place.
YES - it's sickening and so obvious! How is it that people still fall for the lies?
Because their "true beliefs" that they are being overrun and dispossessed of their "rightful" place override the ability to see through the propaganda.
It takes bravery to stand up for what you see as true and turning from what you saw in the past to be true. It affects friendships, relationships with family and neighbors. It isolates one from church "friends". It can expose ones family to violence, exclusion....many other serious "attacks". Just consult with our brave and tenacious friends of color who have dealt with and continue to deal with such struggles. It affects the safety of ones children. Have you not been listening to members of the Republican party who have been terrified of harm to their families and have left politics?
Did you not hear of the bravery of black women assisting with the vote in
Georgia?
To me it is better vs worse because nothing in this world is perfect. It is being willing to love my family and friends and worship but standing alone in what I see is true, not fake, not self-centered.
Every time
A suggestion. Everyone here go to the twitter of each of those Florida law makers and post this: Thank you President Biden for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which every Florida law maker voted AGAINST yet now takes credit for because of the money President Biden has brought to the state.
It's easy to find them. Just type in their name and the word twitter. You can then go to their twitter and highlight their twitter name.
Marco Rubio @marcorubio
Rick Scott @SenRickScott
Matt Gaetz @mattgaetz
Dr. Neil Dunn @DrNealDunnFL2
Kat Cammack @RepKatCammack
John Rutherford @RepRutherfordFL
Al Lawson @RepAlLawsonJr
Mike Waltz @michaelgwaltz
Stephenie Murphy @RepStephMurphy
Mike Posey @congbillposey
Darren Soto @RepDarrenSoto
Val Demings @RepValDemings
Daniel Webster @RepWebster
Gus Bilirakis @Bilirakis
Charles Crist @CharlieCrist
Kathy Castor @USRepKCastor
Scott Franklin @RepFranklin
Vern Buchanan @VernBuchanan
Greg Steube @RepGregSteube
Brian Mast @RepBrianMast
Byron Donalds @ByronDonalds
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick @CongresswomanSC
21st district: Lois Frankel (D) (since 2010)
22nd district: Ted Deutch (D) (since 2013)
23rd district: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) (since 2005Frederica Wilson (D) (since 2011)
25th district: Mario Díaz-Balart (R) (since 2003)
26th district: Carlos A. Giménez (R) (since 2021)
27th district: Maria Elvira Salazar (R) (since 2021)
Great! and we can copy-paste into a single tweet:
@marcorubio @SenRickScott @mattgaetz @DrNealDunnFL2
I'm not wasting my time on them. I am writing Buttigieg urging him to get down to Florida. Now. Get on the TV stations. Do interviews. Flood the media with the truth on the Infrastructure Bill. Get Biden down there. Heck get every Democratic leader down there. They are on vacation anyway.
I don’t think the point is to influence the representatives as much as it is to inform their followers who read the comments.
Done deal. I liked you idea so much I did it upon reading it. Thanks. -saw-
Me too. Just sent. Great idea!
just now
This is DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis I was gone most of the day and it took me a while to get all of the rest of the Florida senators and representatives. Let me know if you want them.
This is DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis I was gone most of the day and it took me a while to get all of the rest of the Florida senators and representatives. Let me know if you want them.
Done! Thanks for sharing this idea! Although having to read their tweets made me throw up in my mouth a little bit.
❤️❤️I had just started looking them up before I had to leave I have all the rest if you would like them.
You can either mute or block them, along with any specific words, and not be subjected to their tweets.
That's why I'm not on, Gailee!
Does DeSantis have a twitter account? Might as well let him see the sentiment as well. : )
This is it. @GovRonDeSantis
I have all of the rest of the senators and representatives. It took me a while to get them. Let me know if you want them.
Thanks, Gailee ! Just a note…
” Mike Posey @congbillposey”
It’s Bill Posey@congbillposey
Posey is my Freedom Caucus Rep who we’re trying to oust so any help much appreciated !
Thank you Kathy. I had begun this in the morning before I left. And didn't have time to look them all up. I have all the rest for anyone who wants them.
I'm almost thinking I should get a Twitter account. But I'm already overwhelmed with other media!
Done!
I now have all of the other Florida representatives and senators if you want them. This is DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis
✅
I'm not on Twitter, but this is a great idea.
I am not either but I sure support it for those who are.
Let's stop for a moment and think about DeSantis and other Florida Republicans presenting checks for infrastructure projects as if they're the font of generosity — the ones who are helping to modernize the state. But as Heather reminds us, Biden was the driving force behind the mega federal infrastructure bill that Republicans vehemently opposed.
Grotesque hypocrisy and dishonesty are guiding principles of the GOP. That is, the party with an increasing number of leaders who are calling themselves Christian Nationalists.
Will atheists and Jews, for example, be able to drive on these new bridges and highways?
The white Christian nationalist leanings by republicans needs to be called out by saner folks. Flying Nazi flags and courting orban is terrifying
Tonight, Rachel Maddow hammered away on the Christian Nationalist movement and explored its past incarnations. This is truly frightening stuff.
https://link.theplatform.com/s/rksNhC/eeUPoUQHekzg?mbr=true&format=redirect&manifest=m3u&format=redirect&Tracking=true&Embedded=true&formats=MPEG4
The stuff about the guy who runs GAb and his connection to Mastriano was just chilling.
Thank you, I think, for sharing! Even though I can’t believe I’m hearing and seeing this antisemitic, white suprematism touted by repugs (now and past) in an attempt to stir up even more division and violence.in America. Actually I can believe it. The idea we’re a White Christian nation has been amplified by fanatics here and worldwide, a white Christian World. I’m a “minority.” It’s all frightening because most people who are not in that club are either visible or invisible in not being eligible for membership. In Santa Barbara in 1958 I wanted to join a YMCA club but never even asked. I already knew a ten year old Jewish kid wouldn’t fit in. Or eligible. To be fair, that might not have been true, but antisemitism and racism can instill fear in those who don’t fit in. Fear is just one of the ways to control the people.
I would be a bit worried about another Kristallnacht...except judging from video of Trump's statement rehearsal released by 1/6 Committee, I doubt they could pronounce it much less spell it.
True. Trump couldn’t spell it but other republicans could and the white nationalist groups already have their tiki torches
Yes, those with the torches were “some very fine people on both sides.”
Good spelling is not a prerequisite for throwing a brick, and an appreciation of books is not a prerequisite for burning them.
🤣 I guffawed loudly reading this but antisemitic literature was just dropped in several Jewish neighborhoods in the Twin Cities area over the weekend. Trump may not be able to say the word yesterday but DeSantis lies with the best if them. I’m sick and tired of being one of those “net tax states” that funds these efforts that liars and fascists take credit for but can’t pay for because they lower taxes, then take my hard earned 💰to support their photo opportunities. Vote blue and work to get out the vote.
But accuracy is not their strong suit. Wreaking havoc is…
And they do it with such verve.
Oh...let's see. "Er, um, Crystals Night!"
I'm in FL and will only vote BLUE!
Me, too. It's a scary place to be!
As is Texas
I ditched “Christian” when the churches decided that God was a republican, which I knew to be blasphemy. Seeing MTG stand up and claim to be Christian would have made Jesus heave, at least the Jesus I learned about. Time to clear the Pharisees out of the temple, or do they rule???
That is why I left Organized Religion. The Pharisees reject my Judaism. I don’t support their vision of living by the "Word of G-d" literally.
That’s why I’m not in an organized religion. I’m a Quaker. 😜
🤣
Maia
I am a human. All are welcome.
In the Prosperity Gospel version, Jesus invites the money changers to set up their tables INSIDE the temple.
Then Biden needs to get down to Florida (when he recovers.) Buttigieg needs to get down to Florida. Every single Democratic Leader needs to get down to Florida.
We are becoming a Party of reactionary whiners.
Bad news for Trump and Republicans is Good News for America.
Every morning, I wake up hoping I'm going to read my newsfeed and find out he snarfed his final chizzbugga and had his massive fatal myocardial infarction and died screaming in agony.
TC, whatever it takes...
Unfortunately it does seem that only the good die young.
TC, I have that very same wish EVERY morning!
I used to work with a woman whose fondest hope was for tfg to trip while exiting Air Force One, fall the length of the staircase, break his neck hitting the tarmac and instantly die. She was convinced that any other way he left the planet would be immediately ruled (by the GQP) as murder. She figured that that scenario would be recorded by the local news media and show it to be his own physical inadequacies. I reminded her about the Zapruder film and said there would still be claims of a conspiracy.
I am addicted to your wonderful, well thought out and well researched column. I hope you will soon write about what has happened to Kamala Harris. We almost never see her. I don't hear about Biden giving her important tasks. And I don't hear about him grooming her to move into the Presidency should anything happen to him -- as many presidents before him have done. He's no spring chicken and having someone on hand who could fluidly move into the task of being president in case something should happen seems only smart to me. Why isn't he doing that?
NY Times has a long article about Biden’s poor treatment of her today. How she has been treated is well known in the black community.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/opinion/kamala-harris-joe-biden.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuonUktbfqYhkT1UZBibSRdkhrxqAwvvGxbU4jzr-JTKPSC0HzeMYRoKB90rLI6p_Yt95lxKqeOh8Cp59Dvpj0r0YeEV3VwijppbDwZ4MeShr9Yv2VDI4gdeQDO5htDWwNzX8JOkjzuSytkrfOmS7S7WfhSN6XHttopBifFir2nIalOySQqMuhI4Ijbp2DYt6RDwAeCCPo_Lsbhx6M9mEZRrXgRIkD6AbAXqA2I7BtM9TNVlaGlnET3hg4Gcj6dM6OdwfOK_3LB5Ia9MVE640yLXdb5UwgyRJ2EEq&smid=nytcore-ios-share
I cannot rebut this article effectively. Being the VP has always been touted as the person behind the scenes, whose major role is to take over when the President becomes unable to continue his/her duties. But it would be helpful IMO if NYT would refer to Vice President Harris as "Vice President Harris" or "VP Harris" or just "Harris" instead of "Ms. Harris." Just sayin'.
https://marketrealist.com/p/what-has-kamala-harris-been-doing/
The NYT has a "thing" about calling everyone Mr, Ms, Mrs, etc.
You know, in my day as a court stenographer, I did a mini survey to myself while listening to and reporting testimony. Across the board, I would hear words to the effect: "At the meeting was George Schweitzer, Evan Johannsen, Luke Kaspersak, and...Mary somebody. I can't remember her last name." So kudos to NYT for remembering her last name.
Yep. They got the last name even though she is black and female. Big progress!!
Snark
Agree.
Mike, I had this very conversation over lunch last week. When it was announced that that President Biden had tested positive for Covid, my very educated, politically active friend said , then the Vice President is on high alert to step in if necessary. He stopped and said, "why can't I remember who the Vice President is?" . Sadly, I don't think he was the first person to have that brain fog over that.
Right. VP Harris does have some challenges but she is VP and should be trained as such.
Hopefully, better than HST, but he did allright
Yes, she should.
She is smart, competent and needs the backing of the boss. Period
Brian Tyler Cohen did a good interview w the VP on July 24th.
https://youtu.be/RpwEQtYS_oo
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!!
The other day one of our readers reminded me that the Atlantic is only accessible to paid subscribers. I notice they don't even allow a paid subscriber to gift one of their articles, at least I haven't found where you can do that. Someone else pointed out that the right-wing messaging is provided for free. That is disturbing, to say the least.
Having said all that, these two articles by Tom Nichols (A Republican) complement today's Letter IMO. The first was written in January 2022. He states, in part, "Democracy is in danger and we have about a year to save it. What do we do? We could, I suppose, keep bickering about policies and legislation. This would be reassuring and make us feel normal, as if we had survived our authoritarian moment. It would also be pointless, because if Americans elect a Republican House—and maybe even return the Senate to the GOP—the stage will be set for the accelerated collapse of American democracy." https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/peacefield/61d483f2d4168200210ce491/a-coalition-strategy-for-2022/
He states in the second, "A conservative who cares about the future of the constitutional order must face the reality that the Republican Party has become a menace to the Constitution and our system of government."
https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/peacefield/62d74c4e30d04800225b7346/republican-party-trump-conservatism/
I just posted this - it appeared twice so I deleted one, and both vanished. Second try: Jonathan Swan has just published three consecutive articles on schedule F, under the heading of "Inside Trump 25", which are enough to congeal the blood. https://www.axios.com/authors/jonathanswan
Thanks, Anne-Louise. I had a hard time accessing it, but will try again.
I have been copying and pasting Atlantic articles (since I subscibe) on facebook when I post them. Tedious, but it they are that good, figure it's worth it.
Sounds good, MaryPat. I subscribe to Atlantic, too, but not Axios. Not sure I want to add to my list!
Me neither. I will just wait for other HCR readers to post Axios articles!
🌞
Morning, Lynell! Thanks for the links. They are bookmarked for later.
Morning, Ally! I hear you on the bookmark thing. I'm awash with them!
Rep Vance needs educating on domestic violence. Witnesses to it are also victims of it. Have the brains in the rust belt turned to rust?
Michele, perhaps he should read his own Hillbilly Elegy.
Maybe the trauma of his youth is just now manifesting itself?
There is truth in this. Trauma changes the brain. I'm fascinated about the tragedies that seem to pursue some of my R friends'families. Our country is largely traumatized and our media keeps us there, working from the survival zone, rather than the higher thinking frontal lobe. It's no accident. This take on things has helped me find empathy for those that continue to vote against the collective good.
Steph, if infants are left alone too long, by their standard of need, their brain switches from learning mode (I am safe) to survival mode (I am not safe). The anxiety is established. The limbic system is in control. The nation needs educated on healthy parenting and healthy conflict resolution.
True that. I worked in child welfare for sixteen years. Saw it with my own two eyes. I was trying not to get too wonky in how our HPA axis chain is getting constantly yanked, including through early hard coding which makes us more prone to that fall into that HPA cascade and I would also say harder to see it, and through epigenetic changes in the genome. The switch, I would argue, can be in many cases switched back, but at a minimum attenuated, with considerable effort.
I suspect that my D.I.D., CPTSD, GAD, PANIC, AGORAPHOBIA, MDD, etc have thrown my HPA axis into DEFCON 2 and that's the reason I have insulin resistance but not T2. I mean the birth child of this body is 2 years old. I have had anxiety for at least 71 years. So it wasn't until later in life that I learned about anxiety and hypervigilance. Oh, so I was neurosparky and didn't even know it.
Yes, without any doubt whatsoever
For Dixiecrats? Long ago.
This is wonderful so many facts that we don’t see reported by our media So many truths we all need to know Thank you again Professor for all the work you do to teach and inform us👏👏👏
Reading about trump's inaction on January 6th reminds me of the iconic photo of him with his arms crossed at the G7 meeting with Angela Merkel standing over him, trying to get him to change his mind about climate change.
What an imature, spoiled little crybaby. He gets what he wants even when he knows he's wrong. That's been him his whole life. He knows he lost the election but he still wants to be king. He'll never change.
Knew that from the escalator ride, he was a joke then, but became a clown with a flame thrower.
Thank you Heather.
I read and consider every word you write, trusting your scholarship and your soul.
In this current contentious contest for our nation’s future, I have chosen the pro people and pro planet side, the all persons are created equal side, the liberty and justice for all side. Damn the torpedoes!
So Heather, do you mean to say we can be a bit hopeful that democracy will remain intact? I just think of my dad who would fall straight out of his chair, no he was walking fine until 3 days before he died. I mean he would have never, ever believed such a thing could come to pass in the country his mother came to at age 20 for a better life.
Thank you Heather.
President Biden should be speaking about what the January 6th Committee has uncovered 24/7. Republicans are doubling down on their contrary stand toward the Committee. "It's a sham. It's a witch hunt" and more seems to be their rebuttal to the Committee. The comments appear to be a rehash of the Mueller Report and Impeachment mantra. It worked last time.
While driving in the country this weekend, I saw a large handwritten sign infront of a Trumpers house that read "Stop Democrats from spreading the lies on the witch hunt TV trial. "
Who wants to tell them?
Be safe. Be well.
Imagine having these Nazis as the persons in charge of your county including the Sheriff whose extra large white Stetson he wears both indoors and outdoors regardless of weather which he exchanges for a pointy white hat off duty? That's rural Montana where I live. Where monster trucks drive in large caravans through town w oversized upside down Confederate flags flown next to the Don't Tread on Me flag permanently poled into the beds of their trucks. And as a Jewish, elderly, disabled, single woman I am supposed to register to vote and go into town to vote?
Sabrina, no I can't imagine that. I have heard that Montana is not remotely what the travel ads make it out to be. I worked with a guy who had a lifelong goal of living there. He bought into it at an early age. He moved to Billings about 6 years ago, lasted a couple of years there then moved back to New York.
I don't know how you do it.
Thank you Linda. I am sorry about your friend. Billings is Thuglican headquarters for Montana. It must have been painful for your friend. I would move right now if I could replace my access to Yellowstone with my horses and the extremely low cost of my USDA mortgage. The ads about the beauty of Montana are truly understated. The people living in the remote rural communities are completely aligned with WS and WCN with a very few exceptions. My immediate neighbors have made themselves very clear I am not welcome here.
I'm so sorry your neighbors are like that to you. This country is so difficult just to get by in let alone these current conditions that make it heartbreaking.
My friend told someone that he ran into that Montana is beautiful country, it's just the people that make it impossible to enjoy and stay there.
So sad. 😥
Thank you. Yes it is sad. I have lived here wo leaving since 2003. The decent pp either leave or only stay here a brief time per year. Having lived in all states west of the Rockies I never felt settled till here. The Thuglicans make life so much less than it could be.
Sabrina are these people transplants or generational residents in your area?
the cult rules the fools, and Rupert won’t tell.
Just a side note: AOC tweeted out a way to access floor debates on bills that are introduced in the House. For example, she says to google "cspan debate contraception." There you can find who said what about the bill. That one is for the contraception bill which has since passed.
I was thinking, though, for future bills we could do the same by googling "cspan debate..." then type in whatever the bill is that is being proposed.
https://twitter.com/cspanJeremy/status/1550266287758213121?s=20&t=MvCubk9nhh2z818B0azmUg
Meanwhile in Europe, fall of Italy's national unity government under Mario Draghi and a very real threat of resurgent fascism, in the shape of Fratelli d'Italia, the latest avatar of the National Fascist Party.
Naturally enough, party to Putin's nascent Neo-Fascist International which, as we have been seeing in the US, is more like a global mafia web.
Apparently, the FDI have formed a new overseas chapter in Orlando FL... Local links?
I don't think there's any real danger of a return of fascism in Italy - the old scars are deep and painful. The Italians are by nature ungovernable - they flout the laws, love to argue and complain - also there are big cultural differences north and south of Rome - but when Beppe Grillo's "movement" got into government they had no idea what to do... I haven't seen any traces of infiltration by Bannon and/or Farage.
No, I agree with you that the old forms are improbable in Italy, as is a fully criminal regime on Hungarian lines. It's more like making a fine art (a very, very conceptual one) of headless chicken irresponsibility.
I love my Italian friends' passion but am totally puzzled by their enthusiasm for unmoored ideas and for dictators like Putin.
It takes highly intelligent people to do the most stupid things...
It is in the USA that the very worst symptoms of the disease are already very much in evidence, yet the head surgeons seem deeply hesitant.
All the forms of fascism seem to be a very real possibility, yet the people sleep on...
*
As for the Berlusca... before he entered Italian politics I went through a phase of wondering if the successful businessman's gifts of intuition could be useful in national politics. The Cavaliere put paid to such notions. His opportunism was and is entirely devoted to his personal interests.
Too much to ask myopic Americans with their cult of "success" to learn that lesson...
Very interesting post, Peter. The intellectual elite in Italy are on a stratospheric plane - in every field - but the biting criticism and satire in literature and cinema, (everyone - from Rossellini and De Sica through Fellini, Visconti and Pasolini to Sorrentino) although universally admired, hold up a mirror which produces no practical effect. Toscanini locked horns with Mussolini, publicly refusing to play "Giovinezza" before the opera, but the only thing that resulted from that was that Toscanini moved to America. Your lines about the Cavaliere fit the star of The Apprentice, builder of hotels.
“It takes highly intelligent people to do the most stupid things.” Learned this while working at jr high. The poor average slogger couldn’t do nearly as much damage as a brilliant disaffected teen. Still true.
Ciao Peter,
Recent polls in Italy show that 60% of Italians are shocked and dismayed that the Draghi government has fallen, while 60% also intend to vote for a coalition of Fratelli d'Italia (Meloni), la Lega (Salvini) and Forza Italia (Berlusconi) who -- along with the Cinque Stelle -- conspired to bring down Draghi and force early elections.
The USA has Trump. Italy is Italy. Tutto il mondo è un paese.
Succinct comment. And despite the specifics of Italian weirdness, the bite is in your closing sentence...
Tutto il mondo e paese... Many ways of being nuts -- all nuts...
And as the Italians of all people should know from WW2, the cure for mass psychosis is at least as nasty as the disease.
Yes, we are hearing Italians use the F word more often. No, not that F word.
True in America as well. Where is Ike?
Berlusca is getting a wee bit old to be dangerous, in spite of all available artificial aids. If they get a good man (Prodi, Draghi, Renzi) they make mincemeat out of him. How do you solve a problem like Italia? (with apologies to Hammerstein).
Anne-Louise, Berlusca is still dangerous because his remaining loyal followers are the difference between the Right taking power or not. He has been promised the prestigious presidency of the Senate as a reward for helping to bring down Draghi. A great pal of Putin's, he is still a clown, but the joke has worn thin. And while I appreciate the wisdom of both Prodi and Draghi, i do not trust the narcissistic Renzi to do what's best for Italy. Smart he is, but neither honest nor trustworthy. I think Italy is at its best when the populists are on short leashes.
I see!
Renzi - pity. I'd thought better of him, although he certainly didn't make a quantum leap from Mayor of Florence. But your pithy summing up actually describes a great many Italians. (Not the Professore, though - )
But who is to hold the populists on short leashes?
As in the USA, it's up to the voters. At least all resident Italian citizens are automatically registered to vote and elections are held on a Sunday. No excuses.
Love your apology.
“The group distributed flyers, one of which said "every single aspect of abortion is Jewish."
“Creative Loafing Tampa Bay photographer Dave Decker caught photos of the neo-Nazis waving swastika flags, along with flags that read "DeSantis Country."
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/neo-nazis-gathered-outside-the-turning-point-usa-summit-at-tampa-convention-center-this-weekend-32100641
Good heavens.
Didn’t Steve Bannon do his evil deeds in Italy a while back.
Sure... Trying to help found a center for ultra-conservative studies in an ancient Charterhouse. His help doesn't seem to have been helpful to the undertaking...
In Italy? the land of bella figura? Bannon???
I don't think he'd have done any better there than he did with Marine Le Pen.
Love. Just sending love.
And wife beating was legal until sometime in the 1920s. Nothing on the books about husband beating...
So glad I found a man who couldn’t fathom either.
Rosalind. My wife is aware that there is no law against husband beating!!
😊😊