After reading LFAA for about a year and not-quite-half, I have really learned a lot. Even more, I've realized how much I never really learned, from school history/economics classes to extra scholastic study. I feel like there is a part of me trying to cram information into my decreasingly neuroplastic mind, while it stands there in disbelief looking at where our nation has arrived today.
To have a politician stand there and say "Yay, inflation!! That will help us defeat the nasty Democratic Party" ( a paraphrase, to be sure, but one oft repeated) AND to take credit for a popular plan that they personally voted against is horrifying. To watch what used to be journalism morph into whatever the hell it has become today is also horrifying.
It is overwhelmingly important that we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and end the actions of the Republiscum party that is doing its dastardly best to insure that we are guaranteed minority autocratic rule and demolishing our democracy.
Ally, Some of us who have been critical of the country for a long time are, nevertheless, in shock about the current state of the state. I still have confidence in the Free Press. My learning includes journalism in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Scientific American, several regional and local newspapers, MSNBC, CNN, research organizations such as Pew...and more. The following are quotes about the role of reporters from historian, Timothy Snyder, the author of 'On Tyranny':
'For democracy to work, we all have to learn things that we didn't know before, and be surprised every day by things we didn't know. Only reporting can deliver that. And if media is going to work in the 21st century, it has to work locally.'
'... to silence one person reminds us just how important reporters are. Without the words, they provide us, without the words and the images they provide us. We have no chance of getting to the truth about oligarchy, war, elections, any issue that really matters.'
'No technology can replace them. There are far too few of them, and each one is precious. We should support them everywhere, abroad and at home. Reporters are the heroes of our time, in Eastern Europe and everywhere else, watching the risks they take and the price they pray, we should be ashamed to have any association with anyone who would say reporters are enemies of the people.'
I can only add this from the American Press Institute:
"Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a utility to empower the informed. The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments."
Quality journalism struggles daily to speak truth to this purpose. Being informed is step one in both advocacy and activism. One can be neither an advocate nor an activist without first being informed. Journalists and journalism are essential to the task of informing us.
I completely support the free press and good journalism. What I cannot abide is "journalists" who in truth, are opinion writers and not reporters of "information." I see far too much of that among some of the "bigger" names who write for my favorite news sources (most named by Fern above.) Perhaps it's hubris on their part or the fact that they get quoted by certain anchors or the fact that they are so dadgum "famous" they get to hobnob with the rich and infamous? But when I see and read deliberate efforts to CREATE news and to SWAY public opinion, that crosses a line for me. They may call themselves "free press" but I harken back to a time when that was considered "yellow journalism." Maybe they don't write about smut, but they certainly seem to do their fair share of obfuscating whenever it buys them a byline or a headline.
In the national newspapers, which I listed above 'Opinions' and 'Essays' are labeled as such. I have not noted 'news' articles printed in either the Washington Post or The New York Times to be opinion pieces geared to influence the readers' understanding. Readers, clearly, may differ about the objectivity of what they have read.
Fern, it's probably just me taking umbrage at certain of them. Maggie Habermann, for example, rubs me the wrong way. And Peter Baker now is on my list for his sometimes thoughtless and seemingly targeted statements. Both of them are considered "journalists" and I know that Maggie has won awards. I'm not wanting to start an argument, and you and I certainly are in agreement about the absolute necessity of preserving and protecting our free press. I guess I have "picked and chosen" among them for personal reasons more than anything!
Ellen, We are not in an argument. I cannot remember reading a Maggie Habermann report in the last six months. Peter Baker's reporting, for the most part, has not been of great interest to me. I read most of his pieces, which frankly have not been memorable one way or another. Your reply encouraged me to pay even closer attention to see if I have, perhaps, missed the bias of some reporters You just happened to mention two journalists, who I have not given much attention to.
Chuck, Thank you for letting us know. Can you, your neighbors and contacts rally the community to support the paper; purchase a page in the paper to praise it and rally support? Can you and or others connect with local TV, elected representatives, mayor, and regional radio to raise your voices? With you, your town and the local paper!
Fern, I, too, have put faith [in general] in those publications. It's the individual articles which ring true to me as opposed to full endorsement of the publications.
The independent journalists and podcasts are the most important news source to me now. I like and trust "Krystal & Saager" on utube's "Breaking Points". One comes from a more conservative base, the other a more liberal one. However, far more important than any political past designation is their mutual commitment to Truth. I find them impressive. I also listen to Matt Taibbi, a truthful journalist, and the one who best studied the 2008 Wall Street bailouts, then wrote "Griftopia". Matt's the one who named Goldman-Sachs as a "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." Matt's on utube often. Glen Greenwald is also a true journalist. I believe he still writes for the Guardian. Glen helped break the Edward Snowden story to the public. And Ed Snowden is also impressive. He has opened Americans' eyes to the government recording all cell phone data. I also listen to Tulsi Gabbard--she's remarkable, and I have absolutely no doubt concerning her honesty. There are some other people I listen to as well, but time is short now.
Heydon, As soon as I saw your name this morning, I thought of your library at home. It may be because as you wrote, 'but, time is short now' that I have not visited it, which I will do. When I quoted you in the last sentence, your health came to mind. How are you? Please do reply when you can.
I am familiar with Matt Taibbi and Glen Greenwald. You have reminded me to turn more of my attention to their work. 'Krystal & Saager' are new to me, and I have written down their names, along with "Breaking Points'. I agree, that it is the journalists themselves not the companies, which stand out. An exception for me is the Atlantic Magazine. Individually, historian, Timothy Snyder, is as the 'soul' I turn to. His newsletter on substack is called, 'Thinking about...' Please consider reading his books, A link below from 'Salon' mentions then and provides a bit about him. The first link, containing his 'American Abyss', was reason for me to become for familiar with his work.
Heydon, you have been most generous to guide me once more. It was so good to spend time thinking of you and taking in your suggestions. The horizon is a salmon colored orange now. I hope this fall fills your eyes and spirit with beauty. Thank you for connecting with me. Salud!
Hi Fern, I just saw this comment you wrote 5 days ago. Thanks for asking about my health. I'm doing pretty well other than the slings and arrows of time we all face. Still, I keep up my aerobic workouts, and that keeps my mind in a healthy state.
Through my library, I have put on hold two of Timothy Snyder's books--"Bloodlands" and "The Road to Unfreedom." I have just checked out his book "On Tyranny" which I'll begin within a few days. And I'll check out the links you've mentioned above.
Hope your health is well and that you have a good Thanksgiving. Best, Heydon
Yes, I agree. It's too bad so many in our government decry what true journalists report to us. Examples include Julian Assange, Glen Greenwald, Ari Berman, and many more.
NYT, WaPo, CNN, MSNBC, all lefty leaning sources. Try Reuters, or perhaps the AP, or maybe, just maybe, a quick peek at FOX to get the moderate or conservative take on the issues of the day.
If you peek at FOX, just erase the browsing history on your computer and no one will know. 😉
Saw a funny T shirt a woman was wearing at a mask protest. It said, “Is it true, or did you hear it on CNN?”
A balance in the media is most important to keep the electorate well informed.
H. A. Rose, I don't know your criteria for journalism, nor your definition of 'lefty'. The following from the American Press Institute will inform you of my understanding of 'journalism'. If you are interested in learning more, see the link below.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.
Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have.
PRINCIPLES OF THE CRAFT
What makes journalism different than other forms of communication?
What is the purpose of journalism?
The elements of journalism
What does a journalist do?
THEORIES OF JOURNALISM AND THE PUBLIC
The journalist as a “committed observer”
The theory of the interlocking public
Bias and objectivity
Journalism attempts to be fair and accurate. It does this through objective methods and managing bias. These guides help you understand and navigate those processes.
The lost meaning of objectivity
Understanding bias
Tools to manage bias
Verification and accuracy
A journalist’s first job is to “get it right.” But how? These guides help you understand how to think about accuracy and practice verification.
Journalism as a discipline of verification
The Hierarchy of Accuracy
The Hierarchy of Information and concentric circles of sources
“On the left of the political spectrum, no single outlet predominates. Among consistent liberals, CNN (15%), NPR (13%), MSNBC (12%) and the New York Times (10%) all rank near the top of the list. CNN is named by just 20% of those with mostly liberal views, but still tops their list, followed by local television (11%) and NPR (9%). Both MSNBC and Fox News are mentioned by 5% of those who are mostly liberal. Those in other ideological groups name the New York Times, NPR and MSNBC less frequently as top news sources.”
Looks like this was a survey of news source preferences, not an assessment of whether the news sources are well-balanced and accurate. Could it be that those who seek truth and accurate information today are more often defined as liberal or “lefty,” while those who accept lies, propaganda and misinformation are more often on the conservative right of the political spectrum?
The Pew Research Report, for which you provided a link, 'Media Sources: Distinct Favorites Emerge on the Left and Right' is not about journalism, the subject of my initial comment. You have replied with 'news' sources favored according to the political positions of 'Left' and 'Right' leaning readers, The invaluable role of journalism and reporters in providing the facts and the truth as necessary in a democracy was the point I tried to make.
Yes!!! I believe we should pronounce the two-party system officially dead and open the doors to more variety of thought. And notwithstanding, to loosen the stranglehold on politics onto which both parties clasp.
Regardless of any good figures that are being reported, they will be countered as ammunition for the GOP to be thrown back as red meat to the cult. The GOP is no longer a Party, but a cult.
As I waited to have a COVID-19 test done yesterday morning, I listened to a trumper dispel any good that Biden has done with a learned diatribe of lies. Completely unsubstantiated bullshit.
When I had had enough of his crap, I said "wait a minute, you look familiar. Did I see you in the video of the January 6th Insurrection when you broke inside the Capitol and peed on the wall?". The waiting area erupted with
" You filthy bastard". " How dare you do that to our Capitol". "You should be arrested" and so on.
Did I see him in a video, no. I've never seen him before in my life. It did however, show how quickly you can shut up and turn the tables on a crazy trumper. He may think twice about being the crazy oracle when you have a captive audience.
Not unexpected, but I see the GOP members who didn't vote for but will take all of the credit for the Infrastructure Bill are surfacing.
Keep in mind, these are the same people who continue to stomp down any discussion of Voter Rights.
Agreed, that was brilliant! ...because you did not stoop to making a dishonest statement but you simply asked a question, "Didn't I see you...?" It's amazing how just that inkling can set off such a response in the onlookers/overhearers.
Linda, I love what you wrote. Growing up on the Maine coast I used to go Flounder fishing. Flounder are bottom feeders, and so are crabs. But crabs eat the trash way down there. You wrote "Those GOP members ...will take all the credit for the Infrastructure Bill are surfacing." Those folks who eat all the trash of Trump should go back down to the deep sea where they live.
For those whose religious leaders clearly politically interfere (like telling you who to vote for), I learned that they can lose their tax-except status if reported. Someone on Twitter reported hers to the IRS.
“ I was a church goer for 37 years & never heard a preacher be partisan until 2000. My pastor told the congregation if we voted for Gore we were voting for the devil. I got up & left the sermon. I turned him into the IRS the next day. He ended up losing the church.”
Helpful info in comments:
“Any time there is a violation of 501c3, a witness should file a complaint using Form 13909 IRS. Just Google form 13909 IRS.”
“Filing a Complaint:
Members of the public may send information that raises questions about an exempt organization's compliance with the Internal Revenue Code by submitting Form 13909, Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form.
Thank you, I just quit going. Wrote a letter to protest, but no change. Karl Rove made churches an arm of Republican Party in 2004. All should lose exemption these days. They are evil. “Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil.”
It is one thing to quit churches that abuse people by preaching lies and contorting the real meaning of forgiveness and social justice. But please try to distinguish between those churches and others that preach healthy social relationships and make major contributions to the well-being of the commonwealth. Just as not all political philosophies are alike, neither are all theologies. I am grateful to my Lutheran denomination (nationally and internationally) for being one of the most effective agents for refugee resettlement among our many other positive contributions.
I am an ELCA Lutheran and we are very involved in many social justice issues like refugee resettlement. I live in a state with a lot of food insecurity for children I do not consider churches that become an arm of the GOP to be following the teachings of Jesus. Our synod has embraced a year’s long study of racism and had many uncomfortable discussions. Our National church was part of repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. My grandson chose to raise funds for a local food bank for his confirmation service project.
The problem is that churches pick and choose their agendas. Even the Evangelical churches have charitable outreaches. I once lived and worked in a rural western area at a small mental health clinic. I can't tell you the many problems that clients had relative to their upbringing in churches or "assemblies:" Sexual abuse, submission of women, homeschooling, public shaming, gay reorientation therapies, demanding absolute obedience from children, et al.
I hope you never ran into "General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn". We had a nest of them in the south end of the Willamette Valley. They do not believe in doctors. Would sometimes call for emergency medical assistance from paramedics, but would never see a doctor. In my small area, we had a fellow die from sepsis that he got while hunting and got a nasty laceration on his leg, a woman and child that died in an unattended home birth, and a 15 year old who died as a result of appendicitis. I have friends from that area who have left the "church" and know they were the victims of abuse. I suspect another one of the kids (step brother to the one who died) was gay, and received very harsh "treatment".
The appendicitis case was mine, and while I wrote it up as a death investigation, it was prosecuted as a Manslaughter case, ending up with a plea of guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide. It was a tough case for me, because I am a firm believer in the First Amendment I am also a firm believer in "don't kill your kids."
My grandmother's family was a member of a church like this in Southern Washington. She was deathly ill after the birth of her first son, and a male friend of the family literally kidnapped her and took her to a hospital and saved her life. She was ostracized from the church and chased out of town. They resettled and married in California, and it was years before she was able to see her son, my uncle.
Which denomination? I was traveling a couple weeks ago, and in a small town saw an open and affirming Lutheran church. The chamber group I play in rehearses at a Lutheran church that has a very progressive presence in town.
The Lutheran Church in my town has many members who do good works in the community but is VERY conservative on social issues and started their own alternative elementary school decades ago so that their children wouldn't have to be exposed to diversity of thought.
What I know about the Lutherans is their synods (Wisconsin and Missouri are the two in our area; one is more liberal than the other, but I can never remember which). The church I saw did not affiliate publicly with either synod, so I wonder if there are more branches to the Lutheran tree. I know them to be more conservative than most.
There are 3 Lutheran groups. The Wisconsin and Missouri Synods do not allow women to be ordained. I believe the Wisconsin Synod also does not allow women to vote in congregational matters.
I am an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) which has had women pastors since the 1970s and since 2009 also embraces marriage for ordained GLBT pastors.
Of course there are churches that abuse their members and preach undemocratic and unhealthy social and political positions. That's not the ELCA.
The United Methodist Church too! At least until we self-destruct come next September. Another great denomination falls, and joins the Episcopalians and Presbyterians et al. as, what? Destroyed from within, by 'irreconcilable differences.' Precursors to Democracy?
Find a church whose mission is more like Jesus's and less like Mammon's.
I am a non-theist, and I know of several churches in our town that are the complete antithesis of these moneychanger megachurches. Methodists, Lutherans, Disciples of Christ, Congregationalists all serve to support the teachings of Christ, at least here in our town.
Small Methodist church is where I went, Baptist song leader hung out in parking lot slandering Obama. I wrote a letter of protest. He is still there. I’m not
The pulpit - the Holy Desk - is exclusively for the Good News. Mere politics has no place at that desk. That "pastor" had no right, and fully deserved to lose that church, but I bet he popped up again as an "evangelical" somewhere. Pity.
One caveat: Jesus preached politics constantly. He railed against hypocrits and those who took advantage of the poor. He threatened the power structures. Theologians still wrestle with whether it was primarily the political or the religious elites who had him executed. Make distinctions between politics that are harmful and push greed and politics that speak truth and press compassion.
Enlightened pastors preach values from their pulpits and positions of authority. Candidates would do well to do similarly. When the values of candidates are aligned with the values of all faiths the alignment is not "political" but sends a strong message. Mutual respect for and from all members of a community. A moral framework for making decisions on the treatment of each other as neighbors. Treating others as you would wish to be treated and loving our neighbors is the "golden rule" that underlies virtually every faith. These are values shared by all. When candidates speak to those values they align with the values shared by all voters.
Shared values are how to successfully campaign, delivering to those values after being elected with policies that speak to and address those values is how to successfully govern.
I used to believe that. Until Trump happened. He preached the antithesis of the Golden rule and successfully aligned with millions of voters. I can’t stop shaking my head. Every morning I hope I’ll get out of bed to discover the last 6 years have been the worst nightmare I’ve ever had
501(c)3 nonprofit designation does allow limited advocacy and positions regarding legislation but this cannot constitute a substantial portion of their activities. Activities related to political candidacies for public office are prohibited. I belong to a 501(c)3 entity which has existed since 1961 and taken positions on local, state and federal legislative issues without a problem with one exception. That exception, in the early 1980s, was when a complaint was filed with the IRS by someone opposed to a position we had taken. We documented that more than 90% of the organization's activities were directly related to our "educational" mission and that "lobbying" on legislative issues constituted less than 10%. The complaint was disallowed by the IRS.
OMG, that's just about every Evangelical church. When Oregon was going to vote on Gay Marriage, big anti-posters went up outside many churches. End tax-exempt status for religious institutions!
I am interested in why we look at the Federal Government so much as the cause/solution of/for inflation?
Are not prices set by corporations? Did we not grant corporations a giant tax cut (35% to 21%) a mere three years ago or so? Prices are not set by the Fed.
Let me get this straight because I am a bit confused.
1) We give American corporations a giant tax cut from 35%to 21% in 2017.
2) Then, a pandemic hits in 2020 and corporations give us price increases back as a big thank you for our support of them.
How is the Fed to blame for inflation? Yes, I know they threw some money out there, but, the Fed did not raise a single prices. Corporations did that.
Corporations could simply recognize that America did them a favor (giant tax cuts) and hold the line on price increases during a pandemic. Correct?
Seems to me that corporations are not very patriotic.
Perhaps I should phone Fox News and point out that CORPORATIONS increase prices.
Rupert, like that clown who owns Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, just wants to make money. Fox News profits knew no bounds while Fox whipped up Trump supporters with lies. Rupert is just another in a long, long line of American snake oil salesmen.
Inflation is emerging as another term being weaponized by the far right. Inflation rhetoric is a goldmine for bamboozling anyone who cares about money.
“The inflation freakout is all about class conflict. In fact, it may be the fundamental class conflict: that between creditors and debtors, a fight that’s been going on since the foundation of the United States.
That’s because inflation is often good for most of us, but it’s terrible for the kinds of people who own corporate news outlets — or, say, founded coal firms. And a panic about inflation usefully creates the conditions to weaken the power of working people.”
And corporation will delays defend by saying "we are just being responsible to ensure the return to our investors, our contractual and legal responsibility." As if that excuses everything. Not!
The paradox. I agree. I read NYT Krugman today on the mismatch. Confirms. To which I have to add, our fellow Americans see everything in the short-term, rarely in terms of history, what actually influences current metrics, or how time and future actions affect the change in a whole host of economic and social outcomes. Thanks.
For sure Republicans will bang the drum on inflation, supply chain, and any other non-issue to divert attention from what is most important to them, and should be to us; undermining fair and honest elections through legislation at the state level. If Republicans can create a way to legally fix elections, everything else; inflation, infrastructure, supply chain, and so on, will be more or less irrelevant.Those responsible for the Jan. 6th Insurrection will never be called to account and might even be back in the White House in 2025.
Federal protection of universal voting rights, with serious enforcement teeth, is essential.
Ralph: Because neither abolishing the Senate filibuster nor exempting it even to pass bills protective of our most basic rights currently has support from 50 Senators, I suggest we press for an alternative—a rule change that in all likelihood would pass: replace the 60-vote threshold required to end debate with a 41-vote threshold to continue debate, thus shifting the burden from the majority to the minority, 41 of whom would have to be present, speaking nonstop solely about the issue at hand, to sustain a filibuster. I don’t imagine any Senator (we only need 50 to enact the rule change) could mount a credible opposition in defiance of this reform.
Great but are the two Trojan horses on board. They seem intent on crashing Biden’s agenda. Can’t wait to support any two Senate candidates who could win and make both irrelevant. I won’t forget…
According to my understanding, maintaining the filibuster is the bottom line both for Manchin and Sinema. The reform proposed here not only does that but also, in keeping with our founder’s intent, reestablishes the Senate as the more deliberative of the two legislative bodies.
I really agree with that! Or at least the 60 to pass should be a % of how many are voting. If they don't show up to vote, the number should reflect that. The way it is now, their vote counts even if they don't show up to vote!
No Senator will have to mount an opposition, credible or otherwise, because Schumer and McConnell won't bring up such a bill and the other 98 lack the initiative, organization and guts to set them aside and do it.
I fail to understand why Schumer wouldn’t press for this Senate rule change. Setting voting rights aside for a moment, the only reason Biden has had to ram his entire climate and social legislation agenda into one bill that only can be passed through what, understandable, has evolved into an unwieldy nightmare is because Republicans refuse to allow regular order. I imagine Schumer, indeed, would relish a rule change that required 41 Republican Senators to argue nonstop against, say, extending the child tax credit over 10 years, the piece of Biden’s BBB I would advise be the first presented for a vote.
As a final point, surely Schumer knows that the more elements of Biden’s BBB that advance through the Senate the greater the likelihood that last Monday’s signing ceremony won’t be the last opportunity for Biden to stand in front of a bipartisan audience and say this is how Washington should work.
I talked with someone I know through work and she was all caravans and inflation. If I could have shared m some of these Letters From An American with her and felt assured I wouldn’t end up in trouble, I would have in a heartbeat.
Ralph, IDK where in the world you are to post this at 4:15 AM, my time, but scrolling down to this, we seem to have the same concern about Voting Rights being the most essential.
Agreed that protection of honest elections is an imperative arching over any economic measures. Arguably, though, climate change mitigation and adaptation is an uber-overarching issue concerning viable human habitat on Earth.
Republicans: repudiate Democrats for being fiscally reckless while taking credit for their hard work on behalf of Americans. Sounds like the kind of hypocrisy I expect from the party of nonsense and denial of reality.
The Repubican party, starting with Reagan, is the very definition of fiscally irresponsible behavior. But, Reagan managed to spend like a drunk sailor while simultaneously convincing the American public he was a "fiscal conservative". That perception was, of course, a lie that he knew full well was a lie.
"Cut taxes and government tax receipts will grow". Ronald Reagan, 1980.
Otherwise known as "Voodoo economics" (Old man Bush who was running against Reagan).
Oh, I remember, Lee Atwater mostly for his racist dog whistles. Michael Deaver for wrapping him in a flat and grasping a Bible photo ops, Peggy Noonan for script writing that make him sound presidential (trump surely needed her), and Rupert always in the background orchestrating every move (Kemp’s comments re Rupert’s efforts for Reagan “Rupert Murdoch used the editorial page, the front page, and every other page necessary to elect Ronald Reagan president.”
Between June and September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics underestimated job growth by 626,000 jobs. The pandemic meant that businesses were slow to fill out paperwork, and this, in turn, meant numbers were underreported.
Informed of this news, President Biden asked, "Can I have my numbers back I lost during those months for poor employment?"
If democrats in DC scream this news everywhere and all the time, so average people who don't read Bloomberg or other sources and media who do carry truthful news, the President's numbers will come come back to him. Right now the R's seem to be winning the publicity battle....not very good.
Messaging is key. Right now, Biden looks old and weary -wiped out - whenever he speaks. Crisp, short, good messaging would help. Bernie Sanders - at a similar age - should be his messaging role model. If you want to be FDR, imitate his speaking style? He was sick as well as tired, but always a crisp messenger. ❤️🤍💙
Unfortunately, the tragic irony, in declaring that "Business as Usual" is coming back - is we are not going to address the real issues - impending collapse and current overshoot. It is the wickedest of wicked problems, none wickeder. No government will address this, as the reaction from the population to any constraints, will be overwhelming. Think the Yellow Jacket issue in France (and that was a pretty minor imposition). This possibility scares governments shitless. Which is why we are not going to get any progress in real climate action. In WWW2 - America (and UK and Germany and probably other nations) declared rationing - there was much grumbling, but "we had to fight the Huns and the Japs, there was a war on" (Read Alistair Cooke's accounts). But, as Pogo says - "we have met the enemy, and he is us" - kinda knocks the wind out of the sails. I try to be optimistic, but it's hard. Please everybody watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lPMPINPcrdk&t=959s. Michael Dowd Overshoot in a Nutshell. "Humankind cannot bear very much reality". TS Eliot.
Hugh, I can't thank you enough. Didn't know what the heck you were talking about so I went to the link. I gradually began to get it. Enlightenment dawned. Going to try to see the zoom thing tomorrow. Will be working on good grief. Don't expect everyone will agree with this. Prophets never do well....maybe living and accepting with friends and family is better than martyrdom?
BTW. Elliot is right. I was looking for the main stressor to the species among so many, and you know the wickedest one--the cause of all the current behaviors we can't rationally explain! Thanks again.
Thanks Gus - I only hope that a significant number of LFAA will take the trouble to look at it - and yes, it rather undercuts the cultural trope ("bigger, better, brighter") that most of us grew up with. Sleep well.
Not sure I will ever sleep well again but Dowd is so very informative--his own work and others. An amazing magic trick to pull hope out of the mess we have made of our nest. Surely changing our overreach "mindset" has to have behavioral correlaries beyond planting our home gardens!!!!! There is a terrible sense that we are too far gone in our lifestyle, especially in this country...we are laying so much onto our young!! we cannot seem to live another way, maybe they will. Hugh, thank you so very much for this. I am a big Berry fan and was happy to see Dowd calls him one of his mentors!!!
Terrible and true. Coming to terms with this changes everything. First we grieve, then we become the stewards / caregivers of this wounded planet and all her creatures. A must see for all who care. And great resources. Thank you Hugh.
Once again have voted lock step vote against a bill and then, in their home district, claim credit for whatever largesse from this new legislation is coming into their district. Wouldn’t you think that the media would highlight such hypocrisy? How about a staccato Democratic message: BENEFITS PROVIDED TO YOUR DISTRICT THAT YOUR REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR VOTED AGAINST.
Build Back Better, improving the infrastructure and getting the economy stabilized are very important objectives. But, the 2022 Elections are now less than a year away and I grow more concerned daily that all those Repugnant Party controlled states have destroyed democracy and guaranteed that Repugnant legislators will be the only ones elected.
I really wish they would stop fighting over all these other issues until they have won the fight against all these New Jim Crow laws. Because all these economic wins can be undone if the Repugnant Party controls Congress in midterm and then take the White House in 2024.
To parafrase Mark 8:36 (which I have as much right to do as the pseudo-christians), “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole economy, and lose his right to Vote?”
The problem is that the issue of inflation resonates with a large section of the public. We can all agree that fuel prices have virtually nothing to do with who is in the White House, but we all grumble when it now costs us an extra $20 or so to fill our gas tanks over what it costs a couple of years ago, and the guy in charge is the one who gets the blame (or the credit). I personally notice when it costs me an extra $50 or so at the supermarket to buy fewer things. These are all practical realities that affect governments.
All of that being said, I wish that the Democrats would focus their efforts on voting rights legislation because if they don't, 2022 (and 2024 and beyond) will be an absolute bloodbath on election night as the Republicans legislate/gerrymander the Democrats right out of existence in many states. And, to harp on a point I have made time and again, if you think that there won't be a federal "election/voter integrity" law as soon as the Republicans retake the House and Senate, you're delusional. Rest assured, Moscow Mitch wall have absolutely NO hesitation to kill Senators Manchin and Sinema's beloved filibuster in order to get it passed.
Biden has not raised a single price on a single item you need to buy. Exxon has, of course, happily raised prices on fuel blaming "higher demand" but demand is just back where it was pre-pandemic and prices are higher than pre-pandemic.
Exxon is shafting America after receiving, from us, a giant tax cut. No patriotism there.
Can people not see this? Biden did not raise fuel prices. Exxon did.
Mike, you're not wrong about a single thing that you say, but people perceive things differently. Maybe it's an issue of messaging, and if so, the Democrats are being horribly outmaneuvered by the Republicans. Indeed, many things are more expensive because of Orange Asscactus-era tariffs on Chinese-made or supplied good, which begs the question of why these tariffs are still in place or at the very least, why Democrats aren't pointing that out to the public at large. Regardless, inflation is an issue that affects us all and it is one that resonates with a large number of people.
What a clear and concise overview of the state of the economy! Thank you! But what I most enjoyed tonight was the fact that: "The popularity of the new law was evident today when Republicans began to tout its benefits for their districts, despite their votes against it." They are such a bunch of self-aggrandizing buffoons!
But regarding statistics, some of the numbers you quote are misleading.
Yes, official unemployment is historically low. But labor force participation, a more valid but less quoted statistic, is also very low. Many people are leaving the labor market, at least temporarily.
Also, retail sales growth, if you strip out inflation, is not quite so robust.
Regarding who is at fault for the clogged ports at Long Beach/Los Angeles, we have to put long-term blame on US manufacturers who shifted so much production to Asia. Why did they do that? Because we all buy goods that are cheaper rather than buying those made in the US.
Let's appreciate that the jobs produced by the Infrastructure Bill just signed by President Biden cannot be off-shored!
I am concerned about the difference between perception and reality. From the headlines and the cable chatterboxes one could imagine that the country is drowning in inflation and critical supply shortages. Certainly there are some flash points, often triggered by the container supply snafu and shortage of truckers. Despite continued government payments, there still is a significant portion of Americans strapped to pay rent, food, etc. BUT consumer spending for October rose significantly. Adjusted increased employment figures are awesome, and unemployment figures are continuing to increase. I see an economic glass half full and rising rather than half empty.
As for Democratic haggling on the cost of President Biden’s Build Back Better bill, some Democrats remind me of the whirly bird that flew in ever diminishing circles until it flew up its own asshole. Initially the ‘moderate’ complaint was that $3.5 trillion was too much, even with considerable offset by new taxes on corporations and very wealthy Americans. As the figure was reduced to under $2 trillion, among others Manchin and especially Sinema bleated ‘no new taxes.’ With virtually no new taxes (the legally questionable ‘billionaire’s’ tax being an exception), now these whirly birds are complaining that new taxes are not offsetting the 10-year-cost of BBB. Then at the last minute a massive change in the Trump administration’s SALT tax (which limited federal deductions of state and real estate taxes to a maximum of $10,000) proposes to raise this limit to $80,000 annually.
The estimate 10-year cost of this unwarranted gift is $286 billion with over 75% going to the very, very wealthy. HUH? Just pass the damned thing and get on with shaping the Senate filibuster to facilitate passage of the John Lewis voting bill. [Steal turkey-chin McConnell’s play book, if you can figure out how to do this.]
At the risk of traipsing into a land mine, the short answer is "of course". The longer answer is that, generally speaking, profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are disencouraged here. I will sometimes use <insert your choice of profanity here> rather than use the word(s) that I would. (I speak both profanity and sarcasm as a second language, and really do try and rein myself in here.) Sometimes (fairly seldom) I just use the profanity that is called for.
I remember puzling over wildlife scat that I couldn't identify, so I took a picture and posted it on FB asking for help in IDing it. A smartass friend promptly posted that one couldn't post such photos on Facebook. Hence my comment.
Ally, That was a rather roundabout non-confession requiring a bit of time to parse out. Language is another point of contention, given the assault on it by the lying traitors in the house. That not being in your House, Ally!
Made me chuckle. I got called to task once for writing in a report of a fellow who was very profane at a stock car race and ended up being cited for harassment where I said "At the time Mr. Jones made his 5th profane statement by utilizing scatological references to Mrs. Smith's request, track officials removed him from the bleachers and took him to office where I was able to cite him for harassment prior to his untimely ejejection from the racetrack" My sergeant left me a note, suggesting that I rewrite the phrase, saying "your report is well written and contains all the elements of the crime of harassment; it also has sent me (as your reports occasionally do) to the dictionary. I suggest you utilize more frequently used language as you avoid colloquial* terms to avoid the perception that your reports reek of bovine scato."
*Colloquial was one of the words he had to look up, and I was impressed to see him use it.
So now the thing the Dems need to do is call out every damn republican who voted against the infrastructure bill, every damn republican governor who whined and moaned against its passage and not let them derive any political capital from the bill as they tout its benefits for their states. But they won't.
Linda, I was alerted yesterday on twitter to Gary Palmer (Reptile-AL), and his hypocritical praise of the law he voted against. I went on and called him out on that, just like every other person replying. IDK why these idiots even post this shit on twitter where it is open for ppl calling them out on it. Not that it matters to the idiot cultists who keep voting for them against their own best interest.
Oh, my. "Reptile, AL" sure has a nice ring to it. I was one of the responders to that tweet who called him out. I think. Or maybe it was some other Reptile nut.
You are now causing me to have to think about how to use my freely stolen "Republisum" tag for that party; I do like the use of "reptile" here!
Nor does the media--and political cartoonists--give the reduction in the traffic jam at t he ports any traction. And I've stopped listening to Peter Alexander on NBC News, who puts an anti-Democratic spin on everything lately.
The Democrats ARE calling out the hypocritical Republican'ts where it counts - through ads in their districts. $$$upport you local and state Democratic Parties Today! I just did.
That sounds like something Trump would do - punish states who don’t support him. Biden is trying to show us that he can be a president for all of America, not just those who voted for him.
I meant for my comment to be sarcastic, and yes, it is something tRump would do. But it does irk us when rethuglicans who voted against the bill crow at home.
Trump could face three years in jail for Hatch Act violations, legal experts argue
Provision of Hatch Act makes it criminal for any person to force a federal employee to engage in political activity
Two legal experts argue that the Department of Justice has additional reasons to file charges against former President Donald Trump following the announcement by the Office Special Counsel that 13 senior administration officials violated the Hatch Act.
Writing in a column for Slate, Professor Claire Finkelstein of the University of Pennsylvania, and Professor Richard Painter of the University of Minnesota Law School, argue that the report by the OSC adds to the case for a criminal investigation.
Both professors filed a Hatch Act criminal complaint against Mr Trump with the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Division in October 2020.
They wrote: “Although the president and vice president are immune to the ordinary Hatch Act prohibitions on use of public office for political purposes, there is a separate provision (18 USC § 610) under which it is a crime for any person to ‘intimidate, threaten, command, or coerce … any employee of the Federal Government … to engage in any political activity.’ Violations are punishable by up to three years in prison.”
The decision to investigate therefore lies with Attorney General Merrick Garland. They write: “The threshold legal determination Garland — or a special prosecutor appointed by Garland — must make is whether Trump coerced or ordered the political activity identified as Hatch Act violations by the OSC. If so, Trump could be liable to prosecution for political coercion under the aforementioned statute.”
Agree: I'm reading "Where the Law Ends, Inside the Mueller Investigation" by Andrew Weissman who was among the special investigation staff on Russian influence in the 2016 election. They were impeccable and did arrest some members of the Trump Committee. That investigation led to warrants for some Russian oligarchs, too. Nevertheless, although there were insinuations of obstruction galore, there was not enough concrete evidence to apprehend Trump, only innuendo. Innuendo is not enough. I have renewed respect for the folks who faithfully plod through connections and lies, but it does take time. (May they "obstruct" Steve Bannon.)
Yes, like the federal law about what happens when you threaten a congressperson which should have put Gosar down. Does it apply when a congressperson threatens another congressperson?
I am very disappointed in Atty Gen. Merrick Garland. It took the DOJ forever to arraign Bannon for his Contempt of Congress while so many on twitter and I assume editorial pages were screaming for it. This blatant violation by government officials of laws that are clearly written with no enforcement brings home the ineffectiveness of our (In)Justice system.
The justice system doesn’t work as we’d like and for good reason. I suggest listening to Cafe Insider where they explain why we don’t have instant justice and what the actual strategy is the DoJ is using.
It doesn't work like that. If you shoot from the hip and go for the obvious thing, in most cases the defense will prevail. You have to be methodical and start at the bottom and work your way up. You always start with the smallest fish in search of more damning evidence. Each level up will produce more damning evidence the defense has to defend.
If you were accused of something, falsely or not, would you represent yourself? No, you'd get a lawyer. This is why we need to seek out information from the people who know, like Preet on Cafe Insider. As the former boss of the Southern District of NY, he knows what works and what doesn't.
This is one of our greatest weaknesses as liberals. We always want the silver bullet or savior to come to the rescue. I've finally accepted a while ago, neither is coming. The only way out is through the system and that's what's going down with the whole Jan 6th situation.
Actually, that's exactly what I meant. The process is very time consuming, requiring careful and thorough investigations, flipping witnesses as they go, and, like with Capone's tax evasion, determining which charges will stick. I have (nearly) complete faith in DOJ and SDNY.
After reading LFAA for about a year and not-quite-half, I have really learned a lot. Even more, I've realized how much I never really learned, from school history/economics classes to extra scholastic study. I feel like there is a part of me trying to cram information into my decreasingly neuroplastic mind, while it stands there in disbelief looking at where our nation has arrived today.
To have a politician stand there and say "Yay, inflation!! That will help us defeat the nasty Democratic Party" ( a paraphrase, to be sure, but one oft repeated) AND to take credit for a popular plan that they personally voted against is horrifying. To watch what used to be journalism morph into whatever the hell it has become today is also horrifying.
It is overwhelmingly important that we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and end the actions of the Republiscum party that is doing its dastardly best to insure that we are guaranteed minority autocratic rule and demolishing our democracy.
Ally, Some of us who have been critical of the country for a long time are, nevertheless, in shock about the current state of the state. I still have confidence in the Free Press. My learning includes journalism in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Scientific American, several regional and local newspapers, MSNBC, CNN, research organizations such as Pew...and more. The following are quotes about the role of reporters from historian, Timothy Snyder, the author of 'On Tyranny':
'For democracy to work, we all have to learn things that we didn't know before, and be surprised every day by things we didn't know. Only reporting can deliver that. And if media is going to work in the 21st century, it has to work locally.'
'... to silence one person reminds us just how important reporters are. Without the words, they provide us, without the words and the images they provide us. We have no chance of getting to the truth about oligarchy, war, elections, any issue that really matters.'
'No technology can replace them. There are far too few of them, and each one is precious. We should support them everywhere, abroad and at home. Reporters are the heroes of our time, in Eastern Europe and everywhere else, watching the risks they take and the price they pray, we should be ashamed to have any association with anyone who would say reporters are enemies of the people.'
Fern,
Here, here, bravo and well said!
I can only add this from the American Press Institute:
"Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a utility to empower the informed. The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments."
Quality journalism struggles daily to speak truth to this purpose. Being informed is step one in both advocacy and activism. One can be neither an advocate nor an activist without first being informed. Journalists and journalism are essential to the task of informing us.
I completely support the free press and good journalism. What I cannot abide is "journalists" who in truth, are opinion writers and not reporters of "information." I see far too much of that among some of the "bigger" names who write for my favorite news sources (most named by Fern above.) Perhaps it's hubris on their part or the fact that they get quoted by certain anchors or the fact that they are so dadgum "famous" they get to hobnob with the rich and infamous? But when I see and read deliberate efforts to CREATE news and to SWAY public opinion, that crosses a line for me. They may call themselves "free press" but I harken back to a time when that was considered "yellow journalism." Maybe they don't write about smut, but they certainly seem to do their fair share of obfuscating whenever it buys them a byline or a headline.
In the national newspapers, which I listed above 'Opinions' and 'Essays' are labeled as such. I have not noted 'news' articles printed in either the Washington Post or The New York Times to be opinion pieces geared to influence the readers' understanding. Readers, clearly, may differ about the objectivity of what they have read.
Fern, it's probably just me taking umbrage at certain of them. Maggie Habermann, for example, rubs me the wrong way. And Peter Baker now is on my list for his sometimes thoughtless and seemingly targeted statements. Both of them are considered "journalists" and I know that Maggie has won awards. I'm not wanting to start an argument, and you and I certainly are in agreement about the absolute necessity of preserving and protecting our free press. I guess I have "picked and chosen" among them for personal reasons more than anything!
Ellen, We are not in an argument. I cannot remember reading a Maggie Habermann report in the last six months. Peter Baker's reporting, for the most part, has not been of great interest to me. I read most of his pieces, which frankly have not been memorable one way or another. Your reply encouraged me to pay even closer attention to see if I have, perhaps, missed the bias of some reporters You just happened to mention two journalists, who I have not given much attention to.
Hear! Hear! -- one and all!
Thank you for this Fern. In our small town we are in danger of losing our local paper, as are many communities.
I take every opportunity to speak for the support of our daily. The henhouse will be completely unguarded without it.
Chuck, Thank you for letting us know. Can you, your neighbors and contacts rally the community to support the paper; purchase a page in the paper to praise it and rally support? Can you and or others connect with local TV, elected representatives, mayor, and regional radio to raise your voices? With you, your town and the local paper!
Fern, I, too, have put faith [in general] in those publications. It's the individual articles which ring true to me as opposed to full endorsement of the publications.
The independent journalists and podcasts are the most important news source to me now. I like and trust "Krystal & Saager" on utube's "Breaking Points". One comes from a more conservative base, the other a more liberal one. However, far more important than any political past designation is their mutual commitment to Truth. I find them impressive. I also listen to Matt Taibbi, a truthful journalist, and the one who best studied the 2008 Wall Street bailouts, then wrote "Griftopia". Matt's the one who named Goldman-Sachs as a "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." Matt's on utube often. Glen Greenwald is also a true journalist. I believe he still writes for the Guardian. Glen helped break the Edward Snowden story to the public. And Ed Snowden is also impressive. He has opened Americans' eyes to the government recording all cell phone data. I also listen to Tulsi Gabbard--she's remarkable, and I have absolutely no doubt concerning her honesty. There are some other people I listen to as well, but time is short now.
Heydon, As soon as I saw your name this morning, I thought of your library at home. It may be because as you wrote, 'but, time is short now' that I have not visited it, which I will do. When I quoted you in the last sentence, your health came to mind. How are you? Please do reply when you can.
I am familiar with Matt Taibbi and Glen Greenwald. You have reminded me to turn more of my attention to their work. 'Krystal & Saager' are new to me, and I have written down their names, along with "Breaking Points'. I agree, that it is the journalists themselves not the companies, which stand out. An exception for me is the Atlantic Magazine. Individually, historian, Timothy Snyder, is as the 'soul' I turn to. His newsletter on substack is called, 'Thinking about...' Please consider reading his books, A link below from 'Salon' mentions then and provides a bit about him. The first link, containing his 'American Abyss', was reason for me to become for familiar with his work.
Heydon, you have been most generous to guide me once more. It was so good to spend time thinking of you and taking in your suggestions. The horizon is a salmon colored orange now. I hope this fall fills your eyes and spirit with beauty. Thank you for connecting with me. Salud!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html
https://www.salon.com/2021/10/14/timothy-snyder-warned-us-fascism-was-coming--now-he-says-we-can-survive-it/
https://www.timothysnyder.org/
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/nov/13/timothy-snyder-it-turns-out-that-people-really-like-democracy-on-tyranny
Hi Fern, I just saw this comment you wrote 5 days ago. Thanks for asking about my health. I'm doing pretty well other than the slings and arrows of time we all face. Still, I keep up my aerobic workouts, and that keeps my mind in a healthy state.
Through my library, I have put on hold two of Timothy Snyder's books--"Bloodlands" and "The Road to Unfreedom." I have just checked out his book "On Tyranny" which I'll begin within a few days. And I'll check out the links you've mentioned above.
Hope your health is well and that you have a good Thanksgiving. Best, Heydon
Yes, I agree. It's too bad so many in our government decry what true journalists report to us. Examples include Julian Assange, Glen Greenwald, Ari Berman, and many more.
NYT, WaPo, CNN, MSNBC, all lefty leaning sources. Try Reuters, or perhaps the AP, or maybe, just maybe, a quick peek at FOX to get the moderate or conservative take on the issues of the day.
If you peek at FOX, just erase the browsing history on your computer and no one will know. 😉
Saw a funny T shirt a woman was wearing at a mask protest. It said, “Is it true, or did you hear it on CNN?”
A balance in the media is most important to keep the electorate well informed.
H. A. Rose, I don't know your criteria for journalism, nor your definition of 'lefty'. The following from the American Press Institute will inform you of my understanding of 'journalism'. If you are interested in learning more, see the link below.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.
Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have.
PRINCIPLES OF THE CRAFT
What makes journalism different than other forms of communication?
What is the purpose of journalism?
The elements of journalism
What does a journalist do?
THEORIES OF JOURNALISM AND THE PUBLIC
The journalist as a “committed observer”
The theory of the interlocking public
Bias and objectivity
Journalism attempts to be fair and accurate. It does this through objective methods and managing bias. These guides help you understand and navigate those processes.
The lost meaning of objectivity
Understanding bias
Tools to manage bias
Verification and accuracy
A journalist’s first job is to “get it right.” But how? These guides help you understand how to think about accuracy and practice verification.
Journalism as a discipline of verification
The Hierarchy of Accuracy
The Hierarchy of Information and concentric circles of sources
Verification case study: The Protess Method
https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/what-is-journalism/
I especially like this one: "Journalism as a discipline of verification"
From Pew Research.
Lefty favorites.
“On the left of the political spectrum, no single outlet predominates. Among consistent liberals, CNN (15%), NPR (13%), MSNBC (12%) and the New York Times (10%) all rank near the top of the list. CNN is named by just 20% of those with mostly liberal views, but still tops their list, followed by local television (11%) and NPR (9%). Both MSNBC and Fox News are mentioned by 5% of those who are mostly liberal. Those in other ideological groups name the New York Times, NPR and MSNBC less frequently as top news sources.”
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2014/10/21/section-1-media-sources-distinct-favorites-emerge-on-the-left-and-right/
Finding a truly balanced source of the news is challenging. Who in the world is not biased in some way? Anyone?
Looks like this was a survey of news source preferences, not an assessment of whether the news sources are well-balanced and accurate. Could it be that those who seek truth and accurate information today are more often defined as liberal or “lefty,” while those who accept lies, propaganda and misinformation are more often on the conservative right of the political spectrum?
I use allsides.com They explain how they rank right, left & center
The Pew Research Report, for which you provided a link, 'Media Sources: Distinct Favorites Emerge on the Left and Right' is not about journalism, the subject of my initial comment. You have replied with 'news' sources favored according to the political positions of 'Left' and 'Right' leaning readers, The invaluable role of journalism and reporters in providing the facts and the truth as necessary in a democracy was the point I tried to make.
Do you consider your news sources balanced and fair? If so, you should have a look at your epithets.
A keen perception, sometimes felt without such direct attention. Thank you, Rosalind.
Good morning Ally! Thanks for that.
Agree. With all of your comment.
AMEN!
Yes!!! I believe we should pronounce the two-party system officially dead and open the doors to more variety of thought. And notwithstanding, to loosen the stranglehold on politics onto which both parties clasp.
Cheers!
Thank you Heather.
Regardless of any good figures that are being reported, they will be countered as ammunition for the GOP to be thrown back as red meat to the cult. The GOP is no longer a Party, but a cult.
As I waited to have a COVID-19 test done yesterday morning, I listened to a trumper dispel any good that Biden has done with a learned diatribe of lies. Completely unsubstantiated bullshit.
When I had had enough of his crap, I said "wait a minute, you look familiar. Did I see you in the video of the January 6th Insurrection when you broke inside the Capitol and peed on the wall?". The waiting area erupted with
" You filthy bastard". " How dare you do that to our Capitol". "You should be arrested" and so on.
Did I see him in a video, no. I've never seen him before in my life. It did however, show how quickly you can shut up and turn the tables on a crazy trumper. He may think twice about being the crazy oracle when you have a captive audience.
Not unexpected, but I see the GOP members who didn't vote for but will take all of the credit for the Infrastructure Bill are surfacing.
Keep in mind, these are the same people who continue to stomp down any discussion of Voter Rights.
Be safe. Be well.
Agreed, that was brilliant! ...because you did not stoop to making a dishonest statement but you simply asked a question, "Didn't I see you...?" It's amazing how just that inkling can set off such a response in the onlookers/overhearers.
Cheeky Linda….AND brilliant
Thank you.
You are fabulous, Linda. And a fighter.
Salud!
Wish I had been there!! Team Linda!!
Carol, I was smiling from ear to ear as it unfolded beneath my mask. 😷
Linda, namaste.
Linda---OMG love it love it love it!!!!!!!!!
Great response to a venom spilling human. I'm gonna remember that one.
Way to go, Linda! That was priceless. Made my day.
Best laugh of the week, Linda! What a way to silence the bs and turn the conversation around. Thanks for sharing the story here.
Linda, I love what you wrote. Growing up on the Maine coast I used to go Flounder fishing. Flounder are bottom feeders, and so are crabs. But crabs eat the trash way down there. You wrote "Those GOP members ...will take all the credit for the Infrastructure Bill are surfacing." Those folks who eat all the trash of Trump should go back down to the deep sea where they live.
Brilliant!!!! Wish I were there😜
LOL! That was amazing! I think I'm going to steal your thunder! Thanks!
Ellen, my compliments.
Wonderfully astute, and right on the mark. Brilliant!!
Brilliant! Glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read this! Thanks for sharing your story here!💜💜💜
Lol. 😎
Brilliant! Wish I could have been there to back you up!
Nice work.
Linda! You are definitely one of my sheroes!
For those whose religious leaders clearly politically interfere (like telling you who to vote for), I learned that they can lose their tax-except status if reported. Someone on Twitter reported hers to the IRS.
“ I was a church goer for 37 years & never heard a preacher be partisan until 2000. My pastor told the congregation if we voted for Gore we were voting for the devil. I got up & left the sermon. I turned him into the IRS the next day. He ended up losing the church.”
Helpful info in comments:
“Any time there is a violation of 501c3, a witness should file a complaint using Form 13909 IRS. Just Google form 13909 IRS.”
“Filing a Complaint:
Members of the public may send information that raises questions about an exempt organization's compliance with the Internal Revenue Code by submitting Form 13909, Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form.
Email to: eoclass@irs.gov “
IRS complaint process:
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations
Johnson Amendment details FYI:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/charities-churches-and-politics
Thank you, I just quit going. Wrote a letter to protest, but no change. Karl Rove made churches an arm of Republican Party in 2004. All should lose exemption these days. They are evil. “Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil.”
It is one thing to quit churches that abuse people by preaching lies and contorting the real meaning of forgiveness and social justice. But please try to distinguish between those churches and others that preach healthy social relationships and make major contributions to the well-being of the commonwealth. Just as not all political philosophies are alike, neither are all theologies. I am grateful to my Lutheran denomination (nationally and internationally) for being one of the most effective agents for refugee resettlement among our many other positive contributions.
I am an ELCA Lutheran and we are very involved in many social justice issues like refugee resettlement. I live in a state with a lot of food insecurity for children I do not consider churches that become an arm of the GOP to be following the teachings of Jesus. Our synod has embraced a year’s long study of racism and had many uncomfortable discussions. Our National church was part of repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. My grandson chose to raise funds for a local food bank for his confirmation service project.
Some churches actually do some good in the world.
The problem is that churches pick and choose their agendas. Even the Evangelical churches have charitable outreaches. I once lived and worked in a rural western area at a small mental health clinic. I can't tell you the many problems that clients had relative to their upbringing in churches or "assemblies:" Sexual abuse, submission of women, homeschooling, public shaming, gay reorientation therapies, demanding absolute obedience from children, et al.
I hope you never ran into "General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn". We had a nest of them in the south end of the Willamette Valley. They do not believe in doctors. Would sometimes call for emergency medical assistance from paramedics, but would never see a doctor. In my small area, we had a fellow die from sepsis that he got while hunting and got a nasty laceration on his leg, a woman and child that died in an unattended home birth, and a 15 year old who died as a result of appendicitis. I have friends from that area who have left the "church" and know they were the victims of abuse. I suspect another one of the kids (step brother to the one who died) was gay, and received very harsh "treatment".
The appendicitis case was mine, and while I wrote it up as a death investigation, it was prosecuted as a Manslaughter case, ending up with a plea of guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide. It was a tough case for me, because I am a firm believer in the First Amendment I am also a firm believer in "don't kill your kids."
My grandmother's family was a member of a church like this in Southern Washington. She was deathly ill after the birth of her first son, and a male friend of the family literally kidnapped her and took her to a hospital and saved her life. She was ostracized from the church and chased out of town. They resettled and married in California, and it was years before she was able to see her son, my uncle.
This is similar to one of the friends I have who is no longer with the church.
Unreal, read Tara Westover’s “Educated: A Memoir”. Amazing
Wow, and I thought the Pilgrim Holiness Church I grew up in was bad. No lipstick was allowed. They were kind, so far as I knew. Big plus.
Some are just magnets for shysters, and it’s not always those with private jets
Which denomination? I was traveling a couple weeks ago, and in a small town saw an open and affirming Lutheran church. The chamber group I play in rehearses at a Lutheran church that has a very progressive presence in town.
The Lutheran Church in my town has many members who do good works in the community but is VERY conservative on social issues and started their own alternative elementary school decades ago so that their children wouldn't have to be exposed to diversity of thought.
What I know about the Lutherans is their synods (Wisconsin and Missouri are the two in our area; one is more liberal than the other, but I can never remember which). The church I saw did not affiliate publicly with either synod, so I wonder if there are more branches to the Lutheran tree. I know them to be more conservative than most.
There are 3 Lutheran groups. The Wisconsin and Missouri Synods do not allow women to be ordained. I believe the Wisconsin Synod also does not allow women to vote in congregational matters.
I am an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) which has had women pastors since the 1970s and since 2009 also embraces marriage for ordained GLBT pastors.
Of course there are churches that abuse their members and preach undemocratic and unhealthy social and political positions. That's not the ELCA.
The United Methodist Church too! At least until we self-destruct come next September. Another great denomination falls, and joins the Episcopalians and Presbyterians et al. as, what? Destroyed from within, by 'irreconcilable differences.' Precursors to Democracy?
That was my original church home, too, until it got too slow to awaken, and for me, too slow to bear.
Yep
Happening all over
Find a church whose mission is more like Jesus's and less like Mammon's.
I am a non-theist, and I know of several churches in our town that are the complete antithesis of these moneychanger megachurches. Methodists, Lutherans, Disciples of Christ, Congregationalists all serve to support the teachings of Christ, at least here in our town.
Small Methodist church is where I went, Baptist song leader hung out in parking lot slandering Obama. I wrote a letter of protest. He is still there. I’m not
The pulpit - the Holy Desk - is exclusively for the Good News. Mere politics has no place at that desk. That "pastor" had no right, and fully deserved to lose that church, but I bet he popped up again as an "evangelical" somewhere. Pity.
Good for you! Preachers should not preach politics from the pulpit.
One caveat: Jesus preached politics constantly. He railed against hypocrits and those who took advantage of the poor. He threatened the power structures. Theologians still wrestle with whether it was primarily the political or the religious elites who had him executed. Make distinctions between politics that are harmful and push greed and politics that speak truth and press compassion.
But as a 501c(3), I cannot say "Vote No on this bill." I can, though, educate.
Enlightened pastors preach values from their pulpits and positions of authority. Candidates would do well to do similarly. When the values of candidates are aligned with the values of all faiths the alignment is not "political" but sends a strong message. Mutual respect for and from all members of a community. A moral framework for making decisions on the treatment of each other as neighbors. Treating others as you would wish to be treated and loving our neighbors is the "golden rule" that underlies virtually every faith. These are values shared by all. When candidates speak to those values they align with the values shared by all voters.
Shared values are how to successfully campaign, delivering to those values after being elected with policies that speak to and address those values is how to successfully govern.
I used to believe that. Until Trump happened. He preached the antithesis of the Golden rule and successfully aligned with millions of voters. I can’t stop shaking my head. Every morning I hope I’ll get out of bed to discover the last 6 years have been the worst nightmare I’ve ever had
Bruce, I belive you "got it." Thanks for your clear thoughts.
Thanks Bruce.
501(c)3 nonprofit designation does allow limited advocacy and positions regarding legislation but this cannot constitute a substantial portion of their activities. Activities related to political candidacies for public office are prohibited. I belong to a 501(c)3 entity which has existed since 1961 and taken positions on local, state and federal legislative issues without a problem with one exception. That exception, in the early 1980s, was when a complaint was filed with the IRS by someone opposed to a position we had taken. We documented that more than 90% of the organization's activities were directly related to our "educational" mission and that "lobbying" on legislative issues constituted less than 10%. The complaint was disallowed by the IRS.
Yes! Nice!
There’s karmic justice.
OMG, that's just about every Evangelical church. When Oregon was going to vote on Gay Marriage, big anti-posters went up outside many churches. End tax-exempt status for religious institutions!
Those evangelical "churches" have poisoned the hearts and minds of so many once good people, and contributed to many COVID deaths as well.
Woe to them who call evil good, and good evil. In the meantime, run for your life
I am interested in why we look at the Federal Government so much as the cause/solution of/for inflation?
Are not prices set by corporations? Did we not grant corporations a giant tax cut (35% to 21%) a mere three years ago or so? Prices are not set by the Fed.
Let me get this straight because I am a bit confused.
1) We give American corporations a giant tax cut from 35%to 21% in 2017.
2) Then, a pandemic hits in 2020 and corporations give us price increases back as a big thank you for our support of them.
How is the Fed to blame for inflation? Yes, I know they threw some money out there, but, the Fed did not raise a single prices. Corporations did that.
Corporations could simply recognize that America did them a favor (giant tax cuts) and hold the line on price increases during a pandemic. Correct?
Seems to me that corporations are not very patriotic.
Perhaps I should phone Fox News and point out that CORPORATIONS increase prices.
Not Joe Biden.
Not the Fed.
But Rupert owns the WSJ, hence he is a “true journalist.” I call total crap. He is the divider in chief, and no one will call him the traitor he is.
Rupert, like that clown who owns Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, just wants to make money. Fox News profits knew no bounds while Fox whipped up Trump supporters with lies. Rupert is just another in a long, long line of American snake oil salesmen.
Is it a kind of price gouging? Raising prices due to inventory shortages?
Inflation is emerging as another term being weaponized by the far right. Inflation rhetoric is a goldmine for bamboozling anyone who cares about money.
“The inflation freakout is all about class conflict. In fact, it may be the fundamental class conflict: that between creditors and debtors, a fight that’s been going on since the foundation of the United States.
That’s because inflation is often good for most of us, but it’s terrible for the kinds of people who own corporate news outlets — or, say, founded coal firms. And a panic about inflation usefully creates the conditions to weaken the power of working people.”
https://theintercept.com/2021/11/10/inflation-economy-debt-milk-prices/
And corporations, in general, are flush with cash now and have been for at least 3 years.
And corporation will delays defend by saying "we are just being responsible to ensure the return to our investors, our contractual and legal responsibility." As if that excuses everything. Not!
The paradox. I agree. I read NYT Krugman today on the mismatch. Confirms. To which I have to add, our fellow Americans see everything in the short-term, rarely in terms of history, what actually influences current metrics, or how time and future actions affect the change in a whole host of economic and social outcomes. Thanks.
For sure Republicans will bang the drum on inflation, supply chain, and any other non-issue to divert attention from what is most important to them, and should be to us; undermining fair and honest elections through legislation at the state level. If Republicans can create a way to legally fix elections, everything else; inflation, infrastructure, supply chain, and so on, will be more or less irrelevant.Those responsible for the Jan. 6th Insurrection will never be called to account and might even be back in the White House in 2025.
Federal protection of universal voting rights, with serious enforcement teeth, is essential.
Dump the filibuster!
Get it done!
Ralph: Because neither abolishing the Senate filibuster nor exempting it even to pass bills protective of our most basic rights currently has support from 50 Senators, I suggest we press for an alternative—a rule change that in all likelihood would pass: replace the 60-vote threshold required to end debate with a 41-vote threshold to continue debate, thus shifting the burden from the majority to the minority, 41 of whom would have to be present, speaking nonstop solely about the issue at hand, to sustain a filibuster. I don’t imagine any Senator (we only need 50 to enact the rule change) could mount a credible opposition in defiance of this reform.
Great but are the two Trojan horses on board. They seem intent on crashing Biden’s agenda. Can’t wait to support any two Senate candidates who could win and make both irrelevant. I won’t forget…
According to my understanding, maintaining the filibuster is the bottom line both for Manchin and Sinema. The reform proposed here not only does that but also, in keeping with our founder’s intent, reestablishes the Senate as the more deliberative of the two legislative bodies.
I really agree with that! Or at least the 60 to pass should be a % of how many are voting. If they don't show up to vote, the number should reflect that. The way it is now, their vote counts even if they don't show up to vote!
Holy Schitt. Surprised that we get anything done at all
That sounds good to me!
I like that, Barbara Jo.
No Senator will have to mount an opposition, credible or otherwise, because Schumer and McConnell won't bring up such a bill and the other 98 lack the initiative, organization and guts to set them aside and do it.
I fail to understand why Schumer wouldn’t press for this Senate rule change. Setting voting rights aside for a moment, the only reason Biden has had to ram his entire climate and social legislation agenda into one bill that only can be passed through what, understandable, has evolved into an unwieldy nightmare is because Republicans refuse to allow regular order. I imagine Schumer, indeed, would relish a rule change that required 41 Republican Senators to argue nonstop against, say, extending the child tax credit over 10 years, the piece of Biden’s BBB I would advise be the first presented for a vote.
As a final point, surely Schumer knows that the more elements of Biden’s BBB that advance through the Senate the greater the likelihood that last Monday’s signing ceremony won’t be the last opportunity for Biden to stand in front of a bipartisan audience and say this is how Washington should work.
People believe it.
I talked with someone I know through work and she was all caravans and inflation. If I could have shared m some of these Letters From An American with her and felt assured I wouldn’t end up in trouble, I would have in a heartbeat.
Ironic she can perpetuate no facts and you can’t counter WITH facts w/o getting in trouble. So where we are today.
Sadly, yes.
Ralph, IDK where in the world you are to post this at 4:15 AM, my time, but scrolling down to this, we seem to have the same concern about Voting Rights being the most essential.
Agreed that protection of honest elections is an imperative arching over any economic measures. Arguably, though, climate change mitigation and adaptation is an uber-overarching issue concerning viable human habitat on Earth.
Any climate change legislation is a dead horse if the party that officially denies its existance controls government.
Yes yes yes, Ralph, absolutely YES.
It’s so hard not to get distracted.
If they don’t we are done
Republicans: repudiate Democrats for being fiscally reckless while taking credit for their hard work on behalf of Americans. Sounds like the kind of hypocrisy I expect from the party of nonsense and denial of reality.
The R’s break everything and the D’s have to work hard and spend money to fix everything that the R’s broke.
When you are driving, you put the shifter to R to go backward and D to go forward
Now that's funny!!!
Clever.
It took me decades to understand this fact. I was raised conservative. Getting out of that fantasy-based echo chamber is the best thing I ever did.
The Repubican party, starting with Reagan, is the very definition of fiscally irresponsible behavior. But, Reagan managed to spend like a drunk sailor while simultaneously convincing the American public he was a "fiscal conservative". That perception was, of course, a lie that he knew full well was a lie.
"Cut taxes and government tax receipts will grow". Ronald Reagan, 1980.
Otherwise known as "Voodoo economics" (Old man Bush who was running against Reagan).
See how that worked out right here.
https://zfacts.com/national-debt/
Oh, I remember, Lee Atwater mostly for his racist dog whistles. Michael Deaver for wrapping him in a flat and grasping a Bible photo ops, Peggy Noonan for script writing that make him sound presidential (trump surely needed her), and Rupert always in the background orchestrating every move (Kemp’s comments re Rupert’s efforts for Reagan “Rupert Murdoch used the editorial page, the front page, and every other page necessary to elect Ronald Reagan president.”
If you use zfacts.com as a source, Mike, we’ll need an additional source to verify the site’s data.
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-debt-and-deficit-projections-hit-records/
Cool.
Understood. I can find the same graph in many places without the annotation. But, the annotation is key.
For decades, they have gotten away with the big economic lie. Trouble is, too many voters believe it. It's the "Emporer's New Clothes" in action.
Between June and September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics underestimated job growth by 626,000 jobs. The pandemic meant that businesses were slow to fill out paperwork, and this, in turn, meant numbers were underreported.
Informed of this news, President Biden asked, "Can I have my numbers back I lost during those months for poor employment?"
If democrats in DC scream this news everywhere and all the time, so average people who don't read Bloomberg or other sources and media who do carry truthful news, the President's numbers will come come back to him. Right now the R's seem to be winning the publicity battle....not very good.
Messaging is key. Right now, Biden looks old and weary -wiped out - whenever he speaks. Crisp, short, good messaging would help. Bernie Sanders - at a similar age - should be his messaging role model. If you want to be FDR, imitate his speaking style? He was sick as well as tired, but always a crisp messenger. ❤️🤍💙
They always do. WHY
$$$$$$$$. $upport your Democratic Party and The Lincoln Project.
The short answer is, "No."
I'm not sure what a longer answer might be, as the Democrats are definitely not setting the terms of the debate, at least not yet.
Unfortunately, the tragic irony, in declaring that "Business as Usual" is coming back - is we are not going to address the real issues - impending collapse and current overshoot. It is the wickedest of wicked problems, none wickeder. No government will address this, as the reaction from the population to any constraints, will be overwhelming. Think the Yellow Jacket issue in France (and that was a pretty minor imposition). This possibility scares governments shitless. Which is why we are not going to get any progress in real climate action. In WWW2 - America (and UK and Germany and probably other nations) declared rationing - there was much grumbling, but "we had to fight the Huns and the Japs, there was a war on" (Read Alistair Cooke's accounts). But, as Pogo says - "we have met the enemy, and he is us" - kinda knocks the wind out of the sails. I try to be optimistic, but it's hard. Please everybody watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lPMPINPcrdk&t=959s. Michael Dowd Overshoot in a Nutshell. "Humankind cannot bear very much reality". TS Eliot.
Hugh, I can't thank you enough. Didn't know what the heck you were talking about so I went to the link. I gradually began to get it. Enlightenment dawned. Going to try to see the zoom thing tomorrow. Will be working on good grief. Don't expect everyone will agree with this. Prophets never do well....maybe living and accepting with friends and family is better than martyrdom?
BTW. Elliot is right. I was looking for the main stressor to the species among so many, and you know the wickedest one--the cause of all the current behaviors we can't rationally explain! Thanks again.
Thanks Gus - I only hope that a significant number of LFAA will take the trouble to look at it - and yes, it rather undercuts the cultural trope ("bigger, better, brighter") that most of us grew up with. Sleep well.
Not sure I will ever sleep well again but Dowd is so very informative--his own work and others. An amazing magic trick to pull hope out of the mess we have made of our nest. Surely changing our overreach "mindset" has to have behavioral correlaries beyond planting our home gardens!!!!! There is a terrible sense that we are too far gone in our lifestyle, especially in this country...we are laying so much onto our young!! we cannot seem to live another way, maybe they will. Hugh, thank you so very much for this. I am a big Berry fan and was happy to see Dowd calls him one of his mentors!!!
Terrible and true. Coming to terms with this changes everything. First we grieve, then we become the stewards / caregivers of this wounded planet and all her creatures. A must see for all who care. And great resources. Thank you Hugh.
Watching now. Thanks for this link! I can see it will be keeping me busy...
Lots to unpack here.
Humans are we and thee so don’t talk down to us.
Thanks for this link. Have to think more about what hope really means. Lots of resources in the link.
Once again have voted lock step vote against a bill and then, in their home district, claim credit for whatever largesse from this new legislation is coming into their district. Wouldn’t you think that the media would highlight such hypocrisy? How about a staccato Democratic message: BENEFITS PROVIDED TO YOUR DISTRICT THAT YOUR REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR VOTED AGAINST.
That's the Democratic Plan, and the ads started even before the Republican't lies. We nee to $upport our Democratic Party!
Build Back Better, improving the infrastructure and getting the economy stabilized are very important objectives. But, the 2022 Elections are now less than a year away and I grow more concerned daily that all those Repugnant Party controlled states have destroyed democracy and guaranteed that Repugnant legislators will be the only ones elected.
I really wish they would stop fighting over all these other issues until they have won the fight against all these New Jim Crow laws. Because all these economic wins can be undone if the Repugnant Party controls Congress in midterm and then take the White House in 2024.
To parafrase Mark 8:36 (which I have as much right to do as the pseudo-christians), “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole economy, and lose his right to Vote?”
The problem is that the issue of inflation resonates with a large section of the public. We can all agree that fuel prices have virtually nothing to do with who is in the White House, but we all grumble when it now costs us an extra $20 or so to fill our gas tanks over what it costs a couple of years ago, and the guy in charge is the one who gets the blame (or the credit). I personally notice when it costs me an extra $50 or so at the supermarket to buy fewer things. These are all practical realities that affect governments.
All of that being said, I wish that the Democrats would focus their efforts on voting rights legislation because if they don't, 2022 (and 2024 and beyond) will be an absolute bloodbath on election night as the Republicans legislate/gerrymander the Democrats right out of existence in many states. And, to harp on a point I have made time and again, if you think that there won't be a federal "election/voter integrity" law as soon as the Republicans retake the House and Senate, you're delusional. Rest assured, Moscow Mitch wall have absolutely NO hesitation to kill Senators Manchin and Sinema's beloved filibuster in order to get it passed.
Ian,
Biden has not raised a single price on a single item you need to buy. Exxon has, of course, happily raised prices on fuel blaming "higher demand" but demand is just back where it was pre-pandemic and prices are higher than pre-pandemic.
Exxon is shafting America after receiving, from us, a giant tax cut. No patriotism there.
Can people not see this? Biden did not raise fuel prices. Exxon did.
Goodness.
Mike, you're not wrong about a single thing that you say, but people perceive things differently. Maybe it's an issue of messaging, and if so, the Democrats are being horribly outmaneuvered by the Republicans. Indeed, many things are more expensive because of Orange Asscactus-era tariffs on Chinese-made or supplied good, which begs the question of why these tariffs are still in place or at the very least, why Democrats aren't pointing that out to the public at large. Regardless, inflation is an issue that affects us all and it is one that resonates with a large number of people.
but the tax cut means nothing to Exxon, they were not paying any taxes before the cut.
Dear Heather,
What a clear and concise overview of the state of the economy! Thank you! But what I most enjoyed tonight was the fact that: "The popularity of the new law was evident today when Republicans began to tout its benefits for their districts, despite their votes against it." They are such a bunch of self-aggrandizing buffoons!
I always enjoy your newsletter.
But regarding statistics, some of the numbers you quote are misleading.
Yes, official unemployment is historically low. But labor force participation, a more valid but less quoted statistic, is also very low. Many people are leaving the labor market, at least temporarily.
Also, retail sales growth, if you strip out inflation, is not quite so robust.
Regarding who is at fault for the clogged ports at Long Beach/Los Angeles, we have to put long-term blame on US manufacturers who shifted so much production to Asia. Why did they do that? Because we all buy goods that are cheaper rather than buying those made in the US.
Let's appreciate that the jobs produced by the Infrastructure Bill just signed by President Biden cannot be off-shored!
I am concerned about the difference between perception and reality. From the headlines and the cable chatterboxes one could imagine that the country is drowning in inflation and critical supply shortages. Certainly there are some flash points, often triggered by the container supply snafu and shortage of truckers. Despite continued government payments, there still is a significant portion of Americans strapped to pay rent, food, etc. BUT consumer spending for October rose significantly. Adjusted increased employment figures are awesome, and unemployment figures are continuing to increase. I see an economic glass half full and rising rather than half empty.
As for Democratic haggling on the cost of President Biden’s Build Back Better bill, some Democrats remind me of the whirly bird that flew in ever diminishing circles until it flew up its own asshole. Initially the ‘moderate’ complaint was that $3.5 trillion was too much, even with considerable offset by new taxes on corporations and very wealthy Americans. As the figure was reduced to under $2 trillion, among others Manchin and especially Sinema bleated ‘no new taxes.’ With virtually no new taxes (the legally questionable ‘billionaire’s’ tax being an exception), now these whirly birds are complaining that new taxes are not offsetting the 10-year-cost of BBB. Then at the last minute a massive change in the Trump administration’s SALT tax (which limited federal deductions of state and real estate taxes to a maximum of $10,000) proposes to raise this limit to $80,000 annually.
The estimate 10-year cost of this unwarranted gift is $286 billion with over 75% going to the very, very wealthy. HUH? Just pass the damned thing and get on with shaping the Senate filibuster to facilitate passage of the John Lewis voting bill. [Steal turkey-chin McConnell’s play book, if you can figure out how to do this.]
Keith, Do you know the odds of in flight collisions between the 'whirly' birds and the drones?
Fern Depends on if the drones have assholes
A hole in one! Thank you, Keith. You know what it takes.
🤣🤣 Thanks, Fern!
I've just spit coffee everywhere and scared the cat! 🤣
Maybe, Keith and I can take it on the road. Down south and west we go
Lemme know if you'll be in the Austin area, so I can make sure to be there! 😉😀
🤣
🤣🤣
Ouch!!
🤣
😂😂
Can you say "asshole" on substack???
At the risk of traipsing into a land mine, the short answer is "of course". The longer answer is that, generally speaking, profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are disencouraged here. I will sometimes use <insert your choice of profanity here> rather than use the word(s) that I would. (I speak both profanity and sarcasm as a second language, and really do try and rein myself in here.) Sometimes (fairly seldom) I just use the profanity that is called for.
I remember puzling over wildlife scat that I couldn't identify, so I took a picture and posted it on FB asking for help in IDing it. A smartass friend promptly posted that one couldn't post such photos on Facebook. Hence my comment.
Ha!
Ally, That was a rather roundabout non-confession requiring a bit of time to parse out. Language is another point of contention, given the assault on it by the lying traitors in the house. That not being in your House, Ally!
Made me chuckle. I got called to task once for writing in a report of a fellow who was very profane at a stock car race and ended up being cited for harassment where I said "At the time Mr. Jones made his 5th profane statement by utilizing scatological references to Mrs. Smith's request, track officials removed him from the bleachers and took him to office where I was able to cite him for harassment prior to his untimely ejejection from the racetrack" My sergeant left me a note, suggesting that I rewrite the phrase, saying "your report is well written and contains all the elements of the crime of harassment; it also has sent me (as your reports occasionally do) to the dictionary. I suggest you utilize more frequently used language as you avoid colloquial* terms to avoid the perception that your reports reek of bovine scato."
*Colloquial was one of the words he had to look up, and I was impressed to see him use it.
'ejejection', I knew that I didn't need to look this word up. Your sergeant might have been baffled by it for a second or two.
That was fumbletypingwithbigfingers kind of error. NOT in the report...
😅
"disencouraged"!!!
Must be combined discouraged and disincentivized
Apparently you can!
What did you just say, Bob?
😅
So now the thing the Dems need to do is call out every damn republican who voted against the infrastructure bill, every damn republican governor who whined and moaned against its passage and not let them derive any political capital from the bill as they tout its benefits for their states. But they won't.
Linda, I was alerted yesterday on twitter to Gary Palmer (Reptile-AL), and his hypocritical praise of the law he voted against. I went on and called him out on that, just like every other person replying. IDK why these idiots even post this shit on twitter where it is open for ppl calling them out on it. Not that it matters to the idiot cultists who keep voting for them against their own best interest.
Oh, my. "Reptile, AL" sure has a nice ring to it. I was one of the responders to that tweet who called him out. I think. Or maybe it was some other Reptile nut.
You are now causing me to have to think about how to use my freely stolen "Republisum" tag for that party; I do like the use of "reptile" here!
Reptile 🤣
They are, and they will, but the media doesn’t give that news any traction.
Nor does the media--and political cartoonists--give the reduction in the traffic jam at t he ports any traction. And I've stopped listening to Peter Alexander on NBC News, who puts an anti-Democratic spin on everything lately.
The Democrats ARE calling out the hypocritical Republican'ts where it counts - through ads in their districts. $$$upport you local and state Democratic Parties Today! I just did.
Those who voted against the bill should not see benefit in their states. If they didn't want the money for their states, they shouldn't be eligible.
That sounds like something Trump would do - punish states who don’t support him. Biden is trying to show us that he can be a president for all of America, not just those who voted for him.
I meant for my comment to be sarcastic, and yes, it is something tRump would do. But it does irk us when rethuglicans who voted against the bill crow at home.
I’m way beyond irked! 😂 you’re too kind
Good point. Darn.
Trump could face three years in jail for Hatch Act violations, legal experts argue
Provision of Hatch Act makes it criminal for any person to force a federal employee to engage in political activity
Two legal experts argue that the Department of Justice has additional reasons to file charges against former President Donald Trump following the announcement by the Office Special Counsel that 13 senior administration officials violated the Hatch Act.
Writing in a column for Slate, Professor Claire Finkelstein of the University of Pennsylvania, and Professor Richard Painter of the University of Minnesota Law School, argue that the report by the OSC adds to the case for a criminal investigation.
Both professors filed a Hatch Act criminal complaint against Mr Trump with the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Division in October 2020.
They wrote: “Although the president and vice president are immune to the ordinary Hatch Act prohibitions on use of public office for political purposes, there is a separate provision (18 USC § 610) under which it is a crime for any person to ‘intimidate, threaten, command, or coerce … any employee of the Federal Government … to engage in any political activity.’ Violations are punishable by up to three years in prison.”
The decision to investigate therefore lies with Attorney General Merrick Garland. They write: “The threshold legal determination Garland — or a special prosecutor appointed by Garland — must make is whether Trump coerced or ordered the political activity identified as Hatch Act violations by the OSC. If so, Trump could be liable to prosecution for political coercion under the aforementioned statute.”
More: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-jail-hatch-act-violations-b1958888.html
I worked for fed gov’t. We had rules that don’t seem to apply to the cult.
Agree: I'm reading "Where the Law Ends, Inside the Mueller Investigation" by Andrew Weissman who was among the special investigation staff on Russian influence in the 2016 election. They were impeccable and did arrest some members of the Trump Committee. That investigation led to warrants for some Russian oligarchs, too. Nevertheless, although there were insinuations of obstruction galore, there was not enough concrete evidence to apprehend Trump, only innuendo. Innuendo is not enough. I have renewed respect for the folks who faithfully plod through connections and lies, but it does take time. (May they "obstruct" Steve Bannon.)
As a professional mob boss, tRump learned early how to never leave evidence.
Exactly! That is strongly hinted at in the book. I think Bannon, Stone, et al are cut from the same cloth.
Yup.
Yes, like the federal law about what happens when you threaten a congressperson which should have put Gosar down. Does it apply when a congressperson threatens another congressperson?
I am very disappointed in Atty Gen. Merrick Garland. It took the DOJ forever to arraign Bannon for his Contempt of Congress while so many on twitter and I assume editorial pages were screaming for it. This blatant violation by government officials of laws that are clearly written with no enforcement brings home the ineffectiveness of our (In)Justice system.
The justice system doesn’t work as we’d like and for good reason. I suggest listening to Cafe Insider where they explain why we don’t have instant justice and what the actual strategy is the DoJ is using.
Do you have a link for this Christopher? Sounds like it would be really helpful and insightful.
I disagree. They can't let these slippery eels slip through on technicalities. In the end, they will all be Al Caponed.
It doesn't work like that. If you shoot from the hip and go for the obvious thing, in most cases the defense will prevail. You have to be methodical and start at the bottom and work your way up. You always start with the smallest fish in search of more damning evidence. Each level up will produce more damning evidence the defense has to defend.
If you were accused of something, falsely or not, would you represent yourself? No, you'd get a lawyer. This is why we need to seek out information from the people who know, like Preet on Cafe Insider. As the former boss of the Southern District of NY, he knows what works and what doesn't.
This is one of our greatest weaknesses as liberals. We always want the silver bullet or savior to come to the rescue. I've finally accepted a while ago, neither is coming. The only way out is through the system and that's what's going down with the whole Jan 6th situation.
Actually, that's exactly what I meant. The process is very time consuming, requiring careful and thorough investigations, flipping witnesses as they go, and, like with Capone's tax evasion, determining which charges will stick. I have (nearly) complete faith in DOJ and SDNY.
When I wrote that comment, I thot of mentioning how they got Al Capone on tax evasion.
Thank you for this excellent info. What are they waiting for at the DOJ? Put the cuffs on all of them.