Thank you dear Heather, for tonight's letter. I hope you feel the love, gratitude, and admiration that's being sent to you always, but especially today. Take good care--
Thank you dear Heather, for tonight's letter. I hope you feel the love, gratitude, and admiration that's being sent to you always, but especially today. Take good care--
I second that Joanne, and the LFAA was spot-on and Heather said what needed saying, but I just...can't ...do...this right now. Like many, my disappointment in Americans is profound. I need to take a mental health break from social media (which I consider this to be.) I won't cancel my subscription to the LFAA substack (actually just re-upped last week), but I'm going to unsubscribe from the email notifications for a bit, as I have just done with some other accounts. I just can't take the dynamics of "doom and gloom" vs "who's to blame" vs "fight and resist MAGA!" at the moment, because I'm not really sure what I should be doing right now other than to take care of myself and my loved ones in the meanwhile and beyond.
My disillusionment will pass if I stop feeding it.
May we all find Peace, Comfort and Courage in the days ahead.
Wish there was a “care” emoji like on Facebook—I’m sure we all would send that to each other. My daughters and some friends are devastated. I think it helps to talk, and maybe find small actions to take to make democracy understandable to our grand children and, in my case, great grandchildren. Community service as most of us probably do —When I woke up this morning it dawned on me that since I am 89 I might not be around for another presidential campaign so I have to do whatever I can do to make things better now.
I was reminded the CA "Bay Area" vote has not yet be counted. Adam's victory may approach 2/3 off votes counted about 67%.
I asked Adam's Campaign Team to set-up a URL for volunteers to join in the work ahead -- lots of work but, I like work. I will use the digital contacts his Team set me above. 🗽
Barbara, thank you for your words. You are an inspiration, and I hope I am as engaged at 89 as you are. A toast to your good health 🍾🥂 : may you live to see a reversal of the MAGA movement in your lifetime.
Doug, many of us are taking breaks or "limited" breaks. By that, I mean I will still read Heather, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Joyce Vance and Timothy Snyder. I find optimism in reading each. What I did the day after the election, yesterday here in Germany, was take a friend who lives here but is American, to a gorgeous place about 25 minutes from our Airbnb. We were both in the same place mentally, just devastated. The self-care was a fine idea as we both came away feeling much better after spending a few hours by the small river running through the village, and the exquisite foliage in the hillsides. We each must do what we can to take care of ourselves. When the well is empty, as it is for many of us, it needs refilling. I think you are wise to take the time you need. All the best to you.
The "good fight" is going to be a tough one to win. The fox is already inside the hen house. We may have witnessed our last non-putin-style presidential election. The utter stupidity of the electorate is shocking. Inflation has been a world-wide issue caused by the pandemic. The Democrats failed miserably to make the point of just how good Bidenomics has been. It is all disappointing that such a low life could win any election, much less that of POTUS. This could very well spell the end of the democratic process here.
My fear is that the rule of law has been destroyed. Trump will experience no accountability for his crimes and treasons. Beginning with tickets to his inauguration party which will likely cost millions, anyone with business before the government will have to pay to play. The corruption will spiral downward through all of our quotidian interactions with one another until we arrive at Hobbes' state of nature where survival is ensured only to the strongest, cruelest, and most corrupt among us. The Supreme Court has "obeyed in advance" with its five year spate of rulings untethered to law, judicial precedent, custom or common sense. It has made one man a king with heavily armed private militias as his Praetorian Guard all beyond the reach of the law or justice. I don't see how we can come back from this.
Add four more years of not addressing the issue of global warming and I'm afraid we have shot ourselves, not in the foot, but in the head.
I hear what you are saying; however, I think it prudent to remember that this nation, since its founding, has always been about the money. It's always been about people's wallets vs. the common good of this nation and of the world. I suspect that is also true for many other nations. How we can change that thought process, for me at least, is the real challenge. No doubt, "the wallet" is important enough; however, it doesn't trump (no pun intended... if it were, it would only prove to be a cruel joke) international policies, politics, treaties, or obligations to one another. The problem is that very few of us recognize the importance of this particular view. The world history is littered with violence caused by oligarchal behavior: regardless of whether it was privately induced or whether induced by ruthless governments mirroring and propping up oligarchs. Putin's Russia is such an example just before communism came into existence and in fact, has returned to this behavior under Putin. We have to remember that from the French going down in flames in Algeria, Syria/Lebanon, to British colonies throughout the world, to Dutch rule throughout the world, to even Italy's fascist leanings and control of nations in Africa, people seeking a form of freedom acceptable to them will rebel against tyranny. The election is over; the fight is not even close to being over. After Trump's ear was shot off, he got up defiantly, raising his fist, and crying: "fight...fight..." Frankly, I don't think he even knows the true meaning of the word in relation to what true liberty really is.
George, it is difficult, if not impossible, to fight a "disease" when one doesn't recognize that a disease is the cause of the malady. A huge segment of our population "doesn't know what it doesn't know." It's a state of complete ignorance. They can't even begin to approach the issues that obstruct their thought processes, such as confirmation bias. The question is: are the problems now insurmountable?
I, too, am limiting, for as long as necessary, my online and other media time to a choice few sources such as HRC whom I trust to digest and articulate our new reality without increasing my anxiety and depression. (The latter is not a result of the election - I’ve always suffered from depression, but now it’s exponentially worse. 😞)
In any case, the self-care advice you and others offered is greatly appreciated.
Listen first to VP Harris's concession speech then listen to Karen Friedman Agnifilo's message at the end of a discussion on Legal AF starting at about 56 minutes. It is so powerful and very encouraging. (If you listen to the whole discussion, Michael Popok talks about legal avenues to block the Trump administration's attempts at destroying our country, so the whole clip really gave me a lot of hope.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfWbUFOez4
I'm with you, Doug. For my own mental health, I need to take a break from social media except interactions with friends and family. It's just too much right now.
Doug, I will welcome you, Ellen, and anyone else whose self-care includes getting off of electronic media (you may be right in calling LFAA "social media" because it certainly fills a place in my life that I used to get from the forums I followed and Facebook in its early days; I find the comments section/conversations very enjoyable) back to the fold when your psyches recover.
Like Barbara, I send you both a "care" emoji, or a virtual hug.
I understand completely. We all need a time out. I am going to listen to Kamala Harris’s speech again and review Timothy Snyder’s book On Freedom. I’m not giving up and I’m not going to waste energy on trying to understand the obsession of greedy, wealthy people to have even more. That so many Americans, men and women, rich or poor, black, brown, or white, ceded their freedom to MAGA and the fear and hate it represents, is beyond me. What I do know is that I am not going back.
At the darkest times in human history, there have always been individuals, sometimes alone, sometimes in clusters, who have kept alive the torch of freedom, of hope for a better tomorrow. Let's not surrender to the darkness or capitulate to the worst among us but in our own way, in actions large or small, keep the beacon of light and truth alive however we can.
And then, there is the profound avenue of the parody's that are justly deserved in this instance. Imagine Robert Kennedy in the role of Jack Ripper in "Dr. Strangelove or how I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb." Here is Jack Ripper...ummm...excuse me, I meant Robert Kennedy in this scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J67wKhddWu4
I'm giving fair warning to everyone; watch the hell out for your bodily fluids!! 😂😂😂😂😂You think the real threat is Trump? You ain't seen nothing yet!! 😂😂😂😂😂
Susan, I will also be reading Timothy Snyder's, On Freedom. I ordered it pre-publication and it is sitting at my home in the Chicago area while I'm here in Germany. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
I feel the same way. Reading this newsletter made me feel ill. I know what we are up against. I know we will need to resist. I also know that I am exhausted physically and mentally. The Harris ground game was huge!! Like nothing seen before. Yet we lost. We can’t out organize voter suppression, disinformation and big money. We just can’t. At least that’s how I feel right now. I have not listened to any news since Tuesday and may need to take a break from Substack too.
Kamala Harris (women in general) have always been underestimated. You don’t run that kind of ground game and disappear gently into the night. We all need a pause, but a leader like Harris will be good to follow in or out of office.
I respect your feeling of extreme fear Nomi, but please don't let it eat you alive. We will get through these four years (hopefully only 4). We will get through this by being supportive of each other. If you need a break, even from all the people we respect listening to, by all means take it. Then come back where we can learn what we can do for ourselves and our communities. Remember to practice self-care if you possibly can. I send you a virtual hug and the best of wishes to feel less fearful. Take good care.
I think I will listen to your politics chat on November 4th. It's like a washing machine overflow where there is a lot to clean up and a lot of inconvenience but 'there is still work to do.'
We have been Mindfucked. They have successfully figured out how to do it. I have suspected it since 2016. Many American Minds were ripe for the harvest. Thank You Heather for championing reality. Your work these past years has been a National Treasure. If I had a “For-The-People Medal of Honor”, I would bestow it on you.
Thank you for the term mindfucked. As ee comings said, it takes courage to be who you really are. We're going to need to be that courage bmnow, especially LGBTQIA + people and others who've grown so much and don't need to go back unhealthily into the closet for safety. I cannot think of a more appropriate, stronger, more apt word to describe the situation. Feeling like you're going nuts is perfectly normal, too. Feeling nuts in an insane world is a normal, sane, healthy response.
My one response to Heather’s well thought out diatribe: It’s all Biden’s fault for ignoring the elephant in the room: massive illegal aliens rushing the border for 4 years in office 3 years of which he attempted nothin, I repeat, nothing, to curtail it. Biden could have invoked the Insurrection Act or made an executive order. He didn’t want to follow in Trump’s footsteps. There is a history to a new leader purposely not continuing a program with the previous ruler and it dates to the ancient Egyptian Pharos. Often they had the noses smashed off the statutes of previous rulers as they believed that noses were the conduit of continued life via air passing through. Just look it up don’t believe me.
Joe Biden is to blame for being ignorant of what the people want. It wasn’t racism or sexism. It was a stubborn ole half demented man that dint leave enough for Kamala Harris not unlike Bill Clinton not leaving enough for Al Gore after being accused of gettting BJs in the Oval Office. Or indeed Hubert Humphrey in the wake of LBJ’s disastrous Vietnam War.
How come you are not mentioning the bipartisan bill that would have addressed issues at the border--you know, that bill that Trump told his minions in the House not to vote for because it would "give Biden a win" during the campaign? How come you are not mentioning the incessant fear-mongering lies Trump told re immigrants and crime, immigrants "poisoning" our country, Haitians eating pets, etc.
Ann, apparently immigrants live in Katz's head. An exit poll I saw last night showed immigration was 4th out of the 5 top issues voters identified as important.
I think for Trump voters it was second after the economy. The media did a completely terrible job of covering the economy, the positive legislation, the drop in unemployment, etc. Supply chain issues were highlighted for a while and very little attention paid when they were handled--same with the bridge disaster on the East Coast.
Oh… you still working polls are you? Don’t you understand they are not determinative anymore? No, hundreds of thousands that rushed the border but hay, I’m talking to an empty head I can see.
My iPad froze so I must respond again. Briefly, Biden did nothing for three years. Do I need to repeat this — THREE YEARS DOING NOTHING. I watched in horror on CBS and NBC and The New Hour of thousands rushing the border every day and I ruminated, “When is Biden going to do something?” By all Reasoning, I should be a MAGA supporter. Even my investments are going crazy to the upside. But I’m not. I do however, affix blame where I believe it should be placed; on a stubborn old man with dementia who decided he no longer needed to listen to the people.
For sure, the truth is hard to swallow. And as I have said, I am no one’s cheerleader. I’m an equal opportunity critic.
Bill, I like reading your comments, which are usually well-reasoned. But in this case you drank the Kool-Aid. The Right Wing Media created the perception intentionally and persistently.
Also, I am disappointed in you for the casual comment that Biden has dementia. That’s another RW propaganda meme that distracts from the candidate who absolutely and visibly (on a daily basis) is suffering from advancing dementia. Biden has the cognitive effects of normal aging, as would we all at his age following the stressors of his stressful job. That is not dementia and I wish you would reconsider spreading that kind of disinformation.
There is the bi-partisan bill that Trump instructed his minions to kill — not the least being all that Biden could have accomplished with Republicans willing to govern instead of only wanting to make their opposing Democrats “look bad.”
Also, all that talk of Harris being “the border Czar” — she never was focused on “fortifying” the border. She was tasked with stemming the REASONS for the migration, helping to stem the flow of desperate people by dealing with the economies and problems in SouthAmerican countries where people would rather STAY, but that don’t offer theem safe and livable options.
Saying they did NOTHING about the border is, I think totally drinking the Republican KookAid on border issues.
Border and immigration, a topic in elections for 20 years, whether we have had a Republican or Democrat in the WH. The closest we have come was this year and the bill not passed because the Republicans were faithful to only one American (and I say that almost with tongue in cheek) DJT, not the majority of Americans and squashed the most extensive reform in several decades. FYI, economy is far more intricate than just the price of gas and eggs. No clear speak on the truth, CORPORATE GREED, of which again thanks to the other idol Ronald Regan gave us the slashing of control on monopolies, corporate oversight. Last, when the media agreed to normalize DJT and give him non stop air time it reinforced that he is not that bad so yes folks he is and I am mad as hell for all those spineless kiss-assers who put themselves over everyone else, our precious constitution and democracy.
A bi-partisan bill that in no way resembled a one-night wave of a wand. To do it right, we have to do a lot of study, thinking, feeling, picking through the weeds for the flowers. (Thanks, Suzanne, Leonard Cohen's dream girl!)
Excuse me Marge if I sound pissed off. I am. I don’t watch right wing news at all. Well actually I do occasionally read Fox if nothing more than to post contrary comments of MAGAs. I was only addressing the loser in this pending loss. Trump is off the charts. We have just selected a mad man. Kamala Harris lost because of Joe Biden.
Ah, Bill. The elephant in the room is sexism and racism. Along with RW propaganda, that was determinative. Biden had better approval ratings than you recall.
I share your anger, but please consider that you are scapegoating.
That is probably a basic statement that can be deemed true, but WHY was Biden a millstone around her neck? NOT because he was ineffectual and incompetent, because he was and IS NOT. It was because the messaging from Democrats was inept about ALL the many things Biden ACHIEVED in office … and because, at the end, Biden was tired and {at his last debate} actually dealing with a respiratory infection {I agree, his stamina and health were an issue and he needed to NOT be running for president again …BUT, during all that time, as we realized when he was able to announce it, he was negotiating an historic hostage deal with the Russians!!!!! And he got that done, with the ongoing power of the presidency to back him up, before letting it be known that he was going to step down. Think about it — do we suspect that hostage deal MIGHT have had something to do with his timing for stepping aside? Hmmmmmmmm, could be ….}
The Democrats sadly were inept at refuting the Republican line that Biden has been an ineffectual president, that he’s a war hawk {EGAD, Republicans think a “war” president has a better chance of being re-elected!!}, and he dropped the ball at the border. His policies were always aimed at solving not only surface problems, but at alleviating underlying causes — bringing back not only manufacturing to create jobs, but manufacturing electronic elements and automobiles that we NEED TO MAKE HERE … ! His signature legislations have been stellar.
But let’s not see all that. Let’s just recognize that Bibi kept up the bombing in Gaza long enough to keep everyone in the world angry, and the spillover hit the U.S., and even though Harris said her administration would demand justice and the rights of citizens and a country for Palestinians, that part never got through to people. Just the Republican message made it through.
Well, that’s what happens when people don’t pay attention.
Well Bill, as the deportation machinery kicks in, you may change your tune.
The Truth? We NEED MORE immigrants. Not less.
We are about to enter the greatest inflationary period in recent memory. And...there will be food shortages. You think those steaks are expensive now?
Immigrants do the work that native born folks won't do. Are you ready to bend over in the strawberry fields of Florida in 100 degree heat for 10 or 12 hours a day? When your roof fails, who do you think will be risking his life to replace it?
And it won't take ICE or the Border Patrol to accelerate the loss of essential workers. I suspect there are families in America who are planning their exit right now. In my world, projects are delayed for a lack of workers. I can only imagine what it will be like in the spring when so many have fled.
Blaming Biden for the massive migration caused by a Climate Catastrophe and Collapsing Governments south of us is lazy.
I might suggest that Biden could have never announced a re-election campaign and then we could have had a primary race. Maybe if we had chosen a WHITE MAN we could have won this election. The nation has just revealed its racism and masculine immaturity.
We lost because the nation is filled with bigots and misogynists who were fed lies and hate by our own oligarchs and Russian FSB funded bots.
Bill, I planned to say that you nailed it, but Marge Wherley beat me to it. Combine the effects of our native bigotry and misogyny, amplified by Russian and other adversaries' disinformation, then add the willful ignorance of many of our voters, who say that politics upsets them, so they bury their heads in the sand, and the result is what we currently are experiencing. I am Biden's age, and while I have a good husband, family, and life as well as good health, I can't undertake a move to another country at this age, so I must consider my options. None of them are good. It is wicked irony that we and our democracy will suffer the consequences of others' ignorance and fecklessness.
Bill A: This! You nailed it. Twenty years ago when I was volunteering to resettle refugees from the Balkan wars, I wrote opinion wand gave speeches to encourage other churches to sponsor refugees. I pointed out that almost every state already had population declines. Twenty years ago! And the latest census at that time showed that NY would have lost over a million residents EXCEPT for the arrival of new immigrants - who made up the entire population deficit!
Yes, Ellen. And fear of the estimated 1% of our population who are transgender. Elon gladly encouraged this.
I haven’t yet seen why Trump’s numbers were similar to past elections. But Democrats’ numbers were way down. I wonder if many Dems cast no ballots at all, or left blank the president.
Yes, Bill A You nailed it. "The nation has just revealed its racism and masculine immaturity. " The economy and misogyny were the biggest factors. Too many good ole boys who couldn't vote for a woman! I firmly believe that Trump's policies will tank the economy. And if inflation is bad now, you haven't seen anything yet! The United States stature as leader of the free world is destroyed. Our allies in Europe are appalled.
Our nation may have a significant share of "bigots and misogynists," but I think I agree with Professor Richardson that the greater number of Trump voters were well-meaning Americans who had been fed and believed misleading and false information by those whom they trusted, including Fox, X, Talk Radio, their churches and, yes, MSM (this last by omission of truths rather than commission of untruths.) And I'm also certain that Russian and Hungarian bots worked hard to corroborate our countryfolk's misunderstandings and incorrect beliefs.
Bill, I don’t eat red meat, lol. Oh, and I’m not against immigration. You people, democrats, always pull that out of your grab bag of defense. NO COUNTRY ON EARTH WANTS,ALLOWS MASSIVE MIGRATORY ILLEGAL ENTRY. Get with the program. When this occurs, a political move to the extreme right is most assured. UK, Hungry, Holland, Italy, Germany is next. France just missed.
Sorry, but that flies in the face of facts. First, the crime rate among immigrants is lower than that among citizens, AND the crime rate overall dropped significantly under Biden.
Thank you!!! Just an FYI to all and sundry, I have thought about cancelling all of my substacks because, unlike with Daily Kos, there seems to be no policing of offensive and/or inappropriate and/or false information being spewed by certain posters, who often proceed to hijack the whole thread and basically ruin it for everyone. This is a general plea to all substack writers... please find some way to block or at least 'warn' threadjackers who post obnoxious messages. Especially right now, when we are all hurting because of the election and DO NOT need people saying nasty and untrue things about Biden or anybody else!
Good, Ann W. ...so, what you're leaving out is, "how" Biden might have used his authority?...Uh uh.. not "authority"!! Biden and fellow 'lawmakers', could have grabbed the reigns from their bully-pulpits and risked their careers/law-suits/etc. and taken action. They didn't. Instead they let a Congress under the influence herd them around. Like sheep in a pasture with congress being the sheep-dogs. A few days ago I ewrote about the "smack on the butt with a hairbrush" administered without hesitation at the earliest moment of mis-behavior. The President can't be a mealy-mouthed spooner of pablum at such moments. Sure there are consequences. Deal with them tomorrow. Israel needed the 'haribrush' along with Russia. Like little lambs, the USA has lost its way. And, who really are "the lambs"? Look at the redness, those are the lambs, and they are hungry for leadership.
You seem to think the decent, law abiding Biden who respects our Constitution as amended should have behaved just like the totally selfish, ego driven Trump who doesn’t even acknowledge our laws and the Constitution. And now we have a Supreme Court who agrees with him on that. No wonder you’re confused.
He proposed an immigration bill when he entered office on Jan 20, 2021. Couldn't get past filibuster. Blame congress for being so divided and not taking action.
As a matter of the Law chosen by Substack Inc "James A' as a contractually defined "Reader" & "Author" on this Platform owes contractual duties to all of us which I allege you have breached numerous time.
You have already signed up for the applicable "ADR" forum which is JAMS-SF a good choice as JAMS SF has Mediators that can handle Platform torts & breach of contract under Substack's choice of CA law. "James a" is also bound by Substack Inc's Terms of Use (TOU) & developing applicable Platform Law that finally brings relief to claimants.
Do you wish to Mediate now?. The procedural rules are posted so everyone in this nation can read them.
One of the cool procedures is that every participant can be advised by JAMS how many times your adversary has had cases at any JAMS not only at JAMS-SF.
Spoiler Alert: I have had 20 cases since 1990 at JAMS in my career. 18 successful Mediations & two Arbitration Awards in which my clients were awarded the limits of the Defendants' insurance policies.
I have forced several parties who did not to honor their contractual duty to Mediate to San Francisco Superior Court.
I will raise what I allege are your violations of CA law & Substack Inc's TOU terms on every single comment you have ever made on this Platform to reflect your entire modus operand as a matter of CA law.
What would you like to do? You can contact a JAMS administrator as the Rules explain. Thus, "James A" does not have to rely on my words or experience at this particular venue.
Bill, please stop dominating this thread. You have made your point, and you are unfortunately wrecking your own message by pushing into our faces at a time when we are trying to cope with the results of the election. You're hurting your own case by forcing and forcing it, and starting to sound obsessive. Please, please! You've written good and insightful things in the past, but there is a time and place for Biden-bashing and this isn't the time. It just isn't.
Laine, I mostly read the first half. I took respectful objection. I have a right to disagree. Maybe you feel a need to accept everything at face value. I don’t.
Sadly, is this not a pattern for us liberals, punching on one another. Biden is a decent man and has gotten much done as president. And yes he is fallible and in hindsight he made a mistake by waiting so long to not run for reelection. We have a lot of work ahead of us to keep our democracy for all.
Gjay, I am non partisan. Part of me is liberal part of me is conservative and the rest of me wants to marry a bononbo lady, propagate and get the hell out of the human race.
He could have done something about it, and the RW Disinformation Network would have turned it into a negative. when up becomes down and in becomes out, nothing matters.
Although I see your point..immigration numbers have been down. I think we have seen the hidden truth about this country..and that is that we are not as progressive as we thought we were. Time will tell when some of these "mandates" go into effect. We will see in 2 years when mid-terms are upon us and Trump has had time to implement his archaic agenda. I don't believe most people want to go back....but what do I know?!
What specifically is meant by “border problem “. If you think there are “ open borders “. Just try going to Mexico and throwing your ID into a trash can and try getting back to USA
No, we could see the problem, and Biden proposed a solution that Congress, ruled by a few folk from the extreme right, tanked. There were no solutions that didn’t involve at best illegality and for the most part such indecent cruelty as to constitute immorality.
If it was all Biden’s fault, don’t you think HCR would have at least mentioned it. You came to pontificate (one of the reasons Conservatives hate us, assuming you are not one), not learn.
I know you want to blame someone, he certainly gets “some,” blame, but not all.
Her is the way this is supposed to work, it’s called learning.
You have your idea (It’s all Bidens fault) and then you read a really reasonable article that explains many other reasons why this happened. Now, you are supposed to incorporate new information and modify your view.
Since you think I don’t have a great deal of intelligence on current matter, I challenge you to buy my book then tell me I stupid. Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.”
Yes, Biden dumped too many Trumpist initiatives that made sense. No doubt Trump in 2025 will do the same to Harris.
One thing that Obama did well was hiring serious people in the OMB like Cass Sunstein whose unbiased cost benefit analyses was so well received by the GOP that they had to fire him.
Truth seems to always evade us. The best we can do is proceed with the most defensible position at the time and reevaluate as new evidence occurs . I supported Harris but she too suffered from infallibility bias. The worse being refunding Iran and UNRWA, slow walking Ukraine and illegal immigration.
And I might add, the Ukraine/Russian war could have been avoided but the U.S. has a fixation with wars like squirrels on acorns. All the loos of life and mayhem will come to a zero gain just like in Afghanistan, Iraq and so on. We in,y needed to state no NATO to the tyrant in Moscow.
Please explain the point of pouring 300 Billion plus dollars in an unwinnable war? We are just sending 100,000's of Ukraine in battle to get slaughtered to what end? To make progressive feel virtuous? To get even with Putin?
Putin didn't invade Ukraine when Trump was in office. He knew there would be blowback. Just like Iran sponsored an attack on Israel during Biden's term. They were on a short leash during the Trump years.
"James A' :I think you know I am a JD not an MD but, your galvanic skin response & FRE "equitable utterances" are out of control. All of which have been reported to Substack Inc under new Federal law regulating digital platforms.
It takes. 2 very stubborn sides to engage in war when peaceful settlements advantageous to both sides are obtainable. Crimea for NATO protected Ukraine would have been easy. Now nothing less then regime change in Russia is acceptable. Biden lost those options.
I listened to Harris address, promising peaceful transition of power with a full cooperation. I realized that Harris has left freedom and democracy in America in the hands of God.
Thank you dear Heather, for tonight's letter. I hope you feel the love, gratitude, and admiration that's being sent to you always, but especially today. Take good care--
I second that Joanne, and the LFAA was spot-on and Heather said what needed saying, but I just...can't ...do...this right now. Like many, my disappointment in Americans is profound. I need to take a mental health break from social media (which I consider this to be.) I won't cancel my subscription to the LFAA substack (actually just re-upped last week), but I'm going to unsubscribe from the email notifications for a bit, as I have just done with some other accounts. I just can't take the dynamics of "doom and gloom" vs "who's to blame" vs "fight and resist MAGA!" at the moment, because I'm not really sure what I should be doing right now other than to take care of myself and my loved ones in the meanwhile and beyond.
My disillusionment will pass if I stop feeding it.
May we all find Peace, Comfort and Courage in the days ahead.
//Doug
Wish there was a “care” emoji like on Facebook—I’m sure we all would send that to each other. My daughters and some friends are devastated. I think it helps to talk, and maybe find small actions to take to make democracy understandable to our grand children and, in my case, great grandchildren. Community service as most of us probably do —When I woke up this morning it dawned on me that since I am 89 I might not be around for another presidential campaign so I have to do whatever I can do to make things better now.
Please join me In Welcoming California's new Senator Elect (over 57% majority) the constitutional law professor emeritus: Senator Elect ADAM SCHIFF.
Update Senator Elect Sciff's Team already got back to me this morning by 11 am Pacific:(1) contact@adamschiff.com;(2) https://www.adamschiff.com.
I was reminded the CA "Bay Area" vote has not yet be counted. Adam's victory may approach 2/3 off votes counted about 67%.
I asked Adam's Campaign Team to set-up a URL for volunteers to join in the work ahead -- lots of work but, I like work. I will use the digital contacts his Team set me above. 🗽
Barbara, thank you for your words. You are an inspiration, and I hope I am as engaged at 89 as you are. A toast to your good health 🍾🥂 : may you live to see a reversal of the MAGA movement in your lifetime.
🤗 I think that's a "hug" emoji.
Doug, many of us are taking breaks or "limited" breaks. By that, I mean I will still read Heather, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Joyce Vance and Timothy Snyder. I find optimism in reading each. What I did the day after the election, yesterday here in Germany, was take a friend who lives here but is American, to a gorgeous place about 25 minutes from our Airbnb. We were both in the same place mentally, just devastated. The self-care was a fine idea as we both came away feeling much better after spending a few hours by the small river running through the village, and the exquisite foliage in the hillsides. We each must do what we can to take care of ourselves. When the well is empty, as it is for many of us, it needs refilling. I think you are wise to take the time you need. All the best to you.
We have nature to embrace, books to read, art to enjoy, and friends to surround ourselves with before we start fighting the good fight once more.
The "good fight" is going to be a tough one to win. The fox is already inside the hen house. We may have witnessed our last non-putin-style presidential election. The utter stupidity of the electorate is shocking. Inflation has been a world-wide issue caused by the pandemic. The Democrats failed miserably to make the point of just how good Bidenomics has been. It is all disappointing that such a low life could win any election, much less that of POTUS. This could very well spell the end of the democratic process here.
My fear is that the rule of law has been destroyed. Trump will experience no accountability for his crimes and treasons. Beginning with tickets to his inauguration party which will likely cost millions, anyone with business before the government will have to pay to play. The corruption will spiral downward through all of our quotidian interactions with one another until we arrive at Hobbes' state of nature where survival is ensured only to the strongest, cruelest, and most corrupt among us. The Supreme Court has "obeyed in advance" with its five year spate of rulings untethered to law, judicial precedent, custom or common sense. It has made one man a king with heavily armed private militias as his Praetorian Guard all beyond the reach of the law or justice. I don't see how we can come back from this.
Add four more years of not addressing the issue of global warming and I'm afraid we have shot ourselves, not in the foot, but in the head.
I hear what you are saying; however, I think it prudent to remember that this nation, since its founding, has always been about the money. It's always been about people's wallets vs. the common good of this nation and of the world. I suspect that is also true for many other nations. How we can change that thought process, for me at least, is the real challenge. No doubt, "the wallet" is important enough; however, it doesn't trump (no pun intended... if it were, it would only prove to be a cruel joke) international policies, politics, treaties, or obligations to one another. The problem is that very few of us recognize the importance of this particular view. The world history is littered with violence caused by oligarchal behavior: regardless of whether it was privately induced or whether induced by ruthless governments mirroring and propping up oligarchs. Putin's Russia is such an example just before communism came into existence and in fact, has returned to this behavior under Putin. We have to remember that from the French going down in flames in Algeria, Syria/Lebanon, to British colonies throughout the world, to Dutch rule throughout the world, to even Italy's fascist leanings and control of nations in Africa, people seeking a form of freedom acceptable to them will rebel against tyranny. The election is over; the fight is not even close to being over. After Trump's ear was shot off, he got up defiantly, raising his fist, and crying: "fight...fight..." Frankly, I don't think he even knows the true meaning of the word in relation to what true liberty really is.
Richard, yes to all your comments. We are in trouble.
George, it is difficult, if not impossible, to fight a "disease" when one doesn't recognize that a disease is the cause of the malady. A huge segment of our population "doesn't know what it doesn't know." It's a state of complete ignorance. They can't even begin to approach the issues that obstruct their thought processes, such as confirmation bias. The question is: are the problems now insurmountable?
I, too, am limiting, for as long as necessary, my online and other media time to a choice few sources such as HRC whom I trust to digest and articulate our new reality without increasing my anxiety and depression. (The latter is not a result of the election - I’ve always suffered from depression, but now it’s exponentially worse. 😞)
In any case, the self-care advice you and others offered is greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Joanna.
Thank you, Doug.
Thank you for the references for quality readings.
You are most welcome, Linda.
Listen first to VP Harris's concession speech then listen to Karen Friedman Agnifilo's message at the end of a discussion on Legal AF starting at about 56 minutes. It is so powerful and very encouraging. (If you listen to the whole discussion, Michael Popok talks about legal avenues to block the Trump administration's attempts at destroying our country, so the whole clip really gave me a lot of hope.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfWbUFOez4
I'm with you, Doug. For my own mental health, I need to take a break from social media except interactions with friends and family. It's just too much right now.
Ellen, trump already controls the top court.
Doug, I will welcome you, Ellen, and anyone else whose self-care includes getting off of electronic media (you may be right in calling LFAA "social media" because it certainly fills a place in my life that I used to get from the forums I followed and Facebook in its early days; I find the comments section/conversations very enjoyable) back to the fold when your psyches recover.
Like Barbara, I send you both a "care" emoji, or a virtual hug.
Thank you so much, Ally. All the best, I'll be back.
I understand completely. We all need a time out. I am going to listen to Kamala Harris’s speech again and review Timothy Snyder’s book On Freedom. I’m not giving up and I’m not going to waste energy on trying to understand the obsession of greedy, wealthy people to have even more. That so many Americans, men and women, rich or poor, black, brown, or white, ceded their freedom to MAGA and the fear and hate it represents, is beyond me. What I do know is that I am not going back.
At the darkest times in human history, there have always been individuals, sometimes alone, sometimes in clusters, who have kept alive the torch of freedom, of hope for a better tomorrow. Let's not surrender to the darkness or capitulate to the worst among us but in our own way, in actions large or small, keep the beacon of light and truth alive however we can.
You put that beautifully and I agree. We’re not going back 🙏
Indeed, Porter. Indeed.
And then, there is the profound avenue of the parody's that are justly deserved in this instance. Imagine Robert Kennedy in the role of Jack Ripper in "Dr. Strangelove or how I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb." Here is Jack Ripper...ummm...excuse me, I meant Robert Kennedy in this scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J67wKhddWu4
I'm giving fair warning to everyone; watch the hell out for your bodily fluids!! 😂😂😂😂😂You think the real threat is Trump? You ain't seen nothing yet!! 😂😂😂😂😂
Me neither Susan. I joined Democracy Docket (litigation) and my new Senator Elect, ADAM SCHIFF's, CA volunteer (constitutional law )Team
That’s great. That actually sounds really exciting!
Susan, I will also be reading Timothy Snyder's, On Freedom. I ordered it pre-publication and it is sitting at my home in the Chicago area while I'm here in Germany. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Cheers, Susan!
I feel the same way. Reading this newsletter made me feel ill. I know what we are up against. I know we will need to resist. I also know that I am exhausted physically and mentally. The Harris ground game was huge!! Like nothing seen before. Yet we lost. We can’t out organize voter suppression, disinformation and big money. We just can’t. At least that’s how I feel right now. I have not listened to any news since Tuesday and may need to take a break from Substack too.
Kamala Harris (women in general) have always been underestimated. You don’t run that kind of ground game and disappear gently into the night. We all need a pause, but a leader like Harris will be good to follow in or out of office.
I relate to this comment more than any other I've read since the election results. The only thing I'd add in my description is fear, extreme fear.
I respect your feeling of extreme fear Nomi, but please don't let it eat you alive. We will get through these four years (hopefully only 4). We will get through this by being supportive of each other. If you need a break, even from all the people we respect listening to, by all means take it. Then come back where we can learn what we can do for ourselves and our communities. Remember to practice self-care if you possibly can. I send you a virtual hug and the best of wishes to feel less fearful. Take good care.
I think I will listen to your politics chat on November 4th. It's like a washing machine overflow where there is a lot to clean up and a lot of inconvenience but 'there is still work to do.'
We have been Mindfucked. They have successfully figured out how to do it. I have suspected it since 2016. Many American Minds were ripe for the harvest. Thank You Heather for championing reality. Your work these past years has been a National Treasure. If I had a “For-The-People Medal of Honor”, I would bestow it on you.
I agree!!!
Not crazy about your terminology, but I completely agree with your sentiments!
Thank you for the term mindfucked. As ee comings said, it takes courage to be who you really are. We're going to need to be that courage bmnow, especially LGBTQIA + people and others who've grown so much and don't need to go back unhealthily into the closet for safety. I cannot think of a more appropriate, stronger, more apt word to describe the situation. Feeling like you're going nuts is perfectly normal, too. Feeling nuts in an insane world is a normal, sane, healthy response.
It was a good one, and worth your time!
My one response to Heather’s well thought out diatribe: It’s all Biden’s fault for ignoring the elephant in the room: massive illegal aliens rushing the border for 4 years in office 3 years of which he attempted nothin, I repeat, nothing, to curtail it. Biden could have invoked the Insurrection Act or made an executive order. He didn’t want to follow in Trump’s footsteps. There is a history to a new leader purposely not continuing a program with the previous ruler and it dates to the ancient Egyptian Pharos. Often they had the noses smashed off the statutes of previous rulers as they believed that noses were the conduit of continued life via air passing through. Just look it up don’t believe me.
Joe Biden is to blame for being ignorant of what the people want. It wasn’t racism or sexism. It was a stubborn ole half demented man that dint leave enough for Kamala Harris not unlike Bill Clinton not leaving enough for Al Gore after being accused of gettting BJs in the Oval Office. Or indeed Hubert Humphrey in the wake of LBJ’s disastrous Vietnam War.
How come you are not mentioning the bipartisan bill that would have addressed issues at the border--you know, that bill that Trump told his minions in the House not to vote for because it would "give Biden a win" during the campaign? How come you are not mentioning the incessant fear-mongering lies Trump told re immigrants and crime, immigrants "poisoning" our country, Haitians eating pets, etc.
Ann, apparently immigrants live in Katz's head. An exit poll I saw last night showed immigration was 4th out of the 5 top issues voters identified as important.
I think for Trump voters it was second after the economy. The media did a completely terrible job of covering the economy, the positive legislation, the drop in unemployment, etc. Supply chain issues were highlighted for a while and very little attention paid when they were handled--same with the bridge disaster on the East Coast.
I don't think the media could have overcome inflation + propaganda.
I think MAGA has to self-destruct. I think it will, but no one can say when.
True for his voters, Ann.
Oh… you still working polls are you? Don’t you understand they are not determinative anymore? No, hundreds of thousands that rushed the border but hay, I’m talking to an empty head I can see.
Which Poll? The Poll said that said Harris was going to win in Iowa by 3-4 points?
Virtually every leftwing poll the last 3 cycles has tilted hard left by 3-4 points.
Its not a mistake its meant to push voters in a leftwing direction.
Voters gave the Democratic party the middle finger on Tuesday. They spoke and it was about the economy and the border.
My iPad froze so I must respond again. Briefly, Biden did nothing for three years. Do I need to repeat this — THREE YEARS DOING NOTHING. I watched in horror on CBS and NBC and The New Hour of thousands rushing the border every day and I ruminated, “When is Biden going to do something?” By all Reasoning, I should be a MAGA supporter. Even my investments are going crazy to the upside. But I’m not. I do however, affix blame where I believe it should be placed; on a stubborn old man with dementia who decided he no longer needed to listen to the people.
For sure, the truth is hard to swallow. And as I have said, I am no one’s cheerleader. I’m an equal opportunity critic.
Bill, I like reading your comments, which are usually well-reasoned. But in this case you drank the Kool-Aid. The Right Wing Media created the perception intentionally and persistently.
https://www.factcheck.org/2024/02/breaking-down-the-immigration-figures/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-pug
Also, I am disappointed in you for the casual comment that Biden has dementia. That’s another RW propaganda meme that distracts from the candidate who absolutely and visibly (on a daily basis) is suffering from advancing dementia. Biden has the cognitive effects of normal aging, as would we all at his age following the stressors of his stressful job. That is not dementia and I wish you would reconsider spreading that kind of disinformation.
Well said Marge.
There is the bi-partisan bill that Trump instructed his minions to kill — not the least being all that Biden could have accomplished with Republicans willing to govern instead of only wanting to make their opposing Democrats “look bad.”
Also, all that talk of Harris being “the border Czar” — she never was focused on “fortifying” the border. She was tasked with stemming the REASONS for the migration, helping to stem the flow of desperate people by dealing with the economies and problems in SouthAmerican countries where people would rather STAY, but that don’t offer theem safe and livable options.
Saying they did NOTHING about the border is, I think totally drinking the Republican KookAid on border issues.
Border and immigration, a topic in elections for 20 years, whether we have had a Republican or Democrat in the WH. The closest we have come was this year and the bill not passed because the Republicans were faithful to only one American (and I say that almost with tongue in cheek) DJT, not the majority of Americans and squashed the most extensive reform in several decades. FYI, economy is far more intricate than just the price of gas and eggs. No clear speak on the truth, CORPORATE GREED, of which again thanks to the other idol Ronald Regan gave us the slashing of control on monopolies, corporate oversight. Last, when the media agreed to normalize DJT and give him non stop air time it reinforced that he is not that bad so yes folks he is and I am mad as hell for all those spineless kiss-assers who put themselves over everyone else, our precious constitution and democracy.
A bi-partisan bill that in no way resembled a one-night wave of a wand. To do it right, we have to do a lot of study, thinking, feeling, picking through the weeds for the flowers. (Thanks, Suzanne, Leonard Cohen's dream girl!)
Excuse me Marge if I sound pissed off. I am. I don’t watch right wing news at all. Well actually I do occasionally read Fox if nothing more than to post contrary comments of MAGAs. I was only addressing the loser in this pending loss. Trump is off the charts. We have just selected a mad man. Kamala Harris lost because of Joe Biden.
Ah, Bill. The elephant in the room is sexism and racism. Along with RW propaganda, that was determinative. Biden had better approval ratings than you recall.
I share your anger, but please consider that you are scapegoating.
That is probably a basic statement that can be deemed true, but WHY was Biden a millstone around her neck? NOT because he was ineffectual and incompetent, because he was and IS NOT. It was because the messaging from Democrats was inept about ALL the many things Biden ACHIEVED in office … and because, at the end, Biden was tired and {at his last debate} actually dealing with a respiratory infection {I agree, his stamina and health were an issue and he needed to NOT be running for president again …BUT, during all that time, as we realized when he was able to announce it, he was negotiating an historic hostage deal with the Russians!!!!! And he got that done, with the ongoing power of the presidency to back him up, before letting it be known that he was going to step down. Think about it — do we suspect that hostage deal MIGHT have had something to do with his timing for stepping aside? Hmmmmmmmm, could be ….}
The Democrats sadly were inept at refuting the Republican line that Biden has been an ineffectual president, that he’s a war hawk {EGAD, Republicans think a “war” president has a better chance of being re-elected!!}, and he dropped the ball at the border. His policies were always aimed at solving not only surface problems, but at alleviating underlying causes — bringing back not only manufacturing to create jobs, but manufacturing electronic elements and automobiles that we NEED TO MAKE HERE … ! His signature legislations have been stellar.
But let’s not see all that. Let’s just recognize that Bibi kept up the bombing in Gaza long enough to keep everyone in the world angry, and the spillover hit the U.S., and even though Harris said her administration would demand justice and the rights of citizens and a country for Palestinians, that part never got through to people. Just the Republican message made it through.
Well, that’s what happens when people don’t pay attention.
We get Trump.
Thank you for the link.
Well Bill, as the deportation machinery kicks in, you may change your tune.
The Truth? We NEED MORE immigrants. Not less.
We are about to enter the greatest inflationary period in recent memory. And...there will be food shortages. You think those steaks are expensive now?
Immigrants do the work that native born folks won't do. Are you ready to bend over in the strawberry fields of Florida in 100 degree heat for 10 or 12 hours a day? When your roof fails, who do you think will be risking his life to replace it?
And it won't take ICE or the Border Patrol to accelerate the loss of essential workers. I suspect there are families in America who are planning their exit right now. In my world, projects are delayed for a lack of workers. I can only imagine what it will be like in the spring when so many have fled.
Blaming Biden for the massive migration caused by a Climate Catastrophe and Collapsing Governments south of us is lazy.
I might suggest that Biden could have never announced a re-election campaign and then we could have had a primary race. Maybe if we had chosen a WHITE MAN we could have won this election. The nation has just revealed its racism and masculine immaturity.
We lost because the nation is filled with bigots and misogynists who were fed lies and hate by our own oligarchs and Russian FSB funded bots.
Bill, I planned to say that you nailed it, but Marge Wherley beat me to it. Combine the effects of our native bigotry and misogyny, amplified by Russian and other adversaries' disinformation, then add the willful ignorance of many of our voters, who say that politics upsets them, so they bury their heads in the sand, and the result is what we currently are experiencing. I am Biden's age, and while I have a good husband, family, and life as well as good health, I can't undertake a move to another country at this age, so I must consider my options. None of them are good. It is wicked irony that we and our democracy will suffer the consequences of others' ignorance and fecklessness.
Nancy, that's what gets me the most - that we will all suffer because of others' ignorance. I am still numb from the results, and mighty angry too.
Bill A: This! You nailed it. Twenty years ago when I was volunteering to resettle refugees from the Balkan wars, I wrote opinion wand gave speeches to encourage other churches to sponsor refugees. I pointed out that almost every state already had population declines. Twenty years ago! And the latest census at that time showed that NY would have lost over a million residents EXCEPT for the arrival of new immigrants - who made up the entire population deficit!
And Marge read my lips, I’m not against immigration.
The power of propaganda. 😡 And of course, racism and misogyny.
Yes, Ellen. And fear of the estimated 1% of our population who are transgender. Elon gladly encouraged this.
I haven’t yet seen why Trump’s numbers were similar to past elections. But Democrats’ numbers were way down. I wonder if many Dems cast no ballots at all, or left blank the president.
Yes, Bill A You nailed it. "The nation has just revealed its racism and masculine immaturity. " The economy and misogyny were the biggest factors. Too many good ole boys who couldn't vote for a woman! I firmly believe that Trump's policies will tank the economy. And if inflation is bad now, you haven't seen anything yet! The United States stature as leader of the free world is destroyed. Our allies in Europe are appalled.
Our nation may have a significant share of "bigots and misogynists," but I think I agree with Professor Richardson that the greater number of Trump voters were well-meaning Americans who had been fed and believed misleading and false information by those whom they trusted, including Fox, X, Talk Radio, their churches and, yes, MSM (this last by omission of truths rather than commission of untruths.) And I'm also certain that Russian and Hungarian bots worked hard to corroborate our countryfolk's misunderstandings and incorrect beliefs.
Bill, I don’t eat red meat, lol. Oh, and I’m not against immigration. You people, democrats, always pull that out of your grab bag of defense. NO COUNTRY ON EARTH WANTS,ALLOWS MASSIVE MIGRATORY ILLEGAL ENTRY. Get with the program. When this occurs, a political move to the extreme right is most assured. UK, Hungry, Holland, Italy, Germany is next. France just missed.
He did nothing, because THAT is WHAT the Democratic party wanted.
Flood America with new voters.
It wasn't an accident. They destroyed America cities and unleashed a wave of crime on America. It was fuck you to Middle America.
Sorry, but that flies in the face of facts. First, the crime rate among immigrants is lower than that among citizens, AND the crime rate overall dropped significantly under Biden.
What? Crimes rates are lower among illegals? You have NO DATA for that.
Even more stupid, EVERY CRIME committed by an ILLEGAL is an unneccesary.
Laken Riley was murdered by an illegal who had a long criminal record.
That is your argument to her family.
Even more stupid is the suggestion that you can add 15,000,000 new people to your country and CRIME goes down?
I reported "James A's false mis & dis information.
What are they going to do about?
Are you going to cry?
Thank you!!! Just an FYI to all and sundry, I have thought about cancelling all of my substacks because, unlike with Daily Kos, there seems to be no policing of offensive and/or inappropriate and/or false information being spewed by certain posters, who often proceed to hijack the whole thread and basically ruin it for everyone. This is a general plea to all substack writers... please find some way to block or at least 'warn' threadjackers who post obnoxious messages. Especially right now, when we are all hurting because of the election and DO NOT need people saying nasty and untrue things about Biden or anybody else!
Good Lord, you sound exactly like my MAGA relatives. This is really not the time or place for such nonsense.
“a stubborn old man with dementia who decided he no longer needed to listen to the people.”
That would be Trump.
So with you, Ann. Thank you.
Good, Ann W. ...so, what you're leaving out is, "how" Biden might have used his authority?...Uh uh.. not "authority"!! Biden and fellow 'lawmakers', could have grabbed the reigns from their bully-pulpits and risked their careers/law-suits/etc. and taken action. They didn't. Instead they let a Congress under the influence herd them around. Like sheep in a pasture with congress being the sheep-dogs. A few days ago I ewrote about the "smack on the butt with a hairbrush" administered without hesitation at the earliest moment of mis-behavior. The President can't be a mealy-mouthed spooner of pablum at such moments. Sure there are consequences. Deal with them tomorrow. Israel needed the 'haribrush' along with Russia. Like little lambs, the USA has lost its way. And, who really are "the lambs"? Look at the redness, those are the lambs, and they are hungry for leadership.
You seem to think the decent, law abiding Biden who respects our Constitution as amended should have behaved just like the totally selfish, ego driven Trump who doesn’t even acknowledge our laws and the Constitution. And now we have a Supreme Court who agrees with him on that. No wonder you’re confused.
He proposed an immigration bill when he entered office on Jan 20, 2021. Couldn't get past filibuster. Blame congress for being so divided and not taking action.
Oh shut up Bill.
I'm so tired of you.
There is no truth to what you said, just propaganda.
Ditto. Shut up, Bill. You haven’t cornered the market on being correct. Just stubborn.
This is a marketplace of opinions if you have t guessed by now.But you probably have t guessed.
Wrong again Bill.
As a matter of the Law chosen by Substack Inc "James A' as a contractually defined "Reader" & "Author" on this Platform owes contractual duties to all of us which I allege you have breached numerous time.
You have already signed up for the applicable "ADR" forum which is JAMS-SF a good choice as JAMS SF has Mediators that can handle Platform torts & breach of contract under Substack's choice of CA law. "James a" is also bound by Substack Inc's Terms of Use (TOU) & developing applicable Platform Law that finally brings relief to claimants.
Do you wish to Mediate now?. The procedural rules are posted so everyone in this nation can read them.
One of the cool procedures is that every participant can be advised by JAMS how many times your adversary has had cases at any JAMS not only at JAMS-SF.
Spoiler Alert: I have had 20 cases since 1990 at JAMS in my career. 18 successful Mediations & two Arbitration Awards in which my clients were awarded the limits of the Defendants' insurance policies.
I have forced several parties who did not to honor their contractual duty to Mediate to San Francisco Superior Court.
I will raise what I allege are your violations of CA law & Substack Inc's TOU terms on every single comment you have ever made on this Platform to reflect your entire modus operand as a matter of CA law.
What would you like to do? You can contact a JAMS administrator as the Rules explain. Thus, "James A" does not have to rely on my words or experience at this particular venue.
Bill, please stop dominating this thread. You have made your point, and you are unfortunately wrecking your own message by pushing into our faces at a time when we are trying to cope with the results of the election. You're hurting your own case by forcing and forcing it, and starting to sound obsessive. Please, please! You've written good and insightful things in the past, but there is a time and place for Biden-bashing and this isn't the time. It just isn't.
Starting to sound MAGA, if you will.
Easy there Jen, it's better that we just roll our eyes, close them, and turn our head slowly side to side. This too will pass.
If you are tired of me, Jen, may I suggest you get more sleep? And Jen, that’s not very nice to tell someone to shut up now is it?
Bill, did you read Heather's post today??? Stop blaming Biden - enough blaming!! Listen to Kamala Harris, and get to work, please!
Laine, I mostly read the first half. I took respectful objection. I have a right to disagree. Maybe you feel a need to accept everything at face value. I don’t.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Laine!
Sadly, is this not a pattern for us liberals, punching on one another. Biden is a decent man and has gotten much done as president. And yes he is fallible and in hindsight he made a mistake by waiting so long to not run for reelection. We have a lot of work ahead of us to keep our democracy for all.
Gjay, I am non partisan. Part of me is liberal part of me is conservative and the rest of me wants to marry a bononbo lady, propagate and get the hell out of the human race.
Bill, I get it. Life is integrating our parts while honoring those parts eh?
He could have done something about it, and the RW Disinformation Network would have turned it into a negative. when up becomes down and in becomes out, nothing matters.
Although I see your point..immigration numbers have been down. I think we have seen the hidden truth about this country..and that is that we are not as progressive as we thought we were. Time will tell when some of these "mandates" go into effect. We will see in 2 years when mid-terms are upon us and Trump has had time to implement his archaic agenda. I don't believe most people want to go back....but what do I know?!
Are you kidding the whole democratic party and elite media OWN the border problem.
They refused to acknowledge the problem and then called anyone who opposed it RACIST.
Oh you again. The real nuts are dropping from the trees, I see.
Your party was destroyed and that's your come back when confronted with the truth? This is WHY you will continue to lose elections.
Stay in your bubble. Its safe and delusional
It’s not my party . I am non partisan. Sorry to burst your bubble.
What specifically is meant by “border problem “. If you think there are “ open borders “. Just try going to Mexico and throwing your ID into a trash can and try getting back to USA
Why didn't your beloved TRUMP fix the border when he was president?
Are you an idiot? Do the math. 15,000,000 people invaded America until
Biden. Its was 2 milion year. THere was no problem.
Trump institued stay in Mexico policy.
No, we could see the problem, and Biden proposed a solution that Congress, ruled by a few folk from the extreme right, tanked. There were no solutions that didn’t involve at best illegality and for the most part such indecent cruelty as to constitute immorality.
No revisionist history here.
Biden on the first day in office reversed stay in Mexico and institued
“catch and release”. Even worse The Democrats controlled the house and senate and DID NOTHING.
Border problem?
Here back on earth, 11,000,000 illegals invaded our country in case you
didn’t hear.
Hey Bill,
If it was all Biden’s fault, don’t you think HCR would have at least mentioned it. You came to pontificate (one of the reasons Conservatives hate us, assuming you are not one), not learn.
I know you want to blame someone, he certainly gets “some,” blame, but not all.
Her is the way this is supposed to work, it’s called learning.
You have your idea (It’s all Bidens fault) and then you read a really reasonable article that explains many other reasons why this happened. Now, you are supposed to incorporate new information and modify your view.
You don’t. In this way, you are bad as any MAGA.
Since you think I don’t have a great deal of intelligence on current matter, I challenge you to buy my book then tell me I stupid. Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.”
Yes, Biden dumped too many Trumpist initiatives that made sense. No doubt Trump in 2025 will do the same to Harris.
One thing that Obama did well was hiring serious people in the OMB like Cass Sunstein whose unbiased cost benefit analyses was so well received by the GOP that they had to fire him.
Truth seems to always evade us. The best we can do is proceed with the most defensible position at the time and reevaluate as new evidence occurs . I supported Harris but she too suffered from infallibility bias. The worse being refunding Iran and UNRWA, slow walking Ukraine and illegal immigration.
And I might add, the Ukraine/Russian war could have been avoided but the U.S. has a fixation with wars like squirrels on acorns. All the loos of life and mayhem will come to a zero gain just like in Afghanistan, Iraq and so on. We in,y needed to state no NATO to the tyrant in Moscow.
Please explain the point of pouring 300 Billion plus dollars in an unwinnable war? We are just sending 100,000's of Ukraine in battle to get slaughtered to what end? To make progressive feel virtuous? To get even with Putin?
Putin didn't invade Ukraine when Trump was in office. He knew there would be blowback. Just like Iran sponsored an attack on Israel during Biden's term. They were on a short leash during the Trump years.
Weakness invites conflict
"James A' :I think you know I am a JD not an MD but, your galvanic skin response & FRE "equitable utterances" are out of control. All of which have been reported to Substack Inc under new Federal law regulating digital platforms.
You are also an idiot.
Your beloved party got its ass kicked exactly becuase of leftist
totalitarians like you. You are a coward that can’t defend their
so you pray censorship will bail you out.
America gave you the middle finger on tuesday. Amen to that
Trump was impeached for trading non-existent dirt on Biden for aid to Ukraine. You think Trump threatened Putin? That's funny! Haha
Why didn’t Putin invade Ukraine during Trump’s presidency?
Because Biden is weak
It takes. 2 very stubborn sides to engage in war when peaceful settlements advantageous to both sides are obtainable. Crimea for NATO protected Ukraine would have been easy. Now nothing less then regime change in Russia is acceptable. Biden lost those options.
“Pharaohs.”
Remember folks, responding to trolls is like wrestling in the mud with a pig. After a while, you realize the pig likes it.
Not this again. This is not the root cause. At all.
What nonsense.
I listened to Harris address, promising peaceful transition of power with a full cooperation. I realized that Harris has left freedom and democracy in America in the hands of God.