This time, this court, this person: This is a perfect constellation.
Judge Katanji Brown Jackson’s ascension to the Supreme Court may well be a high point – if not the high point – in an administration that endeavors to set things right.
I can well imagine there were many, many Americans who wept with Judge Jackson when Senator Booker proclaimed that he would not let anyone steal his joy at this moment: I was one of them.
Me too. Couldn’t help it. Booker’s spontaneous, incredible words of affirmation got my eyes sweaty, and the judge, who so obviously needed to hear Booker after the insanity of a trial by fire that no white man could endure with her poise and restraint, sat there quietly weeping — and my eyes began leaking quite badly. That was a sacred moment. That was sheer love, saying to the Republicans, “Is that all you got?”
No kavanaugh, um, crocodile "tears" from KBJ, instead she stoically endured abusive attacks from certain men, who should be careful about 'throwing stones, while in a glass house"
Is that all you got? That is the perfect response to so many Republican positions on every issues. Sensible people: Climate change is deadly serious. Republicans: We want laws to keep transgender girls out of girls’ sports. (Which translates to “Our fossil fuel donors will have their assets protected.”)
R Dooley…Senator Booker seized the moment from those that bullied instead of questioned, badgered instead of listened, grandstanded instead of served. I appreciated that in both of his time frames, he gave Judge Jackson a few minutes to reset her sensibility and verve.
Most of all…another voice at the front, as Professor Richardson’s voice is to me, reminding us of the America that we strive for, not the America being used by some for a damn soundbite.
Thank you for highlighting our joy at being witness to Judge Jackson’s sure steps in making good history in America.
I also appreciated Chris Coons, who I think is quite intelligent, who gave her a chance to answer the questions that they wouldn't let her answer, in the way she wanted to answer, which means that she was educating the public (and some of the haters) about what goes into making those decisions.
I loved it when he was making jokes with her to lift her mood. I missed the part you refer to. Not being able to fight back at the bullies, when clearly she could wipe the floor with them must be the absolute pits.
Senator Booker saved the horror of the whole day. I wept along with Judge Jackson and America. To see the absolute racist abuse towards Judge Jackson was a blight on the Republican Party. (Not that they care.)
In the garden, when I find a plant suffering from some form of blight or disease that is resistant to treatment, I dig it up and throw it away because it cannot be saved and will spread disease throughout my landscape. All careful gardeners know this. Republican Party fits into this metaphor.
Right! The allegory continues: Pulling out the diseased plants, if you can get them all, is better than spraying a herbicide which would kill good plants as well. Hope there aren't too many seeds from the diseased plant already spread in your garden.
Our County Extension Service representatives call that "roguing out" diseased/ blighted vegetation so it does not spread its disease to healthy plants. Sounds like Congress could use a good "rouging out!"
Thanks, Fred. 'Roguing Out' is a perfect name for ridding the government of anti-democracy, racist, corrupt 'elected' representatives -- local, state and federal. They are self-servants working against the health and welfare of the American people.
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it.
And therein lies the problem. They are convinced that their folly is righteous. They are convinced that smearing, slandering, and insulting a black woman to oppose her placement on the Supreme Court is putting them on the right side of history, on the right side of Christianity, on the right side of morality. Denial. Massive denial. Colossal ignorance.
I wept, as well. I hope she's confirmed soon, and out of the reach of what Repub Senator Sasse had the decency to call the jackassery of Cruz, Hawley, Graham et al.
Senator Sasse can also be remembered for what he said about those neo-nazis and white supremists at the Charlottesville gathering. He called them out for what they are while the president remarked that they were fine people.
The hearings could not have better showcased wisdom versus ignorance--from Marsha Blackburn believing she was quoting from the Constitution to Ted Cruz relieving Ketanji Brown Jackson from any fears that she would be questioned about her teenage dating habits. Honestly, as if she was ever accused of raping anyone! Today's newsletter is a quilt of contrasts between the depths of destruction the ego is capable of and the highest potential of the human spirit--goodness, dignity, and justice....
The journal "Frontiers in Psychology" found men tend to overestimate their intelligence quotient (IQ) scores more often than women, the pattern seems to be related to how masculine a person acts, and not just their assigned sex at birth.
Then they default to mansplaining one of the things that has peeved me all my life. Also kudos to Senator Booker. i can't watch hearings like this, but I did see a bit of his speech. And Senator Blackburn demonstrated once again how ignorant she is. I see also that the book that Cruz waved around is selling very well.
I live in Texas. I know there are enough morons in Texas to keep voting for this asinine jerk wad, who very clearly cares only about himself, not his constituents, election after election. Sad, but true. Now we are hoping against hope that democrat Beto O'Rourke can somehow pull off a monumental upset and defeat another Texas republican jerk wad, Greg Abbot, for governor of Texas.
Today's hearings demonstrate that Democrats must get active to protect our democratic republic from the threat of White "Christian" Nationalism. Don't trust me read "The Flag + The Cross" by Phil Gorski & "American Fascists" by Chris Hedges. For extra credit, read "The Power Worshippers" by Katherine Stewart.
Sophia, we who are reading this newsletter and commenting here are more Christian than the self-identified hypocrites on that stage. Beauty of spirit and purity of character are the standard, certainly not racist abuse of a beautiful human being, a SC nominee. Judge Brown, Cory Booker, Dick Durbin are a few of the most beautiful and shining *Christians* in this public spectacle.
I doubt Blackburn knows the difference between the two documents. And consider what it says about the nation that Republicans like her created their abhorrent spectacle because it pleases their supporters back home.
I watched again and it was still just amazing to listen to the 2nd time! Thank you, Senator Booker! I hope that someday you become President of the USA!
We also hold all the good cards. Let's start playing them. (A few years back, after decades of voting Democratic, I finally registered as a Dem and got involved with my local Dem group. My rationale: While there are some mediocre Democrats, *all* the really stellar elected and appointed officials are Democrats. Frustrating as the Democratic Party can be, it's worth fighting for.)
Me too. I needed my tissues more than once. I was crying at the emotional support that Senator Booker showed for Judge Jackson and for the sadness I feel seeing the awful hatred and bigotry clearly expressed, and supported by, so many Republicans.
The thinking of these White, GOP, conservative evangelical men is best described in "Jesus & John Wayne", a timely book. It will be interesting to see how Tim Scott & the female GOP Senators vote on this confirmation. Do they have the courage to follow Christ (read "Christians Against Christianity", or choose to be political?
Yesterday was like a self-righteous sanctimony contest on who can be the most undignified...and I can't pick the worst--would you say it was Cruz's racist babies or Graham asking KJB where on a scale from 1-10 would she rate her faith. Sheesh....
Sophia, Blackburn was her usual worst. I wanted KBJ to ask her to define CRT for her, so she could respectfully answer the question. I don’t think Blackburn knows what CRT is! (She just feels like it’s bad for the ‘churrings’).
Oh, MaryPat, you did it to me and for me. I could watch Cory Booker speak the best 20 minute affirmation I have ever witnessed, while refuting and revealing the Republicans for what they are. And my eyes got leaky all over again. Thank you for the link! Now everyone here can see it for themselves....
I could not watch more than a minute or two, it hurt to see such venom directed at an innocent. Sort of like I feel when some idiot accuses me of eating babies, maybe. We all need Cory on our side. I wish we had Al as well.
Jeri, yes, do you mean Franken? — Al knows what it feels like! And he never even faced a confirmation hearing to my knowledge....but he could really support and affirm people.
Me too. I'm with you, R Dooley. Thank you, Heather, for giving so much space to Cory Booker's beautiful words about Judge Katanji Brown Jackson. These words say so much about the differences between the lives of people of color and whites. Bravo Senator for showing us what joy looks like, brava Judge for being such an exemplary human being with a willingness to serve our country.
Just for context, notice how much the quality of news has changed in just a few years. Only a few years ago, the interview with Mike Braun might’ve been overlooked, glossed over, or just plain dismissed. We have come a long way.
Braun is clearly advocating making interracial marriage illegal again, and advocating rolling back other rights, and that is exactly how it has been reported everywhere. Clear and clean. Transparent.
In addition, the damage control that his staff attempted afterwards is being condemned as exactly that: disingenuous bullshit.
The media’s quality of reporting, as often as it is terrible and flaky and misleading and alarmist and slanted to be clickworthy to promote sales, has also improved dramatically. They call a lie “a lie,” which they never ever did only a few years ago, until about the fourth year of the Trump administration. Now, due to George Floyd, the media and everyone else is immediately suspicious if a non-white person dies in police custody, an abuse being committed for generations with scant attention and with impunity. Incidents of civil rights violations and misogynistic/harassment misconduct make it into the news almost every day. I’ll never forget the Central Park story of the birdwatcher and the white bubblehead who refused to leash her dog to protect the birds. That story would never have been a headline only a few short years ago: it never would’ve made it past the police report.
We have to be grateful that our attention, and our ability to see the truth of social misconduct, is improving dramatically, and is being reported more consistently and more accurately.
I have been making this argument about voter suppression in particular, a subject that would never be on the front page of any news source even as recently as the Obama administration; but now, in every state, every little obscure law that suppresses the black vote or limits abortions or rolls back rights gains makes national headlines.
It’s getting harder and harder to get away with being racist and sexist and gender-identity-ist. That is one thing I love about 2022. If you indicate that you are taking society backwards, your shameful words will be thrown back in your face by millions of people, and often in minutes.
Sure, we can wring our hands about all the nasty racist and sexist people out there, but keep this in mind:
This information is coming out due to increased transparency. The transparency level is at an all-time high.
And for this I am deeply grateful. It’s harder to be a slime and keep it secret from the rest of us.
Roland, YES! Your words. This is the year: “That is one thing I love about 2022. If you indicate that you are taking society backwards, your shameful words will be thrown back in your face by millions of people, and often in minutes.”
Roland, Though I mostly concur with your observations and, furthermore, grant that the coverage of voter suppression—my principal concern—is unprecedented, I would submit that the same cannot be said of the increasingly mounting and more egregious election subversion measures that are changing state election rules to change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified. Contrary to voter suppression measures wherein activists can help get people registered and can turbo-charge turnout initiatives, no amount of organizing can get us around measures that nullify votes. Though amplification of this factor is widespread among grassroots organizers, I rarely encounter it in the mainstream.
Thank you for this perspective. We whine about various news outlets. But the truth is often uncovered and broadcast by hard working journalists. Blaming the "media" for everything is like blaming the air for being polluted. Good post!
We also need to remember that there is a huge decline in independent print newspapers and a huge monopoly in broadcast news (as different, in this case, from cable news outlets) as ownership of local stations is now distilled into (predominantly) conservative Sinclair stations.
Yes. And this increased transparency is because more of us are paying attention and believing. WE are more engaged. It is the win/win for news organization we need to protect and tend to: They report more transparently, accurately, forthrightly and we reward them by paying attention and clicking, reading, sharing, debating, and acting upon the reporting.
a lot of people are upset with the media because the wide range of opinions expressed are forcing them to think, something they have no inclination, no time, and no background to do. they are used to the old days, when it was all digested for you by the walter cronkites of the media. but the narratives then could be just as false as anything today. the lead up to the war in iraq is a good example. but you could go back much farther. how about to 1954? as a ten year old i watched a broadcast that showed the brave people of guatemala rising up against a dictator, jacobo arbenz. who knew that it was a fictional movie produced by the CIA? who knew it was the brainchild of the dulles brothers who as sec. of state and head of the CIA were just trying to make the world safe for united fruit, et. al.?
I personally ask myself if something feels "right" or not when ingesting media or social media. This is the awareness I'm talking about. It is like a muscle that needs to be used to strengthen it. If the information doesn't seem "true" to me, I don't let it become part of my reality - we all have a choice. I think more people are learning to use this type of discernment and that is what will move us forward instead of taking us back in time.
KellyR, Let’s hope there are journalists, whom we count on for reliable, necessary information to maintain our democratic republic, fully investigating the justification for not indicting.
Yup. That's what Corey Booker said: "This country is getting better and better." I want to believe that's possible. I'm grateful he said it and so have you, Roland.
Roland - good encouraging words. However - the press isn't going to stop state level Republican legislatures from continuing with the systematic destruction of voting rights, and naked gerrymandering. Nor will it ensure Trump sees the justice he is due. The media can huff and puff, but it apparently isn't going to blow the house down. Republicans, apparently, are impervious to being called out for the bigots and liars they are. They all but admit that is what they are. I will get on board with your assessment when I see a gigantic repudiation of the Republican agenda this coming election, and the one after it. It has to be eradicated plain and simple.
Thank you for pointing this out so clearly. It is still easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of the outright ugliness and lies we hear so openly expressed. I hadn't looked at the flip side of the phenomena, that as you so rightly say, it is a good thing that these statements are being labeled in the press for what they are, rather than being the status quo. Thank you!
We have to be constantly vigilant in giving ourselves love, because discouragement, overwhelm and despair are the natural consequence of a pure heart being exposed to hatred. But it helps remedy the pain to know that good is triumphing.
Thanks, Roland, While it is largely true what you wrote, but must remember that even though that news has improved, and is distributed in print, on the air of TV and radio, and the internet, more people, particularly white men, must read, hear, and discuss it. Man of my friends, who nearly all vote for Democrats in elections, don't do any of those things. Change is very difficult for many. In a song by Bob Dylan, he wrote "Time passes slowly out here in the country." And I say that is true of change. So many never get off their asses to make such changes happen. But it is good to see it moving more quickly.
A point many missed: Durbin and the other D's on the committee didn't "let the Republicans beat up the nominee." Yeah, that was what happened, but what the public saw was the Republiscum being Republiscum, and doing themselves no favors being the racist asswipes they are. They might get on Hannity, but they've provided lots of footage for attack ads this fall to remind people how awful they are.
Something missed in the news is that the Ukrainian Army has gone over to the counter-offensive around Kyiv. To the east, they pushed the Russians back 20 miles, so they are now 35 miles from the city and out of artillery range. The Russians to the west dug in, but the Ukrainians are coming around them and have cut them off from further supplies and reinforcement. The Russian army is demonstrating its complete incompetence.
Once again, as in every contest with the West over the past 500 years, Russia's goals exceed its capabilities.
Speaking of Russia and Ukraine, Madeleine Albright's passing and her brilliant op Ed in the NY Times just shines through. We have lost another incredible woman, but she has left us an incredible legacy -- her words.
Here are her impressions upon having met Putin for the first time:
"Whereas Mr. Yeltsin had cajoled, blustered and flattered, Mr. Putin spoke unemotionally and without notes about his determination to resurrect Russia’s economy and quash Chechen rebels. Flying home, I recorded my impressions. 'Putin is small and pale,' I wrote, 'so cold as to be almost reptilian.' He claimed to understand why the Berlin Wall had to fall but had not expected the whole Soviet Union to collapse. 'Putin is embarrassed by what happened to his country and determined to restore its greatness.'”
Good morning, Christine. This may give you a laugh: My eyes, a little blurry in the early morning, have been seeing your image to the left of your name as the outline of a wise owl with wings spread. Finally(!), I see it's two giraffes nose to nose. I'll add that to my warm thought about you, and will keep the wise owl impression too.
Morning, Rowshan! Perhaps not as famous, Thomas Bowers (1823-1885) used his operatic voice to broaden the public's perception about the accomplishments of his fellow Americans:
"Bowers found the stage an ideal platform from which to espouse his opposition to racial inequality. He was purportedly reluctant to launch a public singing career until he realised: 'What induced me more than any thing else to appear in public was to give the lie to 'negro serenaders' (minstrels), and to show to the world that coloured men and women could sing classical music as well as the members of the other race by whom they had been so terribly vilified'.[10] He became famous for refusing to perform before segregated or white-only audiences.[7][9] For an 1855 performance in Hamilton, Ontario, where the theatre manager refused to seat six black patrons who had purchased reserved first-class seats, Bowers refused to perform.[1][2][7]
Trotter writes: 'Mr. Bowers, during his career, has sung in most of the Eastern and Middle States; and at one time he even invaded the slavery−cursed regions of Maryland. He sang in Baltimore, the papers of which city were forced to accord to him high merit as a vocalist.'[5]
Bowers also appeared at benefit concerts to raise funds for the recruitment of black soldiers to the Union Army training camp at Camp William Penn."[11]
Morning, Lynell. I had heard of Thomas Bowers on our local classical radio station; wish there was a good recording of him singing. I can only imagine.
Morning, Ally!! I had not heard of Thomas Bowers, but truth be told, I was led to him through an episode in Bonanza (of all shows!) that highlighted an opera singer who accepts an invitation to sing in Virginia City but upon his arrival, the people discover he is not white, so shun him... Fast forward: he ends up singing. The actor was William Marshall. Not sure whose voice it was that actually sung, but I assumed it was Bowers'. Anyway, I don't follow opera, but the singing voice on the show was awesome, so I went hunting on Google and found Thomas Bowers.
Can't find a recording of him singing either, nor a recording of the episode that may be portraying him.
Amazing synchronicity: I turned on the tv yesterday afternoon and saw the final 15 minutes of this episode of Bonanza (April 26, 1964, "Enter Thomas Bowers"). The bio of William Marshall says that he "trained in Grand Opera, Broadway and Shakespeare" so it was undoubtedly he who sang in the episode. Note that Bowers died in 1885 so there wouldn't be any recordings of him singing.
Ahh, amazing, indeed, Judith! I have to admit I usually have my TV on mute so I can work on my computer, but when I looked up to watch, I just had to tune in. Thanks for the info about William Marshall. And, yes, 1885 would not have seen any recordings of Mr. Bowers!
Good morning Lynell and Ally--I don't know if you will see what I replied to TC above, but please check out MeidasTouch from 3-22. What an excellent ad!! Here's a link but not sure it will work, tech isn't in my skills.
Rowshan, your post is (as always) a blessing to the rest of us (and, as an atheist, I don't use that b-word very often!!). As I read Albright's description, I thought this: Oh! That's who Ralph Fiennes was using as his model for Voldemort! It fits perfectly. Even the makeup. I mourn Madame Secretary's passing--she was quite an interesting woman.
Rowshan, thank you for the quote from Madeline Albright. I have been trying for several days to find an adjective to describe Hawley - both his appearance and his behavior. When I read the word “reptilian “I knew I had found it. Cold — in speech and looks and ready to strike. (With apologies to actual reptiles.)
We have lost a remarkable woman in ms. Albright. I cried when I heard Cory Booker’s speech, but I also cried when I heard we lost this pioneering diplomat. We are living through difficult times!
What bothers me is they didn't just get on Hannity. They got the lead on all the networks. The negative story wins every time with today's media -- liberal or conservative -- and the positive story gets short drift. What happened to the philosophy of balanced reporting? Yes, our brains are wired to pay attention to the negative which is a short-term survival mechanism. What the media and most politicians is that in the long run the hopeful, positive message wins.
“They got the lead on all the networks.” Including The News Hour on PBS. No mention of Senator Whitehouse’ explanation of the dark money used to purchase recent seats on the court.
Janet-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
Barbara, thank you for the link. After watching the first 2 I am trying to catch my breath. So much for PBS. The most revealing part of their News Hour may be in the list of their so-called contributors, better described as sponsors. Greed a most powerful and ultimately self-destructive human attribute, isn’t it? (Edited after watching the first two parts of Sen. Whitehouse’s speech.)
Ammanpour has some great interviews on PBS. She had Dimitri Pestrov last nite and it was astonishing to hear the lies and propaganda straight from his mouth. I thought that this is what ordinary Russian citizens are hearing everyday.
When corporations have no leash, money making prevails; not integrity, not professional ethics, not for the public good, not for democracy. No surprise, this.
Well, what did Durbin do to stop the badgering, belittling, and disrespecting of the nominee? He let Graham rant for 10 minutes beyond his allotted time. I thought the Democrats replaced Feinstein because she wasn't a strong chair. Who should replace Durbin? whom I actually like, but he needed to wield a sledge hammer. So the Democrats should let certain wannabe Republicans beat up on a supremely qualified candidate for SCOTUS so that they can get campaign footage of their awfulness?
As I understand it, Durbin did this on purpose to show the public the horrid antics Repubs go to with getting their messages across. It was Sen. Leahy who had had enough of the BS and called them out.
Yes, that's what some people were speculating; but, as I said, was it worth it to allow Judge Jackson to have to endure all that? To them, maybe; but to her?
The public display by the gnarling drooling lions showed their cubs just how horrifying they are! Their hoods were lifted from their heads. On behalf of Judge Jackson and all of the black and brown people, we must stomp them out of Congress and send them packing.
Tanya just had lunch with a friend from Zhovti Vody on her way home after 10 years in Moscow. Two days on train in a big circle to get to Warsaw. Border closed to Russians but Ukrainians allowed to leave. Moscow in a panic as there are no dollars. Everyone is terrified of saying anything and deleting everything from their phones which are subject to seizure and search. 1938 all over again
Allen, I'm glad Tanya was able to see her friend but sorry it was under such horrifying circumstances. Please keep safe. Keeping you & yours in my heart.🌻🌷
The point of the matter is that Russians get very frustrated with the fact that they have not had the ability to achieve their highest dreams. The defeat of Nazi Germany led to the Cold War, where they were out-done. Peter the Great's victory was not followed up with his achievement of domination of eastern Europe. We won't even go into the Russo-Japanese war, which led to the 1905 Revolution that failed, which led to the 1917 revolution that sold out all the hopes of those who fought in it.
Basically, they do OK with short-term victories - Peter the Great over Sweden, Alexander I over Napoleon, Stalin over Hitler, but achieving the long-term goals that come from those events, they have yet to ever "make the jump."
What you write feels too much like a negative variation on the wretched Herrenvolk/Exceptionalism nonsense... which has unquestionably been pursued with single-minded zeal by powerful forces in America. And, unfortunately, much imitated...
(But I'm not going to fall into the trap of writing "America".)
You speak of aims and goals where I tend to see outsize aimlessness and floundering incompetence.
Some countries may be caught between too-big-to-fail and too-big-to-succeed and always struggling to resolve that dangerous tension.
In any case, if we all survive today's madness, the world will need to band together to help Ukraine recover. And Russians are going to need help in effecting an even greater renewal, one that can outlast several generations.
Like all the rest of us, only the problems may be even greater.
Very big countries can easily succumb to correspondingly great inner tensions and contradictions and compensate by becoming planetary parasites.
Think... Brazil, threatening humanity's survival... and no one even notices...
Go on, and if we are all in conversation here, it is because we know too well the crisis America is now traversing... and can sometimes catch a glimpse of the vast implications of that crisis.
If Americans lack the guts and good sense to deal directly with Donald Trump and associates-in-crime, heaven help us all. Yet, that too will only be the beginning of a very long journey.
"if we all survive today's madness, the world will need to band together to help Ukraine recover. And Russians are going to need help in effecting an even greater renewal, one that can outlast several generations."
Living hand to mouth in the name of "Democracy" will curdle the idea in the hearts and minds of those living it in a nanosecond. We did not do enough to support democracy in the former Soviet bloc when doing so would have made a world of difference in both the sort and long term.
"Think... Brazil, threatening humanity's survival... and no one even notices..."
Yes, and it's because those in peril are "non-white".
"If Americans lack the guts and good sense to deal directly with Donald Trump and associates-in-crime, heaven help us all. Yet, that too will only be the beginning of a very long journey."
And we have wasted 5+ years already getting to the bottom of his and his associates' thuggery.
Putin's actions are a pure unadulterated abomination. The USA's engineering via NATO to bait Putin's pride and insecurity has worked like an evil charm. It's but a cunning effort ultimately to de-potentiate China with her Belt and Road Initiative. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.".And as for USA's self righteousness in damning Putin for war crimes, "let he without sin cast the first stone." Incredible, really. How many countries have we unilaterally invaded? bombed its citizens? its hospitals? engineered coups of democratically elected leaders? starved and worsened the health of their citizenry through sanctions? How about Cheney, Bush, Petreus," War crimes architects? Please see Chris Hedges "The Lie of American Innocence: Our hypocrisy on War Crimes Makes a Rules-Based World, One That Abides by International Law, Impossible." in PopularResistance.org, March 22, 2022. History is evidence.
Selina - you wrote "...as for USA's self righteousness in damning Putin for war crimes, "let he without sin cast the first stone." Are you implying that because the U.S. has behaved badly in the past, we should not take part in opposing Putin's invasion of Ukraine? That's how your and others' persistent reminders of past U.S. failures come across. I think everyone here is more than aware of those failures but constantly harping on them implies, each time, that the U.S. has no role in doing it right in the context of Ukraine and Putin because we did wrong so many times in the past.
Certainly, the US can bear witness. But the split between reality and vaunted innocent exceptionality works like cancer to rot the moral fabric of the nation both inwardly within its own borders and outwardly - as Hedges' essay points out."The Lie of American Innocence: Our hypocrisy on War Crimes Makes a Rules-Based World, One That Abides by International Law, Impossible.” History is evidence. If the US were more realistic about itself, and realized the blood on its soul, and did penance, do you think we'd be flooding the country with weapons or peace makers? Interesting, your irritation and that of another upon being reminded, as though it's something that shouldn't be talked about, especially when we're engaged again sending billions over there (in weapons, etc) while at home Build Back Better gets shredded, and the larger population isn't on the streets demanding our brothers and sisters be free of voter restrictions. Do you think that the absence of reckoning of our own war criminality has any impact on the civic, moral and spiritual health of the citizenry?
Good sense is crucial now as we seek to serve the Ukrainian people and stop Putin. Thank you, Judith. Many of us remember trying to stop the USA from waring against Vietnam and continuing to devastate the country. The Philippines, Iran, Chile, Nicaragua, Iraq...need I go on? We always have a lot of work to do.
In case you didn't notice, I wasn't writing about any of this. so don't argue apples and oranges with me, please. I do have other things to do with my life than hang out here with people who really need to reconsider their decision not to take that remedial class in reading comprehension.
If that should be the case, I've not understood a word of what you've just written.
And if it is not the case, I'm no wiser... and somehow doubt that anyone else will be able to interpret what you've just written.
Let's take a break... a breath of air... and chill out a while. It usually helps.
P.S. If it's Selina you were addressing, she makes some valid points but is unquestionably overheating. We're so fortunate not to have bombs and shells exploding all around us, but it is very painful for me, for you, for most of us, being powerless to prevent this happening in Ukraine. For my part, I feel I could do with an ice pack on my head...
I'll just round off by repeating how much I appreciated your comment this morning -- apart from that last short paragraph.
And why? Because their land mass is large but not rich enough to sustain the population that they have endeavored to control. My last visit to Russia a few years ago was as depressing as my first. They will never, ever make the jump.
Quite rich enough, but all wealth stolen by dog-in-the-manger rulers, bandits in uniform, oligarchs.
The oligarchic stranglehold was not that different in Ukraine, but now the people have risen, led by the president... who was struggling to withstand the power of the country's plutocrats... until Putin struck.
Navalny has pointed out that corruption threatens us all. Heaven help us if we can't see that now, and act on it!
Thanks, Daria, but take a look at the MSNBC interview of Boris Yeltsin's Foreign Minister Kozyrev.
Apart from a damning commentary on what's been done to the Russian economy, he said it would be easier to overthrow Putin than to tell him truths he doesn't want to hear.
I think the problem is the Russian attitude: always struggling to survive in a hostile, autocratic environment, as stoics. What did Maslow say, that we can't self-actualize, become creative, if our basic needs aren't met?
I can't help but think that if the US or some other Western, innovative country had happened by chance to be centered on Russian land, that they would have figured out to make the country and land prosperous.
I don't really think that we should get too precious about language use. Sometimes strong language is the most appropriate way to express strong emotions.
I respect your opinion but disagree. We are not on Facebook, Twitter or sitting in a bar or someone's livingroom. We are on a platform hosted by an academic historian who is always circumspect in her expression and language choices.
I have to say that I agree with both of you, strong language does express strong emotions and we should try to be respectful of this invaluable forum and it’s participants, I guess as they say 2 opposing things can be true at the same time. 🙏
Peroration? Do not agree. I tuned in earlier to reporting and heard the latest on the Ukrainian offensive which has put them out of artillery range from the east. Readers will appreciate the update. Especially on eve of President Biden meeting with world leaders.
His take on Republicans mirrors the harshness that many express on this forum.
Christine, it’s my understanding Peter is making reference to TC’s last sentence lumping 5 centuries of Russian history into one basket. TC’s response seems to indicate he understood that perfectly, however, I don’t see where others have. Much of this conversation is a reach for me, so I could well be mistaken, but offering my 2cents.
Christine, you have often given me the feeling that I've gotten on your nerves and produced an emotional reaction, but so often you do nothing to help me understand what you're going on about. Please state your objections clearly so that I can understand!!!
The battle of Poltava was lost mostly from Swedish incompetence and incapability. The Swedish king was wounded before the start. Russia had field artillery that Sweden left at the base camp. The Swedes actually captured some artillery, that they destroyed instead of turning it against the Russians. - Otherwise I agree with your comment.
Thanks for the clarification. It has been a very long time since I read up this campaign... but I doubt if many Americans know that Sweden was for a time a great military power.
always love your take on everything. My Q is, will the Dems use their stockpile of ammo, or will they say (again) “we want to be positive and tout our accomplishments” while repubs label EVERY action socialism, as they have done way before HST said this. “Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.”
The sad part to me is that the Dems shouldn’t need to “use” anything. That is the ploy of propagandists. If the media would present the simple facts of the matter that alone should be plain enough for good people everywhere. I guess an important question is; are there still good people everywhere? It’s just really difficult for me to comprehend that over 70 million voted for that lying, criminal, “pussy grabber” to rule over us after 4 years of watching him deconstruct our democracy. I don’t believe that “fact” is comprehensible.
Interesting how perception can differ. I was troubled by what I saw and heard to be the Democrats spinelessness in stepping in to vividly counter the vile Republican innuendo and distortions to smear Jackson Brown. Durbin's pale enumeration of the Republicans' lies, held not one whit of energy matching that of the lying bullies. Booker's recognition and personal appreciation of the magnitude of her accomplishments and dignity displayed in response to these shallow louts (Ms. Blackburn included) impressed by its authentic emotionality and intellectual honesty. As for the other Democrats? Weak sisters in the Dept of Competing Wits and Wills. Kind of a joke were it not so destructive - the purported faux alarm by the Republicans of Jackson Brown resorting to judicial activism when the current Court's majority has been steam rolling right along doing just that. Did a single Democrat mention that?
TC, if you need to be coarse why not do it on your own Substack? Why are you hell bent on using coarse language on this platform? You are well educated, well read, well written, and well spoken yet you insist on sinking to the lowest depths possible to express yourself. Why here and not your own Substack?
Good morning, Christine. I think the use of jackassery from the bench is just fine. Is this a hypocrisy test, where do I draw the line kind of thing? Peace.
Christine, additional thoughts on the use of jackassery by Ben Sasse. Jackassery describes behavior. Calling someone a jack ass, ##wipe or fu##wit, etc., is name calling. To me there is a distinction. I don't mean to imply that I haven't resorted to name calling, I have. But I'm usually not too proud of myself afterwards.
The news is that there is blaming going on in Russian military. I read that a general said he was against the war yesterday. It was said that sanctions would take at least a month to have effect. Well they seem to be having it. I saw women fighting over bags of sugar in video in Washington Post in a Russian store yesterday. I believe that at least some of them were around back in 1990s when they were used to lining up for rationed items. It is said that the food supplies for the Russian army are really low. I have read about 3 days. Also, that the reason that so many generals are getting killed is because they are forced to be on the front lines to model being engaged for the soldiers whose moral is so low. So, I think these messages are getting through. Also, Chechen soldiers were getting killed off easily because they are all attached to their cell phones. As of yet Odessa, the path to the sea has not yet been hit with heavy bombing.
It's in all the major print and TV outlets. Don't know how much permanent hope it brings, but it's something! The plucky Ukrainians. But they need more help.
Boris Johnson says he doesn't believe that Russia wants peace. And he's right. When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries.
I was looking through the November 2021 issue of the Weekly Guardian, and came across an article about Belarus pushing Syrian refugees over the border into Poland. Note that Belarus wasn't pushing refugees into Ukraine. The intent was to destabilize the EU. Putin's intent in Syria also was to destabilize Europe. Plus it was a playground to try out weapons, and destruction is just plain fun for Putin.
We need to listen to Boris Johnson on this: Putin wants to Groznify Ukraine. The only way to prevent this is by wiping out Putin's weapons and jets, as this is the only way to promote peace. Sanctions won't make a difference. They haven't made a difference. We need to do more before Ukraine is Groznified.
As opposed to invading Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos . . . ? Did we want to Americanize these countries? Maybe not; maybe just democratize them.
Boris Johnson is seldom right, but he is most probably right on Russia's not wanting peace. Well Russia may; Putin, not.
I haven't given up on sanctions. And I haven't given up on wishing that we would allow Poland to supply Ukraine with fighter jets in turn from some from us.
"Boris Johnson says he doesn't believe that Russia wants peace. And he's right. When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries."
1. "Boris Johnson says." I'm afraid that is not the way to open a comment I can read without such a large pinch of salt that I risk spilling the salt cellar... It provokes in me the same kind of attitude as "Donald Trump says".
2. "He doesn't believe." The weathervane believes in whatever way the wind is blowing at any given moment. On this basis, the weathervane believes in itself. The BoJo appears to believe in himself alone, but I'd not be too sure of that, any more than I'd believe in the bluster of the "very stable genius". It all feels too much like a cover-up, another grand compensation for the nagging sense that there's no one at home. I just hope I'm exaggerating in my unkind skepticism and he's not as empty as that...
3. "When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries." Just try replacing "Russia" by "the US". Pearl McElheran and Selina Sweet make the same point, yet say little about America's backyard, the original Monroe Doctrine territory, before the doctrine went global... Great interventions, as in Grenada... (I was in Panama City shortly after the US "took out" Noriega, blasting the unfortunate slum dwellers who surrounded his lair. Locals were remarkably warm and hospitable, not confusing gringos with governments...)
Empire strives to imitate empire. The very aim of establishing global hegemony has spawned rivals and imitators. everywhere. An overstretching, overweening ambition.
One aspect of imperial appetite involves interfering with others and preventing them from following their natural development. We see this in families, when sibling bullies sibling... We are seeing it now in Putin's monomaniac rage. We have seen it so very often in the history of the world, but now it is more dangerous than at Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese military regime tried to break the American naval obstacle to the spread of their empire throughout Asia... More dangerous even than China's gradual encroachment, that great game of Go...
I am not at ease with all our projections onto blank or near blank screens. We need to be more detached, more skeptical, paying more attention to our own direct perceptions, our innermost thoughts, and less to every scrap we read... or every word uttered by mountebanks.
I'm not going to spend much time addressing this other than to say that your logic doesn't follow. According to you, if an individual does something stupid, then anything he says or does subsequently should be dismissed. That's faulty logic.
According to your logic, it is fine that Russia invades Ukraine, targets its civilians, maternity hospitals, destroys buildings, because the US may have invaded some country (without targeting civilians, maternity hospitals, etc.). Your logic says: If he does it, I can do it. Ukrainians have no rights, right? Ukraine isn't sovereign, is it - according to your thinking.
Finally, the US has never gone into a country with the intent to level it to the ground; targeting maternity hospitals, other health care facilities, nursery schools, buildings clearly indicating that children are taking refuge there, homes; deported, murdered and executed denizens and imported Americans to thin out the sovereign country's population.
I can't help but think that you are a Russian operative. Your thinking is aligned with them. Either you're a Russian operative, or just haven't thought things through well enough.
Yes, your misplaced accusations disturbed my equanimity and caused me to over-react, so I do apologize unreservedly for any aspersions on your motives.
If, however, you had taken in even my most recent comments, even more so if you had followed my comments over a period of time (you seem to be a newcomer) you'd know of my deeply rooted objection to any and every country, people or culture claiming “exceptional” status—especially when such “exceptionalism” is practiced by the most powerful country in the world and consequently the bearer of the greatest responsibility.
You'd be well aware of my views on racism in general and on ingrained racism in America—I’ve seen too much of it and even suffered from its indirect effects.
I was a child in South Africa when the Apartheid regime came to power…
You’d know of my conviction that one “Herrenvolk” spawns imitators, typically with far more ancient credentials, e.g. India, Iran, China. Imitators and nasty caricatures. But what can have made you think that I approve of such doings?
You'd know my very European views about the omnipresence of American “soft culture”, about the damage to the world resulting from Reaganomics, about tub-thumping US nationalism, about the Pentagon's addiction to war and the hardware of war, about the catastrophic and deeply counterproductive effects both direct and indirect of military adventurism, as in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan.
Likewise, I don’t think I have written of this, but I am painfully aware of the US military’s horrible, albeit less direct, influence in Central and South America and of clumsy, failed policies in Africa—look at Madeleine Albright's totally honest mea culpa for failure to act to prevent the Rwanda genocide.
Nor have I hidden my, again typically European scorn for and horror at America's gun culture and the cult of violence. Ditto, detestation for oligarchy and for societies in which money is the sole value—as in Russia today—especially when hidden behind a screen of fake Christianity.
You'd know that I do not share the typical left-wing anti-Americanism that is so widespread in Europe; rather, I was influenced by the critical attitude of my very conservative father and others of his generation. At the same time, I had always admired America as the Realm of the Possible. And although I am one of the rare people I know who expected the election of Donald Trump, I had never thought of “the possible” in terms so far below what I had always taken to be the country’s lowest common denominator. A cheap charlatan, a died-in-the-wool criminal, a racist and spreader of division in the White House, setting American against American and subverting the country’s institutions and its most basic values. I am deeply suspicious of his relationship with Vladimir Putin, with whom he has too much in common.
As for my own country, the Boris Johnson of whom I spoke is the British Prime Minister, our Trump-lite, narcissistic natural showman, serial liar with no beliefs or convictions other than his own superiority, irresponsible to the point of placing his own career ambitions above the fate of his own country, divisive, contributing to the break-up of the United Kingdom, careless even of the lives of others, slapdash and incompetent. And, while America’s Constitution has been reduced to a table of stone that is worshipped but flouted, Britain’s today may be likened to a runaway Camembert cheese.
Finally, when I complain of the dreadful effects of George W. Bush’s Second Gulf War, it is because I am a European and as such, I and fellow Europeans have to live with the spillover of chaos and Islamist violence to which it and America’s unhealthy influence on the Middle East have given rise. We live next door, Americans are insulated from our painful reality by two great oceans…
In my own city, Nice, this reality took the form of mass murder. The murder of children and families. Something that would not have happened if it had not been for that botched, immensely destructive and totally gratuitous war. As for my attitude to war, I am 82, I was born one month into the Second World War and saw enough of it to be marked for life. I was in London on the night when the first V1 rockets fell… What is more, I know Germany very well, and the horror of what was unleashed on it. I have deliberately spent much time in that country where I have very close friends. And when it comes to Russia and Ukraine, all the Russians I know are furious with Putin and the regime and deeply ashamed, while—thank goodness—our dear Ukrainian friends have been able to leave the country and are in touch with us daily.
One final note: you write more than once of “prosperity”. Since childhood, I have been a natural skeptic, questioning, questioning, and failing to understand stock answers or inculcated beliefs. I confess that I am not impressed by so much of the “prosperity” I have seen. I am too aware of the costs that go with it, the damage to society and the natural environment, the demise of the citizen, replaced by the “consumer”, contentment unattainable, dissatisfaction guaranteed. “Man shall not live by bread alone.”
This week, I looked at a Google map—aerial photo—of the little English town where my father was born. Originally a Roman castra, a military settlement, an outpost of civilization. Now, a piece of unspeakably, pointlessly brutal ugliness. One that reminded me of the endless sheds, horizon to horizon, under the flight path as the aircraft on which I was flying descended to Dallas-Fort Worth. Did we survive the Nazi onslaught for THIS?
I have seen the present, and it doesn’t work.
If we meet together here, day after day, it is out of a desire to make our present work and to offer a better future to our children and to the unborn.
It does look as though your misplaced accusations have caused me to over-react, and I apologize unreservedly for any aspersions on your motives.
I'm afraid you've jumped to very false conclusions and trust that you too will see this.
I'm writing a detailed rejoinder which I've not quite completed -- it is past my bedtime in Europe, and I am not a young man. Meanwhile, if you take a look at my previous comments over the past year, you may well find cause to disapprove of this or that, but you'll surely come to understand how deeply you've misunderstood and maligned both me and my point of view.
I look forward to more friendly and positive exchanges in future.
I shall have to spend longer on this, but I must confess I had already been troubled enough by signs of faulty thinking on your part to wonder about your motivation, and more.
I wondered if SF stood for Finland and, if so, why you knew and apparently understood so little about the dangerous neighbor. Your last sentences... I shall be open... I had asked myself if YOU were looking for trouble here.
I'd be glad if you could clarify your message point by point so that I can understand it, because I don't even begin to. If you are right about anything, I'll concede. Or perhaps I have expressed myself badly.
I'd be grateful, too, if other readers could weigh in by examining our respective comments critically and offering advice.
Finally, it isn't the first time I've been accused of being "a Russian operative" here... because I wanted to hear out a contributor whom others regarded as a troll.
I think that this community knows me well enough by now, and that people know that even if I should say something stupid, my motivation is sound.
So, please help us all by clarifying, as I cannot make sense of what you have just written.
Thanks for this. Is it true that there has actually been a bit of rebellion among the Russian troops? We know they are unprepared, but I also hear there is extreme frustration due to hunger and frostbite. Your thoughts?
I don't know if y'all saw this in the WaPo from Tuesday (forgive me that I can't post it as a gift article...not savvy enough to figure that out with my PC)...a piece on Alexandr Dugin, a fascist prophet, described as "Putin's brain" and an author of much that has been taken up by the far-right movements in Europe, the UK (Brexit), and in the US. It is chilling what this man espouses and remarkable how prescient he has been so far regarding what Putin's aims seem to be: creating a new Russian/German controlled empire that stretches "from Vladivostok to Dublin". To anyone sane it is INsane, but it's not far off where we seem to be, and Putin is just that deranged. We should take note even in this country. For example:
"In his magnum opus, 'The Foundations of Geopolitics: The Geopolitical Future of Russia,' published in 1997, Dugin mapped out the game plan in detail. Russian agents should foment racial, religious and sectional divisions within the United States while promoting the United States’ isolationist factions. (Sound familiar?)"
Also, regarding Ukraine: "Putin has turned to the pages of Dugin’s text in which he declared: 'Ukraine as an independent state with certain territorial ambitions represents an enormous danger for all of Eurasia,' and 'without resolving the Ukrainian problem, it is in general senseless to speak about continental politics.'"
Bruce, better to take a shower even after a mere glance at this crap from hell. Stuff that pollutes the atmosphere, water and the mind.
Regardless of whether VVP feeds on this kind of wild poisonous rubbish or not, the problem is that layer upon layer of conditioning have caused the man to build himself a hermetically sealed windowless mental prison in which the view he wants to see is projected on the walls.
It seems natural enough that one who has done this to himself should suffer from claustrophobia and compensate with delusive dreams of vast spaces and limitless power -- even limitless life, seems a Moscow lab is actually working on that. If only a little natural light and warmth could penetrate the walls of that mind, for his sake, for that of us all.
Those who pray should pray for him, those who don't should simply wish him a dose of insight. Something to enable him to stop creating that black hole. If he could only feel...
You may find this impossible to understand, but I am sure of what I have just written.
I just heard from a friend in Latvia that on Russian television (TV 24 in Latvia), they're saying that the goal is to next take Poland and Lithuania so that there is a land route to Kaliningrad. Has anyone else heard this?
I presume at the right moment he plans to just get rid of Lukashenko and absorb Belarus right in. I think the people there have something to say about that too. If he sends in troops as he is supposedly going to do, after saying before he could not because his people might oust him, this might be just to put them in their place.
So, it seems well known in certain circles that this theory is one that Putin is embracing. Still, a friend of Russian history claims Putin has it wrong, because Kiev was the first capitol of the Russian state which was known as Kiev Russ, and therefore really Zelenskiy should be the leader of the greater Russ, not Putin, so neither Putin nor the other guy Dugin is a good historian. Of course no one corrects dictators. This is why everyone keeps thinking they are living in Orwell's, 1984.
Dugin's book posits an empire known as "Eurasia," led by Russia, that stretches "from Dublin to Vladivostok" and south to New Delhi, with China broken into its "seven component regions" (whatever that means). This is what I mean about Russia's goals outweighing their capabilities.
I am currently in Vienna. So, I am thinking a lot about European news. Tonight on ARD German news they were discussing the various meetings today with Biden there in Europe. I had read that US military had not been able to communicate with Russian military and they were bothered by that. Here they were much more specific. They mentioned that Shogui, Russian Minister of Defense, has been missing. When another Russian minister was asked about it, he said, "oh he is really busy with things to do." Then, they showed a video of Putin in his usual conference with his military people, and they showed that Shogui was there in a square in the corner, there was a circle drawn around him to point out that he was there. He appeared, but then it went black, like it had been put in. It seemed to be fake news. So, it was not reassuring that he is around. We were told that people are wondering if he is missing at Putin's behest. Given that he is the other guy with the nuclear code that is not good. Perhaps that is why he is missing. I have been thinking does Putin know how to make the nuclear weapons detonate himself if someone refuses to follow his orders?
A German military history expert was saying that we unlearned to live with a nuclear threat and now we have to relearn it. Today there was a lot of discussion about the different scenarios at the meetings, but these are secret. Everyone sees that since things are going badly for the Russians, because they are so poorly prepared, and think with Shogui gone, who is the other person who has the passcode to the nuclear weapons in Russia, there is preparation for chemical weapons and nuclear. I don't think Putin is going to accomplish what he wants to if he goes there though. Wiping everyone off the planet does not make Russia the leader. Plus no one with any creativity wants to work for these authoritarian guys, but they don't seem to get how that works. I know that my city is not prepared for any nukes even though we would be on a Russian and probably North Korean list too. This is the plan in my city.
Putin is saying that he is only going to sell gas if it is payed in Rubles. Since it is illegal to pay to the Russian bank, that would be illegal, so what are Germany and Austria going to do? I think when Russia wants to buy something they should have to pay for it in nukes.
I an not good with tech, I hope that this link works, but if not, please google MeidasTouch on twitter for their ad from 3/22--EXACTLY what TC is talking about!!
Honest to God, Heather, this is one of your best Letters ever. It is a one two punch after one two punch over and over and over again. And this is probably one of the best punches you delivered, thank you:
"Certain Republican senators badgered and bullied Jackson, who could not fight back without endangering her chances of confirmation. It was an abusive dynamic that spoke ill of the process and of the senators themselves: the abusive Republicans, but also the many Democrats who, as legal analyst Dahlia Lithwick pointed out, did little to remind viewers that the Republicans have stacked the court with extremists who are poised to take away our fundamental rights, and instead just let the Republicans beat up on Jackson."
People, THIS is an example of how Democrats do NOT stand up and speak out and support our fundamental rights. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR DEMS TO GET MAD AND ACT?
NO KIDDING!! The Dems had the perfect stage in which to open their mouths and protest. The only ones taking advantage was Leahy and Booker. What the hell??
Carol C-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
From the NYTimes article this: "Pomerantz countered that 'a failure to prosecute will pose much greater risks in terms of public confidence in the fair administration of justice.'"
Stepping back from prosecuting trump and his minions is the nail in the democracy coffin. Trump's criminal cabal got away with an attempted coup and a bunch of other illegal activities. Without the rule of law, we have nothing.
Similar to reading Heather's letters and her videos, listening to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is like getting a civics/history/political science class! Smart women lead!! And, I do so admire and respect Sen. Cory Booker.
Substack is not letting me ❤ your comment, but damn right he should be heavily challenged. Marlene, I too am tired of being angry, upset, depressed and sad about the state of our Union. The trips I've made to the US since relocating to México, especially since Covid, have been fraught with anxiety and wariness. The atmosphere in the US is loaded with intolerance and unpredictability. It is frightening to step on the soil of my homeland knowing that 40% of the adult population couldn't care less about democracy and that they're willing to sell their families, neighbors and an entire nation down the river at the behest of a con man and his followers.
My allegiance, patriotism and commitment to the United States has been questioned by one member of this forum. That, in itself, unsettles me. Purity tests were one of Hitler's hallmarks. That a member of this forum should use their own personal purity test to assess the "worthiness" of another member is troubling. And it is definitely the antithesis if democracy.
Daria, your comment makes me sad and angry. I respect all of what you say on this forum, although may not totally agree. Your comments are thoughtful and often well noted. That another member here would challenge your commitment and loyalty is unsettling at best. I believe I may speak for others in letting you know that your opinions/comments are always welcome here.
Daria, I for one don’t question your commitment to our nation, even if you choose to live in Merida, which I am envious of your ability to do, it is a truly beautiful place, and why not live someplace that is beautiful. I agree with you that the level of intolerance and outright hatred and anger is deeply unsettling in a nation that actually deserved the gift from the French, of the Statute of Liberty 🗽, at least we did at the time. It’s inconceivable that any nation would want to make a gift like that today. That an imbecilic con man can motivate 40% of our very many millions continues to deeply disturb me, have we become a nation of illiterate morons? “fox news” has without a doubt greatly contributed to our malaise but they had to have a choir to preach to. The inequities of our educational system and underlying economic system have to be responsible for so many people not having a clue where the truth lies or where their own interests are, this is going to take more than a generation to remedy, several probably. The resilience of the Ukrainians gives me hope that we will emerge from this darkness, we have it easy in comparison compared to what they are going through. 🙏
Dick, thank you. I hope that we US Americans can look to Ukraine and appreciate every ounce of strength and commitment to freedom and democracy her people are showing the world. Adults and children alike are being slaughtered by a man whose one goal is to have dominion over all other nations in the region. He is playing for keeps. But so are Ukrainians. I believe he is stunned by their fortitude.
You're right, too, when you say Fox had to have a choir to preach to. It may have begun as a small choir but over time it's grown substantially. They built their platform of disinformation one brick at a time by constantly running insane commentary up the flagpole and seeing how many bit the bait. You say, "the inequities of our educational system and underlying economic system have to be responsible for so many not having a clue where the truth lies..." and that the damage will likely take more than a generation to repair. Unfortunately, I think you're right. The tearing down of our democracy started with a slow burn. Today, those who would destroy us from within have ratcheted up their efforts and no longer hide their efforts.
We wouldn't be given the Statue of Liberty today. We don't deserve it.
"We wouldn't be given the Statue of Liberty today. We don't deserve it." So right, Daria. I keep wondering how low we, as a nation, will go before we wake up. Unfortunately, I think we're a long way from the bottom. (Sorry for the negativity.)
Daria-As far as not being able to "heart" a respsonse-try going to the search bar line then look to the left. There's a circle w/and arrow. Click on it-that will refresh the page. That usually helps to let you heart an entry.
We can only survive if the balance of good v evil tips to the side of good. Grace and heart and truth. Repubs are leaning, falling to evil. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson continues walking the high road. And her steps, her Camino, her journey, remind us of her brilliance, her proclamation that repubs better remember while they attempt to drag her through the coals. She walks around that heat and once again reminds the repubs that their guy is over. Her words: “The president is not a King.”
This morning Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave an excellent explanation of court “packing” by picking Justices from lists provided by the Federalist society. Capture of the Court has been accomplished as Trump promised with anonymous money to promote the viewpoints of donors.
Lota and lots and lots of news you delivered tonight! I imagine your frustration with having to write about Judge Jackson and the torture she has endured from the crummiest, the sleaziest, the creepiest of people who represent their God-forsaken states. As a woman, her tears brought tears to my eyes as Cory Booker lifted her spirits. Black and brown women, which I am not, the struggles endured by them were droplets of wetness upon her cheeks. I want her to succeed based on her merits, her composure under fire, as a wife, a mother, a daughter, and as a woman. She will succeed. My word to those abhorrent obnoxious senators who have nothing better to do but belittle others, may many locusts befall upon their doorsteps.
I got a fundraiser from Cruz yesterday, way efficient asking for money. Boy did he get the wrong address. The cretin got more than he asked for, guess I’m on Repub enemies list now.
Nope. You got me with the tears on her cheeks. Your piece stands complete, inviolable. Besides, while I consider rattlesnakes a good way to get rid of rodents probably the really kind ones (people) would find that a bridge too far. So we won’t go there. Having said that, I re-read your comment. It’s even better than I thought.
You said, "My word to those abhorrent obnoxious senators who have nothing better to do but belittle others, may many locusts befall upon their doorsteps." I say, "And may sunflower seeds be heavy in their pockets"...morning, Marlene!
Once upon a time, I thought that the chambers of Congress were sacred, after a fashion. I thought that they called out a higher standard of conduct of their occupants, particularly given the fact that each of them had been elected to represent many, many other people, even millions. I have watched the "sacred" halls of our national government desecrated over and over again; all 3 branches, in fact. Elected officials, mostly men to my personal dismay, have behaved like kings, like spoiled children, like petty criminals. In so doing, they have represented themselves far more than those who elected them. They have empowered untold numbers of our citizens to behave similarly shamefully. Still, there are many whose conduct has been admirable and continues to represent the best of what we hope and expect of them. Our only response to the despicable behavior we have witnessed is to take the fight to the ballot box. And, we need to demand legislation that shines a bright light on the source of the money flowing into the campaigns, the PACS, the other means by which candidacy for office is determined. We need to know who is buying influence and use the force of law to drive disproportionate influence out of the political process. How would it look if every political donation, irrespective of the source, would be subject to a rapidly progressive tax up to as high as, perhaps, 90% beyond $1000 per check? Whether candidate or PAC, if the use is identified as campaigning for public office, the emphasis will be on the small donor, rather than the deep pocket. Perhaps that tax revenue could be pooled into a fund that supports ALL candidates on an equal basis for each office on the ballot. And maybe we should broadcast ALL business of government in real time, thus taking away the incentive to pander for slots on the Sunday morning talk shows. Lets expose it all and let us ALL comment on their behavior in real time.
Excellent idea, that a fund should support all candidates on an equal basis. I read that one country allows campaigning for only a few weeks prior to an election. That is another idea to consider.
It is true of many countries. But we are so Exceptional that we have nothing to learn from other countries. That would be disloyal and un-American in the minds of many.
The problem isn't PACs, which Democrats, professional associations and environmental groups have had and used effectively for decades, for just causes. It is the dark money, disguised contributions, corporations as "citizens" that anonymously feed efforts to undermine democracy. Case in point is Sen. Whitehouse's comments during Judge Jackson's hearing: https://youtu.be/jF4P7E9nKvQ
Whitehouse is an extraordinary senator of the kind Nathan alluded to in this forum. Compare to the trash heap and cheap imitations put forth as GOP senators.
Hello MaryPat. I do not hear him opine very often. Thoroughly appreciated his comments. Especially today. I found myself pumping the air saying, “Bam, Senator. That’s what I call resetting the conversation!”
Christine-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
As Heather says in her interview, Americans are much more engaged in politics and civics today than 5 years ago.
Public pressure has caused Nestle to finally join other global corporations in ceasing business in Russia.
A Russian general who was born in Ukraine leaked his upset in a meeting with US representatives, indicating morale problems at the top, as well as in the front line ranks of the Russian military.
A Ukrainian missile destroyed a Russian landing ship.
The jackassery around here is not just that certain Republicans (Graham, Cruz, etc) are seeking camera opportunities but that they got them too. The media gave valuable air time to Graham and Cruz as their lead into the KBJ hearing and spent almost no time talking about her answers and the positive messages she gave us. Ben Sasse talks about the difference between transparent and creating sound bites for one's base. I'm remembering back to the first televised Presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Those who listened on radio thought Nixon had won the debate; those who watched on TV thought JFK had won the debate. Today's hearing was not a good day for the Senate because their ratings went lower, if that is even possible... It is a broken ineffectual petty institution now. I would have to think hard right now about whether the Senate or SCOTUS get a lower rating from me. Fortunately we have the consensus builder in KJB who brings some hope to the future legitimacy of the Court. In my management experience every promotion putting you in a new higher position that you were only about 50% ready for but you got the job because someone saw your potential. That is what I see in KJB -- someone with magnificent potential that will quickly grow into her new role and reshape the Court into a body that truly embraces the Constitution and the Rights of the People. We, the People, All of Us This Time.
Regarding: "but also the many Democrats who, as legal analyst Dahlia Lithwick pointed out, did little to remind viewers that the Republicans have stacked the court with extremists who are poised to take away our fundamental rights, and instead just let the Republicans beat up on Jackson."
I thought Sheldon Whitehouse, who has made a very large effort to connect the extremists on the Supreme Court to dark money from the Federalist society and spoke to that yesterday DID both defend Jackson and highlight "court packing by court picking".
Whitehouse also tracked all of the dark money including the payoff of Kavanaugh's $200,000 baseball ticket debt that elevated Harvard playboy and exposure artist Kavanaugh to the Surpreme Court. Whitehouse further outlined the fact that the FBI did not do a real background check on Kavanaugh, likely because of dark money payoffs. Search for Whitehouse on youtube. He will scorch the hair off your head with dark money flows associated with the Supreme Court picks.
Amazingly, after all that Whitehouse has learned and documented, nobody is in jail and nobody has been charged with a crime becasue: It is legal to buy whomever you want in our government.
Take a look at some of Sheldon Whitehouse' work. Really disturbing stuff.
But, he definitely supported Jackson, a truly amazingly well spoken and knowledgeable woman who has performed spectacularly in the face of some of the dumbest white men I have ever seen.
Mike-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
Thank you Heather. Today's news was packed with every emotion. The Republicans are exhausting with their prefabricated displays of sound bite fodder for the mid terms and next General election.
Is Grahams obsession with child porn and computer oversight a personal problem? I genuinely hope not.
I watched what I could of the hearings until I could feel my blood pressure rise to unhealthy levels.
Cory Booker was wonderful. I felt he captured the moment brilliantly.
Lastly, rest in power Dr Albright. Ironically, I purchased her latest book just last week. I'm looking forward to this read.
Marsha was right, "abortion" is not in the Constitution. Neither are God, Jesus and the Bible. What a spectacular face plant for Betty Crocker Blackburn.
This time, this court, this person: This is a perfect constellation.
Judge Katanji Brown Jackson’s ascension to the Supreme Court may well be a high point – if not the high point – in an administration that endeavors to set things right.
I can well imagine there were many, many Americans who wept with Judge Jackson when Senator Booker proclaimed that he would not let anyone steal his joy at this moment: I was one of them.
Me too. Couldn’t help it. Booker’s spontaneous, incredible words of affirmation got my eyes sweaty, and the judge, who so obviously needed to hear Booker after the insanity of a trial by fire that no white man could endure with her poise and restraint, sat there quietly weeping — and my eyes began leaking quite badly. That was a sacred moment. That was sheer love, saying to the Republicans, “Is that all you got?”
Senator Booker and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson are creating the light we all need right now to see our way out of the dark ❤️❤️🤩
“There is light if you’re brave enough to see it, if you’re brave enough to be it!” Amanda Gorman
Thank you very much Denise. Amanda’s words couldn’t be a more perfect fit. ❤️❤️ So good to hear from you. ❤️
No kavanaugh, um, crocodile "tears" from KBJ, instead she stoically endured abusive attacks from certain men, who should be careful about 'throwing stones, while in a glass house"
Thank you Anna. Yes, KBJ's very presence in that room was a powerfully revealing contrast to their "Me, me ME!" cowardice.
She surely showed them what it means to be the grown up in the room while they threw their crayons and spilled their milk.
Thank you for that perfectly wonderful vision!
The republicans always have evil on their side
Because despite their successful messaging, they really have nothing to offer but fear and hate.
And it plays to their base!
That is exactly what Democrats should yell when going to the polls later this year, despite state voter suppression laws. Is that all you got?!
Is that all you got? That is the perfect response to so many Republican positions on every issues. Sensible people: Climate change is deadly serious. Republicans: We want laws to keep transgender girls out of girls’ sports. (Which translates to “Our fossil fuel donors will have their assets protected.”)
Pitiful, pitiful.
Biden must begin using that "Slogan" as part of his retort against the R's constant cry-baby-whining...
"IS-THAT-ALL-YOU-GOT!"
So well put, Gus.
Thanks Gus. Alas, I didn't get to see this, but your account brings me close. And I'm grateful to Biden for his excellent choice.
I think Senator Booker's comment will be remember in our history! It was very touching and wonderful to hear!
One for the ages!
“a sacred moment”. Yes.
Gus…..”Is that all you got?”
Absolutely perfect. Let’s use the phrase all the way to victory for democracy in 2022 elections.
Thank you. United!
Christine, United!
R Dooley…Senator Booker seized the moment from those that bullied instead of questioned, badgered instead of listened, grandstanded instead of served. I appreciated that in both of his time frames, he gave Judge Jackson a few minutes to reset her sensibility and verve.
Most of all…another voice at the front, as Professor Richardson’s voice is to me, reminding us of the America that we strive for, not the America being used by some for a damn soundbite.
Thank you for highlighting our joy at being witness to Judge Jackson’s sure steps in making good history in America.
United!
As one or two people have mentioned... We, the people, all of us this time.
😎 Amen. All of us!
I also appreciated Chris Coons, who I think is quite intelligent, who gave her a chance to answer the questions that they wouldn't let her answer, in the way she wanted to answer, which means that she was educating the public (and some of the haters) about what goes into making those decisions.
Thanks Christine. I was unable to watch or listen at that time, but you and Gus have brought me close.
Senator Booker is my hero of the moment.
I loved it when he was making jokes with her to lift her mood. I missed the part you refer to. Not being able to fight back at the bullies, when clearly she could wipe the floor with them must be the absolute pits.
Yes, and Senator Alex Padilla.
indeed
Yes!
Senator Booker saved the horror of the whole day. I wept along with Judge Jackson and America. To see the absolute racist abuse towards Judge Jackson was a blight on the Republican Party. (Not that they care.)
In the garden, when I find a plant suffering from some form of blight or disease that is resistant to treatment, I dig it up and throw it away because it cannot be saved and will spread disease throughout my landscape. All careful gardeners know this. Republican Party fits into this metaphor.
Right! The allegory continues: Pulling out the diseased plants, if you can get them all, is better than spraying a herbicide which would kill good plants as well. Hope there aren't too many seeds from the diseased plant already spread in your garden.
Our County Extension Service representatives call that "roguing out" diseased/ blighted vegetation so it does not spread its disease to healthy plants. Sounds like Congress could use a good "rouging out!"
Thanks, Fred. 'Roguing Out' is a perfect name for ridding the government of anti-democracy, racist, corrupt 'elected' representatives -- local, state and federal. They are self-servants working against the health and welfare of the American people.
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it.
Matthew 13......
Good one, Jenn.
🪴❤️🌿
Oh they care. Except they do not see it as a blight.
And therein lies the problem. They are convinced that their folly is righteous. They are convinced that smearing, slandering, and insulting a black woman to oppose her placement on the Supreme Court is putting them on the right side of history, on the right side of Christianity, on the right side of morality. Denial. Massive denial. Colossal ignorance.
The R's ARE THE BLIGHT upon America and we can use the vaccine of our intelligent voting to inoculate us against it's spread forever!
Vote Intelligently!
I wept, as well. I hope she's confirmed soon, and out of the reach of what Repub Senator Sasse had the decency to call the jackassery of Cruz, Hawley, Graham et al.
Senator Sasse can also be remembered for what he said about those neo-nazis and white supremists at the Charlottesville gathering. He called them out for what they are while the president remarked that they were fine people.
The hearings could not have better showcased wisdom versus ignorance--from Marsha Blackburn believing she was quoting from the Constitution to Ted Cruz relieving Ketanji Brown Jackson from any fears that she would be questioned about her teenage dating habits. Honestly, as if she was ever accused of raping anyone! Today's newsletter is a quilt of contrasts between the depths of destruction the ego is capable of and the highest potential of the human spirit--goodness, dignity, and justice....
The journal "Frontiers in Psychology" found men tend to overestimate their intelligence quotient (IQ) scores more often than women, the pattern seems to be related to how masculine a person acts, and not just their assigned sex at birth.
https://futurism.com/neoscope/men-overestimate-intelligence?ref=thefuturist
Then they default to mansplaining one of the things that has peeved me all my life. Also kudos to Senator Booker. i can't watch hearings like this, but I did see a bit of his speech. And Senator Blackburn demonstrated once again how ignorant she is. I see also that the book that Cruz waved around is selling very well.
Actually, men think everything they have is "bigger".....
Ted Cruz, with a Revulsion Quotient of 160 and a moral I.Q. in the teens, surely views himself the other way around.
I live in Texas. I know there are enough morons in Texas to keep voting for this asinine jerk wad, who very clearly cares only about himself, not his constituents, election after election. Sad, but true. Now we are hoping against hope that democrat Beto O'Rourke can somehow pull off a monumental upset and defeat another Texas republican jerk wad, Greg Abbot, for governor of Texas.
GO BETO‼️
Today's hearings demonstrate that Democrats must get active to protect our democratic republic from the threat of White "Christian" Nationalism. Don't trust me read "The Flag + The Cross" by Phil Gorski & "American Fascists" by Chris Hedges. For extra credit, read "The Power Worshippers" by Katherine Stewart.
The unChristians get scarier by the day....
Sophia, we who are reading this newsletter and commenting here are more Christian than the self-identified hypocrites on that stage. Beauty of spirit and purity of character are the standard, certainly not racist abuse of a beautiful human being, a SC nominee. Judge Brown, Cory Booker, Dick Durbin are a few of the most beautiful and shining *Christians* in this public spectacle.
Creatures that shun the light. They are so afraid of her.
Yes
I doubt Blackburn knows the difference between the two documents. And consider what it says about the nation that Republicans like her created their abhorrent spectacle because it pleases their supporters back home.
Beautifully said Sophia!
Grateful to be pointed to Booker’s proud and joyful words— and so very good:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VjjvNLMyNS4
This is a Must Watch speech by Booker. A masterpiece.
I watched again and it was still just amazing to listen to the 2nd time! Thank you, Senator Booker! I hope that someday you become President of the USA!
When they go low, we go high.
We also hold all the good cards. Let's start playing them. (A few years back, after decades of voting Democratic, I finally registered as a Dem and got involved with my local Dem group. My rationale: While there are some mediocre Democrats, *all* the really stellar elected and appointed officials are Democrats. Frustrating as the Democratic Party can be, it's worth fighting for.)
Susanna, yes! Frustrating, but worth fighting for.
Yes. And we don’t even have to go there. We are already on higher moral ground.
OK, but isn't that a pretty low bar?
Senator Booker was great!
Yes, yes, yes.
Me too. I needed my tissues more than once. I was crying at the emotional support that Senator Booker showed for Judge Jackson and for the sadness I feel seeing the awful hatred and bigotry clearly expressed, and supported by, so many Republicans.
The thinking of these White, GOP, conservative evangelical men is best described in "Jesus & John Wayne", a timely book. It will be interesting to see how Tim Scott & the female GOP Senators vote on this confirmation. Do they have the courage to follow Christ (read "Christians Against Christianity", or choose to be political?
Yesterday was like a self-righteous sanctimony contest on who can be the most undignified...and I can't pick the worst--would you say it was Cruz's racist babies or Graham asking KJB where on a scale from 1-10 would she rate her faith. Sheesh....
It certainly seemed as if they were competing with each other to see which one of them could get her to devolve to Kavanaugh’s state of deplorability
Christy, I think you have something there....
Would Graham ever ask that question of Trump? The scale would have to include negative numbers.
Sophia, Blackburn was her usual worst. I wanted KBJ to ask her to define CRT for her, so she could respectfully answer the question. I don’t think Blackburn knows what CRT is! (She just feels like it’s bad for the ‘churrings’).
https://youtu.be/VjjvNLMyNS4
❤ !
Oh, MaryPat, you did it to me and for me. I could watch Cory Booker speak the best 20 minute affirmation I have ever witnessed, while refuting and revealing the Republicans for what they are. And my eyes got leaky all over again. Thank you for the link! Now everyone here can see it for themselves....
So glad! I cried all 5 times I watched it! Glory Be! Joy to Our World!
I could not watch more than a minute or two, it hurt to see such venom directed at an innocent. Sort of like I feel when some idiot accuses me of eating babies, maybe. We all need Cory on our side. I wish we had Al as well.
Jeri, yes, do you mean Franken? — Al knows what it feels like! And he never even faced a confirmation hearing to my knowledge....but he could really support and affirm people.
Me too. I'm with you, R Dooley. Thank you, Heather, for giving so much space to Cory Booker's beautiful words about Judge Katanji Brown Jackson. These words say so much about the differences between the lives of people of color and whites. Bravo Senator for showing us what joy looks like, brava Judge for being such an exemplary human being with a willingness to serve our country.
It was the joy moment.
Grabbed at my heart strings of uncontrollable joy...
it has been two very long years..
And it felt soooooooo very goooood!
Just for context, notice how much the quality of news has changed in just a few years. Only a few years ago, the interview with Mike Braun might’ve been overlooked, glossed over, or just plain dismissed. We have come a long way.
Braun is clearly advocating making interracial marriage illegal again, and advocating rolling back other rights, and that is exactly how it has been reported everywhere. Clear and clean. Transparent.
In addition, the damage control that his staff attempted afterwards is being condemned as exactly that: disingenuous bullshit.
The media’s quality of reporting, as often as it is terrible and flaky and misleading and alarmist and slanted to be clickworthy to promote sales, has also improved dramatically. They call a lie “a lie,” which they never ever did only a few years ago, until about the fourth year of the Trump administration. Now, due to George Floyd, the media and everyone else is immediately suspicious if a non-white person dies in police custody, an abuse being committed for generations with scant attention and with impunity. Incidents of civil rights violations and misogynistic/harassment misconduct make it into the news almost every day. I’ll never forget the Central Park story of the birdwatcher and the white bubblehead who refused to leash her dog to protect the birds. That story would never have been a headline only a few short years ago: it never would’ve made it past the police report.
We have to be grateful that our attention, and our ability to see the truth of social misconduct, is improving dramatically, and is being reported more consistently and more accurately.
I have been making this argument about voter suppression in particular, a subject that would never be on the front page of any news source even as recently as the Obama administration; but now, in every state, every little obscure law that suppresses the black vote or limits abortions or rolls back rights gains makes national headlines.
It’s getting harder and harder to get away with being racist and sexist and gender-identity-ist. That is one thing I love about 2022. If you indicate that you are taking society backwards, your shameful words will be thrown back in your face by millions of people, and often in minutes.
Sure, we can wring our hands about all the nasty racist and sexist people out there, but keep this in mind:
This information is coming out due to increased transparency. The transparency level is at an all-time high.
And for this I am deeply grateful. It’s harder to be a slime and keep it secret from the rest of us.
Roland, YES! Your words. This is the year: “That is one thing I love about 2022. If you indicate that you are taking society backwards, your shameful words will be thrown back in your face by millions of people, and often in minutes.”
Nothing like modern technology!!
Amen!
Roland, Though I mostly concur with your observations and, furthermore, grant that the coverage of voter suppression—my principal concern—is unprecedented, I would submit that the same cannot be said of the increasingly mounting and more egregious election subversion measures that are changing state election rules to change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified. Contrary to voter suppression measures wherein activists can help get people registered and can turbo-charge turnout initiatives, no amount of organizing can get us around measures that nullify votes. Though amplification of this factor is widespread among grassroots organizers, I rarely encounter it in the mainstream.
" I rarely encounter it in the mainstream." Barbara -Mainstream media confounds me.
Thank you for this perspective. We whine about various news outlets. But the truth is often uncovered and broadcast by hard working journalists. Blaming the "media" for everything is like blaming the air for being polluted. Good post!
We also need to remember that there is a huge decline in independent print newspapers and a huge monopoly in broadcast news (as different, in this case, from cable news outlets) as ownership of local stations is now distilled into (predominantly) conservative Sinclair stations.
Fight back--boycott TV (broadcast and cable) news and read independent writers like HCRs substance. Yes?
Intel on what the enemy is doing is always good to have. Intel and information are two different things...
Kim, Yes! There are several right here on Substack, and HCR is the best.
Yes. And this increased transparency is because more of us are paying attention and believing. WE are more engaged. It is the win/win for news organization we need to protect and tend to: They report more transparently, accurately, forthrightly and we reward them by paying attention and clicking, reading, sharing, debating, and acting upon the reporting.
PRECISELY
You nailed it, Michele. It’s not that the media is getting better, it’s that we are getting sharper.
Awareness is the key!
a lot of people are upset with the media because the wide range of opinions expressed are forcing them to think, something they have no inclination, no time, and no background to do. they are used to the old days, when it was all digested for you by the walter cronkites of the media. but the narratives then could be just as false as anything today. the lead up to the war in iraq is a good example. but you could go back much farther. how about to 1954? as a ten year old i watched a broadcast that showed the brave people of guatemala rising up against a dictator, jacobo arbenz. who knew that it was a fictional movie produced by the CIA? who knew it was the brainchild of the dulles brothers who as sec. of state and head of the CIA were just trying to make the world safe for united fruit, et. al.?
I personally ask myself if something feels "right" or not when ingesting media or social media. This is the awareness I'm talking about. It is like a muscle that needs to be used to strengthen it. If the information doesn't seem "true" to me, I don't let it become part of my reality - we all have a choice. I think more people are learning to use this type of discernment and that is what will move us forward instead of taking us back in time.
I'm looking for transparency from Alvin Bragg.
KellyR, Let’s hope there are journalists, whom we count on for reliable, necessary information to maintain our democratic republic, fully investigating the justification for not indicting.
Yes!
Wow, all I can see is the success of the traitors. May your version convince Manchin and pathetic Sinema that voting rights matter
Yup. That's what Corey Booker said: "This country is getting better and better." I want to believe that's possible. I'm grateful he said it and so have you, Roland.
I agree with Cory. I do believe that we, the observers and viewers, are getting better. My post is an homage to US. My words are in praise of *us.*
It wasn't until I started reading Heather, and listening to her on Now and Then, that I understood voter suppression, voter fraud, and election fraud.
Thank you Heather for feeding and freeing my mind.
YES
While I basically agree with what you say here, Roland, I am not at all willing to give the press a free pass. As Jennifer Rubin points out today whlie the rethuglicans on the Judiciary committee made fools of themselves, the press was not really truthful about how bad the hearings really were. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/23/ketanji-brown-jackson-confirmation-hearings-supreme-court-disgraceful-ted-cruz-josh-hawley/
Oh, goodness no, I’m not praising the media. “Flaky and terrible and . . . “ I’m crediting us. See Michele’s post.
Thank you, Roland! Your transparent post is indeed transparent!
Dear Lynell, you know as I, Roland is transparent, passionate goodness (I could go on). He is one of the greats here in LFAA classes, as are you.
Gosh, thanks, Ashley...and back at you!
Roland - good encouraging words. However - the press isn't going to stop state level Republican legislatures from continuing with the systematic destruction of voting rights, and naked gerrymandering. Nor will it ensure Trump sees the justice he is due. The media can huff and puff, but it apparently isn't going to blow the house down. Republicans, apparently, are impervious to being called out for the bigots and liars they are. They all but admit that is what they are. I will get on board with your assessment when I see a gigantic repudiation of the Republican agenda this coming election, and the one after it. It has to be eradicated plain and simple.
From your lips . . .
This. Roland, this.
Thanks for the uplift Roland.
Thank you for pointing this out so clearly. It is still easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of the outright ugliness and lies we hear so openly expressed. I hadn't looked at the flip side of the phenomena, that as you so rightly say, it is a good thing that these statements are being labeled in the press for what they are, rather than being the status quo. Thank you!
Thank you Vickie 🙏
We have to be constantly vigilant in giving ourselves love, because discouragement, overwhelm and despair are the natural consequence of a pure heart being exposed to hatred. But it helps remedy the pain to know that good is triumphing.
Yep. Agree, Roland. Beautiful post.
🙏
Thanks, Roland, While it is largely true what you wrote, but must remember that even though that news has improved, and is distributed in print, on the air of TV and radio, and the internet, more people, particularly white men, must read, hear, and discuss it. Man of my friends, who nearly all vote for Democrats in elections, don't do any of those things. Change is very difficult for many. In a song by Bob Dylan, he wrote "Time passes slowly out here in the country." And I say that is true of change. So many never get off their asses to make such changes happen. But it is good to see it moving more quickly.
A point many missed: Durbin and the other D's on the committee didn't "let the Republicans beat up the nominee." Yeah, that was what happened, but what the public saw was the Republiscum being Republiscum, and doing themselves no favors being the racist asswipes they are. They might get on Hannity, but they've provided lots of footage for attack ads this fall to remind people how awful they are.
Something missed in the news is that the Ukrainian Army has gone over to the counter-offensive around Kyiv. To the east, they pushed the Russians back 20 miles, so they are now 35 miles from the city and out of artillery range. The Russians to the west dug in, but the Ukrainians are coming around them and have cut them off from further supplies and reinforcement. The Russian army is demonstrating its complete incompetence.
Once again, as in every contest with the West over the past 500 years, Russia's goals exceed its capabilities.
Speaking of Russia and Ukraine, Madeleine Albright's passing and her brilliant op Ed in the NY Times just shines through. We have lost another incredible woman, but she has left us an incredible legacy -- her words.
Here are her impressions upon having met Putin for the first time:
"Whereas Mr. Yeltsin had cajoled, blustered and flattered, Mr. Putin spoke unemotionally and without notes about his determination to resurrect Russia’s economy and quash Chechen rebels. Flying home, I recorded my impressions. 'Putin is small and pale,' I wrote, 'so cold as to be almost reptilian.' He claimed to understand why the Berlin Wall had to fall but had not expected the whole Soviet Union to collapse. 'Putin is embarrassed by what happened to his country and determined to restore its greatness.'”
Ahhh, Madame Albright. What a woman. Her work and legacy remain an important guidepost for Democracy.
(Morning dear Rowshan!)
Good morning, Christine. This may give you a laugh: My eyes, a little blurry in the early morning, have been seeing your image to the left of your name as the outline of a wise owl with wings spread. Finally(!), I see it's two giraffes nose to nose. I'll add that to my warm thought about you, and will keep the wise owl impression too.
❤️🦉❤️ 🦒💓
I thought it was a penguin! 😂😂😂😂😂
That is hilarious! I see that also, now. Love you girls!
I did too😐
I love perspective. Such a gift for humans. Even more is appreciating perspective. I see the owl! Never have before. Thank you Mary B!
Good morning to you, dear Christine!
Morning, Rowshan! Perhaps not as famous, Thomas Bowers (1823-1885) used his operatic voice to broaden the public's perception about the accomplishments of his fellow Americans:
"Bowers found the stage an ideal platform from which to espouse his opposition to racial inequality. He was purportedly reluctant to launch a public singing career until he realised: 'What induced me more than any thing else to appear in public was to give the lie to 'negro serenaders' (minstrels), and to show to the world that coloured men and women could sing classical music as well as the members of the other race by whom they had been so terribly vilified'.[10] He became famous for refusing to perform before segregated or white-only audiences.[7][9] For an 1855 performance in Hamilton, Ontario, where the theatre manager refused to seat six black patrons who had purchased reserved first-class seats, Bowers refused to perform.[1][2][7]
Trotter writes: 'Mr. Bowers, during his career, has sung in most of the Eastern and Middle States; and at one time he even invaded the slavery−cursed regions of Maryland. He sang in Baltimore, the papers of which city were forced to accord to him high merit as a vocalist.'[5]
Bowers also appeared at benefit concerts to raise funds for the recruitment of black soldiers to the Union Army training camp at Camp William Penn."[11]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Bowers_(singer)
Morning, Lynell! And thank you for introducing me to Thomas Bowers!
Morning, Lynell. I had heard of Thomas Bowers on our local classical radio station; wish there was a good recording of him singing. I can only imagine.
Morning, Ally!! I had not heard of Thomas Bowers, but truth be told, I was led to him through an episode in Bonanza (of all shows!) that highlighted an opera singer who accepts an invitation to sing in Virginia City but upon his arrival, the people discover he is not white, so shun him... Fast forward: he ends up singing. The actor was William Marshall. Not sure whose voice it was that actually sung, but I assumed it was Bowers'. Anyway, I don't follow opera, but the singing voice on the show was awesome, so I went hunting on Google and found Thomas Bowers.
Can't find a recording of him singing either, nor a recording of the episode that may be portraying him.
Amazing synchronicity: I turned on the tv yesterday afternoon and saw the final 15 minutes of this episode of Bonanza (April 26, 1964, "Enter Thomas Bowers"). The bio of William Marshall says that he "trained in Grand Opera, Broadway and Shakespeare" so it was undoubtedly he who sang in the episode. Note that Bowers died in 1885 so there wouldn't be any recordings of him singing.
Ahh, amazing, indeed, Judith! I have to admit I usually have my TV on mute so I can work on my computer, but when I looked up to watch, I just had to tune in. Thanks for the info about William Marshall. And, yes, 1885 would not have seen any recordings of Mr. Bowers!
Good morning Lynell and Ally--I don't know if you will see what I replied to TC above, but please check out MeidasTouch from 3-22. What an excellent ad!! Here's a link but not sure it will work, tech isn't in my skills.
https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch
Got it, Miselle! Thanks. Sorry it took so long, but took some time out and have just gotten back to seeing my emails. The ad from Meidas is awesome!
Rowshan, your post is (as always) a blessing to the rest of us (and, as an atheist, I don't use that b-word very often!!). As I read Albright's description, I thought this: Oh! That's who Ralph Fiennes was using as his model for Voldemort! It fits perfectly. Even the makeup. I mourn Madame Secretary's passing--she was quite an interesting woman.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Linda! And yes to Ralph Fiennes and Voldemort!
Rowshan, thank you for the quote from Madeline Albright. I have been trying for several days to find an adjective to describe Hawley - both his appearance and his behavior. When I read the word “reptilian “I knew I had found it. Cold — in speech and looks and ready to strike. (With apologies to actual reptiles.)
He can join Senator Cottonmouth.
Michele, the one who needed to wet his whistle as he spoke? If he hadn’t spent his entire time praising himself, he might not have needed to.
😂😂😂😂
We have lost a remarkable woman in ms. Albright. I cried when I heard Cory Booker’s speech, but I also cried when I heard we lost this pioneering diplomat. We are living through difficult times!
Slam dunk, Madeleine
Chilling.
She was a real pioneer.
What bothers me is they didn't just get on Hannity. They got the lead on all the networks. The negative story wins every time with today's media -- liberal or conservative -- and the positive story gets short drift. What happened to the philosophy of balanced reporting? Yes, our brains are wired to pay attention to the negative which is a short-term survival mechanism. What the media and most politicians is that in the long run the hopeful, positive message wins.
“They got the lead on all the networks.” Including The News Hour on PBS. No mention of Senator Whitehouse’ explanation of the dark money used to purchase recent seats on the court.
Janet-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
Barbara, thank you for the link. After watching the first 2 I am trying to catch my breath. So much for PBS. The most revealing part of their News Hour may be in the list of their so-called contributors, better described as sponsors. Greed a most powerful and ultimately self-destructive human attribute, isn’t it? (Edited after watching the first two parts of Sen. Whitehouse’s speech.)
Ammanpour has some great interviews on PBS. She had Dimitri Pestrov last nite and it was astonishing to hear the lies and propaganda straight from his mouth. I thought that this is what ordinary Russian citizens are hearing everyday.
Should be a lead on MSM. Have to watch BBC these days
Thanks, Barbara. I could listen to Senator Whitehouse every day, all day long and, like HCR, twice on Sundays!
I did see Senator Whitehouse's explanation of dark money yesterday on MSNBC/The ReidOut (4 pm PDT). https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/sen-whitehouse-speaks-about-dark-money-at-ketanji-brown-jackson-s-supreme-court-hearing-136040005543
When corporations have no leash, money making prevails; not integrity, not professional ethics, not for the public good, not for democracy. No surprise, this.
How free is the press when scandal sells?
Yes, the over-educated, under-intelligent, otherwise-unemployables of the Press Corpse are the worst problem after the problem of the Republicans.
Perhaps, asking ourselves what do they have in common? Whose tune are both marching to? Will root out the originating impulse.
Now, the MSM just reports on what Fox says, the reason for my pessimism. Never thought I would live to see that.
Yes, Jeri. It just irks me to no end!
sic verum est!
Worse is MSM have trained the public attention to the negative. Perfect storm.
Well, what did Durbin do to stop the badgering, belittling, and disrespecting of the nominee? He let Graham rant for 10 minutes beyond his allotted time. I thought the Democrats replaced Feinstein because she wasn't a strong chair. Who should replace Durbin? whom I actually like, but he needed to wield a sledge hammer. So the Democrats should let certain wannabe Republicans beat up on a supremely qualified candidate for SCOTUS so that they can get campaign footage of their awfulness?
As I understand it, Durbin did this on purpose to show the public the horrid antics Repubs go to with getting their messages across. It was Sen. Leahy who had had enough of the BS and called them out.
That was also Claire McCaskill’s assessment.
Yeah, I heard her say that. Possibly she was right; possibly she was sticking up for a former colleague.
Yes, that's what some people were speculating; but, as I said, was it worth it to allow Judge Jackson to have to endure all that? To them, maybe; but to her?
The public display by the gnarling drooling lions showed their cubs just how horrifying they are! Their hoods were lifted from their heads. On behalf of Judge Jackson and all of the black and brown people, we must stomp them out of Congress and send them packing.
Good point!
Agree! Hard to walk that much disingenuousness back when the face is slapped so soundly.
Pearl, That footage will work both ways. The Lincoln Project will make sure of it, among many others....
It takes republicans to call Schitt what it is. Shame on Dems and I’ve been one longer than many have been alive.
I was embarrassed to tears
Tanya just had lunch with a friend from Zhovti Vody on her way home after 10 years in Moscow. Two days on train in a big circle to get to Warsaw. Border closed to Russians but Ukrainians allowed to leave. Moscow in a panic as there are no dollars. Everyone is terrified of saying anything and deleting everything from their phones which are subject to seizure and search. 1938 all over again
Allen, I'm glad Tanya was able to see her friend but sorry it was under such horrifying circumstances. Please keep safe. Keeping you & yours in my heart.🌻🌷
I am so excited about you and dear Tanya getting to Canada. There are so many of us standing by ready to help with whatever you need.
Slavi Ukraini! 🇺🇸🇺🇦 ☮️
Allen❣️❣️
TC, it is such a pity that you have ruined a truly excellent comment with a silly peroration.
Just think back for a start to the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Red Army, Russians, Ukrainians, all the rest...
Or to Peter I's defeat of that great warrior Charles XII of Sweden.
Nothing, nothing can change or excuse the disaster Putin has visited on his own country, on Ukraine, on the world.
But this kind of comment won't help anyone.
The point of the matter is that Russians get very frustrated with the fact that they have not had the ability to achieve their highest dreams. The defeat of Nazi Germany led to the Cold War, where they were out-done. Peter the Great's victory was not followed up with his achievement of domination of eastern Europe. We won't even go into the Russo-Japanese war, which led to the 1905 Revolution that failed, which led to the 1917 revolution that sold out all the hopes of those who fought in it.
Basically, they do OK with short-term victories - Peter the Great over Sweden, Alexander I over Napoleon, Stalin over Hitler, but achieving the long-term goals that come from those events, they have yet to ever "make the jump."
Key problem here:
What you write feels too much like a negative variation on the wretched Herrenvolk/Exceptionalism nonsense... which has unquestionably been pursued with single-minded zeal by powerful forces in America. And, unfortunately, much imitated...
(But I'm not going to fall into the trap of writing "America".)
You speak of aims and goals where I tend to see outsize aimlessness and floundering incompetence.
Some countries may be caught between too-big-to-fail and too-big-to-succeed and always struggling to resolve that dangerous tension.
In any case, if we all survive today's madness, the world will need to band together to help Ukraine recover. And Russians are going to need help in effecting an even greater renewal, one that can outlast several generations.
Like all the rest of us, only the problems may be even greater.
Very big countries can easily succumb to correspondingly great inner tensions and contradictions and compensate by becoming planetary parasites.
Think... Brazil, threatening humanity's survival... and no one even notices...
Go on, and if we are all in conversation here, it is because we know too well the crisis America is now traversing... and can sometimes catch a glimpse of the vast implications of that crisis.
If Americans lack the guts and good sense to deal directly with Donald Trump and associates-in-crime, heaven help us all. Yet, that too will only be the beginning of a very long journey.
Peter, these are truths we cannot ignore.
"if we all survive today's madness, the world will need to band together to help Ukraine recover. And Russians are going to need help in effecting an even greater renewal, one that can outlast several generations."
Living hand to mouth in the name of "Democracy" will curdle the idea in the hearts and minds of those living it in a nanosecond. We did not do enough to support democracy in the former Soviet bloc when doing so would have made a world of difference in both the sort and long term.
"Think... Brazil, threatening humanity's survival... and no one even notices..."
Yes, and it's because those in peril are "non-white".
"If Americans lack the guts and good sense to deal directly with Donald Trump and associates-in-crime, heaven help us all. Yet, that too will only be the beginning of a very long journey."
And we have wasted 5+ years already getting to the bottom of his and his associates' thuggery.
Sigh. Sleep well.
Thanks.
But when I said "the beginning of a very long journey" I was assuming that America WILL grasp the nettle and set out on that long uphill trek.
Failure to act could mean a swift downhill movement...
That is what we are working for Peter, taking the reins and driving uphill together.
Putin's actions are a pure unadulterated abomination. The USA's engineering via NATO to bait Putin's pride and insecurity has worked like an evil charm. It's but a cunning effort ultimately to de-potentiate China with her Belt and Road Initiative. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.".And as for USA's self righteousness in damning Putin for war crimes, "let he without sin cast the first stone." Incredible, really. How many countries have we unilaterally invaded? bombed its citizens? its hospitals? engineered coups of democratically elected leaders? starved and worsened the health of their citizenry through sanctions? How about Cheney, Bush, Petreus," War crimes architects? Please see Chris Hedges "The Lie of American Innocence: Our hypocrisy on War Crimes Makes a Rules-Based World, One That Abides by International Law, Impossible." in PopularResistance.org, March 22, 2022. History is evidence.
Selina - you wrote "...as for USA's self righteousness in damning Putin for war crimes, "let he without sin cast the first stone." Are you implying that because the U.S. has behaved badly in the past, we should not take part in opposing Putin's invasion of Ukraine? That's how your and others' persistent reminders of past U.S. failures come across. I think everyone here is more than aware of those failures but constantly harping on them implies, each time, that the U.S. has no role in doing it right in the context of Ukraine and Putin because we did wrong so many times in the past.
Certainly, the US can bear witness. But the split between reality and vaunted innocent exceptionality works like cancer to rot the moral fabric of the nation both inwardly within its own borders and outwardly - as Hedges' essay points out."The Lie of American Innocence: Our hypocrisy on War Crimes Makes a Rules-Based World, One That Abides by International Law, Impossible.” History is evidence. If the US were more realistic about itself, and realized the blood on its soul, and did penance, do you think we'd be flooding the country with weapons or peace makers? Interesting, your irritation and that of another upon being reminded, as though it's something that shouldn't be talked about, especially when we're engaged again sending billions over there (in weapons, etc) while at home Build Back Better gets shredded, and the larger population isn't on the streets demanding our brothers and sisters be free of voter restrictions. Do you think that the absence of reckoning of our own war criminality has any impact on the civic, moral and spiritual health of the citizenry?
Good sense is crucial now as we seek to serve the Ukrainian people and stop Putin. Thank you, Judith. Many of us remember trying to stop the USA from waring against Vietnam and continuing to devastate the country. The Philippines, Iran, Chile, Nicaragua, Iraq...need I go on? We always have a lot of work to do.
Truths here but doesn’t negate TCs comment.
No, but I learned a heck of a lot just now between the two of them. Fascinating conversation.
❤️
In case you didn't notice, I wasn't writing about any of this. so don't argue apples and oranges with me, please. I do have other things to do with my life than hang out here with people who really need to reconsider their decision not to take that remedial class in reading comprehension.
Sorry TC, were you talking to me?
If that should be the case, I've not understood a word of what you've just written.
And if it is not the case, I'm no wiser... and somehow doubt that anyone else will be able to interpret what you've just written.
Let's take a break... a breath of air... and chill out a while. It usually helps.
P.S. If it's Selina you were addressing, she makes some valid points but is unquestionably overheating. We're so fortunate not to have bombs and shells exploding all around us, but it is very painful for me, for you, for most of us, being powerless to prevent this happening in Ukraine. For my part, I feel I could do with an ice pack on my head...
I'll just round off by repeating how much I appreciated your comment this morning -- apart from that last short paragraph.
"Unquestionably overheating" - as in?
Wow! Have you been taking poison dart lessons from the fading Brigette Bardot Babe Senator Blackburn?
It is a gift of learning to read your exchange with TC, most deeply engaged in history and the needs of humanity. Thank you both.
Agree.
And why? Because their land mass is large but not rich enough to sustain the population that they have endeavored to control. My last visit to Russia a few years ago was as depressing as my first. They will never, ever make the jump.
Quite rich enough, but all wealth stolen by dog-in-the-manger rulers, bandits in uniform, oligarchs.
The oligarchic stranglehold was not that different in Ukraine, but now the people have risen, led by the president... who was struggling to withstand the power of the country's plutocrats... until Putin struck.
Navalny has pointed out that corruption threatens us all. Heaven help us if we can't see that now, and act on it!
You are right, I stand corrected.
The wealth was stolen by those you mentioned, in Russia, Ukraine and around the world. Navalny is spot on, the corruption threatens us all.
Thanks, Daria, but take a look at the MSNBC interview of Boris Yeltsin's Foreign Minister Kozyrev.
Apart from a damning commentary on what's been done to the Russian economy, he said it would be easier to overthrow Putin than to tell him truths he doesn't want to hear.
I think the problem is the Russian attitude: always struggling to survive in a hostile, autocratic environment, as stoics. What did Maslow say, that we can't self-actualize, become creative, if our basic needs aren't met?
I can't help but think that if the US or some other Western, innovative country had happened by chance to be centered on Russian land, that they would have figured out to make the country and land prosperous.
I believe you're probably right. Russian leaders have never done right by their people not for centuries. They wouldn't know how.
The discourse between you and Peter is a great benefit to LFAA's subscribers. May there be more of them.
👍🏼
I don't see the problem. This was tame TC--no F words, no wishes for how someone should die.
True, but honest to God, isn't there something a little better than the word a##wipe out there? Are we in freaking junior high or what?
Daria - you seem to be having a bad-hair day, and guess what, with the current craziness, anyone aware is also having a continuous bad-hair day.
Sigh, maybe so, Hugh. I am just sick to death of it all.
I always have a bad hair day. It's red, with a lot of grey, very long and thick, frizzy and totally out of control.
Ah, but you do have it. Some of these guys do not. 😚
Dear Daria,
Sounds delightful to me, I’m a tad jealous. My long-red mane of bygone days is now thin and strawberry blonde. Here’s to redhead powers!
Mérida’s humidity could be partly responsible ;-)
I've been having a bad hair day since about February 24.
Yep, the frazzled cat here…
Thank you, Peter. I'm so tired of wading through coarse slop when the writer is perfectly able to articulate themselves eloquently.
I don't really think that we should get too precious about language use. Sometimes strong language is the most appropriate way to express strong emotions.
I respect your opinion but disagree. We are not on Facebook, Twitter or sitting in a bar or someone's livingroom. We are on a platform hosted by an academic historian who is always circumspect in her expression and language choices.
I have to say that I agree with both of you, strong language does express strong emotions and we should try to be respectful of this invaluable forum and it’s participants, I guess as they say 2 opposing things can be true at the same time. 🙏
True and true.
Yes.<
Peroration? Do not agree. I tuned in earlier to reporting and heard the latest on the Ukrainian offensive which has put them out of artillery range from the east. Readers will appreciate the update. Especially on eve of President Biden meeting with world leaders.
His take on Republicans mirrors the harshness that many express on this forum.
I do not see the problem you suggest.
Hat tip to being able to argue about "peroration."
❤️
Christine, it’s my understanding Peter is making reference to TC’s last sentence lumping 5 centuries of Russian history into one basket. TC’s response seems to indicate he understood that perfectly, however, I don’t see where others have. Much of this conversation is a reach for me, so I could well be mistaken, but offering my 2cents.
I disagree. TC is pointing out a fine example of grace and courage under fire that should be an inspiration to us all.
Talia, I pretty sure that TC has understood me far better than you have.
You seem not to have noticed that I found his comment excellent, only it ended with a shot in the foot.
Reminds me of the French spokesman who made an excellent case for his government and closed his argument with the words:
"And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the truth!"
(Pause)
"The French truth!"
After which the speaker's face fell when he realized what he had just gone and said...
Not so sure you can be pretty sure about what or who TC understands. You did a shot in the foot with your opening comment.
Christine, you have often given me the feeling that I've gotten on your nerves and produced an emotional reaction, but so often you do nothing to help me understand what you're going on about. Please state your objections clearly so that I can understand!!!
Honestly, I don't get it.
Slow your roll, Peter. I felt you dismissed Talia and her comment.
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
The battle of Poltava was lost mostly from Swedish incompetence and incapability. The Swedish king was wounded before the start. Russia had field artillery that Sweden left at the base camp. The Swedes actually captured some artillery, that they destroyed instead of turning it against the Russians. - Otherwise I agree with your comment.
Thanks for the clarification. It has been a very long time since I read up this campaign... but I doubt if many Americans know that Sweden was for a time a great military power.
Certainly was!
always love your take on everything. My Q is, will the Dems use their stockpile of ammo, or will they say (again) “we want to be positive and tout our accomplishments” while repubs label EVERY action socialism, as they have done way before HST said this. “Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.”
The sad part to me is that the Dems shouldn’t need to “use” anything. That is the ploy of propagandists. If the media would present the simple facts of the matter that alone should be plain enough for good people everywhere. I guess an important question is; are there still good people everywhere? It’s just really difficult for me to comprehend that over 70 million voted for that lying, criminal, “pussy grabber” to rule over us after 4 years of watching him deconstruct our democracy. I don’t believe that “fact” is comprehensible.
Hey, as the old saying goes, "Even a blind pig occasionally finds a truffle." One hopes the D's will get their comms act together.
Interesting how perception can differ. I was troubled by what I saw and heard to be the Democrats spinelessness in stepping in to vividly counter the vile Republican innuendo and distortions to smear Jackson Brown. Durbin's pale enumeration of the Republicans' lies, held not one whit of energy matching that of the lying bullies. Booker's recognition and personal appreciation of the magnitude of her accomplishments and dignity displayed in response to these shallow louts (Ms. Blackburn included) impressed by its authentic emotionality and intellectual honesty. As for the other Democrats? Weak sisters in the Dept of Competing Wits and Wills. Kind of a joke were it not so destructive - the purported faux alarm by the Republicans of Jackson Brown resorting to judicial activism when the current Court's majority has been steam rolling right along doing just that. Did a single Democrat mention that?
Morning Selina. Sen Klobuchar did. No coverage of her remarks on mainstream. Only the nitwits.
Christine....there's the rub. MSM just can't give the whole picture. Selling news is more important than reporting the news.
Madeleine Albright's obituary touched me deeply.
TC, if you need to be coarse why not do it on your own Substack? Why are you hell bent on using coarse language on this platform? You are well educated, well read, well written, and well spoken yet you insist on sinking to the lowest depths possible to express yourself. Why here and not your own Substack?
Morning Daria! Curious as to what you thought of Sen Ben Sasse using term “jackassery” from the dias to describe his colleagues’ behavior.
Good morning, Christine. I think the use of jackassery from the bench is just fine. Is this a hypocrisy test, where do I draw the line kind of thing? Peace.
No test. I totally agree about “jackassery”. I really laughed when I heard him say it. I’ve never heard it used before.
Thanks, Christine. I was afraid I'd pissed you off.
Christine, additional thoughts on the use of jackassery by Ben Sasse. Jackassery describes behavior. Calling someone a jack ass, ##wipe or fu##wit, etc., is name calling. To me there is a distinction. I don't mean to imply that I haven't resorted to name calling, I have. But I'm usually not too proud of myself afterwards.
Hope your day is going well.
Doesn't "jackass" just mean "donkey"? a male donkey? As such, it was an excellent word to use, belittling but not obscene.
Yes. Their blathering after awhile sounded like “heeee-HAW!
Honestly, they are disgraceful. If I were able I would scream at them in absolute rage.
Yes. That's what it means. And a female is a Jenny. I agree, it is an excellent word.
Whaaat? a Jenny??? I’ve never heard that either. That is excellent.
The news is that there is blaming going on in Russian military. I read that a general said he was against the war yesterday. It was said that sanctions would take at least a month to have effect. Well they seem to be having it. I saw women fighting over bags of sugar in video in Washington Post in a Russian store yesterday. I believe that at least some of them were around back in 1990s when they were used to lining up for rationed items. It is said that the food supplies for the Russian army are really low. I have read about 3 days. Also, that the reason that so many generals are getting killed is because they are forced to be on the front lines to model being engaged for the soldiers whose moral is so low. So, I think these messages are getting through. Also, Chechen soldiers were getting killed off easily because they are all attached to their cell phones. As of yet Odessa, the path to the sea has not yet been hit with heavy bombing.
Your comments about the Ukrainian army's advances bring hope. Where did you hear that?
It's in all the major print and TV outlets. Don't know how much permanent hope it brings, but it's something! The plucky Ukrainians. But they need more help.
Here are links to some of the articles I am referring to.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/world/europe/putin-russia-military-planning.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/23/were-going-back-to-a-ussr-long-queues-return-for-russian-shoppers-as-sanctions-bite?utm_term=623b12ce3638d5b
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/putin-dictator-trap-russia-ukraine/627064/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/24/what-role-is-chechnyas-ramzan-kadyrov-playing-in-ukraine
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/ukraine-is-winning-war-russia/627121/
Thank you! I will check them out.
Boris Johnson says he doesn't believe that Russia wants peace. And he's right. When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries.
I was looking through the November 2021 issue of the Weekly Guardian, and came across an article about Belarus pushing Syrian refugees over the border into Poland. Note that Belarus wasn't pushing refugees into Ukraine. The intent was to destabilize the EU. Putin's intent in Syria also was to destabilize Europe. Plus it was a playground to try out weapons, and destruction is just plain fun for Putin.
We need to listen to Boris Johnson on this: Putin wants to Groznify Ukraine. The only way to prevent this is by wiping out Putin's weapons and jets, as this is the only way to promote peace. Sanctions won't make a difference. They haven't made a difference. We need to do more before Ukraine is Groznified.
As opposed to invading Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos . . . ? Did we want to Americanize these countries? Maybe not; maybe just democratize them.
Boris Johnson is seldom right, but he is most probably right on Russia's not wanting peace. Well Russia may; Putin, not.
I haven't given up on sanctions. And I haven't given up on wishing that we would allow Poland to supply Ukraine with fighter jets in turn from some from us.
"Boris Johnson says he doesn't believe that Russia wants peace. And he's right. When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries."
1. "Boris Johnson says." I'm afraid that is not the way to open a comment I can read without such a large pinch of salt that I risk spilling the salt cellar... It provokes in me the same kind of attitude as "Donald Trump says".
2. "He doesn't believe." The weathervane believes in whatever way the wind is blowing at any given moment. On this basis, the weathervane believes in itself. The BoJo appears to believe in himself alone, but I'd not be too sure of that, any more than I'd believe in the bluster of the "very stable genius". It all feels too much like a cover-up, another grand compensation for the nagging sense that there's no one at home. I just hope I'm exaggerating in my unkind skepticism and he's not as empty as that...
3. "When has Russia ever wanted peace? It has a long history of invading other countries, starting wars in other countries." Just try replacing "Russia" by "the US". Pearl McElheran and Selina Sweet make the same point, yet say little about America's backyard, the original Monroe Doctrine territory, before the doctrine went global... Great interventions, as in Grenada... (I was in Panama City shortly after the US "took out" Noriega, blasting the unfortunate slum dwellers who surrounded his lair. Locals were remarkably warm and hospitable, not confusing gringos with governments...)
Empire strives to imitate empire. The very aim of establishing global hegemony has spawned rivals and imitators. everywhere. An overstretching, overweening ambition.
One aspect of imperial appetite involves interfering with others and preventing them from following their natural development. We see this in families, when sibling bullies sibling... We are seeing it now in Putin's monomaniac rage. We have seen it so very often in the history of the world, but now it is more dangerous than at Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese military regime tried to break the American naval obstacle to the spread of their empire throughout Asia... More dangerous even than China's gradual encroachment, that great game of Go...
I am not at ease with all our projections onto blank or near blank screens. We need to be more detached, more skeptical, paying more attention to our own direct perceptions, our innermost thoughts, and less to every scrap we read... or every word uttered by mountebanks.
I'm not going to spend much time addressing this other than to say that your logic doesn't follow. According to you, if an individual does something stupid, then anything he says or does subsequently should be dismissed. That's faulty logic.
According to your logic, it is fine that Russia invades Ukraine, targets its civilians, maternity hospitals, destroys buildings, because the US may have invaded some country (without targeting civilians, maternity hospitals, etc.). Your logic says: If he does it, I can do it. Ukrainians have no rights, right? Ukraine isn't sovereign, is it - according to your thinking.
Finally, the US has never gone into a country with the intent to level it to the ground; targeting maternity hospitals, other health care facilities, nursery schools, buildings clearly indicating that children are taking refuge there, homes; deported, murdered and executed denizens and imported Americans to thin out the sovereign country's population.
I can't help but think that you are a Russian operative. Your thinking is aligned with them. Either you're a Russian operative, or just haven't thought things through well enough.
Yes, your misplaced accusations disturbed my equanimity and caused me to over-react, so I do apologize unreservedly for any aspersions on your motives.
If, however, you had taken in even my most recent comments, even more so if you had followed my comments over a period of time (you seem to be a newcomer) you'd know of my deeply rooted objection to any and every country, people or culture claiming “exceptional” status—especially when such “exceptionalism” is practiced by the most powerful country in the world and consequently the bearer of the greatest responsibility.
You'd be well aware of my views on racism in general and on ingrained racism in America—I’ve seen too much of it and even suffered from its indirect effects.
I was a child in South Africa when the Apartheid regime came to power…
You’d know of my conviction that one “Herrenvolk” spawns imitators, typically with far more ancient credentials, e.g. India, Iran, China. Imitators and nasty caricatures. But what can have made you think that I approve of such doings?
You'd know my very European views about the omnipresence of American “soft culture”, about the damage to the world resulting from Reaganomics, about tub-thumping US nationalism, about the Pentagon's addiction to war and the hardware of war, about the catastrophic and deeply counterproductive effects both direct and indirect of military adventurism, as in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan.
Likewise, I don’t think I have written of this, but I am painfully aware of the US military’s horrible, albeit less direct, influence in Central and South America and of clumsy, failed policies in Africa—look at Madeleine Albright's totally honest mea culpa for failure to act to prevent the Rwanda genocide.
Nor have I hidden my, again typically European scorn for and horror at America's gun culture and the cult of violence. Ditto, detestation for oligarchy and for societies in which money is the sole value—as in Russia today—especially when hidden behind a screen of fake Christianity.
You'd know that I do not share the typical left-wing anti-Americanism that is so widespread in Europe; rather, I was influenced by the critical attitude of my very conservative father and others of his generation. At the same time, I had always admired America as the Realm of the Possible. And although I am one of the rare people I know who expected the election of Donald Trump, I had never thought of “the possible” in terms so far below what I had always taken to be the country’s lowest common denominator. A cheap charlatan, a died-in-the-wool criminal, a racist and spreader of division in the White House, setting American against American and subverting the country’s institutions and its most basic values. I am deeply suspicious of his relationship with Vladimir Putin, with whom he has too much in common.
As for my own country, the Boris Johnson of whom I spoke is the British Prime Minister, our Trump-lite, narcissistic natural showman, serial liar with no beliefs or convictions other than his own superiority, irresponsible to the point of placing his own career ambitions above the fate of his own country, divisive, contributing to the break-up of the United Kingdom, careless even of the lives of others, slapdash and incompetent. And, while America’s Constitution has been reduced to a table of stone that is worshipped but flouted, Britain’s today may be likened to a runaway Camembert cheese.
Finally, when I complain of the dreadful effects of George W. Bush’s Second Gulf War, it is because I am a European and as such, I and fellow Europeans have to live with the spillover of chaos and Islamist violence to which it and America’s unhealthy influence on the Middle East have given rise. We live next door, Americans are insulated from our painful reality by two great oceans…
In my own city, Nice, this reality took the form of mass murder. The murder of children and families. Something that would not have happened if it had not been for that botched, immensely destructive and totally gratuitous war. As for my attitude to war, I am 82, I was born one month into the Second World War and saw enough of it to be marked for life. I was in London on the night when the first V1 rockets fell… What is more, I know Germany very well, and the horror of what was unleashed on it. I have deliberately spent much time in that country where I have very close friends. And when it comes to Russia and Ukraine, all the Russians I know are furious with Putin and the regime and deeply ashamed, while—thank goodness—our dear Ukrainian friends have been able to leave the country and are in touch with us daily.
One final note: you write more than once of “prosperity”. Since childhood, I have been a natural skeptic, questioning, questioning, and failing to understand stock answers or inculcated beliefs. I confess that I am not impressed by so much of the “prosperity” I have seen. I am too aware of the costs that go with it, the damage to society and the natural environment, the demise of the citizen, replaced by the “consumer”, contentment unattainable, dissatisfaction guaranteed. “Man shall not live by bread alone.”
This week, I looked at a Google map—aerial photo—of the little English town where my father was born. Originally a Roman castra, a military settlement, an outpost of civilization. Now, a piece of unspeakably, pointlessly brutal ugliness. One that reminded me of the endless sheds, horizon to horizon, under the flight path as the aircraft on which I was flying descended to Dallas-Fort Worth. Did we survive the Nazi onslaught for THIS?
I have seen the present, and it doesn’t work.
If we meet together here, day after day, it is out of a desire to make our present work and to offer a better future to our children and to the unborn.
It does look as though your misplaced accusations have caused me to over-react, and I apologize unreservedly for any aspersions on your motives.
I'm afraid you've jumped to very false conclusions and trust that you too will see this.
I'm writing a detailed rejoinder which I've not quite completed -- it is past my bedtime in Europe, and I am not a young man. Meanwhile, if you take a look at my previous comments over the past year, you may well find cause to disapprove of this or that, but you'll surely come to understand how deeply you've misunderstood and maligned both me and my point of view.
I look forward to more friendly and positive exchanges in future.
I shall have to spend longer on this, but I must confess I had already been troubled enough by signs of faulty thinking on your part to wonder about your motivation, and more.
I wondered if SF stood for Finland and, if so, why you knew and apparently understood so little about the dangerous neighbor. Your last sentences... I shall be open... I had asked myself if YOU were looking for trouble here.
I'd be glad if you could clarify your message point by point so that I can understand it, because I don't even begin to. If you are right about anything, I'll concede. Or perhaps I have expressed myself badly.
I'd be grateful, too, if other readers could weigh in by examining our respective comments critically and offering advice.
Finally, it isn't the first time I've been accused of being "a Russian operative" here... because I wanted to hear out a contributor whom others regarded as a troll.
I think that this community knows me well enough by now, and that people know that even if I should say something stupid, my motivation is sound.
So, please help us all by clarifying, as I cannot make sense of what you have just written.
Thanks for this. Is it true that there has actually been a bit of rebellion among the Russian troops? We know they are unprepared, but I also hear there is extreme frustration due to hunger and frostbite. Your thoughts?
I don't know if y'all saw this in the WaPo from Tuesday (forgive me that I can't post it as a gift article...not savvy enough to figure that out with my PC)...a piece on Alexandr Dugin, a fascist prophet, described as "Putin's brain" and an author of much that has been taken up by the far-right movements in Europe, the UK (Brexit), and in the US. It is chilling what this man espouses and remarkable how prescient he has been so far regarding what Putin's aims seem to be: creating a new Russian/German controlled empire that stretches "from Vladivostok to Dublin". To anyone sane it is INsane, but it's not far off where we seem to be, and Putin is just that deranged. We should take note even in this country. For example:
"In his magnum opus, 'The Foundations of Geopolitics: The Geopolitical Future of Russia,' published in 1997, Dugin mapped out the game plan in detail. Russian agents should foment racial, religious and sectional divisions within the United States while promoting the United States’ isolationist factions. (Sound familiar?)"
Also, regarding Ukraine: "Putin has turned to the pages of Dugin’s text in which he declared: 'Ukraine as an independent state with certain territorial ambitions represents an enormous danger for all of Eurasia,' and 'without resolving the Ukrainian problem, it is in general senseless to speak about continental politics.'"
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/22/alexander-dugin-author-putin-deady-playbook/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJpZCI6IjIzNjQwMjgyIiwicmVhc29uIjoiZ2lmdCIsIm5iZiI6MTY0ODA1Mzg0NCwiaXNzIjoic3Vic2NyaXB0aW9ucyIsImV4cCI6MTY0OTI2MzQ0NCwiaWF0IjoxNjQ4MDUzODQ0LCJqdGkiOiJiYTljODA0NC0xMjcyLTQ2NTktYTk3Ni03OWMwNzZmNTI3NTAiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YXNoaW5ndG9ucG9zdC5jb20vb3BpbmlvbnMvMjAyMi8wMy8yMi9hbGV4YW5kZXItZHVnaW4tYXV0aG9yLXB1dGluLWRlYWR5LXBsYXlib29rLyJ9.-F6Q6WHQ6LcVk9Mo081cvLTSOb9tT9ywdPHR4B6ERdI&fb_news_token=sHZDo0JqtmxBSVoamQ39SQ%3D%3D.AQjBKTHLeDX9JAy0zraQ5bkvpKgi6Y%2BzvbpOd%2BPlnA0xsf5qCx74N9dxrZmmpG1B%2BpPy9KeRXvqXTsfKCMzyyrJ40IDR104EuG9u%2FNNnhy8qn1IS3n43PbyhDzTlPJyZD2NDD8qy%2BWCY6zNYqzPHsOcdMmRrt%2FrPG72Eap7nZOcsIYSuXMJJpsNDsTY8VcZa0SPsr29OaA89kkdI9QDCXWIAt2su75f1bxNoJLjVQ6hz6aX8yFttq%2F7cJwXFIb%2B%2FV4qa%2BTjdyiwZfojgLpnVfcaKxaxN4qoHs%2Fv3KBC0FSGE%2BOKVRuuun5PCd7oXMTPfbyq5TDRujrlu5CnNUThtUsddffu6HseXzEcBenwcYg%2FnQYF0a%2B1XjvYxTvmDnVxQ
Truly frightening.
Bruce, better to take a shower even after a mere glance at this crap from hell. Stuff that pollutes the atmosphere, water and the mind.
Regardless of whether VVP feeds on this kind of wild poisonous rubbish or not, the problem is that layer upon layer of conditioning have caused the man to build himself a hermetically sealed windowless mental prison in which the view he wants to see is projected on the walls.
It seems natural enough that one who has done this to himself should suffer from claustrophobia and compensate with delusive dreams of vast spaces and limitless power -- even limitless life, seems a Moscow lab is actually working on that. If only a little natural light and warmth could penetrate the walls of that mind, for his sake, for that of us all.
Those who pray should pray for him, those who don't should simply wish him a dose of insight. Something to enable him to stop creating that black hole. If he could only feel...
You may find this impossible to understand, but I am sure of what I have just written.
Thanks TC.
I just heard from a friend in Latvia that on Russian television (TV 24 in Latvia), they're saying that the goal is to next take Poland and Lithuania so that there is a land route to Kaliningrad. Has anyone else heard this?
I had read this Kaliningrad goal a while ago. That is because Putin needs those 3 countries, and Belarus to make a continuous larger Russian territory to connect with Kaliningrad. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kaliningrad_map_(1).PNG
I presume at the right moment he plans to just get rid of Lukashenko and absorb Belarus right in. I think the people there have something to say about that too. If he sends in troops as he is supposedly going to do, after saying before he could not because his people might oust him, this might be just to put them in their place.
We have already seen the one article referred to above about Aleksandr Dugin. Here is another person talking about Putin being driven by the same theory. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/opinion/russia-ukraine-putin-eurasianism.html
So, it seems well known in certain circles that this theory is one that Putin is embracing. Still, a friend of Russian history claims Putin has it wrong, because Kiev was the first capitol of the Russian state which was known as Kiev Russ, and therefore really Zelenskiy should be the leader of the greater Russ, not Putin, so neither Putin nor the other guy Dugin is a good historian. Of course no one corrects dictators. This is why everyone keeps thinking they are living in Orwell's, 1984.
Dugin's book posits an empire known as "Eurasia," led by Russia, that stretches "from Dublin to Vladivostok" and south to New Delhi, with China broken into its "seven component regions" (whatever that means). This is what I mean about Russia's goals outweighing their capabilities.
I am currently in Vienna. So, I am thinking a lot about European news. Tonight on ARD German news they were discussing the various meetings today with Biden there in Europe. I had read that US military had not been able to communicate with Russian military and they were bothered by that. Here they were much more specific. They mentioned that Shogui, Russian Minister of Defense, has been missing. When another Russian minister was asked about it, he said, "oh he is really busy with things to do." Then, they showed a video of Putin in his usual conference with his military people, and they showed that Shogui was there in a square in the corner, there was a circle drawn around him to point out that he was there. He appeared, but then it went black, like it had been put in. It seemed to be fake news. So, it was not reassuring that he is around. We were told that people are wondering if he is missing at Putin's behest. Given that he is the other guy with the nuclear code that is not good. Perhaps that is why he is missing. I have been thinking does Putin know how to make the nuclear weapons detonate himself if someone refuses to follow his orders?
A German military history expert was saying that we unlearned to live with a nuclear threat and now we have to relearn it. Today there was a lot of discussion about the different scenarios at the meetings, but these are secret. Everyone sees that since things are going badly for the Russians, because they are so poorly prepared, and think with Shogui gone, who is the other person who has the passcode to the nuclear weapons in Russia, there is preparation for chemical weapons and nuclear. I don't think Putin is going to accomplish what he wants to if he goes there though. Wiping everyone off the planet does not make Russia the leader. Plus no one with any creativity wants to work for these authoritarian guys, but they don't seem to get how that works. I know that my city is not prepared for any nukes even though we would be on a Russian and probably North Korean list too. This is the plan in my city.
https://www.wbez.org/stories/are-there-fallout-shelters-left-in-chicago/a8d1c6a6-e009-44b4-a64e-f8951d0ae843
Putin is saying that he is only going to sell gas if it is payed in Rubles. Since it is illegal to pay to the Russian bank, that would be illegal, so what are Germany and Austria going to do? I think when Russia wants to buy something they should have to pay for it in nukes.
Here is a link to TV24 - This segment is in Latvian, not Russian.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=364264279046121
For heaven's sake, you have more than enough vile, poisonous propaganda in America without going wading into Russian sewage and minefields.
I an not good with tech, I hope that this link works, but if not, please google MeidasTouch on twitter for their ad from 3/22--EXACTLY what TC is talking about!!
https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch
Honest to God, Heather, this is one of your best Letters ever. It is a one two punch after one two punch over and over and over again. And this is probably one of the best punches you delivered, thank you:
"Certain Republican senators badgered and bullied Jackson, who could not fight back without endangering her chances of confirmation. It was an abusive dynamic that spoke ill of the process and of the senators themselves: the abusive Republicans, but also the many Democrats who, as legal analyst Dahlia Lithwick pointed out, did little to remind viewers that the Republicans have stacked the court with extremists who are poised to take away our fundamental rights, and instead just let the Republicans beat up on Jackson."
People, THIS is an example of how Democrats do NOT stand up and speak out and support our fundamental rights. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR DEMS TO GET MAD AND ACT?
NO KIDDING!! The Dems had the perfect stage in which to open their mouths and protest. The only ones taking advantage was Leahy and Booker. What the hell??
Exactly, they had MSM and blew it.
How is it Rhe Lincoln Project people doesn’t hold classes for Dems on messaging??
Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island spoke about capture of the Court. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
Carol C-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
Thanks, I will check it out.
https://youtu.be/jF4P7E9nKvQ
https://youtu.be/MTfudeEkTsE
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It won’t, YouTube is not MSM
Right, Daria. Several punches, but I find it curious that HCR did not name the "Certain Republicans." Why not?
Good question, Pam.
From the NYTimes article this: "Pomerantz countered that 'a failure to prosecute will pose much greater risks in terms of public confidence in the fair administration of justice.'"
Stepping back from prosecuting trump and his minions is the nail in the democracy coffin. Trump's criminal cabal got away with an attempted coup and a bunch of other illegal activities. Without the rule of law, we have nothing.
Similar to reading Heather's letters and her videos, listening to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is like getting a civics/history/political science class! Smart women lead!! And, I do so admire and respect Sen. Cory Booker.
Oh my God, I read that article and wept.
Me too! The new guy should be heavily challenged. I am so tired of being angry and upset.
Substack is not letting me ❤ your comment, but damn right he should be heavily challenged. Marlene, I too am tired of being angry, upset, depressed and sad about the state of our Union. The trips I've made to the US since relocating to México, especially since Covid, have been fraught with anxiety and wariness. The atmosphere in the US is loaded with intolerance and unpredictability. It is frightening to step on the soil of my homeland knowing that 40% of the adult population couldn't care less about democracy and that they're willing to sell their families, neighbors and an entire nation down the river at the behest of a con man and his followers.
My allegiance, patriotism and commitment to the United States has been questioned by one member of this forum. That, in itself, unsettles me. Purity tests were one of Hitler's hallmarks. That a member of this forum should use their own personal purity test to assess the "worthiness" of another member is troubling. And it is definitely the antithesis if democracy.
Daria, your comment makes me sad and angry. I respect all of what you say on this forum, although may not totally agree. Your comments are thoughtful and often well noted. That another member here would challenge your commitment and loyalty is unsettling at best. I believe I may speak for others in letting you know that your opinions/comments are always welcome here.
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Daria, I for one don’t question your commitment to our nation, even if you choose to live in Merida, which I am envious of your ability to do, it is a truly beautiful place, and why not live someplace that is beautiful. I agree with you that the level of intolerance and outright hatred and anger is deeply unsettling in a nation that actually deserved the gift from the French, of the Statute of Liberty 🗽, at least we did at the time. It’s inconceivable that any nation would want to make a gift like that today. That an imbecilic con man can motivate 40% of our very many millions continues to deeply disturb me, have we become a nation of illiterate morons? “fox news” has without a doubt greatly contributed to our malaise but they had to have a choir to preach to. The inequities of our educational system and underlying economic system have to be responsible for so many people not having a clue where the truth lies or where their own interests are, this is going to take more than a generation to remedy, several probably. The resilience of the Ukrainians gives me hope that we will emerge from this darkness, we have it easy in comparison compared to what they are going through. 🙏
Dick, thank you. I hope that we US Americans can look to Ukraine and appreciate every ounce of strength and commitment to freedom and democracy her people are showing the world. Adults and children alike are being slaughtered by a man whose one goal is to have dominion over all other nations in the region. He is playing for keeps. But so are Ukrainians. I believe he is stunned by their fortitude.
You're right, too, when you say Fox had to have a choir to preach to. It may have begun as a small choir but over time it's grown substantially. They built their platform of disinformation one brick at a time by constantly running insane commentary up the flagpole and seeing how many bit the bait. You say, "the inequities of our educational system and underlying economic system have to be responsible for so many not having a clue where the truth lies..." and that the damage will likely take more than a generation to repair. Unfortunately, I think you're right. The tearing down of our democracy started with a slow burn. Today, those who would destroy us from within have ratcheted up their efforts and no longer hide their efforts.
We wouldn't be given the Statue of Liberty today. We don't deserve it.
"We wouldn't be given the Statue of Liberty today. We don't deserve it." So right, Daria. I keep wondering how low we, as a nation, will go before we wake up. Unfortunately, I think we're a long way from the bottom. (Sorry for the negativity.)
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Daria-As far as not being able to "heart" a respsonse-try going to the search bar line then look to the left. There's a circle w/and arrow. Click on it-that will refresh the page. That usually helps to let you heart an entry.
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Chump sliming by is a killer for America. He needs to be stopped.
Failing to prosecute is a go-ahead to do it again. It is a nail in the democracy coffin.
We can only survive if the balance of good v evil tips to the side of good. Grace and heart and truth. Repubs are leaning, falling to evil. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson continues walking the high road. And her steps, her Camino, her journey, remind us of her brilliance, her proclamation that repubs better remember while they attempt to drag her through the coals. She walks around that heat and once again reminds the repubs that their guy is over. Her words: “The president is not a King.”
This morning Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave an excellent explanation of court “packing” by picking Justices from lists provided by the Federalist society. Capture of the Court has been accomplished as Trump promised with anonymous money to promote the viewpoints of donors.
Whitehouse is an absolute treasure!
Lota and lots and lots of news you delivered tonight! I imagine your frustration with having to write about Judge Jackson and the torture she has endured from the crummiest, the sleaziest, the creepiest of people who represent their God-forsaken states. As a woman, her tears brought tears to my eyes as Cory Booker lifted her spirits. Black and brown women, which I am not, the struggles endured by them were droplets of wetness upon her cheeks. I want her to succeed based on her merits, her composure under fire, as a wife, a mother, a daughter, and as a woman. She will succeed. My word to those abhorrent obnoxious senators who have nothing better to do but belittle others, may many locusts befall upon their doorsteps.
I got a fundraiser from Cruz yesterday, way efficient asking for money. Boy did he get the wrong address. The cretin got more than he asked for, guess I’m on Repub enemies list now.
So well done Marlene that I’m going to honor you by not adding what I wanted to put with your locusts.
Oh go ahead, Pat. Add on!
Nope. You got me with the tears on her cheeks. Your piece stands complete, inviolable. Besides, while I consider rattlesnakes a good way to get rid of rodents probably the really kind ones (people) would find that a bridge too far. So we won’t go there. Having said that, I re-read your comment. It’s even better than I thought.
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You said, "My word to those abhorrent obnoxious senators who have nothing better to do but belittle others, may many locusts befall upon their doorsteps." I say, "And may sunflower seeds be heavy in their pockets"...morning, Marlene!
Morning, my friend! Ahhh…the seeds, yes indeed.
What a day.
Thank you Heather.
Thank you Langston Hughes.
Thank you President Joe Biden.
Thank you Sen. Cory Booker.
Thank you Sen. Ben Sasse.
Thank you Judge Ketanji Jackson.
Thank you and RIP Madeleine Albright.
Once upon a time, I thought that the chambers of Congress were sacred, after a fashion. I thought that they called out a higher standard of conduct of their occupants, particularly given the fact that each of them had been elected to represent many, many other people, even millions. I have watched the "sacred" halls of our national government desecrated over and over again; all 3 branches, in fact. Elected officials, mostly men to my personal dismay, have behaved like kings, like spoiled children, like petty criminals. In so doing, they have represented themselves far more than those who elected them. They have empowered untold numbers of our citizens to behave similarly shamefully. Still, there are many whose conduct has been admirable and continues to represent the best of what we hope and expect of them. Our only response to the despicable behavior we have witnessed is to take the fight to the ballot box. And, we need to demand legislation that shines a bright light on the source of the money flowing into the campaigns, the PACS, the other means by which candidacy for office is determined. We need to know who is buying influence and use the force of law to drive disproportionate influence out of the political process. How would it look if every political donation, irrespective of the source, would be subject to a rapidly progressive tax up to as high as, perhaps, 90% beyond $1000 per check? Whether candidate or PAC, if the use is identified as campaigning for public office, the emphasis will be on the small donor, rather than the deep pocket. Perhaps that tax revenue could be pooled into a fund that supports ALL candidates on an equal basis for each office on the ballot. And maybe we should broadcast ALL business of government in real time, thus taking away the incentive to pander for slots on the Sunday morning talk shows. Lets expose it all and let us ALL comment on their behavior in real time.
Excellent idea, that a fund should support all candidates on an equal basis. I read that one country allows campaigning for only a few weeks prior to an election. That is another idea to consider.
I like that idea - which was also mentioned by AOC a couple of years ago. Less campaigning and fundraising means more getting more actual work done.
It is true of many countries. But we are so Exceptional that we have nothing to learn from other countries. That would be disloyal and un-American in the minds of many.
We are wrong
Canada. Look at the Canadian model.
That’s France.
Canada
That Citizens United even exists is despicable but Dems now have their PACs too. A big UGH in my opinion.
The problem isn't PACs, which Democrats, professional associations and environmental groups have had and used effectively for decades, for just causes. It is the dark money, disguised contributions, corporations as "citizens" that anonymously feed efforts to undermine democracy. Case in point is Sen. Whitehouse's comments during Judge Jackson's hearing: https://youtu.be/jF4P7E9nKvQ
Whitehouse is an extraordinary senator of the kind Nathan alluded to in this forum. Compare to the trash heap and cheap imitations put forth as GOP senators.
Hello MaryPat. I do not hear him opine very often. Thoroughly appreciated his comments. Especially today. I found myself pumping the air saying, “Bam, Senator. That’s what I call resetting the conversation!”
Christine-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
ReplyDelete
Yes, Barbara!
YES!!!
Somehow, the "like' heart didn't work for me on your comment.
Yes Nathan “Once upon a time” we were all enthralled.
The ballot box is now a treasure hunt in Texas, etc.
That’s what I was afraid of
Good news:
Our dear humble Heather has been recognized as one of USA Today's Women of the Year:
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/opinion/2022/03/23/usa-todays-women-year-heather-cox-richardson-newsletter-boston-college/6653111001/?fbclid=IwAR0tXXur7YXxTnFDTFepF2xX0w4jKLE6r2rFR1sFofD2C5Q8J33TKSodaUk
As Heather says in her interview, Americans are much more engaged in politics and civics today than 5 years ago.
Public pressure has caused Nestle to finally join other global corporations in ceasing business in Russia.
A Russian general who was born in Ukraine leaked his upset in a meeting with US representatives, indicating morale problems at the top, as well as in the front line ranks of the Russian military.
A Ukrainian missile destroyed a Russian landing ship.
https://twitter.com/johnsweeneyroar/status/1506902974718783488?s=20&t=uMxNrY7jAq4Kvf6eKgQ7bA
With today's Internet, social media, and handheld devices, we have easy ways to make our voices heard. Here's one to fight Russian disinformation:
https://twitter.com/NickKnudsenUS/status/1506759256367796225?s=20&t=uMxNrY7jAq4Kvf6eKgQ7bA
Lastly, a Robert Hubbell reader found a vocal-cord-saving coping device as an alternative to screaming at the TV: the Screaming Goat
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-screaming-goat-running-press/1125863650
Hip hip hooray, Professor Richardson!
Thanks Ellie "...to TEACH, empower ..." in real time daily.
Thanks again, Ellie for the news about HCR being one of the USNews women of the year.
I just saw this, fantastic news about Heather!
Need a screaming goat
Brava!
The jackassery around here is not just that certain Republicans (Graham, Cruz, etc) are seeking camera opportunities but that they got them too. The media gave valuable air time to Graham and Cruz as their lead into the KBJ hearing and spent almost no time talking about her answers and the positive messages she gave us. Ben Sasse talks about the difference between transparent and creating sound bites for one's base. I'm remembering back to the first televised Presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Those who listened on radio thought Nixon had won the debate; those who watched on TV thought JFK had won the debate. Today's hearing was not a good day for the Senate because their ratings went lower, if that is even possible... It is a broken ineffectual petty institution now. I would have to think hard right now about whether the Senate or SCOTUS get a lower rating from me. Fortunately we have the consensus builder in KJB who brings some hope to the future legitimacy of the Court. In my management experience every promotion putting you in a new higher position that you were only about 50% ready for but you got the job because someone saw your potential. That is what I see in KJB -- someone with magnificent potential that will quickly grow into her new role and reshape the Court into a body that truly embraces the Constitution and the Rights of the People. We, the People, All of Us This Time.
Dr. Richardson,
Regarding: "but also the many Democrats who, as legal analyst Dahlia Lithwick pointed out, did little to remind viewers that the Republicans have stacked the court with extremists who are poised to take away our fundamental rights, and instead just let the Republicans beat up on Jackson."
I thought Sheldon Whitehouse, who has made a very large effort to connect the extremists on the Supreme Court to dark money from the Federalist society and spoke to that yesterday DID both defend Jackson and highlight "court packing by court picking".
Here is his talk. Really very good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5VWqVV3kok
Whitehouse also tracked all of the dark money including the payoff of Kavanaugh's $200,000 baseball ticket debt that elevated Harvard playboy and exposure artist Kavanaugh to the Surpreme Court. Whitehouse further outlined the fact that the FBI did not do a real background check on Kavanaugh, likely because of dark money payoffs. Search for Whitehouse on youtube. He will scorch the hair off your head with dark money flows associated with the Supreme Court picks.
Amazingly, after all that Whitehouse has learned and documented, nobody is in jail and nobody has been charged with a crime becasue: It is legal to buy whomever you want in our government.
Take a look at some of Sheldon Whitehouse' work. Really disturbing stuff.
But, he definitely supported Jackson, a truly amazingly well spoken and knowledgeable woman who has performed spectacularly in the face of some of the dumbest white men I have ever seen.
Hmmm - wish someone would follow the money on Alvin Bragg.
I said the same thing. Who contributed to his campaign to get him elected?
HST end of quote, Republicans …”admire the Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.” And they have
Mike-have you seen Sen. Whitehouse's You Tube 11 part in depth discussion regarding the Federalist Society and money? It's titled "The Scheme Speech" Very informative. Here's the listing for the first one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAplGu1RxPg
Thank you Heather. Today's news was packed with every emotion. The Republicans are exhausting with their prefabricated displays of sound bite fodder for the mid terms and next General election.
Is Grahams obsession with child porn and computer oversight a personal problem? I genuinely hope not.
I watched what I could of the hearings until I could feel my blood pressure rise to unhealthy levels.
Cory Booker was wonderful. I felt he captured the moment brilliantly.
Lastly, rest in power Dr Albright. Ironically, I purchased her latest book just last week. I'm looking forward to this read.
Be safe. Be well.
Fabulous, Linda. Thank you. I’ve wondered the same thing about sen Graham.
Christine, he was so intense about the subject, I felt he was speaking more from a platform of experience than suggestion.
Yes. It was easy to see others thinking that too. A performance that literally gave me the squirmies.
Yes, you could really read the room when he kept pushing it.
Marsha was right, "abortion" is not in the Constitution. Neither are God, Jesus and the Bible. What a spectacular face plant for Betty Crocker Blackburn.
Pomerantz quitting after being restricted from prosecuting...THIS is the unfinished story.