461 Comments

How can we get the message of what Joe Biden has led the Congress Critters to achieve to the ears of the centrists? FN won’t cover it and I’m not hearing MSM (including MSNBC) talking about the reduction in the deficit; they are talking about TFG’s subpoena and Bannon’s jail sentence. They’re not talking about employment numbers and reductions in Covid deaths.

What else are they talking about? They’re talking about the red wave in which the Democrats lose the House and the Senate. They’re not talking about Kevin McCarthy saying that their plans to use threatening to default on federal debt (by not raising the debt limit) as a means to cut Medicare and Social Security (one idea is to limit them to just 20 years (70-90)). Yes, I’ve written them, but no response. I fear that we well may end up with no democracy to hand down to our children and grandchildren.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/18/mccarthy-gop-medicare-social-security/

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My thoughts exactly. Too often, the good news about Biden's administration are not broadcast except to the people who voted for him. How do we get the information out to the independents, the people on the fence? Forget the MAGAs; they won't change no matter what. But there are plenty of people who could be swayed and they are not getting the information!

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I've actually thought of printing a card with a few 'bullet' points of Biden's accomplishments. That's because I ride special transportation and the drivers are always barking about Biden and Democratic failures. I never seem to have facts on the tip of my tongue. That way, I will know what to say.

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WHY would a person making a living as a driver for special transport be in favor of more tax cuts for the rich at his/her expense? It's like seeing sheep bleating in favor of eating lamb chops.

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Makes sense to me - some working class people aspire to BE ruling class people and identify with them.

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I think a lot more identify than actually expect to ever be ultra-wealthy; just as many who are aware that they have zero chance of competing in the Super Bowl, maintain passionate, vicarious identification with certain football stars. The same with popular actors and other celebrity performers.

And of course, the likes of Trump cultivate that that sense of fandom with plenty of pandering and theater.

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I think that is true but I wish they would realize that no matter how well they do or what they achieve the rich people will always see them as a transportation driver.

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I've wondered this for years and finally concluded that no American considers him or herself poor or even working class, just well off but temporarily financially underperforming. So it follows that we all want to see government largesse going to the ruling class we will shortly rejoin.

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It also comes from powerful propaganda we've been fed by highly regarded people who promote these ideas for their own profit. Goes along with the American myth that we all have equal opportunity to 'succeed' if we'd only work hard enough and make the right choices. Fertile ground here for this stuff.

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Hmmm interesting. Question so is their anger a reflection of being denied to that which they are entitled, in their own mind?

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Likely yes. TFG has pushed grievances to a new level to stoke his followers' anger.

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So true, voting against one’s own interest is what propaganda is all about…

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Republican voters "best interest" has always been the restoration and maintenance of white supremacy. The biggest mistake Democrats continue to refusing to understand that the above "analysis" is incorrect.

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They don't see it that way. Voting against their financial interests isn't what drives them. Ideology does.

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Their "ideologies" and "principles" (pro-life, fiscal responsibility, anti-immigration, anti-climate change, voting irregularities, etc, etc., etc.) are 100% designed to create effective smoke screens to hide Republican racism. There is no doubt that a large percentage of registered Republicans could pass a polygraph about the sincerity of their "ideologies", the fact is that the Federalist Society has brilliantly "manufactured" all of those issues, and even more brilliantly brain-washed at least half of American voters into walking, talking advocates who are totally self-ignorant about their own core racist motivations. Thanks to a steady diet of FOX News, Republican voters of every age, sex, educational backgroun, and income level are armed with INSTANT, self-righteous rebuttals to accusations of racism. And those rebuttals constitute the "ideologies" you reference.

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Because they have "drunk the Koolaid".

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That's it in a nutshell. They not only are oblivious to the facts, but simply refuse to read and consider. The cognitive dissonance that millions would be ravaged by would render them useless. They can't handle the facts, it would wipe out their entire world. Picture rug being pulled out from under them, in slow motion, and never stopping.

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Oh yeah, those black and brown people, and of course those clever Jews, just waiting to take their piece of the pie. Hate the right people and you can have their last dime.

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These articles are called "Letters from an American". The political problem referred to in so many of the comments here, as illustrated by the bus driver anecdote, is the absence in our politics of socio-economic solidarity. A fragmentation of the "body politic" by racial maneuvers and "capitalistic individualism". I sometimes ask others, "Why do you, a working class person, support tax cuts for the rich?" Typical answer: I, or my kid, might one day be one, maybe by winning the lottery.

To be an American, fundamentally, you must believe in the (repeated ad nauseum) "American dream". Who dares to defy its viability? Yet we now are a very unhappy people. It feels like we're in a mad contest for the usurpation of wealth and power. Have we realized that those "blessings" of justice, beauty, love,

are now largely available only through purchase? Our culture seems to be propagated by our advertising, privatized propaganda. We should be reading it more carefully with skepticism.

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This has happened before. In the 1880s, There was the famous phrase: “Go west, young man!” This was Horacio Alger’s golden answer to the exploitation of workers. He wrote many tales of poor boys who found great riches in that west (at horrendous costs to the indigenous population). But, since we have gone all the way to the Pacific Ocean and can go no further, we have replaced dime novels with the suggestion that we can all be rich if we vote for Republican policies and believe only what those agendas tell us is reality. The thing that I marvel at is that if you look all the way back to the founding of this country, the same lies have been told to the same poor (but striving) people. From indentured slavery to get from Europe to here, to the dreadful cost of eradicating the native population, and to the enslavement of some people to the exploitation of low wage jobs that never broke even with the company store. Thank you for posting your comment. It gives me hope that at least some people can see through the “smoke and mirrors”.

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Pat, thank you for your generous reply, and the moment of reassurance I felt having read your thoughts. It occurred to me that the universe is (one regard, anyway) a vast and eternal sequence of cause and effect, that is, every effect is also a cause ad infinitum. A daunting task for historians. That our stories have a beginning and an ending is one feature that makes them artificial, the other is the perforce selectivity of the details.

The American romance of the frontier is far from over. I would venture that native peoples did not have this feature to their culture(s). History tells us that western native peoples upon first meeting white newcomers, welcomed them generously in a brotherly way. What ensued, as you noted, is profoundly appalling and heartbreaking. This is the predominant legacy of our white race. who invented the romance of progress which will for us culminate in the destruction of a habitable planet that created our species.

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lotsa lies we've swallowed... and even told ourselves.

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Have to agree

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Capitalism with no rules ... and the beliefs in personal 'freedom' and 'liberty' have brought us to this place.

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...and what's sad is that "freedom"/"liberty" is only for the rich (according to themselves) but the poorer folks don't realize the discrepancy of the lie.

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Fox News at night. Fear of the poorest of the poor and a good dose of racism.

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love this....the lamb chops

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More like sheep on the slaughter ramp at the butcher’s shop.

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Its the news they eat for breakfast. Not the breakfast of champions it seems

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I live in Japan and just mailed my absentee ballot yesterday. It cost me $40 by express mail from the post office. They said it should take 4 days. I hope they’re right. This was cheaper than last time which cost $80 since I sent it by DHL because the post office said it would take over a month, even by express mail. Ever since the election in 2000, it’s been getting harder and harder to vote. It’s like an obstacle race. I feel so incredibly nervous about the outcome of this election. If our country becomes ruled by fascists, what will we do?

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It'll get there. Last month I posted a birthday present from Melbourne, Australia to my grandson in Vienna. Cost $40. They said it would take a month. It reached Austria four days later, then went to a couple of places that don't exist, then he suddenly received it two weeks after I sent it. You've done all you can for the moment. Try to relax and enjoy the beauty of Japan. And if you're a praying woman, pray.

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Thank you, Kristin . Your dedication to democracy and to overcoming the rigors and expense of voting abroad is heartening.. If I could contribute to your efforts in a small way, I would, and I suspect many other readers would as well.

We'll all just have to vote and encourage others, and if the line is long, remember what you had to go through. Take heart!

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Here in Oregon, we have received our ballots and both have filled them out and they will be taken to a post office. No stamp required. We'll be informed when they arrive and are accepted for counting. Lots of places all over the area to drop off ballots. Voting can be easy without lines and all the other nonsense, but Rs want to make it as difficult as possible.

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One of the best things about Oregon is the automatic distribution of ballots. Most other states still labor under the misapprehension that those ballots will be filled out fraudulently. Not so!

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They certainly do - beyond the limits of legality.

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and remember what the Ukranians are going through for democracy and freedom.

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

Kristin, if you haven’t already, you might want to to contact your nearest Democrats Abroad chapter about less costly ways to return your ballot to the US. Each chapter usually has one or more certified Federal Voting Assistance Officers who can give you accurate, up to date guidance.

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We received ours via email from CA here in Spain on the 10th of October and returned them by regular mail. They were received and counted on the 17th of October. I never realized how stressed I was about this until them moment when I actually went to the WheresMyBallot website and saw. I am with you on the fear of the fascists. While in class for Spanish on Friday, I expressed this fear. My profesora laughed. When she began speaking ill of Biden I was shocked. I am going to meet her for drinks to be able to ask her why she does not like President Biden.

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I'm a WV voter in México. We are able to return our ballots via email, thankfully. I'm curious about your profesora's POV.

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So am I. We are meeting for drinks on November 8th. I want to ask her then. Meanwhile I will ask my friend here what her and her friends feelings are.

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Your profesora must be too young to remember Franco.

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No. People here do not forget. She is old enough. Many had/have parents imprisoned. They know more about America than most Americans. I believe her dislike has something to do with his decisions affecting Europe. Here in Spain democracy is new and people are shocked about how Americans are throwing it away.

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So upsetting......limiting ways to vote and who votes with "passive" methods is especially awful.

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https://www.democratsabroad.org/jp

Link for Democrats Abroad Japan

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Move to Japan with you?

Thank you for going to the trouble and expense to help our democracy!

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I know that expats can vote in presidential elections. How can you vote in a midterm if you don't live here?

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

Voting for any federal office, midterm or otherwise, is a right accorded to all US citizens, no matter where they live Members of Congress are federal office holders. Additionally, many states allow its overseas residents to vote for state and local offices. Remember, just because a person lives abroad does not mean they are an expat - examples include members of the Armed Forces, snowbirds who move to warmer climates in foreign countries during the winter months, folks who are assigned to work abroad, to name a few.

Just because one doesn't live in the United States does not mean they are indifferent to federal, state and local politics. EVERY bill and act passed impacts US citizens both at home and abroad.

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Interesting. Are you certain? Our elections are about choosing representatives based on our residence.The only exception is the vote for president. Snowbirds, members of the military and travelers have permanent US addresses. Americans living abroad generally don't.

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I believe that California recently made midterm elections available for those living abroad. I never knew that it was not possible in many states.

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Thank you for making the effort to vote. It is appreciated.

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That is my deepest fear, Kristin.

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Maybe wait to die!

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Hope, my best friend is a Trump supporter. I gently pass on many HCR talking points. Every once in a while, she takes them in. I think she might vote for some democrats at the local level this time

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Yes, gentleness is a key. The guys I mentioned are extremely sensitive to disapproval and come out fightin' mad. Defensiveness is a characteristic of the working poor, IMO. I recall a tip that I picked up here or on LFAA: Simply ask how, when, where, et al. It works! When one driver told me that the cities with gun restrictions have the highest crime rates, I asked "How did you learn that?" (In my best non-judgmental tone of voice) He answered, "I just know it!"

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Years ago, after 1996, I would ask people where they heard ridiculous-sounding crap. Always Fox. I don’t ask anymore.

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Hope, absolutely! Nothing can be gained by pissing people off. My more liberal friends and acquaintances get on me about having friends that are Trump supporters. These are some of my favorite people. They are stuck with me. I give my opinion and listen to theirs. We don’t let our political disagreements destroy our friendship

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Sorry, but deliberate ignorance is more than I can tolerate most of the time. I don’t pick a fight, but I can’t stomach hypocrisy, especially religious self-righteous Pharisees. I do try to be kind to any living creature, even snakes. Sometimes avoidance is best.

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Admirable, Sharon! Maybe the old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," will work, and they will indeed think about voting for a Democrat sometimes.

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Those who drank the Koolaid without knowing that it was mixed with whatever they were drinking, like the driver you describe, are the worst kind.

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Good tip, Hope. Thanks. I find, too, that the working poor (and not-so-poor) are defensive. They are often very busy people and FN is so much easier to listen to than anything complicated. Plus, Fox appeals to emotions -- it not only tells lies but it stirs up fear, distrust, anger, etc., against "the other," us, that is.

People prefer to have their emotions stirred up instead of understanding something logically; it's much more satisfying than holding a neutral position or trying to understand the often complicated issues. They just don't have the patience for a more sophisticated and unrewarding explanation of civic events or issues.

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Fox plays to hate, and yes, it is toward us, libtards, that is. Being a kind, compassionate person impresses the cult nuts, not at all.

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Hope truly IS a “best friend” if she would actually read the HRC letters you share, think about them and by chance, be persuaded. Treasure that. IMany of us, I’m betting, have loved family members who are insulted by the effort and ignore them or return tfg babble.

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Excellent idea, Hope - that's exactly the sort of everyday communication channels that are needed. The trash channels are awash with libellous ridicule of President Biden - personal insults, that's all they can find to harm him. NOTHING is being reported about the successes and outstanding achievements.

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Apart from the fact that Biden doing some important things rather well, a gunny sack of turnips would have made a far better president than Trump. First do no harm: and how many of our most salient problems have been worsened, if not directly created, by the modern "GOP"?

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Created, worsened, remember he loves chaos. That “do no harm” thing is like the best joke ever to republicans

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The driver or drivers of those transports should be fired. Political propaganda has no lawful place coming out of the driver of a publicly funded bus. And if it’s privately funded, the owner should receive a complaint letter. Impunity follows from no consequences. Inaction imputes complicity.

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I need to be careful to not "throw the baby out with the bathwater," i.e. set myself up for passive-aggressive retaliation because it is my primary source of transportation. Everywhere, post-Covid, things are hectic. The service is short-staffed. People are sensitive. These are the same folks who disdained vaccines and lost loved ones. Plus, I try to make my point by example: calm, reasoned responses, with a little compliment for their service thrown in. You, know, sort of an old fashioned granny! (Some days I wish I had wings though.)

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I admire you, I’ve had to eat Schitt a few times and it is most distasteful. Tread carefully. The cult is a cut above stupidity and ignorance, most have a tad of self-righteous fervor along with zip logic

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I understand Hope. Gotta deal with these cases on an individual basis.

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That's a great idea, I'm going to print this Letter and be ready with these facts when I'm with Repubs who spew "facts" about illegal Mexicans being transported over the border in busloads to vote!

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Excellent! Brace yourself.

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good luck to you, Sally! my experience says they're not interested nor are they ever persuaded to even listen to their own lunacy... when presented with logic or 'facts.'

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Which facts,Sally. I will print them too. thanks.

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That’s a GREAT idea. Hand them out!

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Hi Friends, to my surprise and delight, some of you have asked for a copy of my "list" of Biden accomplishments, but I find they are generalized and very grand so there is not too much in the way of convincing local Trumpers. So, I am going to check a few local resources to find what applies here in Vermont. For example we have a semi-conductor chip making factory, part of Biden's keep-away from China plan that just received $30 Million from the CHIPS program. That's huge! We have an electric aircraft development company which is presently installing charging stations in other airports for its neat little commuter planes. Lots of start-up medical tech, too. I'll be back in a few days.

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One accomplishment: He is a good man filled with integrity who wants to serve the nation and all of its people. That rare quality in politics today should be enough!

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They don't understand goodness and integrity, it's been Foxed out of them. Simplicity, kindness and loyalty? What's that but signs of weakness? Their regular counterpoint is "He's a geriatric who forgets names and faces, and falls up stairs". Concrete local examples like Hope's Vermont ones should be effective targets.

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Final comment. Here is a a list of Bidens accomplishments:

https://joebiden.com/accomplishments/

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Terrific, Eli. And the pictures are good. Re-arrange with dot points under each image? (P.S. Goodness and integrity shines out of every picture).

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Super. We need a bullet point set of pro-Biden talking points. Thx

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I look forward to your list, Hope, especially as I live in Vermont too. Yesterday, I went to a rally in Middlebury to promote "Yes to Article 22" since there is so much misinformation on this. (https://www.acluvt.org/en/campaigns/reproductive-liberty-amendment-proposal-5-article-22). It was attended, of course, by (Dem) candidates and a group from Middlebury College and one high school senior who all spoke eloquently. I've met many of the candidates, all of whom inspire me including Brenda Siegel, a low-income single mum running for Governor against a popular Republican. There were no counter-protestors and I am happy to live in a state where, despite challenges, most are decent, hard-working folk.

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Here you are. Nothing special, but a quick response to "doubters".

HERE ARE A FEW BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S

ACTIONS THAT HELP VERMONTERS

THE GOVERNMENT DEBT FELL BY $1.4 TRILLION DOLLARS---THE MOST OF ANY ADMINISTRATION.

REBUILDING THE ECONOMY WITH THE MOST JOBS.

ADDING A 15% TAX ON BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS (AND NEGOTIATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO THE SAME. NOW CORPORATIONS WILL NOT OFF-SHORE THEIR PROFITS AND JOBS.)

CATCHING UP ON THE VERY WEALTHY FOR NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES

LOWERING THE COST OF MEDICINES AND HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS.

.

CAPPED DRUG EXPENSES FOR SENIORS AT $2000 PER YEAR

CAPPED INSULIN COSTS AT $35/MONTH

C.LOWERED HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR AMERICANS USING THE ACA.

CHIPs and SCIENCE ACT

$30 MILLION FUNDING FOR GLOBAL FOUNDRIES FOR ITS PRODUCTION OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR CHIPS

ASSISTANCE TO COLLEGES FOR COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

4. INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

WATER QUALITY

SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY

BROADBAND EXPANSION FOR INTERNET IN RURAL AREAS

5. TRANSPORTATION:

A. $19 MILLION FOR TSA UPGRADE AT BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

B. FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ASSIST WITH SHOPPING, APPOINTMENTS AND MEDICAL CARE.

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Thank you very much Hope, this is great!

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Hope, thank you! I sent this to 7 of the VT media plus Front Porch Forum. It was in VTDigger: https://vtdigger.org/letters_to_editor/the-biden-administrations-actions-that-help-vermonters/

and also the Addison Independent (online version) and it was well received! As Heather says, we must speak up!

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Sally, I listened to the debate with Brenda and Phil Scott. I was really impressed with her. And I voted for her despite all the doubts about her lack of experience, plus Scott's reputation as one of the good Republicans. Well, he is, and very likely will win. Nevertheless, being relieved that he is not a Trumper doesn't move me enough to give up on the idea of a "trickle up' economy and Brenda Siegel's grass roots vision.

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I have a list of repub negative votes, but it’s an image. Is there a way to attach it here?

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Hope

If you do that, would you post it under title

"Little recognized Facts About Biden Presidency"

I will then print my own postcards and bring to Democratic headquarters in my neighborhood to see how these might best be disseminated in prep for coming election 2024

I think it is good idea

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Oct 23, 2022·edited Oct 23, 2022

You can find a list of accomplishments here. You don't have to donate. Just click the X and they accomplishments appear.

https://joebiden.com/accomplishments/#

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Yes! Thank you!

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Thanks for the list. I've shared it to my FB groups.

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Found it!

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Thanks Galilee

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I clicked but no list

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Oct 23, 2022·edited Oct 23, 2022

Joan Look @ the picture of President Biden and Kamala Harris on the left of the page-there's a line under it that says "Learn about President Biden's accomplishments". Click on that- the listing/descriptions will come up.

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JOAN, my list is Vermont specific, so that the points could hit home more powerfully. Please feel free to make this your own.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S ACTIONS THAT HELP VERMONTERS:

THE GOVERNMENT DEBT FELL BY $1.4 TRILLION DOLLARS---THE MOST OF ANY ADMINISTRATION.

REBUILDING THE ECONOMY WITH THE MOST JOBS.

ADDING A 15% TAX ON BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS (AND NEGOTIATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO THE SAME. NOW CORPORATIONS WILL NOT OFF-SHORE THEIR PROFITS AND JOBS.)

CATCHING UP TO THE VERY WEALTHY FOR NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES

LOWERING THE COST OF MEDICINES AND HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS.

CAPPED DRUG EXPENSES FOR SENIORS AT $2000 PER YEAR

CAPPED INSULIN COSTS AT $35/MONTH

C. LOWERED HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR AMERICANS USING THE ACA.

CHIPs and SCIENCE ACT

$30 MILLION FUNDING FOR GLOBAL FOUNDRIES FOR ITS PRODUCTION OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR CHIPS

ASSISTANCE TO COLLEGES FOR COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

4. INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

WATER QUALITY

SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY

$90 MILLION BROADBAND EXPANSION.

5. TRANSPORTATION:

A. $19 MILLION FOR TSA UPGRADE AT BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ASSIST WITH SHOPPING, APPOINTMENTS AND MEDICAL CARE.

FARM AND FAMILY:

CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES

FARM ASSISTANCE

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This is great

I did a list of 15 which included many of the same accomplishments

Maybe Will figure out how to cut and paste... /-:

Thanks for posting!

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You are welcome. "We're in this together."

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Hope, good idea! Could you send me a copy of the card you’re thinking about making? In fact I think all of us should carry such a card because Hope, like you I never seem to have the facts on the tip of my tongue.

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HERE ARE A FEW BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S

ACTIONS THAT HELP VERMONTERS

THE GOVERNMENT DEBT FELL BY $1.4 TRILLION DOLLARS---THE MOST OF ANY ADMINISTRATION, =

REBUILDING THE ECONOMY WITH THE MOST JOBS.

ADDING A 15% TAX ON BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS (AND NEGOTIATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO THE SAME. NOW CORPORATIONS WILL NOT OFF-SHORE THEIR PROFITS AND JOBS.)

CATCHING UP ON THE VERY WEALTHY FOR NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES

LOWERING THE COST OF MEDICINES AND HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS.

CAPPED DRUG EXPENSES FOR SENIORS AT $2000 PER YEAR

CAPPED INSULIN COSTS AT $35/MONTH

LOWERED HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR AMERICANS USING THE ACA.

CHIPs and SCIENCE ACT

$30 MILLION FUNDING FOR GLOBAL FOUNDRIES FOR ITS PRODUCTION OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR CHIPS

ASSISTANCE TO COLLEGES FOR COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

WATER QUALITY

SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY

BROADBAND EXPANSION FOR INTERNET IN RURAL AREAS

5. TRANSPORTATION:

A. $19 MILLION FOR TSA UPGRADE AT BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

B. FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ASSIST WITH SHOPPING, APPOINTMENTS AND MEDICAL CARE.

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I’ve been printing 8”x11” color pictures of Dark Brandon, placing them back to back with a print out of the major accomplishments, and laminating them. The people who rip them off the trees are probably the same folks who need to hear about all the good things Joe has done and is doing! It’s like bait and educate!

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Jennie, could you take a picture of that and put it here. I just need the major accomplishments side. Thank you in advance.

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Great idea

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Send it to me please!

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Here you are, Eli. It's Vermont specific, but most applies to everyone.

HERE ARE A FEW BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S

ACTIONS THAT HELP VERMONTERS

THE GOVERNMENT DEBT FELL BY $1.4 TRILLION DOLLARS---THE MOST OF ANY ADMINISTRATION.

REBUILDING THE ECONOMY WITH THE MOST JOBS.

ADDING A 15% TAX ON BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS (AND NEGOTIATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO THE SAME. NOW CORPORATIONS WILL NOT OFF-SHORE THEIR PROFITS AND JOBS.)

CATCHING UP TO THE VERY WEALTHY FOR NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES

LOWERING THE COST OF MEDICINES AND HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS.

CAPPED DRUG EXPENSES FOR SENIORS AT $2000 PER YEAR

CAPPED INSULIN COSTS AT $35/MONTH

C. LOWERED HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR AMERICANS USING THE ACA.

CHIPs and SCIENCE ACT

$30 MILLION FUNDING FOR GLOBAL FOUNDRIES FOR ITS PRODUCTION OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR CHIPS

ASSISTANCE TO COLLEGES FOR COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

4. INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

WATER QUALITY

SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY

$90 MILLION BROADBAND EXPANSION.

5. TRANSPORTATION:

A. $19 MILLION FOR TSA UPGRADE AT BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ASSIST WITH SHOPPING, APPOINTMENTS AND MEDICAL CARE.

FARM AND FAMILY:

CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES

FARM ASSISTANCE

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Make the card! A great idea!

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You know, a good part of the responsibility for this failed messaging is Biden's staff whose job should include just this kind of thing. I think it's called public relations. Of course, they have to work with Biden and that presents two large problems. Biden's absolute recalcitrance about whatever idea he thinks should govern whatever is the issue, sin this case, PR. The other is Biden himself--his public persona does not inspire confidence and certainly doesn't raise the passions that we Americans seem to need.

Remember, we're fighting a reality TV star and the drastically hysterical Mr. Lindsey Graham. If we are treated to enough noise and drama, we turn on our tv's.

Sad state of the union. ;;;

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Thank God, that when Biden speaks, it is NOT another shitshow.

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I agree 100% but I'm not sure the majority of voters feel that way. Even those who despised Trump got their brains battered by all that noise and drama and I think that's one of the initial strategies as an authoritarian movement starts its progress--noise and chaos at such levels and in such quantity and variety that the brains and, literally, the eardrums, shut down and then require more and more for even a response. I hope that makes; more sense than I think. Long day. What I'm thinking about is when Biden did his campaign train trip a while back and all his supporters were ecstatic that he was "finally getting it right." The Joe Biden who has managed to accomplish unheard of things by sitting at his desk, quietly and effectively doing his job doesn't get anyone's attention. I don't know what the balance is. Of course the campaign trail Biden must go out but the question is how to; publicize the accomplishments of the President. If he's out in front of the cameras, selling himself (raising the volume) then won't he be taking time from what he does so well--negotiating, compromising, succeeding.

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I watched part (very small part) of MTG & the Dem - Flowers? - "debate" - it was pretty much impossible for him to get anything said & understood because she was doing lumpty dumpty - open mouth & vomiting garbage. Its really impossible to comprehend anyone deliberately voting this twit into a seat in Congress. Obviously, she has DONE nothing in the time shes been there other than run off at the mouth-literally!

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helpful observations, Dean. people are suffering and if he can figure out how to relieve it ... he'll be the hero.

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And the saddest thing to me is the underlying reality that we've sort of stopped even talking about--that we've turned into a culture that requires our elected officials to be entertaners

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I love your profile. Very sweet and from the heart.

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Tell Rupert Murdoch. Just kidding, he knows, he just won’t tell…

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See my comment above. MSNBC is INDEED doing its part

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

"How can we get the message of what Joe Biden has led "?

The information is available Mary to anyone even half trying now.

It is not 1980. When Ronald Reagan began the big Republican lie about Republican's being "fiscally responsible", by ripping on Carter even though Carter had MORE than a balanced budget. Then, there was just, at that time, no easy way to check those lies to see if they were true during his first term anyway.

BUT, even by the middle of Reagan's second term it was clear he was blowing money wildly and with abandon.

Remember Reagan's One TRILLION dollar "Star Wars" give away to the defense industry?

Correct, that was publicized and that was my first heads up like a deer smelling a really nasty scent on the wind. One TRILLION dollars in 1986 was a huge amount of money to give to the defense industry.

What did those industries produce? Nothing at all. We do not today, have a defense against incoming supersonic or regular ICBM missles except for Mutually Assured Destruction upon detection.

So, even for me, a then Republican, I caught the whiff of the Reagan stench.

In the end, Reagan ran up the debt with tax cuts and wasted military spending by $3.1 Trillion in 1986 dollars ($5.3 Trillion in today's dollars.)

Now?

Anyone who does not realize that Republican "policy" is a gaurantee for fantastically increased Federal deficits is just, honestly, too dumb to vote.

In fact, I am thinking of using that on a written Voter test to discern voter capability for voting.

"Does Republican Policy Prioritize and Realize Fiscal Responsibility"?

Yes: NO VOTE

No: VOTE

Hopefully, everyone can read the question itself.

If not, well, like the movie Idiocracy: Not Sure.

:-)

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

All I remember in my adult years about a process I did not understand, I always remember these things about Republican - run governments: America was at war, and I struggled financially.

Maybe middle Americans should fess up - we are angry that for once we actually saved money and the power money-grabbers, big oil, big tech,… are trying to snatch it back through inflation. So when you hear about spiraling inflation on the news, you aren’t hearing the whole story.

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I’m old, I remember. Never a republican but the stench was overwhelming. And covered up with Fabrize (or whatever it is that makes Schitt smell like roses). Just another name for propaganda in the political world.

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Jeri,

That is, indeed, the worst stench of all.

A Republican sprayed with fabreeze.

Worse than a pig sty on a warm day after a rain with the sun out.

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Love the reference!

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Had some of those pigs growing up. Would prefer them to republicans these days…

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Mike, going back to the top of your comment I think the problem is that too many people aren't half trying

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

My hope is that when some of these “leaders” see some real consequences, people may wise up to their lies and the messenger spreading them.

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JaneDough56 I’m afraid that many of these “leaders” have shown that the only times that they pay attention to the consequences is when the consequences affect them and theirs. There was another woman on television who is in Intensive Care because of a septic uterus due to an incomplete miscarriage (water broke). I’m afraid that far too much harm will be done before people wake up (like in other autocracies such as Nazi Germany).

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I can’t begin to tell you how angry I am that once again, it’s women who pay the consequences of bad laws written by men. With that said, some women have to actually understand those consequences when they choose their representatives, their president. I still have faith that Americans still have the DNA for liberty that will keep us from humanity’s worst instincts.

If you don’t believe me, look at Russia. Do you think when Stalin was in power, men would dodge the draft in such great numbers? Or Iran, where women are publicly calling for a change in leadership? Those women face imprisonment, torture, and even death just to be heard. Where does all this boldness come from? The American DNA - the idea that we are all equal before the law, and the people still get to choose what is and what isn’t just.

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Oct 23, 2022·edited Oct 23, 2022

Here in NH, we have Mr. Bolduc, a R candidate running for U.S. Senate said that the "gentlemen" in the state Legislature should be the best to decide re women's rights and that we should "get over it!" in regards to the loss of our rights.

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You are welcome here in VT just in case that character wins! (I hope not!)

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Exactly, what we should learn from history that propaganda works. And we are the sheep

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Yes, Jane and the "real consequences" I simply cannot get out of my head is that a former (so-called) POTUS actually Stole the Nation's Most Sensitive Nuclear and Other Top Secret Documents held them hostage for over a Year!!! The absurdity and lunacy of this still continues. Add to this the FACTS that the Jan 6 Committee has now Proven of this same lunatic's attempt to literally overthrow the Government of the USA in an open Coup. So, here is my question for this educated group.

We keep reading and hearing that, "should" (we pray not but,...) the GOP take back the House that their First order of business will be to shut down the Jan 6 committee. Now they may not like that it is a bipartisan, legitimate body doing the legal work of Congress,...but, IT IS.

So, how could it be that this could simply be shut down because they would not want the outcome? Given its purpose is based on National Security would the GOP's actions not constitute "Obstruction of Justice" itself? Using Jane's term "real consequences" would there not be an Executive Action legally allowed by the legitimate POTUS to override their action based on National Security and keep the committee active to complete their work to protect the country?

TFG did many (felt like hundreds) executive actions to circumvent law. I am not an atty but it seems to me that for the GOP to immediately stop a committee's work that has already proven to show "real consequences" severely damaging the US would constitute Obstruction of Justice and harm National Security. Can someone more astute in law explain (other than the obvious, "because they can") why this can happen and what, if anything Biden and the Dems could do to override / overrule this based on National Security or another equally valid and legitimate basis. We know if the party's roles were reversed this is exactly what would be happening.

Sorry for taking so many words to explain the thought.

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By many lights, T**** is guilty of espionage. That is an offense for which he could be hanged. Why he is still not in custody is a mystery I have not been able to unravel.

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Because Gerald Ford established that Some White Men are indeed above the law. It’s been so ever since.

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

I am not an attorney, but the best explanation I can give is that the J6 committee is acting in the political arena, not the justice arena. Their job is to recommend legislation to keep January 6th from happening again. In order to do that, they had to investigate everything leading up to January 6th. They have no power to indict or convict anybody; that is the Justice Department’s responsibility. AND the Justice Dept has been working in conjunction with the J6 committee. Every day, insurrectionists are sentenced for their participation that day, and Merrick Garland has TFG in his sights. It’s coming. Soon.

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I too need to hear a discussion around this topic you raise. Thank you for bringing this up!

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To me, It’s a nice thought, but I fear we’ve passed people wising up. It seems there are way too many people looking for conspiracies to try and disprove common sense.

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There will always be conspiracy theorists spewing out BS. There is a whole psychopathy attached to conspiracy theorists, that they assert thoughts in their head over indisputable facts. I still hope that people will set down the titillating gossip for, if nothing else, the family and the life they built for themselves.

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If Rupert is shut up. He is to free speech what Covid is to our general health and well-being.

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I am hoping fuzzy thrill of being one with the Republican in-crowd will lose some luster for some of the acolytes over time, especially as more and more troubling reality is brought to bear on them.

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Let it be brought to bear on them before they vote.

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Indeed a concern...

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

They won’t wise up unless Dems speak up, so far just whining. Go Joe

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By then the damage will have been done.

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Can't some damages be reversed though? If they can undo prescription drug pricing competition why can't they be stopped. It is this rigging of our election systems that has me so frustrated. This and voter apathy and ignorance! Aargh.

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

It depends on who controls the House and the Senate. If the Republicans do, all manner of family-friendly policies will be reversed and would not return for several years, if ever. Are you referring to gerrymandering, re rigging of the election systems? Almost all Republican-controlled states have done that. Michigan is an exception because a grass-roots campaign, Voters Not Politicians, worked their tails off to create a citizen-based commission system and got it approved by the voters.

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Mary, communiation is also of great concern to me. My Social Security is small but helpful. Thankfully our home is paid for ....but repairs are an expensive part of our reality. My husband has a small business which he has enjoyed. This too is helpful not only financially but emotionally and socially.

My husband and I have been blessed with good health. Only I have recently needed surgery for which Medicare was a major help! These government programs are great for all of us!

Most of us have appreciated government assistance from time to time. Helping one another improve the ability to keep a roof over our heads and food in our/our children's stomachs during unforseen emergencies is a win/win benefit for every American.

Of course we each complain when taxes are due but in reality our givings , if used properly, are an enormous benefit to each and all of us. It is only right for those who have a large income to pay something.....they should want to....but it is a sad fact that the more we have, the harder it is to let go....the blessing begin to possess us....IT IS MINE...I EARNED IT!!!! Thanks President Joe Biden for encouraging generousity and concern for one another and helping us overcome GREED and SELFISHNESS.

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We need to get across that the economy is not a zero sum game. Your gain isn’t necessarily my loss. HCR pointed out that after the Civil War, propertied southern taxpayers didn’t want to pay for roads, schools, etc., for the emancipated Blacks. But such infrastructure is fundamental to prosperity, and benefits rich and poor, as proved by the interstate highway system and the rural electrification programs in the twentieth century.

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It is really hard to settle for less when you could have had more.

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I ask why propaganda dominates over the facts. Americans are anxious about disruptive changes and perceived threats. Propaganda exploits fear It worked in Germany in the 1930’s. Simple answers blind us from seeing the complexity and nuance of truth

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because it's emotions... and that usually rules. not facts. unfortunately.

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The failure of the main stream media leaves it up to us, call out disinformation when you hear it and cite the success of the Biden administration to all who claim the Republicans are "better" for the economy!

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But indeed MSNBC did promote and aired an interview between Joe Biden and Jon Capeheart on Friday prime time one hour long wher Biden laid out his successes. You can still find it on YouTube.

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Thanks, I missed it.

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Here's the link to the 11:25 min interview -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYqhX_QfwFI

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Thank you, Dana. It was a very good interview.

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Is it time to 'take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing, end them,' as Shakespeare had Hamlet think to himself? Figuratively, not literally, we must do that to preserve democracy! Hamlet waited too long before he belatedly acted, and at the play's close, the stage is littered with bodies.. We must act more quickly to avoid such a ending. That is up to the Attorney General. Don't count on the voters.

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Once more unto the breach....

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Tell everyone you know. If. You’re on social media, post on your page and in every group. Write letters to the editor. If your local TV and radio stations have forums (or fora, if you’re a stickler), post there. Write to news editors and tell them to cover real news. Shout from the rooftops.

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the real news is not on TV or any other MSM ... it's truly independent and struggling. stop listening, reading, watching MSM and find independent news sources who genuinely try to give us the truth. and support them. even if they challenge our ideas or viewpoints sometimes. amazing how much our mind can open and what we can learn. how much better informed we can be... i'd never have imagined it... and now it happens every single day at our house.

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Mary, ln answer to your question of how we can get Biden's message out, my most hopeful response is that I don't know. My real response is that I'm very afraid that we can't. The main reason for that is, as you have detailed, the press. They are locked down in their leaning against Biden and the Democrats, the lock is getting tighter, and the key appears to have gone missing.. If, in fact, the predicted red wave washes over us, it will be bad. There's not much point in pretending otherwise. But, although we liberals are often (almost always) reluctant to examine ourselves and our part in a bad situation and then make painful changes, we so far have proved a tough crew just in terms of hanging in there and surviving. There is far too much radical change ahead, as the result of this hideous political shift, more and different changes due to the isolation and strangeness of the pandemic. Just one huge example is th Zoom universe in which I spend most of my time. My grandson doesn't remember a world without masks.

I guess my point is that we might well be outgunned for this round but the war isn't over even if the worst happens next month.

All that attempt at the optimism that says we'll make it aside, however, I am often reminded of something a wise and funny friend says, "This isn't the end of the world, but you can see it from here."

Blessings on all our houses.

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Glad I’m old.

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Dean, I don’t have the same negative outlook you do. WE have experienced what you ou have during the pandemic. And I’m a transplant recipient so I have to take this same care ALL the time! I have to remain positive - not in a ridiculous way based on nothing. I fought hard to get my transplant and have a chance to live. I experience gratitude A LOT every single day. But I was a true warrior to get there. Try on some warrior ways and help the REST of us save our democracy. It’s worth fighting for. Don’t crap out now. PLEASE

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I think I responded to most of this in another reply. I believe my warrior credentials are in order.

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Dean, thanks for reminding me what a black woman told me back in the 1960’s: “I’ll keep getting back up until they’re tired of knocking me down”.

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While we're remembering bits of wisdom from old women (which I now am) I have two

1. "Sometimes I feel like I just got set down here and I don't know why"

2. Many years ago when I was teaching my course on women in the Bible and had finished taking a good look at the Hebrew and given my unconventional reading of the garden of eden story, a wonderful Black woman, 72 years old and raising her grandchildren, stood up, slammed her hand on the table, and almost shouted with joy, "I've been listening to that Adam'd Rib s..t all my life,and I guess I don't have to listen to it anymore!

I think our hope is right there in the realization that we don't have to listen to this madness anymore. To reluctantly quote Nancy Reagan, we can "Just say no" We only need say it a little louder.

p.s. If somebody can tell me how to attach this document, I'm happy to do it. It looks impressive all tight text.

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He is a good man filled with integrity who wants to serve the nation and all of its people. That rare quality in politics today should be enough!

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I’ve been printing 8”x11” color pictures of Dark Brandon, placing them back to back with a print out of the major accomplishments, and laminating them. The people who rip them off the trees are probably the same folks who need to hear about all the good things Joe has done and is doing! It’s like bait and educate!

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Beautiful. This is a great example od grassroots activism! Have you thought of posting them on bulletin boards around town like in bars, restaurants, etc??

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Or telephone poles? Gas stations? Bus stops? Coffee shops! This is brilliant.

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Can one of you Substack-savvy folks tell me how two attach a word doc to a comment and how to tag someone? Thanks

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Copy the text in the Word document then paste within a comment on substack. You don't need the Word document, you only need the content of the document. As for tagging someone, if you know who it was, append your copy & paste to that person's comment/request. I don't know of another way to tag someone specifically though perhaps prefacing your 'paste' with the person's name would work(?).

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If it’s as negative as your response was earlier, Dean, I’m NOT helping you!!!

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Well, Dana, what I have is a tightened up version of Biden's accomplishments and my immediate reason for posting it is that someone in this comments community asked for it and I didn't know how to make that happen. I'm sorry that my comments make you this angry. I don't consider my point of view negative. I believe I said in the long comment--more than once--that whatever our weaknesses--we liberal Democrats have a way of hanging in and surviving and that whatever happens in the mid-terms, they are only one battle. They aren't the war. However, if looking at the world as it is at this moment and feeling fear is "negative," I guess I"m guilty. If looking at the dire problems straight on and writing about them is "negative," guilty again. I'm an old dog, Dana, and I first signed up for this struggle in 1963 at age 18. I've never looked back. I've never given up.

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The Dems need to put up billboards with this message. Also remember there are countless opportunities for each of us on here to text, phone bank, knock on doors and contribute to candidates.

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Here is a list of accomplishments via President Biden.

https://joebiden.com/accomplishments/

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Thank you. I'm thinking I want this tightened up, just the list and details minus the photos and fundraising. I've copied and pasted one section of text at a time into a Word document and it looks darned impressive. I might even drop the font on the headers so there's no bling, just one accomplishment after another after another.

I'll also keep the campaign fundraiser version of course but I find something satisfying about this unadorned list. This guy has done some big things.

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Dean Robertson, If possible, could you please attach your document and tag me so that I can find it?

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hi mary I got instructions to copy and paste the content of my word document rather than the document and went directly to you and pasted. The good news is that it worked. The bad news is that it's way too long and as near as I can estimate it will have to be broken down into at least 4 posts to pass Substack's word counter. I am perfectly willing to do that tomorrow if you want it. You would have to reassemble it, obviously and the bold type for headings doesn't transfer, so a bit of work for both of us. I will say it prints nicely, very good companion to the campaign flyer aJust let me know

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Such a great offer! Sure, I’d like it, but I’ll understand if you don’t want to do all that work.

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I was just thinking I would post it.

sorry to be so goofy-I just spent an hour on the phone with a former student (former like the 1980's) who is in a pretty bad depression and I need to get one thing accomplished--maybe some therapeutic vacuuming.

/Users/patriciarobertson/Desktop/Biden The Basics.docx

Let me know if this opens

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I don't think it does. Rats. Any ideas are welcome from anyone

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Replying to myself here but is there anyone who would be willing to tell me how to attach a word document to a comment Thanks

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You and Robert Hubbell made my evening! Between now and the election, I'm only going to read the two of you and headlines of mainline media. Thank you for your work, and please enjoy your weekend.

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Thank you, Professor Richardson. Especially for the last paragraph. I consider you one of the best closers in the business of journalism.

Unita! 🗽

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And one of the best barnburner one-liners ever!

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Once again, I am so appreciative of Dr. Richardson, but also I am appreciative of all of you. I learn so much from your comments. Carol, I checked out Robert Hubbell, and you are right! He and HCR make a dynamic duo. I just subscribed to his newsletter.

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Well, well. It’s Black and white. And Evil. God is good and the Devil is clever and bad. And The Book of Job is a must read, for Americans are being tested yet again, stretched between the Good and the Evil. And as Heather Cox writes, it’s all in plain view. Almost.

Who knows us best? Black women, of course. And Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson planted in the GOP influenced stench, has a challenge not unlike the Court of the Crash through post War 1950/60.

Hold on tight, Readers.. this can get lots worse. And like Jonathan Capehart, I’m scared. President Biden’s powers were in plain view and most impressive for a president of any age. President Reagan was clearly sclerotic with Alzheimer’s disease. President Joseph R. Biden is playing with a full deck, and in command as he and his team moves to save us from ourselves.

Vote, America. They also serve those that stand and wait.

Vote, America, for our democracy and our future lives depend on it, and our grandchildren are watching.

Vote, America! Vote!

Remember Selma. Abraham Lincoln was our greatest and Joe Biden knows it.

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April Ryan, longest serving black female WH correspondent (25 years) writes: "Black Women Will Save The World: An Anthem."

"We are now in spaces and places that we've never been before." She is marking the moment.

https://news.yahoo.com/april-ryan-why-black-women-133954161.html

No doubt you've understood this for a long time, Sandy. The rest of us should take heed.

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Ordered her book - listened - Black women get it. White women talk.

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Most human achievement involves knowing where to look, what questions to ask, and recognizing a solution when it arrives - even when it's unexpected. Job knew. His faith did not waver. My faith, on the other hand, waxes and wains with each headline (at least I'm not in the UK right now!).

Savvy black voters recognized Joe Biden as the one to back long before I did, but at least I eventually followed their lead. Even Obama did not see this. It is hard for the rest of us to see this in part because we have a press that either lies outright (Faux News), or covers substantive issues and attention grabbing antics with more or less equal weight. Scroll through any news feed, watch any cable or network, news, read any paper, it will bear this out. It is the intellectual equivalent

of equating good, careful archeology with Chariots of the Gods. Even members of this forum (e.g., me) regularly dive down such rabbit holes.

Vote. Even with a messy, anemic, 4th estate informing us, the choices are stark. Good vs evil. a livable earth vs death, prosperity for all vs kleptocracy. Sorry for the lengthy rant Sandy.

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Steve, you could have gone on....I identify with and appreciate what you were saying. Thanks!

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We have a hopeful event here tomorrow. AOC is coming on campus at UC Irvine for an outdoor rally to get out the vote. We had been talking (but admittedly not acting yet) at our local Episcopal church’s Peace and Justice Committee about a voter registration drive there. Her vibrancy and the issues and it being Sunday and no classes should draw a huge crowd and hopefully some real results.

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I already voted Sandy, past tense. Love the Book of Job too, unbreakable tenacity.

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Thanks, Bryan Sean...

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.... as he and his team move....

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I voted.....ranked choice.

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Further proof that Harry Truman was right back in 1948, when he observed that "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies."

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Favorite HST quote “Anything that helps all the people they call socialism” and they still do.

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Yes - that's a damn good one.

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He could call bull Schitt by it’s right name

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President Harry S Truman desegregated our armed forces. He defeated Governor Thomas E. Dewey in 1948. The polls all showed him losing. HST was the first president to receive a presidential income after serving. Why? He was honest and he was broke leaving office. President Truman decided to drop two nuclear bombs on Japan to end the wars in Asia and Europe.

President Truman ignored or did not see The Franck Report. His action haunted Nobel James Franck of The Manhattan Project, my wife’s maternal Opa. Those bombs killed over 200,000 and spread radiation. The USSR quickly became a nuclear power. Today there are 11 nuclear powered military.

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China, North Korea, Israel, Russia, France, England, Pakistan, India, USA, and....

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

Every day!! It’s exhausting. I hope to live long enough to see our Democracy restored and made stronger. (So I can leave in peace).

We need to get on that though! Each day is a gift and not promised. More runway is behind me.

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Me too, same wish

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Evelyn, my hopes mirror yours. I won’t leave my children and grandchild much but a bucket of prayers, and the runway just gets longer.

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I know so many other senior citizens who feel the same way. I have a close friend who is 90 and fears that she won’t live to see our Democracy pull through. It really upsets her. I’m upset at age 70, and also hopeful that there are more who care than what MSM shows.

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Evelyn, “I am a traveler, on a sacred journey, through this one shining day.”

Richard Wagamese, in Embers, One Ojibway’s Meditations

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It’s a shame Biden’s accomplishments once again go unnoticed because of the cluster bomb that is DJT.

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

It was a momentous day with much to celebrate. Biden is, as the old saying goes, feeling his oats. He knows what this election means, both for the nation and what he will be able to accomplish before he leaves office.

On the other hand, the bad news from the Washington Post article would be utterly shocking in normal times. But is anyone surprised that Trump stole highly classified documents about Iran's missile program and highly sensitive intelligence about China? Just another day in Trump World. I'm certain we will eventually learn if any of the information fell into the wrong hands via Espionage for Dummies — or was shared for treasonous profit.

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Probably profit

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And probably has to show those documents to others to explain to him since he cannot make out what they say alone.

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Will the whining Dems repeat and amplify or just whine some more.

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It will be interesting to see how 45’s response to the J6 subpoena goes....Glad Austin called his counterpart in Russia. It is SO important to keep the lines of communication open. Biden has done a stellar job. Now, if only the People hear him loud and clear. Democrats are FOR us and Republicans are AGAINST us. Our peace and prosperity is on the chopping block of history. Let’s hope the Grim Reaper’s hand is held in check by our votes.

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Elisabeth, mark my words, Benedict donald will never, NEVER sit before Congress. If they march him in in chains he has already won, and he will use it as a forum or merely say, “fifth.” My bet is that he will use his ‘attorneys’ whom he despises, in the courts whom he despises more, to delay and appeal, repeat....

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Gus, Benedict has alway used ”delay and appeal, repeat “. For decades and in the past five years especially. BUT the courts are tired of him, even his appointees, are putting their judicial feet down. No one is above the law UNTIL they eliminate that law, which is what BD is attempting to do. Don’t despair. I believe they will force the traitor’s cold, dead hand.

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Elisabeth, I would rather mark your words than mark my own words! I do see that change in the legal system. They know his playbook. I just wish the GOP would have the same courage.

Hope! Thank you.

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Gus, dear, give up on the GOP. The word “courage” is evidently NOT in their dictionary, or kindness or compassion. Greed, avarice and lust are the words they all seem to live by these days, or maybe all their days, as Heather has taught us. Each of us must “do our bit” to get them out of power. We are in the struggle of our lives, for better or for worse. Are you reading Michael Moore’s daily “BLUE TSUNAMAI” posts about WHY and HOW the Dems will win on Roevember 8? Very uplifting and hope inducing. Gets my endorphins going everyday. Heather and Michael Moore. What would we do with them? Have a beautiful Sunday. The rains in India are finally abating and we have sun today!

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Elisabeth, Thank You for that note! I will check Michael Moore's posts out today. I have liked his books, movies and work--and his heart--for a long time now; however, I did not know about the posts.

Yes, I have been doing my bit. Voted all D on the first day, and still sending donations to many vulnerable candidates in several states. I have abated my other work because I'm preparing for cancer surgery soon, but I won't have to get chemo or anything afterwards so complete recovery ahead. Thank you for your work from so far away. We couldn't do that without the internet!

Please be blessed with some drier weather and hopefulness and fulfillment yourself....

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And all the while he will grift millions for his “legal funds.”

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Well, a great philosopher once said “You can’t fix stupid.”

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

WowWowWow did you bring many hammers with this newsletter! Mil gracias. Personally, I am absolutely furious with the DNC, Democrats in office, and the media for not getting all of this information to the public in powerful ways. The Republicans do it with their disinformation. They spew lie upon lie on social media and on their news platforms. Where is the DNC? Where are the facts for people to know all the President Biden has done or is trying to do for them? Furious is not the word for what I feel. My husband is a representative of the majority of Americans who don't have time or inclination to investigate or learn. To him, President Biden has no pizzazz. This is what most believe rather than actually know all he is doing. Steve Schmidt posted this on Twitter. https://twitter.com/SteveSchmidtSES/status/1583463484410327040?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet The replies showed how it bombed, but there does need to be some kind of wake up call by the Democrats.

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Ya know Gailee, you pose a great observation that points to our pathology. The purpose of government is to take care of it's citizens so citizens can go about living a productive life and not have to closely monitor their government and hover over their officials watchful of being violated and thus live a less productive in life. Maybe your husband does not realize that 'da good 'ole days are gone'!

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He just can't handle it all just like many Americans can't. It's too much for them. I think that it is because Americans have never had to go through something like this in the lives of all living at the moment except for soldiers who have fought in wars overseas. We are not tough enough and too many are too disbelieving that this is happening here. They are afraid and lack the fortitude to become involved.

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My thought: people who are looking for pizazz should go to a movie and restrain from voting. I want a president who cares about what Americans need, not one who puts on a performance.

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I do too!!!!

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I do too, Annie! I want a president “who cares about what Americans need”, but Biden has served and needs to welcome the next generation of leaders. Period!

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Isn't that what he is doing? Take a look at what is going on. Biden has been successful at cleaning up the huge mess left by the Republicans. He has appointed younger people to be part of that process. He- and the Dem party in general- have engaged a huge number of young leaders in the process, and encouraged the "next generation" to run for office so that they can be ready to step up the next level.

What I am hearing from you is not a genuine reflection of what is going on. It sounds like agism, not a fair appraisal of Biden's capability. I have to wonder why.

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I will be very disappointed if the Dems decide to run Joe Biden for the next election. We need new candidates for the presidency. Yes, getting new and younger people to run is key in all elections. But the presidency is too important to leave to the same old crowd. I love Nancy Pelosi, but it’s time for a change in the Democratic Party.

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Gailee, I actually think unless the news is shared on Faux News, the people who need to hear the information simply won’t know.

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Gailee, I agree with you. I cannot believe Biden thinks he should run again. How pathetic the Dem Party is not developing and nurturing the people who could win and should be supported. I won’t mention names, because that is not the point. We must push for new, fresh and powerful leadership.

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Clear and concise. History as news. Seeing the arc from high above. Fields of heather. Thank you.

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I write because, even as I read HCR’s account of the Biden Administration’s domestic record, I imagine part of the reason Biden typically doesn’t connect well with audiences is that, with few exceptions, people don’t sense how his agenda connects with their lives. Hence, I would advise, that while abortion care, let alone democracy, must remain on the front burner, our Party needs to focus more on its pro-worker agenda—$15 hourly minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, the child tax credit, affordable, quality childcare, universal healthcare, investments in housing, in eldercare, and more—all of which have received zero Republican support. Similarly, in a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when the American people want billionaires to start paying their fair share of taxes, not one Republican has supported the legislation.

With 60% of the people in this country living paycheck to paycheck and millions working for starvation wages, it should surprise no one that the American people in poll after poll report that the economy and inflation are their two major issues. Hence, not only should we not ignore these issues; we should make it clear to working families throughout this country, many of whom are prepared to vote Republican, that if they vote Republican they are voting for a Party, which on every single issue economically runs counter to their interests and concerns.

While I don’t expect taking the fight to the Republican Party will have much, if any, impact on MAGA-GOP, I imagine there are sufficient numbers of “persuadables,” who could help Dems hold the House, pick up some Senate seats, and also win contests in battleground state and local elections.

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Students and the lifelong indentured will note the determination of Republicans to keep those treadmills going.

It is all important to ensure that those who have the ability to think freely are kept so busy that they never get a chance to do so.

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Peter, Because of how I’m wired, I’m having great difficulty wrapping my mind around a comment I read as exceedingly dark.

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Isn't it so plain, Barbara Jo, that the plotters behind the permanent putsch are against education for anyone except their own well-conditioned offspring?

Above all, they mean to stifle all freedom to think for ourselves.

Apostles of darkness.

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Peter, Thank you for the clarifying restatement. While your point is indisputable, as a secondary and post-secondary educator my entire adult life, I always have held that education best serves when it promotes the capacity and willingness to confront the many credible ways of interpreting the world that emerge from divergent assumptions.

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Thank you, and while I am not a teacher, I am deeply in agreement with what you have just said. You describe the approach of the best teachers I have followed.

Education is very much on my mind at the present time, but I use the word in its deepest, broadest sense -- its original one. Not inculcating potted information, like Dickens' Mr. Gradgrind, but drawing out what is in us.

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Gladgrind, can’t improve on that

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One suggestion in precisely that vein Barbara Jo, is to clarify and stress the GOP 'leadership' - and stress again 'the leadership' is taking the nation off a cliff, as opposed to just generally the entire republican party. That, and repeated ten thousand times precisely that message, with proof and facts for back up would appeal to both the persuadables, as you put it, but independents and the non-aligned at one stroke. We have an infantry division here of DPR's raiders.. have at it one and all.

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@D4N, While my intent was to amplify the transformative elements of our Party’s agenda, you’re absolutely right about the chaos that would ensue were Republicans to retake even one chamber, starting with holding every protection—Social Security, Medicare, the Inflation Reduction Act, funding for Ukraine—hostage for fear of the economic calamity that would unfold were we to default on the nation’s debt.

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The “leadership” is taking us over the cliff because, I know you know this, seventy-five million Americans voted for a scumbag named 45. The “leadership”, hungry for power and economic control over everything, sees their boat has come in. 75 MILLION. I still can’t believe it. But there it is.

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Barbara, spot on! I'm glad I read down and saw your comment. You said precisely what I intended to say.

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Even Liz Cheney is telling her followers to vote BLUE!

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it's still and always... the economy, stupid.

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Not so much the economy itself as endless repetition of one well-inflated watchword, inflation inflation inflation inflation INFLATION...

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it was Bill Clinton's often repeated campaign motto ... so yeah, right now that's mostly inflation.

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I wonder what GOP propaganda will be about on Judgment Day... Defunding angels? Gun rights in Hell?

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Thank you for your letters now since the beginning. We have to hold on to hope, because there are no guarantees. That is not a negative statement. I look to the situation in Ukraine to see the horizon. They do not have the choice to give up, and neither do we. Isn’’t the short incarnation and rapid death of the supply-side redux of the late British Prime Minister an object lesson in how economic theory has not stayed static? Only the radical conservatives have been stalled in their thinking. Let’s hope the recent events in UK will inform the education of the American Electorate as well!

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Patricia, Though my intent is not to be dark, I imagine if only radical conservatives had been stalled in their thinking, half the country wouldn’t repeatedly cast votes that run counter to their interests and concerns. Still, I see opportunities here in the States for reexamining basic assumptions as a consequence of the developments in the UK.

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Have you ever seen a baby have exploding diarrhea? Well, that is basically what Trump left Biden with! He made a mess of the USA that was like exploding diarrhea. I mean it got onto everything. Biden now has a huge mess to clean up. It is on everything. Let us look at how Iran is selling or giving drones to Russia, which violates the international treaty that Iran has signed. My understanding of this situation is that because Trump backed out of dealing with Iran and put them under more sanctions Iran has absolutely no incentive to either follow the rules or negotiate in good faith or even try to work things out with the USA. So, Iran is stuck tying their economy to other pariah nations like Russia, Venezuela, North Korea and perhaps China. Is that a good thing? I don't think so. Not for Ukraine, not for the EU and not for us. It is going to be difficult for Biden to undo this stinky mess that Trump made of that piece of foreign policy. And, now that we know that Trump had Iranian intel lying around in his revolving door residence Mar-a-Lago (could a place have a more pretentious name? like is Florida in Italy?) we can only wonder whether he let Iran, or Putin, or China, or all of the above know who was gathering intel on Iran and Putin. He may not even have done this intentionally. However, we know that Russia and China are quite good at getting intel.---The more we dig the more of this poop we find. I am sure I don't need to remind everyone of the mess that Trump made of Covid, which we are all still living with today in that he made it a global thing for right wingers to refuse to get vaccinated, and mask. Too bad for him that he has also managed to kill off a lot of the people that would have voted for him too, but apparently there are still plenty enough of these crazies left.--- That is another thing. He is leading one the sickest, craziest political cults in our country. I guess we have had plenty, and I am sure South Korea can relate since they have the Unification Church. We have the followers of L Ron Hubbard who lasted longer than Jim Jones's group. Is Ivermectin the same as cyanide laced cool aid? It is a similar type of following craziness to take it because your cult leader tells you to. There is a lot of this of late. The way we went through covid seems to have added even more people to the cult following of QAnon. However, when people join cults, like the cult of personality that Trump has established, they cannot be reasoned with to leave it, they have to come to that realization on their own. I just worry that there is too much mess to clean up because there has never been such an explosion before. This explosion was quite intentional too. Trump made a mess of everything he could that he had not messed up already so that Biden would look incompetent. However, let us hope that the fact that more people voted for Biden means that there are more people who want a calm good life than that want to belong to a cult. As Prof. Richardson has said, Biden has really done a lot to clean up the huge mess that Trump made of our economy.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/04/16/history-shows-trump-personality-cult-end-00024941

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I'll repost this - it seems to sum it up - Hey - when you voted for Biden, you expected him to fly, but it turns out that he can only walk on water - you are so disappointed - and won't vote for him again. (sarc).

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In many ways TFG left “a mess”. But as a former Public Health Officer, I can’t get past the fact that his narcissism and immorality may have led to 500,000 excess/unnecessary Covid deaths. This isn’t a “mess”. It’s tantamount to second degree murder. Averaged out, it represents 10,000 lives lost per State. In my world, this is Trump’s and his administration’s greatest sin. But we seem to be too numb or politically correct to express our rage.

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My outrage has outrage

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That is one of the best descriptions of fpotus’s administrations that I have ever read. Thanks for both the chuckle and the inevitable gag response; ebdp* is far, far worse to deal with than ketchup!

*EDBP = explosive diarrhea baby poo

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In the words of Teddy Roosevelt “An ex-President is merely a citizen of the United States."

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This is a brilliant affirmation of progress toward the rebuilding of our country. How can it not be understood or even believed by so many Americans? It must be the shrill noise level enabled by our over-connected world, where every ill-conceived outcry echoes loud. History will see this clearly, when finally it is chiseled in stone.

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Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

Love this early bird letter. Thank you. And even, you, Professor, might get some extra sleep. I feel like I’ve read this news before. Groundhog Day in October. The repubs and TFG open their playbook and we’re off again . “The pattern is for them to cut taxes for the wealthy and then, when the deficit increases, complain that there is no money for social welfare programs and that Democrats advocating them are in favor of wasteful spending.” Those repubs aren’t even innovative or creative. That tactic is just another, not even on page one, of their manual to cheat the citizens, who likely aren’t paying attention. But we Dems are and my ballot will go in the Dropbox tomorrow morning. I wish I could be more optimistic about the future. But at this point, Knowledge is Power, and I’ll hope that makes us strong.

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Ground Hog Every Morning, Black and white. The absence of color is not Colored. It’s shades..

We are all colored, some pink, some dead white and shaded, others deep and dark and brave, for they have taught us who we are, by turning the other cheek and repeating, Yes, please.

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Sigh. . .

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