Today, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, based in Stockholm, Sweden, released its 2021 report on “The Global State of Democracy.”
Does Professor Richardson have a team of skilled and experienced researchers or is she a one-person wrecking crew, or both? I pose this question because she consistently, day-after-day-- for the past eighteen months at least-- provides an astonishing array of stunning in-depth information on a staggering scale (from legal to political and geopolitical, from economic to historical). And, most importantly, she distills, organizes, and determines how this information relates to larger themes and forces, and presents it with the skill and power of her superior writing skills. I do not know how I would have understood (and dealt with) these troubling times-- and they will continue-- without the benefit of her intellect and abilities. Thanks, Professor Richardson!
David: Though I, too, am in awe of Dr. Richardson’s unprecedented perceptivity and wisdom, as a subscriber for less than a month, I also am profoundly grateful for this community at-large, specifically for its commitment to genuine dialogue, for its understanding that if people talk, and they talk sincerely, with the same respect that one owes to a close friend, something will come out of that, something good.
And she writes books and offers live videos (on Facebook twice a week: one answers questions she asks readers to submit; the other is history lessons) and does podcasts with fellow award-winning historian Joanne Freeman. And she has a personal life.
Hey, Mim, yesterday and today, I was in Georgia, one of your states, by Facebook, watch the closing arguments in the trial of those three guys who killed Amard Arbury. The woman, Linda ________, the prosecutor who gave the final two hour talk, ripped to shreds the defense lawyers' commentary from yesterday. The jury is now beginning their deliberation to decide on the guilt of those three mem. If the jury does not find them guilty on all charges, we will all know that the poem by Gill Scott-Heron from the 1970's, that I shared here today still rings true: It's "Winter in America."
I wasn't familiar with the song but went to Wikipedia as I listened to it on YouTube. This is what he had to say about it:
"In a February 2009 interview with Jalylah Burrell of Vibe magazine, Gil Scott-Heron discussed the album's concept and title, as well as the social and political atmosphere at the time of Winter in America's recording.[36] In retrospect, he stated 'We felt as though we had come across something that people did not understand or did not recognize but that's the season that we were going into, not for three months but for an extended period of time. A lot of the folks who represented summer and spring and fall had been killed and assassinated. The only season left is winter. ...Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King and John Kennedy, those were folks who represented spring and summer, and they killed them. So we wanted to do an album about where we were. And we weren't trying to depress people, hell, they were living it, they already knew but we were trying to describe it and were certainly not alone... we felt as though a part of it was the folks in charge of the political structure. They were snowmen...'" But let's try not to feel depressed. Yet.
Thanks, Mim, for sharing this. I think today most of us agree. Here's Gil Scott-Heron's book of poetry, which includes "Winter in America:" SO FAR, SO GOOD, published by THIRD WORLD PRESS, CHICAGO, coopyright 1990.
AND Heather admits she sleeps, too - - -. Nope, don't know how she does it. My doc is psych & statistics, so I grok stupid levels of complexity, but she does THIS and I'll bet is amazing in her courses. I HOPE she's got a small herd of grad assistants helping run all this down. If not, she truly is superhuman.
To sleep, perhaps to dream—-out lobstering with Buddy, smother the lobster with butter, a lovely wine before the fire watching a stunning Maine sunset—SUDDENLY AWAKE AND FRENETIC RESEARCH AND WRITING THE NIGHTLY LETTER. Heather, we appreciate your noble personal sacrifice for us—and could you please pass the buttered lobster?
"Mike Pence told the Republican Governors’ Association this week that he would be supporting incumbent Republican governors rather than Trump-backed challengers."
A sad case that Mike Pence. Sad as they go.
Pence, as far as my reading and background in his exploration of counting the votes on January 6th, absolutely did explore the possibility of, and how he might execute, an overthrow of the government. Pence made various phone calls to folks looking for support in doing what Trump told him to do; overthrow the government during vote counting.
Doing what he was told was what Pence had done since he was a kid and Trump and he were a perfect match.
I have never seen anyone crawl at the feet of another like Pence crawled at the feet of Donald Trump.
And I have seen a LOT of crawing on the knees in my time in Corporate America.
Pence makes the lap dogs and favor mongers I have seen in corporate America look like independent thinkers where being a lap dog is relevant.
In the end, Pence declined to actually do anything, but, that is not because he thought it was wrong. Pence has never actually done anything in his life and his inability to do anything simply prevented him from overthrowing the government.
Had he been a more self actualized person, we would now be authoritarian and watching Trump rob every corner of the government for his personal fortune, which, is his goal.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." I applaud Pence's efforts to split the Republican Party away from trump in his quest for the Presidency. Please note I am not applauding Pence.
I welcome even the faintest glimmer that there are Republicans out there like Max Boot and the FOX folks who just left their job that there will be Republicans who care as much about Democracy as Democrats do.
We're going into a year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection. I am reading comments venting about the "bad guys". I understand the need to do that. I sure have done my share of it. Now I am just plain weary of all the hating, commiserating and criticizing. I just spent some time reading the Dispatch since it came with HRC's column. There are some of the old style Republicans out there who are anti-Trump. And they are right in that there is a liberal bubble too.
I just wish so much that the rational Republicans and the rational Democrats could come together to shore up Democracy in this Country. And I am not talking about the politicians.
Anyone else weary to the bone with the all hating and criticizing we do?
Saying there is a liberal bubble too, while true, is what-about-ism at its finest. The “liberal bubble” isn’t trying to undermine democracy, it’s trying to convince with ideas. The difference is so wide it’s a chasm.
You are correct Kathy. I too am tired of what-about-isms, both-siderism and false equivalencies. There is an enormous difference between my friends who rabidly support tfg and hate progressives and my (much larger group of) progressive friends who think critically, seek out diverse viewpoints and want our democratic republic to survive and improve for everyone, not degenerate to authoritarianism.
Please hear me on this. There is more than one type of Republican. We are witnessing a seismic split in the Republican Party between the radical, anti-Democracy Fascist Republicans and the Romney type of Republican.
If there are those type of Republicans who will speak out against what the fascists are doing then good for them. The Lincoln Project are people who worked for years in the Republican Party. They helped Biden win the election. And I sent them money to help achieve that goal.
And yet, the Dems keep trying to achieve bipartisanship, to negotiate, to meet somewhere in the middle. To be met with refusal. While our feelings about the far right may look similar to theirs about us, I don’t think it’s the same. We are not threatening to kill them. We are not threatening Manchin and Sinema with expulsion from the party. We are trying to achieve consensus.
We were talking about ideological "bubbles" to which ordinary folks retreat.
I'd add that in turn, this gets exploited by party operatives (of whatever flavor) who garner power and control by keeping folks divided rather than actually solving problems or making societal contributions.
I will agree, though, the democrats are not quite as disgusting as the republicans.
In this, I think the Dems are being strategic. When the democracy has been saved, there will be two parties (call them what you might) pursuing contrasting ideas representative of our diverse makeup. I value the tension of clear thoughts and values for this democracy of ours. Turning decency on after vanquishing the evil that is now won't happen. Hewing to bipartisanship, especially when it is playing out within our diverse ranks, is a core principle and one I hope survives (even if JM and S are stubborn).
I am SO WEARY of the fighting but I am more SO TIRED OF THE LYING in the name of politics... And USING RELIGION as though it makes it right.... I doubt I will ever see true sincerity out of my politicians..........
I am not speaking of the politicians. They are hopeless gladiators in the fight to the death/preservation of Democracy. And what I am trying to formulate in my heart this morning is a lessening of the internal dialog/mindset of hate I have carried. That's all.
Yes! The anger! My Daughter in law and neighbor said I sounded like a Crabby old curmudgeon the other day. The lies! Yes! Internal dialog! My prayers yesterday were covered in tears! There is so much work to be done. Think I need new running shoes! Rant over
It’s time to stop envisioning that you are dealing with some sort of “Eisenhower era” Republican Party.From Reagan onward the party has steadily embraced more and more fascist elements be it Koch/JohnBirch and/or Theocratic Christian Nationalist.
You are aware that during the Trump White House that there were daily “prayer meetings” conducted by some of the worst Christian Nationalists you can imagine.
Another helpful thing for us all is to really fully accept that the United States is actively under siege from Fascist far right Billionaire funded 5th Column. The most recent assault that was indeed intended to be Trump’s “Reichstag Moment”. In the short term they incompetently blew it. All that Trump had to do was have his Capital Thug minions keep up the assault for a few more hours and then declare a national emergency and invoke the PEADs. Please google the PEADs or I have to again write another 3 paragraphs to explain these extraordinary powers we have granted the Executive branch. These acts would suspend freedom of the press and activate a political roundup not unlike what Hitler did in 1933 under his “Enabling Acts.”
If this 1/6 Committee fails in the complete unveiling of the insurrectionist like Bannon, Giuliani and a host of other truly deplorable snakes then we may as well prepare to pack up for Trump Antifa Education Camps along the Texas Border.
Barabara, I assure you I am not proposing hating. I am proposing real awareness of the dire state we are in.
Barbara, I agree with the points you have made. Also, I appreciate the conversation that has resulted from your comments. I come here for understanding, and that comes from discussion, even if it is sometimes sharp. We are feeling our way through a morass. I'm glad to be in such good company here.
I rather figured that my simply pointing out reality was somehow going to be seen as my being triggered. Please understand that your "why can't Republicans and Democrats get together and work for the nation " is something I here expressed ad nauseam by many well meaning people.
What I am concerned about is that we are in the midst of an ongoing insurrection that with each day brings some new blow that harkens back to the rise of Nazism. That comparison too is something that I get a lot of pushback on as being beyond the pale and hyperbole.
Republicans have absolutely, repeat absolutely nothing, to be gained by reaching across the aisle to even honestly debate any Democratic Party initiative. I wish Biden would get this. The two or three who dare move in our direction do so knowing they become automatic pariahs. So, why we continue to delude ourselves is beyond me,
But Barbara I think the fact that you are a paying subscriber for HCR tells me that you are truly a wonderful, empathetic and egalitarian person. So, please don't feel I hold any form of animostity toward you.
You pack a powerful punch in your writing which can come across as triggered/lecturing. Anyway. I keep saying there are 2 wings of the Republican Party: The FRP (Fascist Republican Party) and what's left of the Party Eisenhower knew (which frankly is pretty much gone too).
I have also been voicing that we are in a slow moving that began when trump was elected; got really serious on January 6 and continues to grow in intensity and thus danger with every day. I, too, am frustrated with Biden and Garland. I don't know any Law so can't recommend any action at this point.
We had a good discussion today didn't we. Thanks. It was fun.
My own wife frequently reminds me that I come off as too didactic, so, yeah. I agree with your statements, but would suggest that this process is like a snowball that gathers mass over time.
The right has always been on a mission and the fact that they are powered by a small yet powerful group of largely white Christian men is easy to lose in time.
I too remain frustrated w/ Biden and Garland. In the case of Biden I would sum it up as like generals who are always fighting the previous war. That may well be the paradigm for Garland too, but we both sense that they are falling far short of what needs to be done to arrest that forward momentum.
I hate saying this, but if the JFK assassination archive releases are any indicator we will never achieve the truth that sets us free.
Look forward to reading your insights in the future
"Anyone else weary to the bone with the all hating and criticizing we do?"
Barbara, thank you for your thoughtful writing.
I am not weary of seeing reality, no.
I am not weary of putting into words the reality that I see independent of external assignments of positive or negative interpretation.
I am not weary of calling out those who fly the flag half mast when a black guy runs over five people in WI but cheer and put out American flags along their driveway when a white person runs over a bunch of people at a white supremacy rally.
I am not weary of asking when Trump will be arrested for treason and sedition.
I am not weary of reading HCR's historically poignant insight every morning.
The only thing I am weary of is listening to the middle school boy talk of the likes of Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Trump Jr., and the huge number of middle school trash talking adults that vote Republican and talk like middle school white trash (because in my East Texas middle school the black kids did not talk trash like some of the white kids).
THAT, I am tired of seeing because, well, that is what America has become in its majority.
Thanks for these eloquent thoughts Mike. Kind of reminded me of the the Lincoln Project's "Mourning in America" video last year.
"THAT, I am tired of seeing because, well, that is what America has become in its majority."
Are you sure it's the majority? How can we tell? Polling cannot capture the exact or even near truth. The loudest people seem the greatest number in any room.
I keep thinking/hoping there is a silent majority in the Country who want Democracy as much as we do.
They are cowards. They don’t want to oppose Trump because they’re afraid of the threats - from their own side! And yet, people like AOC, Liz Cheney, and Adam Schiff, etc., face those threats every single day and keep on doing their jobs. Because they are fighting for something larger than themselves, and they know it.
Pence explored the possibility of complying with Trump's demands, but in the end he followed the law even after the insurrectionists called for his public execution. He also reportedly refused to be driven from the Capitol by the Secret Service, fearing it was a set up to keep him from overseeing the counting of electoral votes.
So on a single day he showed courage that may have saved democracy, at least temporarily. But he quickly returned to currying favor with Trump. It seems as if now he's trying to have it both ways.
The big question is will the House select committee subpoena Pence? He could divulge to the nation the details of Trump's brazen attempt to subvert the will of the people. It must happen.
If you view some Drump meetings with Pence sitting to his left, you will view Drump taking a drink of something, and then Pence immediately following by drinking from his bottle or cup. I knew then that Pence was a man afraid of anything Drump.
Suspect that Pence is seeking absolution now, not repentance. Absolution from would-be supporters for his Presidency (announced?) If per chance tfg gets trumped before 2023.
"But we sincerely believe that all people of good will and good judgment—regardless of their ideological or partisan commitments—can agree that a cavalier and even contemptuous attitude toward facts, truth-seeking, and truth-telling, lies at the heart of so much that plagues our country. "
I have to say, I was very surprised that Jonah Goldberg, of all people - a man who over the past 25 years has done more than his share of promoting "a cavalier and even contemptuous attitude toward facts, truth-seeking, and truth-telling" - would do this. The Dispatch must be a bigger money-maker than I thought it was.
That said, the fact that he did do this will, I hope, get his readers to consider why he did this, which may lead to more of them ceasing to store their heads up their asses.
It is in fact nice when an unexpected person lives up to one's hopes, rather than down to one's expectations.
And when people, hopefully, begin to change their minds in the face of just how scary and crazy the Fascists Republicans have brome I hope we all will welcome them and begin the task of shoring up our Democracy. Because I can 100% guarantee if we push them away we lose all hope of saving this Democracy.
All this is well and good… “the fact that he did do this will, I hope, get his readers to consider why he did this, which may lead to more of them ceasing to store their heads up their asses.”…but unless we get ANY voting rights bill passed, we are up Schitt’s Creek without our paddle of democracy! Why won’t the Senate carve out voting rights from the filibuster???
Both have supported the Fox vermin for decades; I have read Goldberg and wept at his twisting of truth. I used to read conservative writers but people like Goldberg made me give that up. Better late than never, guys. But again, will history write that we waited to late to rise up. Rupert is still on his throne…
My question is this: what took Goldberg and Hayes so long? These obscenities have been constant for years, and the damage to our democracy has been ongoing all the while. Good that they woke up, but they have acquiesced until now, and had to know the damage their ilk was doing.
As a small aside, I believe that (“it is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it”) was written by Upton Sinclair. Here's another good one from Upton--“Fascism is capitalism plus murder.”
For the treasonous far right, the Rittenhouse verdict was their Reichstag moment, pretending they responded “heroically” to a situation they provoked.
If people can be driven to act out of hate and fear, like when they attacked the Capitol, then they could be driven to act out of hope, as well. If it weren’t for the investments made in our rural communities by the New Deal, America wouldn’t have had the manufacturing capacity it needed to win WWII. Unfortunately, the devastation to rural communities from globalization, and a foreign misinformation campaign, fascists have been able to radicalize the very communities who rose up against them in the past. We really need to reinvest in our rural communities, now, before we have to build a wall around them.
"For the treasonous far right, the Rittenhouse verdict was their Reichstag moment, pretending they responded “heroically” to a situation they provoked."
I had not thought of that, but, great sentence and absolutely true.
That’s what stumps me, these are the people who rose up against them in the past. Propaganda is powerful seems to be the explanation. Your last sentence is critical, and is what Biden is attempting to do. may the Trojan horses grow a pair, yes Sinema too
Democrats are doing their best to invest in rural communities. Unfortunately, the white supremacists who populate the place put all their eggs in the Republican basket. That’s why we don’t have enough Dems in the Senate to eliminate the filibuster. The top priority in white rural America is not investment in their communities. It’s the freedom to continue to oppress people who have some non-European ancestors. For this privilege, they are willing to sacrifice much, including investment in their communities.
I also considered that he is their new hero because they failed at making the death of Ashlie Babbit on 1/6 into a nationwide martyr. This one they can take out and wave around. He;s hound and impressionable. I listened to a moment of him with Carlson and people talked about how well-spoken he was. He’s been groomed. He read a teleprompter and got rid of all his slang. He’s picked up the rich-boy cultured tones and we know his mother doesn’t speak that way. He will never be free again even if he’s not in prison.
“Two days ago, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), who sits on the committee, told CNN that many of the people they’ve interviewed so far—more than 200—have been Trump officials who testified voluntarily and wanted to be subpoenaed for “cover.” “
Perhaps this is a small crack allowing a small beam of light or my own innate optimism but the fact that these folks wanted to be on record as cooperating is hopeful. Despite the antiestablishment posturing from some Republicans and their
public lawlessness, there are those who fear the consequences of having taken up with them.
Their lawlessness will be very costly because enough of the system of laws is still working.
At approximately 3 AM I received notice that my preorder for “To Make Men Free” by HCR had been delivered. I suggest all readers buy this latest book. I believe we can put Professor Richardson atop the best seller list for NON-FICTION!
I wish I could focus on audio books, to me they become background noise and I lose track of what was said. So I use the libraries and I buy hardcover books of authors I love
I tried audiobooks. Much of my work is driving from site to site and I though they would help pass the time. I found they distracted me from the driving. Not a good thing. I can't listen to them on site, either, as I have to focus on the work.
I resisted the idea of audio books for a long time but found that if I gave into myself I'd do nothing other than curl up on a chair and read all day and night. So, I divide my "reading" time – audio books are for pleasure reading, hard copy and e books for learning. I never listen to a book if I am cutting or measuring. I've made disastrous mistakes doing so.
I just put "To Make Men Free" and "How the South Won the Civil War" in my cart (my wife and I always discuss purchases but she will OK this one when she wakes up.)
How the South Won the Civil War is already atop the bestseller list at amazon.com.
Also, Bill, as I recall, she published this book in 2014 or earlier. A while ago.
It is a great winter book Bill. Definitely, it is a great book, but, the word history moves along at breakneck speed. I only read it in my early mornings after coffee.
If I read it in the afternoon, well, it is like practicing morse code in the afternoon. Did not go well.
Just ordered HCR’s ‘To Make Men Free’ from my local independent where they had two copies that just arrived. Thank you Mike. As a big fan, always happy to help support her effort to promote democracy.
We'll be on our way to solving many of the problems besetting the nation when the day comes when the SCOTUS gets around to reversing their abominable 2008 decision in DC vs Heller in which the late Justice Scalia wrote that the first thirteen words of the Second Amendment have nothing to do with its final fourteen words. To save you the trouble of looking, here are the words of the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
“President Joe Biden is focused on making Americans believe in democracy again by making the economy work for regular people. His policies are working.”
In spite of the headwinds created by most Republicans and some Democrats, President Biden is doing a stellar job on domestic issues. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
But will the trump supporting Americans who will benefit from all of this ever “get their heads out of their asses” and realize it was due to the Biden administration?
My hypocritical congressman, Rob Wittman, is putting out on FB that “Wittman secured funding for Middle Peninsula economic development “ when he voted NO to the infrastructure bill. His Republican voters will believe him. It boggles my mind.
That’s exactly why the Democrats need to be buying billboards on major highways in their districts and putting in corrections, as their constituents drive by every day it just might begin to sink in that they have been lied to by their congressional representative. Attacking is the only way we are going to win this battle for America.
Yes! I have been saying this repeatedly. It's the only way to reach these folks - when they aren't driving, they're tuned in to propaganda in various forms. Billboards will work!
Billboards won’t help, nor will any other messaging tactic. Facts do not sway Republican voters. What sways them is the commitment of candidates to preserve the advantages that white Americans have always held over the rest of the population. Republican candidates make that commitment. Democratic candidates commit themselves to fair-minded governance, so the majority of white voters will not vote for Democrats, no matter how much it might benefit their communities.
Good points Rex... Republican "deplorables" absolutely have to know that they are not receiving crap from the Trump Tax cut, Coal jobs near materialized and yet what propels them is some sort of mythical belief that at least "those people" (choose your favorite dog whistling term for people of color) aren't getting a free ride.
Now ideally I like to believe that when they get government checks each month for their snot nosed (one born 9 months after the other) kids that perhaps they will realize that Republican in lock-step voted against that
money in your pocket for YOUR progeny:
Esample: Couple w/ 50K combined income
You will likely get $900 per month from July to December, plus $5,400 when you file your 2021 taxes, for a total Child Tax Credit of $10,800.
That’s $4,800 more compared to what you would normally receive from the standard Child Tax Credit.
Can you see the campaign add that shows smiling families being able to buy school supplies, better feed their kids, or fix the car so mom can shuffle the kids to and fro school?
Sure, then vote for Republicans who will end those checks in less time then it took me to write this post
For my money, and I have never spent a penny of it at Walmart, praise by its CEO does not make me believe in democracy again. It conjures up government collusion in all Walmart's abuses - to the degree that unconscionable practices are legal and that illegal practices are not prosecuted.
The 1% wealth and undue influence of the Waltons and Walmart, speak to me of betraying our democratic aspirations for economic and environmental justice, and instead treating all life and our planet as 'resources' to be exploited for personal profit.
I know that the Biden Harris administration and Democratic majority are doing formidable work towards serving our nation, towards preserving our well being, democracy, and environment. Towards building back better against the obstructionism and violent extremism of the Republican party, against its intransigence, irrationality, and ignorance. Whew!
Good that the supply chain is being improved, even if it benefits Walmart. Passing the Build Back Better bill will be a step forward in making the Waltons and Walmart pay their fair share for all the human labor and government services they disproportionately and greedily profit from.
Does Professor Richardson have a team of skilled and experienced researchers or is she a one-person wrecking crew, or both? I pose this question because she consistently, day-after-day-- for the past eighteen months at least-- provides an astonishing array of stunning in-depth information on a staggering scale (from legal to political and geopolitical, from economic to historical). And, most importantly, she distills, organizes, and determines how this information relates to larger themes and forces, and presents it with the skill and power of her superior writing skills. I do not know how I would have understood (and dealt with) these troubling times-- and they will continue-- without the benefit of her intellect and abilities. Thanks, Professor Richardson!
Knowing stuff is good. Sharing it is even better. ThankYou HCR!
David: Though I, too, am in awe of Dr. Richardson’s unprecedented perceptivity and wisdom, as a subscriber for less than a month, I also am profoundly grateful for this community at-large, specifically for its commitment to genuine dialogue, for its understanding that if people talk, and they talk sincerely, with the same respect that one owes to a close friend, something will come out of that, something good.
Nicely stated, David. She IS amazing, isn’t she. AND she teaches. Whaaa?!!
And she writes books and offers live videos (on Facebook twice a week: one answers questions she asks readers to submit; the other is history lessons) and does podcasts with fellow award-winning historian Joanne Freeman. And she has a personal life.
Hey, Mim, yesterday and today, I was in Georgia, one of your states, by Facebook, watch the closing arguments in the trial of those three guys who killed Amard Arbury. The woman, Linda ________, the prosecutor who gave the final two hour talk, ripped to shreds the defense lawyers' commentary from yesterday. The jury is now beginning their deliberation to decide on the guilt of those three mem. If the jury does not find them guilty on all charges, we will all know that the poem by Gill Scott-Heron from the 1970's, that I shared here today still rings true: It's "Winter in America."
I wasn't familiar with the song but went to Wikipedia as I listened to it on YouTube. This is what he had to say about it:
"In a February 2009 interview with Jalylah Burrell of Vibe magazine, Gil Scott-Heron discussed the album's concept and title, as well as the social and political atmosphere at the time of Winter in America's recording.[36] In retrospect, he stated 'We felt as though we had come across something that people did not understand or did not recognize but that's the season that we were going into, not for three months but for an extended period of time. A lot of the folks who represented summer and spring and fall had been killed and assassinated. The only season left is winter. ...Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King and John Kennedy, those were folks who represented spring and summer, and they killed them. So we wanted to do an album about where we were. And we weren't trying to depress people, hell, they were living it, they already knew but we were trying to describe it and were certainly not alone... we felt as though a part of it was the folks in charge of the political structure. They were snowmen...'" But let's try not to feel depressed. Yet.
Thanks, Mim, for sharing this. I think today most of us agree. Here's Gil Scott-Heron's book of poetry, which includes "Winter in America:" SO FAR, SO GOOD, published by THIRD WORLD PRESS, CHICAGO, coopyright 1990.
AND Heather admits she sleeps, too - - -. Nope, don't know how she does it. My doc is psych & statistics, so I grok stupid levels of complexity, but she does THIS and I'll bet is amazing in her courses. I HOPE she's got a small herd of grad assistants helping run all this down. If not, she truly is superhuman.
I have the feeling she is truly super human.
To sleep, perhaps to dream—-out lobstering with Buddy, smother the lobster with butter, a lovely wine before the fire watching a stunning Maine sunset—SUDDENLY AWAKE AND FRENETIC RESEARCH AND WRITING THE NIGHTLY LETTER. Heather, we appreciate your noble personal sacrifice for us—and could you please pass the buttered lobster?
Thanks for your comment. My thoughts exactly!
... and she has a day job, podcast and is probably writing a book. I absolutely don't know how she does it.
"Mike Pence told the Republican Governors’ Association this week that he would be supporting incumbent Republican governors rather than Trump-backed challengers."
A sad case that Mike Pence. Sad as they go.
Pence, as far as my reading and background in his exploration of counting the votes on January 6th, absolutely did explore the possibility of, and how he might execute, an overthrow of the government. Pence made various phone calls to folks looking for support in doing what Trump told him to do; overthrow the government during vote counting.
Doing what he was told was what Pence had done since he was a kid and Trump and he were a perfect match.
I have never seen anyone crawl at the feet of another like Pence crawled at the feet of Donald Trump.
And I have seen a LOT of crawing on the knees in my time in Corporate America.
Pence makes the lap dogs and favor mongers I have seen in corporate America look like independent thinkers where being a lap dog is relevant.
In the end, Pence declined to actually do anything, but, that is not because he thought it was wrong. Pence has never actually done anything in his life and his inability to do anything simply prevented him from overthrowing the government.
Had he been a more self actualized person, we would now be authoritarian and watching Trump rob every corner of the government for his personal fortune, which, is his goal.
Good riddance to Mike Pence.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." I applaud Pence's efforts to split the Republican Party away from trump in his quest for the Presidency. Please note I am not applauding Pence.
I welcome even the faintest glimmer that there are Republicans out there like Max Boot and the FOX folks who just left their job that there will be Republicans who care as much about Democracy as Democrats do.
We're going into a year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection. I am reading comments venting about the "bad guys". I understand the need to do that. I sure have done my share of it. Now I am just plain weary of all the hating, commiserating and criticizing. I just spent some time reading the Dispatch since it came with HRC's column. There are some of the old style Republicans out there who are anti-Trump. And they are right in that there is a liberal bubble too.
I just wish so much that the rational Republicans and the rational Democrats could come together to shore up Democracy in this Country. And I am not talking about the politicians.
Anyone else weary to the bone with the all hating and criticizing we do?
Just some thoughts.
Saying there is a liberal bubble too, while true, is what-about-ism at its finest. The “liberal bubble” isn’t trying to undermine democracy, it’s trying to convince with ideas. The difference is so wide it’s a chasm.
You are correct Kathy. I too am tired of what-about-isms, both-siderism and false equivalencies. There is an enormous difference between my friends who rabidly support tfg and hate progressives and my (much larger group of) progressive friends who think critically, seek out diverse viewpoints and want our democratic republic to survive and improve for everyone, not degenerate to authoritarianism.
Please hear me on this. There is more than one type of Republican. We are witnessing a seismic split in the Republican Party between the radical, anti-Democracy Fascist Republicans and the Romney type of Republican.
If there are those type of Republicans who will speak out against what the fascists are doing then good for them. The Lincoln Project are people who worked for years in the Republican Party. They helped Biden win the election. And I sent them money to help achieve that goal.
Barbara, I can’t justifiably say that anybody in Congress or in state government who can’t support equal voting rights now is anything but a Fascist.
You make a good point. That is a good way of identifying the fascists in our Country.
The goals may be different but the retreat into respective camps is the same.
And yet, the Dems keep trying to achieve bipartisanship, to negotiate, to meet somewhere in the middle. To be met with refusal. While our feelings about the far right may look similar to theirs about us, I don’t think it’s the same. We are not threatening to kill them. We are not threatening Manchin and Sinema with expulsion from the party. We are trying to achieve consensus.
We were talking about ideological "bubbles" to which ordinary folks retreat.
I'd add that in turn, this gets exploited by party operatives (of whatever flavor) who garner power and control by keeping folks divided rather than actually solving problems or making societal contributions.
I will agree, though, the democrats are not quite as disgusting as the republicans.
I think this comparison is a false equivalent. Democrats want to repair democracy and Republicans want to dismantle it.
In this, I think the Dems are being strategic. When the democracy has been saved, there will be two parties (call them what you might) pursuing contrasting ideas representative of our diverse makeup. I value the tension of clear thoughts and values for this democracy of ours. Turning decency on after vanquishing the evil that is now won't happen. Hewing to bipartisanship, especially when it is playing out within our diverse ranks, is a core principle and one I hope survives (even if JM and S are stubborn).
I am SO WEARY of the fighting but I am more SO TIRED OF THE LYING in the name of politics... And USING RELIGION as though it makes it right.... I doubt I will ever see true sincerity out of my politicians..........
I am not speaking of the politicians. They are hopeless gladiators in the fight to the death/preservation of Democracy. And what I am trying to formulate in my heart this morning is a lessening of the internal dialog/mindset of hate I have carried. That's all.
Yes! The anger! My Daughter in law and neighbor said I sounded like a Crabby old curmudgeon the other day. The lies! Yes! Internal dialog! My prayers yesterday were covered in tears! There is so much work to be done. Think I need new running shoes! Rant over
RJS, I could certainly make a Bob Dylanesq song from your comment. Just a thought:
I’m so weary of the fighting
So tired of the lying
Religion doesn’t make it right
Rise up Rise up all, from the night
Love that !!!
It’s time to stop envisioning that you are dealing with some sort of “Eisenhower era” Republican Party.From Reagan onward the party has steadily embraced more and more fascist elements be it Koch/JohnBirch and/or Theocratic Christian Nationalist.
You are aware that during the Trump White House that there were daily “prayer meetings” conducted by some of the worst Christian Nationalists you can imagine.
Another helpful thing for us all is to really fully accept that the United States is actively under siege from Fascist far right Billionaire funded 5th Column. The most recent assault that was indeed intended to be Trump’s “Reichstag Moment”. In the short term they incompetently blew it. All that Trump had to do was have his Capital Thug minions keep up the assault for a few more hours and then declare a national emergency and invoke the PEADs. Please google the PEADs or I have to again write another 3 paragraphs to explain these extraordinary powers we have granted the Executive branch. These acts would suspend freedom of the press and activate a political roundup not unlike what Hitler did in 1933 under his “Enabling Acts.”
If this 1/6 Committee fails in the complete unveiling of the insurrectionist like Bannon, Giuliani and a host of other truly deplorable snakes then we may as well prepare to pack up for Trump Antifa Education Camps along the Texas Border.
Barabara, I assure you I am not proposing hating. I am proposing real awareness of the dire state we are in.
I was not and am not suggesting even thinking of a detent with the maga Republicans.
It is regrettable that people are so triggered by my comments.
Barbara, I agree with the points you have made. Also, I appreciate the conversation that has resulted from your comments. I come here for understanding, and that comes from discussion, even if it is sometimes sharp. We are feeling our way through a morass. I'm glad to be in such good company here.
Me too. I appreciate and learn from and enjoy the conversations.
I rather figured that my simply pointing out reality was somehow going to be seen as my being triggered. Please understand that your "why can't Republicans and Democrats get together and work for the nation " is something I here expressed ad nauseam by many well meaning people.
What I am concerned about is that we are in the midst of an ongoing insurrection that with each day brings some new blow that harkens back to the rise of Nazism. That comparison too is something that I get a lot of pushback on as being beyond the pale and hyperbole.
Republicans have absolutely, repeat absolutely nothing, to be gained by reaching across the aisle to even honestly debate any Democratic Party initiative. I wish Biden would get this. The two or three who dare move in our direction do so knowing they become automatic pariahs. So, why we continue to delude ourselves is beyond me,
But Barbara I think the fact that you are a paying subscriber for HCR tells me that you are truly a wonderful, empathetic and egalitarian person. So, please don't feel I hold any form of animostity toward you.
You pack a powerful punch in your writing which can come across as triggered/lecturing. Anyway. I keep saying there are 2 wings of the Republican Party: The FRP (Fascist Republican Party) and what's left of the Party Eisenhower knew (which frankly is pretty much gone too).
I have also been voicing that we are in a slow moving that began when trump was elected; got really serious on January 6 and continues to grow in intensity and thus danger with every day. I, too, am frustrated with Biden and Garland. I don't know any Law so can't recommend any action at this point.
We had a good discussion today didn't we. Thanks. It was fun.
My own wife frequently reminds me that I come off as too didactic, so, yeah. I agree with your statements, but would suggest that this process is like a snowball that gathers mass over time.
The right has always been on a mission and the fact that they are powered by a small yet powerful group of largely white Christian men is easy to lose in time.
I too remain frustrated w/ Biden and Garland. In the case of Biden I would sum it up as like generals who are always fighting the previous war. That may well be the paradigm for Garland too, but we both sense that they are falling far short of what needs to be done to arrest that forward momentum.
I hate saying this, but if the JFK assassination archive releases are any indicator we will never achieve the truth that sets us free.
Look forward to reading your insights in the future
Steve
"Anyone else weary to the bone with the all hating and criticizing we do?"
Barbara, thank you for your thoughtful writing.
I am not weary of seeing reality, no.
I am not weary of putting into words the reality that I see independent of external assignments of positive or negative interpretation.
I am not weary of calling out those who fly the flag half mast when a black guy runs over five people in WI but cheer and put out American flags along their driveway when a white person runs over a bunch of people at a white supremacy rally.
I am not weary of asking when Trump will be arrested for treason and sedition.
I am not weary of reading HCR's historically poignant insight every morning.
The only thing I am weary of is listening to the middle school boy talk of the likes of Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Trump Jr., and the huge number of middle school trash talking adults that vote Republican and talk like middle school white trash (because in my East Texas middle school the black kids did not talk trash like some of the white kids).
THAT, I am tired of seeing because, well, that is what America has become in its majority.
Thanks for these eloquent thoughts Mike. Kind of reminded me of the the Lincoln Project's "Mourning in America" video last year.
"THAT, I am tired of seeing because, well, that is what America has become in its majority."
Are you sure it's the majority? How can we tell? Polling cannot capture the exact or even near truth. The loudest people seem the greatest number in any room.
I keep thinking/hoping there is a silent majority in the Country who want Democracy as much as we do.
❤️
Look into “Braver Angels” https://braverangels.org/
Not just Pence, but all of the Johnny-come-lately arrivals to their anti-trump stance, are despicable enablers of the current situation.
They are cowards. They don’t want to oppose Trump because they’re afraid of the threats - from their own side! And yet, people like AOC, Liz Cheney, and Adam Schiff, etc., face those threats every single day and keep on doing their jobs. Because they are fighting for something larger than themselves, and they know it.
Miss Lindsey has been remarkably quiet. Waiting to see upon which side the ax will fall I imagine.
Will.
You are exactly correct.
Pence explored the possibility of complying with Trump's demands, but in the end he followed the law even after the insurrectionists called for his public execution. He also reportedly refused to be driven from the Capitol by the Secret Service, fearing it was a set up to keep him from overseeing the counting of electoral votes.
So on a single day he showed courage that may have saved democracy, at least temporarily. But he quickly returned to currying favor with Trump. It seems as if now he's trying to have it both ways.
The big question is will the House select committee subpoena Pence? He could divulge to the nation the details of Trump's brazen attempt to subvert the will of the people. It must happen.
I agree.. This person was behind Trump all the way
If you view some Drump meetings with Pence sitting to his left, you will view Drump taking a drink of something, and then Pence immediately following by drinking from his bottle or cup. I knew then that Pence was a man afraid of anything Drump.
Suspect that Pence is seeking absolution now, not repentance. Absolution from would-be supporters for his Presidency (announced?) If per chance tfg gets trumped before 2023.
"But we sincerely believe that all people of good will and good judgment—regardless of their ideological or partisan commitments—can agree that a cavalier and even contemptuous attitude toward facts, truth-seeking, and truth-telling, lies at the heart of so much that plagues our country. "
I have to say, I was very surprised that Jonah Goldberg, of all people - a man who over the past 25 years has done more than his share of promoting "a cavalier and even contemptuous attitude toward facts, truth-seeking, and truth-telling" - would do this. The Dispatch must be a bigger money-maker than I thought it was.
That said, the fact that he did do this will, I hope, get his readers to consider why he did this, which may lead to more of them ceasing to store their heads up their asses.
It is in fact nice when an unexpected person lives up to one's hopes, rather than down to one's expectations.
"the fact that he did do this will, I hope, get his readers to consider why he did this"
It would require critical thinking which is in short supply among those that listen to this type of disinformation.
And when people, hopefully, begin to change their minds in the face of just how scary and crazy the Fascists Republicans have brome I hope we all will welcome them and begin the task of shoring up our Democracy. Because I can 100% guarantee if we push them away we lose all hope of saving this Democracy.
Correct
That’s a good prayer for Thanksgiving this year. Thank you, TC, for your sizzlin’ and thought provoking participation in all things!
True, damn, I called them ostrich’s, but his visual image is a winner.
All this is well and good… “the fact that he did do this will, I hope, get his readers to consider why he did this, which may lead to more of them ceasing to store their heads up their asses.”…but unless we get ANY voting rights bill passed, we are up Schitt’s Creek without our paddle of democracy! Why won’t the Senate carve out voting rights from the filibuster???
The two Trojan horses
Yes, but I wonder if they are the only two.
Both have supported the Fox vermin for decades; I have read Goldberg and wept at his twisting of truth. I used to read conservative writers but people like Goldberg made me give that up. Better late than never, guys. But again, will history write that we waited to late to rise up. Rupert is still on his throne…
My question is this: what took Goldberg and Hayes so long? These obscenities have been constant for years, and the damage to our democracy has been ongoing all the while. Good that they woke up, but they have acquiesced until now, and had to know the damage their ilk was doing.
As Orwell pointed out, it is difficult to get a man to see a fact when his paycheck commands he not do that.
As a small aside, I believe that (“it is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it”) was written by Upton Sinclair. Here's another good one from Upton--“Fascism is capitalism plus murder.”
It was certainly one of those guys who knew what in hell they were talking about. :-)
Thanks!
TC, you are unfailingly correct!
he is
10 4 👍
For the treasonous far right, the Rittenhouse verdict was their Reichstag moment, pretending they responded “heroically” to a situation they provoked.
If people can be driven to act out of hate and fear, like when they attacked the Capitol, then they could be driven to act out of hope, as well. If it weren’t for the investments made in our rural communities by the New Deal, America wouldn’t have had the manufacturing capacity it needed to win WWII. Unfortunately, the devastation to rural communities from globalization, and a foreign misinformation campaign, fascists have been able to radicalize the very communities who rose up against them in the past. We really need to reinvest in our rural communities, now, before we have to build a wall around them.
"For the treasonous far right, the Rittenhouse verdict was their Reichstag moment, pretending they responded “heroically” to a situation they provoked."
I had not thought of that, but, great sentence and absolutely true.
Absolutely true, the far right is our Nazi provocateurs. The right is their supporters.
That’s what stumps me, these are the people who rose up against them in the past. Propaganda is powerful seems to be the explanation. Your last sentence is critical, and is what Biden is attempting to do. may the Trojan horses grow a pair, yes Sinema too
Democrats are doing their best to invest in rural communities. Unfortunately, the white supremacists who populate the place put all their eggs in the Republican basket. That’s why we don’t have enough Dems in the Senate to eliminate the filibuster. The top priority in white rural America is not investment in their communities. It’s the freedom to continue to oppress people who have some non-European ancestors. For this privilege, they are willing to sacrifice much, including investment in their communities.
I know them well
I also considered that he is their new hero because they failed at making the death of Ashlie Babbit on 1/6 into a nationwide martyr. This one they can take out and wave around. He;s hound and impressionable. I listened to a moment of him with Carlson and people talked about how well-spoken he was. He’s been groomed. He read a teleprompter and got rid of all his slang. He’s picked up the rich-boy cultured tones and we know his mother doesn’t speak that way. He will never be free again even if he’s not in prison.
But he cries like a bully baby on cue
From today’s LFAA:
“Two days ago, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), who sits on the committee, told CNN that many of the people they’ve interviewed so far—more than 200—have been Trump officials who testified voluntarily and wanted to be subpoenaed for “cover.” “
Perhaps this is a small crack allowing a small beam of light or my own innate optimism but the fact that these folks wanted to be on record as cooperating is hopeful. Despite the antiestablishment posturing from some Republicans and their
public lawlessness, there are those who fear the consequences of having taken up with them.
Their lawlessness will be very costly because enough of the system of laws is still working.
I pray you are right.
So do I.
At approximately 3 AM I received notice that my preorder for “To Make Men Free” by HCR had been delivered. I suggest all readers buy this latest book. I believe we can put Professor Richardson atop the best seller list for NON-FICTION!
Good idea.
I read this book last winter but I used a public library copy as I am a huge fan of the American Public library system.
However, I will order this book today.
I am too. I love our libraries. When possible I borrow audio books so I am learning while doing mundane tasks.
I wish I could focus on audio books, to me they become background noise and I lose track of what was said. So I use the libraries and I buy hardcover books of authors I love
I tried audiobooks. Much of my work is driving from site to site and I though they would help pass the time. I found they distracted me from the driving. Not a good thing. I can't listen to them on site, either, as I have to focus on the work.
Maybe after autonomous vehicles are available.
NOT a good thing at all!
I resisted the idea of audio books for a long time but found that if I gave into myself I'd do nothing other than curl up on a chair and read all day and night. So, I divide my "reading" time – audio books are for pleasure reading, hard copy and e books for learning. I never listen to a book if I am cutting or measuring. I've made disastrous mistakes doing so.
I just put "To Make Men Free" and "How the South Won the Civil War" in my cart (my wife and I always discuss purchases but she will OK this one when she wakes up.)
How the South Won the Civil War is already atop the bestseller list at amazon.com.
Also, Bill, as I recall, she published this book in 2014 or earlier. A while ago.
It is a great winter book Bill. Definitely, it is a great book, but, the word history moves along at breakneck speed. I only read it in my early mornings after coffee.
If I read it in the afternoon, well, it is like practicing morse code in the afternoon. Did not go well.
Just ordered HCR’s ‘To Make Men Free’ from my local independent where they had two copies that just arrived. Thank you Mike. As a big fan, always happy to help support her effort to promote democracy.
Will do, today
Here is a poem by Brian Bilston
AMERICA IS A GUN
England is a cup of tea.
France, a wheel of brie.
Greece, a short, squat olive tree.
America is a gun.
Brazil is football on the sand.
Argentina, Maradona's hand.
Germany, an oompah band.
America is a gun.
Holland is a wooden shoe.
Hungary, a goulash stew.
Australia, a kangaroo.
America is a gun.
Japan is a thermal spring.
Scotland, is a highland fling.
Oh, better to be anything
than America as a gun.
We'll be on our way to solving many of the problems besetting the nation when the day comes when the SCOTUS gets around to reversing their abominable 2008 decision in DC vs Heller in which the late Justice Scalia wrote that the first thirteen words of the Second Amendment have nothing to do with its final fourteen words. To save you the trouble of looking, here are the words of the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
“President Joe Biden is focused on making Americans believe in democracy again by making the economy work for regular people. His policies are working.”
In spite of the headwinds created by most Republicans and some Democrats, President Biden is doing a stellar job on domestic issues. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
But will the trump supporting Americans who will benefit from all of this ever “get their heads out of their asses” and realize it was due to the Biden administration?
My hypocritical congressman, Rob Wittman, is putting out on FB that “Wittman secured funding for Middle Peninsula economic development “ when he voted NO to the infrastructure bill. His Republican voters will believe him. It boggles my mind.
That’s exactly why the Democrats need to be buying billboards on major highways in their districts and putting in corrections, as their constituents drive by every day it just might begin to sink in that they have been lied to by their congressional representative. Attacking is the only way we are going to win this battle for America.
Yes! I have been saying this repeatedly. It's the only way to reach these folks - when they aren't driving, they're tuned in to propaganda in various forms. Billboards will work!
Sooner rather than later at that.
Billboards won’t help, nor will any other messaging tactic. Facts do not sway Republican voters. What sways them is the commitment of candidates to preserve the advantages that white Americans have always held over the rest of the population. Republican candidates make that commitment. Democratic candidates commit themselves to fair-minded governance, so the majority of white voters will not vote for Democrats, no matter how much it might benefit their communities.
Good points Rex... Republican "deplorables" absolutely have to know that they are not receiving crap from the Trump Tax cut, Coal jobs near materialized and yet what propels them is some sort of mythical belief that at least "those people" (choose your favorite dog whistling term for people of color) aren't getting a free ride.
Now ideally I like to believe that when they get government checks each month for their snot nosed (one born 9 months after the other) kids that perhaps they will realize that Republican in lock-step voted against that
money in your pocket for YOUR progeny:
Esample: Couple w/ 50K combined income
You will likely get $900 per month from July to December, plus $5,400 when you file your 2021 taxes, for a total Child Tax Credit of $10,800.
That’s $4,800 more compared to what you would normally receive from the standard Child Tax Credit.
Can you see the campaign add that shows smiling families being able to buy school supplies, better feed their kids, or fix the car so mom can shuffle the kids to and fro school?
Sure, then vote for Republicans who will end those checks in less time then it took me to write this post
Minor fixes - coal jobs "never" materialized
Example of Child Care benefit is for 3 kids under age 6.
Every time they take false credit it needs to be pointed out that they in fact voted NO! Every. Time.
I reposted his message on my Facebook page with a large ❌ over it and stated just that!
For my money, and I have never spent a penny of it at Walmart, praise by its CEO does not make me believe in democracy again. It conjures up government collusion in all Walmart's abuses - to the degree that unconscionable practices are legal and that illegal practices are not prosecuted.
The 1% wealth and undue influence of the Waltons and Walmart, speak to me of betraying our democratic aspirations for economic and environmental justice, and instead treating all life and our planet as 'resources' to be exploited for personal profit.
I know that the Biden Harris administration and Democratic majority are doing formidable work towards serving our nation, towards preserving our well being, democracy, and environment. Towards building back better against the obstructionism and violent extremism of the Republican party, against its intransigence, irrationality, and ignorance. Whew!
Good that the supply chain is being improved, even if it benefits Walmart. Passing the Build Back Better bill will be a step forward in making the Waltons and Walmart pay their fair share for all the human labor and government services they disproportionately and greedily profit from.