Complaining that “the fundamental right to vote has itself become overtly politicized,” Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) published an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail yesterday saying that he would vote against S1, the For the People Act, arguing that protecting the right to vote should “never be done in a partisan manner.” Because Republicans do not support federal voting rights, he says, passing such a measure would “all but ensure partisan divisions continue to deepen.”
Yesterday, here in Texas, I saw a bumper sticker that said "Socialism is unconstitutional". I'd like a lesson on what socialism is versus what it is not. It is not communism, for instance, which seems to be the fear that is trying to be provoked here. Doesn't the Constitution state one of its purposes is to "promote the General Welfare"? Wouldn't one rather live in Norway or Sweden rather than Russia or North Korea? I'm an advocate for measuring the country via a Well-Being Index at least on a par with GNP. All legislation would have to prove it improves the well-being of the People, all of them!
I ran across this definition somewhere and liked it, so copied it:
"The main difference is that socialism is compatible with democracy and liberty, whereas Communism involves creating an 'equal society' through an authoritarian state, which denies basic liberties. Democratic socialism in the west involves participating in democracy to seek an incremental reduction in inequality."
Sounds a lot more like "Social Democracy" as practiced sporadically, and in less and less countries, in Europe than ideological Socialism.
The image that we have of Communism is severely tarred by the methods used by Stalin to "overcome" its innate contradictions and its total misunderstanding of human psychology other than the human reaction to fear. Both Socialism and Communism run up against the divergence between the utopian view of how "humankind" should be from their point of view and how private property, the accumulation of material gains and capitalism have formed it since the early medieaval privatization of the "Commons". Their answer so far has mostly involved forcing the people to change and hence have had little longterm success.
I think Socialism essentially maintains much of the precepts of Karl Marx but is an attempt to get round the problem of the force "necessary" for the transition. It maintains that the state is not necessarily the owner of all productive ressources but that the ressources should be owned by those workers using them for productive means or by local users of the services provided. The problem with the latter is always firstly, how do you make the transition implied from capital controlling the means of production to labour running things. Secondly, the question of how they generate the necessary surpluses to allow investment needs to be asked as the owners tend to increase their "take" until all "profit" is gone. Sounds an awful lot like what we are getting now in the Capitalist economy already only the property has changed hands....somehow!
I believe King Arthur Flour and Bob's Red Mill and Gardener's Supply are all employee owned businesses now. Maybe that's a channel to find out more about them and how they operate?
A cooperative (also known as co-operative, co-op, or coop) is "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned enterprise ".
Where I used to live there was a Co-Op grocery store. It operated just like this, they owned the business, did the work, reaped the profits (or losses)
I just posted this throughout a Fox comment section regarding socialism to help educate their viewers on our capitalist/socialist form of democracy. Please spread this as many people are visual learners and a picture with words will reach more brainwashed or misinformed people much more easily.
Really well done! Unfortunately, those who misunderstand "socialism" probably couldn't be bothered to look at this. They want to believe what they've been fed.
Their willingness to swallow the tripe offered is a choice. That choice is clearly laid out in the book ‘Caste’ written by Isabelle Wilkerson. Ultimately this is an issue because the dominant caste in America is losing its ability to be on top. And although they aren’t truly conscious of that choice as a general rule, if the choice were laid out clearly many of these people would willingly die from lack of health care than allow the lesser castes to thrive. I truly believe that our fundamental problems are racist in origin.
This is an excellent exposition on the essence and nuance of socialism and in particular the form embraced by social democracies. Unfortunately it requires a five minute attention span, an intellect of at least an average level, and an open mind. Each of these are qualities I seldom find in those Republicans I find myself engaged with on the topic of political governance.
I like the video, like much of the democratic socialism concept, but the word "socialism" has been blackened in this country to the point where it hurts the cause. I prefer Frederick's "Democray Capitalism." Capitalism isn't going away, it works, but it MUST be controlled by democracy's principles, laws and people. All of us this time.
My sense is that capitalism works well if it is limited to localities rather than the nation. While I’m not well versed on socialism, I’ve been thinking about capitalism for some time, especially after reading Naomi Klein’s ‘This Changes Everything, Capitalism vs the Climate.’ It seems to me that socialism could work nationally (in a much different political and cultural climate.) Then possibly that could be combined with a “small c” capitalism on a restrained local level.
And socialist schools and socialist bridges and socialist welfare, mental health support, hunger support, hospital, research, socialist medicare, medicaid, social security, post offices, ambulances, volunteer fire, rescue, voter registration, adoption/foster care, children protective services, etc.. Duh, we are a socialist democracy and the GOP would have you believe those are dirty words. Take it all away and see what happens to their poor constituents lives.
Is that how far we will let the GOP destroy our democracy. The party that wants little government and weapons of mass destruction in the hands of civilians is installing more laws across our country AGAINST our own Constitutional rights? Whaaaaat?
Well, it would be so interesting to have Americans experience what their lives would be without our social democracy and safety nets when things go awry.
First, they don't care about their "poor constituents' lives." Secondly, as I just posted elsewhere on here, "things have to get worse before they get better."
I was thinking the same thing. The entire goal of the Republican Party is to make government smaller. They may be using nuclear options but they are succeeding in ways they could not have fathomed just a few years ago. We are going to see more of the same until Democrats win on their playing field every…single…election cycle in more states in everything from dog catcher to president.
But most importantly, State legislatures. Since the Constitution leaves powers not specifically given to the Federal government to the individual States, those elections are most crucial.
It seems to me their mission is not so much to make government smaller. Rather their aim seems to be only to make it more Republican, asserting its influence and control only in those areas that more closely align with whatever the Republican notion of the moment seems to be.
Agreed. They are shrinking the parts they don't like and making the parts they do like much bigger - ie military, law enforcement (against the poor and the races), etc etc
My answer to that is that 100% deregulation of the energy sector and of everything is the Republican Libertarian's wet dream and 100% self serving to Oligarchic control of entire industries based in the false principle that only a few can run and rule our country. This is Fascism. Democracy and Capitalism work best to serve all the people within ethical boundaries of moral leadership within and enforced by the laws of the land, ...or equality and justice for all.
I thought that we had that for a while in my life, just with disagreements on the particulars. Nowadays that has all but disappeared and it is more of an oligarchy where the object seems to be to win.
"Remember that for counties, just like with people, its easy to just let the best of yourself slip away." -Bruce Springstein
Yes, agree, the goal for oligarchy is only to win for themselves at all costs. To take more than their share, to steal it away if they have to. to not be transparent about it. To be accountable to no one and no guiding principles other than selfish accumulation of more. But is more than "to win" for them. Their goal is to dominate, to subjugate, and to rule overall with impunity. This is what it means to be a Libertarian Republican. Its all wrong and it should make every American's blood boil.
"Democracy and Capitalism work best to serve all the people within ethical boundaries of moral leadership within and enforced by the laws of the land, ...or equality and justice for all." That will fit on your campaign brochure Ted!!
Thanks, but I am not running for anything other than humanity, truth, and equality. I want to find and support those candidates that feel the same and share them here because the future is unwritten and we can fix this mess together.
The basic premise of the GOP Trumpites is that "welfare" is too expensive and undermines the "driving urge" of each to provide for himself.....Malborough Man strikes again....and they don't want to pay for it as they effectively deem taxes on their income to be unconstitutional whereas taxes on expenditures which make the poor pay for "welfare" are perfectly acceptable. Here we are back in pre-1862 when even a 3% tax on income was fiercely opposed.
And, I would add that it is easier to make simpler knee-jerk reaction messaging when a group is against something, in fear of something or angry than it is to explain the nuances of the impacts of decisions. The GOP wins the messaging battle often because it is easier.
Socialism is a word with many nuances, and some folks are conflating it with communism (Just one more irrational screed from the far right which seeks to distract from its many sins.) The truth is we are a mixed economy and always have been.
My in-laws have moved from Fox to a steady diet of newsmax. Now, in addition to being afraid of that socialist Biden, they’re frightened of critical race theory teaching people to kill all the whites. This is why I could not be more thankful for HCR and all of you here. I have learned so much and continue to do so each day. Thanks.
At a family gathering this past weekend* of vaccinated, Democrats, (not one Republican family member attended, many of whom are not vaccinated because they don't trust the science), the topic rolled around to why they are afraid of/hate Biden/Democrats. My SIL, who had a long conversation with my MIL a few weeks ago said that my MIL was afraid that Biden would give free healthcare and free education to lazy people and she didn't want to pay for it. She is convinced that if you cannot afford to pay for healthcare and education, even if you work two or three jobs, you are a lazy mooch. My MIL also decreed that my SIL's Black daughter will be just fine if she's polite to the police. I can't even stomach this ignorance anymore.
Glad you had a good time. You're not the only one with a split family, if that's any comfort. I'm declining the invitation to travel to Iowa this summer for any get together for that very reason. This group is a haven.
I always want to ask these people if they want to eliminate social security(maybe they do), or if they know that Big Oil and Ag etc are subsidized? More so than the American people who are, for the most part, left to fend for themselves and in many cases, have the deck stacked against them.
A "well-being-index" is a nice thought of something that will never happen. But on the other side of the coin, It would naturally follow for Governor Abbott or whomever calls the Republican shots in Texas, and most certainly the purveyors of such bumper stickers, to push for the criminalization of such 'socialist' behavior as collecting Social Security and participation in Medicare in their State. Texas, for the few remaining years that it remains "red," is an example of the inmates taking charge of the asylum. They don't have an inkling of what's in the Constitution nor of the meaning of 'socialism.' And this is true in many other States as well. Things have to get worse before they become better.
Remember "Reds under your bed" - that meme has seems to become part of the cultural norm in much of the USA. If you want some of the historical antecedents to this, you really must read
The American Home Front: 1941-1942: Cooke, Alistair
I'm reading it - only got to Charleston so far - he's such a fantastic writer - and reading him you become starkly aware of where the Trumpisters come from. (and it ain't going away!).
Hugh, I like you best of all the Russians, you seem to be a decent guy, but you are never going to pass for a “Hugh Spencer” with this kind of English - “that meme has seems to become part of the cultural norm in much of the USA.” I’m not going to bore you with the syntax and grammar errors, why don’t you just call yourself by your true initials, something like “S.A. (Moscow)” (as in Sergey Andropov, Moscow). You might actually get some likes if your name matches your level of English. The rest of your buddies? I don’t know *shaking my head*
Perhaps a little allowance for the absence of an edit function might be more in order, Roland. You, like everyone else here, have suffered from its depradations from time to time but we have laughed along with you when it gave sometimes strange results.
All those intellectual rings and ropes to swing on. Tarzan and his apes had it just right. Workouts for me need to touch the ground and thereby favour muscular as well as cerebral tissues.
Sorry, I know y’all haven’t seen all my conversations with the Russian visitors here. Taking just one post of mine here out of context, I know it doesn’t look good. You haven’t seen the rest of my conversations with Hugh, and his posts to me 😘
Roland - you're wrong here. The "grammar/syntax" is only the result of quick typing and the fact SUBSTACK HAS NO EDIT FUNCTION! Trust me, if I didn't re-read before posting, my stuff would look worse, and I are a perfessunil riter.
Like I said to Daria, y’all haven’t seen the rest of my conversations with Hugh. I’m not responding to just one post of his, there’s a larger context of our ongoing conversation over time. 😘
Thanks. I just requested it at my local library. Searching on the title, I also found "The Home Front During World War II in American History" by R. Conrad Stein. It's only 112 pages and written for a young audience. I've requested that as well. Over the years, I've learned that "Juvenile" level materials can be very informative on key aspects of a subject. Have used them when beginning research on a reference request for a subject I had little or no knowledge of. I'm curious to learn how Mr. Stein presents the subject.
Totally agree. A well-being index as a measurable standard of government performance. BTW people who have those bumper stickers do not understand the difference between 'socialism' and 'communism'. They would not make it through a freshman course in political science - but then they probably would have trouble in Econ 101.
Less than 25% of Americans have a Bachleors degree by age 24. Less than 12% have a masters degree by 30. Less than 3% of Americans have a doctorate. Over 40% hold creation over evolution as a world view. We are far to rich of a country to remain this ignorant.
Ho boy! It's worse than I thought. Can't have an educated public. They might actually think before they vote. Well then maybe if we just got rid of that vote thingy.... /snark
Expensive yes, but also an organized and well funded campaign to defund Public Education by the Libertarian faction that has over taken the Republican Party. I know voting rights are under attack, but the institutions of education have been under attack for a long long time. Here in my state, here is a summary of bills proposed ands some passed just this year alone. Look for this type of subversion of public education in your state. You may be surprised.
Yes, Nancy MacLean states this as one of the original goals of Buchanan's philosophy way back in the mid 1950s -- put education in the hands of private entities, charter schools in our day.
They truly believe the federal government only exists for national defense. Privatize everything. Education. Prisons. Police.
No regulation whatsoever. No EPA. No HHS. No SEC. etc etc. These are the goals of the Libertarians that have taken over the GOP and sadly Joe Manchin has sold out.
Thank you for this link, Ted, I will check it out. But I'm not at all surprised. I've commented elsewhere this evening that I just came from a zoom meeting of 80 people (yay!) who are appalled at the majority republicans in our state legislature that have slipped a very unpopular bill for Educaation Freedom Savings accounts ("NOT vouchers!" the lurking Free Stater representative kept typing in the chatbox) INTO the state budget. They had to do it because it would have failed based on the amount of recorded oppostion to it in committee hearings.
Like the common term, "sex," the common terms for political systems are generally inaccurate agglomerations of several distinct factors.
Socialism and Capitalism are technically descriptions of two different models of wealth ownership. In Capitalism, wealth is owned by individuals. In Socialism, wealth is owned by a collective, which may be as large as an entire nation (or the entire world). Libertarians tend to go to the capitalist extreme, denying that collectives can own anything, and our law generally follows this model. The normal subsistence-level multi-generational family is an extreme of socialism, where working-age adults generate wealth, but distribute it to the entire family according to need.
Then there are the "archies," meaning who defines the rules of the society. There are many different "archies" -- monarchy, plutarchy, oligarchy, bureaucracy, democracy, anarchy.
Then there are the two "isms," with Totalitarianism on one end, and Liberalism on the other end, which defines (or limits) how much of human behavior the "rules" can cover.
Note that "totalitarianism" does not necessarily involve tanks and guns: the most totalitarian societies of all are monastic communities, where the rules cover not only what you do, but also what you say and when, what you eat, when you sleep and rise, when you pray and when you work, and even what you are allowed to think. A great many people, especially in times of great social disorder, voluntarily choose totalitarian religious orders of this sort, and speak well of them.
There are many other things that describe a society, of course, but these three serve to show how limited the standard US model of "left and right" really is.
I don’t think we should call it a failure, when it has been under funded and sabotaged by one political party for decades. I think it is a failure leadership that in this country, the richest in the world, that every school is not a “temple of learning”.
We are in fact, as are most countries, a mix of capitalism and socialism. As several have pointed out we have many socialist programs in the U.S. run and controlled by local, state governments as well as the national government. Republican's unwillingness to recognize this fact and single out only those programs with which they disagree for scorn is intellectually dishonest. Of all those programs, but far the largest is public education. While Republicans would like greater control over what is taught and how I do not hear many crying that it should be abolished as a "socialist" program. The idiocy of the bumper sticker referenced in this comment shows the failure of the public education system for at least the owner of that vehicle. There is absolutely nothing unconstitutional about socialism. Indeed the founding fathers anticipated there would be a number of governmental programs to provide for defense, education, and public welfare all understood to be a part of the "common good."
"Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;..."
About 12 years ago my brother, a smart man, a "reformed liberal" thanks to Limbaugh and Fox, was screaming about Obama and the evils of socialism. At the time, his son was the beneficiary of the best private school education in the country at no cost to them because his mother worked there. I pointed out that this was a type of socialism he was very happy to have his children be part of. Many wealthy parents and alumni contribute more than their fair share so that less wealthy bright students might have such an education too. He couldn't accept it. Fortunately, his kids did. Hopefully they won't later become reformed liberals too.
Socialism is a dog whistle for the ring wing zealots! How many so called Christians do not realize that perhaps Christ was a socialist! Now the new code word is Marxist which the same cabal has used to rally the troops against Critical Race Theory! Dopey don used the term in his verbal spewing at the NC repubs/cult meeting! He probably was confused by the word race since he associates the word with political campaigns!
What other demagogues used communist scare tactics? It remains a fear invoking device to illicit a passionate response, not a reasoned/compassionate response.
Wow! I just realized I haven't seen any broadcast-channel coverage of that 'rally'! Maybe I missed it somehow. Or it was really brief(?) I don't get CNN, MSNBC etc. with my cable subscription, don't miss them, either.
Senatorial village idiot Manchin should realize that the For The People Act DOES have bipartisan support - Republicans, Democrats and Independents all overwhelmingly support the bill nationally. In fact, while national support is 68%, in West Virginia, according to a recent poll, support is 79%, broken down to 81% of Democrats, 76% support of Independents and - get this! - 72% of REPUBLICANS! You can't get much more bipartisan than that.
The only place where a majority of Republicans are opposed are the office holders who spinelessly support The Great Traitor Trump.
Pull your head out of your ass where you normally keep it, Senator, and get a breath of fresh bipartisan air. Take a trip back home and spend 5 minutes with the average voter, be he or she Democrat, Republican or Independent.
Thanks so much for this. I love Leonard Pitts. Could he possibly agree to be our "Firebrand"? Wouldn't that be wonderful. One of his most powerful columns! I sent it to Manchin, pointing out that, while I don't live and vote in WV, I am his constituent, by virtue of the fact that I'm a Democrat and our democracy is on the brink of destruction. Made me feel better, even if he doesn't read my comments. We know he's seen the column.
Joe Manchin is not a village idiot. He is a political operative looking only toward keeping his job. He’s a professional politician looking out only for himself. The gibberish he spouts is meant to deflect from his real priority, which is keeping the Koch network happy so they won’t attack him. The Koch network, like minded ultra wealthy people, who think government should only protect private property and provide national defense (think military/industrial complex). Joe Manchin is just a glorified puppet. His strings are not controlled by anyone who values democracy.
Interestingly, I read your comment and then the next item in the in-box was the CNBC Politics newsletter, which has this as its lead story:
Kochs lean on Manchin: The right-leaning political organization backed by billionaire industrialist Charles Koch has found a key ally in centrist Democrat Joe Manchin. The West Virginia senator has become a thorn in the side of the left. He is against eliminating or reforming the filibuster, which would enable Democrats in the evenly divided Senate pass Biden's agenda without Republican votes. Manchin also opposes a Democratic bill aimed at improving voting rights because it doesn't have bipartisan support. The Koch network, a big backer of Republican political candidates, has similar positions on these matters, and it has applauded Manchin's stances.
Knowing that it was a useless exercise, I nevertheless wrote a letter to Manchin on his website yesterday morning. The man clearly wants to be the Earl of Warwick in this combination of revenge tragedy and inept farce. He seems to be enjoying his notoriety a wee bit too much. The fact that the Dems are frozen by the puerile stubbornness of a single individual from a state that has been more or less gutted by decades of Repugnican policies--its beautiful mountains strip mined, its waterways polluted by the same kind of mining, its population destroyed by black lung--simply demonstrates how incapable the Democratic Party is of leading and promoting policies that are designed to improve the welfare of all Americans. It is obvious that Democratic policies are popular with a large portion of the populace of every political stripe except the most extreme on both the Left and the Right. But they are apparently utterly incapable of finding a way to remove the obstructions and get on with it. This vain search for 10 humane and rational Republicans is akin to Diogenes looking for an honest man.
Thank you for that summation, Professor Richardson.
However, as much speculation about how Senator Manchin will vote may be thought-provoking, waiting for him to act is a bit like wondering which rose petal a ladybug will light upon. Frankly, I’d rather watch ladybugs – at least there is some certainty they will eventually eat the pests that plague my garden.
But there was something in your Letter today that caught my eye and brought a smile:
“… in a March 2021 article in the New Yorker, Jane Mayer, who is simply a crackerjack investigative reporter, broke the story that Republicans were privately dismayed at how overwhelmingly popular the For the People Act is.”
I haven’t heard the word “crackerjack” used as an adjective for ages, and when reading it in your Letter, I could almost hear you saying it … crisply delivered with, perhaps, a slight nod of the head.
Professor, I am stunned when people who are elected to be representatives in our Representative Democracy do not act to represent the people who elected them. Manchin and most Republicans are prime examples. As you wrote in your letter, "One of the things at stake here might be that, as a Democrat in a strongly Republican state, Manchin likes that the filibuster protects him from having to vote on Democratic bills that Republicans hate." We need to claw back several more seats in 2022.
I think Sen. Manchin is just proving politicians of both parties have been bought by Big, Dark money. Shining light on campaign funding is one of the most popular parts of the For the People act -- at least with the People, but not the politicians.
He did raise a daughter who quadrupled the price of epi-pens. Neera Tanden "mean tweeting" about that greedy business decision resulted in Manchin blocking Tanden becoming the budget director. As it was pointed out, he supported "mean tweeters" in the past.
Over 60% of West Virginians support H1 and S1. So who or what is Manchin listening too? Certainly not his constituent people. Certainly he listens to the dark $ contributions.
Yes, the Democrats need to win several more Senate seats to have an actual majority. Those Republicans, House and Senate, vote against things their constituents actually like and need. Their big donors do not want the government to do anything at all, NOTHING, unless the action is to their advantage. J.D. Vance pointed out in “Hillbilly Elegy” that white, working class voters have much more in common with Black voters and voters of color than they do with the rich Republicans they vote for. People on the lower rungs of the economic ladder have more in common with each other no matter what their color or ethnicity. Now Vance parrots the wealthy Republican line. The Republican MO is
I listened to an analyst on Don Lemon CNN last night that basically said push everything aside except elections being protected and concentrate on a Democrat/NPA landslide 2022 that crushes Republican candidates. Only way to silence the current campaign to end democracy.
Skip, you took the words right out of my mouth. McConnell, Manchin, et al., have abused and are abusing their offices by failing to fulfill the will of the people, yet, unless our elections are free and fair AND people rise up and vote, they will continue to dominate. Manchin is a despicable puppet. McConnell is sheer evil.
That Republicans are opposed to ending dark money and unaccountability for where they get their campaign $ and how, tells us everything we need to know.
Taking their oath of office no longer means anything. I'm surprised they even go through the motions. They are now highly paid for their "service", overall yearly hours are great, excellent healthcare and pensions, and no age limit. Plus the bonus of tremendous power, and favors from lobbyists. We need young people who actually care about the county and the people.
Google Markeyverse. Those kids are out there and active. In our NJ Primary today I voted for 2 for borough council and 4 for county committee. They have a coordinated grassroots organization in a number of local towns and run under the name of South Jersey Progressive Democrats. They have been raised on school shootings and bad policing, a polluted environment and crushing student debt. Atleast in my neck of the woods, they are not 'standing down.' They are rising up!
"But what’s interesting about that declaration is that those measures are all actually popular among voters."
This has become a tiresome phrase attached to too many analyses where GOP intransigence is cited. It's also incongruous that these same GOP legislators are returned to office despite the apparent disconnect between constituent preferences and Congressional Republican voting. The filibuster is not merely a Senate "procedure" but a gun to the head of the democratic process.
This baffles me. It seems their strategy is to begin to obstruct after being elected, knowing they're in no immediate danger. As elections approach they moderate their tone, suggesting they're "concerned" and they might break from leadership, all the while counting on voters to have forgotten about their representatives' anti democratic efforts during their tenure.
Those few, and generally familiar, people on the fringes of their caucus (see Collins, Murkowski, Romney, Flake (ret), Manchin, and now Sinema) mostly regress to the mean on the most Issues. The breathtaking thumbs down to prevent repealing the ACA by John McCain in 2017 stands out as the last act of defiance against the minoritarian madness perpetrated by Mitch McConnell. Even those who voted in favor of Trump's second impeachment have stepped back from the precipice when it's come time to enact laws that reflect the Constitutional principles they've sworn to uphold.
These may not be the worst of times but they're presaging the demise of the American experiment, at least as described by Thomas Jefferson: "I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master."
They continue to be elected/re-elected largely because of gerrymandering and purposeful efforts in the past to suppress the ability of voters who might oppose them to vote against them. It's that simple and it's getting far far worse.
I know all about gerrymandering and voter suppression, but I don't think it's that simple. When a majority of voters, including Republicans, favor something (eg, abortion rights - 74%, For the People - 60+%, etc) and yet GOP representatives vote AGAINST the very things constituents want, there's a disconnect. What are the representatives doing that their voters think is so beneficial that they're willing to overlook the fact that their voices aren't being represented at all?
States with GOP senators represent less than 40% of the population yet wield disproportionate power. That's not solely a function of gerrymandering.
In NH, the rethuglican/free stater majority in the statehouse tried once again to pass an education choice voucher bill......oops, sorry, got slapped on the wrist tonight by one of said free stater reps for calling it a voucher bill. It's a Freedom Savings Account bill. Anyhow, there was so much recorded opposition to it in committee hearings that they had to try something else so they stuck it into the state budget bill!!! Now very likely our rethuglican good old boy governor will sign the budget bill (yup, the one where they also stuck the Divisive Concepts bill ,aka critical race theory and systemic sexism, and the anti-abortion bill) and all these nasty things that the majority of NH citizens oppose will become law, neat and tidy. And those free staters can get a shiny gold star from Mr. Koch.
I agree with your comment that there also is a major disconnect by too many voters.
It's much like my HOA neighbors who don't bother to read emails sent out by management on behalf of the board. Right now, new rule changes are to be voted on at the Annual Meeting which would impose requirements that we "scrape, waterproof & paint" our decks & balconies (wood) every 2 years, and re-seal every 3-5 years. Those are excessive requirements and shouldn't be put into the CC&Rs. I've repainted my deck twice in 25 years- once by myself and once by someone I hired - after sanding prep. The wood on my deck & balcony is in excellent condition, problem was mainly cosmetic. When talking to other owners about getting the Board to reconsider these stringent requirements, I learned how many either had not looked at them at all or had only glanced without reading in detail. Once I explained, they were NOT happy. Hopefully, we'll be present in enough force at the Annual Meeting to get the Board to table the proposed rules and reconsider the excessive detail that is in the proposed rule. Unfortunately, the only vote owners get is election of board members so....
I believe it is important to point out the bipartisan nature of the S1 legislation. It is comprised of redistricting, voting, elections, ethics, and political contributions provisions that would apply to all without regard to their political party. Despite protestations to the contrary by Republicans it does not seek to advantage or disadvantage either political party. Rather it focuses on the protection of the rights of all, without regard to party, and apply uniform standards of ethical conduct to all, while defending our democracy.
What is in fact partisan are the voter suppression measures being passed by Republican majority legislatures on strict party line votes and the Republican efforts to block national election, voting, and ethical standards.
True but you, as others, are making the understandable mistake of applying highly applaudable logic to explain the very human political problem and find a solution when the only "logic" the GOP is interested in is the inhuman logic of permanent power and financial gain which requires that those who oppose them be "removed" in any way shape or form....ends justifying the means. They do not admit that any other "problem" exists that needs discussing other than within their own counsels and it is only for them to decide on what might be done. As far as they are concerned, anybody not recognizing this "fact", as principled and as "moral" as they might be, is essentially stupid and can be mocked, disregarded and discarded.
Mr. Attewell, We know that a number of the Founders had genuine fear and concern over “sweating masses.” This manifested itself in definitions of the new nation operating as a “Republic.” Implicit in this definition was that participants in making law would be White, landowning men; not women and certainly not slaves and people without real estate.
Inherent in this position is support for slavery, misogyny, and Calvinistic belief as the just desserts for people of wealth fulfilling God’s will as both natural and justifiable.
The naked truth before this nation today is that these tendencies in the DNA of the nation are once again being supported as justifiable and normal as the Founders and Calvinistic God intended.
This is why at the core, all Republicans aredefined as Christian Nationalists who also embrace fascist beliefs to describe the role of the leader, the state and it’s destiny.
Democracy is being shown as just how fragile it is.
Which was of course considered perfectly normal in the 18thC...very much the centre point of the polarity of political discourse at the time. Erh...zoom forward three centuries and the goalposts have moved. We should have changed this basic foundation struture already a long time ago.
Indeed the original flaw was cast into the foundation of our Republic. After many years of neglect it threatens the entire structure. Ignoring it only allows the damage to increase.
Yep, and also worth noting is the Republicans have since Alito’s arrival heavily relied on the so called “Originalist” stance calling for an almost religious faith in the idea that it can’t change
I think that your assessment of the inhuman logic kind of feeds into my "you can't negotiate with terrorists" belief from my old HNT days. If you are not in the same ballpark with at least the same field and equipment, you don't have any way of coming together to hammer out a system that can work. It is like one team showing up with a roster of 60 people all in helmets, pads, and cleats while the other team has a roster of 45, and has bats, balls, mitts, and cleats and discovering that we are now playing basketball.
Bruce, your comment needs to be sent to Manchin, Senima and the entire GOP. As Stuart says, the problem with it is that it is logical and cannot penetrate the "inhuman logic of permanent power and financial gain" which is the foundations apparently of the white nationalist, anti-Constitutional GOP.
I am a regular and frequent caller and letter writer to all my own state and federal legislators. Even though they may ignore me and often hold positions in opposition to mine, I want them to know I and others like me are here and we are watching, donating, advocating, organizing, and most importantly - voting. Democracy and politics are not spectator sports. It is important to get onto the field and participate if you seek change. We win some and lose some. However, competing to win requires first showing up and then requires performance. Steve Jobs once said about his single dollar salary, “I make 50 cents for just showing up … the other 50 cents is based on my performance.” Good advice I think. So I advise all to remember to focus on both halves of that advice.
A recent survey of WEST VIRGINIA voters found that 70% favored the For the People Act. This included high levels of approval among Dems, independents and Republicans.
How does this square with Manchin saying part of the reason he opposes For the People and changing the filibuster is because he represents the people of West Virginia?
True. Well , mostly true - corporate folks vote, too. But the problem is so many people in West Virginia are so poor now, and political campaigns so enriched by corporate contributions. They paid for, among other things, those huge billboards put up all over the state that said Hillary would close the mines, when truth of the matter is the operators didn't hire many miners anymore, instead using heavy machinery to top off mountains for coal or rape mountains for trees.. Cities like Richwood have become ghost towns, where the only growing economy is narcotics. The people can vote, but so many are brainwashed or brain, well, impaired. Manchin knows his state and his precarious position well. We don't want the industries' pick to replace him. That said, I pray he does the right thing, and West Virginians do, too.
I think he’s got Koch’s cash in his account and more on the way. It’s time to cut bait. What the difference between Manchin or King (Iowa)? At least King was transparent.
Coal and timber both require very hard labor and high danger & chronic health risk. U can’t have a high percentage of highly educated population and have enough labor available for those industries. Clearly, Manchin does not represent the best interests of West Virginians.
Email sent yesterday to my Senator & Congressman: Subject:
Subject line: When your majority becomes the minority!
Dear Senator Whitehouse & Congressman Cicilline:
> First, as always, thank you for your tireless efforts to fight for legislation to preserve the rights of all Americans!
> I’m writing today because it’s becoming alarmingly apparent that our Democratic Party is being forced into allowing the minority party to kill all vital legislation. This strengthens their reputation and weakens the Dems’ reputation. This transpires into Democrats feeling WHY BOTHER VOTING; we lose we lose and, even if, we win we lose!
> Senators Manchin & Sinema have given the XPresident’s GOP an ongoing majority in the senate. It seems we all know this but it’s not being reported.
> Does the Biden administration get this? What’s so unclear about Mitch McConnell bragging that “100% of our focus is on stopping Biden’s administration”? To me this means NEGOTIATING IS NOT EVER HAPPENING!!
> Most elected Republicans have repudiated the violence of the Capitol riot, but they share the belief, of the rank and file, that the rioters’ hearts were in the right place! (awwww, bless their hearts...REALLY!!??)
> State-by-state voting suppression is being blatantly, IN-YOUR-FACE, passed.
> Carrying concealed weapons, military caliber, without a permit are being enacted. “An AK-assault weapon is just like a Swiss Army knife.” REALLY!!??
> It’s become apparent that the XPresident’s Party Of No is debating on whether or not the best way to OVERTURN DEMOCRAT VICTORIES is through enacting laws to control partisan elections’ administration or whether it will become necessary to incite another, more serious, violent insurrection!
> “Democrats remain a racially and ideologically diverse coalition, THEY LACK their rivals’ unity of action. The mostly white party can be ruthless, but it does not represent a majority; the diverse party represents a majority, but COALITION POLITICS PREVENT it from becoming ruthless.”
This editorial in The Atlantic is an eye opener with some insightful supporting links. Worth your time.
I love your passion, Susan. Thanks for this. It gives me hope that if enough courageous people keep speaking up for all the people, we can overturn hatred and fear—at least some of it.
Sen Manchin made it clear on his tv ad, “My only responsibility is to defend the voters of West Virginia”, while he disparages the Federal government. Frankly, when you’re a white, male, millionaire, gun owning, moderate, who lives in the bubble of white privilege, you don’t much need a Democracy. That’s why, rather than fighting for Democracy, Joe Manchin is “hoping” for it. When Republicans finally do kill it, R.I.P.D., maybe Sen. Manchin will send Democrats his “thoughts and prayers”, too.
Over 60% of WVA supports all three, for the people, HR1 and S1. So who the f is Manchin talking about? Who, or what are his constituents? Cuz it sure ain't the majority of West Virginians! He is playing for campaign contributions from somewhere else.
Their decisions affect every American and they should be held responsible to all the people. Just as I'd love to really understand how Kentucky keeps voting in McConnell.
"The #PoorPeoplesCampaign is announcing today that on Monday, June 14, we will hold a Moral March on Manchin in West Virginia, led by West Virginians of all colors, creeds, etc. from the hood to the hollers."
"Then West Virginians and Kentuckians will lead a Moral March and nonviolent direct action on Manchin and McConnell on Wednesday, June 23, in Washington, DC."
I ended my comment this morning with a March. Thank you Reverend Barber and thank you, Ellie Kona! Best news of the morning. I'll have my breakfast now.
You are perhaps right. Manchin needs "persuading" by his own constituents. He needs convincing that his future in WA is non-existant if he doesn't support Voting Rights.
I love the Moral March on Manchin; if I lived nearby, I would be jumping into banner-painting mode with local groups. I hope this blows up big, all across the media.
Wringing hands over Joe Manchin won’t bring him around. He has unequivocally staked his ground.
My question is; where are Republican senators such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney? Their silence has been deafening, thunderous; especially Romney. Is support of voting rights worse than voting to impeach the former president? If even one Republican Senator voiced support for SB 1, would that be bipartisan enough for Manchin?
Maybe they all have staffs using the same Republican lobbyists who craft their legislation and talking points for them. Judd Ludlow: "His arguments echo talking points released in April by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Republican-aligned trade association that recently backed his reelection campaign."
Which circles back to the problem that Democrats have no progressive counterpart to ALEC, leaving them susceptible to being spoon-fed by the likes of the US Chamber of Commerce.
Susan owes everything to Citizens United. Notice her vote for the commission on the insurrection only came after she felt confident there weren’t nine others to vote for it. She always gets it both ways. So disappointed in rural Maine for giving her 6 more years
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! To add to the collection re the Manchin perspective, Greg Sargent's Plum Line article makes what I consider a valid argument. He writes: "...how does Manchin continue arguing that Democrats must do nothing, on the grounds that voting rules changes cannot be partisan, when this will allow partisan Republican rules changes to proceed undisturbed in a way that Manchin himself declares a threat to freedom?" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/07/how-joe-manchins-awful-new-stance-could-blow-up-his-face/
"The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Georgia, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and law firms Wilmer Hale and Davis Wright Tremaine brought the case on behalf of the Sixth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Georgia Muslim Voter Project, Women Watch Afrika, Latino Community Fund Georgia, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The law being challenged is S.B. 202..." https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/civil-rights-groups-sue-georgia-over-new-sweeping-voter-suppression-law
Good morning, Lynell. So….as you point out with your usual clarity….Manchin will not vote “aye” because election and voting laws must not be passed in a partisan manner but then that allows the Republicans to make partisan changes to the rules which Manchin feels a threat to
democracy. Just repeating that pointed, clear observation you make of the convoluted, nonsensical, obstinate, petulant, stupid, racist argument made against passing For The People Act which more than a 60% majority of the PEOPLE support. So obv we flick the filibuster off.
Let me just add my observation of Sen Johnson expousing his view yesterday that Pres Biden’s speech given in Tulsa was wrong and divisive and betrayed what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for. And that the progress made to get rid of systemic racism in the past 4 years is quite notable. Obv not one of the bipartisan friends Manchin is looking for.
Good morning, Lynell. Funny how for Manchin, the Republiqans steamrolling things in a completely partisan manner is fine, but for the Democrats to try time and time again to enlist Republiqan support and have it rebuffed at every turn STILL requires someone of that party to break faith with the lockstep orders of no cooperation isn't enough. Sigh.
Morning, Ally!! I just got back from voting in VA's Democratic primary for Governor. Elections are this November.
I was talking to a former Delegate who some years ago got ousted by an R (who sucks, by the way!) Anyway, the problem the way she sees it is Democratic leaders don't keep their voters engaged as well as the R's do, which leads to big losses at the polls. Notice how even when R's are winning, they still keep pushing the negatives and their voters show up. Democratic voters (me included) when we win, sit back thinking all is well. She explained this is how VA Dems lost, according to her, approx. 1,000 seats after electing Obama.
And just BTW, Virginia is considered blue by the country but it is very red in many parts of the state, especially the large rural areas. So we have to pay attention or else it could turn back to red very easily.
So the R's didn't have a primary but had a convention. The runners were all staunch tRump supporters. The winner showed less support in his campaign, but now that he's won is going all in with the Big Lie. Today I wanted to vote for a candidate who I thought would do a great job for VA. She is an African American woman. No problem for me, but considering the reality of our state, I am nervous she could pull it off. So I caved and voted for the white guy front runner. He has a proven record, is very popular, was a successful Governor prior to our present Governor. VA law does not allow someone to serve more than one term at any given time.
All around the barn to say IMHO maybe Manchin's antics is just what is needed to keep us engaged come 2022!
I'm tired of hearing/reading about Manchin. He's dug his hole and isn't about to climb out. Lt's stop giving him air. Same with the obstructionist McTurtleneck. Instead of fighting them, let's look to the lawmakers working on our behalf. Thank you, Amy Klobuchar!
Was getting ready to write the same essence, Pam. I’m tired talking about Sen Manchin and the entire bunch of complicit, legislators who forget they were elected, not herded like sheep by an autocrat.
Yesterday, here in Texas, I saw a bumper sticker that said "Socialism is unconstitutional". I'd like a lesson on what socialism is versus what it is not. It is not communism, for instance, which seems to be the fear that is trying to be provoked here. Doesn't the Constitution state one of its purposes is to "promote the General Welfare"? Wouldn't one rather live in Norway or Sweden rather than Russia or North Korea? I'm an advocate for measuring the country via a Well-Being Index at least on a par with GNP. All legislation would have to prove it improves the well-being of the People, all of them!
I ran across this definition somewhere and liked it, so copied it:
"The main difference is that socialism is compatible with democracy and liberty, whereas Communism involves creating an 'equal society' through an authoritarian state, which denies basic liberties. Democratic socialism in the west involves participating in democracy to seek an incremental reduction in inequality."
Tejvan Pettinger, Oxford, UK, www.economicshelp.org, 6 May 2020.
I'm borrowing this to share, if I may.
Please do!
Thank you for agreeing to let us all share.
Done! Thanks!
We all should share this far and wide. Great idea to spread this definition.
I will also. Thank you, Syd.
Me too! Thank you!
Sounds a lot more like "Social Democracy" as practiced sporadically, and in less and less countries, in Europe than ideological Socialism.
The image that we have of Communism is severely tarred by the methods used by Stalin to "overcome" its innate contradictions and its total misunderstanding of human psychology other than the human reaction to fear. Both Socialism and Communism run up against the divergence between the utopian view of how "humankind" should be from their point of view and how private property, the accumulation of material gains and capitalism have formed it since the early medieaval privatization of the "Commons". Their answer so far has mostly involved forcing the people to change and hence have had little longterm success.
I think Socialism essentially maintains much of the precepts of Karl Marx but is an attempt to get round the problem of the force "necessary" for the transition. It maintains that the state is not necessarily the owner of all productive ressources but that the ressources should be owned by those workers using them for productive means or by local users of the services provided. The problem with the latter is always firstly, how do you make the transition implied from capital controlling the means of production to labour running things. Secondly, the question of how they generate the necessary surpluses to allow investment needs to be asked as the owners tend to increase their "take" until all "profit" is gone. Sounds an awful lot like what we are getting now in the Capitalist economy already only the property has changed hands....somehow!
There is a worker-owned Honda dealership in the Boston suburbs.
co-ops?
You're tempting me to look into how they work--something to write about.
I don't have any details, and googling didn't reveal any articles about their operation.
I believe King Arthur Flour and Bob's Red Mill and Gardener's Supply are all employee owned businesses now. Maybe that's a channel to find out more about them and how they operate?
Check out the very important Mondragon Cooperative in existence since the ‘50s in Spain.
A cooperative (also known as co-operative, co-op, or coop) is "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned enterprise ".
Where I used to live there was a Co-Op grocery store. It operated just like this, they owned the business, did the work, reaped the profits (or losses)
Thank you! I’ve been looking for a good definition and this is the best so far.
Thank you Syd.
Thanks! I’ll use it, if that’s OK?
The more the merrier!
Thank you, I’m borrowing to share as well!
This is my favorite video about what socialism is https://youtu.be/tcAQB3oPzt0
I just posted this throughout a Fox comment section regarding socialism to help educate their viewers on our capitalist/socialist form of democracy. Please spread this as many people are visual learners and a picture with words will reach more brainwashed or misinformed people much more easily.
Really well done! Unfortunately, those who misunderstand "socialism" probably couldn't be bothered to look at this. They want to believe what they've been fed.
Their willingness to swallow the tripe offered is a choice. That choice is clearly laid out in the book ‘Caste’ written by Isabelle Wilkerson. Ultimately this is an issue because the dominant caste in America is losing its ability to be on top. And although they aren’t truly conscious of that choice as a general rule, if the choice were laid out clearly many of these people would willingly die from lack of health care than allow the lesser castes to thrive. I truly believe that our fundamental problems are racist in origin.
Absolutely!
That video is excellent. It reminds somewhat of “Schoolhouse Rock” without the catchy phrasing.
This is an excellent exposition on the essence and nuance of socialism and in particular the form embraced by social democracies. Unfortunately it requires a five minute attention span, an intellect of at least an average level, and an open mind. Each of these are qualities I seldom find in those Republicans I find myself engaged with on the topic of political governance.
That was great! Informative, easy to watch. I'm sending it along to a few people with whom I have had discussions about this topic. Thanks!
Karen Kelly, whenever "unlike" minded friends scream socialism, I respond with this video.
It is a good one.
😍😍😍
Good explanation - reminds me how much I miss Jon Stewart!!!!!
Excellent!
🤗
Great video. Thank you for the link.
I like the video, like much of the democratic socialism concept, but the word "socialism" has been blackened in this country to the point where it hurts the cause. I prefer Frederick's "Democray Capitalism." Capitalism isn't going away, it works, but it MUST be controlled by democracy's principles, laws and people. All of us this time.
My sense is that capitalism works well if it is limited to localities rather than the nation. While I’m not well versed on socialism, I’ve been thinking about capitalism for some time, especially after reading Naomi Klein’s ‘This Changes Everything, Capitalism vs the Climate.’ It seems to me that socialism could work nationally (in a much different political and cultural climate.) Then possibly that could be combined with a “small c” capitalism on a restrained local level.
Democracy Capitalism. Frederick, if you see this, my apologies!
Thank you for sharing that!
Great link, thank you!
Thanks Sharon! Jon Stewart's face!!
Very good! Thank you for sharing.
“Texas Has Socialist Roads” would be my rejoinder
And socialist schools and socialist bridges and socialist welfare, mental health support, hunger support, hospital, research, socialist medicare, medicaid, social security, post offices, ambulances, volunteer fire, rescue, voter registration, adoption/foster care, children protective services, etc.. Duh, we are a socialist democracy and the GOP would have you believe those are dirty words. Take it all away and see what happens to their poor constituents lives.
Is that how far we will let the GOP destroy our democracy. The party that wants little government and weapons of mass destruction in the hands of civilians is installing more laws across our country AGAINST our own Constitutional rights? Whaaaaat?
The current Texas Republican Party, like their colleagues in most other states, would like nothing better than to take all that away.
Well, it would be so interesting to have Americans experience what their lives would be without our social democracy and safety nets when things go awry.
They only have to ask their parents and grandparents who were around between the 1929 crash and the arrival of FDR.
... who are no longer with us. Which is why it's important to keep family histories going.
Like lack of medical care and a federal health response during a pandemic?
A lot of Amercans already knew what it was like to have a lack of medical care.
Where does the Texas grid failure fall into this category?
We pretty much did with you-know-who and Covid.
Exactly. How true and sad that is.
First, they don't care about their "poor constituents' lives." Secondly, as I just posted elsewhere on here, "things have to get worse before they get better."
I was thinking the same thing. The entire goal of the Republican Party is to make government smaller. They may be using nuclear options but they are succeeding in ways they could not have fathomed just a few years ago. We are going to see more of the same until Democrats win on their playing field every…single…election cycle in more states in everything from dog catcher to president.
But most importantly, State legislatures. Since the Constitution leaves powers not specifically given to the Federal government to the individual States, those elections are most crucial.
It seems to me their mission is not so much to make government smaller. Rather their aim seems to be only to make it more Republican, asserting its influence and control only in those areas that more closely align with whatever the Republican notion of the moment seems to be.
Agreed. They are shrinking the parts they don't like and making the parts they do like much bigger - ie military, law enforcement (against the poor and the races), etc etc
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
100%! And is freezing to death in your own Texas home, because there's no heat or electricity socialist or capitalist?
What's your answer to that, Ted?
My answer to that is that 100% deregulation of the energy sector and of everything is the Republican Libertarian's wet dream and 100% self serving to Oligarchic control of entire industries based in the false principle that only a few can run and rule our country. This is Fascism. Democracy and Capitalism work best to serve all the people within ethical boundaries of moral leadership within and enforced by the laws of the land, ...or equality and justice for all.
I thought that we had that for a while in my life, just with disagreements on the particulars. Nowadays that has all but disappeared and it is more of an oligarchy where the object seems to be to win.
"Remember that for counties, just like with people, its easy to just let the best of yourself slip away." -Bruce Springstein
Yes, agree, the goal for oligarchy is only to win for themselves at all costs. To take more than their share, to steal it away if they have to. to not be transparent about it. To be accountable to no one and no guiding principles other than selfish accumulation of more. But is more than "to win" for them. Their goal is to dominate, to subjugate, and to rule overall with impunity. This is what it means to be a Libertarian Republican. Its all wrong and it should make every American's blood boil.
"Democracy and Capitalism work best to serve all the people within ethical boundaries of moral leadership within and enforced by the laws of the land, ...or equality and justice for all." That will fit on your campaign brochure Ted!!
With this soundtrack: https://youtu.be/LkQzsDav-oI
Hurrah!! You've got my vote Ted!
Thanks, but I am not running for anything other than humanity, truth, and equality. I want to find and support those candidates that feel the same and share them here because the future is unwritten and we can fix this mess together.
Hahahahaha
The basic premise of the GOP Trumpites is that "welfare" is too expensive and undermines the "driving urge" of each to provide for himself.....Malborough Man strikes again....and they don't want to pay for it as they effectively deem taxes on their income to be unconstitutional whereas taxes on expenditures which make the poor pay for "welfare" are perfectly acceptable. Here we are back in pre-1862 when even a 3% tax on income was fiercely opposed.
And, I would add that it is easier to make simpler knee-jerk reaction messaging when a group is against something, in fear of something or angry than it is to explain the nuances of the impacts of decisions. The GOP wins the messaging battle often because it is easier.
Socialism is a word with many nuances, and some folks are conflating it with communism (Just one more irrational screed from the far right which seeks to distract from its many sins.) The truth is we are a mixed economy and always have been.
As well as the well being of our planet...c'mon Joe and Kamala, the majority of the voters agree with your vision!
If you believe Fox it is the scourge of the world, far worse than being under the thumb of a murdering dictator
My in-laws have moved from Fox to a steady diet of newsmax. Now, in addition to being afraid of that socialist Biden, they’re frightened of critical race theory teaching people to kill all the whites. This is why I could not be more thankful for HCR and all of you here. I have learned so much and continue to do so each day. Thanks.
At a family gathering this past weekend* of vaccinated, Democrats, (not one Republican family member attended, many of whom are not vaccinated because they don't trust the science), the topic rolled around to why they are afraid of/hate Biden/Democrats. My SIL, who had a long conversation with my MIL a few weeks ago said that my MIL was afraid that Biden would give free healthcare and free education to lazy people and she didn't want to pay for it. She is convinced that if you cannot afford to pay for healthcare and education, even if you work two or three jobs, you are a lazy mooch. My MIL also decreed that my SIL's Black daughter will be just fine if she's polite to the police. I can't even stomach this ignorance anymore.
*First family gathering since Christmas 2019. It was glorious! And rancor free because the fascists stayed home.
So glad for you that you were with the fab fam part.
Me too, Christine. It was so much fun.
Glad you had a good time. You're not the only one with a split family, if that's any comfort. I'm declining the invitation to travel to Iowa this summer for any get together for that very reason. This group is a haven.
It is a haven. We are very fortunate to have this group. I honestly did not miss the fact that the haters stayed home.
Experiencing the same here Daria. 😎
Kemp in GA banned all critical race theory teaching. They aren't even trying to hide being racist anymore.
Disheartening
I always want to ask these people if they want to eliminate social security(maybe they do), or if they know that Big Oil and Ag etc are subsidized? More so than the American people who are, for the most part, left to fend for themselves and in many cases, have the deck stacked against them.
A "well-being-index" is a nice thought of something that will never happen. But on the other side of the coin, It would naturally follow for Governor Abbott or whomever calls the Republican shots in Texas, and most certainly the purveyors of such bumper stickers, to push for the criminalization of such 'socialist' behavior as collecting Social Security and participation in Medicare in their State. Texas, for the few remaining years that it remains "red," is an example of the inmates taking charge of the asylum. They don't have an inkling of what's in the Constitution nor of the meaning of 'socialism.' And this is true in many other States as well. Things have to get worse before they become better.
Remember "Reds under your bed" - that meme has seems to become part of the cultural norm in much of the USA. If you want some of the historical antecedents to this, you really must read
The American Home Front: 1941-1942: Cooke, Alistair
...https://www.amazon.com › American-Home-Front-194...
I'm reading it - only got to Charleston so far - he's such a fantastic writer - and reading him you become starkly aware of where the Trumpisters come from. (and it ain't going away!).
Aren't the Republicans the "red" party? They are as scary as monsters under one's bed.
More like the Blackshirt Party
Or the Bats*** Party
Hugh, I like you best of all the Russians, you seem to be a decent guy, but you are never going to pass for a “Hugh Spencer” with this kind of English - “that meme has seems to become part of the cultural norm in much of the USA.” I’m not going to bore you with the syntax and grammar errors, why don’t you just call yourself by your true initials, something like “S.A. (Moscow)” (as in Sergey Andropov, Moscow). You might actually get some likes if your name matches your level of English. The rest of your buddies? I don’t know *shaking my head*
Perhaps a little allowance for the absence of an edit function might be more in order, Roland. You, like everyone else here, have suffered from its depradations from time to time but we have laughed along with you when it gave sometimes strange results.
If it wasn't for jumping to conclusions I would never get any exercise. 🤣
All those intellectual rings and ropes to swing on. Tarzan and his apes had it just right. Workouts for me need to touch the ground and thereby favour muscular as well as cerebral tissues.
I am with you.
Boy, Roland, I'm glad you don't pick on me for my typos and fat fingering!
Sorry, I know y’all haven’t seen all my conversations with the Russian visitors here. Taking just one post of mine here out of context, I know it doesn’t look good. You haven’t seen the rest of my conversations with Hugh, and his posts to me 😘
Me thinks he insisteth a little too much!
Hiya, Roland! Yes, I have seen the various conversations. Not sure those conversations are the best use of your talents.
Roland - you're wrong here. The "grammar/syntax" is only the result of quick typing and the fact SUBSTACK HAS NO EDIT FUNCTION! Trust me, if I didn't re-read before posting, my stuff would look worse, and I are a perfessunil riter.
Like I said to Daria, y’all haven’t seen the rest of my conversations with Hugh. I’m not responding to just one post of his, there’s a larger context of our ongoing conversation over time. 😘
Thanks TC
I give up - maybe look up http://www.austrop.org.au - you seem to have gotten a tad fixated on dem ruskies.
“. . .with an explanation of the syntax. . . “
Thanks. I just requested it at my local library. Searching on the title, I also found "The Home Front During World War II in American History" by R. Conrad Stein. It's only 112 pages and written for a young audience. I've requested that as well. Over the years, I've learned that "Juvenile" level materials can be very informative on key aspects of a subject. Have used them when beginning research on a reference request for a subject I had little or no knowledge of. I'm curious to learn how Mr. Stein presents the subject.
Alistaire Cooke of fond PBS memories beloved of many Americans our age.
Hard to remember he died in 2004 because (to our pleasure and learning), he remains a fixture on PBS. So I wouldn't limit it to "Americans our age".
I was a Canadian fan
Except now the Reds are in the Red's bed!
And street corner in the red light district.
Thanks for the recommendation.
I remember "The only good Red is a dead Red" from the 60's.
goes back far earlier than that
Totally agree. A well-being index as a measurable standard of government performance. BTW people who have those bumper stickers do not understand the difference between 'socialism' and 'communism'. They would not make it through a freshman course in political science - but then they probably would have trouble in Econ 101.
Less than 25% of Americans have a Bachleors degree by age 24. Less than 12% have a masters degree by 30. Less than 3% of Americans have a doctorate. Over 40% hold creation over evolution as a world view. We are far to rich of a country to remain this ignorant.
Ho boy! It's worse than I thought. Can't have an educated public. They might actually think before they vote. Well then maybe if we just got rid of that vote thingy.... /snark
"If stupidity got us into this mess, then why cant it get us out" -Will Rogers
Much of that these days is because it's so much more to obtain those degrees than it was in our day.
Expensive yes, but also an organized and well funded campaign to defund Public Education by the Libertarian faction that has over taken the Republican Party. I know voting rights are under attack, but the institutions of education have been under attack for a long long time. Here in my state, here is a summary of bills proposed ands some passed just this year alone. Look for this type of subversion of public education in your state. You may be surprised.
https://www.idahoednews.org/voices/critical-thinking-on-life-support/
Yes, Nancy MacLean states this as one of the original goals of Buchanan's philosophy way back in the mid 1950s -- put education in the hands of private entities, charter schools in our day.
Great book, Democracy in Chains
They truly believe the federal government only exists for national defense. Privatize everything. Education. Prisons. Police.
No regulation whatsoever. No EPA. No HHS. No SEC. etc etc. These are the goals of the Libertarians that have taken over the GOP and sadly Joe Manchin has sold out.
Thank you for this link, Ted, I will check it out. But I'm not at all surprised. I've commented elsewhere this evening that I just came from a zoom meeting of 80 people (yay!) who are appalled at the majority republicans in our state legislature that have slipped a very unpopular bill for Educaation Freedom Savings accounts ("NOT vouchers!" the lurking Free Stater representative kept typing in the chatbox) INTO the state budget. They had to do it because it would have failed based on the amount of recorded oppostion to it in committee hearings.
“Every reform is not communism”(RFK) and neither is every reform socialism.
Like the common term, "sex," the common terms for political systems are generally inaccurate agglomerations of several distinct factors.
Socialism and Capitalism are technically descriptions of two different models of wealth ownership. In Capitalism, wealth is owned by individuals. In Socialism, wealth is owned by a collective, which may be as large as an entire nation (or the entire world). Libertarians tend to go to the capitalist extreme, denying that collectives can own anything, and our law generally follows this model. The normal subsistence-level multi-generational family is an extreme of socialism, where working-age adults generate wealth, but distribute it to the entire family according to need.
Then there are the "archies," meaning who defines the rules of the society. There are many different "archies" -- monarchy, plutarchy, oligarchy, bureaucracy, democracy, anarchy.
Then there are the two "isms," with Totalitarianism on one end, and Liberalism on the other end, which defines (or limits) how much of human behavior the "rules" can cover.
Note that "totalitarianism" does not necessarily involve tanks and guns: the most totalitarian societies of all are monastic communities, where the rules cover not only what you do, but also what you say and when, what you eat, when you sleep and rise, when you pray and when you work, and even what you are allowed to think. A great many people, especially in times of great social disorder, voluntarily choose totalitarian religious orders of this sort, and speak well of them.
There are many other things that describe a society, of course, but these three serve to show how limited the standard US model of "left and right" really is.
Frederick in these pages describes Democracy Capitalism. I like it.
This bumper sticker in Texas proves the failure of our largest socialist sector in the U.S. - public education.
I don’t think we should call it a failure, when it has been under funded and sabotaged by one political party for decades. I think it is a failure leadership that in this country, the richest in the world, that every school is not a “temple of learning”.
Please elaborate on that, Bruce.
We are in fact, as are most countries, a mix of capitalism and socialism. As several have pointed out we have many socialist programs in the U.S. run and controlled by local, state governments as well as the national government. Republican's unwillingness to recognize this fact and single out only those programs with which they disagree for scorn is intellectually dishonest. Of all those programs, but far the largest is public education. While Republicans would like greater control over what is taught and how I do not hear many crying that it should be abolished as a "socialist" program. The idiocy of the bumper sticker referenced in this comment shows the failure of the public education system for at least the owner of that vehicle. There is absolutely nothing unconstitutional about socialism. Indeed the founding fathers anticipated there would be a number of governmental programs to provide for defense, education, and public welfare all understood to be a part of the "common good."
Very important words…those last two in your response. Thank you for your feedback.
"Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;..."
About 12 years ago my brother, a smart man, a "reformed liberal" thanks to Limbaugh and Fox, was screaming about Obama and the evils of socialism. At the time, his son was the beneficiary of the best private school education in the country at no cost to them because his mother worked there. I pointed out that this was a type of socialism he was very happy to have his children be part of. Many wealthy parents and alumni contribute more than their fair share so that less wealthy bright students might have such an education too. He couldn't accept it. Fortunately, his kids did. Hopefully they won't later become reformed liberals too.
"Intellectually dishonest," yes. Or you could use the more common term, GOP.
or, GQP ... "intellectually challenged"
Socialism is a dog whistle for the ring wing zealots! How many so called Christians do not realize that perhaps Christ was a socialist! Now the new code word is Marxist which the same cabal has used to rally the troops against Critical Race Theory! Dopey don used the term in his verbal spewing at the NC repubs/cult meeting! He probably was confused by the word race since he associates the word with political campaigns!
What other demagogues used communist scare tactics? It remains a fear invoking device to illicit a passionate response, not a reasoned/compassionate response.
Wow! I just realized I haven't seen any broadcast-channel coverage of that 'rally'! Maybe I missed it somehow. Or it was really brief(?) I don't get CNN, MSNBC etc. with my cable subscription, don't miss them, either.
“Well being index”. I like it.
I say most bumper stickers are a distraction as well as being unconstitutional.
I’ve never allowed one to be on anything I’ve owned
I have a sticker that says "Tuba" on it. I also had one that said "I'd Rather Be Grilling". That's it.
Acceptable Ally. Hahahahaha
Same here.
Same!
Senatorial village idiot Manchin should realize that the For The People Act DOES have bipartisan support - Republicans, Democrats and Independents all overwhelmingly support the bill nationally. In fact, while national support is 68%, in West Virginia, according to a recent poll, support is 79%, broken down to 81% of Democrats, 76% support of Independents and - get this! - 72% of REPUBLICANS! You can't get much more bipartisan than that.
The only place where a majority of Republicans are opposed are the office holders who spinelessly support The Great Traitor Trump.
Pull your head out of your ass where you normally keep it, Senator, and get a breath of fresh bipartisan air. Take a trip back home and spend 5 minutes with the average voter, be he or she Democrat, Republican or Independent.
TC, Leonard Pitts wrote an IN YOUR FACE call to action yesterday regarding Joe Manchin. He asks “what will you do once democracy dies”:
https://tampabaytimes-fl.newsmemory.com/?publink=1d3e43627_1345dd3
His conclusion “this is an emergency”.
Thanks so much for this. I love Leonard Pitts. Could he possibly agree to be our "Firebrand"? Wouldn't that be wonderful. One of his most powerful columns! I sent it to Manchin, pointing out that, while I don't live and vote in WV, I am his constituent, by virtue of the fact that I'm a Democrat and our democracy is on the brink of destruction. Made me feel better, even if he doesn't read my comments. We know he's seen the column.
Great Idea!!! I'm going to send it to Manchin too, even though I'm not his WV constituent. Anyone else???!!!!
Ooooo, Diane. Leonard Pitts. One of my go-to editorialists. Real.
Mine too.
Love Mr. Pitts!
Sizzling, TC, sizzling.
Post this on his twitter
Joe Manchin is not a village idiot. He is a political operative looking only toward keeping his job. He’s a professional politician looking out only for himself. The gibberish he spouts is meant to deflect from his real priority, which is keeping the Koch network happy so they won’t attack him. The Koch network, like minded ultra wealthy people, who think government should only protect private property and provide national defense (think military/industrial complex). Joe Manchin is just a glorified puppet. His strings are not controlled by anyone who values democracy.
Interestingly, I read your comment and then the next item in the in-box was the CNBC Politics newsletter, which has this as its lead story:
Kochs lean on Manchin: The right-leaning political organization backed by billionaire industrialist Charles Koch has found a key ally in centrist Democrat Joe Manchin. The West Virginia senator has become a thorn in the side of the left. He is against eliminating or reforming the filibuster, which would enable Democrats in the evenly divided Senate pass Biden's agenda without Republican votes. Manchin also opposes a Democratic bill aimed at improving voting rights because it doesn't have bipartisan support. The Koch network, a big backer of Republican political candidates, has similar positions on these matters, and it has applauded Manchin's stances.
Of course, the Koch network applauds Manchin’s stances. They are pulling his strings. I read that article also.
Darn
Bipartisan = RNC + DNC with no factor for voters. 🤬
At what point did guaranteeing the right to vote for all citizens become a "partisan" issue?
When the GOP discovered that it could no longer win free and fair elections.
Knowing that it was a useless exercise, I nevertheless wrote a letter to Manchin on his website yesterday morning. The man clearly wants to be the Earl of Warwick in this combination of revenge tragedy and inept farce. He seems to be enjoying his notoriety a wee bit too much. The fact that the Dems are frozen by the puerile stubbornness of a single individual from a state that has been more or less gutted by decades of Repugnican policies--its beautiful mountains strip mined, its waterways polluted by the same kind of mining, its population destroyed by black lung--simply demonstrates how incapable the Democratic Party is of leading and promoting policies that are designed to improve the welfare of all Americans. It is obvious that Democratic policies are popular with a large portion of the populace of every political stripe except the most extreme on both the Left and the Right. But they are apparently utterly incapable of finding a way to remove the obstructions and get on with it. This vain search for 10 humane and rational Republicans is akin to Diogenes looking for an honest man.
Thank you for that summation, Professor Richardson.
However, as much speculation about how Senator Manchin will vote may be thought-provoking, waiting for him to act is a bit like wondering which rose petal a ladybug will light upon. Frankly, I’d rather watch ladybugs – at least there is some certainty they will eventually eat the pests that plague my garden.
But there was something in your Letter today that caught my eye and brought a smile:
“… in a March 2021 article in the New Yorker, Jane Mayer, who is simply a crackerjack investigative reporter, broke the story that Republicans were privately dismayed at how overwhelmingly popular the For the People Act is.”
I haven’t heard the word “crackerjack” used as an adjective for ages, and when reading it in your Letter, I could almost hear you saying it … crisply delivered with, perhaps, a slight nod of the head.
Thanks for that.
Hahahahaha. I thought it a moment of levity also, R Dooley!
Or perhaps HCR is a secret Crackerjacks addict.
they were the best, as is Dr. R!
Perhaps a bit hard on the teeth. Crackerjacks, that is.
Professor, I am stunned when people who are elected to be representatives in our Representative Democracy do not act to represent the people who elected them. Manchin and most Republicans are prime examples. As you wrote in your letter, "One of the things at stake here might be that, as a Democrat in a strongly Republican state, Manchin likes that the filibuster protects him from having to vote on Democratic bills that Republicans hate." We need to claw back several more seats in 2022.
I think Sen. Manchin is just proving politicians of both parties have been bought by Big, Dark money. Shining light on campaign funding is one of the most popular parts of the For the People act -- at least with the People, but not the politicians.
He did raise a daughter who quadrupled the price of epi-pens. Neera Tanden "mean tweeting" about that greedy business decision resulted in Manchin blocking Tanden becoming the budget director. As it was pointed out, he supported "mean tweeters" in the past.
The whole family attracts flies.
Have you ever watched professional wrestling? It reminds me of that, to tell you the truth!
Skip, there was a time in my life when I knew entirely too much about professional wrestling. 😂
I'm sorry
Public positionning for sure hiding backstage shenanigens and negotiations....the art of the possible.
Over 60% of West Virginians support H1 and S1. So who or what is Manchin listening too? Certainly not his constituent people. Certainly he listens to the dark $ contributions.
Yes, the Democrats need to win several more Senate seats to have an actual majority. Those Republicans, House and Senate, vote against things their constituents actually like and need. Their big donors do not want the government to do anything at all, NOTHING, unless the action is to their advantage. J.D. Vance pointed out in “Hillbilly Elegy” that white, working class voters have much more in common with Black voters and voters of color than they do with the rich Republicans they vote for. People on the lower rungs of the economic ladder have more in common with each other no matter what their color or ethnicity. Now Vance parrots the wealthy Republican line. The Republican MO is
“I got mine. You get yours the best way you can.”
I listened to an analyst on Don Lemon CNN last night that basically said push everything aside except elections being protected and concentrate on a Democrat/NPA landslide 2022 that crushes Republican candidates. Only way to silence the current campaign to end democracy.
Agree.
We used to phrase it like
“Pull up the ladder boys, now I’m aboard, let’s get out of here “
From the water, “But what about us?”
“Let them swim, I want to get lunch “
Skip, you took the words right out of my mouth. McConnell, Manchin, et al., have abused and are abusing their offices by failing to fulfill the will of the people, yet, unless our elections are free and fair AND people rise up and vote, they will continue to dominate. Manchin is a despicable puppet. McConnell is sheer evil.
Representatives represent campaign donations, Citizens United Contributions from dark owner blind Corporations, not people.
That Republicans are opposed to ending dark money and unaccountability for where they get their campaign $ and how, tells us everything we need to know.
https://www.facebook.com/meidastouch/photos/a.147523550242579/316030326725233/
Taking their oath of office no longer means anything. I'm surprised they even go through the motions. They are now highly paid for their "service", overall yearly hours are great, excellent healthcare and pensions, and no age limit. Plus the bonus of tremendous power, and favors from lobbyists. We need young people who actually care about the county and the people.
Google Markeyverse. Those kids are out there and active. In our NJ Primary today I voted for 2 for borough council and 4 for county committee. They have a coordinated grassroots organization in a number of local towns and run under the name of South Jersey Progressive Democrats. They have been raised on school shootings and bad policing, a polluted environment and crushing student debt. Atleast in my neck of the woods, they are not 'standing down.' They are rising up!
sad but true
"But what’s interesting about that declaration is that those measures are all actually popular among voters."
This has become a tiresome phrase attached to too many analyses where GOP intransigence is cited. It's also incongruous that these same GOP legislators are returned to office despite the apparent disconnect between constituent preferences and Congressional Republican voting. The filibuster is not merely a Senate "procedure" but a gun to the head of the democratic process.
This baffles me. It seems their strategy is to begin to obstruct after being elected, knowing they're in no immediate danger. As elections approach they moderate their tone, suggesting they're "concerned" and they might break from leadership, all the while counting on voters to have forgotten about their representatives' anti democratic efforts during their tenure.
Those few, and generally familiar, people on the fringes of their caucus (see Collins, Murkowski, Romney, Flake (ret), Manchin, and now Sinema) mostly regress to the mean on the most Issues. The breathtaking thumbs down to prevent repealing the ACA by John McCain in 2017 stands out as the last act of defiance against the minoritarian madness perpetrated by Mitch McConnell. Even those who voted in favor of Trump's second impeachment have stepped back from the precipice when it's come time to enact laws that reflect the Constitutional principles they've sworn to uphold.
These may not be the worst of times but they're presaging the demise of the American experiment, at least as described by Thomas Jefferson: "I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master."
The south and its allies are never so dynamic as when perpetuating their static nature.
They continue to be elected/re-elected largely because of gerrymandering and purposeful efforts in the past to suppress the ability of voters who might oppose them to vote against them. It's that simple and it's getting far far worse.
I know all about gerrymandering and voter suppression, but I don't think it's that simple. When a majority of voters, including Republicans, favor something (eg, abortion rights - 74%, For the People - 60+%, etc) and yet GOP representatives vote AGAINST the very things constituents want, there's a disconnect. What are the representatives doing that their voters think is so beneficial that they're willing to overlook the fact that their voices aren't being represented at all?
States with GOP senators represent less than 40% of the population yet wield disproportionate power. That's not solely a function of gerrymandering.
Scott! Where have you been????
In NH, the rethuglican/free stater majority in the statehouse tried once again to pass an education choice voucher bill......oops, sorry, got slapped on the wrist tonight by one of said free stater reps for calling it a voucher bill. It's a Freedom Savings Account bill. Anyhow, there was so much recorded opposition to it in committee hearings that they had to try something else so they stuck it into the state budget bill!!! Now very likely our rethuglican good old boy governor will sign the budget bill (yup, the one where they also stuck the Divisive Concepts bill ,aka critical race theory and systemic sexism, and the anti-abortion bill) and all these nasty things that the majority of NH citizens oppose will become law, neat and tidy. And those free staters can get a shiny gold star from Mr. Koch.
I agree with your comment that there also is a major disconnect by too many voters.
It's much like my HOA neighbors who don't bother to read emails sent out by management on behalf of the board. Right now, new rule changes are to be voted on at the Annual Meeting which would impose requirements that we "scrape, waterproof & paint" our decks & balconies (wood) every 2 years, and re-seal every 3-5 years. Those are excessive requirements and shouldn't be put into the CC&Rs. I've repainted my deck twice in 25 years- once by myself and once by someone I hired - after sanding prep. The wood on my deck & balcony is in excellent condition, problem was mainly cosmetic. When talking to other owners about getting the Board to reconsider these stringent requirements, I learned how many either had not looked at them at all or had only glanced without reading in detail. Once I explained, they were NOT happy. Hopefully, we'll be present in enough force at the Annual Meeting to get the Board to table the proposed rules and reconsider the excessive detail that is in the proposed rule. Unfortunately, the only vote owners get is election of board members so....
I believe it is important to point out the bipartisan nature of the S1 legislation. It is comprised of redistricting, voting, elections, ethics, and political contributions provisions that would apply to all without regard to their political party. Despite protestations to the contrary by Republicans it does not seek to advantage or disadvantage either political party. Rather it focuses on the protection of the rights of all, without regard to party, and apply uniform standards of ethical conduct to all, while defending our democracy.
What is in fact partisan are the voter suppression measures being passed by Republican majority legislatures on strict party line votes and the Republican efforts to block national election, voting, and ethical standards.
True but you, as others, are making the understandable mistake of applying highly applaudable logic to explain the very human political problem and find a solution when the only "logic" the GOP is interested in is the inhuman logic of permanent power and financial gain which requires that those who oppose them be "removed" in any way shape or form....ends justifying the means. They do not admit that any other "problem" exists that needs discussing other than within their own counsels and it is only for them to decide on what might be done. As far as they are concerned, anybody not recognizing this "fact", as principled and as "moral" as they might be, is essentially stupid and can be mocked, disregarded and discarded.
Mr. Attewell, We know that a number of the Founders had genuine fear and concern over “sweating masses.” This manifested itself in definitions of the new nation operating as a “Republic.” Implicit in this definition was that participants in making law would be White, landowning men; not women and certainly not slaves and people without real estate.
Inherent in this position is support for slavery, misogyny, and Calvinistic belief as the just desserts for people of wealth fulfilling God’s will as both natural and justifiable.
The naked truth before this nation today is that these tendencies in the DNA of the nation are once again being supported as justifiable and normal as the Founders and Calvinistic God intended.
This is why at the core, all Republicans aredefined as Christian Nationalists who also embrace fascist beliefs to describe the role of the leader, the state and it’s destiny.
Democracy is being shown as just how fragile it is.
Which was of course considered perfectly normal in the 18thC...very much the centre point of the polarity of political discourse at the time. Erh...zoom forward three centuries and the goalposts have moved. We should have changed this basic foundation struture already a long time ago.
There it is my friend.
Evolution. Of all things.
Indeed the original flaw was cast into the foundation of our Republic. After many years of neglect it threatens the entire structure. Ignoring it only allows the damage to increase.
Yep, and also worth noting is the Republicans have since Alito’s arrival heavily relied on the so called “Originalist” stance calling for an almost religious faith in the idea that it can’t change
I think that your assessment of the inhuman logic kind of feeds into my "you can't negotiate with terrorists" belief from my old HNT days. If you are not in the same ballpark with at least the same field and equipment, you don't have any way of coming together to hammer out a system that can work. It is like one team showing up with a roster of 60 people all in helmets, pads, and cleats while the other team has a roster of 45, and has bats, balls, mitts, and cleats and discovering that we are now playing basketball.
Bingo
Democrats would benefit from one of there own to firebrand the Republicans this way.
Watch this. This is more of what we need. This message needs to grow Usan Bolt legs.
https://www.facebook.com/meidastouch
Agree
Bruce, your comment needs to be sent to Manchin, Senima and the entire GOP. As Stuart says, the problem with it is that it is logical and cannot penetrate the "inhuman logic of permanent power and financial gain" which is the foundations apparently of the white nationalist, anti-Constitutional GOP.
I am a regular and frequent caller and letter writer to all my own state and federal legislators. Even though they may ignore me and often hold positions in opposition to mine, I want them to know I and others like me are here and we are watching, donating, advocating, organizing, and most importantly - voting. Democracy and politics are not spectator sports. It is important to get onto the field and participate if you seek change. We win some and lose some. However, competing to win requires first showing up and then requires performance. Steve Jobs once said about his single dollar salary, “I make 50 cents for just showing up … the other 50 cents is based on my performance.” Good advice I think. So I advise all to remember to focus on both halves of that advice.
A recent survey of WEST VIRGINIA voters found that 70% favored the For the People Act. This included high levels of approval among Dems, independents and Republicans.
How does this square with Manchin saying part of the reason he opposes For the People and changing the filibuster is because he represents the people of West Virginia?
79%, not 70%.
I'm guessing the coal and lumber companies oppose it, and they own West Virginia's government.
Except they are not the VOTERS in West Va.
True. Well , mostly true - corporate folks vote, too. But the problem is so many people in West Virginia are so poor now, and political campaigns so enriched by corporate contributions. They paid for, among other things, those huge billboards put up all over the state that said Hillary would close the mines, when truth of the matter is the operators didn't hire many miners anymore, instead using heavy machinery to top off mountains for coal or rape mountains for trees.. Cities like Richwood have become ghost towns, where the only growing economy is narcotics. The people can vote, but so many are brainwashed or brain, well, impaired. Manchin knows his state and his precarious position well. We don't want the industries' pick to replace him. That said, I pray he does the right thing, and West Virginians do, too.
The right thing for whom?
I think he’s got Koch’s cash in his account and more on the way. It’s time to cut bait. What the difference between Manchin or King (Iowa)? At least King was transparent.
Coal and timber both require very hard labor and high danger & chronic health risk. U can’t have a high percentage of highly educated population and have enough labor available for those industries. Clearly, Manchin does not represent the best interests of West Virginians.
Koch brothers and other deep money.
Email sent yesterday to my Senator & Congressman: Subject:
Subject line: When your majority becomes the minority!
Dear Senator Whitehouse & Congressman Cicilline:
> First, as always, thank you for your tireless efforts to fight for legislation to preserve the rights of all Americans!
> I’m writing today because it’s becoming alarmingly apparent that our Democratic Party is being forced into allowing the minority party to kill all vital legislation. This strengthens their reputation and weakens the Dems’ reputation. This transpires into Democrats feeling WHY BOTHER VOTING; we lose we lose and, even if, we win we lose!
> Senators Manchin & Sinema have given the XPresident’s GOP an ongoing majority in the senate. It seems we all know this but it’s not being reported.
> Does the Biden administration get this? What’s so unclear about Mitch McConnell bragging that “100% of our focus is on stopping Biden’s administration”? To me this means NEGOTIATING IS NOT EVER HAPPENING!!
> Most elected Republicans have repudiated the violence of the Capitol riot, but they share the belief, of the rank and file, that the rioters’ hearts were in the right place! (awwww, bless their hearts...REALLY!!??)
> State-by-state voting suppression is being blatantly, IN-YOUR-FACE, passed.
> Carrying concealed weapons, military caliber, without a permit are being enacted. “An AK-assault weapon is just like a Swiss Army knife.” REALLY!!??
> It’s become apparent that the XPresident’s Party Of No is debating on whether or not the best way to OVERTURN DEMOCRAT VICTORIES is through enacting laws to control partisan elections’ administration or whether it will become necessary to incite another, more serious, violent insurrection!
> “Democrats remain a racially and ideologically diverse coalition, THEY LACK their rivals’ unity of action. The mostly white party can be ruthless, but it does not represent a majority; the diverse party represents a majority, but COALITION POLITICS PREVENT it from becoming ruthless.”
This editorial in The Atlantic is an eye opener with some insightful supporting links. Worth your time.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/06/capitol-rioters-won/619075/
> Please tell me we’ve got a strong plan to stifle Manchin & Sinema. Are they receiving dark GOP money?
Sincerely losing hope- Susan
May I copy this, with some edits to be Oregon specific, and send it to my senators and representative (all Democratic congresscritters)?
Of course!
I love your passion, Susan. Thanks for this. It gives me hope that if enough courageous people keep speaking up for all the people, we can overturn hatred and fear—at least some of it.
Thank you! It's so helpful to hear others express themselves plainly, even bluntly, to the government.
Excellent.
Sen Manchin made it clear on his tv ad, “My only responsibility is to defend the voters of West Virginia”, while he disparages the Federal government. Frankly, when you’re a white, male, millionaire, gun owning, moderate, who lives in the bubble of white privilege, you don’t much need a Democracy. That’s why, rather than fighting for Democracy, Joe Manchin is “hoping” for it. When Republicans finally do kill it, R.I.P.D., maybe Sen. Manchin will send Democrats his “thoughts and prayers”, too.
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE IN 2022!
Over 60% of WVA supports all three, for the people, HR1 and S1. So who the f is Manchin talking about? Who, or what are his constituents? Cuz it sure ain't the majority of West Virginians! He is playing for campaign contributions from somewhere else.
Yes, he is.
Their decisions affect every American and they should be held responsible to all the people. Just as I'd love to really understand how Kentucky keeps voting in McConnell.
ICYMI, this is an interesting development: https://twitter.com/revdrbarber/status/1401920177105772545?s=21
Love Rev. Barber!
"The #PoorPeoplesCampaign is announcing today that on Monday, June 14, we will hold a Moral March on Manchin in West Virginia, led by West Virginians of all colors, creeds, etc. from the hood to the hollers."
"Then West Virginians and Kentuckians will lead a Moral March and nonviolent direct action on Manchin and McConnell on Wednesday, June 23, in Washington, DC."
I ended my comment this morning with a March. Thank you Reverend Barber and thank you, Ellie Kona! Best news of the morning. I'll have my breakfast now.
Yvonne Caruthers found the tweet of Rev. Barber and the Poor People’s Campaign marches. 🙂
You are perhaps right. Manchin needs "persuading" by his own constituents. He needs convincing that his future in WA is non-existant if he doesn't support Voting Rights.
I love the Moral March on Manchin; if I lived nearby, I would be jumping into banner-painting mode with local groups. I hope this blows up big, all across the media.
Wringing hands over Joe Manchin won’t bring him around. He has unequivocally staked his ground.
My question is; where are Republican senators such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney? Their silence has been deafening, thunderous; especially Romney. Is support of voting rights worse than voting to impeach the former president? If even one Republican Senator voiced support for SB 1, would that be bipartisan enough for Manchin?
Maybe they all have staffs using the same Republican lobbyists who craft their legislation and talking points for them. Judd Ludlow: "His arguments echo talking points released in April by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Republican-aligned trade association that recently backed his reelection campaign."
https://popular.info/p/where-joe-manchin-gets-his-talking/comments
Which circles back to the problem that Democrats have no progressive counterpart to ALEC, leaving them susceptible to being spoon-fed by the likes of the US Chamber of Commerce.
I heard that Susan Collins is “concerned.”
Susan owes everything to Citizens United. Notice her vote for the commission on the insurrection only came after she felt confident there weren’t nine others to vote for it. She always gets it both ways. So disappointed in rural Maine for giving her 6 more years
A drive through the western Maine mountains or Down East to the islands and the Trump flags are faded and frayed but still flying.
She is always concerned about something.
Her biggest “concern” is about keeping her seat.
🤣
No. Because he “wants” 10.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! To add to the collection re the Manchin perspective, Greg Sargent's Plum Line article makes what I consider a valid argument. He writes: "...how does Manchin continue arguing that Democrats must do nothing, on the grounds that voting rules changes cannot be partisan, when this will allow partisan Republican rules changes to proceed undisturbed in a way that Manchin himself declares a threat to freedom?" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/07/how-joe-manchins-awful-new-stance-could-blow-up-his-face/
Voter suppression laws, the push-back in Florida, Georgia and Texas: "The League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Fund, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans and several individual voters sued Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee, state Attorney General Ashley Moody and local supervisors of elections in federal court nine minutes after the bill’s signing, decrying SB 90 as a 'voter suppression bill.'" https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/05/06/civil-rights-groups-sue-florida-moments-after-desantis-signs-voter-suppression-bill-into-law/?sh=54193fd43d94
"The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Georgia, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and law firms Wilmer Hale and Davis Wright Tremaine brought the case on behalf of the Sixth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Georgia Muslim Voter Project, Women Watch Afrika, Latino Community Fund Georgia, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The law being challenged is S.B. 202..." https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/civil-rights-groups-sue-georgia-over-new-sweeping-voter-suppression-law
and
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2021/03/26/stacey-abrams-founded-group-sues-georgia-over-voter-suppression-bill/?sh=5deedecc3d0a
The NAACP: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/05/naacp-pledges-immediate-lawsuit-over-texas-voter-suppression-bill/
Good morning, Lynell. So….as you point out with your usual clarity….Manchin will not vote “aye” because election and voting laws must not be passed in a partisan manner but then that allows the Republicans to make partisan changes to the rules which Manchin feels a threat to
democracy. Just repeating that pointed, clear observation you make of the convoluted, nonsensical, obstinate, petulant, stupid, racist argument made against passing For The People Act which more than a 60% majority of the PEOPLE support. So obv we flick the filibuster off.
Let me just add my observation of Sen Johnson expousing his view yesterday that Pres Biden’s speech given in Tulsa was wrong and divisive and betrayed what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for. And that the progress made to get rid of systemic racism in the past 4 years is quite notable. Obv not one of the bipartisan friends Manchin is looking for.
Morning, Christine!! When you think things can't get any worse...
Good morning, Lynell. Funny how for Manchin, the Republiqans steamrolling things in a completely partisan manner is fine, but for the Democrats to try time and time again to enlist Republiqan support and have it rebuffed at every turn STILL requires someone of that party to break faith with the lockstep orders of no cooperation isn't enough. Sigh.
Morning, Ally!! I just got back from voting in VA's Democratic primary for Governor. Elections are this November.
I was talking to a former Delegate who some years ago got ousted by an R (who sucks, by the way!) Anyway, the problem the way she sees it is Democratic leaders don't keep their voters engaged as well as the R's do, which leads to big losses at the polls. Notice how even when R's are winning, they still keep pushing the negatives and their voters show up. Democratic voters (me included) when we win, sit back thinking all is well. She explained this is how VA Dems lost, according to her, approx. 1,000 seats after electing Obama.
And just BTW, Virginia is considered blue by the country but it is very red in many parts of the state, especially the large rural areas. So we have to pay attention or else it could turn back to red very easily.
So the R's didn't have a primary but had a convention. The runners were all staunch tRump supporters. The winner showed less support in his campaign, but now that he's won is going all in with the Big Lie. Today I wanted to vote for a candidate who I thought would do a great job for VA. She is an African American woman. No problem for me, but considering the reality of our state, I am nervous she could pull it off. So I caved and voted for the white guy front runner. He has a proven record, is very popular, was a successful Governor prior to our present Governor. VA law does not allow someone to serve more than one term at any given time.
All around the barn to say IMHO maybe Manchin's antics is just what is needed to keep us engaged come 2022!
I'm tired of hearing/reading about Manchin. He's dug his hole and isn't about to climb out. Lt's stop giving him air. Same with the obstructionist McTurtleneck. Instead of fighting them, let's look to the lawmakers working on our behalf. Thank you, Amy Klobuchar!
Was getting ready to write the same essence, Pam. I’m tired talking about Sen Manchin and the entire bunch of complicit, legislators who forget they were elected, not herded like sheep by an autocrat.
Then, to realize…oops, I just did it again!
Unfortunately, without the likes of Manchin and McConnell, the good things trying to get done are being completely blocked.
What did you think of the DOJ decision to stick with trump’s defense team the E Jean Carroll case? I’m literally fuming. WTH is going on?!