'I suspect it's going to be busy week.' Suspect! I suspect you know. Beautiful photo Buddy Poland, closer than usual. It surprised me. The tree tops are more like lace than fire. Thank you Heather and Buddy.
The Republicans v. Blacks and Us. I feel their breath getting closer to my neck. They'll get nothing but 'good trouble' from me.
One cannot live by dreams alone in life but without them all that is left is the somewhat barren and monetized "here and now" with no idea where it is all leading.
Fern One of my favorites. President Biden should read this to the two wings (‘progressive’ and ‘moderate’) of the Democratic House and to Manchin and Sinema (when she’s back from Paris). During WW II there was a song “Coming in on a wing and a prayer, coming in on a wing and a prayer, with one engine gone we will still carry on, coming in on a wing and a prayer.” But with a broken wing, crash, and the Trumpites probably take the House and the Senate in 2022. Two good wings and I’m BIDEN MY TIME.
Keith, I am so happy to see you. My husband, Mark, was in the Signal Corps in WW II. He climbed the poles to string the wires for communication between Army positions. His company sang that song and others. A mimeographed copy of it and a few others will be contained in an unusual scrapbook called 'The Book of Mark'.
My dad got his wings with the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) in WW I and then flew with the Army Signal Corps (there was no Air Force). Over age he volunteered with the 8th Air Force in England in WW II, including one daylight B-17 raid over Germany. I was Air Force ROTC for two years, before they discovered that I had no depth perception (apparently necessary for landing a plane). In 1964-1965 I was flown around the Congo in C-130s, as they deposited me alone in rebel-infested provinces (before cell phones). I thought it ironic that soldiers, whom I had lectured at Fort Bragg on counterinsurgency, protected the plane, but not me, when the C-130 landed briefly in Lodja.
Jon Stewart tells CNN that media is too focused on ‘conflict’ stories like ‘the Karen yelling in the store’
(More reporting should be fact-centred and less focused on clicks, argues Stewart)
Onetime The Daily Show host Jon Stewart joined CNN on Sunday to discuss the US political media, and condemned what he called a focus on conflict instead of real reporting and facts.
Speaking with Jake Tapper on State of The Union, Stewart argued that the majority of mainstream news coverage of issues such as mask-wearing and vaccines focused on conflicts and spectacles resulting from the division around those issues rather than the facts that could present helpful knowledge for readers or viewers.
“Like, how many times have you seen stories about ‘the battle over masks’, that’s the ‘Karen’ yelling in the store and the people throwing them out, and how many stories have we seen about the efficacy of masks?” he asked.
“There are some, but the overwhelming majority of stories seek to expose the conflict lines.”
He also singled out Politico for a supposed headline that he said exemplified how the media focused on political consequences rather than real-world issues, referring to a piece he had seen published amid the chaos that occurred as Kabul fell to the Taliban in August.
As all the comments are pointing out, even in the wake of the insurrection at the Capitol, the major news outlets are stuck on the same old "Man bites dog" philosophy b/c it sells advertising in print, broadcast and digital media.
Just as Fox Mulder knew "the truth is out there" does not mean it's not readily available. Everyday there's a tsunami of truth telling in HCR's letters and in a whole host of independent media in all its forms.
The downside is news is not free. The same applies to freedom. You can't be free if you're not willing to sacrifice. Also, you can't have real news without sacrificing some of your meager sources in some but not all cases.
It should go without saying boycotting the corporate media as much as possible is a worthy goal. It would be hypocritical of me not to admit I support NYT and WaPo but I do so at the barest amount possible. I pay $1/wk for NYT and $29/yr for WaPo. When the reduced rates expire I cancel and inevitably they come begging for me to repeat the reduced rate again. I'm not proud of being a cheapskate, but as someone on a fixed budget you have to be creative and not be remorseful for getting the best deal you can. If either paper gets greedy I'll just drop them knowing full well all stories of substance will be covered by independent sources and the only downside is a short delay.
Good on Jon Stewart to keep pointing out the dicks are still being dicks. #sameasiteverwas
Some of the burden of this unfortunate situation is on the American people who have become 60 second sound bite adrenalin junkies. It takes some small effort to be well informed with sane facts.
Barbara, My reply was a thanks to you. I thought you were pointing out to people that they were blaming the 'free-press' for their own laziness. Sorry for not being clear enough, truly.
Christopher, I am grateful that you bought subscriptions to The New York Times and Washington Post, so you could read much of the excellent journalism contained in both papers and make their work available for free to subscribers of LFAA. HCR also shares with us articles from both papers and other sources from which she obtained information as do subscribers. I am most grateful to those two excellent newspapers. I scour them five or six days a week, sometimes, The New York Times, everyday. I could not have held that paper tighter during the peak of Covid 19, here in NYC. It was as 2nd family, full of news and terrific ideas of what us very frightened people could do to help the hospitals with supplies, such as gowns; feed the hungry; track the virus; and do creative projects at home. Journalists, the free-press, newspapers - national and local - we need local news more than ever - are the bedrock of Democracy. Yes, even the greatest organs of the press have weaknesses; journalists make mistakes. People commit the worst mistake when deriding the free-press, and as Christopher notes, thank goodness, the independent press lives. We need much more. I read the words of a number of subscribers, who I admire and like, call The New York Times a 'rag'. It felt as though I was being attacked as I hold that newspaper high - very high, indeed. The 'free-press' is an organ of our survival. You know what the malignant forces are doing to destroy it as they try to murder the truth.
Thanks Christopher. Jon Stewart nails it. Our "news" does not focus on giving us information that could possibly improve understanding or promote common goals (such as: surviving this gd epidemic) The pieces start out with us in a hole and give us a shovel, or a backhoe, and "instructs" us to Keep On Digging. We need a refocus on issues and stop inflaming the wounds created by those who hope to prosper from them. eg Republicans.
Bruce and Richard, As you have posited strong accusations, in general, against 'Our 'news' and of 'the news media' for not focusing 'on giving us information that could possibly improve understanding or promote common goals (such as: surviving this gd epidemic'); I have the following questions for you both:
1. How have you defined 'news', and 'news media' to support your claim?
2. Is the 'news' you have referred to based on what you, personally, read, watch, and
listen to?
3. Is the 'free press' responsible for promoting 'common goals'?
4. Did you look for news sources, which provide information to the best of its ability
of up-to-date information about how people can protect themselves from
infection?
5. After diligent research and review of studies from reputable sources have you come
to the conclusion that 'Our 'news' is generally against the common good?
My experiences and learning from the free-press have been far more positive than yours. I know there is a lot of crap out there. Unfortunately, Fox News, Facebook and other outlets are weapons against Democracy, respect for others and the truth. It also appears that many Americans seem to lack critical thinking skills, knowledge of civics and that the profit motive of many media companies overpower the learning and common sense of their audiences as they fuel white supremacy, hatred, scapegoating, conspiracy theories and ignorance.
We must seek to regulate these lethal weapons and support the 'free-press'. We are lost without valuing our vibrant and brave journalists; they are seekers of the truth.
Well you are right. It was a bit of vague and sloppy writing and thinking. I do NOT think all of our press produces fake news. I am thinking of TV and internet (Facebook and more) "news" which I hear bandied about by my friends and neighbors. I am concerned that we have a baseline of "what's wrong today."
I understand that bad news sells better than good news. Full disclosure: I don't have a TV so my opinions are based on conversations not first hand experience.
My information stream is largely print.
Your points are valid and I apologize that I don't have time this morning to
respond to each of them. Thanks for the critique, I can be as lazy and imprecise
Hi Bruce, I am glad that you responded. Attacks by anti-democratic forces on the 'free-press' are one in the same with the assaults on reality, historical memory, facts, civics, education, access to voting -- democracy and civic society as a whole. I think that I made this point in my initial comment to you and Richard. The threat has succeeded to such an extent that countering seems to also call for some repetition or with age I'm turning into a broken record. 'News' has been muddled in the minds of many as local news has been disappearing as it seems, along with the diligent teaching of civics in the country's school systems. Fox and social media are dominant actors and central as media profiteers spreading disinformation, while cashing in bigtime. I think that those of us who are aware of the war and see ourselves as advocates for democracy need to be ever more thoughtful about our language, ethics and behavior. We do not want, inadvertently, to be part of tearing down the democratic principles we support. In addition to HCR's books and the Letter, I learn a good deal from historian Timothy Snyder -- his work is soul searching, informational and intellectual at the same time for me. A new, graphic addition of his 'On Tyranny' was released this month. He is also on Substack with 'Thinking about...' His presentations are different than HCR's. They are more like lessons to absorb on subjects, such as 'Ten Ways Health Care Increases Freedom', 'Our Children Our Selves', 'Racial Climate', 'Defend Institutions'. His presentations have to do with personally who we are, what we are doing, what, in particular, is happening in the country. I would call them 'think' pieces as in the title of his Substack, 'Thinking about...' These lessons are absolutely connected to life, life in America today; how we live in the country; past events related to the present, etc. Links to 'On Tyranny' and Snyder's Substack are below, in case you are curious.
Richard, Yes I was addressing you based on your response to Bruce VT's comment, which seemed to be a blanket accusation against the 'news' and your generalization of 'the news media'. The 'free press' has received continuous assault from the former president, much of the Republican Party, and a number, for which cannot count (thanks to Citizens United) of the Donors funding the war on the press. Many millions of Americans have bought this propaganda. It is a common and crucial means of destroying Democracy. For this reason, I encourage all of us to be thoughtful concerning how we express our complaints about the 'free press' by being specific. There is fault to be found. I tried to be very explicit in my reply to you and Bruce, so as to spell out my criticism. I wanted to raise a flag in support of American journalism and its vital role in knowing the facts.
Ah, I was afraid my mention of Reagan Economics might be misunderstood. I was talking about how Reagan always told us to "Pull ourselves up by our bootstraps." By "most of the news media," I was writing about the corporate press, which is most of the news media. Sorry for that. I'll try to be more careful in my communications. Have a great day and keep sending great poems.
Richard, The following is again an effort to break down generalizations. 'On June 15, The Washington Post Company went public with the sale of Class B common stock to the general public for $26 per share. Until then The Post Company had been privately held. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol WPO. Class A shares are privately held by the Graham family.' (Wikipedia)
'The New York Times Company, which is publicly traded. It has been governed by the Sulzberger family since 1896, through a dual-class share structure after its shares became publicly traded.[12] A. G. Sulzberger and his father, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.—the paper's publisher and the company's chairman, respectively—are the fifth and fourth generation of the family to head the paper.[13]' (NY Times)
Richard, I am glad that you have enjoyed the poems and hope that you can also appreciate the information that I share. Cheers!
"There has never been a time when it was so important to have a voice of sanity, insight, understanding of what is happening in the world." -Noam Chomsky
I watched Part 1 & 2 with Tapper and Stewart. Did I detect Tapper squirming when Stewart was calling out the media for conflict based journalism? Tapper was a disgrace during the Afghanistan pullout. He led the pack in whipping up the drama and just plain ignorant disregard for the bigger more accurate picture of the situation.
There is an article entitled MULITPLE MAINSTREAMS by Carla Murphy which is in Dissent Magazine, September 5, 2021, and also may be found online in Popular Resistance.org in the issue dated September 6, 2021, that I highly recommend. It is subtitled "Only public investment will deliver a media that can sever the news needs of our time." The article is too long to type here. But here are the first two paragraphs:
"I'm a black female journalist. I've always tinkered on the borderlands of mainstream and progressive journalism, the left's gathering space. I never fully committed. That's because early in my career I settled o an important distinction: it's not how you talk about class and race that matters; it's to and for whom. Audience determines how.
Left conversations about race and class rarely center my folks as their audience: the precarious middle-class, working-class, and working-poor residents of my Brooklyn street;
recent immigrants; and native-born Americans like them. Left conversations seem unaware of the value of redistributing news media power such that non-whites and working people construct their own left conversations about race and class. This, to me, is the problem--not how the left's well-educated upper-middle class, unharmed and unbothered by journalism's poverty wages, talks about race and class."
Richard, Yes, this article clearly elaborates on the point I was making. Democracy requires local news for local people. Thank you for reminding me to read it. I selected the following excerpt from 'Multi Mainstreams' to share with subscribers who may wonder this way:
'Will these outlets and others like Documented, Scalawag, and El Tímpano be allowed to fulfill their missions? Without public investment, no, I don’t believe so. In our monopoly market, they are climbing Everest without oxygen. The scavenger’s yard that is the journalism industry belongs to Alden, Google, Facebook, and the New York Times. Local and regional news outlets for marginalized communities need far more than the nominal sums they currently receive. But philanthropists will never fund these outlets the way they fund mainstream-serving organizations like ProPublica. They’ll never give those outlets a similar chance to maximize their public service potential. Those outlets don’t talk to audiences that white philanthropists value. Only public investment will deliver a media system that can serve the news needs of our time, which is a critical mass of well-funded and community-owned outlets throughout the United States'. Below is the link to: 'Multiple Mainstreams', Only public investment will deliver a media that can serve the news needs of our time, by Carla Murphy
As for today's forum, I found it a sad space (Tuesday). For the most part, it resonates with wails of folks not knowing what to say except that this country with all its tragic mistakes and laws, which seem to cancel out the ability to bring the anti-democratic forces to heel and to justice, is so, so out of joint. I think that the country needs organized, enormous, en masse, demonstrations in support of the national voting rights bills. Massive demonstrations -- would that move Republican senators, such as, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Todd Young, Bill Cassidy, Ben Sasse, Richard Burr, Rob Portman, Pat Toomey, Tim Scott, Mitt Romney, Shelley Moore Capito or would they go the same way as Colin Powell, when he delivered the speech, which killed on many fronts, to the UN in 2003, laying out the case that Iraq harbored weapons of mass destruction? And could a major portion of American citizens be organized en masse in support of democracy? These questions provide ready answers in the negative.
I agree. Your comment about Colin Powell is correct. For people reading this who would like to know, already know and would like to be reminded of the things the corporate press and NPR have not mentioned about him following his press, please watch/listen to www.democracynow.org in today's show (10/19/21).
Remember, the corporate press never tells us truths about certain people when they die; a good example is Ronald Reagan. You may remember that the way he was portrayed after he died made one think he was Jesus or even God.
About this, Richard, I am mixed. Powell mourned the ramifications of his tragic mistake. It haunted him. Along with everything else, it was as suicide against his being. This is one of our Shakespearean-like tragedies. There was no way to correct what he did or the work of the devils who used him for their purposes. Unlike some, Powell didn't wait years to admit his failure, and he stepped up his work for the good.
Before the fatal speech of 2003, in1997, Powell '...returned to his alma mater, the City College of New York, to open the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies, offering high-achieving CCNY students the opportunity to prepare for careers in policy and public service. The Colin Powell School is home to CCNY’s Social Science Departments, as well as the College’s Core Leadership Development and Public Service Programs. With almost 4,000 students, and graduating the most CCNY students annually, the Colin Powell School transforms the nation’s most diverse student body into tomorrow’s global leaders. For the rest of the decade, he continued his work with young people as chairman of America’s Promise: the Alliance for Youth.' There were other commitments that Powell, along with his wife, Alma made on this score.
He supported: Aid for the World, Children's Health Fund, Everyone Matters, Hands On Nashville, NAACP and Smile Train.
I cannot respond to the flags being lowered at half mast in his honor.
Okay, those are all good things he did. However, his participation in not only his lying speech in 2003, but also what the U.S. did in Central America, especially the U.S. attack on Panama, may outweigh them. But thanks for that information. I do give funds to Smile Train and many other organizations that are good for the world.
We happened to be returning home from a weekend camping trip with no "internet or cell phone service" and we stopped for lunch at a diner in a small AZ town. NEWSMAX was on and I saw it for the first time. Jon Stewart was being incinerated. Altho we loved the barbequed brisket, I wont go there again.
Heather & Buddy….what a pair. We’re blessed. Lots of heavy weather ahead for all of us; thank you so much for the knowledge, the perspective, the truth, hope and beauty. It surely helps on this part of the journey that none of us could have imagined not too long ago.
Thank you, Dr. Heather, as always for being our national treasure, and thanks especially for another beautiful image by Buddy. 💜
Yosemite this week was also beautiful, early light snow dusting the area a bit earlier than typical, but despite dropping to high 30s one night, I felt grateful to be able to camp there and grateful for the existence of the National Park Service. I have gone many times since childhood and this week the new Chinese Laundry building/exhibit opened briefly and I learned for the first time that Chinese immigrants dug and toiled to build large portions of two of the major roads in the park.
History is so important and "social studies" needs to be a larger piece of our educational system.
So far, when the next week arrives, it makes the last week in hell look like a romp in the park on a Sunday afternoon. I think I'd like some uninteresting times to live in. Ya got any of those on the menu? Huh?
This Sunday NYTimes highlighted seven men who face the most serious charges for the 1.6.21 insurrection at the US Capitol. Readers know more about each of these men than each of them would have ever wanted known. None of these men had anything in their history that would point to their fighting police and threatening our democracy. Now, they face the most serious charge
That article was terrifying and enlightening . It kept mentioning each of those men as church going . Somehow they missed the real message of spirituality
I felt the same way. They believe in this old school conservative cultural God. Similar to this young male tourist, very articulate and a Bernie supporter, but who wore a “trump 2020” hat. He came from a Catholic progressive economic place, like Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement. We ended by he telling me he was playing “the trickster,” and I said, “in my opinion, your hat is a disgrace.” His fiancee was a pretty gal from Mexico with little English, but much more than my Spanish.
Church going and flag waving seems to have become symbols of right wing bigotry and it’s infuriating and discouraging and exhausting emotionally. Religion here or in Afghanistan or China shouldn’t be a means to control or denigrate those who don’t share their beliefs . The Maga hat is a disgrace to decency and good for you for calling him out
There is a quote that says "When fascism comes, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross". It's often attributed to Sinclair Lewis, but that etiology is uncertain. In practice, it seems to describe what we are seeing in today's Republiqan party.
I feel that the Trumpites have stolen my American flag similar to the anti-abolitionists have stolen ‘pro life.’ The flag symbolizes my America and the ‘pro lifers’ justify killing in their assault against a woman’s right to choose.
I refuse to let them have my flag. I have taken down my "Thin Blue Line" flag (subdued National Colors with a blue line; original in 2015 to support law enforcement, now seen as an anti protest, authoratarian symbol) and replaced it with the standard designed in the 1970's to honor fallen law enforcement ( a black field with a blue line in the middle, horizontally) which I fly to honor my friend who was killed in the line of duty 4/22/11. It flies on the right side of my home while the National Colors (illuminated at night) flies on the left as you face the house.
I think you got autocorrected with "anti Abolitionists" as opposed to "anti Abortionists." Been there, done that...
I couldn't watch the video with that article. I found the whole idea of people getting caught up in a frenzy frightening. And letting a woman who had fallen get trampled and die!
Yes, very chilling to read the detailed account from a fellow who tried to save this gal’s life, as the crowd basically trampled by them. (btw, I missed the video, but I think I have to watch it; this was NYT at it’s best, imho
The video will stay with you for a while. My advice is to watch earlier in the day, so you have time to process it before going to bed, if you value your sleep. Chilling, indeed.
Ellen, your comment reminded me of several comments here over the last several days about the hijacking of Christianity by Republicans greedy for power. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around brainwashing but found no lack of reading material on the subject.
A thought from Ogden Nash (1902-1971) to suggest why there has been such a stubborn, unexplainable resistance to Covid mitigation factors and common good denigrated to dangerous socialism by the hordes of the former’s supporters. Why there is such violent outrage at the suggestion of democracy guiding the hand of government in this country as has been the practice for now centuries in the United States of America.
A simple visual that clarifies the resistance.
From book “Good Intentions” by Ogden Nash (1942)
“The door of a bigoted mind opens outwards so that the only result of the pressure of facts upon it is to close it more snugly.”
This illuminates to me what to do in conversation with an otherwise normal person who can go 0 to 60 with MAGA madness accelerant. I go through the window and push the door from the inside. I usually have to jimmy the lock on the window but I have been known to throw a brick if necessary. You know what they say about “hard times”….
How do you do that? I really want to know. Can you find a way into that bigoted mess of a brain to push from the inside out? Do you use reverse psychology? I'm afraid that I might get lost inside those soulless mad-as-a-march-hare "0 to 60" types! (Good description, BTW.)
Maine is a state of mind and I miss it since I sold my house on MDI. The Maine coast is a very special place in this world. Bless you for documenting the wonderful coast on your days off...The photographs are so wonderful! You are also a wonderful font and resource. Thank you for all the amazing distillation you perform every evening for our morning consumption and rumination. Huge fan and evangelist! Best, T
Kathy, democracy requires more than voting. Please read Timoth Snyder's book "Tyranny". Remember President Obama said we have to make politicians do what they promised ie we must apply constant public support and pressure. The Vietnam War didn't end with public pressure.
Yes, I have read Snyder, Aarndt, Applebaum, etc. I have the books. We allowed Biden to reach for his goals by putting him in office...first step. Our support does have to be real and present and I see many folks here providing that. Thank you.
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened."
This prayer was written by Shantideva, a Buddhist monk of the Mahayana tradition who lived around 700 AD. He was a devoted practitioner who authored the Bodhicaryavatara or Bodhisattva Way of Life.
It is said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers this text to be THE source for developing altruism in your character and the "Spirit of Awakening." It is also said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recites this prayer every morning as part of his waking rituals. So, if you give it a try, you are in good company!
Thank you for all of the gorgeous pictures you share - in addition to the immensely helpful historical perspective. I am so glad I discovered you through dear, long-time friends.
Yeah, the AP is very, very concerned about the fate of the Democrats. The Republican-owned media want to find a way to help in suppressing the D vote. Spreading a sense of helplessness among left-side voters is their contribution. Why won't they push the obvious idea that voting for more and BETTER Democrats would be a good idea?
'I suspect it's going to be busy week.' Suspect! I suspect you know. Beautiful photo Buddy Poland, closer than usual. It surprised me. The tree tops are more like lace than fire. Thank you Heather and Buddy.
The Republicans v. Blacks and Us. I feel their breath getting closer to my neck. They'll get nothing but 'good trouble' from me.
Dreams
Langston Hughes - 1902-1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage. Copyright © 1994 by the Estate of Langston Hughes. Reprinted by permission of Harold Ober Associates Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Thank you Fern ...
A bird with one wing only
never will fly . . .
One wing broken -- one strong,
she only will fly in circles
. . . if at all . . .
Two strong wings working together
-- supporting healthy body whole --
this bird will rise
and fly free!!!
https://tahomahome.weebly.com/bobbys-homerun-cafe.html
A marriage with life, rising and free. I bow to thee, Kathleen Allen and Bobby Jones.
Thank you Fern - I am honored.
Kathleen Allen, who wrote the poem that Maggie sites that starts, “As children of life, we owe each other the benefit of mutual respect”.
I appreciate all the wisdom on HCR’s posts and that of her readers.
Thank you Maggie - always, I am great-full when such words find the page!!
One cannot live by dreams alone in life but without them all that is left is the somewhat barren and monetized "here and now" with no idea where it is all leading.
Fern One of my favorites. President Biden should read this to the two wings (‘progressive’ and ‘moderate’) of the Democratic House and to Manchin and Sinema (when she’s back from Paris). During WW II there was a song “Coming in on a wing and a prayer, coming in on a wing and a prayer, with one engine gone we will still carry on, coming in on a wing and a prayer.” But with a broken wing, crash, and the Trumpites probably take the House and the Senate in 2022. Two good wings and I’m BIDEN MY TIME.
Keith, I am so happy to see you. My husband, Mark, was in the Signal Corps in WW II. He climbed the poles to string the wires for communication between Army positions. His company sang that song and others. A mimeographed copy of it and a few others will be contained in an unusual scrapbook called 'The Book of Mark'.
My dad got his wings with the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) in WW I and then flew with the Army Signal Corps (there was no Air Force). Over age he volunteered with the 8th Air Force in England in WW II, including one daylight B-17 raid over Germany. I was Air Force ROTC for two years, before they discovered that I had no depth perception (apparently necessary for landing a plane). In 1964-1965 I was flown around the Congo in C-130s, as they deposited me alone in rebel-infested provinces (before cell phones). I thought it ironic that soldiers, whom I had lectured at Fort Bragg on counterinsurgency, protected the plane, but not me, when the C-130 landed briefly in Lodja.
...so glad you made it and here with us now.
Oh, that’s good, Keith. Biden’ my time. Very good.
Thank you Heather for the beautiful picture and thank you Fern for reminding us of the power of Langston Hughes.
Thank you for the poem Fern it’s a gem
Oh, Fern! What wonderful and most relevant Hughes poem you've cited. Thank you!
Jon Stewart tells CNN that media is too focused on ‘conflict’ stories like ‘the Karen yelling in the store’
(More reporting should be fact-centred and less focused on clicks, argues Stewart)
Onetime The Daily Show host Jon Stewart joined CNN on Sunday to discuss the US political media, and condemned what he called a focus on conflict instead of real reporting and facts.
Speaking with Jake Tapper on State of The Union, Stewart argued that the majority of mainstream news coverage of issues such as mask-wearing and vaccines focused on conflicts and spectacles resulting from the division around those issues rather than the facts that could present helpful knowledge for readers or viewers.
“Like, how many times have you seen stories about ‘the battle over masks’, that’s the ‘Karen’ yelling in the store and the people throwing them out, and how many stories have we seen about the efficacy of masks?” he asked.
“There are some, but the overwhelming majority of stories seek to expose the conflict lines.”
He also singled out Politico for a supposed headline that he said exemplified how the media focused on political consequences rather than real-world issues, referring to a piece he had seen published amid the chaos that occurred as Kabul fell to the Taliban in August.
More: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jon-stewart-karen-cnn-tapper-b1939930.html
As all the comments are pointing out, even in the wake of the insurrection at the Capitol, the major news outlets are stuck on the same old "Man bites dog" philosophy b/c it sells advertising in print, broadcast and digital media.
Just as Fox Mulder knew "the truth is out there" does not mean it's not readily available. Everyday there's a tsunami of truth telling in HCR's letters and in a whole host of independent media in all its forms.
The downside is news is not free. The same applies to freedom. You can't be free if you're not willing to sacrifice. Also, you can't have real news without sacrificing some of your meager sources in some but not all cases.
It should go without saying boycotting the corporate media as much as possible is a worthy goal. It would be hypocritical of me not to admit I support NYT and WaPo but I do so at the barest amount possible. I pay $1/wk for NYT and $29/yr for WaPo. When the reduced rates expire I cancel and inevitably they come begging for me to repeat the reduced rate again. I'm not proud of being a cheapskate, but as someone on a fixed budget you have to be creative and not be remorseful for getting the best deal you can. If either paper gets greedy I'll just drop them knowing full well all stories of substance will be covered by independent sources and the only downside is a short delay.
Good on Jon Stewart to keep pointing out the dicks are still being dicks. #sameasiteverwas
Some of the burden of this unfortunate situation is on the American people who have become 60 second sound bite adrenalin junkies. It takes some small effort to be well informed with sane facts.
The hearth and fire has been replaced by the screen.
Yes, Barbara, you've presented the equation for us to understand. Don't scapegoat the free-press for your weakness.
Huh? Gosh Fern. Scapegoat the free press? My weakness? Feels like an overblown reaction for sure. Frankly it is hurtful.
Barbara, My reply was a thanks to you. I thought you were pointing out to people that they were blaming the 'free-press' for their own laziness. Sorry for not being clear enough, truly.
Happens to me often - I write with one intent that’s interpreted in quite another. Lessons learned. And learned again. And again…
Oh goodness. I thought you were talking to me! Too funny. I am so glad we cleared that up.
Too true!
Christopher, I am grateful that you bought subscriptions to The New York Times and Washington Post, so you could read much of the excellent journalism contained in both papers and make their work available for free to subscribers of LFAA. HCR also shares with us articles from both papers and other sources from which she obtained information as do subscribers. I am most grateful to those two excellent newspapers. I scour them five or six days a week, sometimes, The New York Times, everyday. I could not have held that paper tighter during the peak of Covid 19, here in NYC. It was as 2nd family, full of news and terrific ideas of what us very frightened people could do to help the hospitals with supplies, such as gowns; feed the hungry; track the virus; and do creative projects at home. Journalists, the free-press, newspapers - national and local - we need local news more than ever - are the bedrock of Democracy. Yes, even the greatest organs of the press have weaknesses; journalists make mistakes. People commit the worst mistake when deriding the free-press, and as Christopher notes, thank goodness, the independent press lives. We need much more. I read the words of a number of subscribers, who I admire and like, call The New York Times a 'rag'. It felt as though I was being attacked as I hold that newspaper high - very high, indeed. The 'free-press' is an organ of our survival. You know what the malignant forces are doing to destroy it as they try to murder the truth.
Thanks Christopher. Jon Stewart nails it. Our "news" does not focus on giving us information that could possibly improve understanding or promote common goals (such as: surviving this gd epidemic) The pieces start out with us in a hole and give us a shovel, or a backhoe, and "instructs" us to Keep On Digging. We need a refocus on issues and stop inflaming the wounds created by those who hope to prosper from them. eg Republicans.
Bruce and Richard, As you have posited strong accusations, in general, against 'Our 'news' and of 'the news media' for not focusing 'on giving us information that could possibly improve understanding or promote common goals (such as: surviving this gd epidemic'); I have the following questions for you both:
1. How have you defined 'news', and 'news media' to support your claim?
2. Is the 'news' you have referred to based on what you, personally, read, watch, and
listen to?
3. Is the 'free press' responsible for promoting 'common goals'?
4. Did you look for news sources, which provide information to the best of its ability
of up-to-date information about how people can protect themselves from
infection?
5. After diligent research and review of studies from reputable sources have you come
to the conclusion that 'Our 'news' is generally against the common good?
My experiences and learning from the free-press have been far more positive than yours. I know there is a lot of crap out there. Unfortunately, Fox News, Facebook and other outlets are weapons against Democracy, respect for others and the truth. It also appears that many Americans seem to lack critical thinking skills, knowledge of civics and that the profit motive of many media companies overpower the learning and common sense of their audiences as they fuel white supremacy, hatred, scapegoating, conspiracy theories and ignorance.
We must seek to regulate these lethal weapons and support the 'free-press'. We are lost without valuing our vibrant and brave journalists; they are seekers of the truth.
Hi Fern,
Well you are right. It was a bit of vague and sloppy writing and thinking. I do NOT think all of our press produces fake news. I am thinking of TV and internet (Facebook and more) "news" which I hear bandied about by my friends and neighbors. I am concerned that we have a baseline of "what's wrong today."
I understand that bad news sells better than good news. Full disclosure: I don't have a TV so my opinions are based on conversations not first hand experience.
My information stream is largely print.
Your points are valid and I apologize that I don't have time this morning to
respond to each of them. Thanks for the critique, I can be as lazy and imprecise
as the "news."
Hi Bruce, I am glad that you responded. Attacks by anti-democratic forces on the 'free-press' are one in the same with the assaults on reality, historical memory, facts, civics, education, access to voting -- democracy and civic society as a whole. I think that I made this point in my initial comment to you and Richard. The threat has succeeded to such an extent that countering seems to also call for some repetition or with age I'm turning into a broken record. 'News' has been muddled in the minds of many as local news has been disappearing as it seems, along with the diligent teaching of civics in the country's school systems. Fox and social media are dominant actors and central as media profiteers spreading disinformation, while cashing in bigtime. I think that those of us who are aware of the war and see ourselves as advocates for democracy need to be ever more thoughtful about our language, ethics and behavior. We do not want, inadvertently, to be part of tearing down the democratic principles we support. In addition to HCR's books and the Letter, I learn a good deal from historian Timothy Snyder -- his work is soul searching, informational and intellectual at the same time for me. A new, graphic addition of his 'On Tyranny' was released this month. He is also on Substack with 'Thinking about...' His presentations are different than HCR's. They are more like lessons to absorb on subjects, such as 'Ten Ways Health Care Increases Freedom', 'Our Children Our Selves', 'Racial Climate', 'Defend Institutions'. His presentations have to do with personally who we are, what we are doing, what, in particular, is happening in the country. I would call them 'think' pieces as in the title of his Substack, 'Thinking about...' These lessons are absolutely connected to life, life in America today; how we live in the country; past events related to the present, etc. Links to 'On Tyranny' and Snyder's Substack are below, in case you are curious.
https://substack.com/profile/30618158-timothy-snyder
https://snyder.substack.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/243930.Timothy_Snyder
Fern, I hope the Richard you mentioned is not I. I am totally for the free press. Please respond.
Richard, Yes I was addressing you based on your response to Bruce VT's comment, which seemed to be a blanket accusation against the 'news' and your generalization of 'the news media'. The 'free press' has received continuous assault from the former president, much of the Republican Party, and a number, for which cannot count (thanks to Citizens United) of the Donors funding the war on the press. Many millions of Americans have bought this propaganda. It is a common and crucial means of destroying Democracy. For this reason, I encourage all of us to be thoughtful concerning how we express our complaints about the 'free press' by being specific. There is fault to be found. I tried to be very explicit in my reply to you and Bruce, so as to spell out my criticism. I wanted to raise a flag in support of American journalism and its vital role in knowing the facts.
Ah, I was afraid my mention of Reagan Economics might be misunderstood. I was talking about how Reagan always told us to "Pull ourselves up by our bootstraps." By "most of the news media," I was writing about the corporate press, which is most of the news media. Sorry for that. I'll try to be more careful in my communications. Have a great day and keep sending great poems.
Richard, The following is again an effort to break down generalizations. 'On June 15, The Washington Post Company went public with the sale of Class B common stock to the general public for $26 per share. Until then The Post Company had been privately held. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol WPO. Class A shares are privately held by the Graham family.' (Wikipedia)
'The New York Times Company, which is publicly traded. It has been governed by the Sulzberger family since 1896, through a dual-class share structure after its shares became publicly traded.[12] A. G. Sulzberger and his father, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.—the paper's publisher and the company's chairman, respectively—are the fifth and fourth generation of the family to head the paper.[13]' (NY Times)
Richard, I am glad that you have enjoyed the poems and hope that you can also appreciate the information that I share. Cheers!
"There has never been a time when it was so important to have a voice of sanity, insight, understanding of what is happening in the world." -Noam Chomsky
I agree, most of "the news media" is a lot like Reagan economics.
I watched Part 1 & 2 with Tapper and Stewart. Did I detect Tapper squirming when Stewart was calling out the media for conflict based journalism? Tapper was a disgrace during the Afghanistan pullout. He led the pack in whipping up the drama and just plain ignorant disregard for the bigger more accurate picture of the situation.
So true! I find BBC News offers true journalism: facts without the hosts' commentaries. A refreshing contrast to the standard U.S. network fare...
I like Reuters as well.
Yes, BBC is good, but for deeper journalism, I recommend The Canary, a small UK daily.
Yes, exactly!
There is an article entitled MULITPLE MAINSTREAMS by Carla Murphy which is in Dissent Magazine, September 5, 2021, and also may be found online in Popular Resistance.org in the issue dated September 6, 2021, that I highly recommend. It is subtitled "Only public investment will deliver a media that can sever the news needs of our time." The article is too long to type here. But here are the first two paragraphs:
"I'm a black female journalist. I've always tinkered on the borderlands of mainstream and progressive journalism, the left's gathering space. I never fully committed. That's because early in my career I settled o an important distinction: it's not how you talk about class and race that matters; it's to and for whom. Audience determines how.
Left conversations about race and class rarely center my folks as their audience: the precarious middle-class, working-class, and working-poor residents of my Brooklyn street;
recent immigrants; and native-born Americans like them. Left conversations seem unaware of the value of redistributing news media power such that non-whites and working people construct their own left conversations about race and class. This, to me, is the problem--not how the left's well-educated upper-middle class, unharmed and unbothered by journalism's poverty wages, talks about race and class."
Richard, Yes, this article clearly elaborates on the point I was making. Democracy requires local news for local people. Thank you for reminding me to read it. I selected the following excerpt from 'Multi Mainstreams' to share with subscribers who may wonder this way:
'Will these outlets and others like Documented, Scalawag, and El Tímpano be allowed to fulfill their missions? Without public investment, no, I don’t believe so. In our monopoly market, they are climbing Everest without oxygen. The scavenger’s yard that is the journalism industry belongs to Alden, Google, Facebook, and the New York Times. Local and regional news outlets for marginalized communities need far more than the nominal sums they currently receive. But philanthropists will never fund these outlets the way they fund mainstream-serving organizations like ProPublica. They’ll never give those outlets a similar chance to maximize their public service potential. Those outlets don’t talk to audiences that white philanthropists value. Only public investment will deliver a media system that can serve the news needs of our time, which is a critical mass of well-funded and community-owned outlets throughout the United States'. Below is the link to: 'Multiple Mainstreams', Only public investment will deliver a media that can serve the news needs of our time, by Carla Murphy
https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/multiple-mainstreams
As for today's forum, I found it a sad space (Tuesday). For the most part, it resonates with wails of folks not knowing what to say except that this country with all its tragic mistakes and laws, which seem to cancel out the ability to bring the anti-democratic forces to heel and to justice, is so, so out of joint. I think that the country needs organized, enormous, en masse, demonstrations in support of the national voting rights bills. Massive demonstrations -- would that move Republican senators, such as, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Todd Young, Bill Cassidy, Ben Sasse, Richard Burr, Rob Portman, Pat Toomey, Tim Scott, Mitt Romney, Shelley Moore Capito or would they go the same way as Colin Powell, when he delivered the speech, which killed on many fronts, to the UN in 2003, laying out the case that Iraq harbored weapons of mass destruction? And could a major portion of American citizens be organized en masse in support of democracy? These questions provide ready answers in the negative.
I agree. Your comment about Colin Powell is correct. For people reading this who would like to know, already know and would like to be reminded of the things the corporate press and NPR have not mentioned about him following his press, please watch/listen to www.democracynow.org in today's show (10/19/21).
Remember, the corporate press never tells us truths about certain people when they die; a good example is Ronald Reagan. You may remember that the way he was portrayed after he died made one think he was Jesus or even God.
And to think that Biden has ordered flags to fly at half mast in Powell's honor.
About this, Richard, I am mixed. Powell mourned the ramifications of his tragic mistake. It haunted him. Along with everything else, it was as suicide against his being. This is one of our Shakespearean-like tragedies. There was no way to correct what he did or the work of the devils who used him for their purposes. Unlike some, Powell didn't wait years to admit his failure, and he stepped up his work for the good.
Before the fatal speech of 2003, in1997, Powell '...returned to his alma mater, the City College of New York, to open the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies, offering high-achieving CCNY students the opportunity to prepare for careers in policy and public service. The Colin Powell School is home to CCNY’s Social Science Departments, as well as the College’s Core Leadership Development and Public Service Programs. With almost 4,000 students, and graduating the most CCNY students annually, the Colin Powell School transforms the nation’s most diverse student body into tomorrow’s global leaders. For the rest of the decade, he continued his work with young people as chairman of America’s Promise: the Alliance for Youth.' There were other commitments that Powell, along with his wife, Alma made on this score.
He supported: Aid for the World, Children's Health Fund, Everyone Matters, Hands On Nashville, NAACP and Smile Train.
I cannot respond to the flags being lowered at half mast in his honor.
Okay, those are all good things he did. However, his participation in not only his lying speech in 2003, but also what the U.S. did in Central America, especially the U.S. attack on Panama, may outweigh them. But thanks for that information. I do give funds to Smile Train and many other organizations that are good for the world.
Oops, I noticed in my previous email that to get from here to Popular Resistance, I should have typed popularresistance.org.
We happened to be returning home from a weekend camping trip with no "internet or cell phone service" and we stopped for lunch at a diner in a small AZ town. NEWSMAX was on and I saw it for the first time. Jon Stewart was being incinerated. Altho we loved the barbequed brisket, I wont go there again.
That had to be quite a shock after not news!
Heather & Buddy….what a pair. We’re blessed. Lots of heavy weather ahead for all of us; thank you so much for the knowledge, the perspective, the truth, hope and beauty. It surely helps on this part of the journey that none of us could have imagined not too long ago.
You have been a huge piece of the beauty and perspective part, with your gorgeous and memorable photos. Thank you, too.
Thank you for your very kind and humbling words.......
Thank you, Dr. Heather, as always for being our national treasure, and thanks especially for another beautiful image by Buddy. 💜
Yosemite this week was also beautiful, early light snow dusting the area a bit earlier than typical, but despite dropping to high 30s one night, I felt grateful to be able to camp there and grateful for the existence of the National Park Service. I have gone many times since childhood and this week the new Chinese Laundry building/exhibit opened briefly and I learned for the first time that Chinese immigrants dug and toiled to build large portions of two of the major roads in the park.
History is so important and "social studies" needs to be a larger piece of our educational system.
Rest well for we'll all have a busy week ahead. 💜
And unfortunately TX wants to do away with history and put propaganda in its place.
Oooo, thank you Janice for the Yosemite camping visual. And the nugget history lesson. Nice.
Gorgeous! Thank you for being one of my personal national treasures.
So far, when the next week arrives, it makes the last week in hell look like a romp in the park on a Sunday afternoon. I think I'd like some uninteresting times to live in. Ya got any of those on the menu? Huh?
Try this, TC ...:
https://www.thesacredscience.com/a-guided-mantra-meditation-to-soothe-you
This Sunday NYTimes highlighted seven men who face the most serious charges for the 1.6.21 insurrection at the US Capitol. Readers know more about each of these men than each of them would have ever wanted known. None of these men had anything in their history that would point to their fighting police and threatening our democracy. Now, they face the most serious charge
That article was terrifying and enlightening . It kept mentioning each of those men as church going . Somehow they missed the real message of spirituality
I felt the same way. They believe in this old school conservative cultural God. Similar to this young male tourist, very articulate and a Bernie supporter, but who wore a “trump 2020” hat. He came from a Catholic progressive economic place, like Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement. We ended by he telling me he was playing “the trickster,” and I said, “in my opinion, your hat is a disgrace.” His fiancee was a pretty gal from Mexico with little English, but much more than my Spanish.
Church going and flag waving seems to have become symbols of right wing bigotry and it’s infuriating and discouraging and exhausting emotionally. Religion here or in Afghanistan or China shouldn’t be a means to control or denigrate those who don’t share their beliefs . The Maga hat is a disgrace to decency and good for you for calling him out
There is a quote that says "When fascism comes, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross". It's often attributed to Sinclair Lewis, but that etiology is uncertain. In practice, it seems to describe what we are seeing in today's Republiqan party.
I feel that the Trumpites have stolen my American flag similar to the anti-abolitionists have stolen ‘pro life.’ The flag symbolizes my America and the ‘pro lifers’ justify killing in their assault against a woman’s right to choose.
I refuse to let them have my flag. I have taken down my "Thin Blue Line" flag (subdued National Colors with a blue line; original in 2015 to support law enforcement, now seen as an anti protest, authoratarian symbol) and replaced it with the standard designed in the 1970's to honor fallen law enforcement ( a black field with a blue line in the middle, horizontally) which I fly to honor my friend who was killed in the line of duty 4/22/11. It flies on the right side of my home while the National Colors (illuminated at night) flies on the left as you face the house.
I think you got autocorrected with "anti Abolitionists" as opposed to "anti Abortionists." Been there, done that...
And this is worth 11 minutes of your time: Timothy Snyder speaks on symbolism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCCEuMC6xo&t=2s
I couldn't watch the video with that article. I found the whole idea of people getting caught up in a frenzy frightening. And letting a woman who had fallen get trampled and die!
Yes, very chilling to read the detailed account from a fellow who tried to save this gal’s life, as the crowd basically trampled by them. (btw, I missed the video, but I think I have to watch it; this was NYT at it’s best, imho
The video will stay with you for a while. My advice is to watch earlier in the day, so you have time to process it before going to bed, if you value your sleep. Chilling, indeed.
Nothing in their histories except their bigoted minds.
As I recall, one thing they all had in common was being "active" in their various churches.
Ellen, your comment reminded me of several comments here over the last several days about the hijacking of Christianity by Republicans greedy for power. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around brainwashing but found no lack of reading material on the subject.
https://www.splcenter.org/20170925/hate-god’s-name
Wow. What a report! I wonder how many in Congress are hooked up with this?
Here is a poem that has become my 'COVID credo'. I hope it helps.
We must risk delight, we can do without pleasure,
but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have
the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless
furnace of this world.
-Jack Gilbert, "A Brief for the Defense"
Buddy's photo is delightful!
I’m loving this chain of poetry
Thank-you Maggie! I must admit, I never really researched this poem - what a pleasant surprise! There is more hope here, lots more.
A thought from Ogden Nash (1902-1971) to suggest why there has been such a stubborn, unexplainable resistance to Covid mitigation factors and common good denigrated to dangerous socialism by the hordes of the former’s supporters. Why there is such violent outrage at the suggestion of democracy guiding the hand of government in this country as has been the practice for now centuries in the United States of America.
A simple visual that clarifies the resistance.
From book “Good Intentions” by Ogden Nash (1942)
“The door of a bigoted mind opens outwards so that the only result of the pressure of facts upon it is to close it more snugly.”
This illuminates to me what to do in conversation with an otherwise normal person who can go 0 to 60 with MAGA madness accelerant. I go through the window and push the door from the inside. I usually have to jimmy the lock on the window but I have been known to throw a brick if necessary. You know what they say about “hard times”….
Salud!
How do you do that? I really want to know. Can you find a way into that bigoted mess of a brain to push from the inside out? Do you use reverse psychology? I'm afraid that I might get lost inside those soulless mad-as-a-march-hare "0 to 60" types! (Good description, BTW.)
Education and retraining takes too long.
Maine is a state of mind and I miss it since I sold my house on MDI. The Maine coast is a very special place in this world. Bless you for documenting the wonderful coast on your days off...The photographs are so wonderful! You are also a wonderful font and resource. Thank you for all the amazing distillation you perform every evening for our morning consumption and rumination. Huge fan and evangelist! Best, T
We should not judge administrations, we should judge ourselves.
I find HCR's newsletters very useful in understanding what's developing in other states and in Washington, in order to take action.
But ultimately everything that happens is a reflection on us. What have we done to help Biden accomplish what we want him to accomplish?
We voted for him?
Kathy, democracy requires more than voting. Please read Timoth Snyder's book "Tyranny". Remember President Obama said we have to make politicians do what they promised ie we must apply constant public support and pressure. The Vietnam War didn't end with public pressure.
Yes, I have read Snyder, Aarndt, Applebaum, etc. I have the books. We allowed Biden to reach for his goals by putting him in office...first step. Our support does have to be real and present and I see many folks here providing that. Thank you.
Bodhisattva Prayer for Humanity
"May I be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened."
This prayer was written by Shantideva, a Buddhist monk of the Mahayana tradition who lived around 700 AD. He was a devoted practitioner who authored the Bodhicaryavatara or Bodhisattva Way of Life.
It is said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers this text to be THE source for developing altruism in your character and the "Spirit of Awakening." It is also said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recites this prayer every morning as part of his waking rituals. So, if you give it a try, you are in good company!
Nick Polizzi
The Sacred Science, LLC
1250 Addison Street. Suite 211-A
Berkeley, California 94530
https://thesacredscience.tumblr.com/
Thank you for sharing this. It is simple yet profound. I'm going to print this up and frame it. ❤️
Thank you for all of the gorgeous pictures you share - in addition to the immensely helpful historical perspective. I am so glad I discovered you through dear, long-time friends.
Rocky Mtn National Park was also gorgeous 2 weeks ago, and Maroon Bells near Aspen got it’s first snow!
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and Buddy’s incredible eye!
And HCR is right about the next week or so. The fate of Democrats at midterms and the Biden presidency might well be determined.
From the AP.
https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-europe-social-services-4754106687834de9aa1b9ac4dfb429d7
Yeah, the AP is very, very concerned about the fate of the Democrats. The Republican-owned media want to find a way to help in suppressing the D vote. Spreading a sense of helplessness among left-side voters is their contribution. Why won't they push the obvious idea that voting for more and BETTER Democrats would be a good idea?