The day started with Trump tweeting that the 75-year-old Buffalo, New York, man shoved to the ground by police and left bleeding and unconscious “could be an ANTIFA provocateur” who might have been part of a “set up.” Trump drew his suspicions from a story on One America News Network, a small cable television network whose constant support for the president has drawn his attention away from the Fox News Channel, whose support is less fervent. The Buffalo man (whose name I am not using in the vain hope that he may retain some anonymity) was a retired computer programmer and longtime Catholic peace activist who is affiliated with human-rights organizations.
The mind boggles why a country like USA cannot have a voting system that works. How have we got to where a vote is not regarded as the cornerstone for democracy? The discussion is limp and people are not motivated to protect this one most important right.
Did you see the story about Merriam-Webster plans to update definition of racism? This is happening because a young black woman got tired of racism deniers using the old dictionary definition to defend their position. As Heather often points out, words matter. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52993306
Trump is an actor, a man who must be on stage every day; these outrageous statements divert attention away from the real work of governing, a role he has no desire to play well.
When John Cornyn (R-TX), the #2 in the Senate says, “You know a lot of this stuff just goes over my head,” and thinks that is the best available response -- essentially "I don't get it" -- you know things are tough in toyland.
The gaslighting about his opponents has been one of Trump's lifelong practices--it didn't start with his political "career". The man in Buffalo is only the tip of the iceberg. It is a staple of the culture of toxic masculinity. I am currently far more worried about Georgia and the very obvious and real move to suppress the vote. And without a Supreme Court that values truth and morality, they will get away with it. And other states will follow their example, if they are not already doing so.
What does Trump gain by promoting these fringe (and frankly, insane) conspiracy theories? Surely even the lost 40% don't all buy into it. It just makes him sound like a lunatic; I can't figure it out.
Dear HCR, if this post violates the rules of the page, please remove it.
As an American Citizen living abroad I am very concerned about my vote counting. This far, I've not had any problems voting on line and having my vote accepted in Colorado. Democrats Abroad is hosting a forum on June 18 regarding voting rights of those of us outside the US. Here's a link with info...
My congratulations to General Charles Brown on his confirmation as Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Very much appreciated his remarks on being the first black and his experience as an African-American in the Air Force. https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/06/09/charles-brown-first-black-military-service-chief-mh-orig.cnn It was amazing to me that as a woman who broke the glass ceiling as an engineering manager in a Fortune 100 computer company, I could used almost exactly his words and replaced African-American with Woman and given the same speech. Being the only woman in the room, being underestimated, all that. Loved the film "Hidden Figures". But, at least I never felt my life was in danger. I certainly want to actively support the transformation of our country so no one ever has to feel that.
Heather: you mentioned during yesterday's Chat that there's someone on FB keeping a list of the stories about which you've said "I can't get into that now because it's [too far OT/too long/other] but it's a great story...some of my *favorite* stuff." :D
Praise them with great praise! I'm almost ready to start a list for myself about what I'd like to read in Heather's Other Substack Column (Code name PieCupboard)
The rest of you delightful people: Are you interested in having a hashtag here for "I'm curious about this & want to hear more"? I can't quite yet commit to collecting all that and keeping a list...but thinking about it.
Several years ago I was a substitute instructor for a colleague who taught sociology (my field is English literature, but she was desperate). In preparing for the class discussion, I read the assigned chapter of the textbook (something about Politics and Power--now I recall that I wasn't that crazy of a choice for her because I had gotten involved in local and state politics as a candidate for the state house and as an elected city council member), and I remember clearly the chill I received as I read the following (summary, not quote): the future of the United States will remain precarious until three things change. The electoral college has to be dismantled, money has to be separated from politics, and the two-party system has to go away. Without these things, the authors stated, the US will be plagued with serious problems as it tries to remain a democracy. Watching Heather's videos has made me want to add another thing: impartial and fact-checked news that is readily available, and a moratorium on news as entertainment.
Back to the voting issue. Vote by mail is gold standard -- it gives you time to research initiatives, people and positions, and think. Oregon has had it for as long as I have been here.
I'm writing from France but my heart is somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. Currently we are getting no better leadership on this side of the Atlantic. For instance the local Minister of the Interior (Head of the Police) the other day said very clearly on national television that in certain circumstances "emotion is more important than the law". He was referring to protests and some looting with regard to Black Lives Matter demonstrations which had been officiall banned (but left to go ahead) because of Covid 19 problems of large groups.
The mind boggles why a country like USA cannot have a voting system that works. How have we got to where a vote is not regarded as the cornerstone for democracy? The discussion is limp and people are not motivated to protect this one most important right.
Did you see the story about Merriam-Webster plans to update definition of racism? This is happening because a young black woman got tired of racism deniers using the old dictionary definition to defend their position. As Heather often points out, words matter. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52993306
Trump is an actor, a man who must be on stage every day; these outrageous statements divert attention away from the real work of governing, a role he has no desire to play well.
When John Cornyn (R-TX), the #2 in the Senate says, “You know a lot of this stuff just goes over my head,” and thinks that is the best available response -- essentially "I don't get it" -- you know things are tough in toyland.
The gaslighting about his opponents has been one of Trump's lifelong practices--it didn't start with his political "career". The man in Buffalo is only the tip of the iceberg. It is a staple of the culture of toxic masculinity. I am currently far more worried about Georgia and the very obvious and real move to suppress the vote. And without a Supreme Court that values truth and morality, they will get away with it. And other states will follow their example, if they are not already doing so.
Where has VP Pence been? I haven't seen photos of him or mention of him in the past two weeks or so--since the protests began. What has h been doing?
What does Trump gain by promoting these fringe (and frankly, insane) conspiracy theories? Surely even the lost 40% don't all buy into it. It just makes him sound like a lunatic; I can't figure it out.
Dear HCR, if this post violates the rules of the page, please remove it.
As an American Citizen living abroad I am very concerned about my vote counting. This far, I've not had any problems voting on line and having my vote accepted in Colorado. Democrats Abroad is hosting a forum on June 18 regarding voting rights of those of us outside the US. Here's a link with info...
https://www.democratsabroad.org/claudiavarney/democrats_abroad_voter_protection_call_and_twitter_storm_action?utm_campaign=voter_protection_june_2020&utm_campaign=voter_prot_june_2020_noncc&utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=democratsabroad&utm_source=democratsabroad
My congratulations to General Charles Brown on his confirmation as Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Very much appreciated his remarks on being the first black and his experience as an African-American in the Air Force. https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/06/09/charles-brown-first-black-military-service-chief-mh-orig.cnn It was amazing to me that as a woman who broke the glass ceiling as an engineering manager in a Fortune 100 computer company, I could used almost exactly his words and replaced African-American with Woman and given the same speech. Being the only woman in the room, being underestimated, all that. Loved the film "Hidden Figures". But, at least I never felt my life was in danger. I certainly want to actively support the transformation of our country so no one ever has to feel that.
Heather, so glad to be a subscriber! Hope you get tons of us in here. Who controls/owns/manages OANN network? Thanks!
Heather, I read you every morning to keep calm and carry on. It's become a ritual. So glad you are opening this up.
Heather: you mentioned during yesterday's Chat that there's someone on FB keeping a list of the stories about which you've said "I can't get into that now because it's [too far OT/too long/other] but it's a great story...some of my *favorite* stuff." :D
Praise them with great praise! I'm almost ready to start a list for myself about what I'd like to read in Heather's Other Substack Column (Code name PieCupboard)
The rest of you delightful people: Are you interested in having a hashtag here for "I'm curious about this & want to hear more"? I can't quite yet commit to collecting all that and keeping a list...but thinking about it.
Several years ago I was a substitute instructor for a colleague who taught sociology (my field is English literature, but she was desperate). In preparing for the class discussion, I read the assigned chapter of the textbook (something about Politics and Power--now I recall that I wasn't that crazy of a choice for her because I had gotten involved in local and state politics as a candidate for the state house and as an elected city council member), and I remember clearly the chill I received as I read the following (summary, not quote): the future of the United States will remain precarious until three things change. The electoral college has to be dismantled, money has to be separated from politics, and the two-party system has to go away. Without these things, the authors stated, the US will be plagued with serious problems as it tries to remain a democracy. Watching Heather's videos has made me want to add another thing: impartial and fact-checked news that is readily available, and a moratorium on news as entertainment.
Back to the voting issue. Vote by mail is gold standard -- it gives you time to research initiatives, people and positions, and think. Oregon has had it for as long as I have been here.
So appreciative of the opportunity to subscribe and for more engagement. Thank you.
I'm writing from France but my heart is somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. Currently we are getting no better leadership on this side of the Atlantic. For instance the local Minister of the Interior (Head of the Police) the other day said very clearly on national television that in certain circumstances "emotion is more important than the law". He was referring to protests and some looting with regard to Black Lives Matter demonstrations which had been officiall banned (but left to go ahead) because of Covid 19 problems of large groups.