There were three important takeaways from today’s Senate vote on whether to begin debate on S1, the For the People Act, the bill that would protect voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering, establish new ethics rules for federal officials, and curb big money in politics.
As Susan Collins (R-ME) put it: “S. 1 would take away the rights of people in each of the 50 states to determine which election rules work best for their citizens.” That is rich, considering that in some GOP dominated states laws are being passed to allow GOP state legislators to determine - by overthrow of a legal election, if necessary - who 'wins'. I don't see how Collins' nose isn't 30 miles long, the woman lies so much.
And shame on the voters in Maine for sending her back to the Senate for six more years. She won decisively in the last election, even though everyone know who/what she was.
It dumbfounds me that anyone can think it right that election rules be different for anyone, anywhere, at any time! Of course, history demonstrates how naive I am.
Government close to the people- 600,000 deaths in covid states making up their own rules.
Strong national defense- got us into Iraq with contractors making billions and American lives lost.
Freedom- to stand in line for hours on end in Georgia a year ago to simply vote in a primary election in the nation that is supposed to be a beacon for democracy.
Limited taxes- actually no taxes for the wealthiest among us who can buy the present leaders in power and get tax codes passed just for them.
Please list for me the Republicans who are speaking out about the failures of these “Republican Ideals” in our land.
The GOP is for state rights as long as they control the state and that argument suits their need for any given day. HCR has, once again, found the historical event that exactly mirrors what we are dealing with today. Reducing the Negro to as near chattel slavery as possible, and keeping the government under the control of capitalism and religion. White straight males. Only.
And/or, subject them to mass incarceration thus honoring the language of the 13th Amendment which allows for forced and unpaid (or nearly so) labor, the definition of slavery. Here in the mountain West, we are shriveling in historic drought (and heat) and entering another wild fire season of possibly historic proportions. Many of our firefighters are prison inmates, paid $2-3 per day as front line firefighters in nearly unbearable and dangerous conditions, then, upon release, unable to gain real employement doing what they learned to do while incarcerated. All Men Are Created Equal (with some exceptions).
From Lucid by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an interview with Tara Setmayer: “I think we're creating a space for people, giving them permission to break away from the party that they have felt a part of for so long. And it's not an easy thing to do. I didn't realize how emotionally invested people are in their political affiliation until it became time for me to make the decision to finally walk away from it. It had been such a dominating force of my professional life. I started in Republican politics when I was 17 years old in high school. I chose to go to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. to be at the epicenter of politics. I wanted to be a part of the solution. I believed that Republican and conservative principles were the best way to effectuate good public policy that was beneficial to the American people.
When you go through 27 years, and then start to question whether that was all a lie, it's eye-opening. It was not a difficult decision for me when I made it, because when you know you're done, you're done. It's kind of like when you break up in a relationship, That's how I felt on November 5th when I made the announcement. When [Trump] disgraced and defaced the East Wing of the White House the night of the election, saying there was fraud and that he would refuse to concede, Republicans had an opportunity to say enough is enough. But they didn't, they did not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to Trump, even when our constitutional Republic was on the line.
RBG: Speaking of loss, many people feel they cannot speak to their Trump-supporting friends and relatives anymore. As a former Republican, are you able to have a dialogue with Trump-supporting associates and others you know?
TS: This is another sad byproduct of the Trump era. Fortunately, no one in my immediate family was radicalized, but some of my closest friends, including one of my closest girlfriends, a journalist, has completely engulfed herself in the pro-Trump propaganda parade and has made a lot of money in her career over the last five years by becoming a part of that. Watching that happen has been heartbreaking for me because I miss my friend. We cannot talk. It feels like we're in the Civil War and I'm a General in the Union and she's a General in the Confederacy.”
Sadly, the Lincoln Project came to a bad end. The legislators who opposed the ex president have quit. So here we are hoping republicans/rioters/brainwashed masses will stop their lockstep march when common sense dawns. It won’t. Our democracy boils down to the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments which the Republican Party firmly rejects.
Fortunately I had listened to people in the “know” the night before last. They all reiterated this procedure was merely to present Manchin’s ideas but knew the Repubs under Mitch’s thumb, wouldn’t budge.
I watched Amy Klobuchar tonight on Maddow and she is taking the Rules Committee on the road, starting with Georgia. This move is to fire voters up by letting them know what is at stake for them.
Susan Collins makes me just want to vomit but it’s Mitch who I would like to squeeze his triple chin into mincemeat.
Good Morning, Lynell! Always good to hear from you. Your post about LBJ was so right on. White people always buried their heads in the sand but since being witnesses of the death of George Floyd, eyes are wide-opened. It is our duty to fight with all of our might against these oppressors. Have been doing this for over 50 years.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! Today sucks. Feel free to pass me by. I am on a bit of another lane today; besides, most of you are reflecting our thoughts admirably about yesterday's tragic vote.
Anybody remember the Kerner Commission? That's the body that LBJ put together back in 1967 to study why there was so much "rioting" in the streets starting in 1965. Interesting that the rise in civil unrest began after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enshrined into law.
"In his remarks upon signing the order establishing the commission, Johnson asked for answers to three basic questions about the riots: 'What happened? Why did it happen? What can be done to prevent it from happening again and again?'"[1]
Got time to read 426 pages? Me neither. I copied this summary of the summary from Wikipedia instead. Notice how Biden is attempting to do what this commission had recommended, but was not acted on at the time, (though the book that came from it was very popular).
"The commission's final report, the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders[4] or Kerner Report, was issued on February 29, 1968, after seven months of investigation. The report became an instant bestseller, and over two million Americans bought copies of the 426-page document. Its finding was that the riots resulted from black frustration at the lack of economic opportunity. Martin Luther King Jr. pronounced the report a 'physician's warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life.'[3]
"The report berated federal and state governments for failed housing, education and social-service policies. The report also aimed some of its sharpest criticism at the media. "The press has too long basked in a white world looking out of it, if at all, with white men's eyes and white perspective.'
The report's best known passage warned: "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal." The report was a strong indictment of white America: 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it.[5]
"Its results suggested that one main cause of urban violence was white racism and suggested that white America bore much of the responsibility for black rioting and rebellion. It called to create new jobs, construct new housing, and put a stop to de facto segregation in order to wipe out the destructive ghetto environment. In order to do so, the report recommended for government programs to provide needed services, to hire more diverse and sensitive police forces and, most notably, to invest billions in housing programs aimed at breaking up residential segregation."
Here is the link from Wikipedia. I had found the actual report in pdf form, but the browser was not secure so I did not want to post it here.
For ourselves and our students, every American history book should round out the unit on Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 with these words. If I were still teaching today, in addition to Martin Niemöller’s quote, my bulletin board would include the following...
* 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it.[5]*
And then we would apply the class approach to being a learning community...
Interesting. Thank you for sharing Lynell. I have been. thinking lately that there is so much focus on the senate. How will they vote? Will they filibuster? Who will vote which way? and so one. Then there is the rhetoric, voters vote according to what is important to them, as if that solves everything. There is not enough listening to the people. LBJ was right IMO to ask those questions. More questions should be asked. Somehow, the Dems lost a lot of Obama voters. That's important! And many of them are angry enough about something, to follow a cult leader without seeing it as such, or maybe they are and just want someone they have confidence in. Our governor has had twice weekly press conferences during the pandemic. I can't tell you how connected it made me feel to the state capitol and our leaders. I was hoping the Biden would do something similar, like the radio addresses that a previous president did. People want to be heard and understood. They want to be told the truth. Our reps have gotten so focused on their numbers and they'll say and do anything to get those votes. But in the long run, it's not a good strategy if they can't follow up with integrity. Where I'm at this morning while walking the dogs.
What state do you live in, Kimberly? I think you are really on to something. We have not had the publicity in the "public square" about these issues. Yes, MSNBC is constantly warning everyone (love when Matthew Dowd is on!) but this information has to be out loudly in all venues. Even the other MSM like ABC news doesn't talk about how dangerous this situation is.
Hey, Kathy. I'm no expert, not a teacher either, but I'm guessing that comments like this: "The report was a strong indictment of white America: 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it" would not be subjects that anti-CRT folks would want to be taught in their children's civics or American history lessons.
CRT is taught in some LAW schools (but not all) and not in public schools. This has been emphasized repeatedly by legal scholars who have become incensed that the Trumpet party has taken the theory and trashed it - trying to scare white parents. The ridiculous Governor Abbott of Texas actually signed a LAW prohibiting its discussion in schools. He apparently does not even understand how curriculum in his own state makes its way into the classroom. For him it's just a charade to cater to his racist base.
I am an American citizen. I have lived in Copenhagen, Denmark for 45 years. After many years of experiencing life in a well-functioning social democracy in Denmark, I am convinced there is a solution to the political horror playing out in Washington DC.
To save democracy in the United States at this juncture, we need the formation of a third political party to replace the Trumpized Republican party. This new party would be based on traditional Republican ideals and thoughts and provide a proper counterpoint to the present Democratic party. A viable third party could be made up of voters who espouse the true ideals of the Republican party and provide present day disenfranchised Republican voters with a viable alternative. It would take some time for this new party to grow and become powerful enough to rival the present Democratic party, but it would compete with the present party of Trump and McConnell which would eventually wither away. In time, perhaps, America too, could have a political structure which would enable the formation of coalition governments which would be more representative and responsive to the varied and disparate peoples and ideologies in the United States.
Just curious, Ilan. Could you briefly list the "traditional Republican ideals and thoughts" you have in mind? I agree there might be political advantage for the Democratic Party if there were a nice, angry schism in the Trump/McConnell GOP, but then again there might not be, as the Left is a bit schismoid (what, not in the dictionary?) itself and adept at self-flagellation, if not suicide under duress.
And with our country's (and world's) future in the balance? Hmmm.
I wonder if it might just be simpler to do WHATEVER it takes to eliminate the filibuster with all Democratic hands on board, then ram decades worth of overdue legislation down McConnell's lying throat (so to speak).
• Freedom: The original and basic value. The party and its leaders have stood for freedom for people all over the world, and usually to welcoming them to America. The GOP traditionally has believed that individuals should be free from government interference in our lives.
• Limited government: The GOP traditionally has stood for limitations on what the government can and should do. Government should not try to do everything or replace individual initiative to do for ourselves. It should leave most decisions on personal matters, like how we live, reproduce, love and worship, to individuals without government interference.
• Government close to the people: Republicans traditionally have believed that if government has to do things, it should do them at the level closest to the people being governed, so those people will have maximum input and the ability to try different approaches, either at the local or state level.
• Strong national defense: The GOP has stood for strong defense and preparedness. It also has stood for cautious use of that power. Strong defense does not mean wasting money on weapons systems which provide jobs in some powerful congressman or senator’s district, but intelligent investment that provides a military which can deter others from dangerous actions.
• Quality public education: Most people forget that public education was a Republican idea in the 1800s, to provide a common understanding for citizens of all backgrounds, so they would have common values and preparation to be good citizens. Regardless of class or wealth, this is a system to bind us together and not split us apart.
• Limited taxes and balanced budgets: Goldwater says, “The size of the government’s rightful claim — that is, the total amount it may take in taxes — will be determined by how we define the ‘legitimate functions of government.’” Traditionally, Republicans have believed that taxes must be sufficient to pay for the things we together decide to do. This means balanced budgets, reduced national debt and prudent fiscal policies.
• Conserving the environment: President Theodore Roosevelt was among the original environmentalists, and Republicans supported conserving the environment as good business and good policy.
• Encouraging capitalism: Republicans traditionally have believed in policies and programs that encourage capitalism as the best method to create wealth, a higher standard of living, competition and individual and group success. However, they also have believed in sensible limits that keep capitalism fair and controlled. The original anti-trust acts were enforced by Republicans like Roosevelt to create more, not less, capitalistic activity. Minimizing governmental regulations controls have encouraged responsible business activity and a strong economy. Support of capitalism also has traditionally included support for free trade.
• Realistic foreign policy based on American leadership: Republicans traditionally have believed in facing the facts as they are and leading in the world because our belief in freedom and justice deserved respect based on how we acted. This has included proper alliances, forging common ground and moral, principled leadership.
These may be traditional Republican values but after decades of rampant hypocrisy, they have now become rhetorical talking points used to gin up support among the party faithful. Each bullet point given can easily be dissected and debunked. Today's Republican Party exists for one purpose - amass power and with it, wealth.
What a joke! They don’t believe in freedom! They always have and are now doing everything they can to take away my freedom over my own body! My very own body! And freedom means the right to have your vote count. Republicans are only for all those things for a select few people and they will steal and kill to keep it that way. That entire list is hocus pocus talk.
Add me to the high fives! Since not ONE single Repb dared vote FOR the debate on this bill - not ONE! How sad that every single time one of the Rs has managed to stand (well, maybe not stand up, but crouch?) & disagree with the current mob, I think maybe a possibility of getting something done? Then they all line up like good little robots & wipe that possibility right off the map. Anyhow, right on, Christy!
That is an accumulation of several generations of Republicans. It is important to remember that before the 1960's, it was the Republican party that stood for individual rights and not leaving Black people behind and the Democratic party that enacted 80 years of Jim Crow laws. You cannot compare this iteration of Republicans with those from 50-90 years ago. Roosevelt and Nixon both were good for the environment while Eisenhower warned of the "military-industrial complex" that was beginning to emerge in the 1950's.
To grossly paraphrase Professor Richardson's talk from yesterday, as the "middle way" championed by President Eisenhower built on the New Deal enacted by President F. Roosevelt became status quo, the Movement Conservatives (who wanted a return to the 1920's, where a few white men got obscenely rich at the expense and on the backs of the rest of the population) took hold, and have now absolutely dominated the Republican Party of today.
Sadly, I am very skeptical of these "traditional" Republican values because I see the footprints of the Movement Conservatives all over them.
Just Words - Republican/Democrat. The National Socialists in Germany were in a vicious war with the Soviet Socialist Republics. Were either of them actually "Socialist?" Also, don't confuse Democrats in the South during the civil rights unrest, known as Dixiecrats, who switched to the Repugnant Party when the federal Democratic Party got rid of segregation and supported black voting rights.
That is the point that I hoped I was making when I commented in the first paragraph "It is important to remember that before the 1960's, it was the Republican party that stood for individual rights and not leaving Black people behind and the Democratic party that enacted 80 years of Jim Crow laws. You cannot compare this iteration of Republicans with those from 50-90 years ago."
Actually, the Republicans stopped standing for the rights of African-Americans when they adopted the Compromise of 1876. Recall that when Truman issued the executive order for desegregation of the military, every Republican (including Eisenhower, then a general) was not in favor of it.
We think that the Republican desire for power over all, regardless of anything else, is something new, but it has been their lodestar at least since 1876, when they gave up all their principles and allowed the South to end Reconstruction, in order to maintain their hold on the presidency.
The only "good" Republican presidents were all flukes. Lincoln was a fluke; none of them expected him to do any of what he did. Theodore Roosevelt was a fluke; they had put him in the Vce Presidency specifically to block him off. Eisenhower was a fluke; they wanted the presidency so bad after 20 years that they refused to nominate Robert Taft, "Mr. Republican," and went with Eisenhower because they knew all the ex-GIs would vote for their old leader.
I'll say it again: Harry Truman was right back in 1948 when he said "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies." Outside of their three flukes, they have never been anything but power-mad grasping scum.
I’d noticed that, too, and you’ve put it in clear words, TC. I, and many others, have tried to placate and give excuses to the “conservatives” in our lives by mentioning the “good” Republicans.
Yes, the Republicans are nothing if not the best of the best in the art of spin (that translates to deception-just to be very clear). And it’s why, I could only stomach the Rachel Maddow show during the bulk of TFG’s reign. Her mission was to watch what they “do” not what they “say”!
I’m sorry! Can you please gift me some of your great communication skills? I’m in need. I LOVE Rachel. I could not stand to watch anyone else. I hope that makes more sense. Thank you for asking me for clarification. 🙏
One must remember that the Republican ideals have been at least partly adopted by the Democratic Party. The Dems are more the part of Lincoln now than the Repubs have been in at least half a century.
"Minimizing governmental regulations controls have encouraged responsible business activity and a strong economy." Now that's the laugh of the week! Just ask the environment.
“The strange alchemy of time has somehow converted the Democrats into the truly conservative party of this country — the party dedicated to conserving all that is best, and building solidly and safely on these foundations.”
Competition is required for capitalism to even pretend to work. If competition goes away -- monopolies, for example -- it stops working. So one of the jobs of government is perpetual trust-busting, which makes capital owners squeal like pigs being slaughtered, which (in a metaphorical sense) they are. Though it is better to prevent them from forming a monopoly in the first place. A steeply progressive business tax rate, for instance, which disincentivizes getting too big, and leaves market share for the competition.
The other requirement is public ownership of shared/complex resources, which is what we are seeing in our current global ecocide. A tree is already serving a purpose, which is providing free air for every oxygen-breathing organism on the planet. In Jared Diamond's book, Collapse, he talks about how this played out in Shogunate Japan. There had been a period when Japanese warlords were cutting down entire forests for the wood to build their increasingly immense fortresses, and it was starting to affect the general ecology of the island. Under the Shoguns, forestry was heavily regulated, with a death penalty for violations.
Global climate change is simply the Japanese deforestation writ large.
Ah well. Those were the days. Nostalgia is an important feeling. Hopefully some of the Republican voters remember how they thought and things were in the 1950s and not just in the 1850s.
My answer to that seems like a conundrum to most people. However, it is the student’s achievement and progress that ought to determine a quality education.
If that progress is used by the educator to determine path forward. Often, measured achievement of students is used more as a measuring stick of the system rather than allowing it to drive instruction.
That's the age-faded menu that's been hanging in the window since at least the 1950's. The reality is that the Republican Party now offers only a tepid soup made from slightly muddy water with a sprig of Hopes-And-Prayers in it. That said, it stays in business because it will actually make ANYTHING YOU WANT -- provided that you bring your own ingredients, recipes, cooks, servers, and tables, as in the case of ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) legislation.
I haven’t gotten to Heather’s book on my to read list, but I’m curious to know if you have read it, or listened to any of her talks on YouTube on the Republican Party’s history
I have listened to most of her talks - which are on Tuesday and Thursday’s since she started. I liked the history talks especially when trying to understand the republican history. I have to say those are what got me through these last years. She is very well documented.
I agree. And I think a large part of my “addiction” if you will, to Heather’s letter is the need for truth. We have been drowning in the art of spin for much of my adulthood. It is repulsive to those of us who’s brains were acculturated to knowing the truth no matter how raw and painful. We have created a world where people can’t handle the truth. Heather chips away at that every single day.
It was hard for me to get through that book, I need to re-read it. the descriptions of what happened to the Native Americans was just so apalling…even though I was not ignorant of how they were treated, the details were heartbreaking.
And then Illan's wishes can be met...perhaps! But as you say the schisms wont stop there.....because they can thereafter believe that utopianism has no cost as "the dragon hath been slain by the mighty St George"
Hi David, it represents what I think will happen to the Democratic party should or when they succeed in passing the Voters Bills, replacing thus the Republican dragon as the dominant party in coming elections. The GOP will doubtless split at some point under sthe strain of threatened total annihilation. Thereafter the difference between the centrist democrats and the progressives will become a gaping chasm leading to a split and a possible 4 party tassle for elections. St George being a combination of Biden/Harris/Pelosi/ Schumer. St George, by the way, is the patron saint of the old colonial masters...England, the geographic and cultural origin of most of the Southern Slavery politicians of yore.
Okay, that makes sense. Thanks. But I think if there are 4 parties, two will shrivel up and be mostly absorbed by the other two and we'll be back where we are. Maybe we should move to a parliamentary system like we have here in good old western Europe.
It doesn't make a tinkers damn how many political parties we have if the constitution is not being followed. We no longer have the time to experiment with new grifters developing new slogans for the same purpose: ruling rather than governing. Until we can read...
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
...and understand what that means and restore that principle to government, we will continue this downward spiral.
We the people...do ordain and establish this Constitution of The United States of America.
It is time we quit writing separate laws for each race, color, ethnicity, religion, or political identity. No white bigot is going to give anyone a right or freedom. It is not theirs to give. Neither is it the gift of some never-seen ethereal entity that has never made any difference in the lives of all humanity.
Read it again. We the people ordain and establish this constitution.
"Rights are not bestowed, not even by kings. Rights are asserted, not given. Rights come from human nature, not divine nature. Most of all, natural law is a product of “liberal and expanded thought,” not of divine revelation."
Seidel, Andrew L. The Founding Myth (p. 77). Sterling. Kindle Edition.
In my eighty years, I do not recall a time when Republicans were fighting for the benefit of the people. They have only wanted to privatize every administrative office and social services department in our government and underwrite capitalist, industrialists, and financial institutions with public funds.
When our last constitutional convention was held, the fastest means of travel and communication was horseback. That 234-year attitude adjustment will be harsh. Every GOP-controlled state is doing all they can to abolish free elections.
We have not had another because so much corruption and grifting have come into the system that everyone is afraid they will lose an advantage. Legislators cannot address the needs of society without infringing on the wants of capitalism and religion.
You are now my BFF big time. I don't know if I can find a hat big enough to fit my new big head. Thanx. But I must remind you that that quote was from Andrew Seidel's book, The Founding Myth. I recommend it to everyone having to deal with the fact that no god had a part in our founding.
Well. While I'm selling books, let me offer just one more. It is a good book for white people who are ready to give up on telling black people, and other minorities, what they want and need. Eddie Glaude points out in his book, Begin Again, that we whites simply are not qualified. Black people are perfectly capable of explaining what they want and need.
Thank you! As are women, and all other marginalized people who are not wealthy white men. This is one of the reasons I oppose "states' rights" - because it maintains old and divisive structures that keep us from living up to our name - the "United" States of America.
Ah yes -"states rights". It covers so much - even the Western states "rights" to slaughter any wild animal they want to - i.e., wolves, mountain lions, coyotes - the ones "in the way"! And the "right" to do so much more!
Glaude's book, published in 2020, is subtitled "James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own". From the publisher's blurb added to the record for this book at my local library: ""James Baldwin grew disillusioned by the failure of the Civil Rights movement to force America to confront its lies about race. In the era of Trump, what can we learn from his struggle? "Not everything is lost. Responsibility cannot be lost, it can only be abdicated. If one refuses abdication, one begins again." --James Baldwin We live, according to Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., in the after times, when the promise of Black Lives Matter and the attempt to achieve a new America were challenged by the election of Donald Trump, a racist president whose victory represents yet another failure of America to face the lies it tells itself about race. We have been here before: For James Baldwin, the after times came in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, when a similar attempt to compel a national confrontation with the truth was answered with the murders of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. In these years, spanning from the publication of The Fire Next Time in 1963 to that of No Name in the Street in 1972, Baldwin was transformed into a more overtly political writer, a change that came at great professional and personal cost. But from that journey, Baldwin emerged with a sense of renewed purpose about the necessity of pushing forward in the face of disillusionment and despair."
My library enable readers to post reviews of titles they've read. Here's one: ""A thousand cuts a day..." is how James Baldwin described being a black man in this country. Baldwin's pain was so great that he chose to live abroad in order to regain his will to live. He had lost faith that white America would ever wake up to the lie of whiteness and superiority.
The author, Mr. Claude, is able to bring his own experiences, as well as Baldwin's, to life in this book so the reader can feel the fear and sense of "no hope" that these men have experienced. Fortunately for us, these men, strengthened by the faith and words of visionaries like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, were able to move beyond despair and give us a path forward at this critical time in our shared history. I found this a good companion book to White Fragility."
I wish I had been able to read James Baldwin's work. I have read a few of his books. Enough to see that we need to be listening to the voices of black and other minorities. I don't know what is life was like in France, but I'm sure it was our loss. I think poignant is the right word, for all his sensitivity and the ability to express his feelings and it was cut off from us.
Yes, but you read the book and knew where to find the quote that perfectly illuminates the important point you wanted to make. Now I feel illuminated and will check out both books you recommend. And I agree white people like me should listen to Black people who know exactly what they want and need. Also to other people with wants and needs. No one should be excluded from the great conversation.
Said by a person who has lived nearly 1/4th of the term of this grand experiment of American democracy. Well said. Rights are not bestowed. Says it right. Our actions, our campaigns, our policies, our laws, and our energies should be toward ensuring that the greatest numbers of our people (as in We the People) ACHIEVE the hopes of the rest of this: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Love it when a true contemporary speaks for me. Thanks.
I think about the situation of the colonists during those years. Slave owners valued freedom so intensely that they would overthrow the rule of an oppressive monarch. They risked their lives and personal fortunes, including their slaves, who sometimes were allowed or ordered, to fight with them, to secure their freedom.
In the process, they created some of the most profound documents ever gleaned from the minds of men. They explained the natural rights of all men to be free from oppression, free to practice whatever religion they chose, or to not practice any religion. Except for those 'other people.' I'm not sure they even called them people.
We really need to be exercising those documents, right now. We need to include as many 'others' as possible. Except for the chance, any one of us could have been any one of those.
Should we trade in that 234 year old Constitution for something more democratic?
It would probably end up being something far different than our present Constitution. There would probably be a one-house legislature from which a majority or a coalition forming a majority elects a government led by a prime (which means "first") minister. Any two house legislature, with which we now are stuck, recognizes that more than one power center exists, and that only confuses things as it does here with our Senate elected by 50 States. We have to decide whether we want to disempower the "States," which the Constitution arbitrarily "United," and consequently, get rid of the Senate and of course, the Electoral College. The legislature would choose a nominal head of state with little real power and appoint a judiciary. THIS IS THE WAY THE REST OF THE DEMOCRATIC WORLD DOES IT. It is more democratic than our system, which was just an experiment, and was designed to accommodate more than one power center, some of which were not particularly democratic at the time of its inception, and remain so even today.
There are times when I think we do need a new Constitution - generally when various attempts at critical amendments fall prey to the right's reluctance to extend any rights not specifically granted in the pre-Bill of Rights document. Then I go on to consider that what we really need is universal suffrage with mandatory voting. Give everyone over the age of 18 not only the right, but also the responsibility (and ample opportunity) to vote and we will find out who we really are as a people. If what I suspect is true - that the majority of us want to live and let live - then a real representative democracy will be a very good thing. I believe those who now avoid voting or keeping up with the political scene are not expressing a lack of interest in what our government does, but rather a feeling of powerlessness. If they don't believe their voices matter, they are not going to participate. Just as students who are shamed, ignored, or otherwise embarrassed in a classroom are not going to raise their hands the next time there is a chance to offer their answers, questions, or opinions, citizens of a nation can be taught to sit quietly and not join in. And that is exactly how the right wants us to respond.
The "universal suffrage" you mention remains in the hands of the States, empowered by the Constitution, and that translates to the obstacles we are witnessing in the Senate.
It is a good idea, but the Republican Party has always been united in recent years, now matter how ridiculous their positions become. So I don't think a split is likely. More likely 1% of Republicans will get disgusted and stay home. That is about as good as we can hope for. Remember that virtually all Republicans are watching Fox News these days.
Did you see the comment yesterday on the registration for political parties for WV. About equal Dems and Repubs but 20+% for Indies? I think this is quite meaningful in how Republicans are leaving their constituents adrift without anything they can connect with other than sheer disgust for “others”
It's amazing to me how close the divide is to the middle in may places including the Senate. It would interesting to see these numbers over time, how they have shifted, and if there's an ongoing trend or if of-the-time issues can swing things in either direction.
That would be nice, but the majority of Republican voters are no longer "decent people." But something does need to be done, since the laws of aerodynamics apply to politics: an eagle cannot fly on just one wing.
Respectfully, there are better ways to bring the Republicans into a policy making, governing mood Ilan: expose them and defeat them. We are involved in that process right now, and this will take less time than standing up another party. We don't have any more time for that experiment.
There are many positives that you may have enjoyed in Denmark that many Americans do not currently have e.g universal healthcare, better access to better education that is more affordable, lower homeless rates, attention to maintaining infrastructure; and all of this with about the same taxation level in both countries. Another example is Norway-about the same taxation rate for citizens as the U.S. with many more advantages for their taxpayers.
I agree, but in order to have a third party, we also need either ranked voting, or representatives elected "at-large" to represent an entire state. Otherwise, a vote for a third-party candidate will serve only to lessen the votes for Dems, and ensure the dominance of the trumpists.
The construct of the Constitution combined with largely unfettered funding of political campaigns strongly deters the formation of third or more political parties. Personally, I agree that the country and democracy would be better served if we could break up our corrupt political duopoly. In reality, the plutocrats will never allow that to happen. They all understand that a bitterly divided nation protects and serves their long-term best interests.
A third party sounds great. Personally, I've been waiting for a progressive Green Party to gain strength and flex some muscle for several decades now. The closest they've gotten so far, in this country, was 2000. Didn't work out so great. The current Republican party are a bunch of lying conniving reprobates, in my estimation. A third party schism would be wonderful to see. By the way, how are things going for Liz Cheney? Dems have to take more direct action than wait for that to play out.
Hear. hear. Enabling the formation of coalition governments is the greatest testament (to me) of the benefit of a parliamentary system of democracy. In spite of all its downsides, I’ve come to appreciate (20 yrs. living as an ex-pat in Canada) and understand this system. P.S. For a dramatic fictionalization, watch the Danish series “Borgen!”
Yes! Great series- Borgen. How difficult it was to form that new party, though. I also came to appreciate coalition building while living in the Republic of Ireland.
My first thought on this is that it resembled a sequence in a repeated nightmare, you know what is going to happen but you plod on irremedially nonetheless to the end....you can't help yourself; a Senatorial Groundhog Day. I trust that the whole Democratic Caucus will be using their coming "holiday" to wake up a little more to their truely desperate plight and not just to emphasize the heroic nature of their "failed" attempt to rise to the level of their illustrious predecessor, Abraham Lincoln. He was beaten in his first joust for a Senate seat by Douglas but persevered with strength, conviction and guile to win after a dire fight and free ALL the people from the "yoke" of Calhoun's State rights.
“How is it possible to square states’ rights and equality without also protecting the right of all adult citizens to vote?” It’s not. Which is the point. These “election security” laws Republicans are passing are designed to end equality. Inequality isn’t an accident, it’s the goal. Republicans are originalists in the ugliest sense of the word. The original Constitution held that only white males have the right to vote. As far as the GOP is concerned, amendments and laws passed since 1783 that guarantee the right to vote for minorities and women are illegitimate. They are working hard to undo them.
Listen to Heather's video chats on the history of the Republican Party. Even today (6/22/2021) she talked about the difference between the parties. Democrats are fact-based; Republicans broadcast a narrative, tell a story that approximates the reality they want to create or maintain. A reality in which they are at the top wielding the power over others, and raking in the money and privilege. That is the mindset. They have been honing this narrative for 40 years. Democracy is a hindrance.
What to do? Counter the narrative. Stick to facts. Amplify our messages in support of equity and justice for all people. Rest up tonight, back at it tomorrow.
Ellie--you're right. We can do something. We can create our own narrative (not just counter theirs) based on facts and truth. And then amplify the hell out of it, using social media and our own personal networks. Ellie knows, so this is for the rest of you, I've founded a grassroots org www.moreperfectdemocracy.org to help save democracy and win the midterms by crafting the narrative that basically says everyone's lives get better when Dems are in charge and when we work together for equity and inclusion across the board. Take a look at our website and sign up if you want to get involved. I'll reach out to you. Or you can email me at moreperfectdemocracy@gmail.com. We all have a role.
I also think it is helpful to understand as completely as possible where the right wing extremists are coming from and their values or lack thereof. They have been paranoid and living with fantasies for generations......
Ellie, Please provide subscribers -- who do not and or will not use Facebook -- how they may have access to Heather's work on video/digital, noting the nature of the material -- chats, lectures, podcasts, etc. Might simply Googling her name be sufficient? Any guidance that you can offer would be appreciated. Thank you.
Heather does a one hour video chat on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook Live. At some point a few days or weeks later, she posts them to her YouTube channel with subtitles.
Typing Heather Cox Richardson into your favorite search engine should bring up these options, along with various articles, radio appearances, and of course, her books!
Happy listening—knowledge is power, at least the first step!
They are each so good on their own and then really elevate each other. And the production is nice with bringing in clips. They bring levity to the most serious subjects.
The Democrats lose ground, but persuade themselves there is hope. If…if…if.
The Republicans could not have been at a lower moment in their history in January 2021. They rolled up their sleeves, cast conscience and caution to the wind and now they have their knee on the neck of the Democrats.
Piece by piece the window dressing is being shredded on the shiny new Biden administration. Did he raise a finger to risk his legacy on the voting rights’ bills? Nope.
Shuffled it to Kamala.
Informally they control Congress now. Shiner and Manchin and Synema will talk us to death.
McConnell just slams the door shut.
But the Democrats deftly skewer the blatant contradictions in the Republican position. In the meantime, the “audits” go on being organized.
The skewering I read in these forms and on the Congress floor and in Democratic-sympathetic media outlets have are mere noise now.
But the new laws are facts of life, squeezing true democracy by the throat more and more tightly.
Let’s talk some more.
Fern I loved your clarion call to action yesterday. That’s the Republican playbook. And John Lewis’s.
Reading Lincoln's rebuttal to Douglas at the Jonesboro debate I was gobsmacked by Lincoln's explanation of differentiating truths from lies. In this explanation he describes the same tactics used by Republicans today, especially the former president, where someone makes a false story or flawed analogy which is them picked up and repeated until it has the facade of truth.
"It used to be a fashion amongst men that when a charge was made, some sort of proof was brought forward to establish it, and if no proof was found to exist, the charge was dropped. I don't know how to meet this kind of an argument. I don't want to have a fight with Judge Douglas, and I have no way of making an argument up into the consistency of a corn-cob and stopping his mouth with it. [Laughter and applause.] All I can do is, good-humoredly to say that, from the beginning to the end of all that story about a bargain between Judge Trumbull and myself, there is not a word of truth in it. [Applause.] I can only ask him to show some sort of evidence of the truth of his story. He brings forwyeard here and reads from what he contends is a speech by James H. Matheny, charging such a bargain between Trumbull and myself. My own opinion is that Matheny did do some such immoral thing as to tell a story that he knew nothing about. I believe he did."
The Republican Party has been and continues to desecrate all that Lincoln stood for in becoming the old Democratic Party that Lincoln may not have destroyed but was able to reduce in size so as to make it minority power for generations.
We need a modern day Lincoln moment and why it's not coming from a northern state Republican like Susan Collins is a great disappointment. This disease can only cured from within the Republican Party by something that is in short supply: principled Senators with a moral commitment to the notion that all men and women are created equal. Until that day slavery is still with us, even if only alive in the hearts and minds of elected GOP politicians.
"Matheny did do some such immoral thing as to tell a story that he knew nothing about." Linciln's reasoning, however, would not motivate truth finding among today's Republicans; unfortunately, for them telling lies is not immoral but a self-preserving lifestyle...
I suspect it was much the same thing back then also and going back into antiquity. Personally not religious but I seem to remember from my ancient Sunday school past, lying has been with us from the beginning. <Insert scene from 2001 A Space Odyssey of a Chimp banging his bone/>
Yesterday 50 U.S. Republican Senators stood up in Congress and voted to violate and trash the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. “ "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Apparently, the idea that we are an “indivisible nation with liberty and justice for all” is no longer their view, but rather States Rights, the underlying principle along with human enslavement underlying the founding of the treasonous U.S. Confederacy is now their organizing principle.
This should shock all decent U.S. citizens. I supposes when Congress next convenes in July we can expect to see Republicans propose making the necessary changes to the Pledge of Allegiance to adapt to their new views on 50 individual states each deciding independently which of their citizens is entitled to liberty and justice.
What a shameful, performative vote in our U.S. Senate.
What the GOP is doing now is exposing to the world a particular ideal that has always been present in humans. The disenfranchisement of all "others" because of some vague fear that freedom and equality are of a fixed amount and must be strictly guarded against encroachment by undesirables. We all gravitate toward those groups with kindred principles.
Not sure that particular ideal has always been present. Current GOP are presenting their pseudo-conservative paranoia and alternative reality, based on generations of conspiratory beliefs that freedom and equality belong to certain individuals?
I have been away for a few days, so if someone else has already made this suggestion forgive me. I am reading Adam Jentleson’s book, Kill Switch. It is about the entire history of the filibuster, and the history of the senate, up to the present day. How the filibuster was effectively used as primarily a mechanism of advantage by the minority Southern slaveholding aristocracy.
I am only halfway through the book, because I made the mistake of getting the Audible version. I keep hitting the back button, trying to keep up with the gush of names and and speech excerpts, and it is a slog when you are just listening. This is a textbook, not a murder mystery! You need a hard copy, or at least the Kindle version so you can highlight, dog-ear, and make notes. I plan to remedy that as soon as tomorrow. I am simply amazed at the comprehensive information that this author has compiled, and he presents it in story form, as if he was there for every terrible minute....
I am not trying to hawk history books on a history professor’s website, so I think we should defer to our host’s opinion of the book before you go and spend money on just my opinion. I think we are going to be deeply involved with the filibuster for quite a while to come, and this book is my way of getting up to speed for the rough ride ahead.
I will have to check it out. Always looking for great books to read. I'm currently reading Lawrence Lessig "They Don't Represent Us". Which is basically a book about all of the things wrong with democracy in the US such as gerrymandering, the Electoral College, the Senate being not proportionally representative, the rise of partisan media and platforms. Half way through, and not sure what the answers are yet.
Books are written to be read from their paper versions. Same for newspapers and magazines. That's why we have libraries. Electronic or audio versions interpose something between the writers and the readers and lessen the intended impact of the words.
I totally agree with you Jack. Old School. The smell and feel of paper. But until the cardiologist says it is ok to get these cataracts removed, and one retina worked on, I depend on Kindle's ability to go even larger than large print editions, where they even exist. Or Patrick Tull narrating my Brother Cadfael Chronicles on Audible....
Civil Rights are too important to be left to states. Right, Jean-Pierre. And we used to have a Supreme Court who thought so, too. I hope John Roberts is proud of himself.
I'm ashamed of Susan Collins. The people of Maine did not elect Mitch McConnell to be their Senator, so we don't need Susan to tell us what Mitch wants. Republicans have spoiled their own argument. States should be able to decide their own voting rights, but Senators from those same states are supposed to toe the line at the Federal level and vote how their leadership tells them to. Why have a "United" States, with a federal government if individual states can decide something as fundamental as how people should vote.
Susan didn't win as easily as she has in the past. It took Bill Green's enthusiastic endorsement, plus repeating over and over the fact that her opponent was "from away". She ran as a moderate, not as Mitch's sidekick, as she has become.
That's a point I have been mulling over all day: "The people of Maine did not elect Mitch McConnell to be their Senator." There are 99 senators whose states did not elect McConnell as their senator. If their own senators cannot represent them and will not stand on their own two feet, what good are they? Paid puppets? They obviously have no conscience or integrity. Lock step because "he told me to do it" is more in keeping with fascism...these puppets do not deserve the votes of their own constituents.
Maine voters like Susan Collins. She was just re-elected to her 4th term, by those constituents. She’s not fooling anybody, her opponent’s campaign was heavily financed, every Maine voter was exposed to hundreds of ads linking Collins to Mitch McConnell. I can’t explain it, but the majority of Maine voters approve of Collins and her support of McConnell’s agenda. It’s misleading to think that Collins doesn’t deserve the votes of her constituents.
There is a glaring cognitive dissonance in Republicans calling for citizens in individual states to decide voting rules as they purposely limit the ability of many of those citizens to vote, and thus participate in the choice.
And Republicans, to a man and woman, wear this hypocricy openly and proudly.
How much more do you need, Senators Manchin and Sinema, to get on board to ditch the filibuster?
Standard autocrat-talk.....history is what I say it is, truth is what i say it is, you are who i say you are. Anything else is a lie, punishable by me to whatever level i choose.
I don't think there is much cognitive dissonance to be found in the minds of these Republican "true believers". I think they are happy right where they are.
Again, I find myself totally appalled at the gameshow posing as the United States Government. I have lived a long lifetime being lied to that this was a democracy, when in fact it has been an oligarchy for that lifetime or longer. Someone mentioned recently how Hillary Clinton won the “Popular Vote” in the 2016 election that the disgusting, unqualified, mentally defective asswipe actually won by the game rules of “Electoral Votes” based on a rigged system. (Al Gore won it in 2000). That statement alone is proof that we are not a democracy. Popular Vote should be the only requirement in a Democracy.
And, I have taken to screaming obscenities at my TV when Mitch McConnell BLATANTLY LIES that there is no voter suppression in all those old Jim Crow Southern States like his, being run by the Repugnant Party who have instituted the new Jim Crow obstacles to voting. “States Rights” should not be allowed to determine which civil rights are protected, including the right to vote. This should be a federal given as proven by all the backwater, ignorant states of Dixie for much of my lifetime. I thot it had been done with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but the Supremes for some stupid legalistic nitpicking got rid of that in 2013 and the Repugnant Party is now free to go back to institute voter suppression anew, while insulting us with their lies of “protection.”
As Susan Collins (R-ME) put it: “S. 1 would take away the rights of people in each of the 50 states to determine which election rules work best for their citizens.” That is rich, considering that in some GOP dominated states laws are being passed to allow GOP state legislators to determine - by overthrow of a legal election, if necessary - who 'wins'. I don't see how Collins' nose isn't 30 miles long, the woman lies so much.
And shame on the voters in Maine for sending her back to the Senate for six more years. She won decisively in the last election, even though everyone know who/what she was.
Lots of Fox News enthusiasts and Trump supporters in rural Maine
It dumbfounds me that anyone can think it right that election rules be different for anyone, anywhere, at any time! Of course, history demonstrates how naive I am.
Collins was anticipated in 1972
https://youtu.be/hAt1b21S97k
Thank you for the musical detour! Yes...
When you see the world through the eyes of the musicians, it can bring hope. “Its Christmas Time in Washington”
https://youtu.be/Qbi2rMQveHo
Yes, come back Woodie Guthrie. Can we organize a Voter's Woodstock between now and June 12th i. Every state?!
Just a few thoughts on those Republican ideals.
Government close to the people- 600,000 deaths in covid states making up their own rules.
Strong national defense- got us into Iraq with contractors making billions and American lives lost.
Freedom- to stand in line for hours on end in Georgia a year ago to simply vote in a primary election in the nation that is supposed to be a beacon for democracy.
Limited taxes- actually no taxes for the wealthiest among us who can buy the present leaders in power and get tax codes passed just for them.
Please list for me the Republicans who are speaking out about the failures of these “Republican Ideals” in our land.
The GOP is for state rights as long as they control the state and that argument suits their need for any given day. HCR has, once again, found the historical event that exactly mirrors what we are dealing with today. Reducing the Negro to as near chattel slavery as possible, and keeping the government under the control of capitalism and religion. White straight males. Only.
And, if you can't make them a slave again, reduce them to utter poverty with no voting access. That will "control" them. Asshats.
And/or, subject them to mass incarceration thus honoring the language of the 13th Amendment which allows for forced and unpaid (or nearly so) labor, the definition of slavery. Here in the mountain West, we are shriveling in historic drought (and heat) and entering another wild fire season of possibly historic proportions. Many of our firefighters are prison inmates, paid $2-3 per day as front line firefighters in nearly unbearable and dangerous conditions, then, upon release, unable to gain real employement doing what they learned to do while incarcerated. All Men Are Created Equal (with some exceptions).
And women and children, white or black or any other color, as chattel...
From Lucid by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an interview with Tara Setmayer: “I think we're creating a space for people, giving them permission to break away from the party that they have felt a part of for so long. And it's not an easy thing to do. I didn't realize how emotionally invested people are in their political affiliation until it became time for me to make the decision to finally walk away from it. It had been such a dominating force of my professional life. I started in Republican politics when I was 17 years old in high school. I chose to go to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. to be at the epicenter of politics. I wanted to be a part of the solution. I believed that Republican and conservative principles were the best way to effectuate good public policy that was beneficial to the American people.
When you go through 27 years, and then start to question whether that was all a lie, it's eye-opening. It was not a difficult decision for me when I made it, because when you know you're done, you're done. It's kind of like when you break up in a relationship, That's how I felt on November 5th when I made the announcement. When [Trump] disgraced and defaced the East Wing of the White House the night of the election, saying there was fraud and that he would refuse to concede, Republicans had an opportunity to say enough is enough. But they didn't, they did not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to Trump, even when our constitutional Republic was on the line.
RBG: Speaking of loss, many people feel they cannot speak to their Trump-supporting friends and relatives anymore. As a former Republican, are you able to have a dialogue with Trump-supporting associates and others you know?
TS: This is another sad byproduct of the Trump era. Fortunately, no one in my immediate family was radicalized, but some of my closest friends, including one of my closest girlfriends, a journalist, has completely engulfed herself in the pro-Trump propaganda parade and has made a lot of money in her career over the last five years by becoming a part of that. Watching that happen has been heartbreaking for me because I miss my friend. We cannot talk. It feels like we're in the Civil War and I'm a General in the Union and she's a General in the Confederacy.”
You say it better than I do. These are no longer the Republican "ideals". They have no policy, no ideals, and no redeeming qualities.
Sadly, the Lincoln Project came to a bad end. The legislators who opposed the ex president have quit. So here we are hoping republicans/rioters/brainwashed masses will stop their lockstep march when common sense dawns. It won’t. Our democracy boils down to the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments which the Republican Party firmly rejects.
The LP is still in existence and continuing its work.
Yes, and they are actually gearing up to fight in important congressional and senate races in 2022.
Here is a link from the Lincoln Project to sign the pledge for democracy: https://action.lincolnproject.us/democracypledge Many of us have already signed it.
As is The Franklin Project.
https://franklinproject.us/
I'm pretty much over the Lincoln Party and its misogynistic ways.
While I would normally agree, we need them and their knowledge for this war on repub imperialists.
Which is why they promote We’re Speaking with Maya May and Lisa Senecal and The Breakdown with Tara Setmeyer 🤷♀️
There you go John. A list of 1 Republican entity speaking out. Marcy M and Annette D say the Lincoln Project is alive and well.
Fortunately I had listened to people in the “know” the night before last. They all reiterated this procedure was merely to present Manchin’s ideas but knew the Repubs under Mitch’s thumb, wouldn’t budge.
I watched Amy Klobuchar tonight on Maddow and she is taking the Rules Committee on the road, starting with Georgia. This move is to fire voters up by letting them know what is at stake for them.
Susan Collins makes me just want to vomit but it’s Mitch who I would like to squeeze his triple chin into mincemeat.
Morning, Marlene!! I was just about to post Amy's vow to take the bill on the road. Great minds! Here's an article about it: https://www.publicnow.com/view/EAB631D0F8729F5BD1F3B248E0FA77874DF4BB78
Yes, we all knew how this would end, but it was still disappointing.
Good Morning, Lynell! Always good to hear from you. Your post about LBJ was so right on. White people always buried their heads in the sand but since being witnesses of the death of George Floyd, eyes are wide-opened. It is our duty to fight with all of our might against these oppressors. Have been doing this for over 50 years.
Marlene, I thought you were going to say "squeeze his (you know whats)". Either way they I'd be happy to help!
Well I was gonna say that too but I like to leave some things open to the imagination…😁
😂😂🤣🤣
I feel you! But another cloned minion would just take his place, and another, and another.....
Wrap his wattle around his ears.
Your too kind on Mitch. I'll leave it there
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! Today sucks. Feel free to pass me by. I am on a bit of another lane today; besides, most of you are reflecting our thoughts admirably about yesterday's tragic vote.
Anybody remember the Kerner Commission? That's the body that LBJ put together back in 1967 to study why there was so much "rioting" in the streets starting in 1965. Interesting that the rise in civil unrest began after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enshrined into law.
"In his remarks upon signing the order establishing the commission, Johnson asked for answers to three basic questions about the riots: 'What happened? Why did it happen? What can be done to prevent it from happening again and again?'"[1]
Got time to read 426 pages? Me neither. I copied this summary of the summary from Wikipedia instead. Notice how Biden is attempting to do what this commission had recommended, but was not acted on at the time, (though the book that came from it was very popular).
"The commission's final report, the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders[4] or Kerner Report, was issued on February 29, 1968, after seven months of investigation. The report became an instant bestseller, and over two million Americans bought copies of the 426-page document. Its finding was that the riots resulted from black frustration at the lack of economic opportunity. Martin Luther King Jr. pronounced the report a 'physician's warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life.'[3]
"The report berated federal and state governments for failed housing, education and social-service policies. The report also aimed some of its sharpest criticism at the media. "The press has too long basked in a white world looking out of it, if at all, with white men's eyes and white perspective.'
The report's best known passage warned: "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal." The report was a strong indictment of white America: 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it.[5]
"Its results suggested that one main cause of urban violence was white racism and suggested that white America bore much of the responsibility for black rioting and rebellion. It called to create new jobs, construct new housing, and put a stop to de facto segregation in order to wipe out the destructive ghetto environment. In order to do so, the report recommended for government programs to provide needed services, to hire more diverse and sensitive police forces and, most notably, to invest billions in housing programs aimed at breaking up residential segregation."
Here is the link from Wikipedia. I had found the actual report in pdf form, but the browser was not secure so I did not want to post it here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerner_Commission#Report_summary
WOW Lynell, Thanks for this post!!
For ourselves and our students, every American history book should round out the unit on Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 with these words. If I were still teaching today, in addition to Martin Niemöller’s quote, my bulletin board would include the following...
* 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it.[5]*
And then we would apply the class approach to being a learning community...
Think! Discuss! Understand! Act!
In light of the date of the report, 1968, my eyes widened when I first read the quote you cite here, M!
Interesting. Thank you for sharing Lynell. I have been. thinking lately that there is so much focus on the senate. How will they vote? Will they filibuster? Who will vote which way? and so one. Then there is the rhetoric, voters vote according to what is important to them, as if that solves everything. There is not enough listening to the people. LBJ was right IMO to ask those questions. More questions should be asked. Somehow, the Dems lost a lot of Obama voters. That's important! And many of them are angry enough about something, to follow a cult leader without seeing it as such, or maybe they are and just want someone they have confidence in. Our governor has had twice weekly press conferences during the pandemic. I can't tell you how connected it made me feel to the state capitol and our leaders. I was hoping the Biden would do something similar, like the radio addresses that a previous president did. People want to be heard and understood. They want to be told the truth. Our reps have gotten so focused on their numbers and they'll say and do anything to get those votes. But in the long run, it's not a good strategy if they can't follow up with integrity. Where I'm at this morning while walking the dogs.
What state do you live in, Kimberly? I think you are really on to something. We have not had the publicity in the "public square" about these issues. Yes, MSNBC is constantly warning everyone (love when Matthew Dowd is on!) but this information has to be out loudly in all venues. Even the other MSM like ABC news doesn't talk about how dangerous this situation is.
Good thoughts, and questions, Kimberly. Wish I had an answer.
Brava!! Thank you. In addition to HCR's enlightening writing, I appreciate more history leading to understanding.
A copy of the full report can be downloaded here: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/national-advisory-commission-civil-disorders-report
Thank you, Julene! This is great.
As in America On Fire by Elizabeth Hinton!
Is this Critical Race Theory?
Hey, Kathy. I'm no expert, not a teacher either, but I'm guessing that comments like this: "The report was a strong indictment of white America: 'What white Americans have never fully understood — but what the Negro can never forget — is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it" would not be subjects that anti-CRT folks would want to be taught in their children's civics or American history lessons.
CRT is taught in some LAW schools (but not all) and not in public schools. This has been emphasized repeatedly by legal scholars who have become incensed that the Trumpet party has taken the theory and trashed it - trying to scare white parents. The ridiculous Governor Abbott of Texas actually signed a LAW prohibiting its discussion in schools. He apparently does not even understand how curriculum in his own state makes its way into the classroom. For him it's just a charade to cater to his racist base.
q.v., The Reid Out tonight
Reading “white institutions created it [Black rebellion]” made me think 426 pages were summed up by CRT.
Apologies to Ally (Morning, Ally!!) for the faulty quotation marks!! Also, was thinking a lot about critical race theory when I read this report!
Wowee Zowee. So is that the type of commission that Pelosi is trying to put together now?
Really excellent post, Lynell. Thank you for reminding me of the Kerner Commission.
Thanks, Daria. Wish I could remember how I started thinking about it in the first place!
I am an American citizen. I have lived in Copenhagen, Denmark for 45 years. After many years of experiencing life in a well-functioning social democracy in Denmark, I am convinced there is a solution to the political horror playing out in Washington DC.
To save democracy in the United States at this juncture, we need the formation of a third political party to replace the Trumpized Republican party. This new party would be based on traditional Republican ideals and thoughts and provide a proper counterpoint to the present Democratic party. A viable third party could be made up of voters who espouse the true ideals of the Republican party and provide present day disenfranchised Republican voters with a viable alternative. It would take some time for this new party to grow and become powerful enough to rival the present Democratic party, but it would compete with the present party of Trump and McConnell which would eventually wither away. In time, perhaps, America too, could have a political structure which would enable the formation of coalition governments which would be more representative and responsive to the varied and disparate peoples and ideologies in the United States.
Just curious, Ilan. Could you briefly list the "traditional Republican ideals and thoughts" you have in mind? I agree there might be political advantage for the Democratic Party if there were a nice, angry schism in the Trump/McConnell GOP, but then again there might not be, as the Left is a bit schismoid (what, not in the dictionary?) itself and adept at self-flagellation, if not suicide under duress.
And with our country's (and world's) future in the balance? Hmmm.
I wonder if it might just be simpler to do WHATEVER it takes to eliminate the filibuster with all Democratic hands on board, then ram decades worth of overdue legislation down McConnell's lying throat (so to speak).
Traditional Republican values
June 21, 2019 Brad Cook
• Freedom: The original and basic value. The party and its leaders have stood for freedom for people all over the world, and usually to welcoming them to America. The GOP traditionally has believed that individuals should be free from government interference in our lives.
• Limited government: The GOP traditionally has stood for limitations on what the government can and should do. Government should not try to do everything or replace individual initiative to do for ourselves. It should leave most decisions on personal matters, like how we live, reproduce, love and worship, to individuals without government interference.
• Government close to the people: Republicans traditionally have believed that if government has to do things, it should do them at the level closest to the people being governed, so those people will have maximum input and the ability to try different approaches, either at the local or state level.
• Strong national defense: The GOP has stood for strong defense and preparedness. It also has stood for cautious use of that power. Strong defense does not mean wasting money on weapons systems which provide jobs in some powerful congressman or senator’s district, but intelligent investment that provides a military which can deter others from dangerous actions.
• Quality public education: Most people forget that public education was a Republican idea in the 1800s, to provide a common understanding for citizens of all backgrounds, so they would have common values and preparation to be good citizens. Regardless of class or wealth, this is a system to bind us together and not split us apart.
• Limited taxes and balanced budgets: Goldwater says, “The size of the government’s rightful claim — that is, the total amount it may take in taxes — will be determined by how we define the ‘legitimate functions of government.’” Traditionally, Republicans have believed that taxes must be sufficient to pay for the things we together decide to do. This means balanced budgets, reduced national debt and prudent fiscal policies.
• Conserving the environment: President Theodore Roosevelt was among the original environmentalists, and Republicans supported conserving the environment as good business and good policy.
• Encouraging capitalism: Republicans traditionally have believed in policies and programs that encourage capitalism as the best method to create wealth, a higher standard of living, competition and individual and group success. However, they also have believed in sensible limits that keep capitalism fair and controlled. The original anti-trust acts were enforced by Republicans like Roosevelt to create more, not less, capitalistic activity. Minimizing governmental regulations controls have encouraged responsible business activity and a strong economy. Support of capitalism also has traditionally included support for free trade.
• Realistic foreign policy based on American leadership: Republicans traditionally have believed in facing the facts as they are and leading in the world because our belief in freedom and justice deserved respect based on how we acted. This has included proper alliances, forging common ground and moral, principled leadership.
https://www.nhbr.com/traditional-republican-values/
These may be traditional Republican values but after decades of rampant hypocrisy, they have now become rhetorical talking points used to gin up support among the party faithful. Each bullet point given can easily be dissected and debunked. Today's Republican Party exists for one purpose - amass power and with it, wealth.
What a joke! They don’t believe in freedom! They always have and are now doing everything they can to take away my freedom over my own body! My very own body! And freedom means the right to have your vote count. Republicans are only for all those things for a select few people and they will steal and kill to keep it that way. That entire list is hocus pocus talk.
Christy, you be, as Christine says, sizzling today!
She’s got the bacon on the griddle!
Aw! That feels like a high five from women I admire! 🙏❤️
Add me to the high fives! Since not ONE single Repb dared vote FOR the debate on this bill - not ONE! How sad that every single time one of the Rs has managed to stand (well, maybe not stand up, but crouch?) & disagree with the current mob, I think maybe a possibility of getting something done? Then they all line up like good little robots & wipe that possibility right off the map. Anyhow, right on, Christy!
That is an accumulation of several generations of Republicans. It is important to remember that before the 1960's, it was the Republican party that stood for individual rights and not leaving Black people behind and the Democratic party that enacted 80 years of Jim Crow laws. You cannot compare this iteration of Republicans with those from 50-90 years ago. Roosevelt and Nixon both were good for the environment while Eisenhower warned of the "military-industrial complex" that was beginning to emerge in the 1950's.
To grossly paraphrase Professor Richardson's talk from yesterday, as the "middle way" championed by President Eisenhower built on the New Deal enacted by President F. Roosevelt became status quo, the Movement Conservatives (who wanted a return to the 1920's, where a few white men got obscenely rich at the expense and on the backs of the rest of the population) took hold, and have now absolutely dominated the Republican Party of today.
Sadly, I am very skeptical of these "traditional" Republican values because I see the footprints of the Movement Conservatives all over them.
Just Words - Republican/Democrat. The National Socialists in Germany were in a vicious war with the Soviet Socialist Republics. Were either of them actually "Socialist?" Also, don't confuse Democrats in the South during the civil rights unrest, known as Dixiecrats, who switched to the Repugnant Party when the federal Democratic Party got rid of segregation and supported black voting rights.
That is the point that I hoped I was making when I commented in the first paragraph "It is important to remember that before the 1960's, it was the Republican party that stood for individual rights and not leaving Black people behind and the Democratic party that enacted 80 years of Jim Crow laws. You cannot compare this iteration of Republicans with those from 50-90 years ago."
Actually, the Republicans stopped standing for the rights of African-Americans when they adopted the Compromise of 1876. Recall that when Truman issued the executive order for desegregation of the military, every Republican (including Eisenhower, then a general) was not in favor of it.
We think that the Republican desire for power over all, regardless of anything else, is something new, but it has been their lodestar at least since 1876, when they gave up all their principles and allowed the South to end Reconstruction, in order to maintain their hold on the presidency.
The only "good" Republican presidents were all flukes. Lincoln was a fluke; none of them expected him to do any of what he did. Theodore Roosevelt was a fluke; they had put him in the Vce Presidency specifically to block him off. Eisenhower was a fluke; they wanted the presidency so bad after 20 years that they refused to nominate Robert Taft, "Mr. Republican," and went with Eisenhower because they knew all the ex-GIs would vote for their old leader.
I'll say it again: Harry Truman was right back in 1948 when he said "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies." Outside of their three flukes, they have never been anything but power-mad grasping scum.
You go grrrrl...
TCinLA - I love this Truman statement & stealing it! - "they have never been anything but power-mad grasping scum." Yeah!
Actually, that particular part of the post is all TC. :-)
I’d noticed that, too, and you’ve put it in clear words, TC. I, and many others, have tried to placate and give excuses to the “conservatives” in our lives by mentioning the “good” Republicans.
Yes, the Republicans are nothing if not the best of the best in the art of spin (that translates to deception-just to be very clear). And it’s why, I could only stomach the Rachel Maddow show during the bulk of TFG’s reign. Her mission was to watch what they “do” not what they “say”!
"You" don't like Rachel? That truly amazes me, since from your posts you would appear to be with her on all points.
I’m sorry! Can you please gift me some of your great communication skills? I’m in need. I LOVE Rachel. I could not stand to watch anyone else. I hope that makes more sense. Thank you for asking me for clarification. 🙏
She's saying that the Maddow show was the only one that she could stomach, all the others were s***shows.
One must remember that the Republican ideals have been at least partly adopted by the Democratic Party. The Dems are more the part of Lincoln now than the Repubs have been in at least half a century.
"Minimizing governmental regulations controls have encouraged responsible business activity and a strong economy." Now that's the laugh of the week! Just ask the environment.
“The strange alchemy of time has somehow converted the Democrats into the truly conservative party of this country — the party dedicated to conserving all that is best, and building solidly and safely on these foundations.”
-- Adlai Stevenson, 1952
Competition is required for capitalism to even pretend to work. If competition goes away -- monopolies, for example -- it stops working. So one of the jobs of government is perpetual trust-busting, which makes capital owners squeal like pigs being slaughtered, which (in a metaphorical sense) they are. Though it is better to prevent them from forming a monopoly in the first place. A steeply progressive business tax rate, for instance, which disincentivizes getting too big, and leaves market share for the competition.
The other requirement is public ownership of shared/complex resources, which is what we are seeing in our current global ecocide. A tree is already serving a purpose, which is providing free air for every oxygen-breathing organism on the planet. In Jared Diamond's book, Collapse, he talks about how this played out in Shogunate Japan. There had been a period when Japanese warlords were cutting down entire forests for the wood to build their increasingly immense fortresses, and it was starting to affect the general ecology of the island. Under the Shoguns, forestry was heavily regulated, with a death penalty for violations.
Global climate change is simply the Japanese deforestation writ large.
Ah well. Those were the days. Nostalgia is an important feeling. Hopefully some of the Republican voters remember how they thought and things were in the 1950s and not just in the 1850s.
Thanks for putting these out there. Debates should be available for all these principles. For example, who determines quality education?
That question goes right to the heart of the culture wars. "Teach your children well..."
"Their fathers' hell did slowly go by"............(oh, so slowly...............)
My answer to that seems like a conundrum to most people. However, it is the student’s achievement and progress that ought to determine a quality education.
If that progress is used by the educator to determine path forward. Often, measured achievement of students is used more as a measuring stick of the system rather than allowing it to drive instruction.
Your list makes me wistfully long for a sane, thoughtful, ethical, opposition party.
Thank you. Harkens back to the days when the liberal consensus applied to both parties. Nostalgia indeed.
Thanks Ilan. Lots to think about here.
That's the age-faded menu that's been hanging in the window since at least the 1950's. The reality is that the Republican Party now offers only a tepid soup made from slightly muddy water with a sprig of Hopes-And-Prayers in it. That said, it stays in business because it will actually make ANYTHING YOU WANT -- provided that you bring your own ingredients, recipes, cooks, servers, and tables, as in the case of ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) legislation.
Oh, and don't forget to bring your checkbook. It's expensive to eat in Mitch's Restaurant.
Thank you for this! This is very well articulated, and I agree.
I haven’t gotten to Heather’s book on my to read list, but I’m curious to know if you have read it, or listened to any of her talks on YouTube on the Republican Party’s history
I have listened to most of her talks - which are on Tuesday and Thursday’s since she started. I liked the history talks especially when trying to understand the republican history. I have to say those are what got me through these last years. She is very well documented.
I agree. And I think a large part of my “addiction” if you will, to Heather’s letter is the need for truth. We have been drowning in the art of spin for much of my adulthood. It is repulsive to those of us who’s brains were acculturated to knowing the truth no matter how raw and painful. We have created a world where people can’t handle the truth. Heather chips away at that every single day.
Great summary, Christy, about how Heather approaches truth. Like peeling away an onion that reveals itself as you go along.
"How the South Won the Civil War" ...? It is chock full of revelations. I was amazed.
It was hard for me to get through that book, I need to re-read it. the descriptions of what happened to the Native Americans was just so apalling…even though I was not ignorant of how they were treated, the details were heartbreaking.
https://dlib.bc.edu/islandora/object/bc-ir:104951
Thanks Christy for this great resource.
Thank You.
And then Illan's wishes can be met...perhaps! But as you say the schisms wont stop there.....because they can thereafter believe that utopianism has no cost as "the dragon hath been slain by the mighty St George"
Stuart.... Who are "they"? Whose utopianism are you talking about? Which dragon? Whose impersonation of St. George? Sorry, you lost me with this one.
Hi David, it represents what I think will happen to the Democratic party should or when they succeed in passing the Voters Bills, replacing thus the Republican dragon as the dominant party in coming elections. The GOP will doubtless split at some point under sthe strain of threatened total annihilation. Thereafter the difference between the centrist democrats and the progressives will become a gaping chasm leading to a split and a possible 4 party tassle for elections. St George being a combination of Biden/Harris/Pelosi/ Schumer. St George, by the way, is the patron saint of the old colonial masters...England, the geographic and cultural origin of most of the Southern Slavery politicians of yore.
Okay, that makes sense. Thanks. But I think if there are 4 parties, two will shrivel up and be mostly absorbed by the other two and we'll be back where we are. Maybe we should move to a parliamentary system like we have here in good old western Europe.
It doesn't make a tinkers damn how many political parties we have if the constitution is not being followed. We no longer have the time to experiment with new grifters developing new slogans for the same purpose: ruling rather than governing. Until we can read...
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
...and understand what that means and restore that principle to government, we will continue this downward spiral.
We the people...do ordain and establish this Constitution of The United States of America.
It is time we quit writing separate laws for each race, color, ethnicity, religion, or political identity. No white bigot is going to give anyone a right or freedom. It is not theirs to give. Neither is it the gift of some never-seen ethereal entity that has never made any difference in the lives of all humanity.
Read it again. We the people ordain and establish this constitution.
"Rights are not bestowed, not even by kings. Rights are asserted, not given. Rights come from human nature, not divine nature. Most of all, natural law is a product of “liberal and expanded thought,” not of divine revelation."
Seidel, Andrew L. The Founding Myth (p. 77). Sterling. Kindle Edition.
In my eighty years, I do not recall a time when Republicans were fighting for the benefit of the people. They have only wanted to privatize every administrative office and social services department in our government and underwrite capitalist, industrialists, and financial institutions with public funds.
When our last constitutional convention was held, the fastest means of travel and communication was horseback. That 234-year attitude adjustment will be harsh. Every GOP-controlled state is doing all they can to abolish free elections.
We have not had another because so much corruption and grifting have come into the system that everyone is afraid they will lose an advantage. Legislators cannot address the needs of society without infringing on the wants of capitalism and religion.
C.A. Goss. Junior. 80 years old. Fantastic! What a great comment. Stick it to 'em!
"Rights are asserted, not given." And rights are not divine. You should be writing Joe Biden's speeches. Maybe giving them, too
You are now my BFF big time. I don't know if I can find a hat big enough to fit my new big head. Thanx. But I must remind you that that quote was from Andrew Seidel's book, The Founding Myth. I recommend it to everyone having to deal with the fact that no god had a part in our founding.
Well. While I'm selling books, let me offer just one more. It is a good book for white people who are ready to give up on telling black people, and other minorities, what they want and need. Eddie Glaude points out in his book, Begin Again, that we whites simply are not qualified. Black people are perfectly capable of explaining what they want and need.
Thank you! As are women, and all other marginalized people who are not wealthy white men. This is one of the reasons I oppose "states' rights" - because it maintains old and divisive structures that keep us from living up to our name - the "United" States of America.
The absolute BEST way of summarizing the case! Thank you, Lanita, from a non-wealthy white man.
Ah yes -"states rights". It covers so much - even the Western states "rights" to slaughter any wild animal they want to - i.e., wolves, mountain lions, coyotes - the ones "in the way"! And the "right" to do so much more!
Glaude's book, published in 2020, is subtitled "James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own". From the publisher's blurb added to the record for this book at my local library: ""James Baldwin grew disillusioned by the failure of the Civil Rights movement to force America to confront its lies about race. In the era of Trump, what can we learn from his struggle? "Not everything is lost. Responsibility cannot be lost, it can only be abdicated. If one refuses abdication, one begins again." --James Baldwin We live, according to Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., in the after times, when the promise of Black Lives Matter and the attempt to achieve a new America were challenged by the election of Donald Trump, a racist president whose victory represents yet another failure of America to face the lies it tells itself about race. We have been here before: For James Baldwin, the after times came in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, when a similar attempt to compel a national confrontation with the truth was answered with the murders of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. In these years, spanning from the publication of The Fire Next Time in 1963 to that of No Name in the Street in 1972, Baldwin was transformed into a more overtly political writer, a change that came at great professional and personal cost. But from that journey, Baldwin emerged with a sense of renewed purpose about the necessity of pushing forward in the face of disillusionment and despair."
My library enable readers to post reviews of titles they've read. Here's one: ""A thousand cuts a day..." is how James Baldwin described being a black man in this country. Baldwin's pain was so great that he chose to live abroad in order to regain his will to live. He had lost faith that white America would ever wake up to the lie of whiteness and superiority.
The author, Mr. Claude, is able to bring his own experiences, as well as Baldwin's, to life in this book so the reader can feel the fear and sense of "no hope" that these men have experienced. Fortunately for us, these men, strengthened by the faith and words of visionaries like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, were able to move beyond despair and give us a path forward at this critical time in our shared history. I found this a good companion book to White Fragility."
I went to Glendale High School with Jim Swink. Any relation?
I wish I had been able to read James Baldwin's work. I have read a few of his books. Enough to see that we need to be listening to the voices of black and other minorities. I don't know what is life was like in France, but I'm sure it was our loss. I think poignant is the right word, for all his sensitivity and the ability to express his feelings and it was cut off from us.
Yes, but you read the book and knew where to find the quote that perfectly illuminates the important point you wanted to make. Now I feel illuminated and will check out both books you recommend. And I agree white people like me should listen to Black people who know exactly what they want and need. Also to other people with wants and needs. No one should be excluded from the great conversation.
Thank you C.A. Eddie Glaude is the consummate voice of reason who expertly translates the black experience to white readers. We need to listen.
❤️❤️
"No white bigot is going to give anyone a right or freedom. It is not theirs to give."
Right freekin' on brah!
No, but they sure can take freedoms away....
Said by a person who has lived nearly 1/4th of the term of this grand experiment of American democracy. Well said. Rights are not bestowed. Says it right. Our actions, our campaigns, our policies, our laws, and our energies should be toward ensuring that the greatest numbers of our people (as in We the People) ACHIEVE the hopes of the rest of this: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Love it when a true contemporary speaks for me. Thanks.
I think about the situation of the colonists during those years. Slave owners valued freedom so intensely that they would overthrow the rule of an oppressive monarch. They risked their lives and personal fortunes, including their slaves, who sometimes were allowed or ordered, to fight with them, to secure their freedom.
In the process, they created some of the most profound documents ever gleaned from the minds of men. They explained the natural rights of all men to be free from oppression, free to practice whatever religion they chose, or to not practice any religion. Except for those 'other people.' I'm not sure they even called them people.
We really need to be exercising those documents, right now. We need to include as many 'others' as possible. Except for the chance, any one of us could have been any one of those.
I'm sorry. That last sentence should read:
"Except for the chance of birth, any one of us could be any one of 'those.'"
"Those", of course, being the people of color, LGBTQ+, Latinx, non-Christian, and that long list of people rejected by the bigots.
Should we trade in that 234 year old Constitution for something more democratic?
It would probably end up being something far different than our present Constitution. There would probably be a one-house legislature from which a majority or a coalition forming a majority elects a government led by a prime (which means "first") minister. Any two house legislature, with which we now are stuck, recognizes that more than one power center exists, and that only confuses things as it does here with our Senate elected by 50 States. We have to decide whether we want to disempower the "States," which the Constitution arbitrarily "United," and consequently, get rid of the Senate and of course, the Electoral College. The legislature would choose a nominal head of state with little real power and appoint a judiciary. THIS IS THE WAY THE REST OF THE DEMOCRATIC WORLD DOES IT. It is more democratic than our system, which was just an experiment, and was designed to accommodate more than one power center, some of which were not particularly democratic at the time of its inception, and remain so even today.
There are times when I think we do need a new Constitution - generally when various attempts at critical amendments fall prey to the right's reluctance to extend any rights not specifically granted in the pre-Bill of Rights document. Then I go on to consider that what we really need is universal suffrage with mandatory voting. Give everyone over the age of 18 not only the right, but also the responsibility (and ample opportunity) to vote and we will find out who we really are as a people. If what I suspect is true - that the majority of us want to live and let live - then a real representative democracy will be a very good thing. I believe those who now avoid voting or keeping up with the political scene are not expressing a lack of interest in what our government does, but rather a feeling of powerlessness. If they don't believe their voices matter, they are not going to participate. Just as students who are shamed, ignored, or otherwise embarrassed in a classroom are not going to raise their hands the next time there is a chance to offer their answers, questions, or opinions, citizens of a nation can be taught to sit quietly and not join in. And that is exactly how the right wants us to respond.
The "universal suffrage" you mention remains in the hands of the States, empowered by the Constitution, and that translates to the obstacles we are witnessing in the Senate.
Thanks for this thoughtful and passionate post. And for still giving a “tinkers damn” in your 80s.
It is a good idea, but the Republican Party has always been united in recent years, now matter how ridiculous their positions become. So I don't think a split is likely. More likely 1% of Republicans will get disgusted and stay home. That is about as good as we can hope for. Remember that virtually all Republicans are watching Fox News these days.
Did you see the comment yesterday on the registration for political parties for WV. About equal Dems and Repubs but 20+% for Indies? I think this is quite meaningful in how Republicans are leaving their constituents adrift without anything they can connect with other than sheer disgust for “others”
Here’s a copy and paste of yesterday’s comment by Paul C: “
Paul C (IL)19 hr ago
Voter registration in West Virginia as of last month:
Republican 38%
Democrat 36%
No Party 22%
Others 4%
https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Documents/VoterRegistrationTotals/2021/May2021.pdf.
It's amazing to me how close the divide is to the middle in may places including the Senate. It would interesting to see these numbers over time, how they have shifted, and if there's an ongoing trend or if of-the-time issues can swing things in either direction.
That would be nice, but the majority of Republican voters are no longer "decent people." But something does need to be done, since the laws of aerodynamics apply to politics: an eagle cannot fly on just one wing.
Respectfully, there are better ways to bring the Republicans into a policy making, governing mood Ilan: expose them and defeat them. We are involved in that process right now, and this will take less time than standing up another party. We don't have any more time for that experiment.
Agree Gustav. Time factor figures big.
There are many positives that you may have enjoyed in Denmark that many Americans do not currently have e.g universal healthcare, better access to better education that is more affordable, lower homeless rates, attention to maintaining infrastructure; and all of this with about the same taxation level in both countries. Another example is Norway-about the same taxation rate for citizens as the U.S. with many more advantages for their taxpayers.
but they are not funding the military-industrial complex...they are funding their people!
I agree, but in order to have a third party, we also need either ranked voting, or representatives elected "at-large" to represent an entire state. Otherwise, a vote for a third-party candidate will serve only to lessen the votes for Dems, and ensure the dominance of the trumpists.
The construct of the Constitution combined with largely unfettered funding of political campaigns strongly deters the formation of third or more political parties. Personally, I agree that the country and democracy would be better served if we could break up our corrupt political duopoly. In reality, the plutocrats will never allow that to happen. They all understand that a bitterly divided nation protects and serves their long-term best interests.
A third party sounds great. Personally, I've been waiting for a progressive Green Party to gain strength and flex some muscle for several decades now. The closest they've gotten so far, in this country, was 2000. Didn't work out so great. The current Republican party are a bunch of lying conniving reprobates, in my estimation. A third party schism would be wonderful to see. By the way, how are things going for Liz Cheney? Dems have to take more direct action than wait for that to play out.
Do we have the "time" you repeatedly mention for the things you talk about to happen?
Hear. hear. Enabling the formation of coalition governments is the greatest testament (to me) of the benefit of a parliamentary system of democracy. In spite of all its downsides, I’ve come to appreciate (20 yrs. living as an ex-pat in Canada) and understand this system. P.S. For a dramatic fictionalization, watch the Danish series “Borgen!”
Yes! Great series- Borgen. How difficult it was to form that new party, though. I also came to appreciate coalition building while living in the Republic of Ireland.
Actually, we need to eliminate two-party control (or eliminate political parties altogether).
My first thought on this is that it resembled a sequence in a repeated nightmare, you know what is going to happen but you plod on irremedially nonetheless to the end....you can't help yourself; a Senatorial Groundhog Day. I trust that the whole Democratic Caucus will be using their coming "holiday" to wake up a little more to their truely desperate plight and not just to emphasize the heroic nature of their "failed" attempt to rise to the level of their illustrious predecessor, Abraham Lincoln. He was beaten in his first joust for a Senate seat by Douglas but persevered with strength, conviction and guile to win after a dire fight and free ALL the people from the "yoke" of Calhoun's State rights.
Maybe the Dems will FINALLY realize 'taking a knife to a gunfight' is not a winning strategy.
I think that they still think that they can appeal to "reason". Knives are dangerous and there are doubtless laws guiding their beneficial use!!!!!!
A Senatorial Groundhog Day indeed...
Precisely. And it looks like we are going to have to do it all over again.
Yes! You nailed it!
No guns, no knives. Hammer away!
And it puts on record the Republicans voting against debate.
How about all of them?
“How is it possible to square states’ rights and equality without also protecting the right of all adult citizens to vote?” It’s not. Which is the point. These “election security” laws Republicans are passing are designed to end equality. Inequality isn’t an accident, it’s the goal. Republicans are originalists in the ugliest sense of the word. The original Constitution held that only white males have the right to vote. As far as the GOP is concerned, amendments and laws passed since 1783 that guarantee the right to vote for minorities and women are illegitimate. They are working hard to undo them.
All 50 Republicans! I am baffled as to how not even one of these legislators could put country above party.
Listen to Heather's video chats on the history of the Republican Party. Even today (6/22/2021) she talked about the difference between the parties. Democrats are fact-based; Republicans broadcast a narrative, tell a story that approximates the reality they want to create or maintain. A reality in which they are at the top wielding the power over others, and raking in the money and privilege. That is the mindset. They have been honing this narrative for 40 years. Democracy is a hindrance.
https://fb.watch/6iDJ0Gp0Ly/
What to do? Counter the narrative. Stick to facts. Amplify our messages in support of equity and justice for all people. Rest up tonight, back at it tomorrow.
https://americansofconscience.com/
Ellie--you're right. We can do something. We can create our own narrative (not just counter theirs) based on facts and truth. And then amplify the hell out of it, using social media and our own personal networks. Ellie knows, so this is for the rest of you, I've founded a grassroots org www.moreperfectdemocracy.org to help save democracy and win the midterms by crafting the narrative that basically says everyone's lives get better when Dems are in charge and when we work together for equity and inclusion across the board. Take a look at our website and sign up if you want to get involved. I'll reach out to you. Or you can email me at moreperfectdemocracy@gmail.com. We all have a role.
I also think it is helpful to understand as completely as possible where the right wing extremists are coming from and their values or lack thereof. They have been paranoid and living with fantasies for generations......
Yes, know thy enemy.
Ellie, Please provide subscribers -- who do not and or will not use Facebook -- how they may have access to Heather's work on video/digital, noting the nature of the material -- chats, lectures, podcasts, etc. Might simply Googling her name be sufficient? Any guidance that you can offer would be appreciated. Thank you.
Good morning, and it’s another day!
Heather does a one hour video chat on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook Live. At some point a few days or weeks later, she posts them to her YouTube channel with subtitles.
https://youtu.be/tNUuenXL83Q
Last month she and Dr. Joanne Freeman started a weekly podcast called Now & Then.
https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/now-then
Typing Heather Cox Richardson into your favorite search engine should bring up these options, along with various articles, radio appearances, and of course, her books!
Happy listening—knowledge is power, at least the first step!
HCR and JF's podcasts are great. They are a fabulous team.
They are each so good on their own and then really elevate each other. And the production is nice with bringing in clips. They bring levity to the most serious subjects.
Thanks, Daria. Your recommendation was appreciated.
Ha! My daughter did the voice over for the commercial at the beginning of the podcast!!
Wow, proud Mama!
Hp+
Thank you.
This is excellent!
I was baffled during second impeachment, then about the commission. Now. Just numb.
I was baffled from the election, then the 1st impeachment.........
The Democrats talk nobly.
The Republicans act ignobly.
The Democrats lose ground, but persuade themselves there is hope. If…if…if.
The Republicans could not have been at a lower moment in their history in January 2021. They rolled up their sleeves, cast conscience and caution to the wind and now they have their knee on the neck of the Democrats.
Piece by piece the window dressing is being shredded on the shiny new Biden administration. Did he raise a finger to risk his legacy on the voting rights’ bills? Nope.
Shuffled it to Kamala.
Informally they control Congress now. Shiner and Manchin and Synema will talk us to death.
McConnell just slams the door shut.
But the Democrats deftly skewer the blatant contradictions in the Republican position. In the meantime, the “audits” go on being organized.
The skewering I read in these forms and on the Congress floor and in Democratic-sympathetic media outlets have are mere noise now.
But the new laws are facts of life, squeezing true democracy by the throat more and more tightly.
Let’s talk some more.
Fern I loved your clarion call to action yesterday. That’s the Republican playbook. And John Lewis’s.
Frightened of McConnell and Trump.
Channel healthy fear into action. Ground yourself in your values of what is good and fair. Use your power. Join with others sharing these values.
Reading Lincoln's rebuttal to Douglas at the Jonesboro debate I was gobsmacked by Lincoln's explanation of differentiating truths from lies. In this explanation he describes the same tactics used by Republicans today, especially the former president, where someone makes a false story or flawed analogy which is them picked up and repeated until it has the facade of truth.
"It used to be a fashion amongst men that when a charge was made, some sort of proof was brought forward to establish it, and if no proof was found to exist, the charge was dropped. I don't know how to meet this kind of an argument. I don't want to have a fight with Judge Douglas, and I have no way of making an argument up into the consistency of a corn-cob and stopping his mouth with it. [Laughter and applause.] All I can do is, good-humoredly to say that, from the beginning to the end of all that story about a bargain between Judge Trumbull and myself, there is not a word of truth in it. [Applause.] I can only ask him to show some sort of evidence of the truth of his story. He brings forwyeard here and reads from what he contends is a speech by James H. Matheny, charging such a bargain between Trumbull and myself. My own opinion is that Matheny did do some such immoral thing as to tell a story that he knew nothing about. I believe he did."
The Republican Party has been and continues to desecrate all that Lincoln stood for in becoming the old Democratic Party that Lincoln may not have destroyed but was able to reduce in size so as to make it minority power for generations.
We need a modern day Lincoln moment and why it's not coming from a northern state Republican like Susan Collins is a great disappointment. This disease can only cured from within the Republican Party by something that is in short supply: principled Senators with a moral commitment to the notion that all men and women are created equal. Until that day slavery is still with us, even if only alive in the hearts and minds of elected GOP politicians.
"Matheny did do some such immoral thing as to tell a story that he knew nothing about." Linciln's reasoning, however, would not motivate truth finding among today's Republicans; unfortunately, for them telling lies is not immoral but a self-preserving lifestyle...
LINCOLN! Should put glasses on when commenting.
And - for myself - when reading at thispoint!!!
LOL!
I suspect it was much the same thing back then also and going back into antiquity. Personally not religious but I seem to remember from my ancient Sunday school past, lying has been with us from the beginning. <Insert scene from 2001 A Space Odyssey of a Chimp banging his bone/>
Yesterday 50 U.S. Republican Senators stood up in Congress and voted to violate and trash the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. “ "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Apparently, the idea that we are an “indivisible nation with liberty and justice for all” is no longer their view, but rather States Rights, the underlying principle along with human enslavement underlying the founding of the treasonous U.S. Confederacy is now their organizing principle.
This should shock all decent U.S. citizens. I supposes when Congress next convenes in July we can expect to see Republicans propose making the necessary changes to the Pledge of Allegiance to adapt to their new views on 50 individual states each deciding independently which of their citizens is entitled to liberty and justice.
What a shameful, performative vote in our U.S. Senate.
"with liberty and justice for all"
The Senate Republicans mean to say, "with liberty and justice for all white men." Not women or POC or different religions or cultures.
What the GOP is doing now is exposing to the world a particular ideal that has always been present in humans. The disenfranchisement of all "others" because of some vague fear that freedom and equality are of a fixed amount and must be strictly guarded against encroachment by undesirables. We all gravitate toward those groups with kindred principles.
Not sure that particular ideal has always been present. Current GOP are presenting their pseudo-conservative paranoia and alternative reality, based on generations of conspiratory beliefs that freedom and equality belong to certain individuals?
I have been away for a few days, so if someone else has already made this suggestion forgive me. I am reading Adam Jentleson’s book, Kill Switch. It is about the entire history of the filibuster, and the history of the senate, up to the present day. How the filibuster was effectively used as primarily a mechanism of advantage by the minority Southern slaveholding aristocracy.
I am only halfway through the book, because I made the mistake of getting the Audible version. I keep hitting the back button, trying to keep up with the gush of names and and speech excerpts, and it is a slog when you are just listening. This is a textbook, not a murder mystery! You need a hard copy, or at least the Kindle version so you can highlight, dog-ear, and make notes. I plan to remedy that as soon as tomorrow. I am simply amazed at the comprehensive information that this author has compiled, and he presents it in story form, as if he was there for every terrible minute....
I am not trying to hawk history books on a history professor’s website, so I think we should defer to our host’s opinion of the book before you go and spend money on just my opinion. I think we are going to be deeply involved with the filibuster for quite a while to come, and this book is my way of getting up to speed for the rough ride ahead.
I will have to check it out. Always looking for great books to read. I'm currently reading Lawrence Lessig "They Don't Represent Us". Which is basically a book about all of the things wrong with democracy in the US such as gerrymandering, the Electoral College, the Senate being not proportionally representative, the rise of partisan media and platforms. Half way through, and not sure what the answers are yet.
Books are written to be read from their paper versions. Same for newspapers and magazines. That's why we have libraries. Electronic or audio versions interpose something between the writers and the readers and lessen the intended impact of the words.
I totally agree with you Jack. Old School. The smell and feel of paper. But until the cardiologist says it is ok to get these cataracts removed, and one retina worked on, I depend on Kindle's ability to go even larger than large print editions, where they even exist. Or Patrick Tull narrating my Brother Cadfael Chronicles on Audible....
Today’s Senate GOP filibuster was hardly surprising - though it was sickening all the same. IMHO, Civil Rights are too important to be left to states.
Civil Rights are too important to be left to states. Right, Jean-Pierre. And we used to have a Supreme Court who thought so, too. I hope John Roberts is proud of himself.
I'm sure Leonard Leo is proud that SCOTUS is doing what the Dark Money donors want. If one wonders why I say this, please read: https://medium.com/senator-sheldon-whitehouse/the-third-federalist-society-f8a3ff2e19fd
I'm sure you're right, Barbara. He and Mitch may end up in the same corner of Hell.
I'm ashamed of Susan Collins. The people of Maine did not elect Mitch McConnell to be their Senator, so we don't need Susan to tell us what Mitch wants. Republicans have spoiled their own argument. States should be able to decide their own voting rights, but Senators from those same states are supposed to toe the line at the Federal level and vote how their leadership tells them to. Why have a "United" States, with a federal government if individual states can decide something as fundamental as how people should vote.
Don’t forget that Susan Collins easily won re-election. The majority of Mainers seem to agree with her. That’s the really depressing fact.
Susan didn't win as easily as she has in the past. It took Bill Green's enthusiastic endorsement, plus repeating over and over the fact that her opponent was "from away". She ran as a moderate, not as Mitch's sidekick, as she has become.
She has always been Mitch’s sidekick.
That's a point I have been mulling over all day: "The people of Maine did not elect Mitch McConnell to be their Senator." There are 99 senators whose states did not elect McConnell as their senator. If their own senators cannot represent them and will not stand on their own two feet, what good are they? Paid puppets? They obviously have no conscience or integrity. Lock step because "he told me to do it" is more in keeping with fascism...these puppets do not deserve the votes of their own constituents.
yes, they ARE paid puppets. Moscow Mitch controls the $$$$
Maine voters like Susan Collins. She was just re-elected to her 4th term, by those constituents. She’s not fooling anybody, her opponent’s campaign was heavily financed, every Maine voter was exposed to hundreds of ads linking Collins to Mitch McConnell. I can’t explain it, but the majority of Maine voters approve of Collins and her support of McConnell’s agenda. It’s misleading to think that Collins doesn’t deserve the votes of her constituents.
There is a glaring cognitive dissonance in Republicans calling for citizens in individual states to decide voting rules as they purposely limit the ability of many of those citizens to vote, and thus participate in the choice.
And Republicans, to a man and woman, wear this hypocricy openly and proudly.
How much more do you need, Senators Manchin and Sinema, to get on board to ditch the filibuster?
Standard autocrat-talk.....history is what I say it is, truth is what i say it is, you are who i say you are. Anything else is a lie, punishable by me to whatever level i choose.
I don't think there is much cognitive dissonance to be found in the minds of these Republican "true believers". I think they are happy right where they are.
I agree. They are beyond caring about such a comparison. Dissonance is a socialist concept.
Susan Collins is nauseating.
Her system works for her. Media gives her plenty of platform. That worries me.
Again, I find myself totally appalled at the gameshow posing as the United States Government. I have lived a long lifetime being lied to that this was a democracy, when in fact it has been an oligarchy for that lifetime or longer. Someone mentioned recently how Hillary Clinton won the “Popular Vote” in the 2016 election that the disgusting, unqualified, mentally defective asswipe actually won by the game rules of “Electoral Votes” based on a rigged system. (Al Gore won it in 2000). That statement alone is proof that we are not a democracy. Popular Vote should be the only requirement in a Democracy.
And, I have taken to screaming obscenities at my TV when Mitch McConnell BLATANTLY LIES that there is no voter suppression in all those old Jim Crow Southern States like his, being run by the Repugnant Party who have instituted the new Jim Crow obstacles to voting. “States Rights” should not be allowed to determine which civil rights are protected, including the right to vote. This should be a federal given as proven by all the backwater, ignorant states of Dixie for much of my lifetime. I thot it had been done with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but the Supremes for some stupid legalistic nitpicking got rid of that in 2013 and the Repugnant Party is now free to go back to institute voter suppression anew, while insulting us with their lies of “protection.”