Today, after almost 24 hours of debate, the Senate passed the American Rescue Plan, designed to help America rebuild after the scorched-earth devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Peronal tax cuts have a sunset clause in them. The Corporate ones don't. Time to rethink totally tax levels and structure and to take an axe to the credits relieving the Corporations and the rich from obligation to pay
So very much needs to be done and Biden’s team achieved this goal earlier than they projected so now recognizing that and with the resources that have just be3n approved they’re ordering more v@ccines. This is so much good news.
I would increase the top marginal tax rate. Eliminate the mortgage deduction entirely for high earners, and for all over time, eliminate the carried interest, keep the corporate tax low, and go for growth.
Quite right on the first 3 but the last one needs a little more work. In these days taxing capital less than income is causing significant distortions all around the world and is biasing the calculation pushing towards automation of everything. You should probably add in a measure to eliminate the carrying over of losses too while you are at it and even another to stop advertizing expenditure being tax-deductable.
Growth these days needs to be a little more conditional too and not the smokestack production of old which in part put us in this "overheating" mess in the first place.
well said. 'Growth" in the sense of exploitation of people/planet is not growth, but destruction. The massive changes required to cope with already incipient shifts in the climate will generate new economies.
And yes, pay taxes to pollute social spaces with purchase propoganda.
Such a relief to get my Covid vaccine today! Teachers are being called in in droves! I couldn’t get an appointment even though I have been on the waiting list since December. I literally was in the wrong zip code. But now, every teacher who wants the vaccine can get it. I’ve been getting texts from every list I had registered on. Getting this relief in the finance side, is icing on the cake! Relief all around!
Congratulations... I too am feeling the safety of being vaccinated. Please remember you can still get it and spread it... The struggle is still real but less dire outcomez. Mask, distance, and hand washing!!!
I had quite a few COVID nightmares where I would dream that I was out enjoying friends having a great time and suddenly think oh no I forgot my mask—terrifying dreams. Also the few times I was mildly ill this year I started to think oh no I’ve got it and I’m going to die. We should all be grateful if we are still alive.
I've had those dreams too, terrifying because I'm a nurse! A new kind of nurse-anxiety dream. Usually I just dream that I can't get to my patients - obstacles and distractions of all kinds, but very upsetting.
Beth, first of all I can only imagine what it has been like for you and other nurses— the physical skills nurses need to do their jobs well are a given but the best nursing involves creating relationships with empathy and the death of one person is bad enough. Today’s NyTimes magazine has an article about the pandemic and the numbers and I just couldn’t read it today. I want to look ahead to more normalcy. I hope you have a good support system at the end of the day.
Right, it's safer with no relaxing of basic precautions even after vaccination. Too many people will let down their guard from a false sense of security. And the maskholes let us all down.
Not only that we really don’t know when the strains stop changing and for that matter we don’t know when the next pandemic will start so I’ll be cautious until my end
I think there will be annual shots similar to flu shots for Covid. But flu was way down this year. So that gives me hope too! We can beat these illnesses if we’re vigilant.
Flu was down this year because we were wearing masks. My PCP told me I didn't need to get the super shot for elders because we were wearing masks. I assume he was right given that total numbers are way down.
I am so tempted to suggest here to those wanting to travel: AVOID Texas if you value your life and the lives of your loved ones! Look at me. I succumbed to temptation!
I realized that, since I often have asthma problems this time of year, the simple expedite of earring a mask will protect me from particulate getting into my lungs. I am vaccine up but I am also continuing to wear a mask in my Stupidly Red state until we reach a critical mass of vaccination. Also: disposables are great but don't forget to cut the ear strings before throwing them away: critters and fish get tangled in them.
I am in Missouri, Liz. And apologies for the typos. I was typing with one hand and petting my large dog (who was requiring immediate snoogling without cease) with the other!
I also got Phizer and I was so very delighted— when I got home though I got a bad headache and felt suddenly deeply tired but went to bed and had the best night’s sleep.
A friend got her second and said she only had a sore arm and was tired...but a good nights sleep and she was fine. I'll celebrate with you on the 23rd....that's my 75th birthday!
Omg so that would make you an Aires I believe🥂🍀 yes no matter the soreness or whatever I’ll sure be celebrating that day♏️I’m a Scorpio and I have to keep up this interest because my son is actually a very good astrologer.
Our second will be the 27th. It will be a relief to feel safer to travel for us as well. Now, if only we could get the case numbers low enough that we can travel to Canada to see our friends.
In FL, the Gov tried to limit vaccines to teachers to those age 50+. The lowering of the age occurred very recently. All the vendors (except the few State Health Dept locations) ignored the Governor's Executive Order and are distributing to all teachers as early as they can be scheduled. We're going to need a lot of help defeating DeSantis in 2022. He has his eye on the Presidency in 2024 for a second round of what we just endured.
I am delighted it passed because although we knew it would, the past year has made it hard to trust that some strange last minute twist wouldn't derail the next great thing. Because of the careful level headed tone of HCR's presentation of a factual summary of each day's most important news, the usual commenting audience tends toward the range of Democrat opinions, but even so there is a range here which is a good thing. If there weren't, these comments would just be a chorus of ayes and contain nothing to expand one's scope of knowledge, provide new perspectives (whether we agree with them or not it's instructive to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses), and exercise the old argumentation muscles. It's an opportunity to flex and strengthen expression but not demand total conformity to some mono-culture of thought. If we can't tolerate listening to ideas we don't agree with (so long as they are presented civilly and opposing ideas are permitted) and if we can't argue constructively with references, facts, even anecdotes, then we become as bad as Fox News.
Heather, you kept us informed and sane over the last year and I thank you! So fitting that you deliver the best news in years to an anxious audience but one who can and will move forward. We are indebted to you but also well aware of the gifts you gave us over this long length of time. Hugs all around. XOXOXO
Back in 2009, my husband ended up on life support without insurance.
And even after getting some discounts, we still owed over $75,000.
He couldn't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition. And if you think those doctors and the hospital were nice about paying them, think again.
So we came close to losing everything. And it took us until a few years ago to finally get some money in the bank and be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
But that relief is starting to turn into worry.
I now have to face the reality that if I have to put my husband in a care home, it's going to cost at least $10,000 a month to put him in a place that will deal with his issues.
Or I could spend half of that and put him in a place that barely passes the basics of care. I hear so many stories about how bad the care is for people who can't afford the best care.
And then there's the stay at home costs. I know that having someone from a place like Visiting Angels is $25 an hour and that's if you use a referral via The Alzheimer's Foundation.
Based on eight hours a day for 30 days, that is $6,000 a month.
I spend many an early morning like today worrying and crying thinking about his final days and that I will fail him. That I will end up having to put him in a shitty place.
This is what so many people in the USA are dealing with.
Beth, I feel for you and totally get it. My father required 24 hour at-home care for the last 3 years of his life and the cost was absolutely astronomical. He had been a saver and worked well into his 80s in order to provide a legacy for his children. I was able to hold back about a quarter of his savings by the end and that only because we were able to get supplemental hospice care through Medicare for the last 9 months and he died (at the ripe old age of 96) before we plowed through every asset he had. The healthcare system in the USA is shameful--it is driven by a radical capitalism designed in the Reagan years and works only for those who have the financial means and white privilege (it requires both: not an either/or situation at all!) to be able to afford it.
Oh, I feel for you. May I suggest visiting an attorney who specializes in elder law? They may be able to help guide you in the protection of what assets you have. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Beth, I well understand your pain. I have no words of comfort because I know too well what a devastating situation this is. I'm sorry you're living with this.
Beth's story is illustrative of how broken the long term care system is. People who have saved and built up assets want to protect them to pass on their accumulated "wealth" to their families, even while we pay pauper wages to the very people caring for our aged. And people should not have to become indigent to be cared for in old age or other debilitating conditions. People doing the hard work of caring for those folks should be well paid and allowed dignity in their work, but instead, we pay them poorly, contract with them for positions that are not quite full-time so they don't qualify for benefits, but then expect them to cover all manner of extra shifts, double shifts, weekends, holidays, you name it.
These places are most often managed by for profit corporations, who, like all companies these days, want to not just make a decent living, but maximize their profits. Then add in the insurance companies who would love to sell you long term care insurance, but after all the absolutely necessary expenses of life, not many of us feel we can shell out for more insurance we may or may not need.
It's not unlike the childcare situation. A starting position requires at least 12 college credits in child development and the starting pay is $12/hr. Our own state university just advertised for a full time teacher in their highly regarded child development center. A B.S. was required and the full time salary was $30K. You can't support yourself here on the seacoast, or anywhere in NH, on that amount.
These aren't new problems but they are worsening problems.
Beth Benham- I was fortunate to work as an RN @ a County run (not for profit) nursing home for 38+ years, and have stayed there as a patient- I know they give good care. I do know it's not cheap. You are correct in your assessment of For Profit facilities. Remember former Gov. Rick Scott? https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/fl-op-col-rick-scott-medicare-fraud-20181002-story.html
I am so sorry that you are struggling to deal with such worry. My brother and l struggled like that in order to care for our parents. Navigating long term care is difficult, and one has to be on top of EVERY detail. It’s exhausting, and we found the best place in our county was not as great as in other counties in our state. A doctor plainly told me that our county did not have the “market” for quality care because of our county’s low socioeconomic level. I’m sure you’ll check out every possible resource. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Beth, my heart goes out to you. I’ve navigated long term care with my parents. If you don’t need care immediately, I recommend you meet with the facility social worker or a SHINE representative in your area to discuss available financial help. If your husband is a veteran, he’s likely eligible for benefits to help with care. My dad received $2500 monthly. It made all the difference. It also became clear that the more time we spent visiting our parents, helping with their care and getting to know their caregivers, the better they were cared for. Even luxury facilities fall short.
If you live in a state with Medicaid, I would recommend finding a good Elder Care attorney or a good Medicaid attorney. I've been through this and I know what it feels like to face losing everything you own to care for your loved one. There are safety nets, but you have to really seek them out and work through the bureaucracy AND not lose your mind while doing so. Good luck to you.
Beth, I thoroughly relate to how hard this is and I also see so many struggling to care for loved ones. Your comments bring me back to Hillary's words in 2015: "I want to let you know that as your president, I will first and foremost be a champion for our children. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what your circumstances might be. The first obligation of any nation is to take care of those in the years of their early lives and their later lives." –Hillary Her words are a stark and very painful reminder to me how far back we've been taken in these last 4 years. On a more positive note though at least the vaccine brings some relief from the GOP's "death panels". Best wishes to you and your loved ones. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2021/03/04/wisconsin-nursing-homes-see-97-drop-covid-19-cases-since-vaccine/4577793001/
Beth, you’re an angel. I wish a reasonable and best case scenario for you. I read posts like these and realize how fortunate I am.
Your first situation with your husband and insurance would not have happened in Canada. We struggle with the cost of care homes though.
The U.S. is so unfeeling in the main, it seems to me. If you make it, you’re fine. If not, it seems most people look the other way. There’s a crying need for universal health care.
It’s terrible. My mother-in-law declined slowly with dementia. She lived with us for her last years. Her daughter (my wife) took the night shifts, and directly hired women to take care of her during the days. It was hard work for all of them
Beth Cobb,: As Ellen Massey below recommends, do get in touch with an attorney who specializes in Elder care/ Trusts and Estate planning etc. One organization that does is ACTEC (American College of Estate and Estate Counsel). There are others, including some state Bar Association. I dealt with one when my mother and I needed their help. (I think that ACTEC was the one I dealt with, but it may have renamed itself. ) Here's their contact info: https://www.actec.org/
The difference between the governing philosophies of Democrats and Republicans could not be more clear. From economic justice and social justice, climate justice and criminal justice, voting rights and civil rights, Democrats side with American families and Republicans side with ... well, who the Hell do they side with?
It is time for Americans to reclaim our Democracy for the people! Throw the rascals who do not represent us out!
Morning Lynell and Stuart!! A tip for early risers: skim through the back-&-forth around trickle-down. It has nothing to do with the Letter, though there's some good snark. There's breakfast sustenance in the other comments.
Eighty-three million Americans make a daily choice to pay bills OR buy groceries. That is enough to know why, and worthy of reflection. That’s more than voted for either presidential candidate by 10 million. And what did we spend on the last election? I don’t know these numbers, but I’m willing to bet that a fraction of the total campaign spending could have reduced the food insecurity by 100%.
The trickle down theory has been proven not to work. And why should wealth and benefits TRICKLE down? Why should the rich at the top automatically get the benefits, and the people who do the actual hard work, and directly put back into the economy suffer? I say the Republicans have been wrong since before Reagan and they have turned into the antithesis of what they used to be. Go President Biden and the Democrats. The ultra wealthy have not helped the people of this country. By and large they have only helped themselves.
We won't be getting rid of the filibuster in the forseeable future, but as the WAPO article suggests, Senate rules can be changed in a variety of ways by the majority to make it a much weaker tool for a minority to use to gets its way. I wouldn't expect the Republicans to simply acquiesce to such changes but they constitute excellent bargaining chips, always essential in acheiving compromises.
Well worth a read with a number of sharp observations re: Manchin and Sinema and some good ideas about how to manage the filibuster. Thanks for posting.
The Post's post brings hope, Michael. Now, the question becomes how (mechanically) does the Senate recalibrate the filibuster to place the burden back on the minority, as well as the other fixes this article mentions.
Senate rules can be changed with a simple majority.....time to negotiate with the recalcitrant Dems and the few "anti-Trump" Reps to see how far you can go and still get it passed. On this, in political philosophy terms Manchin is not wrong. Why have a Senate if it is just like the House?
True but in this day and age and forgetting the "founding fathers" what is the point of a second chamber if it isn't constituted differently with different powers and functions. If not ...get rid of it!
The other day HCR commented that there need be structural changes in the Republican Party and in the Senate. Accomplishing the latter would require either a Constitutional Amendment, highly unlikely, or a change in Senate rules ... more likely over the years as one Party's dominance in that House grows.
Wnen McConnell was senate leader, they didn't need to be so brazen as to engage the filibuster over everything. Maybe now people will see just how desperate the GOP is to prevent any legislation introduced by Dems. The old 'do-nothing Congress' will be shown to be the 'do-nothing Republicans', which it has been since Obama.
PS. I think Ornstein is correct that pushing harder on Manchin, especially, will just make him dig in harder. I like his ideas about putting the onus on the minority here. Not only would it force members to do their damn jobs (as opposed to going home to raise money at every opportunity), it would shine a bright light on what they are up to.
So as an antidote to the level of "WTF"-ness going on in response to our resident molotov cocktail thrower, DC, I am posting this link to John Pavolvitz's latest blog post. It is in the spirit of this community, and its humanity and sanity says a lot about the man, but also about where I, personally, would like to be. https://johnpavlovitz.com/2021/03/07/im-fine-thanks-for-masking-a-letter-to-compassionate-people/
As for DC: I don't really care about your opinion. And that is because my hope is that in a very few months the positive benefits of the legislation that is working its way through the houses of Congress--unsupported by the Gormless Obstructionists or not--will be felt across the country. The boyz and girlz who want to have temper tantrums about the "deficit" (which they did not give a rip about when the billionaire tax cut happened in 2017) mean nothing to me. I will be seeing my students and my neighbors (not I--my white privilege has given me untold advantages that make me ineligible for any of the benefits of the American Rescue Plan and I actually pay more in taxes now than I did in 2016 because of the "tax cut": fell into the chasm between those of the middle class who got a very modest benefit and those of the upper 10% who made out like goniffs) be able to afford to pay their rent, repair their broken cars, feed their children, buy books for class. I will see my university maybe (maybe!) hire more faculty and staff because budget cuts have eviscerated the faculty. It might actually be possible to get a raise for faculty salaries, which have not seen a raise in 4 years--and have not seen a raise that meets cost of living increases in 15 years.
I don't care if you and your ilk don't like it, DC. This is going to work. And that is what drives the Gormless Obstructionists nuts.
Now on to other important tasks, like H1 and the Equality Act. Respect for all citizens. Security for the right to vote for all citizens. This is what we have to do.
Brava, Linda!! Your last lines echo what my post above is about, H.B. 1. Agree about DC. Y'all, DON'T FEED TROLLS. It is a rule on Facebook and other sites just as much as it is here. I never engage with them. I don't mind reading contrary opinions, but only when they offer compelling arguments and solid proof to back up what they say, and then do it in a non-threatening, non-argumentative way. In my old age dotage, I have learned to simply walk away from arguments. IMO, it's kind of arrogant to think that anything you say is going to change someone's mind, especially when their only m.o. is solely to be contrary or try and incite and stoke a flame war. Don't be adverse to giving them the last word. As tempting as it is to get in a tit-for-tat exchange, just walk away and leave them in their own echo chamber. Life's too short...
The main issue that I find makes Dr. Richardson's letters so compelling is that she is, first and foremost, a historian. Pretty much everything she says comes from the standpoint of one steeped in history. As a historian she is constantly viewing current events and then comparing them to history. Historians have a gift of being able to see how the arc of human history tends to proceed, and in her case it is the arc of American history. No matter what happens right now, we can, in all likelihood, find parallels in our past history. She is here to point out these parallels and try, as history as a guide, predict where things might lead. As I see it, the problem with events of the past 5 years, and especially in the past 4 months, is we've NOT been in a place exactly like this before, or at least since the antebellum period of the 1850s. The country is as divided now as it has ever been in its history. I'm sure this can be a bit vexing to a historian because it gets harder to figure where we might be headed. What someone, anyone, says on their own forum/foræ is understood as THEIR OWN OPINION. That's a given. But, what enhances Dr. Richardson's "opinions", in MY opinion, is they come with the weight of history behind them, and that counts for a LOT in my book.
Linda, as a personal note, I wholeheartedly agree with your remarks about higher education...I was a victim of my university's budget-slashing last year, which sacked all retirement-aged adjuncts, those of us who teach because we love it, not because we need it. Anyway, the pay sucked majorly. It always seemed to me to be more important to have someone standing in front of a class that was there because they genuinely, from the heart, loved what they were teaching, AND the minds they were responsible for educating. I sincerely hope maybe colleges and universities can see their way to paying faculty members more (NOT administration!!...that's another big bone of contention with me...) as we're the ones in the "trenches". It is sorely needed. Thanks for your words!!
Bruce, I'm confused: what constitutes a troll, exactly?
The majority of the daily comments here do not offer compelling arguments and solid proof for anything, but because they are echos of our own individual experiences that we feel reflect what HCR posted about, we don't consider them trolls.
Some commenters, supportive of HCR, are regularly insulting, offensive and dismissive, usually to the they/them/theirs "out there" but sometimes to the ones that stop by here as well. Does that make THEM trolls?
DC is a subscriber. Does that mean he actually reads HCR and might we be grateful for that as he might shift his perspective over time? Might he subscribe just so he can come here and offer a contrary opinion? Does that make HIM a troll?
It's easy to call someone a troll when we don't like what they say, but like any word, it loses its power when we overuse it.
"In Internet slang, a troll is a person who starts flame wars or intentionally upsets people on the Internet.This is typically done by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog), with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses and normalizing tangential discussion."
[...]
"An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion."
From Wikipedia: "Regardless of the circumstances, controversial posts may attract a particularly strong response from those unfamiliar with the robust dialogue found in some online, rather than physical, communities. Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore them, because responding tends to encourage trolls to continue disruptive posts – hence the often-seen warning: 'Please don't feed the trolls'. Some believe this to be bad or incomplete advice for effectively dealing with trolls."
But, it must be said..."At times the word is incorrectly used to refer to anyone with controversial, or differing, opinions. Such usage goes against the ordinary meaning of troll in multiple ways. While psychologists have determined that the dark triad traits are common among Internet trolls, some observers claim trolls do not actually believe the controversial views they claim."
Though the comments by DS on this particular instance in this letter may not fall under a technical definition of "troll" as mentioned above, some of his other posts on other occasions that have taken HCR to task for some of her assertions can be seen as being attempts at "trolling". Yes, one can disagree, and we certainly don't always agree amongst ourselves on here, but one really does have to question why someone goes to the extremes that he does to repeatedly come onto a forum where he KNOWS he will be met with resistance, and where he can be assured his ideas will be met with throwback. Why would one knowingly, consciously, persistently do that? God knows, there are tons of right-wing foræ I could frequent and argue till the cows come home, but why on earth would I want to do that?? That's why I said it is sometimes best not to respond, especially if one suspects that the person has posted a contrary opinion only to get a rise out of people. And get a rise out of people he does, especially (as the definition above mentions) when people aren't maybe astute or savvy enough in unwritten rules of the internet to know to react minimally, if at all. There are right and wrong ways to approach giving one's opinion and/or disagreeing with someone on foræ like this, so I think one can best try and err on the side of caution when dealing with people one really doesn't know. Only using the written/printed word to express views can sometimes be a bit of a slippery slope when we can't hear vocal inflection, or when we may not know exactly where someone is coming from. We're all familiar with DS's point of view and have an idea where he'll come down on any number of issues--and God knows, I've encountered far worse on the internet! But again, motives can be questioned when someone only appears very intermittently, and then only to disagree with HCR, or label her views suspect. It IS her page and her letters, and I think the bulk of us come here to learn from her and hear her perspectives. And yes, we may all tend to just agree with each other all the time--boring as that may be--but there are plenty of other places we can go to to have our ideas torn down and ripped apart. *I* especially seek out this community to have my confidence in the human animal restored because I live in the reddest region of one of the reddest of states and am surrounded on all corners by insanity. I NEED this calm and serenity. Yes, we do talk amongst ourselves, and occasionally we disagree, but we (try to!) keep the tone civil, since we ARE all high order primates, after all. I appreciate that.
I hope that answers your query in a way...yes, perhaps "trolling" might not always be a proper definition for DS's utterances, but to many on here, they are. I just wish people would take a few seconds to maybe count to ten before responding, and then either ignore, or, not resorting to name-calling, then engage and reply, being prepared to argue your point and provide evidence.
Well, thank YOU for such a complete response. Not having enough time to read the comments thoroughly more than once or twice per week, I wasn't familiar with his M.O. I think you can count on the likelihood that there will always be some like myself who may read the Letters daily but don't read the comments enough to recognize someone like DC when they come across him. Makes life interesting. I like your idea to ignore, or at least pause, before replying, good advice for so many situations.
What a NICE (a word we do not hear much) letter thanking people for doing what is the RIght thing! The compassionate, empathetic, & commons sense way of dealing with this pandemic, AND as commented before, a great way to prevent flu infections at the same time! Likely all of us here are doing as much as we can to prevent ourselves and others from getting this virus. Seems so absolutely idiotic to read or listen to anyone who feels that wearing a mask & not getting into someone's face, is "infringing" upon their freedom! No point in going on & on about this but this letter lifts me up - something we all need at this time.
The American Rescue Plan was passed by the senate last evening. It will change the USA, and change will continue to grace us. Heather composed a calm summary of the plan; its meaning for the American people, and placed it in the context of FDR's administration to Reagan's. Her understanding of The American Rescue Plan's ramifications is what makes Letters from an American an exceptional source of our enlightenment.
I can't swear to it, but Heather seemed to temper her deep relief and joy concerning the plan. A bit of those feelings, however, may have hit the page.
'It is hard to overestimate the importance of this measure both for the present moment and as a sign of the direction in which the Democrats in charge of the United States hope to take the nation.'
This plan is a RESCUE beyond the effects of the pandemic and its catastrophic mishandling. It is a bottom up plan, for which the poor, in particular, have been waiting, but it rescues all of us. Biden likes to say, 'America is back', and Joe is bringing back government, too.
This makes for the best Sunday that I can remember.
After this post, I will post one more. The MINIMUM WAGE HIKE did not get past. it will be back soon and all legislators in the House and Senate have to be contacted. They need to hear our voices in support of a wage hike. Please be on the job.
Contacting my Repugnant senators is an exercise in futility. My House rep is a member of the sedition caucus, whose “newsletters” are a regurgitation of Repugnant talking points. He has NEVER had an independent thought in his life. I contact them anyway because l want them to know that not everyone believes the drivel they put out. I live in NC, by the way.
Yes, Jennifer, do. At the very least it will remind them that there is human life in NC, in addition to their own. You're showing respect for what they may be capable of as a 'public servant'.
TPJ, Did you see a reply I wrote to you in which I asked you to recommend two books, only 2, about Lincoln. I feel the current civil war that we are being ravaged by is a time to absorb more Lincoln. You know him better than anyone else I know. I await your recommendations.
Agree! I was somewhat surprisd and very disappointed to learn that my two female Dem senators voted against the $15 minimum wage and I'm still trying to figure out why. Could it be that they saw the writing on the wall, hedged their bets, and for the sake of Hassan's re-election campaign in 2022, decided to stand together to not support a measure that is only supported by the progessive minority in NH?
Beth, Yes, the 'no' votes to the minimum wage hike by some the democrats was very disappointing. It is time consuming and often futile to try to figure out why they did so. You may want to call their offices with that question. Most importantly, let you representatives know how you feel and encourage others to voice their support of minimum wage hike, not done nationally since 2009,
I'm grateful the rescue plan passed. We will see an infusion of cash at the "Bottom" of the economic ladder where it will be spent on everything from diapers to rent to "Big Macs" with fries. It will not be used to buy back stock, it will not be used to increase profits for big corporations so they can cut production and lay off workers. The police in Podunk USA will stay on the job and so will his firefighter brother. ER medical staff might see their kids go back to school so they will not have that on their minds as they try to convince some dying patient that it is the COVID-19 virus that is the culprit not the flu bug. So I'm grateful the Dems pushed it through and we are not stuck paying for some rich guys custom Lamborghini. I'll help pay for the Big Mac with fries any day.
And, as Beschloss points out, other Governors, including mine, Ron DeSantis. DeSantis emulates tRump at every turn and aspires to be president in 2024 after the Criminal Justice system catches up with tRump.
The personality disorders are truly interesting from a clinical perspective. Psychopathy/sociopathy are under the category of ASPD, AKA antisocial personality disorder. The chart above offers basic distinctors. The DSM5 has rules for diagnoses.
Antisocial behavior is notable for the absence of caring or concern and the destructiveness that arises from that lack. a topic of interest...i could go on
About 15 years ago, browsing through our village used book store, one title leaped out at me: "The Psychopath Next Door." I bought it and drove home- well, next to my home, and knocked on my neighbor's door. When she saw it, instead of the laugh I expected, she looked shocked, and mumbled, "just a minute" and turned back into her house. Darn. So much for my empathic nursing skills. A minute later she came back and handed me a book: "The Sociopath Next Door." Oh how we laughed! She had found it at a garage sale earlier that week! Of course neither case is a laughing matter. I read both books and have worked in mental health, and still the definitions and diagnoses criss cross and blur. Sadly for all of us, effective treatments remain elusive."
Personality disorders are so much harder to treat in general. They fall under the DSM Axis 2 diagnoses...always much harder to treat. I worked in the mental health field for 20+ years and clients with Axis 2 diagnoses were my least favorite, especially those with antisocial personality disorder because they had ZERO empathy or ability to self reflect. Sound like anyone we know????
I believe you can be both but all are not necessarily so. Some experts see sociopaths as “hot-headed.” They act without thinking how others will be affected. But others believe that they can have absolutely no "feeling" for others or for the conventions of society and act accordingly without compunction.
Psychopaths are more “cold-hearted” and calculating. They carefully plot their moves, and use aggression in a planned-out way to get what they want.
While psychopaths are classified as people with little or no conscience, some sociopaths do have a limited, albeit weak, ability to feel empathy and remorse. Psychopaths can and do follow social conventions when it suits their needs and flout them just as easily.
Next; repeal of the 2017 tax cuts.
We have infrastructure to rebuild, and children to educate without the burden of a heavy debt stapled to their diploma.
There is much to be done.
The Peronal tax cuts have a sunset clause in them. The Corporate ones don't. Time to rethink totally tax levels and structure and to take an axe to the credits relieving the Corporations and the rich from obligation to pay
I like Sen.Warren's wealth tax. It's targeted and simple.
So very much needs to be done and Biden’s team achieved this goal earlier than they projected so now recognizing that and with the resources that have just be3n approved they’re ordering more v@ccines. This is so much good news.
I would increase the top marginal tax rate. Eliminate the mortgage deduction entirely for high earners, and for all over time, eliminate the carried interest, keep the corporate tax low, and go for growth.
Quite right on the first 3 but the last one needs a little more work. In these days taxing capital less than income is causing significant distortions all around the world and is biasing the calculation pushing towards automation of everything. You should probably add in a measure to eliminate the carrying over of losses too while you are at it and even another to stop advertizing expenditure being tax-deductable.
Growth these days needs to be a little more conditional too and not the smokestack production of old which in part put us in this "overheating" mess in the first place.
We need to develop an economic policy that doesn’t depend on growth for fiscal health. Unending growth isn’t sustainable in the long haul.
well said. 'Growth" in the sense of exploitation of people/planet is not growth, but destruction. The massive changes required to cope with already incipient shifts in the climate will generate new economies.
And yes, pay taxes to pollute social spaces with purchase propoganda.
Growth as a positive goal does need to be redefined so that growth of good jobs rewards companies and their managers more than cutting jobs.
Limit advertizing expenituresperhaps. A few less box seats at the ball game.
troll...
Agree completely. Add a 2% wealth tax.
Such a relief to get my Covid vaccine today! Teachers are being called in in droves! I couldn’t get an appointment even though I have been on the waiting list since December. I literally was in the wrong zip code. But now, every teacher who wants the vaccine can get it. I’ve been getting texts from every list I had registered on. Getting this relief in the finance side, is icing on the cake! Relief all around!
Thank you, Heather! Great news tonight!
Congratulations... I too am feeling the safety of being vaccinated. Please remember you can still get it and spread it... The struggle is still real but less dire outcomez. Mask, distance, and hand washing!!!
I had quite a few COVID nightmares where I would dream that I was out enjoying friends having a great time and suddenly think oh no I forgot my mask—terrifying dreams. Also the few times I was mildly ill this year I started to think oh no I’ve got it and I’m going to die. We should all be grateful if we are still alive.
I've had those dreams too, terrifying because I'm a nurse! A new kind of nurse-anxiety dream. Usually I just dream that I can't get to my patients - obstacles and distractions of all kinds, but very upsetting.
Beth, first of all I can only imagine what it has been like for you and other nurses— the physical skills nurses need to do their jobs well are a given but the best nursing involves creating relationships with empathy and the death of one person is bad enough. Today’s NyTimes magazine has an article about the pandemic and the numbers and I just couldn’t read it today. I want to look ahead to more normalcy. I hope you have a good support system at the end of the day.
Yep! I wear a medical grade mask everywhere! I tell my students I have cooties! It makes them laugh, which is such sweet music these days!
Kim don’t worry I’m planning to have a supply of masks for the rest of my life and I’ve gotten to just love washing these hands!
Right, it's safer with no relaxing of basic precautions even after vaccination. Too many people will let down their guard from a false sense of security. And the maskholes let us all down.
Not only that we really don’t know when the strains stop changing and for that matter we don’t know when the next pandemic will start so I’ll be cautious until my end
I think there will be annual shots similar to flu shots for Covid. But flu was way down this year. So that gives me hope too! We can beat these illnesses if we’re vigilant.
I’ll continue getting flu shots too. In this strange new world we can’t be too careful if we want to live that is.
Flu was down this year because we were wearing masks. My PCP told me I didn't need to get the super shot for elders because we were wearing masks. I assume he was right given that total numbers are way down.
Sort of makes you wonder if these precautions (mask etc) have been responsible for less flu, doesnt it? My, what a shocker that would be!
Right
I am so tempted to suggest here to those wanting to travel: AVOID Texas if you value your life and the lives of your loved ones! Look at me. I succumbed to temptation!
I realized that, since I often have asthma problems this time of year, the simple expedite of earring a mask will protect me from particulate getting into my lungs. I am vaccine up but I am also continuing to wear a mask in my Stupidly Red state until we reach a critical mass of vaccination. Also: disposables are great but don't forget to cut the ear strings before throwing them away: critters and fish get tangled in them.
Which state are you in Linda???
I am in Missouri, Liz. And apologies for the typos. I was typing with one hand and petting my large dog (who was requiring immediate snoogling without cease) with the other!
The goddess Kali is the world champion of multitasking. For others, show me someone multitasking, and I'll show you someone doing NOTHING very well.
One of the side effects of all those precautions has been far fewer colds and flu this winter. That's a benefit I'd like to keep.
I got mine today as well..Pfizer, first shot. I was happy to finally get in.
I also got Phizer and I was so very delighted— when I got home though I got a bad headache and felt suddenly deeply tired but went to bed and had the best night’s sleep.
Same here. My headache lasted a day and a half.
Fortunately, I only have the sore arm and am tired this morning. Hope you are better today!
I’m fine now just looking forward to my second 3/23. My arm never even got sore. Thank god for the scientific community.
A friend got her second and said she only had a sore arm and was tired...but a good nights sleep and she was fine. I'll celebrate with you on the 23rd....that's my 75th birthday!
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Carole,
Happy birthday to you!
Omg so that would make you an Aires I believe🥂🍀 yes no matter the soreness or whatever I’ll sure be celebrating that day♏️I’m a Scorpio and I have to keep up this interest because my son is actually a very good astrologer.
Carol I got my first last Tuesday and I’ll have my 2nd on the 23rd and I’m getting ready to travel.
Yeah! It’s such a relief!
Thrilling actually
Yes!
Definitely!
Our second will be the 27th. It will be a relief to feel safer to travel for us as well. Now, if only we could get the case numbers low enough that we can travel to Canada to see our friends.
I’m thinking the border will open up by summer but I have some friends disagree.
I hope you are right! A very good friend in Victoria, lost her husband last Fall....it was so not to be able to be there for her.
oops....it was so heartbreaking not to be able to be there for her.
Same for me-#2 on 3/31.
Yay!
Woo hoo!
In FL, the Gov tried to limit vaccines to teachers to those age 50+. The lowering of the age occurred very recently. All the vendors (except the few State Health Dept locations) ignored the Governor's Executive Order and are distributing to all teachers as early as they can be scheduled. We're going to need a lot of help defeating DeSantis in 2022. He has his eye on the Presidency in 2024 for a second round of what we just endured.
Thank god teacher# are being given priority now.
May it be the first of many moves towards bettering the lives of all Americans.
Paula100%
I am delighted it passed because although we knew it would, the past year has made it hard to trust that some strange last minute twist wouldn't derail the next great thing. Because of the careful level headed tone of HCR's presentation of a factual summary of each day's most important news, the usual commenting audience tends toward the range of Democrat opinions, but even so there is a range here which is a good thing. If there weren't, these comments would just be a chorus of ayes and contain nothing to expand one's scope of knowledge, provide new perspectives (whether we agree with them or not it's instructive to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses), and exercise the old argumentation muscles. It's an opportunity to flex and strengthen expression but not demand total conformity to some mono-culture of thought. If we can't tolerate listening to ideas we don't agree with (so long as they are presented civilly and opposing ideas are permitted) and if we can't argue constructively with references, facts, even anecdotes, then we become as bad as Fox News.
Emily, I wish we could talk across the back fence. You too, Joseph.
me three!
We're going to need a bigger fence.
Not to worry...I have a fence-builder in the family. The more the merrier, remember?
This is our fence.
(and mostly our tent!)
Hear, hear!
Heather, you kept us informed and sane over the last year and I thank you! So fitting that you deliver the best news in years to an anxious audience but one who can and will move forward. We are indebted to you but also well aware of the gifts you gave us over this long length of time. Hugs all around. XOXOXO
Xoxo—I only discovered you because of an article in the NYTIMES after the coup but I’m so glad I did.
I enjoy hearing your voice, Liz.
Thanks much Mary B! What state are you in?
California—Pasadena, near the Rose Bowl. You?
Marblehead MA
I'm a New Englander too: Keene NH
Well said.
Back in 2009, my husband ended up on life support without insurance.
And even after getting some discounts, we still owed over $75,000.
He couldn't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition. And if you think those doctors and the hospital were nice about paying them, think again.
So we came close to losing everything. And it took us until a few years ago to finally get some money in the bank and be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
But that relief is starting to turn into worry.
I now have to face the reality that if I have to put my husband in a care home, it's going to cost at least $10,000 a month to put him in a place that will deal with his issues.
Or I could spend half of that and put him in a place that barely passes the basics of care. I hear so many stories about how bad the care is for people who can't afford the best care.
And then there's the stay at home costs. I know that having someone from a place like Visiting Angels is $25 an hour and that's if you use a referral via The Alzheimer's Foundation.
Based on eight hours a day for 30 days, that is $6,000 a month.
I spend many an early morning like today worrying and crying thinking about his final days and that I will fail him. That I will end up having to put him in a shitty place.
This is what so many people in the USA are dealing with.
Beth, I feel for you and totally get it. My father required 24 hour at-home care for the last 3 years of his life and the cost was absolutely astronomical. He had been a saver and worked well into his 80s in order to provide a legacy for his children. I was able to hold back about a quarter of his savings by the end and that only because we were able to get supplemental hospice care through Medicare for the last 9 months and he died (at the ripe old age of 96) before we plowed through every asset he had. The healthcare system in the USA is shameful--it is driven by a radical capitalism designed in the Reagan years and works only for those who have the financial means and white privilege (it requires both: not an either/or situation at all!) to be able to afford it.
A vulnerable old age is terrifying to millions of Americans. If this country lived up to its ideals, no one would have to face such a prospect.
Oh, I feel for you. May I suggest visiting an attorney who specializes in elder law? They may be able to help guide you in the protection of what assets you have. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Yes, very important. This usually requires advanced planning.
Beth, I well understand your pain. I have no words of comfort because I know too well what a devastating situation this is. I'm sorry you're living with this.
Beth's story is illustrative of how broken the long term care system is. People who have saved and built up assets want to protect them to pass on their accumulated "wealth" to their families, even while we pay pauper wages to the very people caring for our aged. And people should not have to become indigent to be cared for in old age or other debilitating conditions. People doing the hard work of caring for those folks should be well paid and allowed dignity in their work, but instead, we pay them poorly, contract with them for positions that are not quite full-time so they don't qualify for benefits, but then expect them to cover all manner of extra shifts, double shifts, weekends, holidays, you name it.
These places are most often managed by for profit corporations, who, like all companies these days, want to not just make a decent living, but maximize their profits. Then add in the insurance companies who would love to sell you long term care insurance, but after all the absolutely necessary expenses of life, not many of us feel we can shell out for more insurance we may or may not need.
It's not unlike the childcare situation. A starting position requires at least 12 college credits in child development and the starting pay is $12/hr. Our own state university just advertised for a full time teacher in their highly regarded child development center. A B.S. was required and the full time salary was $30K. You can't support yourself here on the seacoast, or anywhere in NH, on that amount.
These aren't new problems but they are worsening problems.
Beth Benham- I was fortunate to work as an RN @ a County run (not for profit) nursing home for 38+ years, and have stayed there as a patient- I know they give good care. I do know it's not cheap. You are correct in your assessment of For Profit facilities. Remember former Gov. Rick Scott? https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/fl-op-col-rick-scott-medicare-fraud-20181002-story.html
I am so sorry that you are struggling to deal with such worry. My brother and l struggled like that in order to care for our parents. Navigating long term care is difficult, and one has to be on top of EVERY detail. It’s exhausting, and we found the best place in our county was not as great as in other counties in our state. A doctor plainly told me that our county did not have the “market” for quality care because of our county’s low socioeconomic level. I’m sure you’ll check out every possible resource. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Beth, my heart goes out to you. I’ve navigated long term care with my parents. If you don’t need care immediately, I recommend you meet with the facility social worker or a SHINE representative in your area to discuss available financial help. If your husband is a veteran, he’s likely eligible for benefits to help with care. My dad received $2500 monthly. It made all the difference. It also became clear that the more time we spent visiting our parents, helping with their care and getting to know their caregivers, the better they were cared for. Even luxury facilities fall short.
I'm so sorry, Beth. This is a terrible and unfair burden on you and so many others.
If you live in a state with Medicaid, I would recommend finding a good Elder Care attorney or a good Medicaid attorney. I've been through this and I know what it feels like to face losing everything you own to care for your loved one. There are safety nets, but you have to really seek them out and work through the bureaucracy AND not lose your mind while doing so. Good luck to you.
Beth, I thoroughly relate to how hard this is and I also see so many struggling to care for loved ones. Your comments bring me back to Hillary's words in 2015: "I want to let you know that as your president, I will first and foremost be a champion for our children. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what your circumstances might be. The first obligation of any nation is to take care of those in the years of their early lives and their later lives." –Hillary Her words are a stark and very painful reminder to me how far back we've been taken in these last 4 years. On a more positive note though at least the vaccine brings some relief from the GOP's "death panels". Best wishes to you and your loved ones. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2021/03/04/wisconsin-nursing-homes-see-97-drop-covid-19-cases-since-vaccine/4577793001/
Beth, you’re an angel. I wish a reasonable and best case scenario for you. I read posts like these and realize how fortunate I am.
Your first situation with your husband and insurance would not have happened in Canada. We struggle with the cost of care homes though.
The U.S. is so unfeeling in the main, it seems to me. If you make it, you’re fine. If not, it seems most people look the other way. There’s a crying need for universal health care.
So sorry this happened to you. :(
It’s terrible. My mother-in-law declined slowly with dementia. She lived with us for her last years. Her daughter (my wife) took the night shifts, and directly hired women to take care of her during the days. It was hard work for all of them
Beth Cobb,: As Ellen Massey below recommends, do get in touch with an attorney who specializes in Elder care/ Trusts and Estate planning etc. One organization that does is ACTEC (American College of Estate and Estate Counsel). There are others, including some state Bar Association. I dealt with one when my mother and I needed their help. (I think that ACTEC was the one I dealt with, but it may have renamed itself. ) Here's their contact info: https://www.actec.org/
The difference between the governing philosophies of Democrats and Republicans could not be more clear. From economic justice and social justice, climate justice and criminal justice, voting rights and civil rights, Democrats side with American families and Republicans side with ... well, who the Hell do they side with?
It is time for Americans to reclaim our Democracy for the people! Throw the rascals who do not represent us out!
They side with the oligarchs -- both in this country and in Russia.
And they side with themselves
Morning Lynell and Stuart!! A tip for early risers: skim through the back-&-forth around trickle-down. It has nothing to do with the Letter, though there's some good snark. There's breakfast sustenance in the other comments.
I can't believe David Carroll was given so much air time.
why not? it's good practice especially when he actually starts wanting to produce "evidence" and discuss.
Been at it (skimming) since 2:00 a.m.!
And in whatever tax haven they hide their ill-gotten gains!
Corporations.
Since Trump pays no income tax, Trump must report less than $75,000 in taxable income. Biden should personally send Donald the check as a photo-op.
As long as his declared residence is on Rykers Island.
Traitors Clearinghouse Sweepstakes
That would put the attention back on Cheeto— I hope he’s eating lots of junk food ...
🤣🤣🤣
Great suggestion, Karl!
Eighty-three million Americans make a daily choice to pay bills OR buy groceries. That is enough to know why, and worthy of reflection. That’s more than voted for either presidential candidate by 10 million. And what did we spend on the last election? I don’t know these numbers, but I’m willing to bet that a fraction of the total campaign spending could have reduced the food insecurity by 100%.
I did that for years.
And to all a good early night!
Amen! I just crawled into bed and checked my phone! Whew! I will sleep tonight!
Why?
Well, she won't have to pay any further attention to a persistent fuckwit like you, you moron.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. STOP IT!
Because something good happened... and I love the way it happened!
There ya go
The trickle down theory has been proven not to work. And why should wealth and benefits TRICKLE down? Why should the rich at the top automatically get the benefits, and the people who do the actual hard work, and directly put back into the economy suffer? I say the Republicans have been wrong since before Reagan and they have turned into the antithesis of what they used to be. Go President Biden and the Democrats. The ultra wealthy have not helped the people of this country. By and large they have only helped themselves.
Only the little people pay taxes.
Great post. On a slightly different subject, have you had an opportunity to read the WaPo article posted today regarding the Filibuster? I would certainly love to hear your take on it. Here is the link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/03/02/manchin-filibuster-never-sinema/
We won't be getting rid of the filibuster in the forseeable future, but as the WAPO article suggests, Senate rules can be changed in a variety of ways by the majority to make it a much weaker tool for a minority to use to gets its way. I wouldn't expect the Republicans to simply acquiesce to such changes but they constitute excellent bargaining chips, always essential in acheiving compromises.
Well worth a read with a number of sharp observations re: Manchin and Sinema and some good ideas about how to manage the filibuster. Thanks for posting.
The Post's post brings hope, Michael. Now, the question becomes how (mechanically) does the Senate recalibrate the filibuster to place the burden back on the minority, as well as the other fixes this article mentions.
Agreed Lynell. Especially because the Repulsive are often the ones who bail the fastest when there is any work to be done.
Senate rules can be changed with a simple majority.....time to negotiate with the recalcitrant Dems and the few "anti-Trump" Reps to see how far you can go and still get it passed. On this, in political philosophy terms Manchin is not wrong. Why have a Senate if it is just like the House?
The Senate was designed to thwart the House. Stately deliberative body vs rowdy oracle of democracy.
But with far more power than the British House of Lords.
True but in this day and age and forgetting the "founding fathers" what is the point of a second chamber if it isn't constituted differently with different powers and functions. If not ...get rid of it!
The other day HCR commented that there need be structural changes in the Republican Party and in the Senate. Accomplishing the latter would require either a Constitutional Amendment, highly unlikely, or a change in Senate rules ... more likely over the years as one Party's dominance in that House grows.
Thank you — ever since Cheeto was elected I ordered Wash Post digitally. So glad I did- such good writers.
Wnen McConnell was senate leader, they didn't need to be so brazen as to engage the filibuster over everything. Maybe now people will see just how desperate the GOP is to prevent any legislation introduced by Dems. The old 'do-nothing Congress' will be shown to be the 'do-nothing Republicans', which it has been since Obama.
PS. I think Ornstein is correct that pushing harder on Manchin, especially, will just make him dig in harder. I like his ideas about putting the onus on the minority here. Not only would it force members to do their damn jobs (as opposed to going home to raise money at every opportunity), it would shine a bright light on what they are up to.
Thin Reed, but this is a move in the right direction.
https://reut.rs/3c3L5jo
Food for thought - and action. Thanks for sharing.
So as an antidote to the level of "WTF"-ness going on in response to our resident molotov cocktail thrower, DC, I am posting this link to John Pavolvitz's latest blog post. It is in the spirit of this community, and its humanity and sanity says a lot about the man, but also about where I, personally, would like to be. https://johnpavlovitz.com/2021/03/07/im-fine-thanks-for-masking-a-letter-to-compassionate-people/
As for DC: I don't really care about your opinion. And that is because my hope is that in a very few months the positive benefits of the legislation that is working its way through the houses of Congress--unsupported by the Gormless Obstructionists or not--will be felt across the country. The boyz and girlz who want to have temper tantrums about the "deficit" (which they did not give a rip about when the billionaire tax cut happened in 2017) mean nothing to me. I will be seeing my students and my neighbors (not I--my white privilege has given me untold advantages that make me ineligible for any of the benefits of the American Rescue Plan and I actually pay more in taxes now than I did in 2016 because of the "tax cut": fell into the chasm between those of the middle class who got a very modest benefit and those of the upper 10% who made out like goniffs) be able to afford to pay their rent, repair their broken cars, feed their children, buy books for class. I will see my university maybe (maybe!) hire more faculty and staff because budget cuts have eviscerated the faculty. It might actually be possible to get a raise for faculty salaries, which have not seen a raise in 4 years--and have not seen a raise that meets cost of living increases in 15 years.
I don't care if you and your ilk don't like it, DC. This is going to work. And that is what drives the Gormless Obstructionists nuts.
Now on to other important tasks, like H1 and the Equality Act. Respect for all citizens. Security for the right to vote for all citizens. This is what we have to do.
Brava, Linda!! Your last lines echo what my post above is about, H.B. 1. Agree about DC. Y'all, DON'T FEED TROLLS. It is a rule on Facebook and other sites just as much as it is here. I never engage with them. I don't mind reading contrary opinions, but only when they offer compelling arguments and solid proof to back up what they say, and then do it in a non-threatening, non-argumentative way. In my old age dotage, I have learned to simply walk away from arguments. IMO, it's kind of arrogant to think that anything you say is going to change someone's mind, especially when their only m.o. is solely to be contrary or try and incite and stoke a flame war. Don't be adverse to giving them the last word. As tempting as it is to get in a tit-for-tat exchange, just walk away and leave them in their own echo chamber. Life's too short...
The main issue that I find makes Dr. Richardson's letters so compelling is that she is, first and foremost, a historian. Pretty much everything she says comes from the standpoint of one steeped in history. As a historian she is constantly viewing current events and then comparing them to history. Historians have a gift of being able to see how the arc of human history tends to proceed, and in her case it is the arc of American history. No matter what happens right now, we can, in all likelihood, find parallels in our past history. She is here to point out these parallels and try, as history as a guide, predict where things might lead. As I see it, the problem with events of the past 5 years, and especially in the past 4 months, is we've NOT been in a place exactly like this before, or at least since the antebellum period of the 1850s. The country is as divided now as it has ever been in its history. I'm sure this can be a bit vexing to a historian because it gets harder to figure where we might be headed. What someone, anyone, says on their own forum/foræ is understood as THEIR OWN OPINION. That's a given. But, what enhances Dr. Richardson's "opinions", in MY opinion, is they come with the weight of history behind them, and that counts for a LOT in my book.
Linda, as a personal note, I wholeheartedly agree with your remarks about higher education...I was a victim of my university's budget-slashing last year, which sacked all retirement-aged adjuncts, those of us who teach because we love it, not because we need it. Anyway, the pay sucked majorly. It always seemed to me to be more important to have someone standing in front of a class that was there because they genuinely, from the heart, loved what they were teaching, AND the minds they were responsible for educating. I sincerely hope maybe colleges and universities can see their way to paying faculty members more (NOT administration!!...that's another big bone of contention with me...) as we're the ones in the "trenches". It is sorely needed. Thanks for your words!!
Bruce, I'm confused: what constitutes a troll, exactly?
The majority of the daily comments here do not offer compelling arguments and solid proof for anything, but because they are echos of our own individual experiences that we feel reflect what HCR posted about, we don't consider them trolls.
Some commenters, supportive of HCR, are regularly insulting, offensive and dismissive, usually to the they/them/theirs "out there" but sometimes to the ones that stop by here as well. Does that make THEM trolls?
DC is a subscriber. Does that mean he actually reads HCR and might we be grateful for that as he might shift his perspective over time? Might he subscribe just so he can come here and offer a contrary opinion? Does that make HIM a troll?
It's easy to call someone a troll when we don't like what they say, but like any word, it loses its power when we overuse it.
So what IS a troll?
I will consult the Urban Dictionary...
"In Internet slang, a troll is a person who starts flame wars or intentionally upsets people on the Internet.This is typically done by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog), with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses and normalizing tangential discussion."
[...]
"An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion."
From Wikipedia: "Regardless of the circumstances, controversial posts may attract a particularly strong response from those unfamiliar with the robust dialogue found in some online, rather than physical, communities. Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore them, because responding tends to encourage trolls to continue disruptive posts – hence the often-seen warning: 'Please don't feed the trolls'. Some believe this to be bad or incomplete advice for effectively dealing with trolls."
But, it must be said..."At times the word is incorrectly used to refer to anyone with controversial, or differing, opinions. Such usage goes against the ordinary meaning of troll in multiple ways. While psychologists have determined that the dark triad traits are common among Internet trolls, some observers claim trolls do not actually believe the controversial views they claim."
Though the comments by DS on this particular instance in this letter may not fall under a technical definition of "troll" as mentioned above, some of his other posts on other occasions that have taken HCR to task for some of her assertions can be seen as being attempts at "trolling". Yes, one can disagree, and we certainly don't always agree amongst ourselves on here, but one really does have to question why someone goes to the extremes that he does to repeatedly come onto a forum where he KNOWS he will be met with resistance, and where he can be assured his ideas will be met with throwback. Why would one knowingly, consciously, persistently do that? God knows, there are tons of right-wing foræ I could frequent and argue till the cows come home, but why on earth would I want to do that?? That's why I said it is sometimes best not to respond, especially if one suspects that the person has posted a contrary opinion only to get a rise out of people. And get a rise out of people he does, especially (as the definition above mentions) when people aren't maybe astute or savvy enough in unwritten rules of the internet to know to react minimally, if at all. There are right and wrong ways to approach giving one's opinion and/or disagreeing with someone on foræ like this, so I think one can best try and err on the side of caution when dealing with people one really doesn't know. Only using the written/printed word to express views can sometimes be a bit of a slippery slope when we can't hear vocal inflection, or when we may not know exactly where someone is coming from. We're all familiar with DS's point of view and have an idea where he'll come down on any number of issues--and God knows, I've encountered far worse on the internet! But again, motives can be questioned when someone only appears very intermittently, and then only to disagree with HCR, or label her views suspect. It IS her page and her letters, and I think the bulk of us come here to learn from her and hear her perspectives. And yes, we may all tend to just agree with each other all the time--boring as that may be--but there are plenty of other places we can go to to have our ideas torn down and ripped apart. *I* especially seek out this community to have my confidence in the human animal restored because I live in the reddest region of one of the reddest of states and am surrounded on all corners by insanity. I NEED this calm and serenity. Yes, we do talk amongst ourselves, and occasionally we disagree, but we (try to!) keep the tone civil, since we ARE all high order primates, after all. I appreciate that.
I hope that answers your query in a way...yes, perhaps "trolling" might not always be a proper definition for DS's utterances, but to many on here, they are. I just wish people would take a few seconds to maybe count to ten before responding, and then either ignore, or, not resorting to name-calling, then engage and reply, being prepared to argue your point and provide evidence.
Sorry this went on so long...
Well, thank YOU for such a complete response. Not having enough time to read the comments thoroughly more than once or twice per week, I wasn't familiar with his M.O. I think you can count on the likelihood that there will always be some like myself who may read the Letters daily but don't read the comments enough to recognize someone like DC when they come across him. Makes life interesting. I like your idea to ignore, or at least pause, before replying, good advice for so many situations.
Meant to say DC rather than DS...
What a NICE (a word we do not hear much) letter thanking people for doing what is the RIght thing! The compassionate, empathetic, & commons sense way of dealing with this pandemic, AND as commented before, a great way to prevent flu infections at the same time! Likely all of us here are doing as much as we can to prevent ourselves and others from getting this virus. Seems so absolutely idiotic to read or listen to anyone who feels that wearing a mask & not getting into someone's face, is "infringing" upon their freedom! No point in going on & on about this but this letter lifts me up - something we all need at this time.
Linda Mitchell-thanks for sharing the Pavolvitz piece. I will share it to my progressive groups.
I love John Pavlovitz!
The American Rescue Plan was passed by the senate last evening. It will change the USA, and change will continue to grace us. Heather composed a calm summary of the plan; its meaning for the American people, and placed it in the context of FDR's administration to Reagan's. Her understanding of The American Rescue Plan's ramifications is what makes Letters from an American an exceptional source of our enlightenment.
I can't swear to it, but Heather seemed to temper her deep relief and joy concerning the plan. A bit of those feelings, however, may have hit the page.
'It is hard to overestimate the importance of this measure both for the present moment and as a sign of the direction in which the Democrats in charge of the United States hope to take the nation.'
This plan is a RESCUE beyond the effects of the pandemic and its catastrophic mishandling. It is a bottom up plan, for which the poor, in particular, have been waiting, but it rescues all of us. Biden likes to say, 'America is back', and Joe is bringing back government, too.
This makes for the best Sunday that I can remember.
After this post, I will post one more. The MINIMUM WAGE HIKE did not get past. it will be back soon and all legislators in the House and Senate have to be contacted. They need to hear our voices in support of a wage hike. Please be on the job.
"Change will continue to grace us"
Beautiful. Bless you Fern.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD_ats6eE
An echo that doesn't end and 'is singing in the wind'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMFj8uDubsE
Winds of change are blowing
And don’t criticize what you can understand 👏
Contacting my Repugnant senators is an exercise in futility. My House rep is a member of the sedition caucus, whose “newsletters” are a regurgitation of Repugnant talking points. He has NEVER had an independent thought in his life. I contact them anyway because l want them to know that not everyone believes the drivel they put out. I live in NC, by the way.
Yes, Jennifer, do. At the very least it will remind them that there is human life in NC, in addition to their own. You're showing respect for what they may be capable of as a 'public servant'.
TPJ, Did you see a reply I wrote to you in which I asked you to recommend two books, only 2, about Lincoln. I feel the current civil war that we are being ravaged by is a time to absorb more Lincoln. You know him better than anyone else I know. I await your recommendations.
Yes this makes for a happy and peaceful Sunday— Saturday was pretty good too because the passed it a lot earlier than I expected.
Agree! I was somewhat surprisd and very disappointed to learn that my two female Dem senators voted against the $15 minimum wage and I'm still trying to figure out why. Could it be that they saw the writing on the wall, hedged their bets, and for the sake of Hassan's re-election campaign in 2022, decided to stand together to not support a measure that is only supported by the progessive minority in NH?
Beth, Yes, the 'no' votes to the minimum wage hike by some the democrats was very disappointing. It is time consuming and often futile to try to figure out why they did so. You may want to call their offices with that question. Most importantly, let you representatives know how you feel and encourage others to voice their support of minimum wage hike, not done nationally since 2009,
I'm grateful the rescue plan passed. We will see an infusion of cash at the "Bottom" of the economic ladder where it will be spent on everything from diapers to rent to "Big Macs" with fries. It will not be used to buy back stock, it will not be used to increase profits for big corporations so they can cut production and lay off workers. The police in Podunk USA will stay on the job and so will his firefighter brother. ER medical staff might see their kids go back to school so they will not have that on their minds as they try to convince some dying patient that it is the COVID-19 virus that is the culprit not the flu bug. So I'm grateful the Dems pushed it through and we are not stuck paying for some rich guys custom Lamborghini. I'll help pay for the Big Mac with fries any day.
This bill, together with the progress on the vaccine will get us on the road to recovery.
Not if Greg Abbott, one of our leading sociopaths, can help it.
https://america.substack.com/p/the-sociopathy-of-texas-gov-greg
And, as Beschloss points out, other Governors, including mine, Ron DeSantis. DeSantis emulates tRump at every turn and aspires to be president in 2024 after the Criminal Justice system catches up with tRump.
Thanks for sharing the link.
Can one be a sociopath and psychopath at the same time? Serious question.
http://psychologycharts.com/personality-disorders-dsm5.html
The personality disorders are truly interesting from a clinical perspective. Psychopathy/sociopathy are under the category of ASPD, AKA antisocial personality disorder. The chart above offers basic distinctors. The DSM5 has rules for diagnoses.
Antisocial behavior is notable for the absence of caring or concern and the destructiveness that arises from that lack. a topic of interest...i could go on
Your numbers are much to low. What are Cruz, Johnson, Gosar, Taylor Green, Gaetz... ?
About 15 years ago, browsing through our village used book store, one title leaped out at me: "The Psychopath Next Door." I bought it and drove home- well, next to my home, and knocked on my neighbor's door. When she saw it, instead of the laugh I expected, she looked shocked, and mumbled, "just a minute" and turned back into her house. Darn. So much for my empathic nursing skills. A minute later she came back and handed me a book: "The Sociopath Next Door." Oh how we laughed! She had found it at a garage sale earlier that week! Of course neither case is a laughing matter. I read both books and have worked in mental health, and still the definitions and diagnoses criss cross and blur. Sadly for all of us, effective treatments remain elusive."
Personality disorders are so much harder to treat in general. They fall under the DSM Axis 2 diagnoses...always much harder to treat. I worked in the mental health field for 20+ years and clients with Axis 2 diagnoses were my least favorite, especially those with antisocial personality disorder because they had ZERO empathy or ability to self reflect. Sound like anyone we know????
😐
I believe you can be both but all are not necessarily so. Some experts see sociopaths as “hot-headed.” They act without thinking how others will be affected. But others believe that they can have absolutely no "feeling" for others or for the conventions of society and act accordingly without compunction.
Psychopaths are more “cold-hearted” and calculating. They carefully plot their moves, and use aggression in a planned-out way to get what they want.
While psychopaths are classified as people with little or no conscience, some sociopaths do have a limited, albeit weak, ability to feel empathy and remorse. Psychopaths can and do follow social conventions when it suits their needs and flout them just as easily.
Reading this, it seems not. I believe Abbott is a sociopath, tRump a psychopath. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#:~:text=Some%20experts%20see%20sociopaths%20as,to%20get%20what%20they%20want.