Wouldn't it be nice if the DOJ arrested him Friday around 5pm, so he has to stay in jail over the weekend before he gets arraigned Monday morning, at which time they request remand because he has an airplane capable of intercontintental flight and the resources to run, and he gets held till the end of the week when he's released on $100 million cash bail (effectively pauperizing him by forcing him to use all his MAGA money). Let him make his "big announcement" from the tank.
We can all dream about a Friday perp walk, but the DOJ did appoint outside, National Security Cousel, DAVID RASKIN, to prosecute the "NARA- Lago" case; that selection of Trial Counsel is a solid indication tfg will be prosecuted -- most likely when the NY AG's case is over. Hat Tip to the diligent Jay Quo's Substack.
TFG waits till after the Election only for selfish reasons: so he doesn't have to share his donation $ egg to help MAGA candidates. Then declares 2024 candidacy so that all that $ is his own, but it wont be spent on his 2024campaign. It will be spent to pay his lawyers fighting all these cases. This is also his new leverage. He will ask for more help /more donations and promise to payback the biggest donors in favors if he wins. It is those donors now that should be called out, whether individuals or PACS, (oops that's a dark secret, impossible for the public to know) So that the we the people have no one to call out for facilitating the end of democracy.
The DOJ announces charges for the theft of documents/espionage cases on the same day that Con Man 45 announces his candidacy. On the very same day, DeathSantis announces he is in the race to win. Thousands of immigrants are flown to major "blue cities" and paid to get off the plane holding signs that say: "Vote for Ron! He ain't no Con!"
Take a breath, and then...
The next morning the states of NY and Georgia file charges. And DC (hotel Secret Service ripoff). And then....the afternoon "breaking news" is that Pompeo, Pence, Noem, and Haley all announce their candidacies for 2024. And then....just before the news cycle ends, Boebert says she wants to be VP for whoever wins the nomination...she prefers "45" but will be a loyal gun totin' Republican and do her duty. Not to outdone, MJT storms onto the Tucker Carlson set and screams "No way! that's my job and I earned it!" She challenges Boebert to a shooting match. The one who can unload the most rounds in 60 seconds wins the job.
The press core is incapable of digesting all this. The bars are flooded with "journalists" and hacks.
Months later, millions of Democrats temporarily switch parties to vote Republican in the primaries. The ensuing chaos adds to the historic spiral dive of the Party of Lincoln.
The 2024 general election is a Blue Tsunami. With the prospects of possible prison time and a claw back of bogus campaign donations, many Republican politicians, operatives and mouthpieces accept Putin's offer to reside in a special "Colony of Honor" somewhere in Eastern Ukraine. He promises it will be rebuilt to code. There will be golf, cheeseburgers and Diet Coke. Or vodka laced with cyanide, if preferred.
At this point, David, I'll take Bill's dream. This is the first time I've laughed in weeks. I especially like the mental picture of Lauren and MTG in a shootout, then tfg drinking cyanide-laced anything.
Oh Bill, the shootout scene in my mind made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the laugh on this very important day. I've never lost my sense of humor through all of this and apparently, neither have you.
Ironic, all this talk of dreaming. I attended a memorial service for one of the premiere physicians and research experts on schizophrenia. As one of his colleagues talked about discovering the biological origins of the illness, my mind wandered to delusions, one of the symptoms. Could it be that people with schizophrenia are the primary base the Republicans are attracting, people already wired to invent and believe the unbelievable, regardless of facts/evidence? Is there science behind this bizarre addiction to lies?
Just a passing thought. And now back to all these healthy and very creative dreams pouring forth here. Carry on!
Ya know, it actually could be syphilis effecting the Orange One's brain. The insanity comes on slowly, steadily, inexorably. He's been a philanderer long enough to account for it. Not trying to start any rumors, now; just sayin...
Were Trump not so powerful, that would have happened looong ago. How is his running for president as a source of immunity not just laughed off. Al Capone had a public following. Had he run for president would be not have been prosecuted? If a candidate is a Crook with a captial "C", does not the nation deserve to know? It's not like there is insufficient probable cause.
Comment (very freely translated) from a reader of "Le Monde": "Why is this crook still on the loose? What's the matter with the American justice system?"
We do not have equal justice in this country, we only give lip serve to it. The poor pay and the wealth go free. Otherwise trump would have been in the slammer long ago.
I would add that his handlers and enablers are the powerful ones, and most of them are our oligarchs and very possibly some from Russia and elsewhere, all operating in the shadows.
The way he spends so much Time grifting from his 'base', I wonder. He certainly does have some $Billionaire Buddies enabling - Robert Mercer, Steve Bannon (who cannot afford a shower, shave, and haircut), and others. But, I don't know that he could handle a handler - too arrogant. I think he was trying to use Putin, who in turn, knew and so was using him instead.
I suspect he is more like a 40's-70s Mob Boss, who circulates among others, but is essentially a stand-alone entity. I mean, whom else beside his kids could stand him?
While I agree about his unwillingness to submit to a handler, I firmly believe that real billionaires, like Koch and others have backed those close to him to whisper in his ear and inspire his game plan. He is extremely ignorant, knows nothing of history or government, and his gaming of the system screams that he has been "handled" from day one. Certainly, Putin massaged his very frail ego to manipulate him.
As for the "mob boss" theory, Greg Olear wrote an interesting article in March 2020, opining that he was an informant on the mob. Look for "Tinker, Tailor, Mobster, Trump." Whether or not Olear is correct in his premise, it does sound plausible, as TFG loves the swagger and appearance of all of it. The article also shows that people in his orbit (i.e., Kellyanne Conway, Don McGahn) are related or connected to Mafioso, while no assertion is made of wrongdoing on their part.
My point is that there are many ways he could have been schooled in technique, while never being aware that he was being handled. His weaknesses are right there on the surface, as has always been the case.
Yes Nancy. It's the 'why' behind more of this is not being made public. Need for sources and methods must be kept silent. Great scoping discipline on your part friend !
D4N, thank you. I recall despising TFG in the 70's, so never understood why anyone with a grain of intelligence could possibly vote for him. I'm certainly not a genius, nor do I ascribe to conspiracy theories, but it was clear that trump could not have positioned himself using his feeble brain. It had to be engineered by others who knew exactly how to massage him, and in addition to Putin, it had to be someone or some conglomerate in our midst with a great deal to gain by having a simpleton puppet. Trump is so ignorant that he didn't have a grasp or even rudimentary understanding of the people he'd need to manipulate, so someone else had to write the script. He just wasn't smart enough - but being allowed to be a bully for others' benefit was the ticket.
Yes that’s my favorite day dream. I have a highly developed hope for such Deus ex Machina actions to disappear the deplorable gruesome things haunting our landscape. I doubt we could expect Merrick Garland to perform a Saturday Night Massacre. So I muse about all those clinging clots of coagulating cholesterol gathering in the arteries of careless formers.
But realistically I pin my own hopes for salvation on Heathers “Wild Cards,” that I hope are galvanized Independent Voters reacting to Russian Operatives joined to the Republican Leadership to subvert the two party system. Americans attempt ridiculous solutions and avoid the best solutions to everything until the only remaining one is the best.
Jeri, my understanding of the current "Already Voted" categories is : 1) approximately 46-49 % Dems or Dem related; 2) 19 % "Other" ( a diverse Cohort) and: 3) Brainwashed Cultist are about 32-35%. UPDATED: Over 44.2 million TOTAL have 'Already Voted' as of Monday in many DIFFERENT state jurisdictions.
Given that, it is also widely assumed that same day voters generally vote Republican. I believe that for sure. So the question becomes what percentage of voters vote early or by mail, versus those who vote on election day. I want to see a blue wave - those numbers you quote do not indicate to me blue wave at all.
…with unlimited access to Russia Broadcast (source - CIA WFB):
'13 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in 2 of the national channels; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while a sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian military, respectively, own 2 additional national channels; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations (2016)'
Most hopeful quotes from HCR piece today. Though I have to admit liking TC's take and the delusions of those of Bill and Art. I feel a need to go bake something high on calories and fit for eating in a single sitting (Apple Tarte with ice cream) and our new election night cocktail (Bailey's and Chocolate Boost over ice, 😅).
Please take a look at Razom for Ukraine posted nearby and or below. It represents efforts and accomplishments in Ukraine, waging a monumental battle for Democracy with the Ukrainian people on the forefront.
Friend from Georgia directed me there. Rebuilding during war sets in place pride of future amidst the immediacy of destruction of war. This was a characteristic of the earlier war fought for the eastern Ukraine. No waiting until the war is over. Clean as you go forward. Affects attitudes.
I admit it, I'm not the brightest, and I learn more and more about politics and history from our great HCR and you wonderful people daily. So, in this simpleton's mind, won't he lose his ability to grift more money if he makes his "bigly" announcement?
Anyone else think he'll announce something really stupid like he's creating a new tRump fan club and you, YES YOU!! can be a founding member for a mere $19.95/mo! Upgrade to $29.95/ mo and you get VIP status!!!
And the fools would be running to the post office with their money.
'Today, if you're eligible to vote in the US, we hope you go and do so. Democracy is an act that needs to be exercised regularly and healthy elections are a vital part. At the moment, Ukrainians are acting to defend their democracy, fiercely and effectively, through daily actions, in countless ways. Their work protects democracies everywhere, including of course their own. We hope that work gets recognized and that every time you open a newsletter from Razom you choose to act (we encourage donating to Razom (so many projects profiled below!) and advocating for Ukraine).'
'We know you got the drill about voting, so we want to jump right in to the projects that need your support. There are truly so many that are worthy of a spotlight here every week. For example, we're still procuring, delivering, and distributing winter-preparedness supplies, medical equipment and medicines, and communications devices. We're still fundraising for local grassroots organizations supporting internally displaced persons in Ukraine. We're still working to translate more Ukrainian books into English and IT courses into Ukrainian. You can support any one of those projects directly by following the links. But today we'd like to bring to your attention two special projects that need your support most urgently today: 1) our partnership with Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PFVMH), and 2) homegrown Razom project, "Razom with You".
'With start-up funding from a major US foundation, Razom started the "Razom with You" program this July to support those in need of psychological help, including children. The project provides free therapy to people in Ukraine whose lives were disrupted by the war, and aims to create an emotionally safe and easily accessible space for individual and group sessions in areas heavily populated by Internally Displaced Persons. These are people who have been forced out of their homes, who have seen first-hand the horrors of war, unable to reach their loved ones. After the first assessment, we evaluated that 80% of newcomers to the program have never received psychological support in their life. '
'Thanks to our work early on in the invasion of distributing medical aid to hospitals in Ukraine and organizing medical missions, we uncovered how quickly doctors had to learn to operate in hospitals in conditions of urban warfare, dealing with a high influx of wounded patients, where diagnoses and treatments have to be made on the move. Through our grant program, we have been supporting the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PFVMH), and have learned how such mobile clinics can save more lives.'
'To date, we've opened two support centers and hired eight psychologists who've delivered over 27 group sessions and 241 individual sessions. You can learn about our focus areas and approach here. To be able to sustain this important program, we need your support. '
The treat of riots if trump is arrested might be a good idea so law enforcement could put it down with superior force. Many gun worshipers believe they need arms to protect themselves for the government. Just another delusional belief from the anti government gun lovers.
Agreed TCinLA! Contemplating the tsunami of lies this one man has authored, not to mention his minions, I recalled a Hannah Arendt quote from her 1971 “Lying in Politics” essay. It seemed like a fitting tribute to what Heather has worked to do for us here in LFAA:
"The historian knows how vulnerable is the whole texture of facts in which we spend
our daily life, it is always in danger of being perforated by single lies or torn to
shreds by the organized lying of groups, nations, or classes, or denied and distorted,
often carefully covered up by reams of falsehoods or simply allowed to fall into
oblivion. Facts need testimony to be remembered and trustworthy witnesses to be
established in order to find a secure dwelling place in the domain of human affairs.”
"Facts need testimony to be remembered and trustworthy witnesses to be established in order to find a secure dwelling place in the domain of human affairs.”
I so want you to be right, TC! So did you know that over 42 million ballots have already been cast nationwide? I am assuming that is good news for our side. I also heard there will be whiteout conditions in Nevada tomorrow. That’s also kinda hopeful that people won’t be able to get to the polls in time.
What a beautiful, poignant essay from Professor Richardson today. I appreciate her so much. Brought a tear to my eye which just made the glint in my eye glisten.
Will be thinking about so many fab Substack readers today and tonight. I know we are representative of such an enormous calvary for democracy. The Light is surrounding us. I can feel it.
Did you see Nancy Pelosi’s interview with Anderson Cooper last night, Marlene? Just absolutely magnificent. What a leader.
No I didn’t! Hopefully it’s on youTube. Thanks, Christine, Pelosi has the strength of 100 men in her tiny body but rules with an iron gavel. Bless her for her fortitude and love of country!
That interview brought this old guy to tears. Such courage and dedication - to her family and to our nation. I’ve always liked her, but my admiration has skyrocketed. We should all be extremely grateful for her (yes a HER) leadership.
Here in San Diego it's actually raining, as well, the right kind of rain - moderate, steady and vertical. Won't help with drought conditions but will save on water use for those who turn off outdoor irrigation.
In the old days before mail in ballots and by this I mean that late 50s, Rs hoped for bad weather in northern Indiana to keep Ds in South Bend from voting. We had pouring rain all day yesterday, but it is dry today and we are mail in or take your ballot to a box including the ones by the clerk's office where they had people outside to help last minute voters get their ballot into the box.
In-laws live in Reno where there may be white-out conditions today. It won’t stop some MAGA truckers with their big-ass tires, snow flying everywhere because they didn’t bother putting mud flaps on.
There are over 230,000 folks in Washoe County, Nevada which includes Reno. The population is now anout 24% Hispanic & 7% Asianof of citizens & close knit families.
TC: Speaking of jail, some folks in Texas are headed in that direction today!!
Breaking News from Texas:
Beto O'Rourke won!! Running away won!
The count that currently shows Abbott leading? It is totally fake! Now, hang on, I have Proof!.
Last night while I was sleeping, My Pillow spoke to me in a dream.
My Pillow showed me a dream video of thousands of people in Llano, Texas stuffing a dumpster with fake ballots that were quick counted in Brazil and sent back! This is a fact!
My Pillow would never lie to me in a dream.
Folks, what happened last night in Llano, Texas?
The Worst voter Fraud in history.
Even Abbott is going to jail. Who knows about Trump though.
Beto O'Rourke totally won that election! These are the total facts!
My Pillow was clear about this being HUGE fraud in My Pillow dream.
lol Mike ! If your pillow, like the 'internet' said it, 'must' be true.. there's the evidence of 'UGE fraud ! My heavens how I love the commenters here ! Cheers friend !
Belated thanks, TC, for posting the poem by Aurora Levins Morales! I 've passed it on, sent it out, to countless people who have been blown away by it (by her), and encouraged, as I was.🙏🏽
I am proud to be in this boat with you too. Let’s keep the oars in the water and rowing in the right direction. When we tire, we rest. Other rowers will keep going. Rested, we get to rowing again. The goal is a more perfect union. We will get there. We have to.
More perfect union and all the rest. What is justice if not actions in harmony with truth? What is tranquility but absence of malice? Isn't detection and suppression of foreign interference with our government essential to our common defense? Is not prioritizing slowing climate disasters part of maintaining the general welfare? COVID is dwarfed by an epidemic of ignorance and lies. Vote to uphold the Constitution.
Covid is dwarfed by an epidemic of ignorance and lies. Has been from day one with chump. He is still the master of ignorance and lies, Rupert makes it so.
Despite also being the 'dumbest g@dd@mn student I ever had" - his Marketing professor - who obviously got through to him much more than he realized at the time.
Elizabeth, we definitely need all the help we can get.
I just read this short summary of our American life: “A lot of people know a lot more about the Kardashians than they do about the workings of government,” she said. “So how do you compete with that? It doesn’t mean that you have to make politics like ‘Real Housewives’ or whatnot, but it does mean that there has to be something engaging, just given the information environment we live in.”
That competition for attention has made some political discourse coarser, she said.
A very disgusting, lengthy narrative about how one man destroyed an innocent young woman's life with a lie just to try to win a local office.
And? After a lengthy defamation case only paid $400,000 in penalty (no penalty at all really).
Social Media? I never had any except linked in and I never WILL have any. A woman's facebook page served as picture fodder for photoshopped pictures of something that never existed.
But we are ripples in a large stream...we need to spread our messages out there...trolling works for me because I do not have to listen to the vast amount of lies or negativity after I have left some shiny Truths in their fox compost bin.
Thank you for the water image. It makes me think of my favorite boatsmen, two trips across the Atlantic when crossing it on a boat was still possible (hoping for that possibility to return), cleaning the oceans, and the hard work and muscle-building of rowing. Here’s to making a reality of your proposal!
Jjust wrote goodbye to Twitter with my favorite witty Churchill quote (blatant nonsense “up with which I will not put”), putting Elon at the center. To have a white South African nationalist own Twitter is scarcely different from having Trump “owning” Fox.
Wishing all of US a good day and a good week, free of stupidity and violence.
PS Did anyone else out there sing the round “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”?
"...and the frantic efforts of the Republicans to suppress voting, gerrymander the country, and now to take away our right to choose our leaders indicates we are far more powerful than we believe we are. No matter what happens tomorrow, that will continue to be true, and I am ever so proud to be one of you."
I'm a guy who cries easily while watching movies — and just now reading the most incisive and moving words written by anyone this emotional roller coaster of an election cycle.
Michael, please allow me to reinforce the optimism: Polls have continually been telegraphing that most of the races are neck to neck. Here's a fact--young people don't pick up the phone. If you don't pick up the phone you can't get polled. What they care about is freedom of choice and climate change. So I've put my hopes and prayers that it's all in the hands of the youth--that their numbers swell, overtake the voting booths, and handily save our democracy....
Heather there are not enough words to express how many of us hold you responsible for our sanity for these past years. You were going to stop LFAA after the 2020 elections, but continued because you are so needed. I'm sure that it has cost you in sleep. In health. In so much. We actually left the U.S. in 2019 because by 2018, I couldn't mentally, physically, or emotionally handle the toll of the evil in Our House, and felt that a distance would help. It did. Until the terrorist insurrection and all that has followed.
Last night's news here in Spain included the fragile state of democracy in the U. S. at this moment. One actually said that Democracy is slowly dying in the U.S.. Perhaps so if so many Americans are willing to feed at the trough of corporate and religious propaganda. It is ironic that so many regurgitate the ¨U.S. will become Venezuela¨ spun by the right rather than seeing how Brazil has kept the light of liberty on.
No matter the outcome of the midterms and what will follow in the days, weeks, months, years to come, we must never give up the vision of a nation where quality of life, liberty, justice, and freedom for all becomes a reality.
Dr. Richardson, the effort you put into your letters must be draining. It's very hard work to operate at such a high level. I can speak only for myself, though others may agree, I would love to see you take weekends off to conserve your strength. You, and a few others like you, are needed more than you may know. Thank you, sincerely.
Gailee Walker Wells - "You were going to stop LFAA after the 2020 elections, but continued because you are so needed."
LeMoine Surlamont - "Dr. Richardson, ... You, and a few others like you, are needed more than you may know."
And I hope we are sufficiently compensating you both emotionally as well as financially for your efforts. You would, without a doubt, be sorely missed, if not.
True. I read the story in The Hill yesterday morning. Disgusting really. Trying to elect trumpublicans so that they will dry up funding for Ukraine. Like trumpublicans, Putin has to cheat to attain his goal. Cheating all around in that sector and I’m just pessimistic to think they’ll never stop unless or until all such believers are either in prison or reprogramming centers.
Not even sure it is all about Ukraine. It is about a weaker America. That was the goal before and did sort of succeed. With trump we lost some of our standing in other leaders eyes. Biden has made us believable once again . But that can once again go back.
Boosting Trump was the serendipitous equivalent of passive germ warfare, as despite our advanced medicine and resources, we have led the world in COVID deaths, thanks to "Republican" rule, intensified by Putin sowing confusion.
Christine I completely agree. I feel this election had far too many plates spinning at once. I don't feel it was by chance. The plan to dilute our message worked very effectively.
To say we are walking on eggshells with our counterparts is very true. Foreign press has been scratching their collective heads at how this midterm was able to be so upended by the minority when Biden has done so much, in such a short period of time.
I wonder if they could be deprogrammed. I don’t even try to have a conversation anymore. Facts and truth mean nothing to them. It’s very strange, and scary.
Deprogrammed...! That is the situation we have with the most successful propaganda campaign in history, funded by $13 Billion from Koch and his Kleptocrats.
The way to overcome the lies and the disinformation is with truth and when the actions are criminal....with swift and sure prosecution. AG Garland and his team won’t fumble the ball; trump and his criminal friends are going down.
Wish the DOJ could just give us a wink or a sign they are going to do something very soon. We continue to see Idiocy flipping the most disrespectful bird on our democracy and our citizens. A fake, religious cult made up of nothing but narcissistic, white supremacists who lie and cheat. The neo-fascist arm of the former republican party with it's capitalist/corporate funding levels that should have been taxed like the rest of us and used to help our world and our people.
Then there is the easily culti-fried Ginni and her husband who should be so ashamed of himself and step down, or be legally pulled off that bench...along with multiple other oath-breaking SCOTUSes. Despicables and liars. Complete embarrassments to our country.
A Monty Python moment here, Jeri: "I'm NOT!" (From the scene when all the dead are being carried away on a cart and the chap says, not to worry about the, they're all dead." One pipes up, "I'm NOT!"
Always remember there are a LOT more of us and we are alive and many more have become activated. Take heart. Go for walks and be in nature today and breathe it in. We know what is wrong with our country from its' foundations up and once we get this, CHANGE will happen. I would like the power to turn off the propaganda megaphones...and everyone says we can't because of the 1st Amendment. What are the laws regarding fascist propaganda and the destruction of our democracy with brainwashing? Maybe the DOJ acting upon all the spewing idiots in our government could go a long ways in restoring decency?
I can't be the only one wishing for a magic teleporter that will quietly send the frothing-at-the-mouth Putin supporters here over to someplace of which he's actually in charge. Pure fantasy, I know, but it'd sure be interesting to see how it played out...
So very grateful for all your work to elucidate, educate, and enlighten us. That a Russian oligarch openly boasts about US election interference simply takes my breath away in its audacity. The GOP can never deny it again. I wish every American would read these letters. Willful ignorance to truth will murder democracy-and it’s so senseless when there are truth tellers like you to share facts. Thank you, Professor.
We are ever so proud of you and all of us! I’m with Michael, I also cry easily at certain songs, watching movies all the time and moving words. Thank you Heather and thank you LFAA Community. You are my heroes!
Without LFAA, the many commenters here and time to bead weave, knit or crochet, I’d be hospitalized, I swear. Or just a blithering idiot walking the streets...
Going to a “victory” party tonight at a local Irish-style pub with local activists. Fingers crossed we have lots to celebrate here and across the country. Grateful to have this community to meet up with in the morning though. More work to do, guaranteed.....
I am reading Orwell's Roses and so enjoyed your FB conversation with Rebecca Solnit, a family friend. Your essay today is of course related, as was Joyce Vance's a few minutes ago on authoritarianism. My comment to Joyce included the recommendation to read Michael Moore's daily essays ahead of these midterms. You seem to have succumbed less to the Red Wave Fatalism so many of us, including Joyce, have been afflicted by. Moore has sure helped me, for example: https://www.michaelmoore.com/p/midterm-tsunami-truth-36
Also, read the uplifting, Robert Hubbell substack this morning, titled, " Have Faith in Democracy!" Really helpful to begin election day with, along with y'all and Doc Heather!
Good recommendation, Pensa_VT! I just finished reading this and also subscribed -- another support resource for surviving the stresses of Fending Off Fascism!
Amazingly in California every registered voter gets a ballot in the mail 3 or 4 weeks before election day, can fill it out at home and drop it at any mailbox. A couple of days later with 3 or 4 strokes on the computer you can verify it was counted or find out why not. Of course Congress could pass a law making this the system for all federal elections. Why hasn't it?
LH - "And the same rational process happens here in Colorado"
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Denver Elections Division has sent your 2022 General Election ballot.
If you have questions, please contact Denver Elections Division at (303) 653-9668 or elections@denvergov.org. Visit GoVoteColorado.gov for more election information.
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Your 2022 General Election ballot has been received by Denver Elections Division. We will notify you when it’s been counted.
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Your 2022 General Election ballot has been counted by Denver Elections Division. Thank you for voting! Click the image below to save your I Voted sticker!
The amazing thing is it isn't amazing. I've sat at my sister's breakfast table in LA when she and her husband filled out the ballot and dropped it in the mail. End of story. No adrenalin rush. Ho hum. Vote. That's how it should be, nationwide.
because the states can conduct elections in their own manner as so the originalists like to say, ignoring the part of the Constitution that gives the Federal Govt the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are entitled to a republican form of government. Unfortunately, they did not specifically state majority rule so the originalists use that omission as a way to undermine majority rule.
"As of today, we’ve tracked 178 lawsuits filed in 2022 across 35 states. 108 of these lawsuits are currently active and ongoing. Of the lawsuits, 2 are likely to have important rulings by the end of Election Day. That number is down from 11 yesterday, as 9 outstanding cases had updates today. You can read about those decisions — all positive outcomes for voters — below.
"A Georgia county agreed to provide emergency relief to absentee voters after an error led to the county’s failure to send absentee ballots to over 1,000 voters. The county agreed to overnight ballots to voters and extend the receipt deadline until Nov. 14 for the affected voters.
"The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Blair County's motion to reconsider the date range for 'wrongly' dated mail-in ballots since counties sent out ballots at different times. This order maintains the court's original date range.
"A Pennsylvania court denied a Republican request to block the Monroe County Board of Elections from being able to pre-canvass mail-in ballots during the midterm elections. Another Pennsylvania court denied a request to temporarily block the Philadelphia election commissioners from conducting their plans for managing poll books, which are records containing information about registered voters.
"An Arizona judge ruled that Cochise County, Arizona may not proceed with its plan to perform a hand count audit of all early ballots.
"At the end of a hearing, a Wisconsin judge rejected a Republican request to segregate and halt the counting of absentee ballots cast by voters in the military. Earlier, the Union Veterans Council and Merchant Marine Captain Timothy McDonald filed a motion to intervene to safeguard the counting of military absentee ballots.
"A New York appellate court confirmed that an on-campus polling site must be established at Vassar College for tomorrow’s midterm elections. Dutchess County commissioners are complying with the court order to open a polling location at Vassar College. Photos show voting machines being moved onto campus this afternoon.
"A Michigan judge denied a Republican request to impose strict limits on how absentee ballots are administered, returned and counted in Detroit, Michigan and to halt the counting of thousands of absentee ballots that have already been cast.
"Here are other updates:
"The U.S. Department of Justice announced it would send election monitors to observe voting in 67 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting laws.
"Several Pennsylvania voters, Fetterman for PA, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania’s plan to not count undated mail-in ballots and wrongly dated mail-in ballots in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. This is the second federal lawsuit filed over this issue.
"The next hearing in a Republican lawsuit seeking to invalidate Illinois' mail-in ballot receipt deadline was scheduled for December. This means Illinois’ current deadline will remain in effect for tomorrow’s election."
This is great! Interesting to read about the on-campus polling site being established at Vassar College. I remember voting for the first time as a college freshman in upstate NY, shortly after a court decision allowed students to vote where they attended school rather than having to travel to their home residence.
Don’t you just love Marc Elias and his team, Lynell? I get the Docket too. They have been SO successful in their efforts of challenging these frivolous lawsuits.
Agree, Marlene! I like how they summarize what's happening without getting too technical.
I received an email from the Sierra Club inviting everyone to go on FB to say they voted. Sort of a peer pressure way to get others to vote. If you can, go on FB and search for Sierra Club; leave a comment that you voted. It's easy!
And we have a Lunar Eclipse to celebrate the eclipse of TFG lunacy justly to put the kibosh on the the evil man whose daddy’s dirty money bought him a mansion by the rising seas of Florida once owned by the cold cereal Queen of make believe.
The Lunar Eclipse is in full swing. Must be an Election Day Oman. I’m feeling superstitious.
The nation will vote like never before. Fascism will go into eclipse and Michael Moore will do the movie.
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and give Putin a big wet one on the lips, or take U.S. top secrets to Mar-A-Lago, and wouldn't lose any voters, okay? Grab 'em by the Putin. You can do anything. When you’re in bed with the enemy, they let you do it. You can do anything.”
“I’m going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15, at Mar-a-Lago in Florida…. We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow.”
Which of course, means trump will let loose the dogs of war tomorrow.
Terrie, I can't argue with you--your one sentence premonition is way more than probable! Bad timing on his part, but if Muck lets him back on Twitter he won't be able to resist.
Will DeSantis announce his run the same day or the day before? How will the press pool split coverage of their choice for winner? Will Hershel Walker bump MTG from VP position on their ticket?
Good one Fred. I have no idea--I was just listening to Terrie--but if Herschel goes far enough to challenge MTG for VP....No, no, my brain just won't go there without risking serious damage. I can't help ya!
It's a scary time, to say the least. The community of people you've helped find through your work, Heather, is a gift beyond measure. No matter what, we will still be here tomorrow... and tomorrow... and tomorrow. Thank you for your dedication to naming truth and for giving us an "us". I say back to all of you...I am oh so proud to be one of you.
Let’s keep our positive energy going and believe that tomorrow will be a victory for all the hard work we have all done to win this election. HCR has been our guiding light and hope during all this craziness. Stay strong.
Out of curiosity, I just looked up Joseph McCarthy, since that era seems similar to these times. It’s always shocking and depressing to realize how easily we can be manipulated.
Senator McCarthy held sway from 1950 until December 2, 1954, when the Senate voted to censure by a vote of 67–22, making him one of the few senators ever to be disciplined in this fashion. Portions of the massive security apparatus established during the McCarthy era still exist. A number of observers have compared the oppression of liberals and leftists during the McCarthy period to 2000s-era actions against suspected terrorists, most of them Muslims. I wonder how long this GOP insanity will last?
Wonder why this is, Roy Cohn, McCarthy’s sidekick, was chump’s mentor and best “fixer;” Chump has asked repeatedly, “where is my Roy Cohn.” Of course, evil is always available for a price, either money or power. Steven Miller comes to mind, first of one hell of a long list…
Wouldn't it be nice if the DOJ arrested him Friday around 5pm, so he has to stay in jail over the weekend before he gets arraigned Monday morning, at which time they request remand because he has an airplane capable of intercontintental flight and the resources to run, and he gets held till the end of the week when he's released on $100 million cash bail (effectively pauperizing him by forcing him to use all his MAGA money). Let him make his "big announcement" from the tank.
Hey, a boy can dream.
We can all dream about a Friday perp walk, but the DOJ did appoint outside, National Security Cousel, DAVID RASKIN, to prosecute the "NARA- Lago" case; that selection of Trial Counsel is a solid indication tfg will be prosecuted -- most likely when the NY AG's case is over. Hat Tip to the diligent Jay Quo's Substack.
Thank you Bryan Sean McKown for bringing this message to us on Election Day.
The DOJ speaks in court ... in pleadings & in the association of seasoned, expert trial Counsel.
Hopefully the DOJ pre-empts #45 with criminal charges making it the "Big News" for this clown!
TFG waits till after the Election only for selfish reasons: so he doesn't have to share his donation $ egg to help MAGA candidates. Then declares 2024 candidacy so that all that $ is his own, but it wont be spent on his 2024campaign. It will be spent to pay his lawyers fighting all these cases. This is also his new leverage. He will ask for more help /more donations and promise to payback the biggest donors in favors if he wins. It is those donors now that should be called out, whether individuals or PACS, (oops that's a dark secret, impossible for the public to know) So that the we the people have no one to call out for facilitating the end of democracy.
I like it! Here's my dream:
The DOJ announces charges for the theft of documents/espionage cases on the same day that Con Man 45 announces his candidacy. On the very same day, DeathSantis announces he is in the race to win. Thousands of immigrants are flown to major "blue cities" and paid to get off the plane holding signs that say: "Vote for Ron! He ain't no Con!"
Take a breath, and then...
The next morning the states of NY and Georgia file charges. And DC (hotel Secret Service ripoff). And then....the afternoon "breaking news" is that Pompeo, Pence, Noem, and Haley all announce their candidacies for 2024. And then....just before the news cycle ends, Boebert says she wants to be VP for whoever wins the nomination...she prefers "45" but will be a loyal gun totin' Republican and do her duty. Not to outdone, MJT storms onto the Tucker Carlson set and screams "No way! that's my job and I earned it!" She challenges Boebert to a shooting match. The one who can unload the most rounds in 60 seconds wins the job.
The press core is incapable of digesting all this. The bars are flooded with "journalists" and hacks.
Months later, millions of Democrats temporarily switch parties to vote Republican in the primaries. The ensuing chaos adds to the historic spiral dive of the Party of Lincoln.
The 2024 general election is a Blue Tsunami. With the prospects of possible prison time and a claw back of bogus campaign donations, many Republican politicians, operatives and mouthpieces accept Putin's offer to reside in a special "Colony of Honor" somewhere in Eastern Ukraine. He promises it will be rebuilt to code. There will be golf, cheeseburgers and Diet Coke. Or vodka laced with cyanide, if preferred.
Great dream, Bill, but stranger things ... may happen. We may lose our democracy, but God help us if we lose our sens(es) of humor.
At this point, David, I'll take Bill's dream. This is the first time I've laughed in weeks. I especially like the mental picture of Lauren and MTG in a shootout, then tfg drinking cyanide-laced anything.
That really made me laugh out loud!!🤣
I've been laughing a lot today. Tomorrow could be much different, but I'm counting on that early-voting tsunami. Thanks, and fingers crossed.
Nancy, GA broke records in early voting. I’m neither forming nor expressing any opinions until I see the full count. My hopes align with yours. 👊
Forget prison. Is it time for Sinema, Green, Trump, and McConnell to appear on Dancing With the Stars?
McConnell can request a new category - the Turkey Trot!
Rotten turkey trot!
That would explain his bug-eyed expression. Thanks, Ted.
God forbid! Well, only if it’s “Welcome to Rikers Island Prison for Dancing with The Criminals!”.
Marlene, lol, you won the comment section so far ! Cheers ~
😁
Oh Bill, the shootout scene in my mind made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the laugh on this very important day. I've never lost my sense of humor through all of this and apparently, neither have you.
Ironic, all this talk of dreaming. I attended a memorial service for one of the premiere physicians and research experts on schizophrenia. As one of his colleagues talked about discovering the biological origins of the illness, my mind wandered to delusions, one of the symptoms. Could it be that people with schizophrenia are the primary base the Republicans are attracting, people already wired to invent and believe the unbelievable, regardless of facts/evidence? Is there science behind this bizarre addiction to lies?
Just a passing thought. And now back to all these healthy and very creative dreams pouring forth here. Carry on!
Ya know, it actually could be syphilis effecting the Orange One's brain. The insanity comes on slowly, steadily, inexorably. He's been a philanderer long enough to account for it. Not trying to start any rumors, now; just sayin...
The only problem with your diagnosis is the assumption that tfg has a brain.
This.
Nitpicking time: 'affecting', not 'effecting'.
Example of the difference: "drinking orange juice affects pregnancy" vs "drinking orange juice effects pregnancy".
Not a person in the medical field, just an opinion...there was a study on what goes on psychologically when minds are manipulated.
https://behavioralscientist.org/how-would-people-behave-in-milgrams-experiment-today/
Yee-haw!!!
🗽
Politics Girl Leigh McGowan hot off the kitchen press!
We got this! Election Day…her take.
https://youtu.be/irK9cXfAkUo
Woohoo!
Unita. 🗽
Wow! I really needed this! Thanks Bill!
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Stranger things have happened. But I like the way you dream!
You had me laughing at some of the visuals. Keep ‘em coming because we do need to laugh this week!
Well, that was fun😂.
Love it!
Great scenario to imagine!
Thanks for the laugh.
Geez, if dreams could only come true! 😘
.... Providence please save the dreamers ! Yes, you go Bill !
And complimentary golf carts?
That would be very nice indeed!
Were Trump not so powerful, that would have happened looong ago. How is his running for president as a source of immunity not just laughed off. Al Capone had a public following. Had he run for president would be not have been prosecuted? If a candidate is a Crook with a captial "C", does not the nation deserve to know? It's not like there is insufficient probable cause.
Comment (very freely translated) from a reader of "Le Monde": "Why is this crook still on the loose? What's the matter with the American justice system?"
We do not have equal justice in this country, we only give lip serve to it. The poor pay and the wealth go free. Otherwise trump would have been in the slammer long ago.
Exactly. Not just with $. Skin color and ethnic background play key roles in that as well.
The 6th Amendment provides for a “speedy trial,” but there is no provision for “speedy justice.” And, it is only getting worse.
The speedy trial issue relates mostly to defendants who are in jail awaiting a disposition of their case, not to a rich defendant who can afford bail.
❗️
Donny tfg is NOT "powerful". He is a Magpie.
I would add that his handlers and enablers are the powerful ones, and most of them are our oligarchs and very possibly some from Russia and elsewhere, all operating in the shadows.
The way he spends so much Time grifting from his 'base', I wonder. He certainly does have some $Billionaire Buddies enabling - Robert Mercer, Steve Bannon (who cannot afford a shower, shave, and haircut), and others. But, I don't know that he could handle a handler - too arrogant. I think he was trying to use Putin, who in turn, knew and so was using him instead.
I suspect he is more like a 40's-70s Mob Boss, who circulates among others, but is essentially a stand-alone entity. I mean, whom else beside his kids could stand him?
While I agree about his unwillingness to submit to a handler, I firmly believe that real billionaires, like Koch and others have backed those close to him to whisper in his ear and inspire his game plan. He is extremely ignorant, knows nothing of history or government, and his gaming of the system screams that he has been "handled" from day one. Certainly, Putin massaged his very frail ego to manipulate him.
As for the "mob boss" theory, Greg Olear wrote an interesting article in March 2020, opining that he was an informant on the mob. Look for "Tinker, Tailor, Mobster, Trump." Whether or not Olear is correct in his premise, it does sound plausible, as TFG loves the swagger and appearance of all of it. The article also shows that people in his orbit (i.e., Kellyanne Conway, Don McGahn) are related or connected to Mafioso, while no assertion is made of wrongdoing on their part.
My point is that there are many ways he could have been schooled in technique, while never being aware that he was being handled. His weaknesses are right there on the surface, as has always been the case.
Yes Nancy. It's the 'why' behind more of this is not being made public. Need for sources and methods must be kept silent. Great scoping discipline on your part friend !
D4N, thank you. I recall despising TFG in the 70's, so never understood why anyone with a grain of intelligence could possibly vote for him. I'm certainly not a genius, nor do I ascribe to conspiracy theories, but it was clear that trump could not have positioned himself using his feeble brain. It had to be engineered by others who knew exactly how to massage him, and in addition to Putin, it had to be someone or some conglomerate in our midst with a great deal to gain by having a simpleton puppet. Trump is so ignorant that he didn't have a grasp or even rudimentary understanding of the people he'd need to manipulate, so someone else had to write the script. He just wasn't smart enough - but being allowed to be a bully for others' benefit was the ticket.
I'm not sure what that means, but don't insult the birds by associating them with TFG.
Magpies chatter, whistle, trill, and warble. These birds have even been known to mimic sounds around them such as wind chimes or a dog's barking.
Like crows, magpies are considered to be highly intelligent creatures.
IRS got Al Capone.
And isn't it interesting that the GOP decimates the IRS every chance they get. Hmm...I wonder why?
And syphillis may get both of them...
Yes that’s my favorite day dream. I have a highly developed hope for such Deus ex Machina actions to disappear the deplorable gruesome things haunting our landscape. I doubt we could expect Merrick Garland to perform a Saturday Night Massacre. So I muse about all those clinging clots of coagulating cholesterol gathering in the arteries of careless formers.
But realistically I pin my own hopes for salvation on Heathers “Wild Cards,” that I hope are galvanized Independent Voters reacting to Russian Operatives joined to the Republican Leadership to subvert the two party system. Americans attempt ridiculous solutions and avoid the best solutions to everything until the only remaining one is the best.
Ending Trumpism is our best hope.
TC, that would be the least we should expect from our democracy, assuming it still is one.
How I wish he would flee. No one else would have him. Only in America do we have the money and the idiots so brainwashed.
I expect his master Putin wouldn't want him...
Jeri, my understanding of the current "Already Voted" categories is : 1) approximately 46-49 % Dems or Dem related; 2) 19 % "Other" ( a diverse Cohort) and: 3) Brainwashed Cultist are about 32-35%. UPDATED: Over 44.2 million TOTAL have 'Already Voted' as of Monday in many DIFFERENT state jurisdictions.
Given that, it is also widely assumed that same day voters generally vote Republican. I believe that for sure. So the question becomes what percentage of voters vote early or by mail, versus those who vote on election day. I want to see a blue wave - those numbers you quote do not indicate to me blue wave at all.
You are correct Jay but, I want accurate data above all.. Feel free to correct if necessary. Polls are open in Milwaukee & Philadelphia NOW.
He would set up a government-in-exile in Moscow.
…with unlimited access to Russia Broadcast (source - CIA WFB):
'13 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in 2 of the national channels; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while a sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian military, respectively, own 2 additional national channels; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations (2016)'
‘…I am 100% certain. Far more Americans today are concerned about our democracy, and determined to reclaim it...’
‘No matter what happens tomorrow, that will continue to be true, and I am ever so proud to be one of you.’
Final thoughts of Heather Cox Richardson at the end of today's Election Day Letter.
Most hopeful quotes from HCR piece today. Though I have to admit liking TC's take and the delusions of those of Bill and Art. I feel a need to go bake something high on calories and fit for eating in a single sitting (Apple Tarte with ice cream) and our new election night cocktail (Bailey's and Chocolate Boost over ice, 😅).
Fred, my mouth is watering. 😋
Please take a look at Razom for Ukraine posted nearby and or below. It represents efforts and accomplishments in Ukraine, waging a monumental battle for Democracy with the Ukrainian people on the forefront.
anastasia.rab@razomforukraine.org
Salud! 🌻
I donated early on and am clearly way overdue for a followup.
That would be a good decision, Judith. Salud!
I've also donated to the Medusa Project, digital media source - time for me to send them more money. https://meduza.io/en
Friend from Georgia directed me there. Rebuilding during war sets in place pride of future amidst the immediacy of destruction of war. This was a characteristic of the earlier war fought for the eastern Ukraine. No waiting until the war is over. Clean as you go forward. Affects attitudes.
I admit it, I'm not the brightest, and I learn more and more about politics and history from our great HCR and you wonderful people daily. So, in this simpleton's mind, won't he lose his ability to grift more money if he makes his "bigly" announcement?
Anyone else think he'll announce something really stupid like he's creating a new tRump fan club and you, YES YOU!! can be a founding member for a mere $19.95/mo! Upgrade to $29.95/ mo and you get VIP status!!!
And the fools would be running to the post office with their money.
You're not stupid to think that - pretty insightful, actually. That sounds just like something he would do.
Fiddling as Rome burns?
'Today, if you're eligible to vote in the US, we hope you go and do so. Democracy is an act that needs to be exercised regularly and healthy elections are a vital part. At the moment, Ukrainians are acting to defend their democracy, fiercely and effectively, through daily actions, in countless ways. Their work protects democracies everywhere, including of course their own. We hope that work gets recognized and that every time you open a newsletter from Razom you choose to act (we encourage donating to Razom (so many projects profiled below!) and advocating for Ukraine).'
Please DONATE
Razom for Ukraine anastasia.rab@razomforukraine.org
'We know you got the drill about voting, so we want to jump right in to the projects that need your support. There are truly so many that are worthy of a spotlight here every week. For example, we're still procuring, delivering, and distributing winter-preparedness supplies, medical equipment and medicines, and communications devices. We're still fundraising for local grassroots organizations supporting internally displaced persons in Ukraine. We're still working to translate more Ukrainian books into English and IT courses into Ukrainian. You can support any one of those projects directly by following the links. But today we'd like to bring to your attention two special projects that need your support most urgently today: 1) our partnership with Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PFVMH), and 2) homegrown Razom project, "Razom with You".
Please DONATE
Razom for Ukraine anastasia.rab@razomforukraine.org
'With start-up funding from a major US foundation, Razom started the "Razom with You" program this July to support those in need of psychological help, including children. The project provides free therapy to people in Ukraine whose lives were disrupted by the war, and aims to create an emotionally safe and easily accessible space for individual and group sessions in areas heavily populated by Internally Displaced Persons. These are people who have been forced out of their homes, who have seen first-hand the horrors of war, unable to reach their loved ones. After the first assessment, we evaluated that 80% of newcomers to the program have never received psychological support in their life. '
Please DONATE
https://www.razomforukraine.org/
'Thanks to our work early on in the invasion of distributing medical aid to hospitals in Ukraine and organizing medical missions, we uncovered how quickly doctors had to learn to operate in hospitals in conditions of urban warfare, dealing with a high influx of wounded patients, where diagnoses and treatments have to be made on the move. Through our grant program, we have been supporting the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PFVMH), and have learned how such mobile clinics can save more lives.'
'To date, we've opened two support centers and hired eight psychologists who've delivered over 27 group sessions and 241 individual sessions. You can learn about our focus areas and approach here. To be able to sustain this important program, we need your support. '
Exactly
The treat of riots if trump is arrested might be a good idea so law enforcement could put it down with superior force. Many gun worshipers believe they need arms to protect themselves for the government. Just another delusional belief from the anti government gun lovers.
Agreed TCinLA! Contemplating the tsunami of lies this one man has authored, not to mention his minions, I recalled a Hannah Arendt quote from her 1971 “Lying in Politics” essay. It seemed like a fitting tribute to what Heather has worked to do for us here in LFAA:
"The historian knows how vulnerable is the whole texture of facts in which we spend
our daily life, it is always in danger of being perforated by single lies or torn to
shreds by the organized lying of groups, nations, or classes, or denied and distorted,
often carefully covered up by reams of falsehoods or simply allowed to fall into
oblivion. Facts need testimony to be remembered and trustworthy witnesses to be
established in order to find a secure dwelling place in the domain of human affairs.”
Am struck particularly by Arendt's last sentence:
"Facts need testimony to be remembered and trustworthy witnesses to be established in order to find a secure dwelling place in the domain of human affairs.”
I so want you to be right, TC! So did you know that over 42 million ballots have already been cast nationwide? I am assuming that is good news for our side. I also heard there will be whiteout conditions in Nevada tomorrow. That’s also kinda hopeful that people won’t be able to get to the polls in time.
What a beautiful, poignant essay from Professor Richardson today. I appreciate her so much. Brought a tear to my eye which just made the glint in my eye glisten.
Will be thinking about so many fab Substack readers today and tonight. I know we are representative of such an enormous calvary for democracy. The Light is surrounding us. I can feel it.
Did you see Nancy Pelosi’s interview with Anderson Cooper last night, Marlene? Just absolutely magnificent. What a leader.
In faith Sister! 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏾♀️🙋🏿♀️
Unita. 🗽
No I didn’t! Hopefully it’s on youTube. Thanks, Christine, Pelosi has the strength of 100 men in her tiny body but rules with an iron gavel. Bless her for her fortitude and love of country!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7lFSpqApjI
I didn't see it but will go get it. Thanks.
That interview brought this old guy to tears. Such courage and dedication - to her family and to our nation. I’ve always liked her, but my admiration has skyrocketed. We should all be extremely grateful for her (yes a HER) leadership.
With a glint in Nancy's eye as well; you got the right word Christine ... leader ... the Speaker.
Heavy rain in the Bay Area CA right now, 4:30 am Pacific. Very heavy burst at 5:15 am 🌨🌨🌨🌧
Here in San Diego it's actually raining, as well, the right kind of rain - moderate, steady and vertical. Won't help with drought conditions but will save on water use for those who turn off outdoor irrigation.
🌨🙏
FINALLY! I have veggies dancing with delight!
Bad weather anywhere can affect either side.
In the old days before mail in ballots and by this I mean that late 50s, Rs hoped for bad weather in northern Indiana to keep Ds in South Bend from voting. We had pouring rain all day yesterday, but it is dry today and we are mail in or take your ballot to a box including the ones by the clerk's office where they had people outside to help last minute voters get their ballot into the box.
As to Nevada, sunny in Las Vegas (super for service industry) & cloudy in Reno.
In-laws live in Reno where there may be white-out conditions today. It won’t stop some MAGA truckers with their big-ass tires, snow flying everywhere because they didn’t bother putting mud flaps on.
There are over 230,000 folks in Washoe County, Nevada which includes Reno. The population is now anout 24% Hispanic & 7% Asianof of citizens & close knit families.
TC: Speaking of jail, some folks in Texas are headed in that direction today!!
Breaking News from Texas:
Beto O'Rourke won!! Running away won!
The count that currently shows Abbott leading? It is totally fake! Now, hang on, I have Proof!.
Last night while I was sleeping, My Pillow spoke to me in a dream.
My Pillow showed me a dream video of thousands of people in Llano, Texas stuffing a dumpster with fake ballots that were quick counted in Brazil and sent back! This is a fact!
My Pillow would never lie to me in a dream.
Folks, what happened last night in Llano, Texas?
The Worst voter Fraud in history.
Even Abbott is going to jail. Who knows about Trump though.
Beto O'Rourke totally won that election! These are the total facts!
My Pillow was clear about this being HUGE fraud in My Pillow dream.
:-)
Welcome to America everyone!!
Mike, if you said it, then it must be true! Gonna get me one of those pillows. Do they ever go on sale? Maybe a Black Friday deal?
:-)
Bill, to be clear, it was My Pillow, not me. I am just sharing the good news from Texas.
My Pillow would never lie just to fool a bunch of folks who don't know any better. Naw. Never.
:-)
lol Mike ! If your pillow, like the 'internet' said it, 'must' be true.. there's the evidence of 'UGE fraud ! My heavens how I love the commenters here ! Cheers friend !
I actually Laughed Out Loud. Loudly!
Oh good, another fine mess.
Mike "what about" the Italian space lasers purchased by George Soros !?!??????
lol ! I do like the way you think TC !
Belated thanks, TC, for posting the poem by Aurora Levins Morales! I 've passed it on, sent it out, to countless people who have been blown away by it (by her), and encouraged, as I was.🙏🏽
I am proud to be in this boat with you too. Let’s keep the oars in the water and rowing in the right direction. When we tire, we rest. Other rowers will keep going. Rested, we get to rowing again. The goal is a more perfect union. We will get there. We have to.
More perfect union and all the rest. What is justice if not actions in harmony with truth? What is tranquility but absence of malice? Isn't detection and suppression of foreign interference with our government essential to our common defense? Is not prioritizing slowing climate disasters part of maintaining the general welfare? COVID is dwarfed by an epidemic of ignorance and lies. Vote to uphold the Constitution.
Covid is dwarfed by an epidemic of ignorance and lies. Has been from day one with chump. He is still the master of ignorance and lies, Rupert makes it so.
Despite also being the 'dumbest g@dd@mn student I ever had" - his Marketing professor - who obviously got through to him much more than he realized at the time.
Unfortunately, yes.
Beautifully put, JL!
Excellent, JL! Here is today’s PHOTO: Power Has Overpowered Truth, Obviously.
Yes, absolutely, "keep our oars in the water." It reminds me of what a friend, who grew up in Morocco always says. "Trust God, but tie up your camel."
I like that!
Elizabeth, we definitely need all the help we can get.
I just read this short summary of our American life: “A lot of people know a lot more about the Kardashians than they do about the workings of government,” she said. “So how do you compete with that? It doesn’t mean that you have to make politics like ‘Real Housewives’ or whatnot, but it does mean that there has to be something engaging, just given the information environment we live in.”
That competition for attention has made some political discourse coarser, she said.
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/in-depth/news/2022/11/07/how-david-gordon-defamed-caitlin-mccann-in-race-for-oneida-executive/9658620002/
A very disgusting, lengthy narrative about how one man destroyed an innocent young woman's life with a lie just to try to win a local office.
And? After a lengthy defamation case only paid $400,000 in penalty (no penalty at all really).
Social Media? I never had any except linked in and I never WILL have any. A woman's facebook page served as picture fodder for photoshopped pictures of something that never existed.
America? Look around everyone.
Here here listen up people. Of course, we are the choir…
But we are ripples in a large stream...we need to spread our messages out there...trolling works for me because I do not have to listen to the vast amount of lies or negativity after I have left some shiny Truths in their fox compost bin.
High marks for a memorable metaphor.
Possibly a Greek chorus ... always paid attention to what the Greek Furies had to say.
Unfortunately that article has a paywall
Freedom is not free. If you think the article is worth reading, pay for it. Or find it in the public library, if you can’t afford to pay for it.
Yes. My apology. I try to use gift links but this newspaper has none.
💖
Thank you for the water image. It makes me think of my favorite boatsmen, two trips across the Atlantic when crossing it on a boat was still possible (hoping for that possibility to return), cleaning the oceans, and the hard work and muscle-building of rowing. Here’s to making a reality of your proposal!
Jjust wrote goodbye to Twitter with my favorite witty Churchill quote (blatant nonsense “up with which I will not put”), putting Elon at the center. To have a white South African nationalist own Twitter is scarcely different from having Trump “owning” Fox.
Wishing all of US a good day and a good week, free of stupidity and violence.
PS Did anyone else out there sing the round “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”?
“Roe Roe Your Vote”
Beautiful image Elizabeth! Yes! We the People.
"...and the frantic efforts of the Republicans to suppress voting, gerrymander the country, and now to take away our right to choose our leaders indicates we are far more powerful than we believe we are. No matter what happens tomorrow, that will continue to be true, and I am ever so proud to be one of you."
I'm a guy who cries easily while watching movies — and just now reading the most incisive and moving words written by anyone this emotional roller coaster of an election cycle.
Thank you, Heather, for helping us carry on.
Michael, please allow me to reinforce the optimism: Polls have continually been telegraphing that most of the races are neck to neck. Here's a fact--young people don't pick up the phone. If you don't pick up the phone you can't get polled. What they care about is freedom of choice and climate change. So I've put my hopes and prayers that it's all in the hands of the youth--that their numbers swell, overtake the voting booths, and handily save our democracy....
That is wonderfully hopeful, and hopefully more true than naive. Either way, a beautiful thought.
Best comment so far tonight Michael. I identify and agree.
Hear, hear, Michael! Truer words I haven’t heard!
Try TC, you will weep with the rest of us.
Well said, sir.
I've been known to cry at the drop of a McDonald's commercial, or every time an SPCA ad flashes across the screen.
Heather there are not enough words to express how many of us hold you responsible for our sanity for these past years. You were going to stop LFAA after the 2020 elections, but continued because you are so needed. I'm sure that it has cost you in sleep. In health. In so much. We actually left the U.S. in 2019 because by 2018, I couldn't mentally, physically, or emotionally handle the toll of the evil in Our House, and felt that a distance would help. It did. Until the terrorist insurrection and all that has followed.
Last night's news here in Spain included the fragile state of democracy in the U. S. at this moment. One actually said that Democracy is slowly dying in the U.S.. Perhaps so if so many Americans are willing to feed at the trough of corporate and religious propaganda. It is ironic that so many regurgitate the ¨U.S. will become Venezuela¨ spun by the right rather than seeing how Brazil has kept the light of liberty on.
No matter the outcome of the midterms and what will follow in the days, weeks, months, years to come, we must never give up the vision of a nation where quality of life, liberty, justice, and freedom for all becomes a reality.
Thank you Heather.
Dr. Richardson, the effort you put into your letters must be draining. It's very hard work to operate at such a high level. I can speak only for myself, though others may agree, I would love to see you take weekends off to conserve your strength. You, and a few others like you, are needed more than you may know. Thank you, sincerely.
Gailee Walker Wells - "You were going to stop LFAA after the 2020 elections, but continued because you are so needed."
LeMoine Surlamont - "Dr. Richardson, ... You, and a few others like you, are needed more than you may know."
And I hope we are sufficiently compensating you both emotionally as well as financially for your efforts. You would, without a doubt, be sorely missed, if not.
The Russian part that WE knew was true. Now that they openly have the support of the GOP it seems they don’t need to hide or deny it anymore.
True. I read the story in The Hill yesterday morning. Disgusting really. Trying to elect trumpublicans so that they will dry up funding for Ukraine. Like trumpublicans, Putin has to cheat to attain his goal. Cheating all around in that sector and I’m just pessimistic to think they’ll never stop unless or until all such believers are either in prison or reprogramming centers.
Not even sure it is all about Ukraine. It is about a weaker America. That was the goal before and did sort of succeed. With trump we lost some of our standing in other leaders eyes. Biden has made us believable once again . But that can once again go back.
I agree. It IS more than Ukraine. They’ve done a really good job the last 7ish years. All without dropping one bomb.
Boosting Trump was the serendipitous equivalent of passive germ warfare, as despite our advanced medicine and resources, we have led the world in COVID deaths, thanks to "Republican" rule, intensified by Putin sowing confusion.
❗️
Christine I completely agree. I feel this election had far too many plates spinning at once. I don't feel it was by chance. The plan to dilute our message worked very effectively.
To say we are walking on eggshells with our counterparts is very true. Foreign press has been scratching their collective heads at how this midterm was able to be so upended by the minority when Biden has done so much, in such a short period of time.
My head is on a swivel
Ex KGB Putin is afflicted by sociopathic ego. but is no dummy, and NO friend of the US.
'Still' KGB; different name, same game, and the leader of the pack.
Too true.
As Europe and others know well
I wonder if they could be deprogrammed. I don’t even try to have a conversation anymore. Facts and truth mean nothing to them. It’s very strange, and scary.
Deprogrammed...! That is the situation we have with the most successful propaganda campaign in history, funded by $13 Billion from Koch and his Kleptocrats.
The way to overcome the lies and the disinformation is with truth and when the actions are criminal....with swift and sure prosecution. AG Garland and his team won’t fumble the ball; trump and his criminal friends are going down.
Wish the DOJ could just give us a wink or a sign they are going to do something very soon. We continue to see Idiocy flipping the most disrespectful bird on our democracy and our citizens. A fake, religious cult made up of nothing but narcissistic, white supremacists who lie and cheat. The neo-fascist arm of the former republican party with it's capitalist/corporate funding levels that should have been taxed like the rest of us and used to help our world and our people.
Then there is the easily culti-fried Ginni and her husband who should be so ashamed of himself and step down, or be legally pulled off that bench...along with multiple other oath-breaking SCOTUSes. Despicables and liars. Complete embarrassments to our country.
Oathbreaking, indeed. Oathbreakers all over the place (thinking congress here).
I agree, Pensa. The silence is menacing with my nervous aystem.
Waiting
If we shut down their brainwashing machines, we could de-program faster.
Needed long ago
The cult rules us all. Thank you Fox
A Monty Python moment here, Jeri: "I'm NOT!" (From the scene when all the dead are being carried away on a cart and the chap says, not to worry about the, they're all dead." One pipes up, "I'm NOT!"
Always remember there are a LOT more of us and we are alive and many more have become activated. Take heart. Go for walks and be in nature today and breathe it in. We know what is wrong with our country from its' foundations up and once we get this, CHANGE will happen. I would like the power to turn off the propaganda megaphones...and everyone says we can't because of the 1st Amendment. What are the laws regarding fascist propaganda and the destruction of our democracy with brainwashing? Maybe the DOJ acting upon all the spewing idiots in our government could go a long ways in restoring decency?
...and the next one in the cart says, 'think I'll go for a walk' before getting hammered back onto the pile. -Spamalot fan.
I now fully appreciate the relevance of my Deprogramming of Neurotics and Psychotic's training as a young social worker.
Perfect point. The charade is over. The GOP is now Putin's Party. What's next, making vodka the official drink of Republicans?
I can't be the only one wishing for a magic teleporter that will quietly send the frothing-at-the-mouth Putin supporters here over to someplace of which he's actually in charge. Pure fantasy, I know, but it'd sure be interesting to see how it played out...
da tovarishch!!!
Maybe the GOP will change their logo to a big red C.
'Red' states takes on a whole new flavor, no ?
Indeed
Actually the Russian ops have been very successful, having promoted Brexit and destroying British governance and its economy.
Yep. That and much more Jeoffry.
They have embraced the Vlad, knew it from Helsinki
Seems Putin can't pay his army though. There are strikes among the Russian recruits because they haven't been getting paid. 😊
and so what Hillary said about a right wing plot is so true....
So very grateful for all your work to elucidate, educate, and enlighten us. That a Russian oligarch openly boasts about US election interference simply takes my breath away in its audacity. The GOP can never deny it again. I wish every American would read these letters. Willful ignorance to truth will murder democracy-and it’s so senseless when there are truth tellers like you to share facts. Thank you, Professor.
We are ever so proud of you and all of us! I’m with Michael, I also cry easily at certain songs, watching movies all the time and moving words. Thank you Heather and thank you LFAA Community. You are my heroes!
I hope we will stay together. These letters and this community have steered me through chaos and disinformation towards faith in a stronger democracy.
Me too, Kathy. I would be in a padded cell if it wasn’t for Dr.Richardson grounding us in the truth and the need to save our democracy.
We are family! 💙
Hear, hear! So am I, Elisabeth!
Without LFAA, the many commenters here and time to bead weave, knit or crochet, I’d be hospitalized, I swear. Or just a blithering idiot walking the streets...
Going to a “victory” party tonight at a local Irish-style pub with local activists. Fingers crossed we have lots to celebrate here and across the country. Grateful to have this community to meet up with in the morning though. More work to do, guaranteed.....
Have fun tonight!!!
Slainte! Tip one for me, be it Guinness or Red Breast!
Will do! Fingers crossed for you as well. Lots on the line….
I am reading Orwell's Roses and so enjoyed your FB conversation with Rebecca Solnit, a family friend. Your essay today is of course related, as was Joyce Vance's a few minutes ago on authoritarianism. My comment to Joyce included the recommendation to read Michael Moore's daily essays ahead of these midterms. You seem to have succumbed less to the Red Wave Fatalism so many of us, including Joyce, have been afflicted by. Moore has sure helped me, for example: https://www.michaelmoore.com/p/midterm-tsunami-truth-36
Highly recommended.
Thanks so much for all you do!
Also, read the uplifting, Robert Hubbell substack this morning, titled, " Have Faith in Democracy!" Really helpful to begin election day with, along with y'all and Doc Heather!
Good recommendation, Pensa_VT! I just finished reading this and also subscribed -- another support resource for surviving the stresses of Fending Off Fascism!
Michael is excellent at reminding us that we are more powerful than we think. We just need to resist losing hope, and use our power.
Amazingly in California every registered voter gets a ballot in the mail 3 or 4 weeks before election day, can fill it out at home and drop it at any mailbox. A couple of days later with 3 or 4 strokes on the computer you can verify it was counted or find out why not. Of course Congress could pass a law making this the system for all federal elections. Why hasn't it?
And Joyce Vance has to get up early this morning to vote because Alabama has no early voting provisions. Count your blessings.
Hard to do in Texas, but I did vote second day of early voting. But then I’m white.
Too frickin' democratic for some peoples taste.
And the same rational process happens here in Colorado, with highly monitored quality control, with built in checks and balances, etc.
LH - "And the same rational process happens here in Colorado"
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Denver Elections Division has sent your 2022 General Election ballot.
If you have questions, please contact Denver Elections Division at (303) 653-9668 or elections@denvergov.org. Visit GoVoteColorado.gov for more election information.
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Your 2022 General Election ballot has been received by Denver Elections Division. We will notify you when it’s been counted.
Hello RONALD BOYD,
Your 2022 General Election ballot has been counted by Denver Elections Division. Thank you for voting! Click the image below to save your I Voted sticker!
My "I Voted" sticker here in California was included on the instruction sheet included with the ballot.
The amazing thing is it isn't amazing. I've sat at my sister's breakfast table in LA when she and her husband filled out the ballot and dropped it in the mail. End of story. No adrenalin rush. Ho hum. Vote. That's how it should be, nationwide.
It’s easy, republicans will NEVER. Obstruct is all they know, no matter the subject, unless it’s tax cuts or Pharisee rule.
👋 👋 👋 👋 👋 👋 👋
because the states can conduct elections in their own manner as so the originalists like to say, ignoring the part of the Constitution that gives the Federal Govt the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are entitled to a republican form of government. Unfortunately, they did not specifically state majority rule so the originalists use that omission as a way to undermine majority rule.
That's when they used to look for a reasoned justification. After their recent decisions, we can now look back fondly on those days.
Very thankful to be living in CA!
Daily Docket — Monday, Nov. 7 (Wins for Voters!)
"As of today, we’ve tracked 178 lawsuits filed in 2022 across 35 states. 108 of these lawsuits are currently active and ongoing. Of the lawsuits, 2 are likely to have important rulings by the end of Election Day. That number is down from 11 yesterday, as 9 outstanding cases had updates today. You can read about those decisions — all positive outcomes for voters — below.
"A Georgia county agreed to provide emergency relief to absentee voters after an error led to the county’s failure to send absentee ballots to over 1,000 voters. The county agreed to overnight ballots to voters and extend the receipt deadline until Nov. 14 for the affected voters.
"The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Blair County's motion to reconsider the date range for 'wrongly' dated mail-in ballots since counties sent out ballots at different times. This order maintains the court's original date range.
"A Pennsylvania court denied a Republican request to block the Monroe County Board of Elections from being able to pre-canvass mail-in ballots during the midterm elections. Another Pennsylvania court denied a request to temporarily block the Philadelphia election commissioners from conducting their plans for managing poll books, which are records containing information about registered voters.
"An Arizona judge ruled that Cochise County, Arizona may not proceed with its plan to perform a hand count audit of all early ballots.
"At the end of a hearing, a Wisconsin judge rejected a Republican request to segregate and halt the counting of absentee ballots cast by voters in the military. Earlier, the Union Veterans Council and Merchant Marine Captain Timothy McDonald filed a motion to intervene to safeguard the counting of military absentee ballots.
"A New York appellate court confirmed that an on-campus polling site must be established at Vassar College for tomorrow’s midterm elections. Dutchess County commissioners are complying with the court order to open a polling location at Vassar College. Photos show voting machines being moved onto campus this afternoon.
"A Michigan judge denied a Republican request to impose strict limits on how absentee ballots are administered, returned and counted in Detroit, Michigan and to halt the counting of thousands of absentee ballots that have already been cast.
"Here are other updates:
"The U.S. Department of Justice announced it would send election monitors to observe voting in 67 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting laws.
"Several Pennsylvania voters, Fetterman for PA, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania’s plan to not count undated mail-in ballots and wrongly dated mail-in ballots in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. This is the second federal lawsuit filed over this issue.
"The next hearing in a Republican lawsuit seeking to invalidate Illinois' mail-in ballot receipt deadline was scheduled for December. This means Illinois’ current deadline will remain in effect for tomorrow’s election."
This is great! Interesting to read about the on-campus polling site being established at Vassar College. I remember voting for the first time as a college freshman in upstate NY, shortly after a court decision allowed students to vote where they attended school rather than having to travel to their home residence.
Don’t you just love Marc Elias and his team, Lynell? I get the Docket too. They have been SO successful in their efforts of challenging these frivolous lawsuits.
Agree, Marlene! I like how they summarize what's happening without getting too technical.
I received an email from the Sierra Club inviting everyone to go on FB to say they voted. Sort of a peer pressure way to get others to vote. If you can, go on FB and search for Sierra Club; leave a comment that you voted. It's easy!
Shall do!
Thank you to Democracy Docket and Mark Elias
And we have a Lunar Eclipse to celebrate the eclipse of TFG lunacy justly to put the kibosh on the the evil man whose daddy’s dirty money bought him a mansion by the rising seas of Florida once owned by the cold cereal Queen of make believe.
The Lunar Eclipse is in full swing. Must be an Election Day Oman. I’m feeling superstitious.
The nation will vote like never before. Fascism will go into eclipse and Michael Moore will do the movie.
Whoppee
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and give Putin a big wet one on the lips, or take U.S. top secrets to Mar-A-Lago, and wouldn't lose any voters, okay? Grab 'em by the Putin. You can do anything. When you’re in bed with the enemy, they let you do it. You can do anything.”
Oh my John.
“I’m going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15, at Mar-a-Lago in Florida…. We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow.”
Which of course, means trump will let loose the dogs of war tomorrow.
Terrie, I can't argue with you--your one sentence premonition is way more than probable! Bad timing on his part, but if Muck lets him back on Twitter he won't be able to resist.
Hoping they BOTH go down in flames!
ME TOO.
Will DeSantis announce his run the same day or the day before? How will the press pool split coverage of their choice for winner? Will Hershel Walker bump MTG from VP position on their ticket?
Good one Fred. I have no idea--I was just listening to Terrie--but if Herschel goes far enough to challenge MTG for VP....No, no, my brain just won't go there without risking serious damage. I can't help ya!
My brain can't even comprehend a future with thugs in charge.
🤪😅😁
Hahaha! I've read he plans to announce on November 14, which is the day he has been subpoenaed to testify before the J6 Committee. We'll see!
Well THAT would garner a huge amount of media attention too!
"I am oh so proud to be one of you"
It's a scary time, to say the least. The community of people you've helped find through your work, Heather, is a gift beyond measure. No matter what, we will still be here tomorrow... and tomorrow... and tomorrow. Thank you for your dedication to naming truth and for giving us an "us". I say back to all of you...I am oh so proud to be one of you.
Let’s keep our positive energy going and believe that tomorrow will be a victory for all the hard work we have all done to win this election. HCR has been our guiding light and hope during all this craziness. Stay strong.
Out of curiosity, I just looked up Joseph McCarthy, since that era seems similar to these times. It’s always shocking and depressing to realize how easily we can be manipulated.
Senator McCarthy held sway from 1950 until December 2, 1954, when the Senate voted to censure by a vote of 67–22, making him one of the few senators ever to be disciplined in this fashion. Portions of the massive security apparatus established during the McCarthy era still exist. A number of observers have compared the oppression of liberals and leftists during the McCarthy period to 2000s-era actions against suspected terrorists, most of them Muslims. I wonder how long this GOP insanity will last?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy
Wonder why this is, Roy Cohn, McCarthy’s sidekick, was chump’s mentor and best “fixer;” Chump has asked repeatedly, “where is my Roy Cohn.” Of course, evil is always available for a price, either money or power. Steven Miller comes to mind, first of one hell of a long list…