Today began with Republican leadership doubling down on its support for Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ), whom the House censured yesterday for tweeting a cartoon video of himself killing a Democratic colleague, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and attacking the president, Joe Biden. Only two Republicans voted with the Democrats in favor of the censure.
“Who hurt you once, so far beyond repair, that you meet each overture with curling lip…”
Paul Gosar’s picture brings this famous line (Ruth Zardo in the Louise Penny novels) into my mind. Physically defeated. Small, without substance. Afraid. Self loathing.
These traits pervade the far right movement. They know the truth in their marrow and it screams. It robs them of restful sleep and peaceful hours when awake. They resort to believing in lies with full knowledge of their actions. They alienate family and friends, even if not known to the public. These despicable leaders, like djt, are alone with their misery.
It may take a few years or many, but the racism of skin color and religion will boil off and the distillate of our common humanity will be there. Maybe just in time to sooth Mother Nature and leave a habitable place for our children and grandchildren.
I would feel better too - could I share your confidence in your optimistic scenario - Republicans with some insight, racism washed away, climate change mitigated. Maybe I listen to too much CSpan or to too many voters while campaigning or too many scientists - but seriously, almost none of what you say rings true to my experience.
I have no such illusions. I only see Republicans heaping disaster on top of disaster while declaring Mission Accomplished. I only know that I must do all I can to turn out significantly more voters for Democratic candidates, at every level of government.
It sounds more and more like the lunatics have taken over the asylum (excuse the old style phrasing). I just can't understand the idiocy of those Republican Representatives and followers. Somebody please put a check on them and their dreadful behavior.
I grew up there and graduated from high school there. I still see what a few of them post on Facebook. Not a word about January 6th, nada. And continued support for death star donny and the party of death.
Yes. Extremely so. I grew up here, moved away, returned a few years ago to help with aging family members & every single day I grow more despairing at how ugly & hateful & delusional the beliefs are of the majority of voters. Black give-no-quarter American flags and Q flags multiply weekly in my area. These two flags mean “no prisoners- kill the enemy (Democrats)” and “Democrats worship Satan, sex traffic children & eat babies”.
And, having just seen the news, I know there will be celebrations here this weekend because Rittenhouse got away with murder. Plans will be made to do what he did and use the same “ooh-it was self defense!!” excuse.
There are pockets of sanity in this extremely red state but not many.
I have to agree with you to a certain extent. However, in the 1920s Indiana had the largest membership in the country in the KKK. I grew up among people who, for lack of a better phrase, were casually racist. They were not hostile, just said a lot of prejudiced things. Much more recently, but before death star donny, I went to a family reunion in Wabash and Huntington county (my father's family) and my cousin and I were dinged because we ate at the Mexican restaurant near our motel. Sigh.
No bunch of right wing fanatics was ever more pathetic, or widely despised by their fellow citizens than Mussolini's black shirts during the puppet Salo Republic. Did that stop them from committing atrocities? No, it did not. With their world collapsing around them, they did more and worse. Contemptible people in power remain dangerous and behave worse as they feel their power slipping away. The arc of the universe bends towards justice but a few bad actors can temporarily twist it in the other direction with grisly results. That disfiguring of decency always comes with a body count and generational wounds.
We have a very brief moment in which we can do everything in our power to keep our current crop of black shirts from gaining the absolute power they crave. Getting rid of them later will be much harder and a whole lot uglier.
You write well. We MUST "boil off" the racism born of skin color and religion to get that distillate of humanity. We haven't done it yet, as is painfully obvious.
Bill writes as one who knows the bedrock truth of our equality. We should know too, if only from observation, how difficult it can be to boil off delusions and the vast price paid in suffering and human lives of all previous attempts to attain that distillate.
So much is going to depend on education, at all levels -- hence the determination of those who mean to foist their ignorance on us to sabotage all forms of public education. Let's spare no effort to bring about the triumph of truth, in the hope that more and more of the deluded will recognize the underlying reality that beneath the skin, beyond the misery of our prejudices and beliefs, we are all just human beings with the same fundamental need -- and right -- to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That, and the understanding that there is in fact no need to "pursue" happiness. it's present as groundwater, even in our desert. There must be moments, however fleeting, when even the greatest champions of oppression and woe-for-all will have known that experience of being at ease, just enjoying life, for no apparent reason.
Thank you, too, Christy. As one who has followed political developments quite closely for many decades, I feel most grateful to Heather Cox Richardson. Her dedication in bringing historical context to current events is all the more inspiring, coming as it does at this crucial juncture in the life of the American Republic—and in world history.
As for the community of readers that has formed around Letters from an American, I feel more than fortunate, privileged to have encountered such a lively, kind, thoughtful group of people, so many of whom show the intelligence of the heart, not just the head.
I'm very much a European, so it's inevitable—despite having been exposed to US politics since a childhood in which American magazines made Cohn, Schine, Whittaker Chambers, Richard Nixon and the egregious Senator McCarthy familiar figures—that I should be less partisan than many of you. Besides, I have since then been a confirmed skeptic, unable to root for any political party... or, for half my life, to relate to any religion. (For this, you can blame the Blitz and all those ugly faces in Life or the Saturday Evening Post…) Even before the Kennedy assassination, I don't think I was ever unaware of America’s failings or your country's contribution to all that's wrong with our world… Despite which, I saw America as the Realm of the Possible...
Yet, not even after the unprecedented alienation I felt on arriving in New York for my first visit in 1994, not even after my first sight of Trump Tower or the gigantic 666 dwarfing St. Thomas’ Church on 5th Avenue could I have imagined what the possible held in store for us twenty-two years later. Despite the fact that, among my friends, I was almost alone in expecting the result of the 2016 presidential election… Despite distanced and dispassionate comparisons at the time with circumstances surrounding the rise of Hitler…
These have since been borne out by events.
Now go to Rob Boyte’s comment and the straightforward account he provides via a link to a sproutsschools.com item explaining Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity. I found this particularly enlightening since, although I think more in terms of delusion and ignorance, I hadn’t come across anyone who sees stupidity as “in essence not an intellectual defect but a moral one. There are humans who are remarkably agile intellectually yet stupid, and others who are intellectually dull yet anything but stupid.”
My own theory posits levels of stupidity, the lower ones involve herd behavior, more dangerous in groups than individuals, while the higher and infinitely more dangerous stupidity can arise only in persons with a high IQ. This is unquestionably a moral defect, one of which we’ve seen plenty in modern history.
Troubling is the current outbreak of misleaders including several with no discernible positive qualities but a mediumistic ability like Hitler’s to channel and express the repressed contents of the collective unconscious. This makes for a dangerous combination between an individual who would otherwise be a nonentity and a great mass whose hatred and resentment would otherwise fester quietly without finding any large-scale outlet.
Wow, love Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity. Sadly, I know the lower and the higher. They seem to have come into clear focus during the tea party hate feast, to me anyway. Sorry, I seem to be forgetting W/Dickie’s horror show. Yep, i’m old, I can go way back.
Wow. I just watched this. It explains how and why-what has and is happening occurs. There is a conscious decision to be stupid (and lazy and powerless and controlled). There’s so much more explained succinctly in this short video. We must stop pretending tfg supporters are interested in being rational. They are not. I hate what this showed and I know it’s the truth. What to do with that except stay conscious and keep choosing to do the right thing. Support sanity. I wish I felt more optimistic. I also just read a piece on psychopaths and I am mixing the two together I think. They both address the issue we’re dealing with. Thanks for letting me vent :)
Why folks don’t pay attention to his siblings reporting he is not well I don’t understand. There has to be some sort of mental fitness test for anyone running for office. It’s the only humane way to run a country.
"It may take a few years or many, but the racism of skin color and religion will boil off and the distillate of our common humanity will be there. Maybe just in time to sooth Mother Nature and leave a habitable place for our children and grandchildren."
Thank you for this. And thank you for the reference to Ruth Zardo, very fitting and appropriate.
It was sad to hear his brother and sister say he is mentally ill or just plain crazy! They also said he has fallen for and is a big Trump supporter. Sad to say there are way too many people like Gosar. They are so gullible!
I'm watching while the party of treason and treachery is doing its rain dance to try to convince the American people that the Biblical Flood is about to engulf them. Watching Kevin McCarthy's manufactured indignity over the course of the Biden 'Build Back Better' human infrastructure improvement program is truly something to behold. As Lawrence O'Donnell suggested this evening on his MSNBC show, The Last Word, Kevin McCarthy is a man watching his long-held dreams of power crashing on the shoals of reality. The American people want the reforms that the Democrats are trying to enact, despite their intraparty differences. The American people are going to have to decide which of the two parties represents the people's best interests.. McCarthy angrily accused his Democratic colleagues of trying to become another Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to which several of them responded, to the effect, "you bet! That's me." Roosevelt was elected to the presidency for four consecutive terms, the very thought of which has given Republicans stalwarts apoplexy for going on five generations. There are very few of us left were alive when FDR was president, myself among them, but unlike modern presidents, Roosevelt's reputation has not suffered greatly in the 76 years that have passed since his untimely death while still in office in April 1945. Joe Biden is right to invoke the spirit of FDR in his care and magnanimity for the welfare of the common man. Roosevelt was no stranger to suffering, even as he came from a wealthy patrician family. After all, FDR's older cousin, Teddy Roosevelt, had been a highly popular president in his own right a mere 30 years before FDR became president. Teddy Roosevelt himself, elected as a Republican, appeal to the hopes and dreams of ordinary people in the same way that FDR appealed to them during his time in office. Joe Biden clearly fits that mold, very much like TR in his strenuous efforts at self improvement as a young man; but also very much like FDR and expressing their needs and cares of working people will, from time to time, may need help from their government to rebalance the rules of engagement so that they too can earn a decent living, to be self-supporting, and not being chronically falling victim to insecurities over food or shelter. Of course FDR is a role model for Democrats; the problem is that many Democrats forgot their roots and families that had to do shift work for a living, or had to do without in order to save for the future. The two Roosevelts were committed to the common good, each in his own way. TR was brash and headstrong, while FDR was subtle and guileful; together, they were committed to getting things done for the American people that they could not do collectively for themselves. And that is Joe Biden's commitment as well. Biden knows that he is 'herding cats', that is 36 years of service in the Senate shows that he was pretty good at it. This week, we'll see if Biden hits the trifecta with the pending legislation. I certainly hope so. As for Kevin McCarthy, all of his posturing and complaining simply proves him to be the sore loser that he is.
I enjoyed reading your comment, Arthur. I have long believed that FDR, like Lincoln, was one of our greatest presidents because of what he accomplished and the manner in which he did it. Joe Biden had learned a lot from both of them. He has learned a lot from his experiences, too. I like it that he doesn’t quit on himself and that he uses his experience to help him make course corrections in ways that help him achieve his goals. I’m grateful for his dedication and willingness to serve. I believe that his presidency is achieving big things for all of us and the world. I have faith in the American people that the majority will support him and the democrats even more resolutely in the days ahead as more of the Biden platform is voted into law. The road won’t be straight and clear of hazards but with each accomplishment it will become more sure. We are living through the most challenging era in the history of our Nation because we are facing up to the fact that we must first transform so much about how our nation functions in order to keep moving forward. It is an amazing time to be alive. Makes me proud to see us embrace change and be better for it.
It was a great pleasure to read your comment, Arthur Silen. Its reflection on our history as well as noting the achievements of two presidents and now a third, with the welfare of the American people in their bones, in their hearts, and in their policies, You left me in an altogether good mood. I approached HRC's Letter from the same point, however, Arthur, you know more and eloquently conveyed it. Salud!
Arthur, you are right that Joe Bidden is spot on iinvoking "the spirit of FDR." Although my grandparents are no longer living, all four of them worshipped FDR. They were all hardworking blue collar workers for their entire lives. Both of my grandmothers worked in mills on the assembly line for American Tourister for years. One grandfather was in the military during WWII and retired as an enlisted man and then went to work for Electric Boat as a laborer. My other grandfather worked various jobs and ended retiring from the Fruit of the Loom Co. where he worked in the shipping department doing heavy manual work until he retired at 65. All of them echoed the successes of the New Deal and their president. He was a hero to them and motivated and inspired them much like JFK did with Americans in 1961. The Democrats need to keep reminding us what FDR did for all Americans when he was president and keep pushing those polls that show just how many of the American people support the BBB programs. If FDR had been confronted with a pandemic, I have to believe it would have turned out very differently from DJT's disaster. I miss them greatly but am glad that they do not have to witness what the country has become since the takeover of the Republican party.
A colleague of mine asked me to give his history class some idea how FDR could be elected four times, he didn’t know, being Canadian. The kids had heard from this Libertarian teacher the outrageous things FDR had done (government overreach, you know) and they hung on his every word. My parents, married in 1934, and everyone they knew loved FDR because most people were suffering and he did something about it. The kids were not impressed. Then I told them about radio, how people would gather around the radio for news and entertainment. The most popular performer on radio was a comedian, Bob Hope. But FDR could draw a bigger audience with his fireside chats. People were hungry to hear their president speak to them.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Madison Square Garden Speech (1936)
"Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred."
I was born the day after FDR won his 4th term, so he was alive during my first half-year. From Alfa to Omega , he was the greatest president of my lifetime and idjt the worst.
It doesn't matter whether or not his spew has any relationship to reality. In this, at least, the former Republican Party's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, is correct. They don't have to persuade anyone, just terrorize all opposition into submission, starting at the local level. Turn out enough drooling armed thugs at the local school board meeting and eventually you'll force out the sane people and replace them with your fellow thugs. Threaten enough health officials and they'll resign. Control the local police union and enough judges and you don't have to worry about breaking the law.
They don't have to get a majority of the votes in an election, either. Gerrymander enough House districts, suppress enough voters, and terrorize or, failing that, just kill enough election officials, replace them with loyal members of the cult, and you can simply nullify all the opposing votes.
These kinds of things tend to be self-correcting, but we still need to put our minds to it. The 1920s proved to be a pretty good example of social regression, but public opinion self-corrected in the 1930s. The Democratic reforms of the 1930s proved to be durable. We'll need another 20 years to see how well we pull put out of the current mess.
That would be my concern as well, yes. The brown shirts or black shirts or red hats don't need to convince anyone of anything. They've gone past that point. We need to decide how we're going to deal with that threat.
Speaking from some personal experience, I can affirm how right you are. They are counting on people remaining in denial, afraid, tired, confused, lazy and apathetic to do anything serious about it. We can just change the channel if we want, right?
Sadly, yes. The NRA will finally achieve its dearest wish: a national of angry, frightened people all armed to the teeth and ready to kill each other. Vast profits to be had.
As I read your comments, Arthur, I recalled another tradition from that generation now absent, bi-partisanship, its most important meaning. That is, the bargaining across party lines and the celebration of success for an idea (policy position) deriving from the debate by the opposing member. But, perhaps I'm mistaking bi-partisanship with loss of comity. McCarthy/McConnell et al. lack the capacity to get behind the good and simply must continue to rant after a worthy decision is reached.
I’m sorry but any President who does not support Medicare for all cannot lay claim to the mantle of FDR. I’m glad Biden is president but these claims that he is like FDR are so exaggerated.
Maybe President Biden does support Medicare for All at heart. Despite what Fox News insists, the President isn't evil. However, to demonstrate that Democracy can still work (his words), the President has been pragmatically focused on national priorities that have more potential to get a few Republicans on board. If the GOP wasn't so destructive at all costs, the President would be touring the country promoting it.
The present health care system started as a wartime expedient that had employers assume responsibility for providing health care to their employees. It was largely supported by the large industrial labor unions, as nationwide health insurance for all was beyond the Federal Government's ability to organize efficiently. That was in 1943. The problem was the transitory nature of employment relationships. We have a medicare-like system within the federal government, workers compensation for federal government employees, which is managed by the United States Department of Labor. They left a lot to be desired in the way of fairness and efficiency. One size fits all does not work well, because these organizations lose functionality with scale. The larger they are, less efficient and fair they become.
thanks for reminding us of the history, Arthur. I wonder how many people realize that 1) our current situation is, basically, an unhappy accident and 2) in an era in which unions have become increasingly toothless, that system has become just as increasingly unfeasible. now, a question that you seem extremely qualified to answer: do you think that your (obviously true) statement about organizations losing "functionality with scale" is an axiom relating to ALL systems at ALL times or do you think there are ways in which it's remediable?
well, let's hope we get to continue this dialogue. but I did sorta know that if the answer's yes, it's hardly an easy yes. I know we've both had to negotiate systems with varying degrees of success because I don't actually know anyone who hasn't....
Once, when my father had had too much to drink, he admitted having voted once for Rosie as he called him. I am not sure of why he didn't like Roosevelt except that he was a staunch Republican. I can't help but wonder what he would make of death star donny, but he did listen to Rush. He and I went round and round every time I was there visiting.
actually, I think you're pretty damn sure why he didn't like Roosevelt. my mother grew up Jewish in 1930's Louisiana, and thought Roosevelt was godlike, but virtually ALL of the non-Jewish boys she went out with couldn't mention the name without spitting.
Thanks for this post. My folks were both strong supporters of FDR and staunch liberals. You cast some very interesting comparative light on the two Roosevelts.
And yet, and yet, as the Republican Party descends from ridiculous to absurd to deranged there still exists a solid, significant plurality cheering them on. Recent state-level legislation enabling the fixing of the vote might very well put the ridiculous, absurd, deranged Republicans back in the federal driver's seat.
Federal protection of voters' rights must be next on the Democrats' legislative agenda.
I am going to keep beating this drum; with my congressional delegation, on these pages, and anyplace else that offers the opportunity.
The House has already passed the Voting Rights Bills. The problem hasn't gone away when they pass the 2nd "Infrastructure bill. The floor is not clear as the Senate filibuster and Manchin/Sinema still have to be "overcome". Every day sees the publication of new gerrymandered voting district maps purportedly ensuring that all the efforts of "Biden's Arc" would be in vain.
In regards to redistricting, please watch Rachel Maddow's discussion about Galveston County's process. Rachel discussed this last night. The County gradually reduced the number of Democrats on the commission and now has ELIMINATED ALL Democrats from the commission and thereby ensuring only all white Republican males will have a say in the process and has redistricted the only majority minority part of the county out of existence, leaving those people w/ NO voice. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdO1OoI1A1U
It was chilling. This scenario would become the norm if the Republicans aren't stopped. And as Rachel made clear, we have Justice John Roberts to thank.
"And yet, and yet, as the Republican Party descends from ridiculous to absurd to deranged there still exists a solid, significant plurality cheering them on". And that, Good sir, is the problem.
My last reading before turning to HCR’s piece today was of REAL men and women, their deeds, their thoughts, their deaths. Of Condorcet and Diderot, of Madame Roland and Olympe de Gouges, of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine.
If this mob have their way, they’ll make the Terror during the French Revolution look like a children’s tea party.
Either the minority attempts French-style Revolution or the majority does. I’m afraid that this is essentially where we’re going to end up.
Either way, America doesn’t benefit and countries like Russia and China do. So I don’t understand what’s in it for the wealthy people and corporations who are funding that oversized school room full of miscreants and bullies.
Once Republicans finally have their one-party authoritarian country, the over-fat wealthy will have no choice but to implement China style society monitoring programs and take away weapons (including internet access) from most Americans for fear they’ll be used against them (which they will).
If we somehow win in 2022, it will only be because Freedom of Voting Act has been passed and made into law.
After that, we need to overhaul news media and education so that truth is shared at all levels of society and in non-manipulative ways. Social media too needs to have bots and interference removed.
Well, I guess, the opportunists will rapidly get into Tumbril and Guillotine futures. Of course now, we have machine guns, lot less dramatic, so the image of McCarthy holding Biden's head up for the adulation of the oi-polloi, is unlikely.
I think it was H.L. Mencken who said, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.” Yes, people really are that stupid that 74 million voted for tfg. Facebook and Fox are not helping our country any, either, with all the lies they disseminate.
It’s of course a not serious action to try to take a long view of Biden’s Presidency at this point, but the thought has been pulsing in me anyway.
I think that patience built of accumulated wisdom has been his strong suit, and I feel that his enemies are beginning to perceive that uneasily. Last night’s circus was an inadvertent display of that.
By now the Republicans expected to have trunksful of memes and gaffes that they could bring out selectively, with the cumulative effect of building a picture of Biden as slumped at his desk, barely awake, with spittle dribbling from his mouth.
They certainly tried that in the early going. Interestingly it has now mostly vanished. Even the infamous Gosar meme shows him stabbing at Biden but not succeeding. This alone gives silent voice to the concept that he is an enemy worthy of bringing down.
I see Biden as a man plugging away at doing the right thing, which in this case is the big thing - reversing decades of growing inequality that have hollowed out the country and led to thousands of Deaths of Despair, chronicled so brilliantly by Anne Case and Angus Deaton.
Biden is certainly no caretaker President. Neither is he a Kennedy-type, revelling in his brilliance, constantly nettling his enemies. He does not seek attention, nor convey the impression that he is cut from different cloth than the rest of Americans.
I think his polling numbers have most likely bottomed out. Afghanistan was messy, and worse than that for many people. It came at a bad time for him and emphatically signaled the end of the proverbial honeymoon period. Economic troubles followed on the heels of that in the form of supply chain issues and, perhaps very seriously, inflation. If those numbers don’t turn around, they have the capacity to deliver a mortal blow in 2022. But now one infrastructure bill is fully a reality. Its effects will soon be seen and felt an polling numbers for the Democrats may rise. And Biden marches on.
He is headed into the teeth of the gale now. Passing BBB in the House was generally expected. This, in itself, is not to be construed as a victory. It merely indicates that Biden and the Democrats have put their feet on the next rung of the ladder.
Now comes the really hard part. It seems likely to me that the bill is going to take a severe beating in the Senate. It is most likely to return to the House with significant sections slashed away. And then the Democrats may have a real problem. The progressives may take a fierce last stand. Who knows what will emerge from that? At the least, precious seconds will tick off the clock. In the end, Biden may persuade the Democrats to accept this gravely wounded bill as a necessary “first step”, an issue to be brought up again perhaps in the second half of his term.
But voting rights action looms. And time is becoming mercilessly compressed to accomplish anything on that front. Without swift action, which will probably have to include a modification to the filibuster, that legislation will either not get passed or be too late for 2022.
At this point, Biden’s grade in my view is an ”A, but incomplete”. I think it safe to say that he has far outperformed expectations. It is impossible to know with any certainty how Warren or Sanders would have performed had they won the right to run against Trump. It’s not at all certain that either would have won, and as a long time Sanders supporter, it wounds me to admit that.
But the point keeps nagging at me that Biden is proving, and will be assessed ultimately as the person for the moment. He has experience and unique skills. His team is, mostly, very strong, and he has given them room to spread their wings.
However we must hope that the stupider elements in the opposition prevail for the nonce, as it is becoming clear that there are deep cracks in the Opposition. Such elements may hasten the complete blow-up of the party (as is happening in far less dramatic fashion to Canada’s Conservative Party now - for identical reasons).
2022 is little more than a month away. At this point now, it is increasingly hard to see how the Democrats are going to avoid the proverbial “shellacking”, to quote Obama from 2010. If that happens, Biden’s term is effectively over. There will be no legislation, no accountability for crimes committed by legislators in Trump’s term. The barbarians are at the gate now - one shudders to think of what will happen if they take the fortress.
I was shocked and surprised, Eric, while reading your comment. You giving Biden an A incomplete (as it's still early in his presidency) was unexpected Biden has been a gigantic surprise to me, too. He is a fighter, deep down, determined and canny. I did not know that. Did the former president know what most of us didn't or was it simply that he understood Biden's widespread appeal as a threat? l am sure Biden recognized the growing wealth disparity in1980's and saw through many more problems during his Vice Presidency but when did he know that the country was moving closer to the death of its democracy? His often repeated phrase 'Saving the soul of America' signaled the sense of urgency. Biden has indicated his closeness with dead son, Beau. His family is quite the foundation, and he has built a mighty staff. There is so much trouble at hand, all that Joe has brought to presidency may still be overwhelmed. Withal, praise be to the Ace in the White House.
We completely agree, Eric. How misaligned are the stars and the force of gravity in your part of town?
Since we seem fully aligned on this idea [checks to see if asteroids are headed for earth], perhaps I’ll just briefly answer you’d question.
Canada is essentially a liberal democracy. As such, the Liberals consider themselves to be the natural ruling party and a check of our Prime Ministers’ Party affiliations in the past 150 years would bear that generality out.
At present, the country is, to some undefinable extent, dissatisfied with Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. He is showy and perhaps a shade casual with the truth, but has his father’s toughness when push comes to shove. Alas, he gives no signs of having his father Pierre’s intellectual gravitas.
In any case, the Liberals won a majority government in 2015 and a minority in 2019. The rival parties are the New Democrats, the Conservatives, the Greens, and the Bloc Quebecois.
The Bloc is an anomaly. They run candidates only in Quebec and fight only to protect that province against the predations of English Canada. Nonetheless, they can take a lot of seats and upset the plans of the Big Two parties.
The NDP run left of the Liberals, and the Greens further left. As the Liberals are a centre left party (equivalent in general principles to the Progressives of the American Democrats), you can see that a) the two parties left of the Liberals are relatively negligible and b) there’s a lot of space on the right.
The Conservatives have their base in the West (exception the metropolitan areas of BC). Because the three parties that form their base are of insufficient population to win power, the Conservatives must win a ton of seats in the heavily populated Golden Horseshoe suburbs. And they need to make some inroads in Quebec.
A staggering 1 of every 3 Canadians live within the proverbial spitting distance of Lake Ontario’s west side roughly from Oshawa to Niagara Falls. So élections are won and lost there - a cruel fact for the Conservatives.
Trump’s revolution awakened and engaged the retrograde elements in the Conservative Party - our pro-gun, anti-abortion, oil producing, Eastern Canada hating West. They have the lowest mask adherence and the lowest vaccination rate of all of Canada.
Within the Conservatives they are seen as “true blue, red meat, Bible thumpers”. They have significant weight within the party and their actions (?) antics (?) leave most of the rest of the country cold.
The penultimate leader of the conservatives was axed after electoral failure and a minor financial scandal (you ‘d laugh). Whereupon the Conservatives elected Erin O’Toole as their new leader. He’s from Ontario so there was some hope for him.
However he campaigned hard on social conservatism in order to win. Alberta and Saskatchewan and scattered pockets elsewhere liked that, but it was obviously a dog that wouldn’t hunt with most Canadians.
Whereupon Trudeau called a snap election to take advantage of his inexperience. Canadians generally were very pissed with this - elections are expensive and it was seen as a cynical way to try to regain majority status.
O’Toole completely reversed field in the campaign and ran a hugely progressive campaign, abandoning his base. That was seen as even more duplicitous.
As a result, nobody was happy. The Liberals won - another minority. The NDP made gains, but they are far from having the chops to run the country. The Greens factionalized and are currently on life support.
And the Conservatives lost ground. They got roughly the same seats as they had under the previous leader and they are now enduring a huge rift within the party with influential Conservatives calling for O’Toole’s ouster. No way to run a railroad.
The West is bitterly angry, having seen their new leader ignore the maxim of, “You dance with who brung you”. The Liberals are not especially pleased, but they effectively can govern for a full mandate.
And so we muddle along. Right now we are seriously pre-occupied with climate change. British Columbia, where I live, has had a stunningly disastrous year - culminating this week in the worst floods in memory. We in Vancouver currently have no highways open to the rest of Canada.
As I’ve argued elsewhere, 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, we must press for a rule change, initially proposed by Congressional scholar Norm Ornstein, 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 about the issue at hand, to sustain a filibuster. I don’t imagine any Senator (we only need 50 to enact a rule change) could mount a credible opposition in defiance of this reform.
And the Comedy of Errors -- now a Comedy of Terrors -- plods on and on! All the Repugs are missing are Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff in the flesh!
Delighted to see the Dems laughing and finding the courage to walk away from trumplestiskin antics. While it's about time, it's still a pleasure to witness!
I wasn’t watching, I was asleep, but it’s nice to know that the Democrats treated him like the lunatic that he has proven himself to be, totally divorced from reality and consumed with his misplaced self importance. We need all hands on deck to prevent him from getting near the speaker’s office, as I have said before, he makes Newt look like a saint.
Rachel pointed out last night, when talking with Lawrence O'Donnell, that McCarthy's own party doesn't like him. Even if the worst happens in '22, it's doubtful that he'd be Speaker. Those sitting behind him during his rant were giving him the side eye and laughing among themselves.
We absolutely MUST see that the Democrats hold the WH, as well as the Senate and House! Voting rights bill has to be next, and Merrick Garland has to do something to override nullification bills nationwide.
In the flesh, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff opposed the Republican right wing extremist horror shows of their time. As a friend and interpreter of Bertolt Brecht, Lorre was at risk from the earlier GOP McCarthy's HUAC. Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi helped unionize Hollywood workers, eventually creating the Screen Actors Guild. Vincent Price was a loud and proud liberal Democrat.
Still looking for your 'the sunshine and lollipop brigade'. No brigade of 3,000 to 5,000 in these parts; it was a colorful quip but without foundation.
I was referring to the Republican performers, when mentioning the Gong Show. In answer to your quip, I didn't know why you used it. You appeared to set up a 'sunshine and lollipop brigade' as compared to those more disquieted by the actions or inaction of the Biden, the Democratic Party, Garland, the press, etc. There is no 'sunshine, lollipop brigade' of subscribers on the forum. By and large,, subscribers are a caring, thoughtful and sober lot, but not lacking in humor. My comment didn't lay out a rosy picture, but through Bruni provided what I thought was balanced view as well as expressing appreciation for what Biden has accomplished, so far. It seemed appropriate the bring that perspective to the table. Arthur Silen's comment was beautifully expressed in that respect, I did not intend to criticize those who appear to be more negative about the Democratic Party, Biden, etc. A high level of frustration and or anger seemed to predominate on the forum, and I wanted contribute another perspective, which has not had much exposure here.
Thank you for your response. I used the Sunshine and Lollipop reference to point out the idea that because were (in it) together everything will be just peachy – It's what popped into my head when I read your cold wind reference. It's as simple as that.
"Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together
Brighter than a lucky penny
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine"
Above you say, "I did not intend to criticize those who appear to be more negative about the Democratic Party, Biden, etc. A high level of frustration and or anger seemed to predominate on the forum, and I wanted contribute another perspective, which has not had much exposure here."
You express your perspective daily, often using the opinions of highly respected writers. People generally do not call you out for cutting and pasting large sections of content from other writers. Those of us who write with our own voice expressing fear, anger, frustration, etc., should feel comfortable posting our thoughts as well. Instead, we have been called out, criticized and chided directly more than once for not embracing a more a "positive" perspective. We're deemed negative, when in fact, I think a lot of us are actually being very realistic and are looking for ideas and answers on how to jam a wedge in the wall of authoritarianism that is being constructed by the right with a frenzy that increases daily. Clearly, most of the things being done to counter the Republican Authoritarian creep are NOT working.
You're right, we are, by and large, a caring, thoughtful and sober lot. It's worth remembering. This place should be safe for all of us to land.
(I never referred to Art Silen's very thoughtful, well written and much appreciated opinion. I'm not sure how it's got into the mix.)
I was thinking of the Gong Show, the British radio comedy show in the 1950's - jokes, songs, ridiculous situations... You're closer to the mark with Comedy of Terrors, but, Rowshan, while its a horror show, it smacks of satire -- this can't be serious -- they are so bizarre and obvious. When the impossible becomes reality!
FINALLY!!! The insanity of attempting to work with the Repugs has come to a head this week, and daily after reading LFAA the past few days I had no words except "INSANITY" and so I said nothing, until now.
The Repugs have truly lost their way, in following 45.
What did they expect, they lined up behind a guy with a history of 6000 lawsuits to his name, he has always been willing to screw anyone that got near him business wise, do the hordes of his followers actually think they will be treated any different?
The Republicans may be counting their chickens before they hatch. They have themselves convinced that their gerrymanders are going to give them 30-40 seats without even having to fight, and they're acting like it's happened already. The result is that they now have shown the Democrats what the future will look like, and they don't like what they see. And they now see the Republicans for the fascist scum they are.
And Qevin McQarthy (R-Oklafornia) may have been too clever by half, as they say. He's reminding them why they wouldn't make him speaker after Boehner resigned, because they thought he was too stupid. And tonight's performance had "Not Ready For Prime Time" all over it. Not to mention if they do win next year, they're going to have a freshman class of real Fire Eaters, and those people won't want a posing phoney like Qevin, no matter how hard he tries to convince them he's one of them. Hell, that bi-i-i-, er, witch of Belsen MTG already said today she didn't think he'd done enough to support her when she got removed from her committees. I wouldn't be surprised if MTG, the moron bimbo who thinks she's a genius, didn't run for Speaker if they win.
All of which says we have to follow Nancy Pelosi - what she said about the Republicans having proved yesterday and today that they cannot be allowed anywhere near actual power.
“The Republicans may be counting their chickens before they hatch.”
I agree with the direction your argument is taking, TC, in fact I thought about posting on this very subject.
The Republicans have become a collection of dorks, losers, and reactionaries stuck in the past. Being an un-self-recognized racist, sexist, homophobe, anti-Semite, or other type of fossil from a bygone era is now making you the object of jeers and mockery, as it should be. Placing all these people in the spotlight, and placing their devious machinations (voter suppression bills, participation in Jan. 6 Riot) out on public display, is precisely what they deserve just before they get trampled under the wheels of progress.
Think positively, good people. The $hit that’s going down, from Trump administration until now, is the last gasp, the last hurrah, of a dying culture.
“ The $hit that’s going down, from Trump administration until now, is the last gasp, the last hurrah, of a dying culture.”
I fervently hope you are right. However, with all the ugliness that has occurred the past decade, and seeing how many mean spirited and small minded people there truly are out there, well I find it hard to believe it could possibly just die out.
I will try to think positively though. And donate, write letters to law makers, send cards to voters, and share the good.
“I find it hard to believe it could possibly just die out.“
Lordy no, it’s not going to die out. We will always have racists sexists homophobes and antisemites. But I am seeing it turning out eventually like California, where, since the 2010 redistricting, the Republican political establishment is marginalized, an endangered species, with democratic super-majorities in both state legislative chambers. The CA Republican Party has been reduced to State Fair status, a side show, like the Paul Gosar censure circus and Craven McCarthy’s late-night whiny terrible-twos kindergartner rant.
I still think the pandemic plays an unforeseen factor in Republican gerrymandering. There is evidence that the Delta-variant wavy has taken more “Red” lives than “Blue” lives, since vaccination and masking have become political. If they have been working from a minority position, they may find their maps just won’t cover enough to keep from some very competitive races in unexpected districts.
You make me think of what happened on January 5, when against all odds 2 Democratic Senatorial contenders, one black and one Jewish, prevailed over Republican incumbents, turning the Senate blue by the thinnest of margins. IN GEORGIA. In GEORGIA of all places.
Trump is the backlash to Obama. The first African-American US president made it clear where American society is going. Of course the racists and sexists had a strong reaction to that news item.
The people who have become used to having whites and men in superior status, calling the shots, are being squeezed out and sidelined. Those are the people who want to do whatever it takes to keep their men-superior whites-superior Christians-straights-dominant Stone Age society in control. Society is going through a transformation, to a diverse and inclusive model. Change is messy. The losers always want to change the rules to accommodate them, but democracy will not be altered to accommodate the Cro-Magnons.
Exactly, Terry! Roland, I hope you are right, that the Trumpublicans are about to be trampled under the wheels of progress. But the last six years have been a relentless, hair-raising display of just how much political mileage The Former Guy and his wannabees can get out of lying through their teeth and riling up the segment of our population least burdened by facts and critical-thinking skills. We all need to pull out all the stops now, to pass a voting rights bill in the Senate, and from now through Nov. 2022, to do even more rallying, voter-calling, voter postcard-writing, and donating to orgs like Stacey Abrams and vulnerable Dems than we did in 2020. Complacency would be a big tactical error, not that anyone here is advocating gor complacency.
Donald DayGlo Toupee Trump in the Oval Office is all we needed to permanently remove any risk of complacency. I think I read that 70% of Biden voters were actually voting against Trump, and not primarily for Biden. Society is finished with these clowns, all that’s left is the mop-up work.
“. . . the segment of our population least burdened by facts and critical-thinking skills.” 😂😂
Of course the voting rights bill is absolutely critical. CRITICAL. It’s the final nail in the coffin that puts these racists and sexists 6 feet under as a political force.
Good seeing you! OK I have to go to bed, I just got home from 12 hours of work. I’m on a noon to midnight schedule now, not the overnight 6 PM to 6 AM schedule I used to have. Love to all ❤️❤️
good to read your often fiery, always astute words this early morning, Roland. I get concerned about you when we don't hear from you in weeks. Am I flirting again? Of course
You do give me hope. I keep looking at my friends (on Facebook, that is) and wondering when they will come to their senses. Most of them are now bashing our governor over her mask mandate, and not saying too much about national politics.
Kate Brown has paid a price for being aggressive in combating Covid. Her favorability rating, 43%, is the lowest among governors nationwide. But I applaud her efforts. In my county, Multnomah, the partial vaccination rate is 82.3% and the full rate is 73.4%.
This level of opposition is beyond me. It's so simple and easy to wear a mask. And the science supporting the benefit of doing so is irrefutable. These irresponsible, selfish people deserve scorn. Of course, many are no longer with us because of their attitude.
Wonder if any republicans remember a year ago when all were looking forward to vaccines and had hope for an end to unnecessary deaths. It was a sane (sort of) reality until the cult decided that unnecessary deaths was just what the leader wanted.
The dangerous animal has been cornered. The animal catcher is about to put it in a cage. Permanently. And in its last acts of desperation, its last acts before capture, it goes wild, it lashes out.
The cultural dinosaurs are not going quietly without a fight. But they are about to be permanently muzzled. The arrests and convictions for the January 6 Attack on Democracy are some of the many death knells apparent for this segment of our population.
There will be a lot more noisy acts of desperation, but these turkeys are going down. They are on the losing side and they know it, and they despise it.
The Republicans obviously feel no need to even pretend to appear sane. You are right that they must feel their redistricting plan has worked and gives them their ace in the hole for 2022. So if they are beyond compunction, what's next? If they now are only playing to the most extreme elements on the right, anything can be justified. Bannon is talking like he's going to bring "the storm." This might be a juvenile super hero fantasy on his part, but we saw that the 1/6 rioters shared a similar delusion. If Bannon brings the same competence to this that he brought to the Capitol riot, he could create anything between a ludicrous dud and another spectacular and shocking failure, but he would still do a lot of damage. I hope the Biden administration has been securing the reliability of the FBI, the National Guard and essentially the whole DHS. What Gosar's murderous tweet inspires is probably closer to terrorism than patriotism. He and Bannon are signaling to the same crowd.
I cannot recall being ever so grateful that Speaker Nancy Pelosi holds the gavel in her hand in this time. She wields power in a unique and traditional way that is inspiring.
What HCR writes about confirms that the Republicans are more obstructionist than ever and the Democrats' agenda is slowly being realized. But none of that really matters. Treating Republican misbehavior with "derision" doesn't gain votes in 2022. That is all that matters. American democracy cannot survive a Republican takeover of Congress. Once again, the need for the Democrats to lock in the enormous voting power of women and persons of color for 2022 becomes crucial RIGHT NOW. Everything else should be secondary to that. To do this, the President and Congressional leaders must repeatedly point out that Republicans consistently vote against legislation that benefits most Americans and specifically, these two groups. And this holds true on the State level as well. Appeals for bi-partisanship are a waste of time, and time is what is growing short.
Exactly!! Voting rights are the linchpin to everything else.
For now, bipartisanship is over. Accept that as a general rule and get to work elsewhere. We must secure voting rights and keep our oligarchy in place as it is. What we have right now is bad but better than a trump/rethuglican fascist state.
Then, we can work on creating bipartisanship from the wreckage of where we are now. We can work on changing the oligarchy to a democracy that works for everyone.
All of this will take significant time (years) and great effort from an engaged citizenry and politicians who actually work for the good of all instead of those with the most money, but none of it is possible without voting rights for all.
Once Republican obstructionism is eliminated by people voting them out of whatever offices they hold, we can continue to "Build Back Better" out of what we have now, which I would not define as "wreckage." And just because there is some support for Democrats from Wall Street and some wealthy donors, does not make them oligarchs either, which you imply. They haven't bought Party control as Republican mega-donors have. With or without the passage of voting rights legislation, the Democrats must mobilize their majority for the 2022 elections NOW.
Hi Jack. I don’t agree with you but I do appreciate your reply.
I think a society that is as vastly disproportionate with regard to income, opportunity, equality and justice as ours is, is accurately described as “wreckage”.
I also disagree about America not being an oligarchy. It most certainly is and while wealth has always been a problem within politics Citizens United firmly moved America from a quasi-democracy to a full on oligarchy. Far more politicians are bought and paid for than not. Sadly. Until those inappropriate avenues of financial influence are severed - or at least drastically reduced and negative consequences are put into place to prevent such influence - that will always be the case.
I totally agree. Power and elections are controlled by a very small group of people that have a tremendous amount of money and resources which provides them with an outsize say in who gets elected. The system is not good for Republicans or Democrats. Money on both sides has had a terrible effect on politics and the people that become elected officials. Even the fact that in order to get elected democrats have to court Wall Street and the tech industry so heavily for money means they cannot fully work for the majority of the people. Republicans are even worse. Their goal is to shrink the size of government so that its not effective for anyone. They are having a lot of success in doing that right now. Again, these are small groups of people that hold most of the power and have most of the resources to force change.
It has been said that striving for perfection can be the enemy of accomplishing something which is merely good, but nevertheless a desirable improvement.
That is a good philosophy to follow, especially in politics.
However, I am not sure why you’ve written it in response to my comment. I’m advocating for better, much better, than what we have but hardly perfection.
After all, perfection rarely occurs when humans are involved.
The Trump Cult is a textbook case study of the dynamics of chronic abuse & bullying. Its members so afraid of being targeted and turned on they remain silently complicit or court favor by mimicking the ruling bully in hopes of praise. This pathology is deadly and contagious. Do we not have any CDC mental health experts calling this insanity out as “the other pandemic” and equally dangerous?
I read yesterday that even that slime bag Rupert, has had it with the clown. He was quoted as saying “fuck him”, when he was panicking over fox calling AZ for Biden, just my thought multiple times every day.
But he didn’t tell Shammity or evil Carlson nor change one vowel of his hate blasts. TFG was quoted as saying that Rupert treated him way better than Ailes ever did. Hope I live to see it happen.
Well, well, well, So Democrats are finally treating Republicans with derision. I’m old, let me count the decades that republicans have been treating the Democrats with derision. Hope the Dems have finally figured out that politics as usual is politics long gone. Get out the sledge hammer and kill the idea that you can reason with the cult.
The GOP has stopped being a governing party and has instead become a collection of creepy, lying, hypocritical, violent traitors.
The party that once prided itself as the political party of "values" (which hasn't been half true since Eisenhower) has none, except winning by any means, truth be damned.
And, thankfully, the Democrats are finally treating them like the feckless collections of cowards that they are. Good.
“Linda Greenhouse has been a voice for judicial score keeping for decades. She has been superb in highlighting the swings and inconsistencies on the Supreme Court and elsewhere. She has documented the influence of the Federalist Society since the 1970s in supporting ‘conservative’ candidates for judicial positions, most recently in the Trump administration.
The actions of the Fifth Circuit Court (most recently on the Biden vaccine mandate) heightens my grave concern at how the judicial system now seems poised to deliver rulings that would reverse long-standing precedents on voting, abortion, and other core issues.
The 2015 Supreme Court gutting of the 1965 voting rights legislation was an egregious example of this trend. I fear that the current Supreme Court will accelerate this scrapping of core Constitutional principles.
Thank you Linda for being our canary in this judicial mine shaft.”
The opinion of a Fifth Circuit justice (appointed by Trump) deserves to be in the Judicial Hall of Shame. Referring to the 765,000 (so far) pandemic dead Americans, he said that, given the population of the United States, not approving a Biden vaccine mandate wouldn’t affect a great number of employees. Huh? Is only 20,000 additional employee deaths [more than our military deaths in the 20-year Afghan war] ‘acceptable,’ if this number could be sharply reduced by a Biden vaccine mandate? A scary insight into rogue judiciary.
Jeri As I wrote several days, might this occur when ex-president Trump’s outrageous claims of executive privilege reach the Supreme Court. For me the matter was settled in the unanimous July 24, 1974 United States v. Nixon decision—executive privilege does not obtain in a criminal proceeding. As for ex-presidents, whistling Dixie?
This echoes Michelle Obama's When they go low...statement.
However. It depends. The Republicans have dominated the narrative for too long. Democrats have sat in silence as the Republicans have shouted, bullied and turned the House of Representatives into their own Party media event.
I think Pythagoras, mathematician that he was would have liked the well-validated proofs of Game Theory, which validate the strategy of punishing repeated bad faith actions with "tit-for-tat" retaliation in kind until the violations stop.
Love the Axios reporter's quote of what a Republican representative was doing during the House Minority Leader's interminable screed ... “I’m watching the Great British Baking Show.” Says it all in regard to the mockery of democratic norms with a healthy dose of irony ... watching PBS on government time. LMAO.
This made me laugh out loud! You are so right! And you notice, if you watch that show, how gracious and supportive all the members of that group are with each other. We could learn something from that.
Dear Professor Cox-Richardson (maybe after a year or two, when I'm 78, I will feel ok to call you Heather!) may you be blessed with peace, love, support and many moments of joy. Your calm, fact-based commitment to providing us with accurate, sane, outrage-free reports nearly every day is my anchor, along with my belief that the loving energy of the Universe does reside in every one of us...it's just buried more deeply in some of us than in others.
I agree with you up to your comment that “the loving energy of the Universe does reside in every one of us”. My experiences in life strongly suggest (& in a few cases, prove) that some are entirely devoid of anything remotely like “loving energy”. It’s a lovely thought though and I wish it were true. Society would be much better off if so. I envy you (in a good way!) your belief in this.
I too am deeply grateful to Professor Richardson for these newsletters.
Thank you Kasumii for your thoughtful response. This reminds me of a line from Miracle on 34th St "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to," leaving a very young Natalie Wood to say over and over, "I believe, I believe, it doesn't make any sense but I believe" about her family getting a house for Christmas. (I know, that was a movie!) But this statement really is a belief in that way. And to your observation about what your life experience suggests about this, I find it much more difficult to hold this belief about power-grabbing politicians than say a murderer from a street gang. One thing that has made a difference for me is seeing that belief expressed in a wide range of religious and philosophical belief systems. In fact you've given me an idea for a project - to find and note everywhere that some version of this belief is expressed. Blessings,
Gosar, Flynn and their fellows are entitled to their opinions and their choice to live accordingly. They do not have a right to force those views on others, or presume to govern in a world where love is the law, and truth the ground. In a truly Christian universe, power by murder, rape, robbery and deception is passing. Leave the work of governance to those who care about life, and devote themselves to serve the best interest and highest virtue for all concerned.
AOC SAYS IT ALL!!
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez destroys House Minority Leader McCarthy for defending Gosar
Thanks for the links, Kathleen. While Gosar took aim at two specific people, I can't help but think he was also taking aim at the very people who voted for and are represented by them.
“Who hurt you once, so far beyond repair, that you meet each overture with curling lip…”
Paul Gosar’s picture brings this famous line (Ruth Zardo in the Louise Penny novels) into my mind. Physically defeated. Small, without substance. Afraid. Self loathing.
These traits pervade the far right movement. They know the truth in their marrow and it screams. It robs them of restful sleep and peaceful hours when awake. They resort to believing in lies with full knowledge of their actions. They alienate family and friends, even if not known to the public. These despicable leaders, like djt, are alone with their misery.
It may take a few years or many, but the racism of skin color and religion will boil off and the distillate of our common humanity will be there. Maybe just in time to sooth Mother Nature and leave a habitable place for our children and grandchildren.
There. I feel better.
I would feel better too - could I share your confidence in your optimistic scenario - Republicans with some insight, racism washed away, climate change mitigated. Maybe I listen to too much CSpan or to too many voters while campaigning or too many scientists - but seriously, almost none of what you say rings true to my experience.
I have no such illusions. I only see Republicans heaping disaster on top of disaster while declaring Mission Accomplished. I only know that I must do all I can to turn out significantly more voters for Democratic candidates, at every level of government.
It sounds more and more like the lunatics have taken over the asylum (excuse the old style phrasing). I just can't understand the idiocy of those Republican Representatives and followers. Somebody please put a check on them and their dreadful behavior.
Power
It is very difficult to do this in Indiana.
I grew up there and graduated from high school there. I still see what a few of them post on Facebook. Not a word about January 6th, nada. And continued support for death star donny and the party of death.
Yes. Extremely so. I grew up here, moved away, returned a few years ago to help with aging family members & every single day I grow more despairing at how ugly & hateful & delusional the beliefs are of the majority of voters. Black give-no-quarter American flags and Q flags multiply weekly in my area. These two flags mean “no prisoners- kill the enemy (Democrats)” and “Democrats worship Satan, sex traffic children & eat babies”.
And, having just seen the news, I know there will be celebrations here this weekend because Rittenhouse got away with murder. Plans will be made to do what he did and use the same “ooh-it was self defense!!” excuse.
There are pockets of sanity in this extremely red state but not many.
There have never been very many pockets of sanity.
But the insane tried to keep a low profile, now the mad are proud
I have to agree with you to a certain extent. However, in the 1920s Indiana had the largest membership in the country in the KKK. I grew up among people who, for lack of a better phrase, were casually racist. They were not hostile, just said a lot of prejudiced things. Much more recently, but before death star donny, I went to a family reunion in Wabash and Huntington county (my father's family) and my cousin and I were dinged because we ate at the Mexican restaurant near our motel. Sigh.
A light shade of purple in parts of Tx
No bunch of right wing fanatics was ever more pathetic, or widely despised by their fellow citizens than Mussolini's black shirts during the puppet Salo Republic. Did that stop them from committing atrocities? No, it did not. With their world collapsing around them, they did more and worse. Contemptible people in power remain dangerous and behave worse as they feel their power slipping away. The arc of the universe bends towards justice but a few bad actors can temporarily twist it in the other direction with grisly results. That disfiguring of decency always comes with a body count and generational wounds.
We have a very brief moment in which we can do everything in our power to keep our current crop of black shirts from gaining the absolute power they crave. Getting rid of them later will be much harder and a whole lot uglier.
Eloquently Stated!!!! It is indeed SCAREY!!!! Not once in my life,( I am 65yrs. young), have I felt scared of our Future, more then Now!!!!
Let's hope it doesn't degenerate to this ... Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom: Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Hope without action is a slender reed to lean on.
You write well. We MUST "boil off" the racism born of skin color and religion to get that distillate of humanity. We haven't done it yet, as is painfully obvious.
Bill writes as one who knows the bedrock truth of our equality. We should know too, if only from observation, how difficult it can be to boil off delusions and the vast price paid in suffering and human lives of all previous attempts to attain that distillate.
So much is going to depend on education, at all levels -- hence the determination of those who mean to foist their ignorance on us to sabotage all forms of public education. Let's spare no effort to bring about the triumph of truth, in the hope that more and more of the deluded will recognize the underlying reality that beneath the skin, beyond the misery of our prejudices and beliefs, we are all just human beings with the same fundamental need -- and right -- to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That, and the understanding that there is in fact no need to "pursue" happiness. it's present as groundwater, even in our desert. There must be moments, however fleeting, when even the greatest champions of oppression and woe-for-all will have known that experience of being at ease, just enjoying life, for no apparent reason.
And currently the despicable forces have tripled down on destroying truth in education. Thank you for your comment and presence here Peter.
Thank you, too, Christy. As one who has followed political developments quite closely for many decades, I feel most grateful to Heather Cox Richardson. Her dedication in bringing historical context to current events is all the more inspiring, coming as it does at this crucial juncture in the life of the American Republic—and in world history.
As for the community of readers that has formed around Letters from an American, I feel more than fortunate, privileged to have encountered such a lively, kind, thoughtful group of people, so many of whom show the intelligence of the heart, not just the head.
I'm very much a European, so it's inevitable—despite having been exposed to US politics since a childhood in which American magazines made Cohn, Schine, Whittaker Chambers, Richard Nixon and the egregious Senator McCarthy familiar figures—that I should be less partisan than many of you. Besides, I have since then been a confirmed skeptic, unable to root for any political party... or, for half my life, to relate to any religion. (For this, you can blame the Blitz and all those ugly faces in Life or the Saturday Evening Post…) Even before the Kennedy assassination, I don't think I was ever unaware of America’s failings or your country's contribution to all that's wrong with our world… Despite which, I saw America as the Realm of the Possible...
Yet, not even after the unprecedented alienation I felt on arriving in New York for my first visit in 1994, not even after my first sight of Trump Tower or the gigantic 666 dwarfing St. Thomas’ Church on 5th Avenue could I have imagined what the possible held in store for us twenty-two years later. Despite the fact that, among my friends, I was almost alone in expecting the result of the 2016 presidential election… Despite distanced and dispassionate comparisons at the time with circumstances surrounding the rise of Hitler…
These have since been borne out by events.
Now go to Rob Boyte’s comment and the straightforward account he provides via a link to a sproutsschools.com item explaining Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity. I found this particularly enlightening since, although I think more in terms of delusion and ignorance, I hadn’t come across anyone who sees stupidity as “in essence not an intellectual defect but a moral one. There are humans who are remarkably agile intellectually yet stupid, and others who are intellectually dull yet anything but stupid.”
My own theory posits levels of stupidity, the lower ones involve herd behavior, more dangerous in groups than individuals, while the higher and infinitely more dangerous stupidity can arise only in persons with a high IQ. This is unquestionably a moral defect, one of which we’ve seen plenty in modern history.
Troubling is the current outbreak of misleaders including several with no discernible positive qualities but a mediumistic ability like Hitler’s to channel and express the repressed contents of the collective unconscious. This makes for a dangerous combination between an individual who would otherwise be a nonentity and a great mass whose hatred and resentment would otherwise fester quietly without finding any large-scale outlet.
Wow, love Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity. Sadly, I know the lower and the higher. They seem to have come into clear focus during the tea party hate feast, to me anyway. Sorry, I seem to be forgetting W/Dickie’s horror show. Yep, i’m old, I can go way back.
Damn, I have forgotten the days when politics wasn’t front and center in my life. Just worried about wildlife and the environment.
Peter, I posted this on my reply today, but it seems to fit what you say about ignorance versus education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww47bR86wSc&list=LL&index=3
Wow. I just watched this. It explains how and why-what has and is happening occurs. There is a conscious decision to be stupid (and lazy and powerless and controlled). There’s so much more explained succinctly in this short video. We must stop pretending tfg supporters are interested in being rational. They are not. I hate what this showed and I know it’s the truth. What to do with that except stay conscious and keep choosing to do the right thing. Support sanity. I wish I felt more optimistic. I also just read a piece on psychopaths and I am mixing the two together I think. They both address the issue we’re dealing with. Thanks for letting me vent :)
Why folks don’t pay attention to his siblings reporting he is not well I don’t understand. There has to be some sort of mental fitness test for anyone running for office. It’s the only humane way to run a country.
Very good questions.
His most devoted supporters ARE that relative you only invite to Thanksgiving out of mistaken sense of family loyalty. No help there.
Elegant. Thank you.
Beautifully said. I love Louise Penny, and I love Ruth. I feel better too, thank you.
From your keyboard to God’s ear.
Bill, you have a poet's pen...
"It may take a few years or many, but the racism of skin color and religion will boil off and the distillate of our common humanity will be there. Maybe just in time to sooth Mother Nature and leave a habitable place for our children and grandchildren."
Thank you for this. And thank you for the reference to Ruth Zardo, very fitting and appropriate.
Yes, thank you. Ruth is one of my favorite Penny characters.
Mine too.
It was sad to hear his brother and sister say he is mentally ill or just plain crazy! They also said he has fallen for and is a big Trump supporter. Sad to say there are way too many people like Gosar. They are so gullible!
May you be SOOOOO right!!!!
Ahhhhh......Ruth.
Me too. Thank you Bill.
This, just might be wishful thinking. We’ll see what’s left after their childish tantrum!!!
I’m old, but I’ll try to believe you.
Beautiful.
I'm watching while the party of treason and treachery is doing its rain dance to try to convince the American people that the Biblical Flood is about to engulf them. Watching Kevin McCarthy's manufactured indignity over the course of the Biden 'Build Back Better' human infrastructure improvement program is truly something to behold. As Lawrence O'Donnell suggested this evening on his MSNBC show, The Last Word, Kevin McCarthy is a man watching his long-held dreams of power crashing on the shoals of reality. The American people want the reforms that the Democrats are trying to enact, despite their intraparty differences. The American people are going to have to decide which of the two parties represents the people's best interests.. McCarthy angrily accused his Democratic colleagues of trying to become another Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to which several of them responded, to the effect, "you bet! That's me." Roosevelt was elected to the presidency for four consecutive terms, the very thought of which has given Republicans stalwarts apoplexy for going on five generations. There are very few of us left were alive when FDR was president, myself among them, but unlike modern presidents, Roosevelt's reputation has not suffered greatly in the 76 years that have passed since his untimely death while still in office in April 1945. Joe Biden is right to invoke the spirit of FDR in his care and magnanimity for the welfare of the common man. Roosevelt was no stranger to suffering, even as he came from a wealthy patrician family. After all, FDR's older cousin, Teddy Roosevelt, had been a highly popular president in his own right a mere 30 years before FDR became president. Teddy Roosevelt himself, elected as a Republican, appeal to the hopes and dreams of ordinary people in the same way that FDR appealed to them during his time in office. Joe Biden clearly fits that mold, very much like TR in his strenuous efforts at self improvement as a young man; but also very much like FDR and expressing their needs and cares of working people will, from time to time, may need help from their government to rebalance the rules of engagement so that they too can earn a decent living, to be self-supporting, and not being chronically falling victim to insecurities over food or shelter. Of course FDR is a role model for Democrats; the problem is that many Democrats forgot their roots and families that had to do shift work for a living, or had to do without in order to save for the future. The two Roosevelts were committed to the common good, each in his own way. TR was brash and headstrong, while FDR was subtle and guileful; together, they were committed to getting things done for the American people that they could not do collectively for themselves. And that is Joe Biden's commitment as well. Biden knows that he is 'herding cats', that is 36 years of service in the Senate shows that he was pretty good at it. This week, we'll see if Biden hits the trifecta with the pending legislation. I certainly hope so. As for Kevin McCarthy, all of his posturing and complaining simply proves him to be the sore loser that he is.
I enjoyed reading your comment, Arthur. I have long believed that FDR, like Lincoln, was one of our greatest presidents because of what he accomplished and the manner in which he did it. Joe Biden had learned a lot from both of them. He has learned a lot from his experiences, too. I like it that he doesn’t quit on himself and that he uses his experience to help him make course corrections in ways that help him achieve his goals. I’m grateful for his dedication and willingness to serve. I believe that his presidency is achieving big things for all of us and the world. I have faith in the American people that the majority will support him and the democrats even more resolutely in the days ahead as more of the Biden platform is voted into law. The road won’t be straight and clear of hazards but with each accomplishment it will become more sure. We are living through the most challenging era in the history of our Nation because we are facing up to the fact that we must first transform so much about how our nation functions in order to keep moving forward. It is an amazing time to be alive. Makes me proud to see us embrace change and be better for it.
And the best thing? President Biden is ensuring that ALL AMERICANS are included in his programs.
It was a great pleasure to read your comment, Arthur Silen. Its reflection on our history as well as noting the achievements of two presidents and now a third, with the welfare of the American people in their bones, in their hearts, and in their policies, You left me in an altogether good mood. I approached HRC's Letter from the same point, however, Arthur, you know more and eloquently conveyed it. Salud!
Arthur, you are right that Joe Bidden is spot on iinvoking "the spirit of FDR." Although my grandparents are no longer living, all four of them worshipped FDR. They were all hardworking blue collar workers for their entire lives. Both of my grandmothers worked in mills on the assembly line for American Tourister for years. One grandfather was in the military during WWII and retired as an enlisted man and then went to work for Electric Boat as a laborer. My other grandfather worked various jobs and ended retiring from the Fruit of the Loom Co. where he worked in the shipping department doing heavy manual work until he retired at 65. All of them echoed the successes of the New Deal and their president. He was a hero to them and motivated and inspired them much like JFK did with Americans in 1961. The Democrats need to keep reminding us what FDR did for all Americans when he was president and keep pushing those polls that show just how many of the American people support the BBB programs. If FDR had been confronted with a pandemic, I have to believe it would have turned out very differently from DJT's disaster. I miss them greatly but am glad that they do not have to witness what the country has become since the takeover of the Republican party.
A colleague of mine asked me to give his history class some idea how FDR could be elected four times, he didn’t know, being Canadian. The kids had heard from this Libertarian teacher the outrageous things FDR had done (government overreach, you know) and they hung on his every word. My parents, married in 1934, and everyone they knew loved FDR because most people were suffering and he did something about it. The kids were not impressed. Then I told them about radio, how people would gather around the radio for news and entertainment. The most popular performer on radio was a comedian, Bob Hope. But FDR could draw a bigger audience with his fireside chats. People were hungry to hear their president speak to them.
"The Last Word, Kevin McCarthy is a man watching his long-held dreams of power crashing on the shoals of reality."
I agree with you. Now Meadows is going after after McCarthy. I believe is the old no honor among thieves situation.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Madison Square Garden Speech (1936)
"Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred."
https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/coretexts/_files/resources/texts/1936%20FDR%20New%20Deal%20Liberalism.pdf
I was born the day after FDR won his 4th term, so he was alive during my first half-year. From Alfa to Omega , he was the greatest president of my lifetime and idjt the worst.
It doesn't matter whether or not his spew has any relationship to reality. In this, at least, the former Republican Party's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, is correct. They don't have to persuade anyone, just terrorize all opposition into submission, starting at the local level. Turn out enough drooling armed thugs at the local school board meeting and eventually you'll force out the sane people and replace them with your fellow thugs. Threaten enough health officials and they'll resign. Control the local police union and enough judges and you don't have to worry about breaking the law.
They don't have to get a majority of the votes in an election, either. Gerrymander enough House districts, suppress enough voters, and terrorize or, failing that, just kill enough election officials, replace them with loyal members of the cult, and you can simply nullify all the opposing votes.
These kinds of things tend to be self-correcting, but we still need to put our minds to it. The 1920s proved to be a pretty good example of social regression, but public opinion self-corrected in the 1930s. The Democratic reforms of the 1930s proved to be durable. We'll need another 20 years to see how well we pull put out of the current mess.
And now that punk Rittenhouse has skated on all charges. Carte blanche for every punk with a gun in the country.
That would be my concern as well, yes. The brown shirts or black shirts or red hats don't need to convince anyone of anything. They've gone past that point. We need to decide how we're going to deal with that threat.
Speaking from some personal experience, I can affirm how right you are. They are counting on people remaining in denial, afraid, tired, confused, lazy and apathetic to do anything serious about it. We can just change the channel if we want, right?
and for every weapons seller.
Sadly, yes. The NRA will finally achieve its dearest wish: a national of angry, frightened people all armed to the teeth and ready to kill each other. Vast profits to be had.
In general, Democrats aren't "ready to kill" our fellow Americans. Plenty of Republicans will see us as inhuman zombies to be slaughtered.
Thank you, Arthur.
As I read your comments, Arthur, I recalled another tradition from that generation now absent, bi-partisanship, its most important meaning. That is, the bargaining across party lines and the celebration of success for an idea (policy position) deriving from the debate by the opposing member. But, perhaps I'm mistaking bi-partisanship with loss of comity. McCarthy/McConnell et al. lack the capacity to get behind the good and simply must continue to rant after a worthy decision is reached.
I’m sorry but any President who does not support Medicare for all cannot lay claim to the mantle of FDR. I’m glad Biden is president but these claims that he is like FDR are so exaggerated.
Maybe President Biden does support Medicare for All at heart. Despite what Fox News insists, the President isn't evil. However, to demonstrate that Democracy can still work (his words), the President has been pragmatically focused on national priorities that have more potential to get a few Republicans on board. If the GOP wasn't so destructive at all costs, the President would be touring the country promoting it.
His actual words in the primary belie your supposition.
Candidates say lots of things during campaigns. I think it's fair to say he wasn't trying to win the votes of Democrats by saying that.
It was literally during the Democratic primary. When you are trying to win the votes of Democrats.
The present health care system started as a wartime expedient that had employers assume responsibility for providing health care to their employees. It was largely supported by the large industrial labor unions, as nationwide health insurance for all was beyond the Federal Government's ability to organize efficiently. That was in 1943. The problem was the transitory nature of employment relationships. We have a medicare-like system within the federal government, workers compensation for federal government employees, which is managed by the United States Department of Labor. They left a lot to be desired in the way of fairness and efficiency. One size fits all does not work well, because these organizations lose functionality with scale. The larger they are, less efficient and fair they become.
thanks for reminding us of the history, Arthur. I wonder how many people realize that 1) our current situation is, basically, an unhappy accident and 2) in an era in which unions have become increasingly toothless, that system has become just as increasingly unfeasible. now, a question that you seem extremely qualified to answer: do you think that your (obviously true) statement about organizations losing "functionality with scale" is an axiom relating to ALL systems at ALL times or do you think there are ways in which it's remediable?
Not readily.
well, let's hope we get to continue this dialogue. but I did sorta know that if the answer's yes, it's hardly an easy yes. I know we've both had to negotiate systems with varying degrees of success because I don't actually know anyone who hasn't....
Once, when my father had had too much to drink, he admitted having voted once for Rosie as he called him. I am not sure of why he didn't like Roosevelt except that he was a staunch Republican. I can't help but wonder what he would make of death star donny, but he did listen to Rush. He and I went round and round every time I was there visiting.
actually, I think you're pretty damn sure why he didn't like Roosevelt. my mother grew up Jewish in 1930's Louisiana, and thought Roosevelt was godlike, but virtually ALL of the non-Jewish boys she went out with couldn't mention the name without spitting.
Part of Southern culture.
...one of the reasons I haven't exactly hurried back to visit since the summer of '56. actually, the main reason.
Thanks for this post. My folks were both strong supporters of FDR and staunch liberals. You cast some very interesting comparative light on the two Roosevelts.
And yet, and yet, as the Republican Party descends from ridiculous to absurd to deranged there still exists a solid, significant plurality cheering them on. Recent state-level legislation enabling the fixing of the vote might very well put the ridiculous, absurd, deranged Republicans back in the federal driver's seat.
Federal protection of voters' rights must be next on the Democrats' legislative agenda.
I am going to keep beating this drum; with my congressional delegation, on these pages, and anyplace else that offers the opportunity.
The House has already passed the Voting Rights Bills. The problem hasn't gone away when they pass the 2nd "Infrastructure bill. The floor is not clear as the Senate filibuster and Manchin/Sinema still have to be "overcome". Every day sees the publication of new gerrymandered voting district maps purportedly ensuring that all the efforts of "Biden's Arc" would be in vain.
In regards to redistricting, please watch Rachel Maddow's discussion about Galveston County's process. Rachel discussed this last night. The County gradually reduced the number of Democrats on the commission and now has ELIMINATED ALL Democrats from the commission and thereby ensuring only all white Republican males will have a say in the process and has redistricted the only majority minority part of the county out of existence, leaving those people w/ NO voice. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdO1OoI1A1U
It was chilling. This scenario would become the norm if the Republicans aren't stopped. And as Rachel made clear, we have Justice John Roberts to thank.
Saw that. Unbelievable optics.
"And yet, and yet, as the Republican Party descends from ridiculous to absurd to deranged there still exists a solid, significant plurality cheering them on". And that, Good sir, is the problem.
My last reading before turning to HCR’s piece today was of REAL men and women, their deeds, their thoughts, their deaths. Of Condorcet and Diderot, of Madame Roland and Olympe de Gouges, of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine.
If this mob have their way, they’ll make the Terror during the French Revolution look like a children’s tea party.
Either the minority attempts French-style Revolution or the majority does. I’m afraid that this is essentially where we’re going to end up.
Either way, America doesn’t benefit and countries like Russia and China do. So I don’t understand what’s in it for the wealthy people and corporations who are funding that oversized school room full of miscreants and bullies.
Once Republicans finally have their one-party authoritarian country, the over-fat wealthy will have no choice but to implement China style society monitoring programs and take away weapons (including internet access) from most Americans for fear they’ll be used against them (which they will).
If we somehow win in 2022, it will only be because Freedom of Voting Act has been passed and made into law.
After that, we need to overhaul news media and education so that truth is shared at all levels of society and in non-manipulative ways. Social media too needs to have bots and interference removed.
Lisa, you want to run for U.S. Senate?!!
Sure! Wanna donate $$$$ for Ads, image & other consultants, including legal?
You betcha. How soon?
Now that's a productive thought!
YES!
I wish there was an agree button rather than a ❤
Exactly
I have wished for a thumbs down, whereby if there were perhaps 10 down votes, the post would vanish. We'd never see David Carroll again, LOL!!
Now, now, let him be. David pays his 5 smackaroos a month knowing full well his comments will be rebuffed. I think he's a masochist.
Agree. 😂😂😂
Morning fab Daria!
Morning dear Christine!
I'm with you, Daria.
Well, I guess, the opportunists will rapidly get into Tumbril and Guillotine futures. Of course now, we have machine guns, lot less dramatic, so the image of McCarthy holding Biden's head up for the adulation of the oi-polloi, is unlikely.
I think it was H.L. Mencken who said, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.” Yes, people really are that stupid that 74 million voted for tfg. Facebook and Fox are not helping our country any, either, with all the lies they disseminate.
I might add Twitter to that group in that the Gosar anime was allowed to be re-played, and Gosar still has an account.
Perhaps Dorsey took more heat than he liked for suspending tfg.
Totally agree!!!
"Federal protection of voters' rights must be next on the Democrats' legislative agenda." Yes!
I’ve got a fabulous conga drum that I’m beating. And keeping rhythm.
Salud, Ralph!
Absolutely, Ralph, please PLEASE do.
Bang bang, boom boom, mind if I join you with my drum 🥁.
What a concert, Dick Montagne! Yay.
More cowbell, please! 😀
Voting rights requires a change to the filibuster. Does anyone see that really happening given Manchin and Sinema?
So we do nothing? Leaning hard on Manchin and Sinema isn't an option? We just turn over the federal government to the Republicans?
Adios, American democracy?
Of course the idea must be pursued. Manchin might come around to supporting a small change to the filibuster but Sinema looks like a lost cause.
Let’s say that Biden can turn water into wine and convinces both to modify the filibuster.
The biggest challenge to an any effective legislation will be the courts. Law suits filed by every red state are a certainty .
Will the Supreme Court force states to reverse their already drawn redistricting maps to suit Democrats vision of what’s fair?
Will the newly conservative SCOTUS allow the federal government to decide how the states will conduct their elections?
Will these issues be resolved in favor of a strong federal government in time to have a meaningful impact on midterms?
Optimism is great but a practical look at the issue says no.
It’s of course a not serious action to try to take a long view of Biden’s Presidency at this point, but the thought has been pulsing in me anyway.
I think that patience built of accumulated wisdom has been his strong suit, and I feel that his enemies are beginning to perceive that uneasily. Last night’s circus was an inadvertent display of that.
By now the Republicans expected to have trunksful of memes and gaffes that they could bring out selectively, with the cumulative effect of building a picture of Biden as slumped at his desk, barely awake, with spittle dribbling from his mouth.
They certainly tried that in the early going. Interestingly it has now mostly vanished. Even the infamous Gosar meme shows him stabbing at Biden but not succeeding. This alone gives silent voice to the concept that he is an enemy worthy of bringing down.
I see Biden as a man plugging away at doing the right thing, which in this case is the big thing - reversing decades of growing inequality that have hollowed out the country and led to thousands of Deaths of Despair, chronicled so brilliantly by Anne Case and Angus Deaton.
Biden is certainly no caretaker President. Neither is he a Kennedy-type, revelling in his brilliance, constantly nettling his enemies. He does not seek attention, nor convey the impression that he is cut from different cloth than the rest of Americans.
I think his polling numbers have most likely bottomed out. Afghanistan was messy, and worse than that for many people. It came at a bad time for him and emphatically signaled the end of the proverbial honeymoon period. Economic troubles followed on the heels of that in the form of supply chain issues and, perhaps very seriously, inflation. If those numbers don’t turn around, they have the capacity to deliver a mortal blow in 2022. But now one infrastructure bill is fully a reality. Its effects will soon be seen and felt an polling numbers for the Democrats may rise. And Biden marches on.
He is headed into the teeth of the gale now. Passing BBB in the House was generally expected. This, in itself, is not to be construed as a victory. It merely indicates that Biden and the Democrats have put their feet on the next rung of the ladder.
Now comes the really hard part. It seems likely to me that the bill is going to take a severe beating in the Senate. It is most likely to return to the House with significant sections slashed away. And then the Democrats may have a real problem. The progressives may take a fierce last stand. Who knows what will emerge from that? At the least, precious seconds will tick off the clock. In the end, Biden may persuade the Democrats to accept this gravely wounded bill as a necessary “first step”, an issue to be brought up again perhaps in the second half of his term.
But voting rights action looms. And time is becoming mercilessly compressed to accomplish anything on that front. Without swift action, which will probably have to include a modification to the filibuster, that legislation will either not get passed or be too late for 2022.
At this point, Biden’s grade in my view is an ”A, but incomplete”. I think it safe to say that he has far outperformed expectations. It is impossible to know with any certainty how Warren or Sanders would have performed had they won the right to run against Trump. It’s not at all certain that either would have won, and as a long time Sanders supporter, it wounds me to admit that.
But the point keeps nagging at me that Biden is proving, and will be assessed ultimately as the person for the moment. He has experience and unique skills. His team is, mostly, very strong, and he has given them room to spread their wings.
However we must hope that the stupider elements in the opposition prevail for the nonce, as it is becoming clear that there are deep cracks in the Opposition. Such elements may hasten the complete blow-up of the party (as is happening in far less dramatic fashion to Canada’s Conservative Party now - for identical reasons).
2022 is little more than a month away. At this point now, it is increasingly hard to see how the Democrats are going to avoid the proverbial “shellacking”, to quote Obama from 2010. If that happens, Biden’s term is effectively over. There will be no legislation, no accountability for crimes committed by legislators in Trump’s term. The barbarians are at the gate now - one shudders to think of what will happen if they take the fortress.
I was shocked and surprised, Eric, while reading your comment. You giving Biden an A incomplete (as it's still early in his presidency) was unexpected Biden has been a gigantic surprise to me, too. He is a fighter, deep down, determined and canny. I did not know that. Did the former president know what most of us didn't or was it simply that he understood Biden's widespread appeal as a threat? l am sure Biden recognized the growing wealth disparity in1980's and saw through many more problems during his Vice Presidency but when did he know that the country was moving closer to the death of its democracy? His often repeated phrase 'Saving the soul of America' signaled the sense of urgency. Biden has indicated his closeness with dead son, Beau. His family is quite the foundation, and he has built a mighty staff. There is so much trouble at hand, all that Joe has brought to presidency may still be overwhelmed. Withal, praise be to the Ace in the White House.
We completely agree, Eric. How misaligned are the stars and the force of gravity in your part of town?
Great to hear from you Fern. :)
Since we seem fully aligned on this idea [checks to see if asteroids are headed for earth], perhaps I’ll just briefly answer you’d question.
Canada is essentially a liberal democracy. As such, the Liberals consider themselves to be the natural ruling party and a check of our Prime Ministers’ Party affiliations in the past 150 years would bear that generality out.
At present, the country is, to some undefinable extent, dissatisfied with Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. He is showy and perhaps a shade casual with the truth, but has his father’s toughness when push comes to shove. Alas, he gives no signs of having his father Pierre’s intellectual gravitas.
In any case, the Liberals won a majority government in 2015 and a minority in 2019. The rival parties are the New Democrats, the Conservatives, the Greens, and the Bloc Quebecois.
The Bloc is an anomaly. They run candidates only in Quebec and fight only to protect that province against the predations of English Canada. Nonetheless, they can take a lot of seats and upset the plans of the Big Two parties.
The NDP run left of the Liberals, and the Greens further left. As the Liberals are a centre left party (equivalent in general principles to the Progressives of the American Democrats), you can see that a) the two parties left of the Liberals are relatively negligible and b) there’s a lot of space on the right.
The Conservatives have their base in the West (exception the metropolitan areas of BC). Because the three parties that form their base are of insufficient population to win power, the Conservatives must win a ton of seats in the heavily populated Golden Horseshoe suburbs. And they need to make some inroads in Quebec.
A staggering 1 of every 3 Canadians live within the proverbial spitting distance of Lake Ontario’s west side roughly from Oshawa to Niagara Falls. So élections are won and lost there - a cruel fact for the Conservatives.
Trump’s revolution awakened and engaged the retrograde elements in the Conservative Party - our pro-gun, anti-abortion, oil producing, Eastern Canada hating West. They have the lowest mask adherence and the lowest vaccination rate of all of Canada.
Within the Conservatives they are seen as “true blue, red meat, Bible thumpers”. They have significant weight within the party and their actions (?) antics (?) leave most of the rest of the country cold.
The penultimate leader of the conservatives was axed after electoral failure and a minor financial scandal (you ‘d laugh). Whereupon the Conservatives elected Erin O’Toole as their new leader. He’s from Ontario so there was some hope for him.
However he campaigned hard on social conservatism in order to win. Alberta and Saskatchewan and scattered pockets elsewhere liked that, but it was obviously a dog that wouldn’t hunt with most Canadians.
Whereupon Trudeau called a snap election to take advantage of his inexperience. Canadians generally were very pissed with this - elections are expensive and it was seen as a cynical way to try to regain majority status.
O’Toole completely reversed field in the campaign and ran a hugely progressive campaign, abandoning his base. That was seen as even more duplicitous.
As a result, nobody was happy. The Liberals won - another minority. The NDP made gains, but they are far from having the chops to run the country. The Greens factionalized and are currently on life support.
And the Conservatives lost ground. They got roughly the same seats as they had under the previous leader and they are now enduring a huge rift within the party with influential Conservatives calling for O’Toole’s ouster. No way to run a railroad.
The West is bitterly angry, having seen their new leader ignore the maxim of, “You dance with who brung you”. The Liberals are not especially pleased, but they effectively can govern for a full mandate.
And so we muddle along. Right now we are seriously pre-occupied with climate change. British Columbia, where I live, has had a stunningly disastrous year - culminating this week in the worst floods in memory. We in Vancouver currently have no highways open to the rest of Canada.
Anyway, here’s a site on the 2021 election. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Canadian_federal_election
Take care Fern.
I have this image in my head of LBJ a la Jacob Marley haunting Manchin and Sinema.
Exactly, Ralph. Screw Manch and Sin. Get to the end of the line, you two. And hush up.
As I’ve argued elsewhere, 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, we must press for a rule change, initially proposed by Congressional scholar Norm Ornstein, 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 about the issue at hand, to sustain a filibuster. I don’t imagine any Senator (we only need 50 to enact a rule change) could mount a credible opposition in defiance of this reform.
Ok with me.
Or without Biden loudly calling for the end of the filibuster?
100%
Wonderful. Keep beating that drum.
And the Comedy of Errors -- now a Comedy of Terrors -- plods on and on! All the Repugs are missing are Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff in the flesh!
Delighted to see the Dems laughing and finding the courage to walk away from trumplestiskin antics. While it's about time, it's still a pleasure to witness!
I wasn’t watching, I was asleep, but it’s nice to know that the Democrats treated him like the lunatic that he has proven himself to be, totally divorced from reality and consumed with his misplaced self importance. We need all hands on deck to prevent him from getting near the speaker’s office, as I have said before, he makes Newt look like a saint.
Rachel pointed out last night, when talking with Lawrence O'Donnell, that McCarthy's own party doesn't like him. Even if the worst happens in '22, it's doubtful that he'd be Speaker. Those sitting behind him during his rant were giving him the side eye and laughing among themselves.
I've seen speculation that Jim Jordan would become speaker. Hard to contemplate, though McCarthy's pathetic performance makes it easier to picture.
We absolutely MUST see that the Democrats hold the WH, as well as the Senate and House! Voting rights bill has to be next, and Merrick Garland has to do something to override nullification bills nationwide.
The laughter is an encouraging sign, I think.
In the flesh, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff opposed the Republican right wing extremist horror shows of their time. As a friend and interpreter of Bertolt Brecht, Lorre was at risk from the earlier GOP McCarthy's HUAC. Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi helped unionize Hollywood workers, eventually creating the Screen Actors Guild. Vincent Price was a loud and proud liberal Democrat.
Uh oh! I meant in their monstrous, creepy-voiced roles!
And Ronald Reagan, as head of the SAC, ratted them out to McCarthy. One more example of Repugs drawing flies.
Amen, Rowshan, amen!
Still looking for your 'the sunshine and lollipop brigade'. No brigade of 3,000 to 5,000 in these parts; it was a colorful quip but without foundation.
You know what I meant. Especially when you refer to such goings in as the Gong Show.
I was referring to the Republican performers, when mentioning the Gong Show. In answer to your quip, I didn't know why you used it. You appeared to set up a 'sunshine and lollipop brigade' as compared to those more disquieted by the actions or inaction of the Biden, the Democratic Party, Garland, the press, etc. There is no 'sunshine, lollipop brigade' of subscribers on the forum. By and large,, subscribers are a caring, thoughtful and sober lot, but not lacking in humor. My comment didn't lay out a rosy picture, but through Bruni provided what I thought was balanced view as well as expressing appreciation for what Biden has accomplished, so far. It seemed appropriate the bring that perspective to the table. Arthur Silen's comment was beautifully expressed in that respect, I did not intend to criticize those who appear to be more negative about the Democratic Party, Biden, etc. A high level of frustration and or anger seemed to predominate on the forum, and I wanted contribute another perspective, which has not had much exposure here.
Noted and appreciate.
Bang the drum for democracy takes front and center position now.
United!
Thank you for your response. I used the Sunshine and Lollipop reference to point out the idea that because were (in it) together everything will be just peachy – It's what popped into my head when I read your cold wind reference. It's as simple as that.
"Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together
Brighter than a lucky penny
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine"
Above you say, "I did not intend to criticize those who appear to be more negative about the Democratic Party, Biden, etc. A high level of frustration and or anger seemed to predominate on the forum, and I wanted contribute another perspective, which has not had much exposure here."
You express your perspective daily, often using the opinions of highly respected writers. People generally do not call you out for cutting and pasting large sections of content from other writers. Those of us who write with our own voice expressing fear, anger, frustration, etc., should feel comfortable posting our thoughts as well. Instead, we have been called out, criticized and chided directly more than once for not embracing a more a "positive" perspective. We're deemed negative, when in fact, I think a lot of us are actually being very realistic and are looking for ideas and answers on how to jam a wedge in the wall of authoritarianism that is being constructed by the right with a frenzy that increases daily. Clearly, most of the things being done to counter the Republican Authoritarian creep are NOT working.
You're right, we are, by and large, a caring, thoughtful and sober lot. It's worth remembering. This place should be safe for all of us to land.
(I never referred to Art Silen's very thoughtful, well written and much appreciated opinion. I'm not sure how it's got into the mix.)
I was thinking of the Gong Show, the British radio comedy show in the 1950's - jokes, songs, ridiculous situations... You're closer to the mark with Comedy of Terrors, but, Rowshan, while its a horror show, it smacks of satire -- this can't be serious -- they are so bizarre and obvious. When the impossible becomes reality!
"Democrats are no longer trying to reason with the Republicans and are instead treating them with derision."
Well, it's about damned time!
FINALLY!!! The insanity of attempting to work with the Repugs has come to a head this week, and daily after reading LFAA the past few days I had no words except "INSANITY" and so I said nothing, until now.
The Repugs have truly lost their way, in following 45.
What did they expect, they lined up behind a guy with a history of 6000 lawsuits to his name, he has always been willing to screw anyone that got near him business wise, do the hordes of his followers actually think they will be treated any different?
That’s something I never got. With his history, including essentially proof that he’ll screw you, why did anyone ever do business with him?
Dick, they knew what he was and supported him anyway. Just deserts.
Exactly!!! There is no working or reasoning with batshit crazy people.
You cannot negotiate with terrorists. Or Republiscum. Or their supporters.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
The Republicans may be counting their chickens before they hatch. They have themselves convinced that their gerrymanders are going to give them 30-40 seats without even having to fight, and they're acting like it's happened already. The result is that they now have shown the Democrats what the future will look like, and they don't like what they see. And they now see the Republicans for the fascist scum they are.
And Qevin McQarthy (R-Oklafornia) may have been too clever by half, as they say. He's reminding them why they wouldn't make him speaker after Boehner resigned, because they thought he was too stupid. And tonight's performance had "Not Ready For Prime Time" all over it. Not to mention if they do win next year, they're going to have a freshman class of real Fire Eaters, and those people won't want a posing phoney like Qevin, no matter how hard he tries to convince them he's one of them. Hell, that bi-i-i-, er, witch of Belsen MTG already said today she didn't think he'd done enough to support her when she got removed from her committees. I wouldn't be surprised if MTG, the moron bimbo who thinks she's a genius, didn't run for Speaker if they win.
All of which says we have to follow Nancy Pelosi - what she said about the Republicans having proved yesterday and today that they cannot be allowed anywhere near actual power.
“The Republicans may be counting their chickens before they hatch.”
I agree with the direction your argument is taking, TC, in fact I thought about posting on this very subject.
The Republicans have become a collection of dorks, losers, and reactionaries stuck in the past. Being an un-self-recognized racist, sexist, homophobe, anti-Semite, or other type of fossil from a bygone era is now making you the object of jeers and mockery, as it should be. Placing all these people in the spotlight, and placing their devious machinations (voter suppression bills, participation in Jan. 6 Riot) out on public display, is precisely what they deserve just before they get trampled under the wheels of progress.
Think positively, good people. The $hit that’s going down, from Trump administration until now, is the last gasp, the last hurrah, of a dying culture.
“ The $hit that’s going down, from Trump administration until now, is the last gasp, the last hurrah, of a dying culture.”
I fervently hope you are right. However, with all the ugliness that has occurred the past decade, and seeing how many mean spirited and small minded people there truly are out there, well I find it hard to believe it could possibly just die out.
I will try to think positively though. And donate, write letters to law makers, send cards to voters, and share the good.
Me too, but hate has a hold like I have never seen in my long life. It may take longer than those of us who are alive now will live to see.
“I find it hard to believe it could possibly just die out.“
Lordy no, it’s not going to die out. We will always have racists sexists homophobes and antisemites. But I am seeing it turning out eventually like California, where, since the 2010 redistricting, the Republican political establishment is marginalized, an endangered species, with democratic super-majorities in both state legislative chambers. The CA Republican Party has been reduced to State Fair status, a side show, like the Paul Gosar censure circus and Craven McCarthy’s late-night whiny terrible-twos kindergartner rant.
I still think the pandemic plays an unforeseen factor in Republican gerrymandering. There is evidence that the Delta-variant wavy has taken more “Red” lives than “Blue” lives, since vaccination and masking have become political. If they have been working from a minority position, they may find their maps just won’t cover enough to keep from some very competitive races in unexpected districts.
That is a very good point.
You make me think of what happened on January 5, when against all odds 2 Democratic Senatorial contenders, one black and one Jewish, prevailed over Republican incumbents, turning the Senate blue by the thinnest of margins. IN GEORGIA. In GEORGIA of all places.
In counties that voted heavily for Trump, the Covid death rate is 3x greater than in counties that voted heavily for Biden, according to the NYT. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/briefing/covid-death-toll-red-america.html
Thanks, Michael.
I've been wondering about that. Who's tracking this? Where can we find the numbers?
This was the only article I could find, though I recall reading an article that actually charted red region deaths compared to blue region deaths and conclude that the Delta variant surge was much deadlier in red regions: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/briefing/covid-red-states-vaccinations.html
Thanks, Jane.
I so hope you're right...from over here in Germany, it feels like my country, which I left with Obama in office, is looking to burn the Constitution.
Trump is the backlash to Obama. The first African-American US president made it clear where American society is going. Of course the racists and sexists had a strong reaction to that news item.
The people who have become used to having whites and men in superior status, calling the shots, are being squeezed out and sidelined. Those are the people who want to do whatever it takes to keep their men-superior whites-superior Christians-straights-dominant Stone Age society in control. Society is going through a transformation, to a diverse and inclusive model. Change is messy. The losers always want to change the rules to accommodate them, but democracy will not be altered to accommodate the Cro-Magnons.
Exactly, Terry! Roland, I hope you are right, that the Trumpublicans are about to be trampled under the wheels of progress. But the last six years have been a relentless, hair-raising display of just how much political mileage The Former Guy and his wannabees can get out of lying through their teeth and riling up the segment of our population least burdened by facts and critical-thinking skills. We all need to pull out all the stops now, to pass a voting rights bill in the Senate, and from now through Nov. 2022, to do even more rallying, voter-calling, voter postcard-writing, and donating to orgs like Stacey Abrams and vulnerable Dems than we did in 2020. Complacency would be a big tactical error, not that anyone here is advocating gor complacency.
Donald DayGlo Toupee Trump in the Oval Office is all we needed to permanently remove any risk of complacency. I think I read that 70% of Biden voters were actually voting against Trump, and not primarily for Biden. Society is finished with these clowns, all that’s left is the mop-up work.
“. . . the segment of our population least burdened by facts and critical-thinking skills.” 😂😂
Of course the voting rights bill is absolutely critical. CRITICAL. It’s the final nail in the coffin that puts these racists and sexists 6 feet under as a political force.
Morning Roland! I’m hearing the drumbeat for democracy everywhere.
God, I hope and pray. Also, donate, but been waiting for decades
From your lips Roland...
Hear, hear!
Hi Sweetie!
Hiya, Roland!!
Good seeing you! OK I have to go to bed, I just got home from 12 hours of work. I’m on a noon to midnight schedule now, not the overnight 6 PM to 6 AM schedule I used to have. Love to all ❤️❤️
Good seeing you too, Roland! Sleep tight. Hope all is well.🌷❤
good to read your often fiery, always astute words this early morning, Roland. I get concerned about you when we don't hear from you in weeks. Am I flirting again? Of course
Hope the new schedule works for you. I'm thrilled to see you back here!
An extinction burst
Precisely
You do give me hope. I keep looking at my friends (on Facebook, that is) and wondering when they will come to their senses. Most of them are now bashing our governor over her mask mandate, and not saying too much about national politics.
Kate Brown has paid a price for being aggressive in combating Covid. Her favorability rating, 43%, is the lowest among governors nationwide. But I applaud her efforts. In my county, Multnomah, the partial vaccination rate is 82.3% and the full rate is 73.4%.
All my Republiscum friends are so up at arms over mask mandates that I am astounded.
This level of opposition is beyond me. It's so simple and easy to wear a mask. And the science supporting the benefit of doing so is irrefutable. These irresponsible, selfish people deserve scorn. Of course, many are no longer with us because of their attitude.
Wonder if any republicans remember a year ago when all were looking forward to vaccines and had hope for an end to unnecessary deaths. It was a sane (sort of) reality until the cult decided that unnecessary deaths was just what the leader wanted.
I hope you are right, Roland. After each despicable event my brother and I keep saying it has to be the repugs last gasp and then another shoe falls.
The dangerous animal has been cornered. The animal catcher is about to put it in a cage. Permanently. And in its last acts of desperation, its last acts before capture, it goes wild, it lashes out.
The cultural dinosaurs are not going quietly without a fight. But they are about to be permanently muzzled. The arrests and convictions for the January 6 Attack on Democracy are some of the many death knells apparent for this segment of our population.
There will be a lot more noisy acts of desperation, but these turkeys are going down. They are on the losing side and they know it, and they despise it.
The Republicans obviously feel no need to even pretend to appear sane. You are right that they must feel their redistricting plan has worked and gives them their ace in the hole for 2022. So if they are beyond compunction, what's next? If they now are only playing to the most extreme elements on the right, anything can be justified. Bannon is talking like he's going to bring "the storm." This might be a juvenile super hero fantasy on his part, but we saw that the 1/6 rioters shared a similar delusion. If Bannon brings the same competence to this that he brought to the Capitol riot, he could create anything between a ludicrous dud and another spectacular and shocking failure, but he would still do a lot of damage. I hope the Biden administration has been securing the reliability of the FBI, the National Guard and essentially the whole DHS. What Gosar's murderous tweet inspires is probably closer to terrorism than patriotism. He and Bannon are signaling to the same crowd.
Yes, they are, Can’t wait for the blood to run. I hope they scare the Schitt out of any decent republicans left
Sizzlin, TC. Sizzlin.
I cannot recall being ever so grateful that Speaker Nancy Pelosi holds the gavel in her hand in this time. She wields power in a unique and traditional way that is inspiring.
How do I write AGREE in capital letters 2 inches tall?
Bang the drum for Democracy!
What HCR writes about confirms that the Republicans are more obstructionist than ever and the Democrats' agenda is slowly being realized. But none of that really matters. Treating Republican misbehavior with "derision" doesn't gain votes in 2022. That is all that matters. American democracy cannot survive a Republican takeover of Congress. Once again, the need for the Democrats to lock in the enormous voting power of women and persons of color for 2022 becomes crucial RIGHT NOW. Everything else should be secondary to that. To do this, the President and Congressional leaders must repeatedly point out that Republicans consistently vote against legislation that benefits most Americans and specifically, these two groups. And this holds true on the State level as well. Appeals for bi-partisanship are a waste of time, and time is what is growing short.
Exactly!! Voting rights are the linchpin to everything else.
For now, bipartisanship is over. Accept that as a general rule and get to work elsewhere. We must secure voting rights and keep our oligarchy in place as it is. What we have right now is bad but better than a trump/rethuglican fascist state.
Then, we can work on creating bipartisanship from the wreckage of where we are now. We can work on changing the oligarchy to a democracy that works for everyone.
All of this will take significant time (years) and great effort from an engaged citizenry and politicians who actually work for the good of all instead of those with the most money, but none of it is possible without voting rights for all.
Once Republican obstructionism is eliminated by people voting them out of whatever offices they hold, we can continue to "Build Back Better" out of what we have now, which I would not define as "wreckage." And just because there is some support for Democrats from Wall Street and some wealthy donors, does not make them oligarchs either, which you imply. They haven't bought Party control as Republican mega-donors have. With or without the passage of voting rights legislation, the Democrats must mobilize their majority for the 2022 elections NOW.
Hi Jack. I don’t agree with you but I do appreciate your reply.
I think a society that is as vastly disproportionate with regard to income, opportunity, equality and justice as ours is, is accurately described as “wreckage”.
I also disagree about America not being an oligarchy. It most certainly is and while wealth has always been a problem within politics Citizens United firmly moved America from a quasi-democracy to a full on oligarchy. Far more politicians are bought and paid for than not. Sadly. Until those inappropriate avenues of financial influence are severed - or at least drastically reduced and negative consequences are put into place to prevent such influence - that will always be the case.
I totally agree. Power and elections are controlled by a very small group of people that have a tremendous amount of money and resources which provides them with an outsize say in who gets elected. The system is not good for Republicans or Democrats. Money on both sides has had a terrible effect on politics and the people that become elected officials. Even the fact that in order to get elected democrats have to court Wall Street and the tech industry so heavily for money means they cannot fully work for the majority of the people. Republicans are even worse. Their goal is to shrink the size of government so that its not effective for anyone. They are having a lot of success in doing that right now. Again, these are small groups of people that hold most of the power and have most of the resources to force change.
It has been said that striving for perfection can be the enemy of accomplishing something which is merely good, but nevertheless a desirable improvement.
That is a good philosophy to follow, especially in politics.
However, I am not sure why you’ve written it in response to my comment. I’m advocating for better, much better, than what we have but hardly perfection.
After all, perfection rarely occurs when humans are involved.
Agree
The Trump Cult is a textbook case study of the dynamics of chronic abuse & bullying. Its members so afraid of being targeted and turned on they remain silently complicit or court favor by mimicking the ruling bully in hopes of praise. This pathology is deadly and contagious. Do we not have any CDC mental health experts calling this insanity out as “the other pandemic” and equally dangerous?
The hate virus spreads faster than Covid. With Rupert’s 24/7 megaphone of course…
I read yesterday that even that slime bag Rupert, has had it with the clown. He was quoted as saying “fuck him”, when he was panicking over fox calling AZ for Biden, just my thought multiple times every day.
But he didn’t tell Shammity or evil Carlson nor change one vowel of his hate blasts. TFG was quoted as saying that Rupert treated him way better than Ailes ever did. Hope I live to see it happen.
Well, well, well, So Democrats are finally treating Republicans with derision. I’m old, let me count the decades that republicans have been treating the Democrats with derision. Hope the Dems have finally figured out that politics as usual is politics long gone. Get out the sledge hammer and kill the idea that you can reason with the cult.
Get out the sledgehammers and kill the cult.
Smash to smithereens.
🤣 TC, love this!
Seems to me Dems have been demonized more than treated with derision. I think derision of a Reptiles may gain a toehold with those outside the cult.
The GOP has stopped being a governing party and has instead become a collection of creepy, lying, hypocritical, violent traitors.
The party that once prided itself as the political party of "values" (which hasn't been half true since Eisenhower) has none, except winning by any means, truth be damned.
And, thankfully, the Democrats are finally treating them like the feckless collections of cowards that they are. Good.
Will history write that they waited too late to rise up
If Democrats don't pass voting rights legislation, then they will have waited far too late.
Party of Insurrectionists.
ROGUE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
(My New York Times Comment)
“Linda Greenhouse has been a voice for judicial score keeping for decades. She has been superb in highlighting the swings and inconsistencies on the Supreme Court and elsewhere. She has documented the influence of the Federalist Society since the 1970s in supporting ‘conservative’ candidates for judicial positions, most recently in the Trump administration.
The actions of the Fifth Circuit Court (most recently on the Biden vaccine mandate) heightens my grave concern at how the judicial system now seems poised to deliver rulings that would reverse long-standing precedents on voting, abortion, and other core issues.
The 2015 Supreme Court gutting of the 1965 voting rights legislation was an egregious example of this trend. I fear that the current Supreme Court will accelerate this scrapping of core Constitutional principles.
Thank you Linda for being our canary in this judicial mine shaft.”
The opinion of a Fifth Circuit justice (appointed by Trump) deserves to be in the Judicial Hall of Shame. Referring to the 765,000 (so far) pandemic dead Americans, he said that, given the population of the United States, not approving a Biden vaccine mandate wouldn’t affect a great number of employees. Huh? Is only 20,000 additional employee deaths [more than our military deaths in the 20-year Afghan war] ‘acceptable,’ if this number could be sharply reduced by a Biden vaccine mandate? A scary insight into rogue judiciary.
Shelby was 2013.
Been waiting for the judicial shoe to drop
Jeri As I wrote several days, might this occur when ex-president Trump’s outrageous claims of executive privilege reach the Supreme Court. For me the matter was settled in the unanimous July 24, 1974 United States v. Nixon decision—executive privilege does not obtain in a criminal proceeding. As for ex-presidents, whistling Dixie?
Rogue Judicial System, indeed. Thank you, Keith.
"Democrats are no longer trying to reason with the Republicans".
More from the Greeks: "It is better to be silent than to dispute with the ignorant." - Pythagoras
This echoes Michelle Obama's When they go low...statement.
However. It depends. The Republicans have dominated the narrative for too long. Democrats have sat in silence as the Republicans have shouted, bullied and turned the House of Representatives into their own Party media event.
No more. Time to push back. Loudly.
Dispute no. Attack, yes.
I think Pythagoras, mathematician that he was would have liked the well-validated proofs of Game Theory, which validate the strategy of punishing repeated bad faith actions with "tit-for-tat" retaliation in kind until the violations stop.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201607/the-prisoner-s-dilemma-and-the-virtues-tit-tat
That has been my mantra for years.
Love the Axios reporter's quote of what a Republican representative was doing during the House Minority Leader's interminable screed ... “I’m watching the Great British Baking Show.” Says it all in regard to the mockery of democratic norms with a healthy dose of irony ... watching PBS on government time. LMAO.
The Great British Baking show wins hands down.
This made me laugh out loud! You are so right! And you notice, if you watch that show, how gracious and supportive all the members of that group are with each other. We could learn something from that.
Excellent point ... baking is good politics.
Dear Professor Cox-Richardson (maybe after a year or two, when I'm 78, I will feel ok to call you Heather!) may you be blessed with peace, love, support and many moments of joy. Your calm, fact-based commitment to providing us with accurate, sane, outrage-free reports nearly every day is my anchor, along with my belief that the loving energy of the Universe does reside in every one of us...it's just buried more deeply in some of us than in others.
Your comment Chaplain Terry, is a breathe of fresh air .
Thank you Nancy!
I agree with you up to your comment that “the loving energy of the Universe does reside in every one of us”. My experiences in life strongly suggest (& in a few cases, prove) that some are entirely devoid of anything remotely like “loving energy”. It’s a lovely thought though and I wish it were true. Society would be much better off if so. I envy you (in a good way!) your belief in this.
I too am deeply grateful to Professor Richardson for these newsletters.
Thank you Kasumii for your thoughtful response. This reminds me of a line from Miracle on 34th St "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to," leaving a very young Natalie Wood to say over and over, "I believe, I believe, it doesn't make any sense but I believe" about her family getting a house for Christmas. (I know, that was a movie!) But this statement really is a belief in that way. And to your observation about what your life experience suggests about this, I find it much more difficult to hold this belief about power-grabbing politicians than say a murderer from a street gang. One thing that has made a difference for me is seeing that belief expressed in a wide range of religious and philosophical belief systems. In fact you've given me an idea for a project - to find and note everywhere that some version of this belief is expressed. Blessings,
... one God ... one Religion ...?
Gosar, Flynn and their fellows are entitled to their opinions and their choice to live accordingly. They do not have a right to force those views on others, or presume to govern in a world where love is the law, and truth the ground. In a truly Christian universe, power by murder, rape, robbery and deception is passing. Leave the work of governance to those who care about life, and devote themselves to serve the best interest and highest virtue for all concerned.
AOC SAYS IT ALL!!
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez destroys House Minority Leader McCarthy for defending Gosar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWPEvVqMvc8
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/11/18/2064966/-Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez-destroys-House-Minority-Leader-McCarthy-amp-GOP-for-defending-Gosar
Thanks for the links, Kathleen. While Gosar took aim at two specific people, I can't help but think he was also taking aim at the very people who voted for and are represented by them.
Definitely
Coward’s way.
Thanks for the link Kathleen. Alexandria's voice is the strongest and most eloquent in the Congress today.