Today, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told radio personality Hugh Hewitt that it is “highly unlikely” that he would permit President Biden to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court if the Republicans win control of the Senate in 2022.
that McConnell “would permit” or not permit a Supreme Court replacement? who is this person who has the gall to make threats like this? this guy is a threat to U.S. sovereignty and stability. he needs to be removed from his leadership position. he needs to go.
I found a video clip of him with *ucker Carlson cackling that he had " shut down Obama" during President Obama's presidency. He is evil. Years ago a friend whose father was a senator said it is the power. You can taste it. It becomes all consuming.
It has always been stunning that one man could basically take the Senate to a stand still and prevent them from doing the job they were elected and paid to do. It just seems there should be something illegal about this this. Obviously Democrats haven't been in control for so long it is hard to remember when Congress, especially the Senate actual worked for the people. And these days their sworn oath is just meaningless words.
The discoloration in his hands and upper lip is indicative of a half dozen possible causes, some benign, some serious. It is impossible to diagnose from afar. You should be careful about making claims without evidence. I want McConnell to go away as much as anyone, but let’s not make stuff up.
There are plenty others standing in the wings to take his place. Remember Tom Delay? These guys are like the flood in Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Can’t keep up with the flood of misery they create.
He’s the minority leader of the Senate. The Constitution requires consent of the Senate for SC appointments. The president is not above the Senate in this matter.
It’s nothing less than a declaration of war on the constitution and our democracy. It’s brazen and unrepentant. The republicans and McConnell have put on their jackboots and summoned their tanks and are moving forward to crush all opposition by political force every bit as blatant as the London blitzkreig. Can we stand up to it?
Yes, we can; and it will probably be a long, violent haul. January 6 scared me more than any other political violence I’ve experienced. I’ve been reading your discussions after Dr. Richardson’s wonderful letters now for several months. I am glad to be joining a smart, (mostly) respectful discussion.
Welcome, Liz, from another newbie! I hope I'm smart. I'm having my doubts, reading some the brilliant folks who hang around here....At least we were smart enough to join this family.
Good morning beautiful people… remember when thinking about “smart” or “brilliant” or “genius”… that there are all kinds of smart….book smart, street smart, emotionally smart, nature smart, artsy smart, etc. And all of that shows up on this stream!
Thanks for acknowledging Multiple Intelligence, Christine. Howard Gardner?
We all have so much to share and learn. This is an interesting community forum (I wouldn't call it 'family'). I'm grateful everyday that Heather provides this forum! I value the wealth of experience and knowledge shared here....always thought provoking. Welcome Liz!
Yes! Everyone's thoughts are important! The key is to be open to learning, and willing to change one's mind a bit, perhaps, if new information comes along.
Not sure about the genius part, but you certainly are in a really great stable with us (in more than one way)! Many of us were on the edge of straitjackets before the Heather community arose.
"Can we stand up to it?” you ask. I say, “Yes, we can!"
So far, I’ve learned of stalwart Democrats running for the 2022 Senate races in PA (Lt Gov. John Fetterman), OH (Rep. Tim Ryan) and FL (Rep. Val Demings).
Make a contribution this morning, and I bet you’ll feel great! And you’ll know that YOU can take a stand!
My thoughts focused on how to move forward in the Congress on voting rights. It is time to take it apart and get a few of the key provisions against voter suppression passed. What is most important to me is to curb the state legislatures that are setting things up so they can overthrow any election that isn't bright red. I don't think the For the People Act addresses that so there is an opportunity for a new bill focused on it. I am also very disturbed about the threats to election workers -- both in terms of the death threats and the punishments by laws for the least mistake. In Texas the poll watchers have more rights than the election workers. And, every election worker I've talked to tells the story of over entitled poll watchers making it difficult for them. Election workers are quitting in droves leaving the positions open for ill-trained and possibly biased election worker newbies. Where are the people enforcing the existing laws on elections?
I agree Cathy. The changes in state rules and or law allowing legislatures to step in and alter results must be the target of federal law, executive order, or DOJ intervention which AG Garland has alluded to.
Being in FL, our SOE in my County is already concerned about the utter lack of interest and commitment from many dedicated poll workers to continue serving. That in itself is a complete threat and disruption of service to democracy.
Will it take getting on buses and going to our State capitals to demonstrate against Republican legislatures and governors having the power to upend election results? And that includes laying down in the streets, being tear-gassed and exposed to violence by the extreme right, if not by some of the police and those who believe the "big lie." And not just a one time event, but every day! And who will organize this? When will we have our Tiananmen Square moment?
McConnell revels in being called "the gravedigger of democracy." What is it going to take for Breyer to get the message that it's time to go if he doesn't want to be "Ginsburged."
Manchin is worse than Neville Chamberlain, Daladier, and all the appeasers of the 30s.
Reading your excellent "Tidal Wave", TC. After all the forces this country brought to bear to save democracy in WWII, how come we have no mechanism for removing a - I am at a loss for words to descibe McConnel's despicableness - oh, a gravedigger of democracy?
Me too, MaryPat. On chapter three, The Big Blue Blanket. It’s not the type of book I’m usually drawn to, but I find myself fascinated by the action and detail.
Yes! I have been blown away since the prologue - how did I not know that "Nagasaki was the most Christian, pro-Western, anti-Imperial city in Japan, and was destroyed as an alternative to abandoning the bomb over the ocean."? Thanks TC. I think.
Spot on, Ted! Manchin thinks is is being wise instead of being naive. Or he's like any other politician who leverages his advantage into a big ask right before the crucial vote.
I think that's an insult to Benedict Arnold! He did feel personally aggrieved because he was successful against the British at a time when he was about the only leader who was successful, but he took what for many seemed a principled stance.
Not certain that is ALL it is about. What is he doing that we are not able to see? What actions are taken in the name of those who toss him money? But yes, the perceived power went to his addled brain.
The two others were doing it for their personal reasons regarding their real political power as well. At least they had some! Chamberlain was fending off Churchill and Daladier was battling with Renaud while Petain hung around menacingly in the wings! They were trying to get a little space and time for infighting....not fighting Hitler. Chamberlain had to declare war 2 days later......and did nothing for 6 months while Poland was destroyed and Daladier held his breath while Stalin attacked Finland. They were not holding their own people hostage, just setting them up for slaughter.....lambs bleating that no wolf could possibly be that nasty as to want to eat them for dinner too. Manchin and Sinema have been offered the limelight and their Warholian 15 minutes by the Senat's 50:50 split and they are using and abusing this position....that's normal and after they have backed off others will try....most certainly the Berners or AOC etc.
It is firstly a natural consequence of the "broad house" structure of the 2 parties as they inevitably overlap in the center. Secondly and in contradiction, it follows on very neatly to the individualist philosophy and myth encouraging the heroic pursuit of the "golden grail" by the lone knight......"I am right and you all don't understand so I will hang in there till the light dawns in your brains". It is an integral part of an attempt to maintain individually competitive personal relations (meritocracy?) in what is becoming a more collective, consensual society. America is by nature a "consensual" society as in the past, pre-Reagan times, everybody fought like hell exchanging ideas before a consensual decision was taken and then lined up fully behind it for implementation. Post-Reagan has tried to abolish this thought and become infinitely more competitive in which the debate never ends till you accept the others idea. Nostalgia is a very important part of the American Dream.
I do not know these histories nor men, but what strikes me is the fact that so many wars are fought because of simple, stupid egos. Is this right? We go round and round, little changes except planet degradation through the eons. We elect actors, can we have some educated, psychologically stable leaders please?
Neville Chamberlain was prime minister of the U.K. and came back in 1938 waving an appeasement document signed by Hitler and declared "Peace for our time." Sort of like Sue Collins on not impeaching tRump on the first try, saying "He's learned his lesson."
She probably thought that beating Trump over the head with a balloon would do the trick. She should be organizing childrens anniversary parties in Maine's boondocks and not be "partying" in the Senate!
Yes, names change, struggle remains the same. I will keep petting my dog, calling my representatives and casting my vote, and try to keep up. Thanks all.
That is a very simple point of view, Lynn, which I happen to agree with. Man in nature needs to dominate to survive and his environment reinforces this. That's why I believe women are more suited to lead great nations--with logic, compassion and an iron will when needed. More testosterone can mean less wisdom.
Merely calling Hitler, Stalin, Genghis Kahn, Mao Ste Tung, Napoleon, Hengist, Horsa, Cortes, Alexander egotistical is to slightly understate the case. Worse though is the number of people who see a personal advantage in helping them slaughter others.
So in 2021, with all the wisdom of that history, in addition to all the new knowledge gained from the study of neuroscience and psychiatry/psychology, why on earth do we not have a significant mental fitness test for any candidate running for an office that wields so much power?
Because such tests and the interpretation of their "results" by their nature and origins inevitably, in part at least, reflect the biases of the people creating and applying them. It offers the opportunity of at least a partial censorship of ideas and people. You might just as well test all those who propose to vote for or against to make sure tht they are "of sound mind". It always begs the question " what is "sound" , what are the criteria that would calibrate sanity?
Sorry Stuart, but I don’t buy that argument. Military folks are required to take a mental fitness test are they not? Why wouldn’t the CIC have to pass the same test? We’re talking about a singular person who wields the power to kill millions with a single action. We’re not talking about the power of a single vote. There are plenty of expert historians and psychiatrists who are well studied in the personalities of all those you have mentioned. Just because we can’t do it perfectly is not a reason to do it at all. Kind of like the founders writing the Constitution.
"You might just as well test all those who propose to vote for or against to make sure that they are "of sound mind". Well, Stuart, speaking just for my little corner of Bedlam, I can tell you many here are not. 😔😕 (In my not-so-humble opinion, that is.)
And recall that a President IS required to have a medical exam. Along comes The Former Occupant, and he gets a secret medical exam by his personal physician, and the only report the public gets is that TFO is in "perfect health." Had there been psych testing for Stalin, we all know he would have been diagnosed as being the sanest, most intelligent person on the planet. TFO would have been officially declared a "stable genius" on his psych evaluation. In a political environment where lies outweigh truth, all tests fail.
At least a basic test to see whether they have any idea how government works and whether or not they see little green men in their cereal each morning.
Yup! Very much "I know what should be the structure and content of life, the world and the human entity and you are empty, ignorant vessels so i will do it for you...and incidentally reward myself for having seen the light and done it"
We also need more leaders with courage. I’ve just finished Michael Lewis’s fine book The Premonition and my takeaway is that people with courage to buck the system and stand up for their beliefs are essential (and unfortunately rare). But they’re there! We need to find and support them.
Today there are so many barriers to overcome to successfully run for office. First, the massive monies needed to just get your name and stance out there. Then the affiliation with a party can be very dangerous in that one party is much more likely to use threats and aggression to intimidate people running for office. And, backgrounds in social media, criminal history, and wonky past behaviors must be pristine. Intelligent and responsible people just don't want to tackle that to run for office.
Stuart, I’ve come back a few times today and every dang time there has been a new lesson full of historical tidbits from “Prof”Attewell. Thank you. You have kept the slo-cooker on this forum going today!
I have the benefit of living in a competive society...where the debate never ends as nobody either listens to the other or modifies their position to achieve consensus around a decision...so decisions are not made and nothing changes, problems just persist and nobody can move on! Ideology is dangerous for your mental health and for the growth of society.
I dunno what everybody else thinks, but I think the only thing Manchin is twisting is the whirlwind of Koch Campaign Cash. But thanks to Citizens United, we, and the people of West Virginia will never know. But we know his claims of bi partisanship are 100% bull$&!t
More than 50 years ago I passed my high school history exam. I was asked to tell about the constitution of the Soviet Union after 1920. I knew absolutely nothing of the matter, but I am still proud for saving myself with saying: "If there is no real division between political power and the power of law, it does not matter what the constitution says."
There is very definite defined division, Olof. Unfortunately, it has eroded seriously. Time to call in the Army Corp of Engineers for some beach renourishment as they commonly do our Florida Gulf coast beaches. I can just imagine their huge siphons burying nasty, pea-brained, lying, greedy, fawning politicians under arcs of sand from the Gulf floor.
Are you implying that it will take the involvement of the military to save democracy? That's a big jump. But that's the way it goes in the rest of the Western Hemisphere south of us, and with minimal success.
Actually, my comment was a visual fantasy of the big barge and siphon right now on my Florida Gulf beach involved in renourishment right now. The Army Corp of Engineers is about as non partisan as it gets.
Yesterday I talked about the 14th amendment section 3 which doesn't allow insurrectionists to hold any federal office. Tonight I'm thinking this is the way to take care of the biggest insurrectionist of them all -- the orange guy. Wouldn't it be great if before 2024 he is forbidden to run for any office leaving the want-a-bee Republican Presidential candidates to destroy each other. Sounds like fun doesn't it.
Unfortunately.....or perhaps fortunately, he would ride roughshod over the law as per usual, take it as a badge of pride and an insult to his dearly beloved followers, run write-in campaigns all over the country and hold meetings with his trumpites in stadia throughout his fantasy world. His people would love it, make a lot of useless noise, buy a lot of rubbish, show their guns on parade and donate $$$$$ to his personal account....and fade away in the cold light of autumnal drizzle and cold. It would be a bonanza of a bun fight....like fireworks on the 4th July,....here today, gone tomorrow.. The result would be a magnificent bust-up in the Republican Party as it would block for good the hopes of the "wannabes" as he wouldn't countenance supporting any of them to replace him and doubtless split the Republican vote in every single state between the Cheneyists and themselves. It would not necessarily however stop some of his underlings getting elected but would seriously damage their potential for controlling the Houses of Congress in DC and the different State Assemblies around the country.. In reality, Trump doesn't need to be banned from elective office for "insurrection" to achieve this maga-nificent "Own Goal". But every little bit that Garland's DOJ and the FBI can do in the meantime to occuppy full time Trump's malignant lawyers filing delaying motions, the more annoyed he'll get and the less he'll listen to any voices of rationality or "realpolitik" which might dictate more pertinent and effective strategies. He still thinks his maga-nificent 2020 election lies will be pertinent in the election years to come....cloud cuckoo land!
Yes. And my bet is on some of his sycophants not being able to run for office either. It appears imperative for the Jan 6th and the politically motivated DOJ subpoena requests for phone records investigations to lead the way. The Republican vehement pushback against fact finding and discovery is becoming extremely alarming to many Americans.
Cathy, I like the way you think. What would be the "body" to forbid him and/or his wanna be sycophant seditionists from running? Would that be the RNC? I'm not familiar with the law governing who can run and who cannot or the mechanisms that would prevent someone from becoming a candidate. If he is actually INDICTED and CONVICTED could he still declare himself to be "the" candidate?
I wish I knew more about the mechanics of this. Call me cynical and you would be correct. Having watch him literally tear apart the presidency for four years, flouting every known norm and rule (I realize these aren't laws), I guess I worry about him doing it one more time, on a grand scale as an illegitimate candidate. Would it be the DOJ who calls foul?
I am completely disgusted that it seems those with the highest power (Barr Sessions) can be brought before congressional hearings—before which they will lie, deflect, parse language. Meanwhile it’s obvious to the masses they are guilty. They not charged with crimes. There is zero consequence. It is a helpless and hopeless situation.
McConnell and Manchin have become absurd yet it goes on and on. It was my hope Biden would find a way to break the power of these obstructionists. I’m losing hope that will happen.
There is potential for this 'one thing after another' to rupture the facade all these criminals and seditionists are hiding behind. Biden may be judiciously biding his time.
Well, I do not think they are hiding at all behind a facade. They are blatantly in our faces mocking us and democracy. It is like democracy had her hands tied behind her back and these guys are grabbing our you know what's freely. What the hell is the matter outraged not being spoken by every one of our by our elected officials?
First, Biden has no such power. Second, the Barrs and Sessions of the world aren't held to account because few Democrats ask the toughest questions and persist until they get real answers. Or evasive, utterly revealing non-answers like Barr's in response to Kamala Harris's question about whether he had ever been asked by the White House to investigate someone.
Michael. First, Biden has such power to move things in a desired direction. Second, there are many Democrats locked in and very capable of not only asking tough questions but capable of getting some answers. And I’ll add a third. There are some Republicans and Independents to add to that list.
I do think part of Harris moving on was she had limited time and wasting it on Barr hemming and hawing while he parsed individual syllables was meaningless.
Revelations, investigations and condemnations of how the previous Republican administration played loosely with the limits of its power do not undo the harm they did and which Republicans are continuing to do to democracy on the State level. After all is said and done, they are getting away with it. And as for Russia, the same thing goes: Does anyone seriously believe they will quietly leave the Crimea, despite the condemnation of their actions there?
Given the current state of affairs, have any of you made changes to long term life plans? I'm very concerned, and I have researched emigrating to Canada. I've made a decision to not adopt another dog in case I have to leave abruptly and cannot take a pet with me. Am I being crazy? My heart is breaking. I never imagined that I'd be seriously considering these things. I'm heartbroken for committed couples who want children. Many must be so concerned to have or adopt children now.
Yes. My wife and I are looking hard at Portugal. I make more from my retirement pension and Social Security than do our dear friends, one of whom is a college professor and the other an ex-pat who is an author and fitness instructor. This does not count our planned-for retirement funding that considerably exceeds that.
This is not an easy thing for me to consider. I served 30 years in law enforcement, and have defended the constitution on a local level. When this idea first cropped up just into the former guy's presidency, I was adamantly opposed. Watching the gradual sinking of the opposing political party from one of at least a smattering of reason into the morass of lies and conspiracy theories has brought me around. I am one SCOTUS decision from losing my marriage, and other protections based on identity and gender. I'm not sure I have that much fight left in me.
Ally, I read your posts regularly. It’s presumptuous of me to say it, but you strike me as a really good person. I hope that’s not too intrusive a comment.
My friends and family are all here. At this age (recent Medicare age) hard to go someplace where I don't know anyone. My inner 20-35 year old would go to Scandinavia, or France, or New Zealand. There has been talk among members of my high school class about communal living, and about some place in Scandinavia (I didn't pay much attention at the time) and I could imagine if the proverbial dung hit the fan, that some of us might actually do it.
I feel similarly, and long to leave the hate so prevalent here and that I feel each time I think about the corrupt actors in Congress. I’ve never been a libertarian, but it is rather appealing at the moment to simply go where you are treated best. Some say problems are everywhere, but I know better, have seen it, experienced it, and stay only because of family ties. The U.S. failure to properly educate its citizens is now in full view, and consequences being felt are devastating.
I’ve been hopeful the tide will turn. Some say the ballot box must make it happen, but we need much more than that and fast. Democrats need to step up and get mean as hell, and to locate with precision the institutional controls to take down the individuals responsible for the corruption of our democracy.
I’ve written about this before… listen to our youngest gens. They are clear eyed in their responsibility to the future. And this is a demographic that autocratic political parties are concerned about. Their votes go toward a political future not clouded by racism, greed, and hatred.
I think this is a great point. Things will shift with future generations. They have grown up in such a different world than we did (assuming you're not 20!)
Kimberly, I'm 51 and everything my Mom who was a Silent Gen-er warned us about is coming true - the dangers of multinational companies and the multinational wealthy who have no loyalty to any one country amassing obscene amounts of wealth and power, white nationalists going mainstream, another Hitler like autocrat uniting the people in the hatred of a common enemy, etc. I am optimistic about the Millennials and Gen Z-ers. I see so much heart and ingenuity in them. I hope they can save us along with the young at heart Gen X-ers like me.
Many of today’s “elders”, driving the matters that arouse such outrage in us all today, came of age in a time of virtually unprecedented rebellion against the norms and actions of their America. This was of course the 1960s. Lyndon Johnson passed two landmark pieces of Civil Rights legislation, measures that empirically raised the level of opportunity for Black Americans to participate in America’s civil and economic life on terms that had not been possible to imagine. But even this was, correctly in my view, too little and most especially too late. We properly revere Martin Luther King today, yet it is instructive to remember that his method of non-violent revolt had lost its power to inspire his people by the time he was assassinated. Blacks had turned to righteous anger and there were riots in Detroit, Los Angeles and elsewhere that would make any similar incident last year look trifling by comparison.
In terms of race relations the prevailing view of the late Sixties among Blacks was best expressed for many young people by Malcolm X and Bobby Seale and the Black Panthers.
Every action provokes an equal and opposite reaction and the cycle of repression against Blacks reasserted itself. Generationally repression followed by violence followed by a period of exhaustion continues to play out. Will it end with this generation of youth?
The hippies and other young, idealistic Americans rebelled with wit, originality and ferocity as well against what they properly saw as the injustice of the Vietnam War. They fled America in droves as well, seeking to avoid being drafted. The draft was cunningly abolished. The Pentagon Papers were released and America’s stupidity and venality in Vietnam was exposed.
Surely those twenty-somethings would ensure that war was never originated by America again. But there was the Shah to be propped up, Americans in Grenada (!) to be rescued by American invasion. There were other small adventures as well in the Eighties and Nineties. But none compares to the jaw-dropping venality of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, fought not by those drafted, but those who saw in the military their best chance of realizing the American Dream. We let the poor and uneducated fight our battles now (equally true in Canada with its own participation in Afghanistan). A system of military service demanded of all would hardly function in a nation which fights wars so regularly.
And these wars were decided upon by those who came of age at a time when the prevailing slogan was “Never trust anybody over thirty”. We liked that saying because when Paul McCartney sang the endearing ballad “When I’m 64”, none of us really believed that it was possible to get that old.
The young of the Sixties raged against Fausto ness and corrupt thought in academia. We scorned the notion that the Cold War should last in perpetuity. We railed against the excesses of capitalism and advocated socialism. We males watched in awe and some uneasy surprise when women took to the streets for equality propelled by Germaine Greer, Simone de Beauvoir and others.
How well did those youth do? How strongly did they cling to their principles when their elders mobilized silently in the Seventies and openly thereafter to thwart them, to co-opt them, to make them see that a capitalist society is not as black and white as the young had seen it to be?
Those youth are referred to scornfully today with the succinct and cutting phrase, “Yeah Boomer” whenever we speak.
Our generation rocketed to prominence, rebelled in its might and certainties, mocked “The Establishment” - and then became it.
I had a professor who taught that the entire Western World had had a great chance to reform and change society through the hippie movement. I liked the sentiment but thought it was a gross overstatement. I’m not so sure now.
Icons remain from that age and we admire them because they stayed true to their principles. Bernie Sanders and Muhammad Ali come to mind. But they are few and far between. Most of us got older, adapted, and struggled to make a life. Some decided that America should return to a mythical Golden Age and climbed the greasy pole to attain power to affect that. And have been bought out. After all what can be done in a town where the lobbyists outnumber the lawmakers 44:1?
Forgive me if I don’t join your headlong rush to believe that this young generation will change the world. They won’t, at least not without the greatest strife the world has seen.
Our generation was idealistic and relatively and was sucked in by the promise of getting our share and more of what was out there.
This generated is bound to one another by scarcity. Certainly there are the privileged young who will rule the world in time. But most of today’s kids are the backbone of the gig economy and have come through a pandemic.
Do we really expect them to rise up and save us from ourselves when we keep them so busy just trying to survive?
We can enjoy the young and revel in the purity of their ideals.
But it is unfair and self-deluding to expect them not to have become a generation of “Boomers” fifty years hence.
And what upheavals, climatic and otherwise, will the world suffer in the coming half-century?
This is certainly thoughtfully written, thank you for that. Change is hard. And as much as some of us resist it, it happens regardless. Look at how many things have changed for the better since the 60's: interracial relationship acceptance, LGTBQ culture mainstreamed, gay marriage, economic success of black people, economic success of women, awareness of animal welfare, awareness of racism, awareness of spousal abuse, awareness of human trafficking, to mention a few. And yes, there are things that haven't changed and there are things that are worse. I do not expect anything of the younger generations, the would be unfair. But I do hope, for them. Because the better off everyone is, the better off everyone is. I hope the future "we" equivalent, who objected to the war in Iraq, will outnumber the others. I hope the future "we" who are kinder, more generous, less entitled, more careful with our resources, more informed, more open minded, will outnumber the others in increasingly greater numbers. I think it's possible they may be scrappier, happier, tougher, smarter because of what they have been through. It's what I hope, but I would never expect anything. Why would I? That would be unreasonable.
Well, all that Eric. I remain convinced that this demographic of the young…and I loosely categorize 18-40 yrs old…. It’s a worrisome demographic of any autocratic political force. The young are protesting not only in the streets but at their keyboards. They are collaborators. And as I said on another day, the reject the caste structure of a ladder and resist putting a boot on the neck of anyone who thrives. Their structure is a circle and I think the appropriate mental model.
Chris, I'm 73 and it totally stinks to have been right about all that. Don't waste your time praising us, see if you can do a more effective job than we did of turning things around.
In complete agreement with your statement Christine. My youngest daughter is the new generation, and she and her friends are educated, intelligent, forward focused on their future, and concerned about our democracy, climate change, racism, equality, and justice for all people, not just a select few. I'm glad we have this new generation of young people to reverse the damage being done by old white conservatives who are in power right now.
You know Lynne…they don’t see it as reversing damage. Where we are at with so many things whether it’s our food sources, debt, politics, social media, entertainment and on and on….seems to be it is what it is with them. It’s a starting point and they clarify it dispassionately. They are so forward thinking and passionate as to where they project ending up after the work and then go BACKWARDS and map the steps returning to where we are. It’s so fascinating to me. Different planning and problem solving process. Somehow the village that has raised them has given them the freedom to do things differently. Maybe more discussion on this another time.
At 76, like a vintage car with multiple mechanical problems, rust & bondo patches, I would not like to set out on a long road trip. Besides I have found that I fysically can no longer function in cold weather, so Canada is out of the question. (My first 18 winters were in St. Louis). However, I fear for my grandsons & great-grandsons who will be around long-term to deal with the demise of our nation.
Rob Boyte, you are such a delightful writer -- and then you end with a thud: "the demise of our nation." You exude humor, spirit, forbearance. Let's all nuture those qualities in us. Remember: Your/our grands and great-grands and their fellow citizens will be here, they'll be putting the place right again, and our generation (some of which has made such a God-awful mess of things) will be gone, no longer sticking our fingers and quarter-baked ideas (and GUNS) into everything.
We must keep the faith, cheer on our young people, do what we can to make our communities stronger, more cohesive, to defend what we know to be right and true. The moral imperatives, for Pete's sake, welfare, justice, dignity. We haven't lost this. Not even close. (Well, OK, maybe a bit too close.) We ARE the good guys (you can tell by the pinched, dour faces on the opposite pole) -- and there are more of us than them. We're going to be all right.
(That said, I DO have a small generator to keep electronics running, and fresh water and canned goods set aside. And plenty of ground coffee, of course. But that's for another discussion.)
Well said. If we just give up, who will be left to fight these cretins? I'm 78, so a move across town would be difficult, let alone moving to another (cold) country. Thank you for pointing out that there are more of us than them. Recent years (especially since the outrage displayed when Barack Obama won the presidency) have been difficult, but it should mobilize anyone with a brain to action, to bring us back to building a better country. We can't allow these lesser beings to bring us to our knees.
Well, there's no guarantee that we'll prevail if we try, but we all understand the consequences of just giving up. Who would have predicted a Biden win in Georgia?
And the Canadian "snow geese" wintering in Florida know what you mean. I did 24 winters in Montreal. Loved it when I was 30 and 40 but now love seeing snow once in a while for a change and often from afar. One doesn't forget having to "unfreeze" the car when you were in a hurry!
I don't know that a lot of Americans are making conscious decisions to limit or steer their lives in defensive ways. But there is no doubt considerable stress on Americans due to the political machinations of Republicans, particularly the increasing trend toward attack politics and open unapologetic violence. Their violence much like spouce battering is both physical and verbal.
My elderly aunt, a life long Republican, living in a heavily Trump Republican area, with three Trump supporting adult children has been beside herself since Trump first stated his candidacy with all of his belligerence in 2015. She tells me she has almost no one to talk on any meaningful topic. She plays cards and keeps her mouth shut.
My sister, best friends with my younger sister, can now only talk about hooking rugs. Our younger sister has adopted her southern rural area's Trump outlook.
My brother jokes about our Democratic governor potentially messing up a family reunion because of the covid19 protection measures. He lives in an area which escaped much of the infection, surrounded by regions of our state and neighboring states that suffered. And his business is affected by Canada's border closing.
Covid19, climate change, income inequality, police violence, etc are enough to create trauma. But when a large group of Americans can deny, obstruct and create autocratic laws and Capital attacks in states and DC without consequences is mentally and emotionally debilitating for our citizens and nation. It's like having cancer, knowing you have it, being told to use miracle therapies, refusing to use medical science as you slowly die.
My wife and I have talked about it, and done a little research. I first started looking into this in 2006, during the Bush/Cheney years. I thought the US was going into full-on dictatorship. And then in 2006, the whole Bush/Cheney regime crumbled, surprising me and making feel like a paranoid fool.
Here are some of my second-round thoughts in the wake of the last four-year shitstorm. (Can we call the US insurrectionists "shitstorm troopers?")
First, if you are in your 50's or later (depends on where), you may not be able to become a citizen in another country, unless you buy into their social benefits system (and maybe not then). In 2006, it required somewhere around $1 - $3 million, depending on where you went. So your only realistic option (unless you are wealthy) is to become an expatriated US citizen, meaning you are still a US citizen, living abroad. Your retirement income will be your investments (if any) and US Social Security, just like you were living in the US.
Second, you are going to face at least a culture shock, and in most places, a language shock. My wife is fluent in English and Spanish (she's a translator, in fact); my college German is so rusty, I could not buy train tickets in Germany. In much of Europe, Canada, and South America, you can get by with English, at least in the cities, and your Americanisms will likely be gracefully tolerated because most people you meet respect Americans and will be more generally polite than you are accustomed to. From what I've read, every American dreams of moving to Costa Rica; most Americans who visit feel like they've "come home." Those who move, often move back within a year or two, because they can't get past the culture shock.
Third, if your motivation is escape from the US, rather than a passionate desire to become, say, a resident of Porto because you so love the city and the culture, you are likely to carry that fear with you, along with a certain bitterness, and ongoing concern for your family still in the US. Also consider that if the US really goes into the tank, you will be an American in a foreign country. A little like, perhaps, being a German in America after the fall of the Third Reich. That American respect will vanish, and you could actually be more vulnerable outside the US than inside.
When you look at the great emigrations of the past -- my paternal grandfather came over in the European emigration wave in the late 1900's -- it's generally because staying put became untenable. Conditions in the US are not untenable for most of us participating on this page.
Our decision has been to stay in the US. We still keep the atlas open, and occasionally play the Where In the World Should We Move To game.
I am a practicing Canadian/U.S. immigration lawyer (called to the bar in B.C. 1985, 1988 WA State. It is quite difficult for retired U.S. folks to become permanent residents of Canada. Canada formerly had a "retiree" category but has not had this for a long time, ever since its focus shifted to seeking young, reproduction age, highly educated or skilled workers in certain trades.
But it is surprising how many folks living along the border are actually Canadian citizens but don't know it ("Lost Canadians"). This is due to changes in the law regarding loss and transmission of Canadian citizenship. If one has a Canadian grandparent there is a possibility that one may in fact be a Canadian via transmission of citizenship.
Good to know. My paternal grandparents came here from what is now a neighborhood in Mirimichi in New Brunswick. There are days when the thought of being a “lost”Canadian would be far preferable to an American, Eh?
In all my years of practice, nothing comparable to the surge of "Lost Canadian" citizenship cases Trump precipitated. People could not wait to get out.
A person in need of protection is a person in Canada who can’t return to their home country safely. This is because, if they return, they may face
danger of torture
risk to their life
risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
There are instances of American citizens being granted asylum or refugee status in Canada. Most are U.S. born children of undocumented parents. If Trump or his ilk get back into power it is likely we will see a rise in these cases.
We moved to Europe last year. Not just for the American political climate, but the shootings, California's fires, the inability to have health coverage for all Americans, the tax issues. We just had our Spanish taxes done. 3 pieces of paper. Our U.S. taxes require a ream. My husband walks at 5 am with no fear. Fresh foods that are incredible. We will never go back.
We love it here. We are in an area with few Americans or Brits because we truly want to experience different culture. A children's school near us was a women's college before Franco. It became a women's prison during his regime. It is a new democracy for people who have experienced what authoritarian governments do.
Chris R., I’ve thought of Canada, too, but it is most unlikely they would take me. I am over 70 and retired and they give priority to individuals who will contribute financially to their economy.
Sara, your perception is correct - and even if it was easy to immigrate to Canada, it becomes especially complicated for retired folks with U.S. assets like IRAs etc.
We welcomed the Americans who left to avoid being drafted to Vietnam. Our PM, Pierre Trudeau, despised Nixon and had personal delight in taking those young men in.
And they made wonderful contributions to Canada. Andy Barrie (superpower, peerless radio commenter), Jane Jacobs - groundbreaking scholar on urban living, Jay Scott, theatre critic for the Globe, Naomi Klein’s father, Wayne Robinson, father of Svend who became a Member of Parliament. And on and on. Somewhere between 20 000 and 30 000.
This news just makes me even angrier at Senators Manchin and Sinema. On what @&$#%!! planet are they living??? They talk about “bipartisanship”, after which the Evil Turtle spits in their face, and then they whimper to him, “Please, Sir, can I have some more?” It’s infuriating.
Sen. Sinema has a good chance of being primaried out. Many people who helped in her election efforts are not at all happy with how she has governed (or not) since being elected.
Just wondering how many times McConnell is going to have to tell us who he is before we believe him? Also, much as we would like this and all other evidence to
change Manchin’s mind, it won’t. He has prioritized his re-election over democracy. Though I’d love to know what his vision is for a country that can’t/won’t pass any legislation at all. I guess he likes an obstructed agenda over having to take a stand for anything other than continued obstruction?
Is there anything nice about Senator McConnell? Does he cuddle kittens, stroke the dog, or pat little babies on the head (gently)? Does he help elderly people across the street in heavy traffic, and does he dress as Santa at Christmas? Does he change the nappies (sorry - diapers to you) of his great grandchildren and does he help wash the dishes (or at least load them into the dishwasher) at family gatherings, and is he the life and soul of any party? I think we should be told.
Question for today’s video: Has any one man (or in this case two men) ever held this much power in the US Senate?
McConnell’s comments leave no doubt they his thirst for piwer is unquenched. Once the judiciary is in your pocket, the road to an autocratic theocracy is paved and ready to open.
In days long past, other senators in the majority leader's party would have never ever sanctioned these abuses. McConnell's out-of-control "power" springs from the willingness of other GOP senators to be led around by the nose. They would call it unparalleled party discipline. It has indeed served them well — in slowly but inexorably ruining the country.
McConnell and his ilk are ruining the country for everyone else, not for the wealthy, those whom McConnell considers his “real” constituents. He doesn’t consider those poor folks in the “hollers” to be of real concern. They are only important during election season.
Why are our democratic officials not screaming out about McConnell? They should vote to oust him and his comrades for anti-Democracy behaviors, intentional castration of our previously functional democracy and obstruction of our governance?
With the antics of Moscow McTurtle exposing the hypocrisy of Manchin AND his own constituents calling out his betrayal of them, holding his loser position shines a bright light on his status as a purchased politician.
More butter and parm on my popcorn, please, as we ramp up the hearings, investigations, indictments, exposures: a deliberate march to justice.
And let us join Stacey Abrams and her 'Hot Call Summer' to let the senators know we are present, watching, and here for the long haul.
"In a reflection of the new era, the signatories’ statement called for addressing climate change. It also affirmed “the critical importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and stability, as well as the disproportionate impact that conflict has on women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence.”
To have these statements in the NATO documents is SO important and, although way past due, tis progress to celebrate.
I thought that possibly with the election of Biden in November the country might be on the path to some semblance of a nation led by rational adults who were guided by the rule of law. Instead, we have more revelations about the politicization of the DOJ Trump and Barr. But even worse is McConnell’s assault on democracy and his outright hypocrisy regarding nominations to the Supreme Court (Garland’s nomination being too close to an election to even hold hearings, yet Barrett’s nomination is rushed through even as voting was taking place). There must be some way to neuter him before we are no longer a Democratic Republic. Are you paying attention Sen. Manchin?
Without the election of Biden, we would never have heard of those abuses of power, let alone be able to investigate and take steps to prevent them in the future. I see McConnell’s announcement as an indication that Breyer should resign before the midterms to ensure that Biden can appoint his replacement.
I agree everything you have said. But with friends like Manchin and Sinema as part of the razor thin majority the Democrats have in the Senate, who needs enemies? Without meaningful action on bills that have widespread support among voters of both parties and independents well before the fall elections, they will lose both chambers of Congress, and with that any chance to have meaningful Congressional investigations into Trump, January 6, and his attempts to politicize the DOJ.
Senator Manchin knows that if, beyond the organization of that body, he sided with the rest of the Democratic Senate, he wouldn't stand a chance of re-election in a few years. His constituents see him not as a Democrat but as a West Virginian, and I believe that he does too.
As for McConnell's playing with SCOTUS nominations to lock in evangelical votes, it is time for those folks to separate their religious beliefs from their politics. The world doesn't turn on abortion rights and the definition of marriage. Last time I looked, Congress was composed of Democrats, Republicans and a few "Independents" with no sign of an Evangelical Party. Politicians who appeal to religious beliefs and racial identity to get elected are un-American.
And Jack, I’ve commented little on Manchin. Because what is apparent to me is that any Dem whose actions are crafted now in 2021 to reflect careful manipulation of “Republican approval” to get votes for re-election in 2024 has already decided that the Dems have no chance against Mitch and is laying his bet down that Dems will lose their majority in 2022.
All this dang attention he is getting makes me shudder. I say get him in the back room and open a can of whoop ass on him. For a mealy mouth to be so traitorous to his party right now is beyond disgraceful.
And he would exit that back room declaring that he is now a Republican, and there goes the thin Democratic Senate majority. Biting one's nose to spite one's face isn't a recommended tactic.
that McConnell “would permit” or not permit a Supreme Court replacement? who is this person who has the gall to make threats like this? this guy is a threat to U.S. sovereignty and stability. he needs to be removed from his leadership position. he needs to go.
I found a video clip of him with *ucker Carlson cackling that he had " shut down Obama" during President Obama's presidency. He is evil. Years ago a friend whose father was a senator said it is the power. You can taste it. It becomes all consuming.
Sad, for our country...
Nice *.
Is that comment not a form of insurrection? He is going directly against the Constitution.
Would you prefer that he accept to review each nomination but refuse them in a senate vote?
Only if it could be televised.
From your mouth to god’s ear.
It has always been stunning that one man could basically take the Senate to a stand still and prevent them from doing the job they were elected and paid to do. It just seems there should be something illegal about this this. Obviously Democrats haven't been in control for so long it is hard to remember when Congress, especially the Senate actual worked for the people. And these days their sworn oath is just meaningless words.
Richard, but he won't be removed. He will continue to obstruct and corrupt because we let him.
Mitch McConnell has obvious health problems, most likely on high dose blood thinners for heart issues, he will not be in the Senate in 2024
Evidence for your claims?
the purpura in his hands and face are indicative of Warfarin use at high doses as seen in valvular disease
The discoloration in his hands and upper lip is indicative of a half dozen possible causes, some benign, some serious. It is impossible to diagnose from afar. You should be careful about making claims without evidence. I want McConnell to go away as much as anyone, but let’s not make stuff up.
There are plenty others standing in the wings to take his place. Remember Tom Delay? These guys are like the flood in Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Can’t keep up with the flood of misery they create.
Not soon enough.
It's very gallsy. :)
He’s the minority leader of the Senate. The Constitution requires consent of the Senate for SC appointments. The president is not above the Senate in this matter.
It’s nothing less than a declaration of war on the constitution and our democracy. It’s brazen and unrepentant. The republicans and McConnell have put on their jackboots and summoned their tanks and are moving forward to crush all opposition by political force every bit as blatant as the London blitzkreig. Can we stand up to it?
Yes, we can; and it will probably be a long, violent haul. January 6 scared me more than any other political violence I’ve experienced. I’ve been reading your discussions after Dr. Richardson’s wonderful letters now for several months. I am glad to be joining a smart, (mostly) respectful discussion.
Welcome, Liz, from another newbie! I hope I'm smart. I'm having my doubts, reading some the brilliant folks who hang around here....At least we were smart enough to join this family.
Does that make us a couple of stable geniuses?
Good morning beautiful people… remember when thinking about “smart” or “brilliant” or “genius”… that there are all kinds of smart….book smart, street smart, emotionally smart, nature smart, artsy smart, etc. And all of that shows up on this stream!
Write on!
Thanks for acknowledging Multiple Intelligence, Christine. Howard Gardner?
We all have so much to share and learn. This is an interesting community forum (I wouldn't call it 'family'). I'm grateful everyday that Heather provides this forum! I value the wealth of experience and knowledge shared here....always thought provoking. Welcome Liz!
Yes. Howard Gardner and Dr. Ruby Payne. And thousands of kids through classrooms I’ve had a hand in over the years.
Chauncey Gardner??!
howardgardner.com.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Gardner
He is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, as outlined in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
"Head, Hand, Heart" by David Goodhart. I highly recommend!
Ty marypat
Yes! Everyone's thoughts are important! The key is to be open to learning, and willing to change one's mind a bit, perhaps, if new information comes along.
Not sure about the genius part, but you certainly are in a really great stable with us (in more than one way)! Many of us were on the edge of straitjackets before the Heather community arose.
I’d love to think so but …I’m reasonably smart, but certainly no genius.
Greetings, Liz ans Gustav!
Or a stable of coupled geniuses.... :-)
Welcome, LIz, to LFAA! It is also (mostly) smart. 🥸
I do have my moments...
☺️ thanks!
😊
Welcome Liz! Glad you’re here
Thanks so much!
"Can we stand up to it?” you ask. I say, “Yes, we can!"
So far, I’ve learned of stalwart Democrats running for the 2022 Senate races in PA (Lt Gov. John Fetterman), OH (Rep. Tim Ryan) and FL (Rep. Val Demings).
Make a contribution this morning, and I bet you’ll feel great! And you’ll know that YOU can take a stand!
I have contributed to all three. Wish I could do more
We. Must. Full. Stop..
My thoughts focused on how to move forward in the Congress on voting rights. It is time to take it apart and get a few of the key provisions against voter suppression passed. What is most important to me is to curb the state legislatures that are setting things up so they can overthrow any election that isn't bright red. I don't think the For the People Act addresses that so there is an opportunity for a new bill focused on it. I am also very disturbed about the threats to election workers -- both in terms of the death threats and the punishments by laws for the least mistake. In Texas the poll watchers have more rights than the election workers. And, every election worker I've talked to tells the story of over entitled poll watchers making it difficult for them. Election workers are quitting in droves leaving the positions open for ill-trained and possibly biased election worker newbies. Where are the people enforcing the existing laws on elections?
I agree Cathy. The changes in state rules and or law allowing legislatures to step in and alter results must be the target of federal law, executive order, or DOJ intervention which AG Garland has alluded to.
Being in FL, our SOE in my County is already concerned about the utter lack of interest and commitment from many dedicated poll workers to continue serving. That in itself is a complete threat and disruption of service to democracy.
Voter laws should not be a partisan creation. Period.
Agreed, these are the most dangerous developments. Overturning elections and threatening poll workers will usher in Tyranny if we don’t stop it.
Will it take getting on buses and going to our State capitals to demonstrate against Republican legislatures and governors having the power to upend election results? And that includes laying down in the streets, being tear-gassed and exposed to violence by the extreme right, if not by some of the police and those who believe the "big lie." And not just a one time event, but every day! And who will organize this? When will we have our Tiananmen Square moment?
McConnell revels in being called "the gravedigger of democracy." What is it going to take for Breyer to get the message that it's time to go if he doesn't want to be "Ginsburged."
Manchin is worse than Neville Chamberlain, Daladier, and all the appeasers of the 30s.
Reading your excellent "Tidal Wave", TC. After all the forces this country brought to bear to save democracy in WWII, how come we have no mechanism for removing a - I am at a loss for words to descibe McConnel's despicableness - oh, a gravedigger of democracy?
Me too, MaryPat. On chapter three, The Big Blue Blanket. It’s not the type of book I’m usually drawn to, but I find myself fascinated by the action and detail.
Yes! I have been blown away since the prologue - how did I not know that "Nagasaki was the most Christian, pro-Western, anti-Imperial city in Japan, and was destroyed as an alternative to abandoning the bomb over the ocean."? Thanks TC. I think.
Manchin is Benidict Arnold.
https://twitter.com/Stonekettle/status/1404444017866256384?s=20
Spot on, Ted! Manchin thinks is is being wise instead of being naive. Or he's like any other politician who leverages his advantage into a big ask right before the crucial vote.
I think that's an insult to Benedict Arnold! He did feel personally aggrieved because he was successful against the British at a time when he was about the only leader who was successful, but he took what for many seemed a principled stance.
Not certain that is ALL it is about. What is he doing that we are not able to see? What actions are taken in the name of those who toss him money? But yes, the perceived power went to his addled brain.
The two others were doing it for their personal reasons regarding their real political power as well. At least they had some! Chamberlain was fending off Churchill and Daladier was battling with Renaud while Petain hung around menacingly in the wings! They were trying to get a little space and time for infighting....not fighting Hitler. Chamberlain had to declare war 2 days later......and did nothing for 6 months while Poland was destroyed and Daladier held his breath while Stalin attacked Finland. They were not holding their own people hostage, just setting them up for slaughter.....lambs bleating that no wolf could possibly be that nasty as to want to eat them for dinner too. Manchin and Sinema have been offered the limelight and their Warholian 15 minutes by the Senat's 50:50 split and they are using and abusing this position....that's normal and after they have backed off others will try....most certainly the Berners or AOC etc.
It is firstly a natural consequence of the "broad house" structure of the 2 parties as they inevitably overlap in the center. Secondly and in contradiction, it follows on very neatly to the individualist philosophy and myth encouraging the heroic pursuit of the "golden grail" by the lone knight......"I am right and you all don't understand so I will hang in there till the light dawns in your brains". It is an integral part of an attempt to maintain individually competitive personal relations (meritocracy?) in what is becoming a more collective, consensual society. America is by nature a "consensual" society as in the past, pre-Reagan times, everybody fought like hell exchanging ideas before a consensual decision was taken and then lined up fully behind it for implementation. Post-Reagan has tried to abolish this thought and become infinitely more competitive in which the debate never ends till you accept the others idea. Nostalgia is a very important part of the American Dream.
I do not know these histories nor men, but what strikes me is the fact that so many wars are fought because of simple, stupid egos. Is this right? We go round and round, little changes except planet degradation through the eons. We elect actors, can we have some educated, psychologically stable leaders please?
Neville Chamberlain was prime minister of the U.K. and came back in 1938 waving an appeasement document signed by Hitler and declared "Peace for our time." Sort of like Sue Collins on not impeaching tRump on the first try, saying "He's learned his lesson."
She probably thought that beating Trump over the head with a balloon would do the trick. She should be organizing childrens anniversary parties in Maine's boondocks and not be "partying" in the Senate!
When all the balloon did was get his comb-over to stand on end.
Stephen, thanks for that visual! LOL
Yes, names change, struggle remains the same. I will keep petting my dog, calling my representatives and casting my vote, and try to keep up. Thanks all.
THIS, Lynn duffy.
"... keep petting my dog, calling my representatives and casting my vote ..."
Brilliant strategy.
In some states the dog might be able to vote too now....if he is whitish!
Ty too!
That is a very simple point of view, Lynn, which I happen to agree with. Man in nature needs to dominate to survive and his environment reinforces this. That's why I believe women are more suited to lead great nations--with logic, compassion and an iron will when needed. More testosterone can mean less wisdom.
Ha! Like when men think with their "little heads"?
And then become followers?
Alert! Breaking news. Evolved Man on board!
Merely calling Hitler, Stalin, Genghis Kahn, Mao Ste Tung, Napoleon, Hengist, Horsa, Cortes, Alexander egotistical is to slightly understate the case. Worse though is the number of people who see a personal advantage in helping them slaughter others.
So in 2021, with all the wisdom of that history, in addition to all the new knowledge gained from the study of neuroscience and psychiatry/psychology, why on earth do we not have a significant mental fitness test for any candidate running for an office that wields so much power?
Because such tests and the interpretation of their "results" by their nature and origins inevitably, in part at least, reflect the biases of the people creating and applying them. It offers the opportunity of at least a partial censorship of ideas and people. You might just as well test all those who propose to vote for or against to make sure tht they are "of sound mind". It always begs the question " what is "sound" , what are the criteria that would calibrate sanity?
Sorry Stuart, but I don’t buy that argument. Military folks are required to take a mental fitness test are they not? Why wouldn’t the CIC have to pass the same test? We’re talking about a singular person who wields the power to kill millions with a single action. We’re not talking about the power of a single vote. There are plenty of expert historians and psychiatrists who are well studied in the personalities of all those you have mentioned. Just because we can’t do it perfectly is not a reason to do it at all. Kind of like the founders writing the Constitution.
Another iteration of them with the gold make the rules. Of course.
"You might just as well test all those who propose to vote for or against to make sure that they are "of sound mind". Well, Stuart, speaking just for my little corner of Bedlam, I can tell you many here are not. 😔😕 (In my not-so-humble opinion, that is.)
We were only dreaming Stuart
And recall that a President IS required to have a medical exam. Along comes The Former Occupant, and he gets a secret medical exam by his personal physician, and the only report the public gets is that TFO is in "perfect health." Had there been psych testing for Stalin, we all know he would have been diagnosed as being the sanest, most intelligent person on the planet. TFO would have been officially declared a "stable genius" on his psych evaluation. In a political environment where lies outweigh truth, all tests fail.
I 2nd that
At least a basic test to see whether they have any idea how government works and whether or not they see little green men in their cereal each morning.
So, messiahs? cult leaders? Oh, I know, dictators.
Yup! Very much "I know what should be the structure and content of life, the world and the human entity and you are empty, ignorant vessels so i will do it for you...and incidentally reward myself for having seen the light and done it"
Thanks Stuart
We also need more leaders with courage. I’ve just finished Michael Lewis’s fine book The Premonition and my takeaway is that people with courage to buck the system and stand up for their beliefs are essential (and unfortunately rare). But they’re there! We need to find and support them.
MaryB of Pasadena - Stacey Abrams
Her latest is “Hot Call Summer”. I posted Phone # earlier. The push is on for supporters
Urging passage of For The People Act.
People like Charity Dean. Great book!
That is a fabulous book, Mary B. I always enjoy Michael, but he outdid himself on this one!
this is off the track but Lewis very recently lost his daughter in a car crash.
OMG, poor man. I hadn't heard that. I can't imagine losing mine, I can only hope he finds the strength to get through it.
Today there are so many barriers to overcome to successfully run for office. First, the massive monies needed to just get your name and stance out there. Then the affiliation with a party can be very dangerous in that one party is much more likely to use threats and aggression to intimidate people running for office. And, backgrounds in social media, criminal history, and wonky past behaviors must be pristine. Intelligent and responsible people just don't want to tackle that to run for office.
Stuart, I’ve come back a few times today and every dang time there has been a new lesson full of historical tidbits from “Prof”Attewell. Thank you. You have kept the slo-cooker on this forum going today!
Not sure how consensual we really are, but your telling of the pickle we're in is eye opening and uplifting.
I have the benefit of living in a competive society...where the debate never ends as nobody either listens to the other or modifies their position to achieve consensus around a decision...so decisions are not made and nothing changes, problems just persist and nobody can move on! Ideology is dangerous for your mental health and for the growth of society.
Sizzlin’, TC, sizzlin’.
I dunno what everybody else thinks, but I think the only thing Manchin is twisting is the whirlwind of Koch Campaign Cash. But thanks to Citizens United, we, and the people of West Virginia will never know. But we know his claims of bi partisanship are 100% bull$&!t
https://twitter.com/i/status/1404595313843720192
Exactomundo!
Charlie…I was on in the wee hours and posted a PLOOP. Wasn’t sure of your whereabouts.
Right on. My hours are all messed up trying to stay out of the heat. Found this visual but it NSFW so I haven't posted it https://giphy.com/gifs/plop-BTBMa7Mf5j1f2
that's great
LOL. There’s a perfect PLOOP pic in there.
(Sweden)
More than 50 years ago I passed my high school history exam. I was asked to tell about the constitution of the Soviet Union after 1920. I knew absolutely nothing of the matter, but I am still proud for saving myself with saying: "If there is no real division between political power and the power of law, it does not matter what the constitution says."
There is very definite defined division, Olof. Unfortunately, it has eroded seriously. Time to call in the Army Corp of Engineers for some beach renourishment as they commonly do our Florida Gulf coast beaches. I can just imagine their huge siphons burying nasty, pea-brained, lying, greedy, fawning politicians under arcs of sand from the Gulf floor.
Are you implying that it will take the involvement of the military to save democracy? That's a big jump. But that's the way it goes in the rest of the Western Hemisphere south of us, and with minimal success.
Actually, my comment was a visual fantasy of the big barge and siphon right now on my Florida Gulf beach involved in renourishment right now. The Army Corp of Engineers is about as non partisan as it gets.
Yesterday I talked about the 14th amendment section 3 which doesn't allow insurrectionists to hold any federal office. Tonight I'm thinking this is the way to take care of the biggest insurrectionist of them all -- the orange guy. Wouldn't it be great if before 2024 he is forbidden to run for any office leaving the want-a-bee Republican Presidential candidates to destroy each other. Sounds like fun doesn't it.
Unfortunately.....or perhaps fortunately, he would ride roughshod over the law as per usual, take it as a badge of pride and an insult to his dearly beloved followers, run write-in campaigns all over the country and hold meetings with his trumpites in stadia throughout his fantasy world. His people would love it, make a lot of useless noise, buy a lot of rubbish, show their guns on parade and donate $$$$$ to his personal account....and fade away in the cold light of autumnal drizzle and cold. It would be a bonanza of a bun fight....like fireworks on the 4th July,....here today, gone tomorrow.. The result would be a magnificent bust-up in the Republican Party as it would block for good the hopes of the "wannabes" as he wouldn't countenance supporting any of them to replace him and doubtless split the Republican vote in every single state between the Cheneyists and themselves. It would not necessarily however stop some of his underlings getting elected but would seriously damage their potential for controlling the Houses of Congress in DC and the different State Assemblies around the country.. In reality, Trump doesn't need to be banned from elective office for "insurrection" to achieve this maga-nificent "Own Goal". But every little bit that Garland's DOJ and the FBI can do in the meantime to occuppy full time Trump's malignant lawyers filing delaying motions, the more annoyed he'll get and the less he'll listen to any voices of rationality or "realpolitik" which might dictate more pertinent and effective strategies. He still thinks his maga-nificent 2020 election lies will be pertinent in the election years to come....cloud cuckoo land!
If only that would happen..
Yes. And my bet is on some of his sycophants not being able to run for office either. It appears imperative for the Jan 6th and the politically motivated DOJ subpoena requests for phone records investigations to lead the way. The Republican vehement pushback against fact finding and discovery is becoming extremely alarming to many Americans.
Cathy, I like the way you think. What would be the "body" to forbid him and/or his wanna be sycophant seditionists from running? Would that be the RNC? I'm not familiar with the law governing who can run and who cannot or the mechanisms that would prevent someone from becoming a candidate. If he is actually INDICTED and CONVICTED could he still declare himself to be "the" candidate?
He could declare it all he wants. He would be prevented by law as eligible for candidacy.
I wish I knew more about the mechanics of this. Call me cynical and you would be correct. Having watch him literally tear apart the presidency for four years, flouting every known norm and rule (I realize these aren't laws), I guess I worry about him doing it one more time, on a grand scale as an illegitimate candidate. Would it be the DOJ who calls foul?
Oh boy would that be the perfect ending to such an imperfect human being (plus the imploding of all those other blankety blanks)
I am completely disgusted that it seems those with the highest power (Barr Sessions) can be brought before congressional hearings—before which they will lie, deflect, parse language. Meanwhile it’s obvious to the masses they are guilty. They not charged with crimes. There is zero consequence. It is a helpless and hopeless situation.
McConnell and Manchin have become absurd yet it goes on and on. It was my hope Biden would find a way to break the power of these obstructionists. I’m losing hope that will happen.
There is potential for this 'one thing after another' to rupture the facade all these criminals and seditionists are hiding behind. Biden may be judiciously biding his time.
Biden Time. Got a nice ring to it.
Biden Time. Good one, Kim!
Really good, Sisters.
Well, I do not think they are hiding at all behind a facade. They are blatantly in our faces mocking us and democracy. It is like democracy had her hands tied behind her back and these guys are grabbing our you know what's freely. What the hell is the matter outraged not being spoken by every one of our by our elected officials?
Ha ha ! “U Can’t Touch This- Biden Time!!”
One can only hope we are on the road to (a humongous) rupture.
Or maybe they’ll all get raptured and leave the rest of us to get on with things.
Amen!
First, Biden has no such power. Second, the Barrs and Sessions of the world aren't held to account because few Democrats ask the toughest questions and persist until they get real answers. Or evasive, utterly revealing non-answers like Barr's in response to Kamala Harris's question about whether he had ever been asked by the White House to investigate someone.
Michael. First, Biden has such power to move things in a desired direction. Second, there are many Democrats locked in and very capable of not only asking tough questions but capable of getting some answers. And I’ll add a third. There are some Republicans and Independents to add to that list.
I do think part of Harris moving on was she had limited time and wasting it on Barr hemming and hawing while he parsed individual syllables was meaningless.
Exactly! He was just using up her time!
I know this fear.
Revelations, investigations and condemnations of how the previous Republican administration played loosely with the limits of its power do not undo the harm they did and which Republicans are continuing to do to democracy on the State level. After all is said and done, they are getting away with it. And as for Russia, the same thing goes: Does anyone seriously believe they will quietly leave the Crimea, despite the condemnation of their actions there?
Given the current state of affairs, have any of you made changes to long term life plans? I'm very concerned, and I have researched emigrating to Canada. I've made a decision to not adopt another dog in case I have to leave abruptly and cannot take a pet with me. Am I being crazy? My heart is breaking. I never imagined that I'd be seriously considering these things. I'm heartbroken for committed couples who want children. Many must be so concerned to have or adopt children now.
Yes. My wife and I are looking hard at Portugal. I make more from my retirement pension and Social Security than do our dear friends, one of whom is a college professor and the other an ex-pat who is an author and fitness instructor. This does not count our planned-for retirement funding that considerably exceeds that.
This is not an easy thing for me to consider. I served 30 years in law enforcement, and have defended the constitution on a local level. When this idea first cropped up just into the former guy's presidency, I was adamantly opposed. Watching the gradual sinking of the opposing political party from one of at least a smattering of reason into the morass of lies and conspiracy theories has brought me around. I am one SCOTUS decision from losing my marriage, and other protections based on identity and gender. I'm not sure I have that much fight left in me.
Ally, I read your posts regularly. It’s presumptuous of me to say it, but you strike me as a really good person. I hope that’s not too intrusive a comment.
My friends and family are all here. At this age (recent Medicare age) hard to go someplace where I don't know anyone. My inner 20-35 year old would go to Scandinavia, or France, or New Zealand. There has been talk among members of my high school class about communal living, and about some place in Scandinavia (I didn't pay much attention at the time) and I could imagine if the proverbial dung hit the fan, that some of us might actually do it.
Hmmm. Portugal. I haven’t been but has always been on my intuitive list of “PLACES”.
Oh, Ally. I can't imagine the stress you are going through. Wish I was able to wave it all away for you.
I feel similarly, and long to leave the hate so prevalent here and that I feel each time I think about the corrupt actors in Congress. I’ve never been a libertarian, but it is rather appealing at the moment to simply go where you are treated best. Some say problems are everywhere, but I know better, have seen it, experienced it, and stay only because of family ties. The U.S. failure to properly educate its citizens is now in full view, and consequences being felt are devastating.
I’ve been hopeful the tide will turn. Some say the ballot box must make it happen, but we need much more than that and fast. Democrats need to step up and get mean as hell, and to locate with precision the institutional controls to take down the individuals responsible for the corruption of our democracy.
I totally understand and worry about the world that our children are inheriting…. It really upsets me….
I’ve written about this before… listen to our youngest gens. They are clear eyed in their responsibility to the future. And this is a demographic that autocratic political parties are concerned about. Their votes go toward a political future not clouded by racism, greed, and hatred.
I think this is a great point. Things will shift with future generations. They have grown up in such a different world than we did (assuming you're not 20!)
Kimberly, I'm 51 and everything my Mom who was a Silent Gen-er warned us about is coming true - the dangers of multinational companies and the multinational wealthy who have no loyalty to any one country amassing obscene amounts of wealth and power, white nationalists going mainstream, another Hitler like autocrat uniting the people in the hatred of a common enemy, etc. I am optimistic about the Millennials and Gen Z-ers. I see so much heart and ingenuity in them. I hope they can save us along with the young at heart Gen X-ers like me.
Many of today’s “elders”, driving the matters that arouse such outrage in us all today, came of age in a time of virtually unprecedented rebellion against the norms and actions of their America. This was of course the 1960s. Lyndon Johnson passed two landmark pieces of Civil Rights legislation, measures that empirically raised the level of opportunity for Black Americans to participate in America’s civil and economic life on terms that had not been possible to imagine. But even this was, correctly in my view, too little and most especially too late. We properly revere Martin Luther King today, yet it is instructive to remember that his method of non-violent revolt had lost its power to inspire his people by the time he was assassinated. Blacks had turned to righteous anger and there were riots in Detroit, Los Angeles and elsewhere that would make any similar incident last year look trifling by comparison.
In terms of race relations the prevailing view of the late Sixties among Blacks was best expressed for many young people by Malcolm X and Bobby Seale and the Black Panthers.
Every action provokes an equal and opposite reaction and the cycle of repression against Blacks reasserted itself. Generationally repression followed by violence followed by a period of exhaustion continues to play out. Will it end with this generation of youth?
The hippies and other young, idealistic Americans rebelled with wit, originality and ferocity as well against what they properly saw as the injustice of the Vietnam War. They fled America in droves as well, seeking to avoid being drafted. The draft was cunningly abolished. The Pentagon Papers were released and America’s stupidity and venality in Vietnam was exposed.
Surely those twenty-somethings would ensure that war was never originated by America again. But there was the Shah to be propped up, Americans in Grenada (!) to be rescued by American invasion. There were other small adventures as well in the Eighties and Nineties. But none compares to the jaw-dropping venality of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, fought not by those drafted, but those who saw in the military their best chance of realizing the American Dream. We let the poor and uneducated fight our battles now (equally true in Canada with its own participation in Afghanistan). A system of military service demanded of all would hardly function in a nation which fights wars so regularly.
And these wars were decided upon by those who came of age at a time when the prevailing slogan was “Never trust anybody over thirty”. We liked that saying because when Paul McCartney sang the endearing ballad “When I’m 64”, none of us really believed that it was possible to get that old.
The young of the Sixties raged against Fausto ness and corrupt thought in academia. We scorned the notion that the Cold War should last in perpetuity. We railed against the excesses of capitalism and advocated socialism. We males watched in awe and some uneasy surprise when women took to the streets for equality propelled by Germaine Greer, Simone de Beauvoir and others.
How well did those youth do? How strongly did they cling to their principles when their elders mobilized silently in the Seventies and openly thereafter to thwart them, to co-opt them, to make them see that a capitalist society is not as black and white as the young had seen it to be?
Those youth are referred to scornfully today with the succinct and cutting phrase, “Yeah Boomer” whenever we speak.
Our generation rocketed to prominence, rebelled in its might and certainties, mocked “The Establishment” - and then became it.
I had a professor who taught that the entire Western World had had a great chance to reform and change society through the hippie movement. I liked the sentiment but thought it was a gross overstatement. I’m not so sure now.
Icons remain from that age and we admire them because they stayed true to their principles. Bernie Sanders and Muhammad Ali come to mind. But they are few and far between. Most of us got older, adapted, and struggled to make a life. Some decided that America should return to a mythical Golden Age and climbed the greasy pole to attain power to affect that. And have been bought out. After all what can be done in a town where the lobbyists outnumber the lawmakers 44:1?
Forgive me if I don’t join your headlong rush to believe that this young generation will change the world. They won’t, at least not without the greatest strife the world has seen.
Our generation was idealistic and relatively and was sucked in by the promise of getting our share and more of what was out there.
This generated is bound to one another by scarcity. Certainly there are the privileged young who will rule the world in time. But most of today’s kids are the backbone of the gig economy and have come through a pandemic.
Do we really expect them to rise up and save us from ourselves when we keep them so busy just trying to survive?
We can enjoy the young and revel in the purity of their ideals.
But it is unfair and self-deluding to expect them not to have become a generation of “Boomers” fifty years hence.
And what upheavals, climatic and otherwise, will the world suffer in the coming half-century?
This is certainly thoughtfully written, thank you for that. Change is hard. And as much as some of us resist it, it happens regardless. Look at how many things have changed for the better since the 60's: interracial relationship acceptance, LGTBQ culture mainstreamed, gay marriage, economic success of black people, economic success of women, awareness of animal welfare, awareness of racism, awareness of spousal abuse, awareness of human trafficking, to mention a few. And yes, there are things that haven't changed and there are things that are worse. I do not expect anything of the younger generations, the would be unfair. But I do hope, for them. Because the better off everyone is, the better off everyone is. I hope the future "we" equivalent, who objected to the war in Iraq, will outnumber the others. I hope the future "we" who are kinder, more generous, less entitled, more careful with our resources, more informed, more open minded, will outnumber the others in increasingly greater numbers. I think it's possible they may be scrappier, happier, tougher, smarter because of what they have been through. It's what I hope, but I would never expect anything. Why would I? That would be unreasonable.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Friedan, Bell Abzug, Gloria Steinem, Casey Hayden, Mary King...
Well, all that Eric. I remain convinced that this demographic of the young…and I loosely categorize 18-40 yrs old…. It’s a worrisome demographic of any autocratic political force. The young are protesting not only in the streets but at their keyboards. They are collaborators. And as I said on another day, the reject the caste structure of a ladder and resist putting a boot on the neck of anyone who thrives. Their structure is a circle and I think the appropriate mental model.
Chris, I'm 73 and it totally stinks to have been right about all that. Don't waste your time praising us, see if you can do a more effective job than we did of turning things around.
Your mom is/was a wise woman and it sounds like it rubbed off on you! Thanks for the great post.
In complete agreement with your statement Christine. My youngest daughter is the new generation, and she and her friends are educated, intelligent, forward focused on their future, and concerned about our democracy, climate change, racism, equality, and justice for all people, not just a select few. I'm glad we have this new generation of young people to reverse the damage being done by old white conservatives who are in power right now.
You know Lynne…they don’t see it as reversing damage. Where we are at with so many things whether it’s our food sources, debt, politics, social media, entertainment and on and on….seems to be it is what it is with them. It’s a starting point and they clarify it dispassionately. They are so forward thinking and passionate as to where they project ending up after the work and then go BACKWARDS and map the steps returning to where we are. It’s so fascinating to me. Different planning and problem solving process. Somehow the village that has raised them has given them the freedom to do things differently. Maybe more discussion on this another time.
Better days!
At 76, like a vintage car with multiple mechanical problems, rust & bondo patches, I would not like to set out on a long road trip. Besides I have found that I fysically can no longer function in cold weather, so Canada is out of the question. (My first 18 winters were in St. Louis). However, I fear for my grandsons & great-grandsons who will be around long-term to deal with the demise of our nation.
Rob Boyte, you are such a delightful writer -- and then you end with a thud: "the demise of our nation." You exude humor, spirit, forbearance. Let's all nuture those qualities in us. Remember: Your/our grands and great-grands and their fellow citizens will be here, they'll be putting the place right again, and our generation (some of which has made such a God-awful mess of things) will be gone, no longer sticking our fingers and quarter-baked ideas (and GUNS) into everything.
We must keep the faith, cheer on our young people, do what we can to make our communities stronger, more cohesive, to defend what we know to be right and true. The moral imperatives, for Pete's sake, welfare, justice, dignity. We haven't lost this. Not even close. (Well, OK, maybe a bit too close.) We ARE the good guys (you can tell by the pinched, dour faces on the opposite pole) -- and there are more of us than them. We're going to be all right.
(That said, I DO have a small generator to keep electronics running, and fresh water and canned goods set aside. And plenty of ground coffee, of course. But that's for another discussion.)
Well said. If we just give up, who will be left to fight these cretins? I'm 78, so a move across town would be difficult, let alone moving to another (cold) country. Thank you for pointing out that there are more of us than them. Recent years (especially since the outrage displayed when Barack Obama won the presidency) have been difficult, but it should mobilize anyone with a brain to action, to bring us back to building a better country. We can't allow these lesser beings to bring us to our knees.
Oh. Your confidence to Rob and us all gave me my first chuckle of the day! Priceless! Appeals so to my “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” optimism.
Well, there's no guarantee that we'll prevail if we try, but we all understand the consequences of just giving up. Who would have predicted a Biden win in Georgia?
Yeeeessssss, SLWeston!
And the Canadian "snow geese" wintering in Florida know what you mean. I did 24 winters in Montreal. Loved it when I was 30 and 40 but now love seeing snow once in a while for a change and often from afar. One doesn't forget having to "unfreeze" the car when you were in a hurry!
Hey, Rob. Love you.
I don't know that a lot of Americans are making conscious decisions to limit or steer their lives in defensive ways. But there is no doubt considerable stress on Americans due to the political machinations of Republicans, particularly the increasing trend toward attack politics and open unapologetic violence. Their violence much like spouce battering is both physical and verbal.
My elderly aunt, a life long Republican, living in a heavily Trump Republican area, with three Trump supporting adult children has been beside herself since Trump first stated his candidacy with all of his belligerence in 2015. She tells me she has almost no one to talk on any meaningful topic. She plays cards and keeps her mouth shut.
My sister, best friends with my younger sister, can now only talk about hooking rugs. Our younger sister has adopted her southern rural area's Trump outlook.
My brother jokes about our Democratic governor potentially messing up a family reunion because of the covid19 protection measures. He lives in an area which escaped much of the infection, surrounded by regions of our state and neighboring states that suffered. And his business is affected by Canada's border closing.
Covid19, climate change, income inequality, police violence, etc are enough to create trauma. But when a large group of Americans can deny, obstruct and create autocratic laws and Capital attacks in states and DC without consequences is mentally and emotionally debilitating for our citizens and nation. It's like having cancer, knowing you have it, being told to use miracle therapies, refusing to use medical science as you slowly die.
I feel for your aunt.
Make sure your aunt knows there are people here with her in their thoughts.
My family knows I wouldn't be keeping my mouth shut and playing cards! As Forest Whitaker (Jody) said in "The Crying Game," "It's not in my nature."
My wife and I have talked about it, and done a little research. I first started looking into this in 2006, during the Bush/Cheney years. I thought the US was going into full-on dictatorship. And then in 2006, the whole Bush/Cheney regime crumbled, surprising me and making feel like a paranoid fool.
Here are some of my second-round thoughts in the wake of the last four-year shitstorm. (Can we call the US insurrectionists "shitstorm troopers?")
First, if you are in your 50's or later (depends on where), you may not be able to become a citizen in another country, unless you buy into their social benefits system (and maybe not then). In 2006, it required somewhere around $1 - $3 million, depending on where you went. So your only realistic option (unless you are wealthy) is to become an expatriated US citizen, meaning you are still a US citizen, living abroad. Your retirement income will be your investments (if any) and US Social Security, just like you were living in the US.
Second, you are going to face at least a culture shock, and in most places, a language shock. My wife is fluent in English and Spanish (she's a translator, in fact); my college German is so rusty, I could not buy train tickets in Germany. In much of Europe, Canada, and South America, you can get by with English, at least in the cities, and your Americanisms will likely be gracefully tolerated because most people you meet respect Americans and will be more generally polite than you are accustomed to. From what I've read, every American dreams of moving to Costa Rica; most Americans who visit feel like they've "come home." Those who move, often move back within a year or two, because they can't get past the culture shock.
Third, if your motivation is escape from the US, rather than a passionate desire to become, say, a resident of Porto because you so love the city and the culture, you are likely to carry that fear with you, along with a certain bitterness, and ongoing concern for your family still in the US. Also consider that if the US really goes into the tank, you will be an American in a foreign country. A little like, perhaps, being a German in America after the fall of the Third Reich. That American respect will vanish, and you could actually be more vulnerable outside the US than inside.
When you look at the great emigrations of the past -- my paternal grandfather came over in the European emigration wave in the late 1900's -- it's generally because staying put became untenable. Conditions in the US are not untenable for most of us participating on this page.
Our decision has been to stay in the US. We still keep the atlas open, and occasionally play the Where In the World Should We Move To game.
I hear from a few close friends that Ecuador is a balm for ex-pats.
Love your train of thought as it moves in a circle that I have. complemented you with before.
Your conclusion today holds merit and hope and faith.
People don’t see the danger. But that said I would stay to fight for my country and all the beautiful beings that cannot leave.
I am a practicing Canadian/U.S. immigration lawyer (called to the bar in B.C. 1985, 1988 WA State. It is quite difficult for retired U.S. folks to become permanent residents of Canada. Canada formerly had a "retiree" category but has not had this for a long time, ever since its focus shifted to seeking young, reproduction age, highly educated or skilled workers in certain trades.
But it is surprising how many folks living along the border are actually Canadian citizens but don't know it ("Lost Canadians"). This is due to changes in the law regarding loss and transmission of Canadian citizenship. If one has a Canadian grandparent there is a possibility that one may in fact be a Canadian via transmission of citizenship.
Good to know. My paternal grandparents came here from what is now a neighborhood in Mirimichi in New Brunswick. There are days when the thought of being a “lost”Canadian would be far preferable to an American, Eh?
Sheila, you may be a "Lost Canadian" depending on when and where you, your father and your paternal grandparents were born. Here is a website from the Canadian government that may help: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/become-canadian-citizen/eligibility/already-citizen.html
In all my years of practice, nothing comparable to the surge of "Lost Canadian" citizenship cases Trump precipitated. People could not wait to get out.
Thanks Terry; it's not surprising. But did they actually emigrate, or just act to create or preserve options?
So Terry, dual citizenship is not permitted?
Dual citizenship IS permitted by U.S. and Canada.
What's Canada's stance on political refugees? I have an ugly feeling there may be quite a few of us in the next decade.
A person in need of protection is a person in Canada who can’t return to their home country safely. This is because, if they return, they may face
danger of torture
risk to their life
risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
There are instances of American citizens being granted asylum or refugee status in Canada. Most are U.S. born children of undocumented parents. If Trump or his ilk get back into power it is likely we will see a rise in these cases.
We moved to Europe last year. Not just for the American political climate, but the shootings, California's fires, the inability to have health coverage for all Americans, the tax issues. We just had our Spanish taxes done. 3 pieces of paper. Our U.S. taxes require a ream. My husband walks at 5 am with no fear. Fresh foods that are incredible. We will never go back.
Well, we can be together here! Fabulous!
We visited Asturias and relatives near Porto in 2010 for two weeks, and it was lovely, especially the food.
We love it here. We are in an area with few Americans or Brits because we truly want to experience different culture. A children's school near us was a women's college before Franco. It became a women's prison during his regime. It is a new democracy for people who have experienced what authoritarian governments do.
For the first time since my sons reached adulthood, I am relieved that they have not had children of their own. Thank God for unanswered prayers.
Chris R., I’ve thought of Canada, too, but it is most unlikely they would take me. I am over 70 and retired and they give priority to individuals who will contribute financially to their economy.
Sara, your perception is correct - and even if it was easy to immigrate to Canada, it becomes especially complicated for retired folks with U.S. assets like IRAs etc.
Your heart is breaking, Chris? Imagine how the dogs feel. They miss you already!
We welcomed the Americans who left to avoid being drafted to Vietnam. Our PM, Pierre Trudeau, despised Nixon and had personal delight in taking those young men in.
And they made wonderful contributions to Canada. Andy Barrie (superpower, peerless radio commenter), Jane Jacobs - groundbreaking scholar on urban living, Jay Scott, theatre critic for the Globe, Naomi Klein’s father, Wayne Robinson, father of Svend who became a Member of Parliament. And on and on. Somewhere between 20 000 and 30 000.
We were lucky.
This news just makes me even angrier at Senators Manchin and Sinema. On what @&$#%!! planet are they living??? They talk about “bipartisanship”, after which the Evil Turtle spits in their face, and then they whimper to him, “Please, Sir, can I have some more?” It’s infuriating.
Sen. Sinema has a good chance of being primaried out. Many people who helped in her election efforts are not at all happy with how she has governed (or not) since being elected.
One right here. Enough of the Junior High theatrics.
Go, Charlie!
Merriam Webster definition…sychophant=fawning parasite.
Just wondering how many times McConnell is going to have to tell us who he is before we believe him? Also, much as we would like this and all other evidence to
change Manchin’s mind, it won’t. He has prioritized his re-election over democracy. Though I’d love to know what his vision is for a country that can’t/won’t pass any legislation at all. I guess he likes an obstructed agenda over having to take a stand for anything other than continued obstruction?
The republican agenda on legislation is just say no. To everything except voter restriction and redistricting.
And tax cuts for the rich.
And installing Republican judges.
I think people believe who he is and exactly what he will do, but how to stop him is the problem.
Is there anything nice about Senator McConnell? Does he cuddle kittens, stroke the dog, or pat little babies on the head (gently)? Does he help elderly people across the street in heavy traffic, and does he dress as Santa at Christmas? Does he change the nappies (sorry - diapers to you) of his great grandchildren and does he help wash the dishes (or at least load them into the dishwasher) at family gatherings, and is he the life and soul of any party? I think we should be told.
In controlled circumstances on election day....for the news cameras!
😂😂😂😂
Then do a full-on sanitization of your house. . . .
He would make a great Bond villain.
From what I have read, Mitch has three lovely daughters who are NOTHING like him. His ex-wife divorced him right after their third daughter was born.
Are you sure they're his?
That was unnecessary, Nancy. There are plenty of things about McConnell to comment on without going into the gutter.
Richard B. this is very funny and I would answer a resounding NO! to each question. McTurtleneck doesn't have a kind bone in his body.
I think not. His guiding moral compass is simple. He always asks: "What would an asshole do now?"
Bahahahahaha!!
He controls the money levers for his party and delivers judges for his donors. That’s apparently enough appeal to keep him in place.
Would you let him change your baby's nappies? cuddle your kittens? invite him to your party?
nope
Question for today’s video: Has any one man (or in this case two men) ever held this much power in the US Senate?
McConnell’s comments leave no doubt they his thirst for piwer is unquenched. Once the judiciary is in your pocket, the road to an autocratic theocracy is paved and ready to open.
In days long past, other senators in the majority leader's party would have never ever sanctioned these abuses. McConnell's out-of-control "power" springs from the willingness of other GOP senators to be led around by the nose. They would call it unparalleled party discipline. It has indeed served them well — in slowly but inexorably ruining the country.
McConnell and his ilk are ruining the country for everyone else, not for the wealthy, those whom McConnell considers his “real” constituents. He doesn’t consider those poor folks in the “hollers” to be of real concern. They are only important during election season.
Why are our democratic officials not screaming out about McConnell? They should vote to oust him and his comrades for anti-Democracy behaviors, intentional castration of our previously functional democracy and obstruction of our governance?
Actually, yes. They just didn't get this much attention.
The Poor People's Campaign had a Moral Monday March on Manchin today.
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
Timely, no?
With the antics of Moscow McTurtle exposing the hypocrisy of Manchin AND his own constituents calling out his betrayal of them, holding his loser position shines a bright light on his status as a purchased politician.
More butter and parm on my popcorn, please, as we ramp up the hearings, investigations, indictments, exposures: a deliberate march to justice.
And let us join Stacey Abrams and her 'Hot Call Summer' to let the senators know we are present, watching, and here for the long haul.
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/stacey-abrams-launches-hot-call-summer-campaign-to-get-congress-to-pass-for-the-people-act-114807365926
The phone # for Hot Call Summer is 888-453-3211.
This call goes to senators. Urge them, tell them to PASS the For The People Act.
Thank you, kimceann! 3rd Reconstruction. June 21st!
It got media coverage too - and a fair amount of attention to the fact that these constituents were conservatives and WHITE.
The poverty rates in WV are astounding. They don't get above 47th in the US:
https://talkpoverty.org/state-year-report/west-virginia-2019-report/
"In a reflection of the new era, the signatories’ statement called for addressing climate change. It also affirmed “the critical importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and stability, as well as the disproportionate impact that conflict has on women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence.”
To have these statements in the NATO documents is SO important and, although way past due, tis progress to celebrate.
I thought that possibly with the election of Biden in November the country might be on the path to some semblance of a nation led by rational adults who were guided by the rule of law. Instead, we have more revelations about the politicization of the DOJ Trump and Barr. But even worse is McConnell’s assault on democracy and his outright hypocrisy regarding nominations to the Supreme Court (Garland’s nomination being too close to an election to even hold hearings, yet Barrett’s nomination is rushed through even as voting was taking place). There must be some way to neuter him before we are no longer a Democratic Republic. Are you paying attention Sen. Manchin?
Without the election of Biden, we would never have heard of those abuses of power, let alone be able to investigate and take steps to prevent them in the future. I see McConnell’s announcement as an indication that Breyer should resign before the midterms to ensure that Biden can appoint his replacement.
I agree everything you have said. But with friends like Manchin and Sinema as part of the razor thin majority the Democrats have in the Senate, who needs enemies? Without meaningful action on bills that have widespread support among voters of both parties and independents well before the fall elections, they will lose both chambers of Congress, and with that any chance to have meaningful Congressional investigations into Trump, January 6, and his attempts to politicize the DOJ.
Agreed. The clock is ticking and we’re twiddling our thumbs.
The Koch family has a lot of real estate investments. Though none have been as profitable as their Manchin in West Virginia.
Senator Manchin knows that if, beyond the organization of that body, he sided with the rest of the Democratic Senate, he wouldn't stand a chance of re-election in a few years. His constituents see him not as a Democrat but as a West Virginian, and I believe that he does too.
As for McConnell's playing with SCOTUS nominations to lock in evangelical votes, it is time for those folks to separate their religious beliefs from their politics. The world doesn't turn on abortion rights and the definition of marriage. Last time I looked, Congress was composed of Democrats, Republicans and a few "Independents" with no sign of an Evangelical Party. Politicians who appeal to religious beliefs and racial identity to get elected are un-American.
And Jack, I’ve commented little on Manchin. Because what is apparent to me is that any Dem whose actions are crafted now in 2021 to reflect careful manipulation of “Republican approval” to get votes for re-election in 2024 has already decided that the Dems have no chance against Mitch and is laying his bet down that Dems will lose their majority in 2022.
All this dang attention he is getting makes me shudder. I say get him in the back room and open a can of whoop ass on him. For a mealy mouth to be so traitorous to his party right now is beyond disgraceful.
And he would exit that back room declaring that he is now a Republican, and there goes the thin Democratic Senate majority. Biting one's nose to spite one's face isn't a recommended tactic.
And McC is back in control
I still want to whoop his ass.
You only ignore manchin when you have at least 3 Republican votes in the can on any issue
Or turn over several Repub seats in Congress…both houses…to Dem. Then I’ll ignore him more. Some good candidates lining up for the crush.
Bye bye Trader Joe. Or traitor.