Jewish law does not consider a fetus to be human. The first 40 days it is a cellular construct. If someone injures the fetus of a pregnant woman, the person must pay a fine. If the woman dies from the injuries, the person pays with his/her life (Exodus 21.) The life of the woman is what's at stake. How in the world can man's arrogance paste the word Christian without having any respect for the Rabbi, whose teaching they pretend to follow. This, in my opinion is creating god in the image of man rather than the other way around.
As feminist theologian, Mary Daly said in the 1970s: "If God is male, then the male is God." And Roman patriarchy was built into a religion where women had been given a voice. And sadly, in the words of Rosemary Radford Ruether, "In every generation women have to be taught their place one more time. The subordination of women is never accomplished for once and for all." Here we are again, being forced into subordination in the 21st century! We cannot and must not allow it to happen!
Rowshan Paul, in spreading the message of Jesus to Gentiles, relied heavily on women. Women were integral to the early church. This was reversed in later generations, as a male Catholic hierarchy erased women from positions of influence.
Mary Magdalene, who played a significant role in Jesus’s teaching and who, according to the Gospels, was critical in discovering that Jesus had ‘ascended,’ was later portrayed by the Church as a prostitute. The Last Supper, a traditional Jewish meal in which women participated, many centuries later was portrayed without women. [Do you think that the Apostles cooked the meal and cleaned up?]
Traditionally nuns have been treated as worse than second class—simply compare the retirement benefits for priests and nuns. At a time when women have been country presidents, Supreme Court justices, Nobel Prize winners, and distinguished in countless fields, a woman is barred from becoming a Catholic priest.
By the way, in the United States men decide what is appropriate with a woman’s body, which I find the penisultimate.
It's amazing how much fear women have been able to ignite in men throughout the ages. You are right--even during Christ's ministry, men and women went out shoulder to shoulder to spread the word. The first Council of Nicaea was assembled to combat Arianism, but something happened and it's at these meetings that the men decided that women needed to stay home and serve them instead of assuming any missionary shenanigans...let alone priesthood! A world renowned theologian told me that it was also at these men-only-councils that the "second coming" was misconstrued into an event where a God of love turns into judge and jury....
When organized religion runs amok, it's really bad. I'm Greek Orthodox, my tradition, and I get something out of it and choose to ignore the patriarchy. My brother is in an Orthodox sect that isn't recognized, and it's all about the rules and the canons, and BTW, only THEY go to heaven. The hypocrisy of exclusivism has chased away his wife and kids. Hypocrisy was Christ's biggest peeves and you can see it glaringly--the more the fundamentalism, the bigger the hypocrisy. Susan, you don't have to go to church to know God....
Sophia I chose early not to go to heaven, when I deduced that there would be no one with whom to play poker. But now that it seems that no Republicans will be there, I might reconsider.
I stopped going to church when the pastor I admired and who had declared himself a universal humanist during one sermon stopped speaking anymore about his own journey to broader understanding of what it's all about. Being quite intellectually inclined, he tried to weave in some of it by explain the different interpretations of the Bible over the years and the different languages and so on ... like explaining one Christmas that the actual word to describe Mary, Mother of Jesus, was not virgin but young woman. Oh the outrage that erupted behind closed doors! It was all too stupid and hopeless for me to endure even if there were still upsides. When even this great pastor didn't have the integrity to quit rather than subvert his real beliefs ... well, I decided I would leave instead.
I have some pretty firm "spiritual" beliefs, but I'm beginning to think these are more ethical than spiritual because the more I hear stories like yours, the less inclined to religion I become. Years ago when my dad was dying of cancer, I asked him if he believed in god. He had worked in public health all his life and was a bacteriologist. Pretty much an agnostic, he replied that he thought there was something more, but he didn't believe it resembled the Methodist god of his youth. And I think that summed it up nicely. He was also a kind and ethical person with great integrity. At 18, when I thought I might be pregnant and went to Planned Parenthood to find out, he drove me and simply said "Good luck." Happily, I was not pregnant but that was because I was lucky, not saintly.
Deborah When two of my ministers ran off with the choir mistresses, I chose a pastor over 75 in a church where the choir director was also a male over 75. As for the ‘immaculate conception,’ faith can trump facts, if one chooses.
Yes, and the very primal source of that fear is blood. Men go to war, are wounded, bleed, and die. Women, by some power, bleed every month and do not die. Ultimately the mystery of that had to be identified as evil. And, Sophia, please forgive my adding one more detail. "Christ" is the title given to what an Episcopal priest friend calls the "post-Easter Jesus." He had no direct ministry, of course. And, you're right about the involvement of women. It was often the wives of wealthy men in the Jewish community who followed and supported Jesus as he walked the roads and preached in the synagogues against the corruption in the Jerusalem Temple. And yes, it was at Nicaea that the trouble got written into law. Thank you for pulling in this background.
Don’t forget too, women gave birth. Talk about a power, that was the penultimate power. Women symbolized fertility, life. This is probably why a lot of very early cultures venerated women over men. This of course could not stand and the tables began to start turning to stamp out those “idolatrous” belief systems and turning toward a single god; all knowing, all powerful(yet somehow jealous, vengeful, petty and murderous). Somehow this god couldn’t shake it’s all too human frailties.
Hi, Sarah, Great stuff. In some of those very early cultures there was a tradition of temple prostitutes (servants of the gods). For obvious physical reasons, this meant that you always knew who the mother was, but not the father. This of course created a system in which the women had the power. First thing that had to go was that practice, although it survives in an altered form in the Jewish tradition that the religion is passed down through the mother. If your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish. And you don't want to get me started on all the barren wives in the Hebrew Bible (right up, actually, to the virgin, Mary). Big realization I had one day when I was buried deep in preparing for one of my Bible classes. Thanks for this idea of birth. Yes the absolute power over life. We have definitely got it going on.
Yet another newsletter that manages to activate my primal brain stem into fight or flight. What is most astounding is that Heather isn't making any of this up! This same brain cannot digest the idea that Alito footnoted that there is a negative number of "domestic supply of infants," daintily inferring that women should be forced into pregnancy so as to fill the demand, at the risk of their lives. I refuse to receive this possibility. We have to look at what's going on as a giant blaring alarm clock, waking us up into awareness and action....
What I have a hard time believing is that I've been right all along about the endgame of patriarchy -- and that too many "moderates" in this country don't seem to care.
This is especially distressing since we have so many people on this planet, many of whom cannot even feed themselves. Alito's argument is ridiculous. I believe all five of these justices grew up in some sort of very weird bubble. But don't forget that progress has been made. It is now up to us to keep it.
Thank you, Rowshan. In women who want to forbid abortion or contraception we see those who have accepted what they were taught, without question. They are people who believe that they should not have the right—much less the duty—to control their own lives. Worse yet, they don’t think others, unless they are members of the elect, should have control over their own lives, either.
Rowshan, I snagged the quote from Rosemary Radford Ruether to use as the follower on some of my letters. Thank you for it. I am angry beyond my capacity to handle right now at what is happening. I come from a culture in which women have a leading role, and make most important decisions. My daughters are strong women. I hate thinking that their strength and ability to manage their own lives are being sapped even further than all the gains made during my lifetime. I mourn all the hopes we had when I was young that real progress was being made. I will not give up, and I know my daughters won't either, for their daughters' sake.
Thank you, Anne, but I think it is important for us--men, especially I suspect--to remember always that the fight over abortion is not all about women. Those who would deny women the right to control their own bodily integrity really want to control their lives; abortion is a way to do that, but not really the end. And the same people want to control men's lives, too, unless they are among the elect. (Who exactly the elect are varies from group to group, but there always IS an elect.) That's why this is a fight about civil rights--for everyone.
I agree, Jon. But abortion is only the beginning of a series of assaults on feminine autonomy. And women, especially women of color, were the last to achieve the "inalienable rights" that are supposedly protected by the Constitution. It is not done yet. Focusing on protecting female autonomy is where we have to begin in order to ensure that all the other rights at risk are protected and not eroded by the distorted efforts of extremists in our own country.
Annie, all this is happening because progress *was* being made -- *is* being made. This is what backlash looks like. Backlash against the notion that the U.S. isn't just a republic for affluent white men. When the Republicans call themselves "originalists," this is exactly what they want: a republic where affluent white men run the show. When they call themselves "originalists" -- believe them.
I've been thinking about Mary Daly a lot lately. Also in the 1970s she referred to the anti-choice crusaders as "fetus fetishists" and noted that men tend to identify with the fetus. For anti-feminist, male-supremacist men, this situation is unconscionable, untenable, unthinkable. The only way to protect themselves (i.e., the fetus) is to control the woman bearing it.
Now they seem to be edging into territory -- anti-contraception -- that suggests they also identify with the sperm. Mary (1928–2010) would not be surprised. I'd almost bet that she wrote as much, but at the moment I can't lay my hands on a citation.
That's really interesting. There is so much women in America don't know about women's history, myself included. We need this knowledge now more than ever before. How odd to see yourself as only a sperm or a womb.
Susan, I put together and taught for 30 years a class on the women in the Hebrew Bible, and it's fascinating stuff. There is so much to discover in that text that I've finally given up on knowing more than a fraction.
They *identify* with the fetus, and possibly with the sperm. That's not at all the same as seeing oneself as a fetus or sperm. What they *see* is a woman having life-or-death control over whether they exist or not. They can't handle the thought of such vulnerability. I'd argue that this extends into childhood too, where it's often the mother who controls access to the basics. Notice how a consistent theme through the ages is getting boy children out from under their mother's influence, lest they become "sissies" or gay or both.
I hadn't thought about these feminist theologians in years. They played a big part in my early study of the Hebrew Scriptures. I'll apologize ahead of time for my levity on a serious subject, but this old woman doesn't have much trouble thinking of some of these old white men as sperm.
You've got it! Christianity became the bureaucratic religion of Constantine, whose immense statue in Constantinople ushered in the haloes that the rabbi Jesus has had to wear ever since. He did get baptized a few minutes before his death - just to be on the safe side.
Great point, Rosalind! It was revelatory for me to learn that by politicizing Christianity, Constantine changed it radically from the religion Jesus founded. For anyone interested to learn more about this, I highly recommend the Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels. Modern Library named it one of the 100 best books of the 20th century.
Imogene, such a coincidence: Earlier this morning, while I was looking for another book, I came across my copy of Gnostic Gospels and set it aside to reread, for no particular reason that I could think of at the time. But here you are, and it reminded me that I've been wondering (again) how this gentle teaching turned into what it has become.
How cool is that, Annie! This discussion is making me realize how relevant the Gnostic Gospels, or more accurately the initial politicizing of Christianity, is to today's disturbing upside-down situation. Imho, we need to call evangelical or right-wing Christians "political Christians not real Christians."
I like the idea of calling them political Christians, as that is what they are. My worry is that they will take it literally, as a recognition of their political clout. The arrogance of these so-called Christians astonishes me, though it shouldn't. This nation was founded on Christian arrogance.
Annie, as HCR asked us to join together on social media more, I've become fb friends w MaryPat and Rowshan. I'll send you a friend request too. :) Anyone here is welcome to friend me on fb.
You're on- I'll be looking for you. Be warned: dog photos ahead! My elderly little bitty guy died last summer. Last winter was challenging, so one day I went to the humane society for a "dog fix", just meaning to spend some time with the canids. There was this beautiful "brown" dalmation lady behind the counter, and we hit it off. Short story: she came home with me.
Imogene I strongly support your recommendation of Elaine Pagel’s superb scholarship. Her interpretation of the Thomas gospel sent theologians’ heads spinning. And she’s not a one-trick-pony! As a teenager, she hung out with Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead distinction.
Imogene Elaine Pagels wrote a fascinating book WHY RELIGION: A PERSONAL MEMOIR. I wrote up her book discussion at the Princeton Old Guard. I can send this to you when I get back to NJ tomorrow. If interested, please send me your e-mail.
Incidentally, Joseph Campbell discussed the Thomas Gospel with Bill Moyers on THE POWER OF MYTH. Moyers, a Baptist minister, looked like he was sucking on a lemon.
Hurray! Elaine Pagels is the absolute best. She also has a fabulous book on Revelation, although The Gnostic Gospels is a powerhouse because it came out early after the scholars finally let go of those documents and is readable. I heard her speak once and she is as wonderful as her writing.
I'm going to disagree with one statement. Jesus actually didn't found Christianity. He was a Jew who was on a mission to confront what he saw was the corruption in his own religion and the amassing of money and power in the Jerusalem Temple.
Thank you for this post, Imogene. I don't think there is anything more interesting than the history of religion and, at this point in our country's story, nothing more relevant as we face these religious zealots who are waving their ideas about God around for no good reason except to gain political power.
Great comments, Dean. I stand corrected. Thanks! Your statement that Jesus was "on a mission to confront ... the corruption in his own religion and the amassing of money and power" certainly applies to our situation today, right?!
It applies absolutely and this back and forth on a subject that is rocking all our lives is what's so exciting. One of the problems in this selfish and angry world is that we don't have to all be alike or think alike to respect and care for each other. I think Jesus understood that very well.
Hi, MaryPat. I'm trying to resist reading and commenting since I have a to-do list that's looking pretty long at 9:00 at night. I'm clearly losing the battle.
Reminds me of the man who fell into a hole in the street. When people gathered above him, he called out, “Get me a priest a minister and a rabbi. I want to hedge my bets.”
The essay to which Dave Dalton is drawing attention is very important, but the point which you, TC, and Rosalind are making, about how Christ's religion was politicized for the purposes of Empire, is surely crucial.
Yet I understood that the original text of Genesis 1:27 also means just what you've written... One of those mind-blowing paradoxes that are quite beyond the understanding of would-be Christian fundamentalists who tend quite naturally to shrink the Deity to suit their very mundane purposes... Disrespect may not be intended, yet it is practiced, even institutionalized.
'Christianity', do we dare take it for granted? It's a big influencer with more than one tentacle, and there are other forms of influence on our decision making.
Overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, thereby, making abortion in the U.S. illegal; the role of (white) Republican men; nativism; white nationalism; rewriting of history, and the growing lack of confidence in the Supreme Court ‘since Trump packed it with a 6–3 right-wing majority’ were highlighted in today’s letter.
Our thinking about all this needs to be with the consideration of the divisions between the American people – what are they and how are they being exacerbated.
I recommend reading ‘Confidence in Supreme Court has collapsed since conservatives took control’ an article in Yahoo News, which was based on the new Yahoo News/YouGov poll.
'Its survey of 1,577 U.S. adults, conducted immediately after the leak, found that registered voters have swung from mostly having confidence in the Supreme Court — by a colossal 40-point margin — to being evenly split on the question.'
More than polarization the biggest issue the article points to is courts ideology – moving strongly to the right. American’s opinions about abortions is much more nuanced than response for and against the leaked draft of the Supreme Court's decision to eliminate Roe v. Wade.
‘The abortion debate in America is often framed as a legal binary, with “pro-life” people on one side, seeking to restrict abortion’s availability, and “pro-choice” people on the other, opposing government restrictions on abortion.’
‘But as the country approaches what could be a watershed moment in the history of abortion laws and policies, relatively few Americans on either side of the debate take an absolutist view on the legality of abortion – either supporting or opposing it at all times, regardless of circumstances.'
'As in the past, more Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances (61%) than illegal in all or most circumstances (37%). But in many ways, the public’s attitudes are contingent upon such circumstances as when an abortion takes place during a woman’s pregnancy, whether the pregnancy endangers a woman’s life and whether a baby would have severe health problems.' (PewResearchCenter)
The Letter reminded me of the lack of trust Americans have in government, in institutions, and in one another. We are dealing with several Big Lies which have become embedded in the minds of many millions of people.
‘When people don’t trust elections, it undermines democracy’
‘The consequences of low confidence in elections can be grave. When people don’t trust elections, they don’t trust that the country is governed democratically. Scholars have shown that low trust in election fairness can alienate people from the political system and drive them to embrace anti-democratic leaders and policies.'
‘Many elected officials — including many up for reelection in 2022 — seem to think that employing the racial dog whistle of critical race theory, “illegal voters” and “violent agitators” and encouraging fears about “stolen elections” can be a winning strategy.'
'However, as we saw on Jan. 6, 2021, when people come to mistrust the government and its institutions — including the integrity of elections — democracy becomes vulnerable to grievances, passions and even violence. With the 2022 midterm elections around the corner, Congress may wish to vouchsafe the integrity of the nation’s system of elections administration. For instance, it might install nonpartisan and independent monitoring and other measures that increase voters’ confidence in election results. The stability of our democracy depends on people believing in their institutions.’ (WAPO)
American Democracy is in the hands of a divided America. WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE DECIDERS Can WE address the forces seeking to keep us divided, increase the Oligarchy, and turn the country into an Autocracy, where it appears to be headed?
Okay, we have our differences, but some are working to pull us apart, as far apart as possible. Know who they are.
'We’re in danger of losing our democracy, but most Americans are in denial'
'Republicans have succeeded in restricting voting rights in 19 states. Democrats have failed to protect voting rights at the national level because they can’t break a Senate filibuster. Meanwhile at least 23 supporters of the Big Lie – which holds that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump – are running for secretary of state posts to oversee elections in 19 states. Other election deniers are joining election boards.'
'Fealty to the Big Lie has become a litmus test for Republican candidates because it has become gospel for Republican voters. More than 70 percent of Republicans regard Biden’s victory as illegitimate. Despite all the damning details that have emerged about his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump remains the dominant figure within the GOP, which means that most Republicans have tacitly accepted that inciting an insurrection is no big deal.'
'Look at what just happened in Ohio’s U.S. Senate primary: J.D. Vance, who had been languishing in third place, won the nomination after Trump endorsed him. A fervent, born-again Trumpkin, Vance told a Vanity Fair reporter that Trump supporters “should seize the institutions of the left” and launch a “de-woke-ification program” modeled on de-Baathication in Iraq. (That worked so well, right?)'
Vance's latest allegation coming out is that Democrats want to allow immigrants to flow in through the southern border because it also means an uptick in the amount of fentanyl and Biden is purposely targeting MAGA voters with it, since it is largely fatal. It's a nice idea, maybe--that was just written dripping with wicked sarcasm--but hardly feasible. Aside from writing second-rate fiction the man sounds like a real piece of work...
“If you wanted to kill a bunch of MAGA voters in the middle of the heartland, how better than to target them and their kids with this deadly fentanyl? … It does look intentional. It’s like Joe Biden wants to punish the people who didn’t vote for him and opening up the floodgates to the border is one way to do it.”
— GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance, in an interview with Jim Hoft of Gateway Pundit, April 29
You've just expressed calmly and coldly, Fern, what I wrote today in far more radical terms. Apparently readers prefer lullabies to the fire alarm, even after the fire has already taken and smoke is rising in multiple areas. Can't readers smell it?
I guess there's nothing unusual about that. As I had reason to state -- because I've been seeing it again and again since the 1960s -- people typically rise up to resist change only after it has already happened.
To repeat myself ad nauseam:
You fight to close the stable door
The horse is not there anymore.
I don’t think that it ever was
Inside the stall, and that’s because
In there’s the lair of the Beast.
You quote the Washington Post: "We’re in danger of losing our democracy, but most Americans are in denial".
I wrote that in today's America the overthrow of the State is [becoming] normal politics and those engaged in it are [seen as] normal politicians.
This is symptomatic of mass madness -- delusions on a vast scale. And frankly, that phrase about Americans being "in danger of losing our democracy" is weak, weak, weak.
Even in the unlikely event of DT's Jonestown cultists awakening from their drugged sleep and understanding where they've been led, the die has already been cast. Saving America from itself will depend more on Far-Right bungling than on sleepwalkers waking up on the parapet.
I'm back to that phrase I wrote in a message to a friend on September 10th 2001, that our democracies are like a dog asleep in the middle of the highway -- one doubts our survival instincts.
Some of you may wonder why I comment on America and not on events in my own country, Britain. Simple. What happens or fails to happen in America will affect the entire planet, the rest of the world lies downstream of the United States, we get your bounties and your sewage. The delusions of the English are, alas, their problem; and those of their neighbors, especially those with whom they share our islands. The people who are running Britain are moral dwarves. They don't come up to the ankles of the wartime generation or up to the knees of those I knew as a young man.
What! Me calm and cold! What lullaby -- are you pointing that accusation at me, a lullaby presenter? No matter, I think you have described us and America as well as anyone can. Take that, it comes from my heart, head and keyboard. We agree. I hope that you are prepared to accept that. Even so. as you strongly stated --
'....today's America the overthrow of the State is [becoming] normal politics and those engaged in it are [seen as] normal politicians.
This is symptomatic of mass madness …'
… and as you and I both say, 'Who's paying attention and stopping it?"
Agreed. You neither want nor need lullabies, I wish I could say as much for most people.
I see your approach as being clinical. Your behavior is more professional than mine, I get worked up and start shouting -- albeit with less bawling of profanities than some good people (and I repeat, good people) here.
Destroying our world does not call for a Hitler, a Stalin, a Mao, not even a Putin (although he could do it, and people need to wake up to the fact and to the nuclear sword of Damocles). Given the colossal material power of America, any fool or rogue in the White House could do it -- and some fools have Mensa IQs.
It doesn't even depend on actions like the sabotage of diplomacy and federal agencies by the last President. Inaction or "business as usual" will do.
If I could, I'd give that phrase about investing in educating young people well ten thousand "likes".
This is crucial.
Watch Putin. Under dictatorship, young men get sent to war. Dead or disabled, they'll not disturb the ruler's peace.
Democracy depends on education, very much including civic education. Observe how keen those governors and politicos who want to be our bosses are to trammel public education.
Irenie, This poem has been interpreted in various ways. One thought, which occurred to me, was to connect a woman who has lost her inner beauty, which cannot be brought back, to the world we face or more precisely, defaced.
Fern, such an interesting poem to interpret. Wish we could ask Yeats now. This blog suggests two interpretations: “For here, Yeats too is looking at what Kagan calls “prenatal nonexistence”–though Yeats prefers to think of it as “prenatal existence.”
"Jewish law does not consider a fetus to be human."
Rosalind, thank you for posting the word human and fetus. These two words are often used to distract and confuse in the whole abortion issue (from my perspective).
My own perception, and, I am a guy so I understand my opinion does not count, but, my perception of abortion (or not) is:
A pregnant woman has many factors to consider regarding a pregnancy. ALL of those factors are, and should be, defined by the individual woman differently and ALL of those factors are hers (and hers alone with whomever she chooses to consult) to choose and prioritize. ONLY the individual woman knows what is important to her. Nobody else knows her unique life.
The above sentences do not have anything to do with religion, human, fetus viability, or anything other than her liberty to choose a path for herself in her life. Those sentences ONLY consider the woman's right to set her own priorities and choose her own path.
Discussions of "viability", and "human" and "God" simply distract from the main issue: Women are the one's who, most often, (though not always) will be impacted by the birth of a child.
Hence, an individual woman should be able to weigh all of the factors important to her and make her best choice based on what is important to HER.
What is important to someone else? Does not matter.
Now, I find it absolutely fascinating that Republicans who were hysterically up in arms about mask mandates which restricted their "liberty" are, now, considering a national abortion ban.
Can you guys all say: "Hypocrite"??
Republicans simply cannot be consistent on anything. A totally irrational bunch of hysterical folks now = Republican Party
"Hysteria" comes from the Greek root hysteria, meaning "uterus." It was once believed that hysterical symptoms were caused by a defect in the womb -- so, only women could become "hysterical." There's something kinda funny seeing so many R men becoming so hysterical over this issue. But then, I find humor in weird places.
As a man I can attest to the verity of that. Ppl forget the root of the words we use, but words like "testify" was from the male dominated Romans who would hold their testes when taking an oath. Women couldn't do that.
Rob, Now you got me thinking about 'testes'! …and picturing in my mind the Romans, under the circumstances you so well described; you, Rob, can imagine, and I cannot thank you enough. 😲
Rob, thanks for that. I'd forgotten all about that. I thought it was both hilarious and pathetic when I first learned it (as a high school Latin student). The guys in the class were both embarrassed and flustered.
No comment . . . We mostly read classical writing, which was boring as hell. (Actually, that is interesting. Makes me wonder about the people who borrowed Latin words to name body parts. I know physicists (and certain other disciplines) have whimsical senses of humor, but somehow this one seems a little too . . . obvious.)
Mike, I appreciate your perception that as a man, your opinion doesn't count. It may be extreme to say it doesn't count at all, but the concept that men cannot understand what it is like for women to cope with the possibility of pregnancy all their childbearing years (or be celibate, which wouldn't be fun for anyone) is exactly how I feel. To be lectured and judged and controlled by men (with a few women helpmates) makes me furious and in the end I think everything about woman's reproductive rights should be in the control of women, period. That said, I also appreciate your support and your understanding of this incredibly contentious topic, which in the end is about power and domination of 50% of the population.
GMB. IF a woman were to ask my own perspective I would be very hesitant to reply, and, would probably just ask her questions to allow her to find her own way.
I will not say if I have ever been consulted or if I handled that consult well.
I am 62 now. When I was 22 I was unrecognizable to the person I am now.
Well said Mike.....I like you already.;). I am an NP who worked in College Health. The student who became pregnant and wanted abortion was given pre and post counseling. No one left planned Parenthood without an alternative birth control and education. It was not ever a blame issue, but an issue that warrented understanding and education.
These are privileged kids. What about the underserved. Whole other story in the ability to reach out and help them.
However, because of economic stress and social conditions, women dont always have a choice to make a decision to carry a pregnancy to term or not, especially the they have other children to care for and struggle to make ends meet. Enforced pregnancy is wrong but so is the total failure of our society to provide a safety net for women and children.
Precisely, and it is the safety net that should be the focus of the conversation. The Democrats have a major opening if they are astute enough to use it.
Our opinions count Mike, because we vote, they just, as you eloquently point out, should not control a woman's decision in the matter of terminating a pregnancy.
Or at least have compassion for the layers of factors which influence the decision to abort. That is what appalls me: the absolute singleminded, "no abortion ever" simplemindedness of the anti-abortion folks.
Yo, Mike. Your opinion does count! In this case, it's the right one, so speak it loud and clear. Per Heather's statistics, the "other" men are certainly speaking their opinions, so please, we need you.
Hope, thanks. I did post here. And, I do share my perspective politely and professionally at dinner parties, meetings where this comes up in my various clubs, etc.
But, lots of guys think like I do. Most of them in fact.
I know this thought is oversimplifying the true reasons for gender inequality in the USA but… Isn’t it the height of hypocrisy to “punish” a woman for pregnancy, legally, and not consider any connection how and why she is pregnant? That her body belongs solely to her. As if every birth is divine? What about the child after the birth? And the father who might only be confirmed with a paternal genetics test? This battle is so openly sexist, political, divisive and transparent. As if we can’t argue with god. If we are a Democracy, then why don’t we have equal rights? Is it brawn over brains? More women than men in USA! https://knoema.com/atlas/United-States-of-America/topics/Demographics/Population/Male-to-female-ratio
Not really oversimplifying, just very uncomfortable for men who disagree but still want to have sex. I still think the Lysistrata approach would be very effective very quickly.
Whatever healthcare decision a woman makes, she is the person who has to live with the decision, not a bunch of mostly male legislators in a the state capital or judges on the supreme court, mostly privileged white guys.
Sharon, I was 38 when I had twins. From the very, very beginning being involved with them was the best part of my life. They also forced me to get the heck out of bad job that I knew was not going to last 22 years.
My twins brought me so much happiness, so much fun. What guy does NOT like being the Little Leauge Coach for his kid.....only I rotated everyone through all positions instead of just playing my son at pitching and short stop like the Republican Dad's did.
A LOT of work for sure. I changed millions of diapers. In fact, it was me who pushed my son to the commode. I told him. Little bud, that's the last time I am changing your diaper. Next time, the commode.
And I did not put a diaper back on him. He went like 3 days but eventuallly, he jumped up on that commode!
Mike, you are so right about the anti-mask mandate crowd failing to register their voice in the abortion debate. To be fair, it can also be said that the "my body, my choice" people were silent during the call for vaccine mandates. Plenty of hypocrisy on both sides. Try as I might, I cannot find the underlying principle that allows either group to promote one point of view on the mask/vaccine mandate in favor of choice and the opposite view on the abortion question.
Clare, there is simply no comparison between mandating wearing a mask and even getting vaccinated to mandating 9 months of pregnancy, labor and delivery and 18+ years of raising that child in a country with woefully inadequate support for women and children. The risks of vaccination are exceptionally small and the benefits to society are almost incalculable. Wearing a mask is a tiny requirement with major benefit to society. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery have significant health risks for the mother. And raising a child, well if you don't realize how much that impacts a mother's life, there is no explaining it to you. The argument that "both sides" are hypocritical is a false equivalency that just doesn't hold water.
GMB, I assure you that I need no lesson from you on what it takes to raise children!
Apart from that ignorant comment, the rest of what you said is partially true, and partially untrue and mostly irrelevant to the point I was making. If you do not follow the data on the efficacy and safety of the covid vaccines, and read the statistics from public health authorities and the VAERS database, there is no explaining it to you.
I think through this as if I am a lawyer and see how I can differentiate between the two situations and I do not know how I would make that case. I think it through for myself because I am trying to reconcile my own disparate views and explain my position to a family member who is on the other side of the argument from me. It is not easy. And, unlike you, I do not use put-downs like "false equivalency" in place of a real argument based on solid reasoning and some underlying moral principle.
One either believes a person has the right to make choices that affect their own physical body, or one doesn't. And if one argues for it in one case , and against it in the other because it suits one's own self-serving beliefs, that is hypocrisy.
I share in your perception. A highly personal and, secondarily, medical issue that all others with interest and knowledge may advise, but not decide. To which I would add, only she gets to decide who will live with their choice.
They also ignore that according to Scripture, the “inerrant” word of God ( God “dictated” the Bible, don’t ya know!) Christ’s birth was announced to Mary, his mother, a woman. The first people to learn of the resurrection were women. Of course, those two things are not the only things that “evangelical Christians” ignore. How about words from Matthew about “If you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.” I do the best I can to follow Jesus’s teachings. I often mess up, but I try to care for others. These anti-abortion people are not “pro-life.” The measures they propose HURT people. They want to HURT people. Just look at criminal Rick Scott’s plan, which IMO is sadistic!
Hi Jenn! I really loved your post, it echoes much of what our pastor in our Bethel AME Church has been saying these past few weeks. He really went on a feminist tear this past Sunday, it being Mothers' Day.
I can't remember the citation, but I do remember the primacy of The Word. My mind flashes to the hymn (e.g., Unitarian) "Morning Has Broken". And of course when it comes up in church, I try to channel Cat Stevens. 'Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word".
Our words are, I believe, our proving ground of worthiness. Once we've followed the Decalogue (10 words),
Life is a big word and merits non-stop meditation. For me, I always contemplate and cherish my late wife's life.
Here's a word: Evangelical. I have always been inclined to equate that with the courage to show one's self as a person of faith, in the messages of Jesus. And the mystery and power of the spirit of Jesus. Showing yourself thus, others may sense the glory of belief. I believe that Evangelical Christians and Born Again Christians, believe that there is just enough of the spirit of Jesus in all people to amplify the power.
So I shudder when I hear, usually from the Left, disparagement of Evangelicals. I'd rather that we refresh our memory of the slaughter unleashed in the "Crusades". Now THERE is shame to inherit. Some of my ancestors were Welsh, I'd not be surprised if a few picked up the bloody shield.
Fundamental, now there's a word to chew on. It's pretty much the same word as Radical.
And oh yes, I believe that the Civil Rights Act would never have succeeded but for the bloody courage of John Lewis and the other nonviolent believers. And I don't believe they could have done it without the massive spiritual support and intervention of the church. And I believe, and in any case, it's believing that it's all about, right? That the AME Church was pivotal
And I see PLENTY of nuns all over the world, some perhaps "lapsed" but angels nonetheless, swelling the front ranks of folk trying their darndest to help every woman receive the God-given promise of health.
Yes, and Jesus never thought once that he was starting a new religion. He was just offput by the insincerity of the Pharisee and trying to reform Judaism's harsh, harsh, harsh edge that was put in place by Moses to keep people in line.
He failed at what he set out to do. But, he succeeded in what he set out to do because Jews, going forward, had a kind and gentle alternative.
Until the Southern Baptist Church came along and used the old testament references to slavery to JUSTIFY slavery.
Since then, it has been a Sh*tSHow in parts of Christianity.
You forget that Jesus commissioned his disciples to take the good news throughout the world. The early church organized around his teaching, as relayed through his disciples, the world's first christian missionaries.
Susan Fortunately my dachshund is a nose licker. Was a downer during the toilet paper shortage, but such things will pass. Reminds me of version of ‘candy is dandy, but licker is quicker.’ Awwwk-desperately need a nose lick.
Has man ever not been the arbiter of all the deities man has invented? As far as I can tell all of the world’s various holy texts have been dictated by humans.
Not all of them are meant to be taken literally, though. My traditional people are perfectly aware that their origin stories are meant to teach human beings how to be in the world. As I understand it, Jewish stories were told as metaphor and analogy, and thus the long tradition of commentary, study, and discussion. Something happened in the transfer to western Europe that changed all that. Religious writings began to be selected and organized to suit the aims of certain people, and to become rigid in their interpretation. And here we are.
I think the "interpretations" have been going on since the origin stories were first written down. It didn't start in Western Europe, in my estimation. I think the rigid fundamentalism started before writing was invented, and that it has always acted as a counter weight to human progress and learning. Dogma is toxic because it's mental laziness deified.
Penfist I found Karen Armstrong’s THE HISTORY OF GOD illuminating. About 3000 BCE man commenced determining who was god, and which god was the ‘best.’ I find that acknowledging a ‘Supreme Being’ simplifies the god sweepstakes for me (unless god turns out to be a she).
I love this. I am also reminded of all the places in the Bible that tell you not to lie. One of which is a commandment (Exodus 20:15 "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor). If Repubs are claiming to be such Christians, how can they continue to lie and still claim that association? Check out Revelations 21 and 22.
Just reminded me of 2000 Repub primary in SC during which the Bush crowd slandered McCain with the most blatant lies. A reporter asked a local pol there how they could tell such obvious lies. He responded that they could lie on Saturday and go to church on Sunday and be forgiven. That was the day when McCain should have become a Democrat…. They are worse than Pharisees. Maybe Pharisees is all there ever was…
Rosalind, You are spot on. Bible misinterpretation to support any number of atrocities is an age old tool.
The National Council of Jewish Women has published the Abortion and Jewish Values Toolkit. It is an excellent resource for those who defend reproductive rights and reproductive justice. It does include a section called Jewish Messaging, beginning on page 16, that discusses abortion with relevant scriptural references. Thanks to Joan Friedman for sharing this valuable PDF toolkit with non-Jewish colleagues.
Among the comments today are many regarding the Bible. I highly recommend reading "The Year of Living Biblically: One man's humble quest to follow the bible as literally as possible" by AJ Jacobs. It is SUCH a good read: informative, hilarious, enlightening. I wish all those bible thumpers would read it and see just how wrong they are living--or are they?--as he points out all the contradictory rules in the bible.
Yes, the Old Testament harshness where after successful battle men could take as many wives of the conquered as they wanted, men could stone an adultress, slavery was totally fine,
stands in stark contrast to the forgiveness, tolerance and valuing of diversity of the new Testament.
So, really, the "Bible" is a complete contradiction unless you toss out the old testament except for Genesis, Proverbs and Psalms.
Mike I agree. For two decades I taught the similarities and differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. God in the Old Testament often seemed nasty and vengeful. In the New Testament, god, as reflected in Jesus, promoted love, forgiveness, and turning the other check (except for the moneychangers in the temple).
In the Koran there are passages that could be in the New Testament. Others reflect a warring time dominated by the Medina-Mecca struggle.
I find it arrogant for any religion to proclaim that their god is best==doesn’t sound godly to me.
I have been skimming comments a little less these days. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the added reports that outrage me, and they make me feel hopeless.
Violent crime has skyrocketed in my suburb in the last 6 months--I fear that along with inflation is tipping some of my independent and Democrat friends towards the GOP. They don't bother with all the things discussed here, they are focused only on those two issues.
I don't read fast enough to cover all 300-600 comments per day. I usually get through the top thread, a little more if it's a short one. I know I miss a lot from these discussions. Makes me wish for a search function on substack.
Me, too, Daria. I read the letters, and some of the comments. I need support, not grumbling about the same things over and over. I cherish the posts that help me see past the obstacles and show me a path to take. The rest is just noise. A mess indeed.
I have Jewish friends who have pointed out the Jewish approach to this. Where in the NT does Jesus speak against abortion. This is not Christianity, but misogyny run amok.
Thank you for your comment and for starting this amazing thread. Another way that the teachings of Rabbi Jesus have gotten mixed up with issues of power and money and male domination is the Roman Catholic requirement for priests to be celibate (we'll leave the issue of requiring that they be male for another discussion!). I had read a long time ago that the real reason was not for spiritual strength, but rather because the widows of male priests were claiming rights to property that would have otherwise gone to the church. In researching this notion, I found pro's and con's, the pro being a CBS Sunday morning report from 2013. https://cbsn.ws/3wlzV3B
When I was a young, naive nun, having taken a vow of celibacy, I was appalled while out on mission at how lightly this "vow" was taken by young priests and nuns who were "off duty" and socializing. Now looking back, I've decided that there are very few (if any) humans called to celibacy, and that pretty much any rules that have arisen in the church that evolved well after Jesus' death must be examined for threads of power and money struggles and male domination. Having spent two years among many good priests and priest-candidates in an Episcopal seminary to earn a Master's in religious studies (2018-2020), I am even more convinced that there is no good reason to require (as apposed to encourage or suggest) celibacy of priests. Except maybe to maintain male domination in a church that began as a community of men and women of equal participation.
If you read Barbara Tuchman’s section in FOLLIES OF HISTORY about the Renaissance popes, it could be the script for an X-rated movie. I believe that celibacy was dictated for priests in about the 11th century. The Church today is paying billions on dollars because of the perverted ‘morality’ of priests. Something seems frightfully wrong.
Thank you...nothing has contributed more to the downfall of the Catholic church than the requirement of priests to be celibate. Even though I am averse to the patriarchy in my religion, Greek Orthodoxy, at least the priests get to marry...and help prevent sexual abuse of children....
I agree with this so much. Don't blame this one on god, especially a god linked to compassion and understanding. Only another human being would be cruel enough to dream this one up.
How can the conclusion be that they are “thrown into confusion”? From where I sit, they are a cohesive force of evil. The country is sliding into an abyss from which there is no escape unless the truth can be told. And who will do it? Joe tries with every fiber of his being, only to be drowned out by the power-hungry charlatans who Rupert and his ilk dress up in finery and present as saviors for the gullible masses of asses.
I agree. The Dems must take extraordinary actions to save our democracy. We are marching headlong into fascism and a lot of people are too ignorant or uninformed(misinformed) to see it. I watched CNN at lunch yesterday and it was a full-on Biden Bash. Touting high gas prices, inflation and other crowd pleasing and ratings getting comments to their listeners, these people are threatening our very country. This is a lot of the reason we got Trump in the first place and it is happening again but, this time, if we get him back or a younger version ,our country will be no more.
The rules of the political system of democracy are not “well past us now”. We must use them or be confined to the new rules of fascist democracy from the loathsome wing and a half of the Republican Party.
Dems and the MSM still treat republicans as a legitimate political party, hence the “both sides” crap that chump started. They are a cult; the agenda is power. Seems that all republicans have signed on or have left the stage. Liz, Adam and Steve stand alone it seems
The Dems STILL assume their opponents will behave like gentleman, and in the best interest of the people. That is their greatest flaw. Even Biden, just this year, expressed shock that he is being stymied by McConnell. It's Lucy and the football, year after year.
Have you seen Biden lately? He has not been taking that tone at all (he is using the term MAGA Republicans) Psaki in the Press Briefings has become more combative against Republican views espoused in the Reporters' questions.
"Biden changes tone calling MAGA the most "extreme political movement in history"
Here is an article on Biden's tone from FOX News no less.
I agree he is speaking up, but he is still not willing to, say, end the filibuster, which is simply a tradition. Words, even sharply delivered words, are cheap.
I do not believe everything rests on one single thing. The filibuster elimination is tilting at windmills at this point. Why get bogged down in it at this point in time?
Absolutely words matter. The President's words in the United States carry immense weight. Markets rise and fall in response to what the President says. The media repeats over and over what the President is saying. It's part of politics. I feel more empowered in the fight against the Republicans when Biden speaks out.
I never did understand the phrase words are cheap anyway. It's how humans communicate. It's the churn of our lives filled with the cacophony of voices opposing/supporting vital issues facing Americans today. Trillions are made in the medias around the world talking talking and writing writing ad infinitum (and ad nauseum). TFG guy used words to create a complete movement. His use of twitter was masterful and devastating.
If we are not using words we are using swords. We can lift our words up to defeat evil in this Country.
Holly sorry to rail on. Lotsa coffee this morning. But a good discussion on if words matter. So you make a good point.
but the louder that he screams, the longer he's ignored." (Phil Ochs, Crucifixion). The song is about the Kennedy assassination, but I think of Joe Biden when I hear it now.
Leak, schmeak. Repubs, led by response from Justice Roberts, were able to hold on to “left wing protests and leak of document undermining judicial branch and we will not be deterred by opinion of people” lasted for a cold minute. If any person does not know in their gut that the leak was designed to throw a rotten bone to the slathering white trump base before primaries, then fold up the tent and go home.
My only question is, did it work? That started to be answered last night in West Virginia primary. Funny, that.
My only statement is, it’s the primaries. Let the dogs fight. Go ahead and get your trumpies in.
Our “game and set” is determined marches all over the country starting this weekend. Voices of choice. Voices of democracy. “Match”will be massive voter turnout in November. Know the win for choice. There is no opposite. We are human.
Thanks for your insightful post. I think the second question that must be answered is "Who will listen to the truth?" The "gullible masses of asses" (great phrase!) have so far demonstrated no inclination in that direction.
I have to say that I first heard "masses of asses" from a co-worker named Ivan Nachman while working at NASA in the 60's. Never forgot it, never has been more true. Presient Ivan, who knew...
Feeling compelled to find something more on he-who-coined/shared “masses of @sses,” Google took me to Tampa Bay Times:
“Nachman, Ivan C., 69, of Clearwater, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 14, 2007) at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.
He was born in Newport News, Va., and came here in 1973, when he was transferred here by NASA, where he worked as a purchaser for many years, in Houston, Cape Canaveral and St. Petersburg. He graduated from the University of Virginia and was an Army veteran. He was a member of the Jewish War veterans. He was an avid art collector and enjoyed sculptures and paintings. Survivors include his mother, Clarice B. Nachman, and his caregiver, Joseph Rosati, both of St. Petersburg; and several second cousins. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.”
There is no Republican confusion. As tends to be the case, they succeed in achieving their goals because they remain laser focused on the prize. Dissenters , moderates, are quickly silenced.
Look at the recent success of trump backed primary candidates.
The trump endorsed candidate lost in Nebraska and won in West Virginia. trump's candidate in Dr. Oz is getting booed. So lets see how all this shakes out.
I am seeing some Republican confusion. Scott Perry really threw a bomb with his insane plan. Republicans are scrambling to get out of the way on that one and Perry won't back down. I actually saw a FOX person shoot Perry down when Perry tried to say his plan was actually Democrats talking points. Biden is using it to his advantage so much so that Perry ignored the facts and lobbed personal attacks against Biden.
And then there is Cawthorne. He is giving McCarthy fits and McCarthy continues to do nothing. McCarthy looks increasingly weak and Meadows is pretty much toast thanks to the January 6 Committee. Republicans won the abortion fight and are scrambling to pretend it ain't so. Even the media denied them their diversion attempt at talking about the leak instead. Their complaints about demonstrations are receiving laughs as January 6 is thrown in their faces.
Right now I think things are a mixed bag coming into the midterms.
I continually fail to understand why Democrats put themselves down. It's become a perverse standard among Democratic voters. Right now the Democrats are holding their own against a tsunami of disinformation, lies and media bias. Why can't the voters celebrate this?
I feel very much the same. Dems are making actual progress against massive headwinds, while the entire Republican party strikes me as nothing more than a giant clown car, on fire, with the wheels falling off. All while the media keep trumpeting how the Dems are facing a red tidal wave this fall. It makes no sense to me.
There is no Republican Party. They all want to be slave owners and be able to only adopt a child that fits into their realm of society. Take Amy Coney Barrett as an example. She adopted two children of a different race than her other biological children. She feels child-bearers can merely drop their babies off at police stations, hospitals, or better yet, churches. Yes boys and girls, let the church take you in and then indoctrinate you in their holy teachings. This is how the Federal Society,’s Leonard Leo and that ugly scoundrel, The Mitch, managed to get Catholics onto the Supreme Court. Thus, the woman is only good enough at only spreading her legs so that the man may plant his seeds to impregnate her. Then the man disappears leaving the girl or woman to take care of her own predicament. I thoroughly despise this court and the Pro-Rape party! On Saturday, May 14th, women will be marching again. Find a rally and be there, if you can.
Actually . . . Technically, the Republican Party is an arm of the fascist oligarch billionaires who are organized under Charles Koch, and his ilk. They are, essentially a crime syndicate financed through the bogus lie that “corporations are people” Citizens United.
Amy Coney Barrett, like Palin, and IVANKA Trump, are such hypocrites when it comes to mothering. They are not in the house, doing the daily work of mothering (as their photo-ops pretend). While they are off galavanting, hob-knobbing, sometimes actually working, SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING THE HARD WORK OF MOTHERING. SOMEONE ON THEIR PAYROLL OF SERVANTS.
Lordy, sounds like my hillbilly home. And Mama kept trucking through eight pregnancies, and working in a hosiery mill. She was my hero but I wouldn’t wish her hard life on another woman. Nor would she…
The lyrics really point out the chasm between ideas/upper class and reality for the majority. Should have known it would be Loretta Lynn. She was quite the rabble rouser in her own way. Thanks for the link.
In the Christianists' warped, literal teachings, since women came from a rib, we are not even independent beings, we are the "helpmeet" of men, and therefore property, to do with us whatever they will. Alito and countless GOP members believe this, and they have been legislating by that belief for decades now. They just aren't bothering to hide it anymore.
And still more crucial, persuade as many people as you can between now and November to register to vote and then to vote. As the MA Lottery tagline used to say, “you can’t win if you don’t play” — we can’t hold onto our rights if we don’t vote.
The question is, how did we not see this coming, when the other side has been resolute in telling us at every opportunity for the past 50 years what it was they wanted and what they were willing to do to get it. But we sat there and told ourselves "It can't happen here!" and then we were shocked the day Trump rode down his golden escalator, even though we had dismissed all those rally crowds cheering for Palin back in 2008.
I thought I did, and yet I have been in reactive mode ever since that day in June 2015. I have felt like Michael York’s character Brian Roberts in “Cabaret” when his good friend Maximilian von Heune, played by Helmut Griem, first shows up in his full SS uniform - shocked, stunned, amazed, that people I thought I knew well turned out to be committed believers in such a thing as Trumpism.
There were many people who did see this coming but their voices fell on complacent or apathetic ears. I was reading the syndicated columns of Ms. Molly Ivins who was sounding out warnings from Texas two decades ago....
Since 2000 I’ve been pointing out the danger to various friends, even recommending they read, “It can’t happen here,” but they complained that I was anti-American.
Like others I’ve had little success convincing friends that something really serious is happening. I think it is in part because many of us don’t want to acknowledge that over the last half century leaders of both parties have deceived us about wars (including veteran care (e.g. agent orange) ) and the impact of globalization. Many of those who have been left behind are also scorned (“deplorables”) and religious-based value are denigrated as the primitive superstitions of another era. The contributions of agricultural and manufacturing workers to the build-up of the late 20th century American economic empire have been minimized Add to that the large-scale avoidance of service and duty (it’s not just Trump who had bone spurs) which served as a societal glue across economic classes. This has been a combustible mix of deception and resentment waiting to be demagogued and Democrats have at times foolishly poured gasoline on it.
Another element is that our Constitution was mythologized by liberals into something it never was so we didn’t see its reversion to type as a bundle of elite protecting mechanisms mixed in with a few aspirations. History was largely ignored.
Bill you write, "Many of those who have been left behind are also scorned (“deplorables”) and religious-based value are denigrated as the primitive superstitions of another era." I didn't scorn people until they proved worth of scorn. And that would include the diverse (economic, education) group that supported, and continue to support, tfg. As many comments here note, religion has historically been twisted and used to control societies and keep certain groups oppressed. Not sure what religious-based values you're defending against denigration. In the 21st century many religions still promote primitive superstitions, created hundreds of years ago to explain a confusing world, and control society. And bothsiderism only helps the republicans. However imperfect Democrats are, in the end they are far better for this country than any republican.
It’s not just liberals who worship the Constitution and turn a blind eye to its defects. The Originalists are by no means liberals.
I agree about the mix of deception and resentment. It amazes me that billionaires, who pay for laws to enrich themselves at public expense, are so admired. Resentment is saved for those only somewhat above one’s own economic status.
History isn't just being ignored by the right-wing...it is actively being re-written. Whataboutism is a useless exercise when there is such a clear difference between parties
Not only that. Whataboutism is one of the classic logical fallacies, other things are worse or just as bad. It says nothing about the truth value of an argument. (Please excuse my pedagogical tendencies.)
A good example that gets to the heart of this is, who paid attention to the articles about how ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Counsel, was writing laws that were adopted by states across the country?
Maine's prior governor (the state's national embarrassment, LePage) used legislation written by ALEC all the time. I've been writing LTTE's ( letters the the editor) about this for several years. I first read about ALEC in one of Molly Ivins columns and the legislation is as regressive and ultra right-wing MAGAtty as one might expect would be generated by that Koch-funded garbage pit.
Couldn’t agree more, being old and not in a coma. Watched the Dems pretend it was politics as usual as the steam roller flattened their meager response. I have a special visceral hatred for any “Reagan Democrats,” although no one would likely admit to such these days. They were the first that I noticed being enamored of celebrity as they sold out any position of integrity.
I would have been a Bernie supporter in a different world. But it was clear that they could not win in a Rupert world. Now the "Democrats" don't seem able to win in a Rupert world.. Propaganda works... Ike knew that
Some of us did see this coming, but I admit I was stunned when death star won. I did utter an expletive when a friend showed me the Comey news on her phone. What bothers me now in addition to what's under discussion here is that some on the far left have not learned the lesson. They have consistently dissed Biden, promoted people who have no chance of winning in the general because they have chosen the socialist label, and excoriated an"establishment" D who is running against far right Rs as in the 4th District here in Oregon. Val Hoyle is running and she will probably be against the guy who saved the people on the train in Europe who has shown his true political colors now.
Yes to this, Michele. Though don't know the story about Europe, the guy and the train unless you're speaking of Macron? In which case I'm still not in the know.
This guy was on a train with a couple military buddies, I think a high speed train maybe in Belgium heading to Paris and they stopped someone who was about to commit a terrorist act. This is off the top of my head. Anyway, he ran against DeFazio the last time. Before that Defazio's opponent was the wing nut who wanted people to send their urine to him and caused Maddow to put her head on her desk when she was interviewing him. Now this person is in the state legislature as if we need more R wing nuts there. I will try to look it up.
Yes, he is in the state legislature. A true nutter. He finally gave up running against DeFazio, but found a R district that would elect him. When we used to drive to Eugene to women's basketball games, his signs were everywhere in the rural stretch. Alex was recruited because of his action on the train and thus he stood a better chance. Val Hoyle is a long time D pol...thus she is "establishment."
“Reed Christensen, 63, filed paperwork to run for [Oregon] governor Jan. 7—one year and one day after federal prosecutors say he struck a Capitol Police officer with his fists as rioters attempted to overturn the presidential election.”
I hope Alex does not prevail. Hoyle is a strong candidate. The Rs have several nut cases running for governor. I have not heard of this guy. If he is still running, he isn't going to prevail. Ads here are getting nastier as election day is less than a week away. Turnout has been low.
Does anyone else regularly scream into a pillow “what the f***ing f**k is f***ing happening and how did I get on this f***ing terrible timeline?!!!!!!” Because I’m slapped silly by the absolute bonkers level of insanity we have continued to slide down a razor blade toward. I feel like my brain is broken by the news every day and I think “vote, sure, but how can we stop everything that keeps happening so much all at once all the time.
The legacy of chump, keep the chaos coming. I’m on a news diet, Heather, Robert Hubbell, Dan Rather, and Greg Olear. All the news I can tolerate and keep my brain from total freeze.
I miss the Olbermann vs. Trump videos from Keith Olbermann (https://www.youtube.com/c/WorstPerson) because they made the anger feel ridiculous, which made it go down just a little easier. I need to put a block on my news app because the doomscrolling has reached early-pandemic levels again >.<
For those of use out here who have been shouting from the rooftops since the Reagan years, it's galling. We have watched the Dems march steadily to the right, placate the GOP, and let them get away with murder over and over again. It's been absolutely maddening.
I have regrets about not being more informed sooner. The first vote I ever cast was for Obama in 2008, and I could vote in 1999 >.< I know I couldn't have made an enormous difference but I could have made <some> difference. All I can do is contribute and help others vote, but...yeah, it's all still very maddening.
I totally agree with you that the situation today is maddingly insane. I feel that a very BIG way to start the country on the right track is to prosecute Trump and Congressional members who tried to overthrow our government on January 6 and jail them if necessary. Looming over us now is the very real threat of another Trump presidency which would, in fact, spell the end of our democracy. As it is, we are running, full throttle into fascism.
Maigen I chuckled when I first listened to Tom Lehrer sing about ‘sliding down the razor blade of life.’ Now, experiencing what is now happening in our country, I am no longer chuckling.
Maigen Thomas, I feel the same. One salve is to act up. Another I find is to find community of like minds, as I have found here in LFAA.
Thank goodness for podcasts, I think they have emerged as a. Natural counterweight to the unravelling of mainstream media. If the pen is mightier than the sword, there are pods on both sides in this struggle. 20 years ago, John Stewart’s “the daily show” in the US was the salve for the insanity of the Iraq war and the rise of Fox News, but that magic formula is behind us now. One of the earlier pods I stumbled into is, I find, still one of the best, the WNYC-produced “on the media.” Here: www.OnTheMedia.org .
There is a cost it seems to diving too deep for too long into the depravity, lacking a better word, and trying to fight the currents to the point of mental exhaustion. I can think of two (hosts) who (I think) just snapped, and had to change “modes of operation” or lost their voice entirely. Taking action is cathartic, but lastly, sometimes diving into a mundane task, with the TV off for an extended fast, is the only path to maintaining sanity - the news will always be there when you're ready for it. My hair’s already pulled out and it’s not gonna grow back.
My version of "acting up" is to argue with bigoted, racist white men on LinkedIn, and it gives me extraordinary pleasure to do so without it reflecting poorly on me. It's becoming a sport, and I'm getting very good at it.
Thanks for the suggestions to check out on the media and to pull out all these dang half-started projects that keep my hands and mind busy :D
6 months is going to seem awful long for us spectators and commentators from now till November, but terribly short for those on the ground organizing to make better things happen. This election is perhaps going to be the "hottest" for a very long time in all possible ways. But I found extremely interesting and highly pertinent the question indirectly posed by Heather "What does the Republican Party do afterwards to stop their people going home after the "Abortion" job is seemingly done? The issue that has fired their people up for 50 years is their "Pro-Life" nonesense? The proposed "level 2" issues that they hope to move on to don't seem to have broken through in anything like the same way. The only real question that the GOP leaders don't want any of their supporters to ask is then "What does the Republican Party now stand for?" They certainly don't want to have to spell it all out clearly in the cold light of day. The Dems can say it, but "that's just politics"....and who listens to them? Hence McC' "no program" platform and 3 wise monkey approach..
The Republicans, Inc - made in America for corporations, Fat Money, War&Weapons, corporate Media, the Federalist Society, and so-called Christians and self-important,-he -who -must -be -obeyed -white -men - will need no rationalization nor justification only money to stand from and on. There is no formal opposition in action, only in an empty name run by Obama, Clinton, Pelosi et al, Inc. To wit: the Democratic Party. Its roots embedded in Big Pharma, Big Oil, Dirty Coal, Big Real Estate, Cash on the Barrel please and its head crowned in Inc. Note: Agent Chaos soaked in lawlessness and getting away with sedition. A President, no less! Sitting, voting congressional membership in on the coup - still sitting, still voting. Not purged nor evicted. The report card --$15 min wage, negotiated drug prices, student educational debt forgiveness, protection of voting rights...F-F-F-F. Demoralize, disempower, depress, manage and entertain the citizenry til they chant "There's nothing I can do!""I feel so powerless!" All symptoms of inverted totalitarianism.
The republicans still have to defeat the socialists libs, a made up issue since HST said “Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.” Has worked in every generation since Rush coined the “libtard” epithet that gave the political haters a focus for who to blame for their woes.
I was convinced the Repugnants were incapable of feeling shame. However, if they don't want their platform spelled out, then perhaps they know there is something wrong with it, which makes it their vulnerable spot and then, perhaps they ARE able to feel shame, and THATS where we should be poking at them.
No shame, Suzanne and they see nothing wrong with their program. They think its a game of poker and are keeping their cards close to their chest. They think that the other players are bluffing and stupid. They think, bright as only they are, that they can take anyone for a ride whenever they like. Its a little "brittle" as political beliefs go hence their constant nervousness every time the weakest loudmouths amongst them are caught doing something stupid....and that happens all the time.
Stuart, the scariest words in this extremely scary LFAA, "In Michigan, Republican Ryan Kelley, who is running for governor, has openly attacked the idea of democracy. “Socialism—it starts with democracy,” he said. “That’s the ticket for the left. They want to push this idea of democracy, which turns into socialism, which turns into communism in every instance.” This is republicans answer, is just misuse socialism as a pejorative for anything the Democrats stand for. And so far that strategy has worked because no one has any idea what socialism really is. It's just really, really scary.
Perhaps, what's worse is that no one in power "has any idea" nor any fealty to what democracy "really is" nor the part that says "government by, for and of the people". People--- not Fat Money People, not the" Inc. People " (you know, the "legal" ones not needing their teeth fixed, a pace maker or a bano, ever), not the Only White Men People, not even the Christian People! Funny strange, not a peep from the Bully Pulpit calling up short this BS.
Currently, in Michigan it seems to stand for anything opposing supremacy of "white" oligarchs...altough its probably only the colour of your money that concerns them rather than of your skin.
The silly season on womb control and sex with or without Syntex and the pill has commenced. Full blast.
Homosexuality is on deck. The immaculate conception, Good Friday, Easter and Mary’s Surprise are next.
Celibacy will be ignored. Rome will claim celibacy is virtue.
Criminalizing abortion is older than Christmas. Man’s wish to control woman is older than Noah’s Ark.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine ignored abortion.
And GOP pols are proving once again that all politics are local - in Texas, Florida and Arkansas.
Sex sells. The oldest profession is thriving in DC. A whorehouse is a cider house in Maine. There are no secrets and no rules.
Children unwanted are of no interest to the childless. Born Again is death to civilization.
Sex, politics and religion are not dinner table talk.
A republic if you can keep it. Ben Franklin was a ladies man. LBJ had a private room off the Senate floor. Jack liked women and Bill Clinton liked them better. Nixon liked power and tapes. Agnew liked money.
White historians ignore what matters.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s rise and two terms for Obama call Emancipation and lynching to mind. Little Marco and Fat Chris Christie and bleached Donald the Liar typify our politics.
Moscow Mitch McConnell is filthy rich. Kleptocracy is sweeping the globe.
Putin is Orwellian. Zelenskyy’s Team wins, it’s WW III - either way.
Suicides are rising. The microbiome is under attack. Life itself is threatened.
Senator Cory Booker - American football hero, Mayor of Newark, covered by Peter J. Boyer, now hiding in Mississippi, spoke of love and God to and about sweet Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson - these two embody the best of us, Yes, Senator, she said, again and again, trying to smile, not cry, as the rest of American struggles with what was in play, God or the Devil, Good or Evil, decency or prejudice, Democrats, tolerance and love, or Republicanism, intolerance, and hatred... Alexis de Tocqueville must come back and take a fresh look, Paul Robeson must return from Moscow to sing, James Baldwin, too, must come back, MLK and Bobby Kennedy, gone in a blink, JFK went first, and Abe Lincoln was waiting for them.. wondering, how long will it take?
No wonder suicides are rising; for better or worse, I can recall a time when I felt so much hope about the future in America, or was it a mirage. Nah, just hard work by people who cared, with no cult crazies, except under rocks.
Year: 2030, two years into DeSantis' second presidential term. Headline: "Congress Certain to Pass Parental Screening Bill." The bill would require screening of future parents to determine if they possess "traditional American values and virtues" in order to obtain government approval to procreate. It would also stiffen current abortion laws in which women who sought and failed to obtain an abortion would be put to death upon the birth of their child.
As Leonard Cohen sang, "I've seen the future, brother. It is murder."
First, I just need to thank you, Heather. Your columns are such a pleasure to wake up to. Well, "pleasure" is a strong word -- perhaps I should say "reassurance" instead, as they remind us of the reality of our everyday life in America and should serve as not only informing us, but waking us up to action. I could easily spiral into greater despair based on the onslaught of the everyday hateful legislation and inflammatory words coming at us from the right (along with the criminal actions, misuse of the bible/torah and stretching the meaning of democracy). And to be honest, at times I do. Yet, action is required by all of us. And it must start now with ensuring that we and everyone we know are registered to vote and then making a true plan to vote in every election we are eligible for. Yes, school board elections. Yes, city council elections. Yes, state assembly races and county executive seats. But we must also get involved -- if we have the time (and that is precious for many). I am strengthened by being on the board of the LGBTQ Victory Fund -- where we recruit, mentor and support LGBTQ candidates for local, state and national office, and also a smaller organization, Hope in a Box, with a simple aim: to make LGBTQ-inclusive education the norm in public schools vs the exception. As Heather points out, most of these draconian bills/laws are crafted by white men -- and not representative and reflective of our population. I aim for the day, when I see one of the populations I belong to being fairly and equally represented in elected offices. And lastly, a big boo hoo to Susan Collins and Brett Kavanaugh. They complain about peaceful protests outside their door, but do nothing to help stop the non-stop bullying that young LGBTQ students face everyday at school.
The church is at its most dangerous point when it has a government supporting it.
(Brian Tyler Cohen does a great job.)
Of all the gods ever formed in the minds of humankind, not one has ever reached out its hand to alter the course of our history. They have only served as a shield for men to do their evil deeds against each other. There is nothing outstanding about the god of the christians. His creators commit the same atrocities in his name as have all the followers of all the other gods that came before.
It appears that we are indeed going to visit the dark ages again. The inquisition is under way.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” - Maya Angelou
Just as you bring up the John Birch Society of the 1960s and their racist and antidemocratic views, many of us are wondering how we got to a place that makes it seem as if nothing has been accomplished and nothing learned in the last sixty or so years. Yet much has happened. We have learned much. I don't see how the energized, frothy right can keep rehashing the same tropes decade after decade, when liberals and history have moved on. Maybe we should be talking about the wealthy Republican business elite that uses issues of cultural identity, especially white cultural identity, to stoke the fires of anger, paranoia, and resentment among low-information white communities. Even if Roe falls and additional throwback legislation is enacted in some of the states, I fail to see how this business elite can continue to win on manufactured resentment over the changes wrought in society over these many years. There has to be a hard limit to how far they can get with their tactics. What with sixty years of history and two or more generations of younger adults embracing the world as they found it, how can Republicans keep up their numbers with the old misogyny and racism prevalent in the 1960s? Their numbers should drop off drastically especially as they won't change their tactics. Maybe they should just speak honestly about the parameters of the society they'd like to promote, where the corporate owners control all the levers of power.
Peter Thiel reportedly said it was a shame women were ever given the vote. (Women being the sort who vote for roads and schools and hospitals, and expect people like him to pay his share of taxes for such things?)
The guy strikes me as the sort who read A.Rand “the fountainhead,” decided this is gospel, and has never taken a critical look at it since then. Cato institute, yada yada yada.
And then, HuffPo notes,
“Cato later updated the essay and Thiel clarified that he does not want to disenfranchise women:
—- It would be absurd to suggest that women’s votes will be taken away or that this would solve the political problems that vex us. While I don’t think any class of people should be disenfranchised, I have little hope that voting will make things better.——
Yet he didn't walk back what he wrote, instead lamenting how much attention the comment on women received.”
For a person who has no hope voting will make things better, he certainly is “buying” a lot of votes and voting influence. But then, he sees the solution that fits him and what seems to be the diety he worships, money buys things / votes / people.
Thanks for the update. And yes, other people voting will not get him what he wants. I understand New Zealand won’t give him everything he wants, either.
Speaking of Ayn Rand, in her book Anthem, the hero and a once feisty woman run away from an evil totalitarian regime, and take over a nice house abandoned in the previous enlightened age, where he plans for HIS yet unborn SON to pass on HIS great ideas. The woman has no more voice in the novel after she becomes pregnant. She becomes obsessed with her image in a mirror. He opines at length. The End.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! NYT has published an excellent calendar of the upcoming primaries in each state. I find it very easy to follow. Unfortunately, I do not see where it allows me to gift it. I did receive it through PBS NewsHour, if that helps. Maybe someone else knows how to gift it.
This is how to get article using iPhone. Press on link until menu pops up. Then press on “download linked file”. A blue arrow will appear at the top left in the current address of LFAA. Press the little arrow. Press “downloads” from pop up menu. It then goes to marked download of article. The format sometimes looks diff but it is the complete article without paywall. In this particular article, scroll down to the listings of each state’s primaries.
When you are done with article, you can clear it from the cache by again going to little blue arrow in address bar.
Can an excellent aide be found along with the money, state funding, whatever possible to pay the costs? Social worker for wife? Help can make a difference.
This is with the NYT and I dropped my subscription for the very reason Steve Schmidt called them out for today. You can donate to something called Actblue Express
I think it was created by Stacey Abrams. They then give the funds to those who are running.
I'm an ActBlue addict, Gailee! NYT has a sordid history, for sure. But I am not above using a table that helps track when states are having their primaries, with a light explanation of who is running.
Per ActBlue Express, "The ActBlue Express is a user Community shared across ALL candidates & organizations using ActBlue". https//secure.actblue.com (emphasis in all CAPS added.)
Republicans are becoming more brazen about their goal of permanent minority control of the US, as victory seems within their grasp. Before the Opus Dei 5 majority took over the Supreme Court, right-wingers on the court contented themselves with nibbling away at women’s rights, gay rights and minority rights. Alito’s draft overturning Roe makes no bones about their plan to undo the 14th amendment and establish their theocracy. His language is medieval, and triumphant. Rubio had been a fence-sitter, tepidly embracing Trump, while pushing for caution and moderation. Now he’s going full-bore Lindsey, apparently seeing that the Trumpists hold all the power and he better jump on board. We’ve been saying for a while now that, in choosing between democracy and power, Republicans would abandon democracy. Now they’re saying it too, no longer pretending that they care about democracy.
Two thoughts: one based on the recent Supreme Court Leak on Roe v. Wade pre-decision, and one based on Ryan Kelley's comment regarding Democracy leading to socialism. Thought #1: Since, in the near future, it appears that women will have fewer rights than men, by law, when will that same law regarding inequality, rescind women's ability to vote or hold office, or to receive equal compensation for employment, or to receive equal consideration for loans, mortgages, or, or, or? Thought # 2: If in the future, the US no longer considers itself a Democracy, why would they continue to support Democracies around the world, including Ukraine and Europe, or organizations like the UN or NATO?
Ukraine is screwed if Ruper5/Tucker allowed to blather on. Chump will hand them over, Helsinki told us. I remember when women couldn’t get, well anything, without a man in the 60’s. Then working at NASA, that changed. Businesses let that happen (mid 60’s). Then I could wear pants. Then I could buy a car. Wow, freedom. Glad I’m old now. Won’t go back there. Why would any sane person…
The pre-able-to-wear-pants era got my family ejected from standing in line to enter a restaurant. Seems I started feeling comfortable wearing pants suits before it became lawful. Once I was discovered by the Pants Police, we were told we would not be allowed to enter and be seated because...I was wearing pants! The horror of it all...
I started wearing pants to school in the third grade, 1966-1967 school year. She got "called in" to a "meeting" with the third grade teachers; a custodian saw them ganging up on her and went and got the principal. My Mom said to them "If you have a rule, she'll wear dresses. If you don't have a rule, then she can wear whatever she wants." No rule = I wore pants. At the "end of year gathering" (we didn't do elementary school graduations back then) all three of those teachers were in pantsuits.
Thinking back on those times seems surreal, doesn't it, MaryPat. Oh, wow. This just popped into my head: What if the GOP tries to outlaw women wearing pants?
An aside--but hopefully not a complete non sequiter-- re: pants wearing. British Labour Shadow Cabinet member Angela Raynor-- smeared by Tory member for distracting Boris Johnson with her short dressed "leg crossing commentary" as she sits opposite him in House of Commons. She wore pants the day Boris condemned the smear as misogynistic........poor Boris! To think he might be thrown off track by a pair of well angled legs!!! Seems pants can go both ways in the complex and finely honed art of political fashion.
Hey, Lyn. As to both #1 & #2, like Roe, Women and Democracy will be relegated to the dustbin as soon as the minority gains the power to make this country into its own image. Just my humble opinion.
So glad, that as an Expat, I no longer live in the US! Though, I fear for friends and family who do, and, unless I relinquish my US citizenship (for which I must pay the US gov't. thousands in cash), I must pay US taxes as long as I live... I wonder, if women DO lose the vote, whether women could then refuse to pay taxes, under "no taxation without representation?" (I already feel I have little to no representation).
Jewish law does not consider a fetus to be human. The first 40 days it is a cellular construct. If someone injures the fetus of a pregnant woman, the person must pay a fine. If the woman dies from the injuries, the person pays with his/her life (Exodus 21.) The life of the woman is what's at stake. How in the world can man's arrogance paste the word Christian without having any respect for the Rabbi, whose teaching they pretend to follow. This, in my opinion is creating god in the image of man rather than the other way around.
As feminist theologian, Mary Daly said in the 1970s: "If God is male, then the male is God." And Roman patriarchy was built into a religion where women had been given a voice. And sadly, in the words of Rosemary Radford Ruether, "In every generation women have to be taught their place one more time. The subordination of women is never accomplished for once and for all." Here we are again, being forced into subordination in the 21st century! We cannot and must not allow it to happen!
Rowshan Paul, in spreading the message of Jesus to Gentiles, relied heavily on women. Women were integral to the early church. This was reversed in later generations, as a male Catholic hierarchy erased women from positions of influence.
Mary Magdalene, who played a significant role in Jesus’s teaching and who, according to the Gospels, was critical in discovering that Jesus had ‘ascended,’ was later portrayed by the Church as a prostitute. The Last Supper, a traditional Jewish meal in which women participated, many centuries later was portrayed without women. [Do you think that the Apostles cooked the meal and cleaned up?]
Traditionally nuns have been treated as worse than second class—simply compare the retirement benefits for priests and nuns. At a time when women have been country presidents, Supreme Court justices, Nobel Prize winners, and distinguished in countless fields, a woman is barred from becoming a Catholic priest.
By the way, in the United States men decide what is appropriate with a woman’s body, which I find the penisultimate.
It's amazing how much fear women have been able to ignite in men throughout the ages. You are right--even during Christ's ministry, men and women went out shoulder to shoulder to spread the word. The first Council of Nicaea was assembled to combat Arianism, but something happened and it's at these meetings that the men decided that women needed to stay home and serve them instead of assuming any missionary shenanigans...let alone priesthood! A world renowned theologian told me that it was also at these men-only-councils that the "second coming" was misconstrued into an event where a God of love turns into judge and jury....
Wow. That's really interesting. I stopped going to church when it became all about abortion and little else.
When organized religion runs amok, it's really bad. I'm Greek Orthodox, my tradition, and I get something out of it and choose to ignore the patriarchy. My brother is in an Orthodox sect that isn't recognized, and it's all about the rules and the canons, and BTW, only THEY go to heaven. The hypocrisy of exclusivism has chased away his wife and kids. Hypocrisy was Christ's biggest peeves and you can see it glaringly--the more the fundamentalism, the bigger the hypocrisy. Susan, you don't have to go to church to know God....
Sophia I chose early not to go to heaven, when I deduced that there would be no one with whom to play poker. But now that it seems that no Republicans will be there, I might reconsider.
I stopped going to church when the pastor I admired and who had declared himself a universal humanist during one sermon stopped speaking anymore about his own journey to broader understanding of what it's all about. Being quite intellectually inclined, he tried to weave in some of it by explain the different interpretations of the Bible over the years and the different languages and so on ... like explaining one Christmas that the actual word to describe Mary, Mother of Jesus, was not virgin but young woman. Oh the outrage that erupted behind closed doors! It was all too stupid and hopeless for me to endure even if there were still upsides. When even this great pastor didn't have the integrity to quit rather than subvert his real beliefs ... well, I decided I would leave instead.
I have some pretty firm "spiritual" beliefs, but I'm beginning to think these are more ethical than spiritual because the more I hear stories like yours, the less inclined to religion I become. Years ago when my dad was dying of cancer, I asked him if he believed in god. He had worked in public health all his life and was a bacteriologist. Pretty much an agnostic, he replied that he thought there was something more, but he didn't believe it resembled the Methodist god of his youth. And I think that summed it up nicely. He was also a kind and ethical person with great integrity. At 18, when I thought I might be pregnant and went to Planned Parenthood to find out, he drove me and simply said "Good luck." Happily, I was not pregnant but that was because I was lucky, not saintly.
Deborah When two of my ministers ran off with the choir mistresses, I chose a pastor over 75 in a church where the choir director was also a male over 75. As for the ‘immaculate conception,’ faith can trump facts, if one chooses.
Yes, and the very primal source of that fear is blood. Men go to war, are wounded, bleed, and die. Women, by some power, bleed every month and do not die. Ultimately the mystery of that had to be identified as evil. And, Sophia, please forgive my adding one more detail. "Christ" is the title given to what an Episcopal priest friend calls the "post-Easter Jesus." He had no direct ministry, of course. And, you're right about the involvement of women. It was often the wives of wealthy men in the Jewish community who followed and supported Jesus as he walked the roads and preached in the synagogues against the corruption in the Jerusalem Temple. And yes, it was at Nicaea that the trouble got written into law. Thank you for pulling in this background.
Don’t forget too, women gave birth. Talk about a power, that was the penultimate power. Women symbolized fertility, life. This is probably why a lot of very early cultures venerated women over men. This of course could not stand and the tables began to start turning to stamp out those “idolatrous” belief systems and turning toward a single god; all knowing, all powerful(yet somehow jealous, vengeful, petty and murderous). Somehow this god couldn’t shake it’s all too human frailties.
Hi, Sarah, Great stuff. In some of those very early cultures there was a tradition of temple prostitutes (servants of the gods). For obvious physical reasons, this meant that you always knew who the mother was, but not the father. This of course created a system in which the women had the power. First thing that had to go was that practice, although it survives in an altered form in the Jewish tradition that the religion is passed down through the mother. If your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish. And you don't want to get me started on all the barren wives in the Hebrew Bible (right up, actually, to the virgin, Mary). Big realization I had one day when I was buried deep in preparing for one of my Bible classes. Thanks for this idea of birth. Yes the absolute power over life. We have definitely got it going on.
Yet another newsletter that manages to activate my primal brain stem into fight or flight. What is most astounding is that Heather isn't making any of this up! This same brain cannot digest the idea that Alito footnoted that there is a negative number of "domestic supply of infants," daintily inferring that women should be forced into pregnancy so as to fill the demand, at the risk of their lives. I refuse to receive this possibility. We have to look at what's going on as a giant blaring alarm clock, waking us up into awareness and action....
What I have a hard time believing is that I've been right all along about the endgame of patriarchy -- and that too many "moderates" in this country don't seem to care.
This is especially distressing since we have so many people on this planet, many of whom cannot even feed themselves. Alito's argument is ridiculous. I believe all five of these justices grew up in some sort of very weird bubble. But don't forget that progress has been made. It is now up to us to keep it.
Thank you, Rowshan. In women who want to forbid abortion or contraception we see those who have accepted what they were taught, without question. They are people who believe that they should not have the right—much less the duty—to control their own lives. Worse yet, they don’t think others, unless they are members of the elect, should have control over their own lives, either.
Rowshan, I snagged the quote from Rosemary Radford Ruether to use as the follower on some of my letters. Thank you for it. I am angry beyond my capacity to handle right now at what is happening. I come from a culture in which women have a leading role, and make most important decisions. My daughters are strong women. I hate thinking that their strength and ability to manage their own lives are being sapped even further than all the gains made during my lifetime. I mourn all the hopes we had when I was young that real progress was being made. I will not give up, and I know my daughters won't either, for their daughters' sake.
Thank you, Anne, but I think it is important for us--men, especially I suspect--to remember always that the fight over abortion is not all about women. Those who would deny women the right to control their own bodily integrity really want to control their lives; abortion is a way to do that, but not really the end. And the same people want to control men's lives, too, unless they are among the elect. (Who exactly the elect are varies from group to group, but there always IS an elect.) That's why this is a fight about civil rights--for everyone.
I agree, Jon. But abortion is only the beginning of a series of assaults on feminine autonomy. And women, especially women of color, were the last to achieve the "inalienable rights" that are supposedly protected by the Constitution. It is not done yet. Focusing on protecting female autonomy is where we have to begin in order to ensure that all the other rights at risk are protected and not eroded by the distorted efforts of extremists in our own country.
You got it. Just like in the 50's and 60's we had to focus on civil rights for Blacks. But it was always, in the end, about all of us.
Agreed.
Annie, all this is happening because progress *was* being made -- *is* being made. This is what backlash looks like. Backlash against the notion that the U.S. isn't just a republic for affluent white men. When the Republicans call themselves "originalists," this is exactly what they want: a republic where affluent white men run the show. When they call themselves "originalists" -- believe them.
Well done, you!!!!
I've been thinking about Mary Daly a lot lately. Also in the 1970s she referred to the anti-choice crusaders as "fetus fetishists" and noted that men tend to identify with the fetus. For anti-feminist, male-supremacist men, this situation is unconscionable, untenable, unthinkable. The only way to protect themselves (i.e., the fetus) is to control the woman bearing it.
Now they seem to be edging into territory -- anti-contraception -- that suggests they also identify with the sperm. Mary (1928–2010) would not be surprised. I'd almost bet that she wrote as much, but at the moment I can't lay my hands on a citation.
Susanna, my favorite Mary Daly quote is "If men could have babies, abortion would be a sacrament."
Yes, it would, and protected by a slew of secular laws at the same time.
That's really interesting. There is so much women in America don't know about women's history, myself included. We need this knowledge now more than ever before. How odd to see yourself as only a sperm or a womb.
Susan, I put together and taught for 30 years a class on the women in the Hebrew Bible, and it's fascinating stuff. There is so much to discover in that text that I've finally given up on knowing more than a fraction.
They *identify* with the fetus, and possibly with the sperm. That's not at all the same as seeing oneself as a fetus or sperm. What they *see* is a woman having life-or-death control over whether they exist or not. They can't handle the thought of such vulnerability. I'd argue that this extends into childhood too, where it's often the mother who controls access to the basics. Notice how a consistent theme through the ages is getting boy children out from under their mother's influence, lest they become "sissies" or gay or both.
Some boys never leave home, cling to mother and never marry, and become sissies or gay or both.
I hadn't thought about these feminist theologians in years. They played a big part in my early study of the Hebrew Scriptures. I'll apologize ahead of time for my levity on a serious subject, but this old woman doesn't have much trouble thinking of some of these old white men as sperm.
Dear Rowshan, How wonderful to read your sharing the words of Mary Daly and Rosemary Radford Ruether here!
"Christianity" has been creating god in the image of man ever since Constantine asked the Holy Fathers to become the State Church of the Roman Empire.
You've got it! Christianity became the bureaucratic religion of Constantine, whose immense statue in Constantinople ushered in the haloes that the rabbi Jesus has had to wear ever since. He did get baptized a few minutes before his death - just to be on the safe side.
Wow! Halo History! I learn so much from you Rosalind!
https://www.britannica.com/art/halo-art
I had some good teachers - your friend Gary for one!
😇
Great point, Rosalind! It was revelatory for me to learn that by politicizing Christianity, Constantine changed it radically from the religion Jesus founded. For anyone interested to learn more about this, I highly recommend the Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels. Modern Library named it one of the 100 best books of the 20th century.
Imogene, such a coincidence: Earlier this morning, while I was looking for another book, I came across my copy of Gnostic Gospels and set it aside to reread, for no particular reason that I could think of at the time. But here you are, and it reminded me that I've been wondering (again) how this gentle teaching turned into what it has become.
How cool is that, Annie! This discussion is making me realize how relevant the Gnostic Gospels, or more accurately the initial politicizing of Christianity, is to today's disturbing upside-down situation. Imho, we need to call evangelical or right-wing Christians "political Christians not real Christians."
I like the idea of calling them political Christians, as that is what they are. My worry is that they will take it literally, as a recognition of their political clout. The arrogance of these so-called Christians astonishes me, though it shouldn't. This nation was founded on Christian arrogance.
Annie, as HCR asked us to join together on social media more, I've become fb friends w MaryPat and Rowshan. I'll send you a friend request too. :) Anyone here is welcome to friend me on fb.
You're on- I'll be looking for you. Be warned: dog photos ahead! My elderly little bitty guy died last summer. Last winter was challenging, so one day I went to the humane society for a "dog fix", just meaning to spend some time with the canids. There was this beautiful "brown" dalmation lady behind the counter, and we hit it off. Short story: she came home with me.
Imogene I strongly support your recommendation of Elaine Pagel’s superb scholarship. Her interpretation of the Thomas gospel sent theologians’ heads spinning. And she’s not a one-trick-pony! As a teenager, she hung out with Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead distinction.
Coo-uhl!!!
Wow, how fab! I didn't know that! Thanks for that fascinating info.
Imogene Elaine Pagels wrote a fascinating book WHY RELIGION: A PERSONAL MEMOIR. I wrote up her book discussion at the Princeton Old Guard. I can send this to you when I get back to NJ tomorrow. If interested, please send me your e-mail.
Incidentally, Joseph Campbell discussed the Thomas Gospel with Bill Moyers on THE POWER OF MYTH. Moyers, a Baptist minister, looked like he was sucking on a lemon.
Constantine's Sword, by James Carroll, is also an excellent account of this turning point in history.
Hurray! Elaine Pagels is the absolute best. She also has a fabulous book on Revelation, although The Gnostic Gospels is a powerhouse because it came out early after the scholars finally let go of those documents and is readable. I heard her speak once and she is as wonderful as her writing.
I'm going to disagree with one statement. Jesus actually didn't found Christianity. He was a Jew who was on a mission to confront what he saw was the corruption in his own religion and the amassing of money and power in the Jerusalem Temple.
Thank you for this post, Imogene. I don't think there is anything more interesting than the history of religion and, at this point in our country's story, nothing more relevant as we face these religious zealots who are waving their ideas about God around for no good reason except to gain political power.
Great comments, Dean. I stand corrected. Thanks! Your statement that Jesus was "on a mission to confront ... the corruption in his own religion and the amassing of money and power" certainly applies to our situation today, right?!
It applies absolutely and this back and forth on a subject that is rocking all our lives is what's so exciting. One of the problems in this selfish and angry world is that we don't have to all be alike or think alike to respect and care for each other. I think Jesus understood that very well.
Agree 100%.
Hi, MaryPat. I'm trying to resist reading and commenting since I have a to-do list that's looking pretty long at 9:00 at night. I'm clearly losing the battle.
One of my favorite books!!
Reminds me of the man who fell into a hole in the street. When people gathered above him, he called out, “Get me a priest a minister and a rabbi. I want to hedge my bets.”
🤣🤣🤣
The essay to which Dave Dalton is drawing attention is very important, but the point which you, TC, and Rosalind are making, about how Christ's religion was politicized for the purposes of Empire, is surely crucial.
Yet I understood that the original text of Genesis 1:27 also means just what you've written... One of those mind-blowing paradoxes that are quite beyond the understanding of would-be Christian fundamentalists who tend quite naturally to shrink the Deity to suit their very mundane purposes... Disrespect may not be intended, yet it is practiced, even institutionalized.
'Christianity', do we dare take it for granted? It's a big influencer with more than one tentacle, and there are other forms of influence on our decision making.
Overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, thereby, making abortion in the U.S. illegal; the role of (white) Republican men; nativism; white nationalism; rewriting of history, and the growing lack of confidence in the Supreme Court ‘since Trump packed it with a 6–3 right-wing majority’ were highlighted in today’s letter.
Our thinking about all this needs to be with the consideration of the divisions between the American people – what are they and how are they being exacerbated.
I recommend reading ‘Confidence in Supreme Court has collapsed since conservatives took control’ an article in Yahoo News, which was based on the new Yahoo News/YouGov poll.
'Its survey of 1,577 U.S. adults, conducted immediately after the leak, found that registered voters have swung from mostly having confidence in the Supreme Court — by a colossal 40-point margin — to being evenly split on the question.'
More than polarization the biggest issue the article points to is courts ideology – moving strongly to the right. American’s opinions about abortions is much more nuanced than response for and against the leaked draft of the Supreme Court's decision to eliminate Roe v. Wade.
https://news.yahoo.com/poll-confidence-in-supreme-court-has-collapsed-since-conservatives-took-control-122402500.html
‘The abortion debate in America is often framed as a legal binary, with “pro-life” people on one side, seeking to restrict abortion’s availability, and “pro-choice” people on the other, opposing government restrictions on abortion.’
‘But as the country approaches what could be a watershed moment in the history of abortion laws and policies, relatively few Americans on either side of the debate take an absolutist view on the legality of abortion – either supporting or opposing it at all times, regardless of circumstances.'
'As in the past, more Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances (61%) than illegal in all or most circumstances (37%). But in many ways, the public’s attitudes are contingent upon such circumstances as when an abortion takes place during a woman’s pregnancy, whether the pregnancy endangers a woman’s life and whether a baby would have severe health problems.' (PewResearchCenter)
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/05/06/americas-abortion-quandary/
The Letter reminded me of the lack of trust Americans have in government, in institutions, and in one another. We are dealing with several Big Lies which have become embedded in the minds of many millions of people.
‘When people don’t trust elections, it undermines democracy’
‘The consequences of low confidence in elections can be grave. When people don’t trust elections, they don’t trust that the country is governed democratically. Scholars have shown that low trust in election fairness can alienate people from the political system and drive them to embrace anti-democratic leaders and policies.'
‘Many elected officials — including many up for reelection in 2022 — seem to think that employing the racial dog whistle of critical race theory, “illegal voters” and “violent agitators” and encouraging fears about “stolen elections” can be a winning strategy.'
'However, as we saw on Jan. 6, 2021, when people come to mistrust the government and its institutions — including the integrity of elections — democracy becomes vulnerable to grievances, passions and even violence. With the 2022 midterm elections around the corner, Congress may wish to vouchsafe the integrity of the nation’s system of elections administration. For instance, it might install nonpartisan and independent monitoring and other measures that increase voters’ confidence in election results. The stability of our democracy depends on people believing in their institutions.’ (WAPO)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/01/31/white-distrust-election-government/
American Democracy is in the hands of a divided America. WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE DECIDERS Can WE address the forces seeking to keep us divided, increase the Oligarchy, and turn the country into an Autocracy, where it appears to be headed?
Okay, we have our differences, but some are working to pull us apart, as far apart as possible. Know who they are.
'We’re in danger of losing our democracy, but most Americans are in denial'
'Republicans have succeeded in restricting voting rights in 19 states. Democrats have failed to protect voting rights at the national level because they can’t break a Senate filibuster. Meanwhile at least 23 supporters of the Big Lie – which holds that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump – are running for secretary of state posts to oversee elections in 19 states. Other election deniers are joining election boards.'
'Fealty to the Big Lie has become a litmus test for Republican candidates because it has become gospel for Republican voters. More than 70 percent of Republicans regard Biden’s victory as illegitimate. Despite all the damning details that have emerged about his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump remains the dominant figure within the GOP, which means that most Republicans have tacitly accepted that inciting an insurrection is no big deal.'
'Look at what just happened in Ohio’s U.S. Senate primary: J.D. Vance, who had been languishing in third place, won the nomination after Trump endorsed him. A fervent, born-again Trumpkin, Vance told a Vanity Fair reporter that Trump supporters “should seize the institutions of the left” and launch a “de-woke-ification program” modeled on de-Baathication in Iraq. (That worked so well, right?)'
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/11/americans-in-denial-trump-threat-jan6-elections/?itid=hp_opinions
Vance's latest allegation coming out is that Democrats want to allow immigrants to flow in through the southern border because it also means an uptick in the amount of fentanyl and Biden is purposely targeting MAGA voters with it, since it is largely fatal. It's a nice idea, maybe--that was just written dripping with wicked sarcasm--but hardly feasible. Aside from writing second-rate fiction the man sounds like a real piece of work...
“If you wanted to kill a bunch of MAGA voters in the middle of the heartland, how better than to target them and their kids with this deadly fentanyl? … It does look intentional. It’s like Joe Biden wants to punish the people who didn’t vote for him and opening up the floodgates to the border is one way to do it.”
— GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance, in an interview with Jim Hoft of Gateway Pundit, April 29
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/05/11/jd-vances-claim-that-biden-is-targeting-maga-voters-with-fentanyl/?utm_campaign=wp_todays_headlines&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_headlines&carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F36cf977%2F627b8938956121755a73041d%2F5e2ae52eade4e26cb96b520d%2F55%2F76%2F627b8938956121755a73041d
You've just expressed calmly and coldly, Fern, what I wrote today in far more radical terms. Apparently readers prefer lullabies to the fire alarm, even after the fire has already taken and smoke is rising in multiple areas. Can't readers smell it?
I guess there's nothing unusual about that. As I had reason to state -- because I've been seeing it again and again since the 1960s -- people typically rise up to resist change only after it has already happened.
To repeat myself ad nauseam:
You fight to close the stable door
The horse is not there anymore.
I don’t think that it ever was
Inside the stall, and that’s because
In there’s the lair of the Beast.
You quote the Washington Post: "We’re in danger of losing our democracy, but most Americans are in denial".
I wrote that in today's America the overthrow of the State is [becoming] normal politics and those engaged in it are [seen as] normal politicians.
This is symptomatic of mass madness -- delusions on a vast scale. And frankly, that phrase about Americans being "in danger of losing our democracy" is weak, weak, weak.
Even in the unlikely event of DT's Jonestown cultists awakening from their drugged sleep and understanding where they've been led, the die has already been cast. Saving America from itself will depend more on Far-Right bungling than on sleepwalkers waking up on the parapet.
I'm back to that phrase I wrote in a message to a friend on September 10th 2001, that our democracies are like a dog asleep in the middle of the highway -- one doubts our survival instincts.
Some of you may wonder why I comment on America and not on events in my own country, Britain. Simple. What happens or fails to happen in America will affect the entire planet, the rest of the world lies downstream of the United States, we get your bounties and your sewage. The delusions of the English are, alas, their problem; and those of their neighbors, especially those with whom they share our islands. The people who are running Britain are moral dwarves. They don't come up to the ankles of the wartime generation or up to the knees of those I knew as a young man.
What! Me calm and cold! What lullaby -- are you pointing that accusation at me, a lullaby presenter? No matter, I think you have described us and America as well as anyone can. Take that, it comes from my heart, head and keyboard. We agree. I hope that you are prepared to accept that. Even so. as you strongly stated --
'....today's America the overthrow of the State is [becoming] normal politics and those engaged in it are [seen as] normal politicians.
This is symptomatic of mass madness …'
… and as you and I both say, 'Who's paying attention and stopping it?"
Agreed. You neither want nor need lullabies, I wish I could say as much for most people.
I see your approach as being clinical. Your behavior is more professional than mine, I get worked up and start shouting -- albeit with less bawling of profanities than some good people (and I repeat, good people) here.
Destroying our world does not call for a Hitler, a Stalin, a Mao, not even a Putin (although he could do it, and people need to wake up to the fact and to the nuclear sword of Damocles). Given the colossal material power of America, any fool or rogue in the White House could do it -- and some fools have Mensa IQs.
It doesn't even depend on actions like the sabotage of diplomacy and federal agencies by the last President. Inaction or "business as usual" will do.
If I could, I'd give that phrase about investing in educating young people well ten thousand "likes".
This is crucial.
Watch Putin. Under dictatorship, young men get sent to war. Dead or disabled, they'll not disturb the ruler's peace.
Democracy depends on education, very much including civic education. Observe how keen those governors and politicos who want to be our bosses are to trammel public education.
I wouldn't trust a god that looked like us period.
"I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made."
https://allpoetry.com/Before-The-World-Was-Made
Before the world was made…
Before The World Was Made
by William Butler Yeats
If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet,
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror,
No vanity's displayed:
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.
What if I look upon a man
As though on my beloved,
And my blood be cold the while
And my heart unmoved?
Why should he think me cruel
Or that he is betrayed?
I'd have him love the thing that was
Before the world was made.
© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes
Irenie, This poem has been interpreted in various ways. One thought, which occurred to me, was to connect a woman who has lost her inner beauty, which cannot be brought back, to the world we face or more precisely, defaced.
If Peter sees this, perhaps, he will reply.
Fern, such an interesting poem to interpret. Wish we could ask Yeats now. This blog suggests two interpretations: “For here, Yeats too is looking at what Kagan calls “prenatal nonexistence”–though Yeats prefers to think of it as “prenatal existence.”
https://jpbohannon.com/2012/05/23/before-the-world-was-made/
How can we interpret what “god” wanted when we can’t figure out the confusion of a famous 20th century poet?
Especially if he just got crucified on a cross in public.
Of course you wouldn't.
Yes, indeed
"Jewish law does not consider a fetus to be human."
Rosalind, thank you for posting the word human and fetus. These two words are often used to distract and confuse in the whole abortion issue (from my perspective).
My own perception, and, I am a guy so I understand my opinion does not count, but, my perception of abortion (or not) is:
A pregnant woman has many factors to consider regarding a pregnancy. ALL of those factors are, and should be, defined by the individual woman differently and ALL of those factors are hers (and hers alone with whomever she chooses to consult) to choose and prioritize. ONLY the individual woman knows what is important to her. Nobody else knows her unique life.
The above sentences do not have anything to do with religion, human, fetus viability, or anything other than her liberty to choose a path for herself in her life. Those sentences ONLY consider the woman's right to set her own priorities and choose her own path.
Discussions of "viability", and "human" and "God" simply distract from the main issue: Women are the one's who, most often, (though not always) will be impacted by the birth of a child.
Hence, an individual woman should be able to weigh all of the factors important to her and make her best choice based on what is important to HER.
What is important to someone else? Does not matter.
Now, I find it absolutely fascinating that Republicans who were hysterically up in arms about mask mandates which restricted their "liberty" are, now, considering a national abortion ban.
Can you guys all say: "Hypocrite"??
Republicans simply cannot be consistent on anything. A totally irrational bunch of hysterical folks now = Republican Party
"Hysteria" comes from the Greek root hysteria, meaning "uterus." It was once believed that hysterical symptoms were caused by a defect in the womb -- so, only women could become "hysterical." There's something kinda funny seeing so many R men becoming so hysterical over this issue. But then, I find humor in weird places.
Yes, my wife is Greek American, first language is Greek, so I have long avoided use of the word hysterical. But, for Republicans?
No better word applies. Except: Hypocrite.
The double H party.
Hysterical and Hypocritical.
I like it!
They can make a branding iron.
Like this comment. (It's absurd that the "heart" doesn't work often — a socialist conspiracy no doubt.)
Michael, I just checked with Tucker Carlson and, yep, a Socialist Conspiracy to take your guns away no less.
:-)
As a man I can attest to the verity of that. Ppl forget the root of the words we use, but words like "testify" was from the male dominated Romans who would hold their testes when taking an oath. Women couldn't do that.
great definition of a word that I never knew!!
Why on earth anyone would grab themselves as part of an oath? Well, now we know why the Roman empire failed.
Now there's a picture I won't be able to erase from my brain when I hear the word "testify"...
Yep....from now on any male testifying...
I always learn something when I read the comments here. I didn't know this.
I frequently have to rip myself away from the fascinating tangents! So much to learn, so little time!
Rob With ‘testify’ and testosterone, it’s appropriate for women (and some enlightened men) to say to most males “don’t get testy.”
Rob Might one say that the Roman Senate was ‘crotchety?’
As usual, Keith, you're right on top of it!
Fern Might one call the Roman Senate prickly?
LOL.
Rob, Now you got me thinking about 'testes'! …and picturing in my mind the Romans, under the circumstances you so well described; you, Rob, can imagine, and I cannot thank you enough. 😲
Rob, thanks for that. I'd forgotten all about that. I thought it was both hilarious and pathetic when I first learned it (as a high school Latin student). The guys in the class were both embarrassed and flustered.
Did they mention the Latin word for "sheath?"
As a place to slide your sword?
Vagina
No comment . . . We mostly read classical writing, which was boring as hell. (Actually, that is interesting. Makes me wonder about the people who borrowed Latin words to name body parts. I know physicists (and certain other disciplines) have whimsical senses of humor, but somehow this one seems a little too . . . obvious.)
Trying to "heart" your comment but for some reason the heart won't allow my click. I love your sense of humor ~ it makes a lot of sense! 💕
💙 This MaryB !
Kathy, are you alluding to your real name or am I just befuddled by your post?
Mike, I replied to MaryB’s post. Maybe Substack is trying to create “hysteria” ??🤣
Kathy, No, just my brain taking some time off from thinking.
:-)
They're not hysterical so much as intentional creators of hysteria.
Mike, I appreciate your perception that as a man, your opinion doesn't count. It may be extreme to say it doesn't count at all, but the concept that men cannot understand what it is like for women to cope with the possibility of pregnancy all their childbearing years (or be celibate, which wouldn't be fun for anyone) is exactly how I feel. To be lectured and judged and controlled by men (with a few women helpmates) makes me furious and in the end I think everything about woman's reproductive rights should be in the control of women, period. That said, I also appreciate your support and your understanding of this incredibly contentious topic, which in the end is about power and domination of 50% of the population.
GMB. IF a woman were to ask my own perspective I would be very hesitant to reply, and, would probably just ask her questions to allow her to find her own way.
I will not say if I have ever been consulted or if I handled that consult well.
I am 62 now. When I was 22 I was unrecognizable to the person I am now.
At 22 our skill set was mostly cute/handsome/charming. Surviving to 62 means becoming wise overcame.
Fred,
I missed the cute/handsome/charming age 22.
more like average/average/tongue tied
Well said Mike.....I like you already.;). I am an NP who worked in College Health. The student who became pregnant and wanted abortion was given pre and post counseling. No one left planned Parenthood without an alternative birth control and education. It was not ever a blame issue, but an issue that warrented understanding and education.
These are privileged kids. What about the underserved. Whole other story in the ability to reach out and help them.
However, because of economic stress and social conditions, women dont always have a choice to make a decision to carry a pregnancy to term or not, especially the they have other children to care for and struggle to make ends meet. Enforced pregnancy is wrong but so is the total failure of our society to provide a safety net for women and children.
Precisely, and it is the safety net that should be the focus of the conversation. The Democrats have a major opening if they are astute enough to use it.
Our opinions count Mike, because we vote, they just, as you eloquently point out, should not control a woman's decision in the matter of terminating a pregnancy.
Or at least have compassion for the layers of factors which influence the decision to abort. That is what appalls me: the absolute singleminded, "no abortion ever" simplemindedness of the anti-abortion folks.
Compassionate people and Republican Party members are mutually exclusve sets of people.
Yo, Mike. Your opinion does count! In this case, it's the right one, so speak it loud and clear. Per Heather's statistics, the "other" men are certainly speaking their opinions, so please, we need you.
Hope, thanks. I did post here. And, I do share my perspective politely and professionally at dinner parties, meetings where this comes up in my various clubs, etc.
But, lots of guys think like I do. Most of them in fact.
I know this thought is oversimplifying the true reasons for gender inequality in the USA but… Isn’t it the height of hypocrisy to “punish” a woman for pregnancy, legally, and not consider any connection how and why she is pregnant? That her body belongs solely to her. As if every birth is divine? What about the child after the birth? And the father who might only be confirmed with a paternal genetics test? This battle is so openly sexist, political, divisive and transparent. As if we can’t argue with god. If we are a Democracy, then why don’t we have equal rights? Is it brawn over brains? More women than men in USA! https://knoema.com/atlas/United-States-of-America/topics/Demographics/Population/Male-to-female-ratio
Not really oversimplifying, just very uncomfortable for men who disagree but still want to have sex. I still think the Lysistrata approach would be very effective very quickly.
Lysistrata is a perfect approach!
I agree!
I enjoy reading your responses - you always speak/post as genuine
Thank you
Whatever healthcare decision a woman makes, she is the person who has to live with the decision, not a bunch of mostly male legislators in a the state capital or judges on the supreme court, mostly privileged white guys.
And there is anguish in the decision. She remembers forever if she chooses abortion.
Kathy. But, in many cases, she will anguish forever if she does NOT choose abortion. Like if the kid can barely find food to eat for most of its life.
That is the anguish in the choice.
Yes. Funny the "God" that gave us nothing but bad choices.
Republicans - the party of ME. Democrats - the party of WE. Inconsistent is the party's least dangerous attribute.
Mike, I find most men don't even like babies until they can play sports!
Sharon, I was 38 when I had twins. From the very, very beginning being involved with them was the best part of my life. They also forced me to get the heck out of bad job that I knew was not going to last 22 years.
My twins brought me so much happiness, so much fun. What guy does NOT like being the Little Leauge Coach for his kid.....only I rotated everyone through all positions instead of just playing my son at pitching and short stop like the Republican Dad's did.
A LOT of work for sure. I changed millions of diapers. In fact, it was me who pushed my son to the commode. I told him. Little bud, that's the last time I am changing your diaper. Next time, the commode.
And I did not put a diaper back on him. He went like 3 days but eventuallly, he jumped up on that commode!
Mike, I would say you were the special exceptional dad! My two sons-in-law are great dads. I know those that fall short of you!
Mike, you are so right about the anti-mask mandate crowd failing to register their voice in the abortion debate. To be fair, it can also be said that the "my body, my choice" people were silent during the call for vaccine mandates. Plenty of hypocrisy on both sides. Try as I might, I cannot find the underlying principle that allows either group to promote one point of view on the mask/vaccine mandate in favor of choice and the opposite view on the abortion question.
Clare, there is simply no comparison between mandating wearing a mask and even getting vaccinated to mandating 9 months of pregnancy, labor and delivery and 18+ years of raising that child in a country with woefully inadequate support for women and children. The risks of vaccination are exceptionally small and the benefits to society are almost incalculable. Wearing a mask is a tiny requirement with major benefit to society. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery have significant health risks for the mother. And raising a child, well if you don't realize how much that impacts a mother's life, there is no explaining it to you. The argument that "both sides" are hypocritical is a false equivalency that just doesn't hold water.
GMB, I assure you that I need no lesson from you on what it takes to raise children!
Apart from that ignorant comment, the rest of what you said is partially true, and partially untrue and mostly irrelevant to the point I was making. If you do not follow the data on the efficacy and safety of the covid vaccines, and read the statistics from public health authorities and the VAERS database, there is no explaining it to you.
I think through this as if I am a lawyer and see how I can differentiate between the two situations and I do not know how I would make that case. I think it through for myself because I am trying to reconcile my own disparate views and explain my position to a family member who is on the other side of the argument from me. It is not easy. And, unlike you, I do not use put-downs like "false equivalency" in place of a real argument based on solid reasoning and some underlying moral principle.
One either believes a person has the right to make choices that affect their own physical body, or one doesn't. And if one argues for it in one case , and against it in the other because it suits one's own self-serving beliefs, that is hypocrisy.
I share in your perception. A highly personal and, secondarily, medical issue that all others with interest and knowledge may advise, but not decide. To which I would add, only she gets to decide who will live with their choice.
As I have often said here the Rs are the party of death. Like the poster below I appreciate your views and support.
Thanks, Mike. Yep.
Strange how folks sometimes seem to forget Jesus (and his mother) were Jews.
They also ignore that according to Scripture, the “inerrant” word of God ( God “dictated” the Bible, don’t ya know!) Christ’s birth was announced to Mary, his mother, a woman. The first people to learn of the resurrection were women. Of course, those two things are not the only things that “evangelical Christians” ignore. How about words from Matthew about “If you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.” I do the best I can to follow Jesus’s teachings. I often mess up, but I try to care for others. These anti-abortion people are not “pro-life.” The measures they propose HURT people. They want to HURT people. Just look at criminal Rick Scott’s plan, which IMO is sadistic!
Hi Jenn! I really loved your post, it echoes much of what our pastor in our Bethel AME Church has been saying these past few weeks. He really went on a feminist tear this past Sunday, it being Mothers' Day.
I can't remember the citation, but I do remember the primacy of The Word. My mind flashes to the hymn (e.g., Unitarian) "Morning Has Broken". And of course when it comes up in church, I try to channel Cat Stevens. 'Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word".
Our words are, I believe, our proving ground of worthiness. Once we've followed the Decalogue (10 words),
Life is a big word and merits non-stop meditation. For me, I always contemplate and cherish my late wife's life.
Here's a word: Evangelical. I have always been inclined to equate that with the courage to show one's self as a person of faith, in the messages of Jesus. And the mystery and power of the spirit of Jesus. Showing yourself thus, others may sense the glory of belief. I believe that Evangelical Christians and Born Again Christians, believe that there is just enough of the spirit of Jesus in all people to amplify the power.
So I shudder when I hear, usually from the Left, disparagement of Evangelicals. I'd rather that we refresh our memory of the slaughter unleashed in the "Crusades". Now THERE is shame to inherit. Some of my ancestors were Welsh, I'd not be surprised if a few picked up the bloody shield.
Fundamental, now there's a word to chew on. It's pretty much the same word as Radical.
And oh yes, I believe that the Civil Rights Act would never have succeeded but for the bloody courage of John Lewis and the other nonviolent believers. And I don't believe they could have done it without the massive spiritual support and intervention of the church. And I believe, and in any case, it's believing that it's all about, right? That the AME Church was pivotal
And I see PLENTY of nuns all over the world, some perhaps "lapsed" but angels nonetheless, swelling the front ranks of folk trying their darndest to help every woman receive the God-given promise of health.
Jenn,
Nice word picture. I can see God laboring to write the "Bible" indeed!!
Almost like I can see Joseph Smith looking into a Hat where God was talking to him for him to share to a scribe sitting nearby.
Yes indeed.
God used a word processor because they could. Joseph Smith probably had ergot poisoning or some such thing.😉
I loved the bumper sticker I used to see once in a while: My boss is a Jewish carpenter.
Isn't that the truth!
Yes, and Jesus never thought once that he was starting a new religion. He was just offput by the insincerity of the Pharisee and trying to reform Judaism's harsh, harsh, harsh edge that was put in place by Moses to keep people in line.
He failed at what he set out to do. But, he succeeded in what he set out to do because Jews, going forward, had a kind and gentle alternative.
Until the Southern Baptist Church came along and used the old testament references to slavery to JUSTIFY slavery.
Since then, it has been a Sh*tSHow in parts of Christianity.
You forget that Jesus commissioned his disciples to take the good news throughout the world. The early church organized around his teaching, as relayed through his disciples, the world's first christian missionaries.
It's enough to make me convert! Our local synagogue seems to have much more fun than the Evangelicals and Catholics, too.
You have to have a sense of humor to survive antisemitism.
Has been so since man decided to be the arbiter of what God wanted and commanded…. What a crock.
Jeri,
Well, if I could convince my wife to treat me like a God, I sure would do it.
Unfortunately, in spite of my very best efforts, no luck.
:-)
Get a dog. They are such great ass kissers, really good for your ego.
Susan Fortunately my dachshund is a nose licker. Was a downer during the toilet paper shortage, but such things will pass. Reminds me of version of ‘candy is dandy, but licker is quicker.’ Awwwk-desperately need a nose lick.
Lovely. Indeed, they do pass.
Has man ever not been the arbiter of all the deities man has invented? As far as I can tell all of the world’s various holy texts have been dictated by humans.
Not all of them are meant to be taken literally, though. My traditional people are perfectly aware that their origin stories are meant to teach human beings how to be in the world. As I understand it, Jewish stories were told as metaphor and analogy, and thus the long tradition of commentary, study, and discussion. Something happened in the transfer to western Europe that changed all that. Religious writings began to be selected and organized to suit the aims of certain people, and to become rigid in their interpretation. And here we are.
I think the "interpretations" have been going on since the origin stories were first written down. It didn't start in Western Europe, in my estimation. I think the rigid fundamentalism started before writing was invented, and that it has always acted as a counter weight to human progress and learning. Dogma is toxic because it's mental laziness deified.
Penfist I found Karen Armstrong’s THE HISTORY OF GOD illuminating. About 3000 BCE man commenced determining who was god, and which god was the ‘best.’ I find that acknowledging a ‘Supreme Being’ simplifies the god sweepstakes for me (unless god turns out to be a she).
Great comment. I ordered the book.
I love this. I am also reminded of all the places in the Bible that tell you not to lie. One of which is a commandment (Exodus 20:15 "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor). If Repubs are claiming to be such Christians, how can they continue to lie and still claim that association? Check out Revelations 21 and 22.
Just reminded me of 2000 Repub primary in SC during which the Bush crowd slandered McCain with the most blatant lies. A reporter asked a local pol there how they could tell such obvious lies. He responded that they could lie on Saturday and go to church on Sunday and be forgiven. That was the day when McCain should have become a Democrat…. They are worse than Pharisees. Maybe Pharisees is all there ever was…
This is the truth behind all the lying.
This is what happened to Christianity while few recognized the metamorphosis
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/06/evangelical-church-pastors-political-radicalization/629631/?utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_term=2022-05-10T10%3A00%3A59&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3he8yKxlsCOQUh12Lds05iIb_DpIWAe8V6iFMgHdcNROIKUVRbPRmx-rc
Rosalind, You are spot on. Bible misinterpretation to support any number of atrocities is an age old tool.
The National Council of Jewish Women has published the Abortion and Jewish Values Toolkit. It is an excellent resource for those who defend reproductive rights and reproductive justice. It does include a section called Jewish Messaging, beginning on page 16, that discusses abortion with relevant scriptural references. Thanks to Joan Friedman for sharing this valuable PDF toolkit with non-Jewish colleagues.
https://www.ncjw.org/act/action-resources/jewish-values-and-abortion-toolkit/
ALSO
For women residing outside the US but want to participate in the Global Action Day:
The Democrats Abroad Global Women's Caucus
WHAT: BANS OFF OUR BODIES GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION
WHEN: May 14, 2022 at 10:00am
Eastern Time (US & Canada) WHERE: Online
This is a Zoom web conference.
You can join this meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Registration required to obtain Zoom link.
http://www.democratsabroad.org/
I repost a comment I made above:
Misellejust now
Among the comments today are many regarding the Bible. I highly recommend reading "The Year of Living Biblically: One man's humble quest to follow the bible as literally as possible" by AJ Jacobs. It is SUCH a good read: informative, hilarious, enlightening. I wish all those bible thumpers would read it and see just how wrong they are living--or are they?--as he points out all the contradictory rules in the bible.
Miselle,
Yes, the Old Testament harshness where after successful battle men could take as many wives of the conquered as they wanted, men could stone an adultress, slavery was totally fine,
stands in stark contrast to the forgiveness, tolerance and valuing of diversity of the new Testament.
So, really, the "Bible" is a complete contradiction unless you toss out the old testament except for Genesis, Proverbs and Psalms.
Then, it is OK.
Mike I agree. For two decades I taught the similarities and differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. God in the Old Testament often seemed nasty and vengeful. In the New Testament, god, as reflected in Jesus, promoted love, forgiveness, and turning the other check (except for the moneychangers in the temple).
In the Koran there are passages that could be in the New Testament. Others reflect a warring time dominated by the Medina-Mecca struggle.
I find it arrogant for any religion to proclaim that their god is best==doesn’t sound godly to me.
Thanks Miselle! I'm slow getting to comments today. I will read the YOLB by AJ Jacobs. 🌷🌷🌷
I have been skimming comments a little less these days. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the added reports that outrage me, and they make me feel hopeless.
Violent crime has skyrocketed in my suburb in the last 6 months--I fear that along with inflation is tipping some of my independent and Democrat friends towards the GOP. They don't bother with all the things discussed here, they are focused only on those two issues.
I understand completely. If I get into the comments I get nothing done and, like you, I become outraged and/or cranky. What a mess we are in.
I don't read fast enough to cover all 300-600 comments per day. I usually get through the top thread, a little more if it's a short one. I know I miss a lot from these discussions. Makes me wish for a search function on substack.
Me, too, Daria. I read the letters, and some of the comments. I need support, not grumbling about the same things over and over. I cherish the posts that help me see past the obstacles and show me a path to take. The rest is just noise. A mess indeed.
Yes Daria. Fabulous.
Good morning, Dear Daria!
Many thanks to you and Joan Friedman for sharing this brilliant approach. 💙
I have Jewish friends who have pointed out the Jewish approach to this. Where in the NT does Jesus speak against abortion. This is not Christianity, but misogyny run amok.
I’m imagining they assume its implied, as informed by, wait for it, themselves
Yep. They have no idea what Jesus says in the first three Gospels.
Jews do not name a baby until the baby is 8 days old.
Thank you for your comment and for starting this amazing thread. Another way that the teachings of Rabbi Jesus have gotten mixed up with issues of power and money and male domination is the Roman Catholic requirement for priests to be celibate (we'll leave the issue of requiring that they be male for another discussion!). I had read a long time ago that the real reason was not for spiritual strength, but rather because the widows of male priests were claiming rights to property that would have otherwise gone to the church. In researching this notion, I found pro's and con's, the pro being a CBS Sunday morning report from 2013. https://cbsn.ws/3wlzV3B
When I was a young, naive nun, having taken a vow of celibacy, I was appalled while out on mission at how lightly this "vow" was taken by young priests and nuns who were "off duty" and socializing. Now looking back, I've decided that there are very few (if any) humans called to celibacy, and that pretty much any rules that have arisen in the church that evolved well after Jesus' death must be examined for threads of power and money struggles and male domination. Having spent two years among many good priests and priest-candidates in an Episcopal seminary to earn a Master's in religious studies (2018-2020), I am even more convinced that there is no good reason to require (as apposed to encourage or suggest) celibacy of priests. Except maybe to maintain male domination in a church that began as a community of men and women of equal participation.
If you read Barbara Tuchman’s section in FOLLIES OF HISTORY about the Renaissance popes, it could be the script for an X-rated movie. I believe that celibacy was dictated for priests in about the 11th century. The Church today is paying billions on dollars because of the perverted ‘morality’ of priests. Something seems frightfully wrong.
Thank you...nothing has contributed more to the downfall of the Catholic church than the requirement of priests to be celibate. Even though I am averse to the patriarchy in my religion, Greek Orthodoxy, at least the priests get to marry...and help prevent sexual abuse of children....
I agree with this so much. Don't blame this one on god, especially a god linked to compassion and understanding. Only another human being would be cruel enough to dream this one up.
I agree with your opinion. Humans are not gods. We may be part of something greater than ourselves, but we are not gods.
Wouldn't Christians claim the New Testament trumps the Old Testament?
They do! It's called supersessionism.
It’s always been that way.
Yes.
How can the conclusion be that they are “thrown into confusion”? From where I sit, they are a cohesive force of evil. The country is sliding into an abyss from which there is no escape unless the truth can be told. And who will do it? Joe tries with every fiber of his being, only to be drowned out by the power-hungry charlatans who Rupert and his ilk dress up in finery and present as saviors for the gullible masses of asses.
The Dems are still committed to following the rules when dealing with the GQP, and it will destroy our nation. Those days are well past us now.
I agree. The Dems must take extraordinary actions to save our democracy. We are marching headlong into fascism and a lot of people are too ignorant or uninformed(misinformed) to see it. I watched CNN at lunch yesterday and it was a full-on Biden Bash. Touting high gas prices, inflation and other crowd pleasing and ratings getting comments to their listeners, these people are threatening our very country. This is a lot of the reason we got Trump in the first place and it is happening again but, this time, if we get him back or a younger version ,our country will be no more.
Sounds more like Fox News. The people who watch it are in a completely different world.
Cult crazy and proud
How could the Democrats control CNN?
Same way the Republicans do: by crafting simple narratives that engage the general public's lizard brains.
❤️
The rules of the political system of democracy are not “well past us now”. We must use them or be confined to the new rules of fascist democracy from the loathsome wing and a half of the Republican Party.
Salud Holly. You are a warrioress.
Dems and the MSM still treat republicans as a legitimate political party, hence the “both sides” crap that chump started. They are a cult; the agenda is power. Seems that all republicans have signed on or have left the stage. Liz, Adam and Steve stand alone it seems
Which rules are the Democrats following when dealing with Republicans?
The Dems STILL assume their opponents will behave like gentleman, and in the best interest of the people. That is their greatest flaw. Even Biden, just this year, expressed shock that he is being stymied by McConnell. It's Lucy and the football, year after year.
Have you seen Biden lately? He has not been taking that tone at all (he is using the term MAGA Republicans) Psaki in the Press Briefings has become more combative against Republican views espoused in the Reporters' questions.
"Biden changes tone calling MAGA the most "extreme political movement in history"
Here is an article on Biden's tone from FOX News no less.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/biden-tone-2022-midterms-campaign-strategy-kevin-walling#:~:text=Biden%27s%20new%20aggressive%20tone%20previews%20his%202022%20midterms%20campaign%20strategy
and
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/jan/18/bidens-fiery-angry-speeches-set-tone-2022-midterms/#:~:text=Biden%E2%80%99s%20fiery%2C%20angry%20speeches%20set%20tone%20for%202022%20midterms
I agree he is speaking up, but he is still not willing to, say, end the filibuster, which is simply a tradition. Words, even sharply delivered words, are cheap.
I do not believe everything rests on one single thing. The filibuster elimination is tilting at windmills at this point. Why get bogged down in it at this point in time?
Absolutely words matter. The President's words in the United States carry immense weight. Markets rise and fall in response to what the President says. The media repeats over and over what the President is saying. It's part of politics. I feel more empowered in the fight against the Republicans when Biden speaks out.
I never did understand the phrase words are cheap anyway. It's how humans communicate. It's the churn of our lives filled with the cacophony of voices opposing/supporting vital issues facing Americans today. Trillions are made in the medias around the world talking talking and writing writing ad infinitum (and ad nauseum). TFG guy used words to create a complete movement. His use of twitter was masterful and devastating.
If we are not using words we are using swords. We can lift our words up to defeat evil in this Country.
Holly sorry to rail on. Lotsa coffee this morning. But a good discussion on if words matter. So you make a good point.
❣️
"So he stands on the sea and shouts to the shore
but the louder that he screams, the longer he's ignored." (Phil Ochs, Crucifixion). The song is about the Kennedy assassination, but I think of Joe Biden when I hear it now.
No confusion with us, Jeri.
Leak, schmeak. Repubs, led by response from Justice Roberts, were able to hold on to “left wing protests and leak of document undermining judicial branch and we will not be deterred by opinion of people” lasted for a cold minute. If any person does not know in their gut that the leak was designed to throw a rotten bone to the slathering white trump base before primaries, then fold up the tent and go home.
My only question is, did it work? That started to be answered last night in West Virginia primary. Funny, that.
My only statement is, it’s the primaries. Let the dogs fight. Go ahead and get your trumpies in.
Our “game and set” is determined marches all over the country starting this weekend. Voices of choice. Voices of democracy. “Match”will be massive voter turnout in November. Know the win for choice. There is no opposite. We are human.
United. 🙋🏻🙋🏼🙋🏽🙋🏾🙋🏿🗽
Glory
Jeri,
Thanks for your insightful post. I think the second question that must be answered is "Who will listen to the truth?" The "gullible masses of asses" (great phrase!) have so far demonstrated no inclination in that direction.
I have to say that I first heard "masses of asses" from a co-worker named Ivan Nachman while working at NASA in the 60's. Never forgot it, never has been more true. Presient Ivan, who knew...
Dear Jeri,
Feeling compelled to find something more on he-who-coined/shared “masses of @sses,” Google took me to Tampa Bay Times:
“Nachman, Ivan C., 69, of Clearwater, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 14, 2007) at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.
He was born in Newport News, Va., and came here in 1973, when he was transferred here by NASA, where he worked as a purchaser for many years, in Houston, Cape Canaveral and St. Petersburg. He graduated from the University of Virginia and was an Army veteran. He was a member of the Jewish War veterans. He was an avid art collector and enjoyed sculptures and paintings. Survivors include his mother, Clarice B. Nachman, and his caregiver, Joseph Rosati, both of St. Petersburg; and several second cousins. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.”
Careful- this smacks of HRC’s “basket of deplorable”, and look how that turned out for her!
Jeri's not running for office...unfortunately.
Isobel, one more example of how right HCR was.
Couldn’t agree with you more, but it did not work out well for Hillary cos then we got TRUMP!!!!
Agreed.
There is no Republican confusion. As tends to be the case, they succeed in achieving their goals because they remain laser focused on the prize. Dissenters , moderates, are quickly silenced.
Look at the recent success of trump backed primary candidates.
The trump endorsed candidate lost in Nebraska and won in West Virginia. trump's candidate in Dr. Oz is getting booed. So lets see how all this shakes out.
I am seeing some Republican confusion. Scott Perry really threw a bomb with his insane plan. Republicans are scrambling to get out of the way on that one and Perry won't back down. I actually saw a FOX person shoot Perry down when Perry tried to say his plan was actually Democrats talking points. Biden is using it to his advantage so much so that Perry ignored the facts and lobbed personal attacks against Biden.
And then there is Cawthorne. He is giving McCarthy fits and McCarthy continues to do nothing. McCarthy looks increasingly weak and Meadows is pretty much toast thanks to the January 6 Committee. Republicans won the abortion fight and are scrambling to pretend it ain't so. Even the media denied them their diversion attempt at talking about the leak instead. Their complaints about demonstrations are receiving laughs as January 6 is thrown in their faces.
Right now I think things are a mixed bag coming into the midterms.
I continually fail to understand why Democrats put themselves down. It's become a perverse standard among Democratic voters. Right now the Democrats are holding their own against a tsunami of disinformation, lies and media bias. Why can't the voters celebrate this?
Me too, Barbara! It’s on us to cheer on our Dems…does no good putting down these folks. 💙
I feel very much the same. Dems are making actual progress against massive headwinds, while the entire Republican party strikes me as nothing more than a giant clown car, on fire, with the wheels falling off. All while the media keep trumpeting how the Dems are facing a red tidal wave this fall. It makes no sense to me.
What makes no sense to me is that the Democratic voters believe the media. We have just got to stop the negative head tripping.
The more extreme the Republican candidate, the better the chances of a moderate Democrat to win.
My hope is that the midterm elections don’t come down to my extremist vs your extremist.
The majority of voters live in the middle 70%.
“masses of asses”. Love that 😊
“Masses of Asses”. Hadn’t heard that before. I paused a moment to chuckle, but such darkness for humor to penetrate
There is no Republican Party. They all want to be slave owners and be able to only adopt a child that fits into their realm of society. Take Amy Coney Barrett as an example. She adopted two children of a different race than her other biological children. She feels child-bearers can merely drop their babies off at police stations, hospitals, or better yet, churches. Yes boys and girls, let the church take you in and then indoctrinate you in their holy teachings. This is how the Federal Society,’s Leonard Leo and that ugly scoundrel, The Mitch, managed to get Catholics onto the Supreme Court. Thus, the woman is only good enough at only spreading her legs so that the man may plant his seeds to impregnate her. Then the man disappears leaving the girl or woman to take care of her own predicament. I thoroughly despise this court and the Pro-Rape party! On Saturday, May 14th, women will be marching again. Find a rally and be there, if you can.
Actually . . . Technically, the Republican Party is an arm of the fascist oligarch billionaires who are organized under Charles Koch, and his ilk. They are, essentially a crime syndicate financed through the bogus lie that “corporations are people” Citizens United.
Amy Coney Barrett, like Palin, and IVANKA Trump, are such hypocrites when it comes to mothering. They are not in the house, doing the daily work of mothering (as their photo-ops pretend). While they are off galavanting, hob-knobbing, sometimes actually working, SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING THE HARD WORK OF MOTHERING. SOMEONE ON THEIR PAYROLL OF SERVANTS.
They say to have her hair done, Liz flies all the way to France
And Jackie's seen in a Discotecque doin' a brand new dance
And the White House social season should be glitterin' an' gay
But here in Topeka the rain is a fallin'
The faucet is a drippin' and the kids are a bawlin'
One of them a toddlin' and one is a crawlin'
And one's on the way
I'm glad that Raquel Welch just signed a million dollar pact
And Debbie's out in Vegas workin' up a brand new act
While the TV's showin' newlyweds, a real fun game to play
But here in Topeka, the screen door's a bangin'
The coffee's boilin' over and the wash needs a hangin'
One wants a cookie and one wants a changin'
And one's on the way
Now what was I doin', Jimmy get away from there
Darn, there goes the phone
Hello honey, what's that you say
You're bringin' a few old army buddies home
You're callin' from a bar
Get away from there, no, not you honey
I was talkin' to the baby
Wait a minute, honey, the door bell
Honey, could you stop at the market and hello, hello
Well, I'll be
The girls in New York City, they all march for women's lib
And better homes and garden shows the modern way to live
And the pill may change the world tomorrow, but meanwhile, today
Here in Topeka, the flies are a buzzin'
The dog is a barkin' and the floor needs a scrubbin'
One needs a spankin' and one needs a huggin'
Lord, one's on the way
Oh gee, I hope it ain't twins, again
Songwriter: Shel Silverstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAEzfdBMN5k
Lordy, sounds like my hillbilly home. And Mama kept trucking through eight pregnancies, and working in a hosiery mill. She was my hero but I wouldn’t wish her hard life on another woman. Nor would she…
The lyrics really point out the chasm between ideas/upper class and reality for the majority. Should have known it would be Loretta Lynn. She was quite the rabble rouser in her own way. Thanks for the link.
In the Christianists' warped, literal teachings, since women came from a rib, we are not even independent beings, we are the "helpmeet" of men, and therefore property, to do with us whatever they will. Alito and countless GOP members believe this, and they have been legislating by that belief for decades now. They just aren't bothering to hide it anymore.
And don’t forget, women will forever, because of that apple from the tree of knowledge, be blamed for man’s expulsion from Eden.
This is about the discovery of the knowledge of sex...it is the same as blaming women for the way she is dressed, where she is, was she drunk, etc.
"Pro-Rape party." Marching on Saturday, Traverse City, 1 p.m.
Hope one is percolating, will crawl to it if necessary
Hope you find one you can go to, Jeri.
Still checking…
And still more crucial, persuade as many people as you can between now and November to register to vote and then to vote. As the MA Lottery tagline used to say, “you can’t win if you don’t play” — we can’t hold onto our rights if we don’t vote.
The pro-rape party, sickeningly apt!
https://www.womensmarch.com/
The question is, how did we not see this coming, when the other side has been resolute in telling us at every opportunity for the past 50 years what it was they wanted and what they were willing to do to get it. But we sat there and told ourselves "It can't happen here!" and then we were shocked the day Trump rode down his golden escalator, even though we had dismissed all those rally crowds cheering for Palin back in 2008.
I thought I did, and yet I have been in reactive mode ever since that day in June 2015. I have felt like Michael York’s character Brian Roberts in “Cabaret” when his good friend Maximilian von Heune, played by Helmut Griem, first shows up in his full SS uniform - shocked, stunned, amazed, that people I thought I knew well turned out to be committed believers in such a thing as Trumpism.
There were many people who did see this coming but their voices fell on complacent or apathetic ears. I was reading the syndicated columns of Ms. Molly Ivins who was sounding out warnings from Texas two decades ago....
Since 2000 I’ve been pointing out the danger to various friends, even recommending they read, “It can’t happen here,” but they complained that I was anti-American.
Same here. "It isn't LIKE that, you know. Don't worry your pretty little head about it." Chapter and verse.
Like others I’ve had little success convincing friends that something really serious is happening. I think it is in part because many of us don’t want to acknowledge that over the last half century leaders of both parties have deceived us about wars (including veteran care (e.g. agent orange) ) and the impact of globalization. Many of those who have been left behind are also scorned (“deplorables”) and religious-based value are denigrated as the primitive superstitions of another era. The contributions of agricultural and manufacturing workers to the build-up of the late 20th century American economic empire have been minimized Add to that the large-scale avoidance of service and duty (it’s not just Trump who had bone spurs) which served as a societal glue across economic classes. This has been a combustible mix of deception and resentment waiting to be demagogued and Democrats have at times foolishly poured gasoline on it.
Another element is that our Constitution was mythologized by liberals into something it never was so we didn’t see its reversion to type as a bundle of elite protecting mechanisms mixed in with a few aspirations. History was largely ignored.
Bill you write, "Many of those who have been left behind are also scorned (“deplorables”) and religious-based value are denigrated as the primitive superstitions of another era." I didn't scorn people until they proved worth of scorn. And that would include the diverse (economic, education) group that supported, and continue to support, tfg. As many comments here note, religion has historically been twisted and used to control societies and keep certain groups oppressed. Not sure what religious-based values you're defending against denigration. In the 21st century many religions still promote primitive superstitions, created hundreds of years ago to explain a confusing world, and control society. And bothsiderism only helps the republicans. However imperfect Democrats are, in the end they are far better for this country than any republican.
It’s not just liberals who worship the Constitution and turn a blind eye to its defects. The Originalists are by no means liberals.
I agree about the mix of deception and resentment. It amazes me that billionaires, who pay for laws to enrich themselves at public expense, are so admired. Resentment is saved for those only somewhat above one’s own economic status.
History isn't just being ignored by the right-wing...it is actively being re-written. Whataboutism is a useless exercise when there is such a clear difference between parties
Not only that. Whataboutism is one of the classic logical fallacies, other things are worse or just as bad. It says nothing about the truth value of an argument. (Please excuse my pedagogical tendencies.)
RIP for all you did in broadcasting the truth, Molly. Such a loss! Gone too soon!
A good example that gets to the heart of this is, who paid attention to the articles about how ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Counsel, was writing laws that were adopted by states across the country?
Maine's prior governor (the state's national embarrassment, LePage) used legislation written by ALEC all the time. I've been writing LTTE's ( letters the the editor) about this for several years. I first read about ALEC in one of Molly Ivins columns and the legislation is as regressive and ultra right-wing MAGAtty as one might expect would be generated by that Koch-funded garbage pit.
Sigh. I miss Molly…
Couldn’t agree more, being old and not in a coma. Watched the Dems pretend it was politics as usual as the steam roller flattened their meager response. I have a special visceral hatred for any “Reagan Democrats,” although no one would likely admit to such these days. They were the first that I noticed being enamored of celebrity as they sold out any position of integrity.
They are all Reagan Dems/ Nixonian Dems, with the exception of Bernie and the Squad, who are conveniently silenced over and over again.
I would have been a Bernie supporter in a different world. But it was clear that they could not win in a Rupert world. Now the "Democrats" don't seem able to win in a Rupert world.. Propaganda works... Ike knew that
Me too and yes.
👍
Some of us did see this coming, but I admit I was stunned when death star won. I did utter an expletive when a friend showed me the Comey news on her phone. What bothers me now in addition to what's under discussion here is that some on the far left have not learned the lesson. They have consistently dissed Biden, promoted people who have no chance of winning in the general because they have chosen the socialist label, and excoriated an"establishment" D who is running against far right Rs as in the 4th District here in Oregon. Val Hoyle is running and she will probably be against the guy who saved the people on the train in Europe who has shown his true political colors now.
Yes to this, Michele. Though don't know the story about Europe, the guy and the train unless you're speaking of Macron? In which case I'm still not in the know.
This guy was on a train with a couple military buddies, I think a high speed train maybe in Belgium heading to Paris and they stopped someone who was about to commit a terrorist act. This is off the top of my head. Anyway, he ran against DeFazio the last time. Before that Defazio's opponent was the wing nut who wanted people to send their urine to him and caused Maddow to put her head on her desk when she was interviewing him. Now this person is in the state legislature as if we need more R wing nuts there. I will try to look it up.
His name is Alex Skarlatos regarded as a hero for his action on the train.
Thanks, Michele! And I looked up the guy before was Art Robinson who is now in the state legislature, I assume.
Yes, he is in the state legislature. A true nutter. He finally gave up running against DeFazio, but found a R district that would elect him. When we used to drive to Eugene to women's basketball games, his signs were everywhere in the rural stretch. Alex was recruited because of his action on the train and thus he stood a better chance. Val Hoyle is a long time D pol...thus she is "establishment."
Some squishy stuff with his (Alex Skarlatos) campaign self-dealing funds to his own nonprofit here…
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2021/10/oregon-congressional-candidate-alek-skarlatos-funds-questioned.html
Completely unrelated, i see this story.
https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2022/01/29/a-hillsboro-man-charged-with-assaulting-capitol-police-is-running-for-oregon-governor/
“Reed Christensen, 63, filed paperwork to run for [Oregon] governor Jan. 7—one year and one day after federal prosecutors say he struck a Capitol Police officer with his fists as rioters attempted to overturn the presidential election.”
I’m worry sometimes for my former home state.
I hope Alex does not prevail. Hoyle is a strong candidate. The Rs have several nut cases running for governor. I have not heard of this guy. If he is still running, he isn't going to prevail. Ads here are getting nastier as election day is less than a week away. Turnout has been low.
Does anyone else regularly scream into a pillow “what the f***ing f**k is f***ing happening and how did I get on this f***ing terrible timeline?!!!!!!” Because I’m slapped silly by the absolute bonkers level of insanity we have continued to slide down a razor blade toward. I feel like my brain is broken by the news every day and I think “vote, sure, but how can we stop everything that keeps happening so much all at once all the time.
The legacy of chump, keep the chaos coming. I’m on a news diet, Heather, Robert Hubbell, Dan Rather, and Greg Olear. All the news I can tolerate and keep my brain from total freeze.
TC and Lucian Truscott have been invaluable to me in understanding modern warfare. Plus, their stories are fascinating.
I've added Steve Schmidt to the list.
My lineup as well.
What's your take on Christiane Amanpour on PBS each weeknight?
I miss the Olbermann vs. Trump videos from Keith Olbermann (https://www.youtube.com/c/WorstPerson) because they made the anger feel ridiculous, which made it go down just a little easier. I need to put a block on my news app because the doomscrolling has reached early-pandemic levels again >.<
For those of use out here who have been shouting from the rooftops since the Reagan years, it's galling. We have watched the Dems march steadily to the right, placate the GOP, and let them get away with murder over and over again. It's been absolutely maddening.
I have regrets about not being more informed sooner. The first vote I ever cast was for Obama in 2008, and I could vote in 1999 >.< I know I couldn't have made an enormous difference but I could have made <some> difference. All I can do is contribute and help others vote, but...yeah, it's all still very maddening.
I totally agree with you that the situation today is maddingly insane. I feel that a very BIG way to start the country on the right track is to prosecute Trump and Congressional members who tried to overthrow our government on January 6 and jail them if necessary. Looming over us now is the very real threat of another Trump presidency which would, in fact, spell the end of our democracy. As it is, we are running, full throttle into fascism.
Absolutely 100% agree.
Maigen I chuckled when I first listened to Tom Lehrer sing about ‘sliding down the razor blade of life.’ Now, experiencing what is now happening in our country, I am no longer chuckling.
Listening to it now!
Giving me very Dean Martin-a-little-drinky vibes!
The real pain of such a slide is felt next day. Straightface, this, I say.
Maigen Thomas, I feel the same. One salve is to act up. Another I find is to find community of like minds, as I have found here in LFAA.
Thank goodness for podcasts, I think they have emerged as a. Natural counterweight to the unravelling of mainstream media. If the pen is mightier than the sword, there are pods on both sides in this struggle. 20 years ago, John Stewart’s “the daily show” in the US was the salve for the insanity of the Iraq war and the rise of Fox News, but that magic formula is behind us now. One of the earlier pods I stumbled into is, I find, still one of the best, the WNYC-produced “on the media.” Here: www.OnTheMedia.org .
There is a cost it seems to diving too deep for too long into the depravity, lacking a better word, and trying to fight the currents to the point of mental exhaustion. I can think of two (hosts) who (I think) just snapped, and had to change “modes of operation” or lost their voice entirely. Taking action is cathartic, but lastly, sometimes diving into a mundane task, with the TV off for an extended fast, is the only path to maintaining sanity - the news will always be there when you're ready for it. My hair’s already pulled out and it’s not gonna grow back.
My version of "acting up" is to argue with bigoted, racist white men on LinkedIn, and it gives me extraordinary pleasure to do so without it reflecting poorly on me. It's becoming a sport, and I'm getting very good at it.
Thanks for the suggestions to check out on the media and to pull out all these dang half-started projects that keep my hands and mind busy :D
I feel the exact pain! Thank you for putting words to it.
6 months is going to seem awful long for us spectators and commentators from now till November, but terribly short for those on the ground organizing to make better things happen. This election is perhaps going to be the "hottest" for a very long time in all possible ways. But I found extremely interesting and highly pertinent the question indirectly posed by Heather "What does the Republican Party do afterwards to stop their people going home after the "Abortion" job is seemingly done? The issue that has fired their people up for 50 years is their "Pro-Life" nonesense? The proposed "level 2" issues that they hope to move on to don't seem to have broken through in anything like the same way. The only real question that the GOP leaders don't want any of their supporters to ask is then "What does the Republican Party now stand for?" They certainly don't want to have to spell it all out clearly in the cold light of day. The Dems can say it, but "that's just politics"....and who listens to them? Hence McC' "no program" platform and 3 wise monkey approach..
The Republicans, Inc - made in America for corporations, Fat Money, War&Weapons, corporate Media, the Federalist Society, and so-called Christians and self-important,-he -who -must -be -obeyed -white -men - will need no rationalization nor justification only money to stand from and on. There is no formal opposition in action, only in an empty name run by Obama, Clinton, Pelosi et al, Inc. To wit: the Democratic Party. Its roots embedded in Big Pharma, Big Oil, Dirty Coal, Big Real Estate, Cash on the Barrel please and its head crowned in Inc. Note: Agent Chaos soaked in lawlessness and getting away with sedition. A President, no less! Sitting, voting congressional membership in on the coup - still sitting, still voting. Not purged nor evicted. The report card --$15 min wage, negotiated drug prices, student educational debt forgiveness, protection of voting rights...F-F-F-F. Demoralize, disempower, depress, manage and entertain the citizenry til they chant "There's nothing I can do!""I feel so powerless!" All symptoms of inverted totalitarianism.
The republicans still have to defeat the socialists libs, a made up issue since HST said “Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.” Has worked in every generation since Rush coined the “libtard” epithet that gave the political haters a focus for who to blame for their woes.
HST? Truman?
Yes
I was convinced the Repugnants were incapable of feeling shame. However, if they don't want their platform spelled out, then perhaps they know there is something wrong with it, which makes it their vulnerable spot and then, perhaps they ARE able to feel shame, and THATS where we should be poking at them.
No shame, Suzanne and they see nothing wrong with their program. They think its a game of poker and are keeping their cards close to their chest. They think that the other players are bluffing and stupid. They think, bright as only they are, that they can take anyone for a ride whenever they like. Its a little "brittle" as political beliefs go hence their constant nervousness every time the weakest loudmouths amongst them are caught doing something stupid....and that happens all the time.
💯
THEY. HAVE. NO. SHAME!
Stuart, the scariest words in this extremely scary LFAA, "In Michigan, Republican Ryan Kelley, who is running for governor, has openly attacked the idea of democracy. “Socialism—it starts with democracy,” he said. “That’s the ticket for the left. They want to push this idea of democracy, which turns into socialism, which turns into communism in every instance.” This is republicans answer, is just misuse socialism as a pejorative for anything the Democrats stand for. And so far that strategy has worked because no one has any idea what socialism really is. It's just really, really scary.
Perhaps, what's worse is that no one in power "has any idea" nor any fealty to what democracy "really is" nor the part that says "government by, for and of the people". People--- not Fat Money People, not the" Inc. People " (you know, the "legal" ones not needing their teeth fixed, a pace maker or a bano, ever), not the Only White Men People, not even the Christian People! Funny strange, not a peep from the Bully Pulpit calling up short this BS.
Currently, in Michigan it seems to stand for anything opposing supremacy of "white" oligarchs...altough its probably only the colour of your money that concerns them rather than of your skin.
The words "sad" and "scary" and "reprehensible" are inadequate.
The silly season on womb control and sex with or without Syntex and the pill has commenced. Full blast.
Homosexuality is on deck. The immaculate conception, Good Friday, Easter and Mary’s Surprise are next.
Celibacy will be ignored. Rome will claim celibacy is virtue.
Criminalizing abortion is older than Christmas. Man’s wish to control woman is older than Noah’s Ark.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine ignored abortion.
And GOP pols are proving once again that all politics are local - in Texas, Florida and Arkansas.
Sex sells. The oldest profession is thriving in DC. A whorehouse is a cider house in Maine. There are no secrets and no rules.
Children unwanted are of no interest to the childless. Born Again is death to civilization.
Sex, politics and religion are not dinner table talk.
A republic if you can keep it. Ben Franklin was a ladies man. LBJ had a private room off the Senate floor. Jack liked women and Bill Clinton liked them better. Nixon liked power and tapes. Agnew liked money.
White historians ignore what matters.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s rise and two terms for Obama call Emancipation and lynching to mind. Little Marco and Fat Chris Christie and bleached Donald the Liar typify our politics.
Moscow Mitch McConnell is filthy rich. Kleptocracy is sweeping the globe.
Putin is Orwellian. Zelenskyy’s Team wins, it’s WW III - either way.
Suicides are rising. The microbiome is under attack. Life itself is threatened.
Inflation is deflation of the common denominator.
Back to sleep.
Selective blindness. Cognitive dissonance. Fear. Of Freedom.
This is what animates politics right and left. Lies must be called out. Early and often.
Corey Booker's message to Ketanji Brown-Jackson is key.
Thank-you Sandy.
Senator Cory Booker - American football hero, Mayor of Newark, covered by Peter J. Boyer, now hiding in Mississippi, spoke of love and God to and about sweet Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson - these two embody the best of us, Yes, Senator, she said, again and again, trying to smile, not cry, as the rest of American struggles with what was in play, God or the Devil, Good or Evil, decency or prejudice, Democrats, tolerance and love, or Republicanism, intolerance, and hatred... Alexis de Tocqueville must come back and take a fresh look, Paul Robeson must return from Moscow to sing, James Baldwin, too, must come back, MLK and Bobby Kennedy, gone in a blink, JFK went first, and Abe Lincoln was waiting for them.. wondering, how long will it take?
KBJ's confirmation hearing was abuse of her--no other way to describe it.
Obscene is another way.
Yes, that too! Shameful, regardless of what we call it.
See draft #2
I was listening to a MLK speech and all I could think was, he could pretty much give the exact same speech today.
Indeed.. sad, isn’t it...
“All politics is local” was the key of success for the Republicans. Democrats never seemed to figure that out.
And history will note that the election of 2020 was the last hurrah for the Democratic Party at the national level.
No wonder suicides are rising; for better or worse, I can recall a time when I felt so much hope about the future in America, or was it a mirage. Nah, just hard work by people who cared, with no cult crazies, except under rocks.
Year: 2030, two years into DeSantis' second presidential term. Headline: "Congress Certain to Pass Parental Screening Bill." The bill would require screening of future parents to determine if they possess "traditional American values and virtues" in order to obtain government approval to procreate. It would also stiffen current abortion laws in which women who sought and failed to obtain an abortion would be put to death upon the birth of their child.
As Leonard Cohen sang, "I've seen the future, brother. It is murder."
This is not even a stretch anymore.
As Leonard Cohen sang, "I've seen the future, brother. It is murder." Leonard Cohen, bless you, you had the beat. Your son heard you. Loved you.
Terrifying.
What a sickening thought. But possible.
First, I just need to thank you, Heather. Your columns are such a pleasure to wake up to. Well, "pleasure" is a strong word -- perhaps I should say "reassurance" instead, as they remind us of the reality of our everyday life in America and should serve as not only informing us, but waking us up to action. I could easily spiral into greater despair based on the onslaught of the everyday hateful legislation and inflammatory words coming at us from the right (along with the criminal actions, misuse of the bible/torah and stretching the meaning of democracy). And to be honest, at times I do. Yet, action is required by all of us. And it must start now with ensuring that we and everyone we know are registered to vote and then making a true plan to vote in every election we are eligible for. Yes, school board elections. Yes, city council elections. Yes, state assembly races and county executive seats. But we must also get involved -- if we have the time (and that is precious for many). I am strengthened by being on the board of the LGBTQ Victory Fund -- where we recruit, mentor and support LGBTQ candidates for local, state and national office, and also a smaller organization, Hope in a Box, with a simple aim: to make LGBTQ-inclusive education the norm in public schools vs the exception. As Heather points out, most of these draconian bills/laws are crafted by white men -- and not representative and reflective of our population. I aim for the day, when I see one of the populations I belong to being fairly and equally represented in elected offices. And lastly, a big boo hoo to Susan Collins and Brett Kavanaugh. They complain about peaceful protests outside their door, but do nothing to help stop the non-stop bullying that young LGBTQ students face everyday at school.
The church is at its most dangerous point when it has a government supporting it.
(Brian Tyler Cohen does a great job.)
Of all the gods ever formed in the minds of humankind, not one has ever reached out its hand to alter the course of our history. They have only served as a shield for men to do their evil deeds against each other. There is nothing outstanding about the god of the christians. His creators commit the same atrocities in his name as have all the followers of all the other gods that came before.
It appears that we are indeed going to visit the dark ages again. The inquisition is under way.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” - Maya Angelou
Just as you bring up the John Birch Society of the 1960s and their racist and antidemocratic views, many of us are wondering how we got to a place that makes it seem as if nothing has been accomplished and nothing learned in the last sixty or so years. Yet much has happened. We have learned much. I don't see how the energized, frothy right can keep rehashing the same tropes decade after decade, when liberals and history have moved on. Maybe we should be talking about the wealthy Republican business elite that uses issues of cultural identity, especially white cultural identity, to stoke the fires of anger, paranoia, and resentment among low-information white communities. Even if Roe falls and additional throwback legislation is enacted in some of the states, I fail to see how this business elite can continue to win on manufactured resentment over the changes wrought in society over these many years. There has to be a hard limit to how far they can get with their tactics. What with sixty years of history and two or more generations of younger adults embracing the world as they found it, how can Republicans keep up their numbers with the old misogyny and racism prevalent in the 1960s? Their numbers should drop off drastically especially as they won't change their tactics. Maybe they should just speak honestly about the parameters of the society they'd like to promote, where the corporate owners control all the levers of power.
GenZ will save us all, I'm certain of it. Those kids do not put up with injustice of ANY kind.
Not if they don't vote!!
Peter Thiel reportedly said it was a shame women were ever given the vote. (Women being the sort who vote for roads and schools and hospitals, and expect people like him to pay his share of taxes for such things?)
Ah. 2009. And here it is reported on HuffPost.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peter-thiel-women-democracy_n_5747079be4b03ede4413f6f5
“Peter Thiel Once Wrote That Women Getting The Vote Was Bad For Democracy
The controversial billionaire actually wrote this in 2009.
May. 26, 2016, 11:51 AM EDT | Updated May. 26, 2016”
The guy strikes me as the sort who read A.Rand “the fountainhead,” decided this is gospel, and has never taken a critical look at it since then. Cato institute, yada yada yada.
And then, HuffPo notes,
“Cato later updated the essay and Thiel clarified that he does not want to disenfranchise women:
—- It would be absurd to suggest that women’s votes will be taken away or that this would solve the political problems that vex us. While I don’t think any class of people should be disenfranchised, I have little hope that voting will make things better.——
Yet he didn't walk back what he wrote, instead lamenting how much attention the comment on women received.”
For a person who has no hope voting will make things better, he certainly is “buying” a lot of votes and voting influence. But then, he sees the solution that fits him and what seems to be the diety he worships, money buys things / votes / people.
Thanks for the update. And yes, other people voting will not get him what he wants. I understand New Zealand won’t give him everything he wants, either.
Speaking of Ayn Rand, in her book Anthem, the hero and a once feisty woman run away from an evil totalitarian regime, and take over a nice house abandoned in the previous enlightened age, where he plans for HIS yet unborn SON to pass on HIS great ideas. The woman has no more voice in the novel after she becomes pregnant. She becomes obsessed with her image in a mirror. He opines at length. The End.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! NYT has published an excellent calendar of the upcoming primaries in each state. I find it very easy to follow. Unfortunately, I do not see where it allows me to gift it. I did receive it through PBS NewsHour, if that helps. Maybe someone else knows how to gift it.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/elections/midterm-elections-calendar.html?utm_source=PBS+NewsHour&utm_campaign=5196f335d7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_01_18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_47f99db221-5196f335d7-324894758#state-virginia
This is how to get article using iPhone. Press on link until menu pops up. Then press on “download linked file”. A blue arrow will appear at the top left in the current address of LFAA. Press the little arrow. Press “downloads” from pop up menu. It then goes to marked download of article. The format sometimes looks diff but it is the complete article without paywall. In this particular article, scroll down to the listings of each state’s primaries.
When you are done with article, you can clear it from the cache by again going to little blue arrow in address bar.
I was able to get it this time with Smartphone. Thank you!
Morning, Lynell! Thanks for the link.
Hello Ally, Thinking about you and the family. Salud!
We’re home now; h went berserk last night. The Sheriff came out and ended up taking him back to the hospital. 😢
Can an excellent aide be found along with the money, state funding, whatever possible to pay the costs? Social worker for wife? Help can make a difference.
There’s next to nothing in remote Del Norte county. She’s got a line on a place up in Brookings that might work.
No Hospice, no in-home care, no nothing.
Endless blockades in healthcare USA. Stuck with the frail hope that Brookings is OK and available.
Thank you for this, was able to send to my email, very helpful.
Nice find, Lynell! I’m a subscriber NYT and I didn’t see this. Handy score card!
I'm glad you find it helpful, R M, as do I. I've already referred to it several times as it's hard to keep track of it all in my head!
Thanks, Lynell,
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/elections/midterm-elections-calendar.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuomT1JKd6J17Vw1cRCfTTMQmqxCdw_PIxfs9gGPzNiGeVTdcwqNPW9LavFrWIqdnatAv3jOdX5hEMbMzSeZ3i-JbMkdxSg6uud6PkZAIJSk8s8SzQmYyldrrbIwPzAXLPCO_Ofstg_q-uQ6LKjG7HfybhWsjIA9mpJtjfUWq0HRZ2qvCELZq04R-1OMmUcguRTkKMHKLvaP4Gl4pboX9GxLY7QEyXuFcWiiC3oLPruJdL3gBTA7OX3h94m0j6d9DONtxPK73LhYofMWWkqxGQyUzb9_vX8ttMtCSw7Z6srfNqgiOz961xpg1FKZWvLDDtQWqJXlDfp0cbv52Fh3YhNGELUY&smid=url-share
Cool. Thank you.
You're welcome!
This is with the NYT and I dropped my subscription for the very reason Steve Schmidt called them out for today. You can donate to something called Actblue Express
I think it was created by Stacey Abrams. They then give the funds to those who are running.
ActBlue get a sizable part of my donations
I'm an ActBlue addict, Gailee! NYT has a sordid history, for sure. But I am not above using a table that helps track when states are having their primaries, with a light explanation of who is running.
Per ActBlue Express, "The ActBlue Express is a user Community shared across ALL candidates & organizations using ActBlue". https//secure.actblue.com (emphasis in all CAPS added.)
Yes. But, you can also donate to your preferred candidates with ActBlue. I do.
Morning Lynell
Morning, Stuart!
Republicans are becoming more brazen about their goal of permanent minority control of the US, as victory seems within their grasp. Before the Opus Dei 5 majority took over the Supreme Court, right-wingers on the court contented themselves with nibbling away at women’s rights, gay rights and minority rights. Alito’s draft overturning Roe makes no bones about their plan to undo the 14th amendment and establish their theocracy. His language is medieval, and triumphant. Rubio had been a fence-sitter, tepidly embracing Trump, while pushing for caution and moderation. Now he’s going full-bore Lindsey, apparently seeing that the Trumpists hold all the power and he better jump on board. We’ve been saying for a while now that, in choosing between democracy and power, Republicans would abandon democracy. Now they’re saying it too, no longer pretending that they care about democracy.
I am frightened for this country. There is no stopping these evil white men.
Oh yes there is, tinfoil hattie. We the People have done it time and time again.
Morning, Christine. Who/what is tinfoil hattie?
"tinfoil hattie" is the 'Stack name of the person who wrote the original comment.
I hope you are right. I just feel discouraged. But I will not stop fighting!
Two thoughts: one based on the recent Supreme Court Leak on Roe v. Wade pre-decision, and one based on Ryan Kelley's comment regarding Democracy leading to socialism. Thought #1: Since, in the near future, it appears that women will have fewer rights than men, by law, when will that same law regarding inequality, rescind women's ability to vote or hold office, or to receive equal compensation for employment, or to receive equal consideration for loans, mortgages, or, or, or? Thought # 2: If in the future, the US no longer considers itself a Democracy, why would they continue to support Democracies around the world, including Ukraine and Europe, or organizations like the UN or NATO?
Ukraine is screwed if Ruper5/Tucker allowed to blather on. Chump will hand them over, Helsinki told us. I remember when women couldn’t get, well anything, without a man in the 60’s. Then working at NASA, that changed. Businesses let that happen (mid 60’s). Then I could wear pants. Then I could buy a car. Wow, freedom. Glad I’m old now. Won’t go back there. Why would any sane person…
The pre-able-to-wear-pants era got my family ejected from standing in line to enter a restaurant. Seems I started feeling comfortable wearing pants suits before it became lawful. Once I was discovered by the Pants Police, we were told we would not be allowed to enter and be seated because...I was wearing pants! The horror of it all...
I started wearing pants to school in the third grade, 1966-1967 school year. She got "called in" to a "meeting" with the third grade teachers; a custodian saw them ganging up on her and went and got the principal. My Mom said to them "If you have a rule, she'll wear dresses. If you don't have a rule, then she can wear whatever she wants." No rule = I wore pants. At the "end of year gathering" (we didn't do elementary school graduations back then) all three of those teachers were in pantsuits.
Be proud, Child! It has been and always will be the children who lead the way! High five (fist bump?) to the custodian!
He was an exceptional guy. WWII veteran. No family. My Mom sent him a thank you card.
I was in the first nursing class at Michigan State University allowed to wear pants uniforms. 1971.
Thinking back on those times seems surreal, doesn't it, MaryPat. Oh, wow. This just popped into my head: What if the GOP tries to outlaw women wearing pants?
Fox already has? Surreal for sure.
Never knew there were Pants Police
And hemline ones. And no patent leather shoes reflecting upward.
Ignorance is no excuse, sayeth The Law!
An aside--but hopefully not a complete non sequiter-- re: pants wearing. British Labour Shadow Cabinet member Angela Raynor-- smeared by Tory member for distracting Boris Johnson with her short dressed "leg crossing commentary" as she sits opposite him in House of Commons. She wore pants the day Boris condemned the smear as misogynistic........poor Boris! To think he might be thrown off track by a pair of well angled legs!!! Seems pants can go both ways in the complex and finely honed art of political fashion.
LOL, Carol; definitely not an aside!
I am thinking we need to be powerfully creative in the Resistance Movement....coming at the "occupiers" in every unexpected way we can!
Hey, Lyn. As to both #1 & #2, like Roe, Women and Democracy will be relegated to the dustbin as soon as the minority gains the power to make this country into its own image. Just my humble opinion.
No matter where you roll from it’s going to snowball.
So glad, that as an Expat, I no longer live in the US! Though, I fear for friends and family who do, and, unless I relinquish my US citizenship (for which I must pay the US gov't. thousands in cash), I must pay US taxes as long as I live... I wonder, if women DO lose the vote, whether women could then refuse to pay taxes, under "no taxation without representation?" (I already feel I have little to no representation).
Wouldn't that be a hoot, Lyn. Or we can pay 50% with a note saying we don't "deserve" to pay more since we aren't full members of the citizenry.
I love the "note" idea, AND your point👍‼️😁