Love this letter and love the hope amd unity arising across this troubled land Thank you Heather for shining the light of truth and facts so well spoken 🇺🇸🥁🙏💙❤️
Love this letter and love the hope amd unity arising across this troubled land Thank you Heather for shining the light of truth and facts so well spoken 🇺🇸🥁🙏💙❤️
Wow, just wow, those words from Kamala and Liz almost knocked me off my chair. That is precisely what needs to be said. My five-year old granddaughter, whose grandmother is a medical doctor, her aunt a lawyer, her mother an MBA, will grow up knowing that some day she, too, could be president of the United States. My heart is bursting with pride for Kamala and Liz. They are true leaders.
But, what to do when religion gets into the mixture? The reason for our First Amendment to our Constitution were the interminable religious wars in Europe, and now in the Mid-East. These wars could go on for centuries, or even eons if one side hasn't completely extinguished the other. The fact is, we’re involved in a religious conflict here right now- white Christian nationalism vs democracy.
Liz said it all: "I ask you to stand in truth, to reject the depraved cruelty of Donald Trump." Today's Letter is Prof. H.C. Richardson at her very best.
Sounds like Newt Gingrich's real strategy without the careful rephrasing by Frank Luntz (as in their early 90's GoPac Memo, "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control"). I caught the sickening reminder of his ways wit words to try to destroy the other party at:
To me he is like James O'Keefe, no matter what he or Newt Gingrich tries to pass off as believable information, their repugnant reputations precede them, they have to use less recognized substitutes to avoid immediate rejection.
I don't know either. How can any woman,LGTBQ, black and brown person, military veteran, Muslim and other minorities vote in good conscience for this man. I don't get it.
They've surrendered to the mass suffocation of standardized testing.
Not only has this put humanities out of reach for tens of millions, but in their place sets up the conceits for life as nothing more than group categories, linear units, and other of the lowest level logic that neuters all.
Phil, I realize that demonizing "schools" and standardized testing is your personal hobby horse to ride. But your bumper-sticker just won't cut it.
By all measures, Finland is the happiest country in the world. Likewise, their education system is considered one of the best. They do have one standardized test. The difference between Finland and the U.S. is HOW they use standardized testing. But standardized testing – or lack of it – isn't the "secret sauce."
What I find more significant is that privately-funded schools are virtually nonexistent, at about 2% of all schools. Importantly, those handful of private schools MUST teach to national standards and they are prohibited from taking profit. In Finland, education is not an exercise in capitalism or competitive sport ... unlike the U.S. where any Tom, Dick or Mary can start a for-profit school or a parochial school that spends more time teaching religion than subjects that enable graduates to think critically and compete in the global economy.
Sorry Phil, standard testing is the only way to ensure quality education across the country. That is why we need the Common Core. Should not a quality education be available to every student?
In some states, the schools have very little power to do otherwise. In Texas:
1) Teachers' unions have no bargaining power.
2) The state board of education makes the rules, with the state legislature sticking its nose in whenever possible.
Once again, it boils down to the voters. The people need to vote for legislators and SBOE members who support educating our youth for knowledgeable, discerning participation in our community life as adults. And locally, voters need to elect people who value public education to their local school boards. The school district in which I reside rarely has elections as no challengers step up, so the same people stay on the board for many election cycles. Perhaps the local school boards' hands are so tied by the state that serving is a thankless, powerless task. Often it seems that all they do is hire (and occasionally rehire) the superintendent.
Phil, I am glad you brought standardized testing up which turns people into zombies. Just yesterday the Oregon Education Department finally released how students were doing, this after much screaming by the media. And then every headline was about how the scores were stagnant as if they are the measure of anything other than teaching to the test. Portland School District actually did better, but that was lost in the shuffle. I have known many wonderful teachers who managed to teach their students and care for them despite interference from above. We have two friends in a district near Salem which is heavily Hispanic and Russian and they are great teachers. Don't get them started on standardized testing and bad administrators.
I wish the American Century would end so we can return to greatness through education with reasonable student teacher ratioes so we can active encourage citizens again as opposed to passive participants.
Sadly, they are deeply misinformed, and deeply fearful. Anyone steeped in Faux News truly believes the lies, and that the orange thing will save them from the terrible immigrants who will move into their homes and eat their pets. They really believe it! It's tragic.
I don't know why anyone married to a woman would want to vote for Trump. Maybe if all of the pro-choice women in the country (probably > 70% of the voting female population) would tell their male partners "no more sex if you vote for Trump, even if you get a vasectomy" it would break through the delusions of Trump being "a strong man and good for the economy" (among other delusions and lies).
Besides immigration, the reason for suporting Trump I hear most often is the "economy." By that people mean grocery and gas price are higher and continuing to rise. I wish theTV interviewers would ask those MAGA folks how Trump would bring down the grocery and gas prices -- he has practically no power to do so! They'd be gobsmacked.
Paul, i don't either as he is so misogynistic. But in fact, I don't know how any real patriot, compassionate Christian, or any decent person of either gender can vote for death star. He lacks any human virtue and is a festering cancer who destroys anything he touches. Then we have the acolytes like JD who further his agenda, not because they believe that he is best, but because they want power and wealth.
No offense to women everywhere, but what took you so long? Re: a couple of Abigail Adams quotes: "Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could." "If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Joking aside, Harris was great yesterday, and Cheney was compelling. But we have miles to go before we sleep.
What took us so long? Penises. Penises obstructing, controlling, demanding that they are superior to uteruses. And why am I using words that men often find offensive, because I am reducing them to the member they're so proud of? Because the Dobbs decision demonstrates that that is what a lot of men--perhaps most men all over the world--use to think with.
We all have a circle of concern that includes and excludes. Some people exclude other people from their circle of concern. Some men exclude women. Some rich people exclude poor people. Some people exclude people based on how they look or what they believe. For the record, my circle of concern excludes the idea that it's okay to exclude other people.
Uh maybe cause women do everything in this world...hold a full time job, shop, plan meals, cook, clean, do the laundry, bear children and then take care of them...the question is how many men are taking care of the women and children and are not just another big baby women have to take care of.
My husband has always helped around the house. When we were in graduate school and both carrying a full academic load, I told him to choose what he would do and he continues to do those things which includes the dishes and cleaning up the mess after I have cooked. He helps in the yard and helped me yesterday to pick figs. On Sunday he cooks the main on the Traeger (and the corn if we are having it). We do have cleaning help every two weeks and yard help because we are now in our 80s. Before that when we were still working, we went out to breakfast on Saturdays and then cleaned the house. We also do the grocery shopping together.
I'm glad you had a husband that "helped around the house" but even that language implies he was doing women's work rather that if we all eat we should all cook, if we all wear clothes we should all take care of those clothes, if we live in the house all should keep that house clean, if one helps create children they should also be equally involved their care...
That description of a long marriage warms my heart. "When we were still working, we went out to breakfast on Saturdays and then cleaned the house." And doing the grocery shopping together is no mean feat. A beautiful sunset.
Your "big baby" comment hits the nail on the head. I like the way John Lennon's "time to grow up" message to himself ended up in his "Nowhere Man" song. Translation: I'm saying I understand why women are skeptical about men, but I'm also saying it's important not to be cynical.
We were too busy raising children and facing hundreds of years of inequality. Early on, in Adams' time, we had to contend with massive structural inequality that made women into property without the vote or legal rights. That had to come first. Remember, many women's rights that we now take for granted only date to the 1970s and 80s, and even then they often suffered discrimination in practice. Plus Dobbs has shown us how the most basic right to control our own bodies can be stripped away.
Patriarchy is why. Patriarchal religion is why; the notion that men are closer to God and therefore better. The religious belief that men are more godlike because God is male and somehow women were made from Adam's rib and were to blame for the fall from Eden is why. The willingness to believe a story utterly at odds with how nature actually works -- that man is always born of women -- has subverted society and continues to do so. And by the way, when humanity had matriarchal religion, men were not treated much better. The issue is a religion that is not based in equality, but in ignorant hierarchy.
Let's face it, even god was born from woman, even the catholic church know Mary is the mother of god...Michael Angelo even gave god a belly botton in his famous Sistine Chapel painting.
Good observation - he'd obviously never seen a birth (one doesn't notice such details when one is being born). I'm sure he was smart enough to understand the implication.
Jennifer, you say it's the ego of some men, I say it's the lack of maturity of some people, and if asked to bet on whether a randomly chosen insufficiently mature adult is a man or a woman, we're both betting "man." What am I doing about it? Reciting the serenity prayer.
James R. Carey, spoken like someone to whom the patriarchy is like air. I'm betting you are fairly enlightened, but perhaps some additional research on the women's movement in the United States, the huge barriers it encountered might explain why it took so long. Racism clearly exists, but this country was more willing to elect a black man than an extraordinarily qualified white woman. Sexism is still alive and well, and not just among men. Agree we still have miles to go.
My attempt at self-deprecating humor might have been misinformed. Yes, the details matter, but any prejudice against any identifiable group of people has a single cause, which is the appearance that we're not all equal, and the cure involves admitting that the appearance is an illusion.
Thank you!! Please keep sharing it Barbara. There is a big fat thumb on the scales of justice. Vance “lost” the debate when he said: THE RULES WERE YOU GUYS WEREN’T GOING TO FACT CHECK. And that fact was buried by the media. So, activating women’s hearts is worth a try. . 💙💙💙💙💙💙
I agree, Gigi. That one statement by Vance did say it all. In other words, "You said we could lie!" Hoping that shows up in some ads, since the media isn't emphasizing it.
I certainly posted the meme made out of that line. It's made the social media circles,and MSNBC chat room after the debate. Most of what Vance said was a lie, especially when he tried to sound like a reasonable Democrat!
Yes. Yes. And I hope that women voters come out in massive numbers to vote for sanity and decency and competency and honesty. I hope they realize that the radical right and the so called religious right want to keep you all barefoot and pregnant and in the kitchen and quiet! The morality police , dress codes , a secondary status are in their plan. Birth control is in the crosshairs. Please rouse your sisters and daughters and friends to vote .
I have been donating to Galvanize Action and encourage others to donate to also https://www.galvanizeaction.org/ They have been successful in gaining the trust of the largest voting bloc, connecting with moderate white women in rural, small town, and suburban communities to build an America that works for everyone.
Birth control is in their crosshairs. I remember in 1960 (yes I’m old) , a Catholic friend of my sister expressed that no way would she support anyone who even mentioned trying to tell her what to do about birth control. Wonder what she thinks so many years later.
met with sympathetic laughter, and knowing humour from Liz, when she spoke thus. The participants certainly got the point. And, Abby, did you notice that male partisan vocal raucousness was definitely part of the event. And, aside, the sober, if not stern, appearance of Kamala's security service guards, mostly over 6 feet tall, moving adroitly behind Kamala and scanning every movement in that close crowd.
Behind every great man is a wise woman willing to share her advice for the common good.
Every great leader regardless of sex, gender or socio-economic class there needs to be a great listener that is willing to admit when they have made a mistake.
No offense taken. You are speaking the absolute dad gum truth. Women ARE going to be this country’s salvation, if we can be salvaged from the hubris, cruelty, duplicity and cowardice of so many these past years.
Liz Cheney was splendid. (I saw and heard). Splendid also in the way she acknowledged the applause - not a smile or a wave, just a pause of acknowledgement.
Thank goodness for Republicans like Liz Cheney, who had the courage to stand in opposition to Trump's Tyranny. Thank goodness for Jack Smith, Judge Chutkan, and Judge Merchan, who had the courage to persevere in their belief that Trump should be held accountable for his treasonous actions.
All those who dared to bring to light the Truth about Trump, knowing it would be dangerous, are true heros in my opinion.
All those MAGA Republican House and Senate members who bowed to Trump in order to save their jobs are truly despicable in my opinion.
Send a message to The Boss - Springsteen is the latest to come out for Harris/Walz - I'm sure he could make a song out of "What's so bad about feeling good"!
Ned, I, too, wish he’d be mentioned more often for being a stand-up, do-right guy….I appreciate all those who put country & democracy over party & power!🗽
i never before especially noticed until this campaign the speaker's gesture of putting hand to the upper chest before. It seems to be iconic. I gather it echoes the pledge of allegiance all school children learn by heart in their formative years. Just me folks?
Since I say that pledge frequently, Frank, you may have added a richness to it. Thank you. Yes, I love my cherished United States deeply; that does not mean I like her a whole lot right now.
Mixed bottle of jelly beans these days, more than usual. My sense is nationalism is relatively low key and pragmatic. Canada is not encumbered??? with that sense of pervasive American exceptionalism. But also, I'm likely less obviously patriotic than many of my fellow Canadians.
Yes, her acknowledgement was even "presidential" to match Harris.' These are true leaders who have gravitas and are able to show it in moments like this when it can convey a powerful non-verbal message. Cheney ha maintained that attitude and ability all along, especially at the Jan. 6 hearings. There's no doubt that she's damn serious. Only the deliberately deluded will not listen!
My dream race in 2016 -- as a Republican hoping against hope for an intervention by Party Elders -- was between Governor Kasich and Senator Sanders. The country was and still is facing major-league problems. These two candidates had a deep, abiding love for America and radically different, sincerely held and expressed, policy proposals.
My dream race for 2028 would be Mmes Harris and Cheney; perhaps similar to the (likely apocryphal) idea that President Kennedy supposedly consider for the 1964 race: that he and Senator Goldwater would face off and have a series of debates around the country to inform, educate, and solicit votes.
Country over party is a mantra I’ve come to believe is the cornerstone of the future of America. I love this country even more than I hate its political division.
I believe a HEALTHY two party system is an essential ingredient for the future I want to believe in. I’m pleased there are Republicans , like Liz Cheney and a growing number of other voices, willing to stand with the Democrats in continuing the great American experiment.
Thanks to HCR for so effectively weaving a tapestry of hope through her letters. They warm this elderly American’s heart!
I think the Country over Party mantra is a very appropriate theme to carry away from the Harris - Cheney determinations at Ripon. In the past week I read of determined Texas and national Billionaires and an uncomfortable number of business leaders who are funding every possible method to ensure Trump is elected or becomes President.
The original Republican Party founding at Ripon was in response to determined efforts of the slave holding wealth of the South to make Slavery of human beings the Law in the United States.
So the American crux in this election is whether the nation pivots to Government based on wealth and autocratic beliefs or we can reach into the same theme as did Abe Lincoln and decide for “We the People.”
We are as near to the cataclysm of absolute change or resolute democracy as we were in 1859 and voting must decide the outcome.
The March 20, 1854 (10 days before the Kansas Nebraska act, as feared), was passed) meeting at the Little White School House in Ripon is described as where according to:
"...Alan Bovay spoke to the idea that the new party should, and in all probability would, be assigned the name Republican, but he advised against naming it at that time..."
There were 82 listed as Democratic (down from 152 (D) at the end of the 33rd Congress), then an Opposition Caucus consisting of 51 American/(Know Nothing) designated by "A," and 100 Opposition designated by "O" in the coalition that became the majority. The first Republican listed in the House was from Vermont George T, Hodges who replaced the deceased James Meacham in a special election held September 2, 1856 and was seated on December 1, 1856.
The information (slightly different, apparently with a vacancy counted as an additional Democrat for a total of 83) also includes a bit on the 133 ballots needed to elect a Speaker and Bleeding Kansas as the Senate backed the proslavery state constitution while the House favored the antislavery constitution, according to https://history.house.gov/Congressional-Overview/Profiles/34th/
Seems sort of like recent fighting over who were real electors Electors during that period's warm up to the more consequential elections with the most consequential being 1860.
Ned or anyone, please post yesterday's Bruce Springsteen Instagram Campaign Ad that supports Kam-Tim & is respectful of the audience.
Bruce sitting a the Counter of any Anywhere-America diner is wearing a flannel shirt with a turned up collar blending-in with the dinner's decor. Bruce delivers his
messages looking directly at the camera, talking to his fans & talking to to all Americans about supporting Kam & the themes, "I write about".
"Former" you say, Ned? I know you're speaking authentically because of her previous position. However, I would argue that today, and at this time, and as much as I thought I would never say it, she is doing a damn good job representing the faith and honor of the political ideals of this nation. She has proven herself to be the American representative Emeritus for our nation. She should get the Medal of Freedom for her stance. The stupidity of Wyoming's republicans to ignore her stand during Trump's attempted coup only proves the hollow and shallow state of lemmings for Trump. I don't want to leave out Adam Kinzinger, as he also had the guts to do much the same. However, in the news, it's been Liz Cheney who has taken the battle to the hollow minded.
I have never been a Liz Cheney fan but I might change my mind. This was a truly heroic speech and I agree, she may end up in a Harris administration. If this helps Harris beat Trump, she would deserve it. Maybe she would even gain a streak of liberalism. That would be one for the books! Two terrific American women standing side by side in a coalition to sustain democracy. It would certainly make a great movie!
Jon After Dick Cheney’s dreadful role in pushing Bush into the disastrous Iraqi invasion, I never imagined that I would have a good word to say about the Cheney family.
Liz Cheney, who I’d seen as a 100% Republican Neanderthal, broke free of her family when, after January 6th, she boldly chose country over party. She did this by shouting the truth loudly.
She was duly punished by Trumpites, first losing her leadership role in the Republican House and then losing her congressional seat in Wyoming.
Even more remarkable, Dick Cheney, who I considered Dark Vader in the Bush W administration, belatedly comes out for country over party, with an endorsement of Kamala.
Georgia and I may even invite some RINOs to Thanksgiving dinner.
An interesting question for you and anyone else who is interested. I don't know if you are around in the 60s but when Kennedy dragged us through the Cuban Missile crisis which almost resulted in a nuclear war, did you feel you would never have anything good to say about Kennedy? Ditto when LBJ dragged us headlong into Vietnam? I spent my entire youth worried that I'd be drafted and end up dead on a battlefield somewhere in south east Asia. Yet I still have good things to say about both presidents even though I hated what they did then. That is also how I feel about Bush and Cheney. I don't like much of what they did but I do think they sincerely believed they were doing what was right for the country even if I think it was wrong.
Trump has completely changed the narrative. I do not think there is ANYTHING he has done which ever was for the good of the country. He is a self inflated egocentric narcissistic, something which I do NOT believe defines any other president in my lifetime. I've lived through bad presidents but nothing that even vaguely resembles Trump.
Well I will say I try hard NOT to demonize anyone, even the Cheneys. Did I ever agree with their political views? Hell no! But did I ever consider them "devils in human form"? No, I didn't even consider Reagan that. Not even NIXON (although some of his henchmen certainly felt that way at times like Haldeman). Trump had certainly shown us all an extreme that I doubt any of us even presumed existed at the highest levels of the opposition. So we probably saw things differently pre Jan6. I saw the Cheneys and Bushes et al as people who didn't see this correctly at all but I never saw them as demons. Today the demons have clearly taken over the GOP. It is "grand" no more. And that is a sad thing for our country.
Jon As I approach my 91st birthday I find that historically I am somewhat more gracious towards folks who I believe have worked badly.
Joseph McCarthy I will never forgive. He was desperate to be re-elected and was ready to trash our country and some noble individuals.
Nixon was highly skilled, but he was steaming with resentment and focused on enemies. Though I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List, I give Nixon credit for seeking to serve the United States in his way.
Reagan was an actor in an incredible role. He had some strengths and a number of weaknesses. He was an American patriot who believed that he was serving his country. He took a major popularity hit for sticking with Paul Volcker.
He also, with Gorby, were responsible for ending the Cold War with a whimper rather than a bang.
Dick Cheney, with his 10 visits to CIA, was determined, with Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz, to ‘get’ Saddam Hussein. Their arrogance was extremely destructive. I’ll give him some credit for belatedly speaking out, in part because of Liz.
With Trump and his flunky Vance there is absolutely no forgiveness. They are ME ME ME chameleons with not a whit of concern regarding what is best for the United States. I believe in the Constitution. ‘Nuff said?
I appreciate Liz and her father for actively standing up for the continuation of democracy, it is powerful. And in that way I do think they believe and are acting upon ‘country over party’ values. But I also think that her policy values maintain , ultimately, party over country focus. Do we all remember how she voted with Trump’s values 90% of the time? Trump got a hold of the Republican party through their values which we might distill into the Reagan Trickle down system, the one HCR, Biden, Warren, AOC, Bernie and others are saying “yeah 50 years of that proves it doesnt work” but Liz would go back to that. I deeply appreciate her courage to stand with democracy but I am NOT interested in what have been her and her Republican party of old, policies.
Well you certainly don't have to agree with her or her policies, but politics is "the art of the possible" and if you want success you have to be ready to compromise even when you don't agree. Take that from a 73 year old communist (small "c") who also loves this county even when it is wrong.
Ten years ago, if someone post West Wing came up with the script US has been going through with Trumpism, most of us would likely be shaking our collective heads. Trust "Civil War" thriller remains at "step beyond"...
I submit that she acquired that liberal streak when she publicly declared that she was wrong on marriage equality. Having a LGBTQ family member will do that to you ... if you're a human with a heart.
I don't know much about Liz Cheney's positions, however, her strength of character and devotion to this country speaks volumes. My prayer is we get Kamala elected and those joining her from the Republican Party will be able to establish a new and better party far from the maddening MAGA party.
You might want to read up on her policy positions then, they arent friendly. That doesnt mean we cant applaud and appreciate her courage in this course of action, but dont be duped into thinking that her policies are anything close to what humane democrat positions are
Combine? Please look at Liz’s past policy support. Remember she voted with Trump 90% of the time. I’m glad for the moment she has a higher arc of vision for democracy but I absolutely doubt that she would ever be in the same
True but one thing I learned growing up in Arizona as a child of socialists is that in this country we do need to accept and even honor those who might disagree with us, especially when they are honorable. It is the way we reach compromises, something that definitely seems to be lost in this modern Trumpian universe. No one says you have to give up your beliefs but you do have to recognize that there are many who hold different beliefs and again if everyone is honorable you MAY be able to reach an acceptable middle ground.
hmmm.... despite the very friendly vibes... i'm wondering if she is not covertly involved in how "RINOs" might reconstitute the Republican Party. Kamala paid a pointed reference to getting that back once "we get past this" not quite how she said it perhaps, but very clear seeing Trumpism as a dangerous aberration in American political life. One that has latched onto an irreconcilable minority of evangelical zealots and elsewise, who have taken "tribal" to a whole new level.
Not surprising at all. Of course she wants to rebuild the Republican Party. HCR has long said we need to healthy parties to be a democracy, healthy being the operative word.
Liz Cheney grew up in the Republican Party of Ronald Reagan, the great espouser of “voodoo” economics, supply side economics, trickle down theory. Trickle down economics moved money up the ladder, where it has been hoarded, such that some people became wealthy beyond imagination. The Republican Party of Reagan, the Bushes, and the Cheneys is also the party of Karl Rove and Roger Stone. Karl Rove has spent years operating on the “Greed is good” idea, every man for himself. What on earth would look like a healthy Republican Party. The current Republican Party looks to make life hell on earth for so many people.
Exactly. People need to remember this and not get hoodwinked into thinking that Liz is all that friendly towards democrat values i.e. the greed you refer to
But so what? If i hate everyone who had different values than me (which I acknowledge to be extreme leftist) I would hate about 95% of the American population. It is one of the things I have said here repeatedly. It is dismaying to see how many people on this blog use hateful comments when talking about the opposition. Yes, Trump is very often (almost always in fact) hateful but that does NOT mean WE have to follow him into the swamp. I am fearful for it country that too many people see ANY divide as unapproachable. We used to be able to have civil discussion with our opponents. Now they have become "enemies" and I understand it but I fear for our future, assuming we even have one.
I hope she is. We need a functioning second party for the US to work properly. True conservative ideas contribute important restraint to the functioning of a healthy democracy.
Not surprising at all. Of course she wants to rebuild the Republican Party. HCR has long said we need two healthy parties to be a democracy, healthy being the operative word. Republicans aren’t the enemy, the Magas are. Liz Cheney has shown the backbone that the other “rinos” have not and paid dearly for it. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I don’t just follow blindly.
She does want those things, I'm sure, and if there is any justice in the world she will get them - or some version of them. We cannot survive long-term as a single party system.
But we do need several parties. I'm OK with the idea of Liz Cheney supporting Kamala Harris in order to clean house and get her own party back. My father was a Republican who served on school boards and always voted. Just before he died, he told me he'd voted for a Democrat in an election because she was the best candidate. Believe my father, if still alive, would be following Cheney and vote for Harris. My father wouldn't have been able to vote for a convicted felon, insurrectionist, and rapist.
I agree she wants to stay in politics....clearly ....she is up there reaching out to America. But I also feel she hates DT and the fascism he stands for....as I don't think she would have put her congressional seat on the line the way she did....if it wasn't her core belief.
It is alarming that lies and disinformation have such a powerful influece. Trump is another Putin and Kim of NK, a cruel oppressor of those who stand against him, but leave alone those who stay in poverty and live like slaves.
They’ll just call it fake news or propaganda (ask me how I know). Cults are cults for a reason. If Trump told them all to drink the grape Kool-Aid and meet him at that great Mar-A-Lago in the sky, I think there would be a lot of corpses to bury.
Evidence shows that many former Trump voters are flipping. Vote Vets, Republican Voters Against Trump and similar groups have thousands of testimonials from people who voted twice for Trump but support Kamala Harris.
Trump's lashing out at Cheney is all over Fox. They may believe Trump, but the message that there are Republicans rooting due Harris is getting through.
Amen that. Thank you heather and ms chaney both for a reminder that, amid the carnage, hate and folly of this world, there still shines a beautiful beacon of hope.
Love this letter and love the hope amd unity arising across this troubled land Thank you Heather for shining the light of truth and facts so well spoken 🇺🇸🥁🙏💙❤️
Here is Liz Cheney's speech. Former Rep. Cheney's enthusiasm shone this afternoon. ⚖️
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5135354/user-clip-a-ripon-good-time-liz-cheney
Vice President Harris was gracious. This dynamic duo proved to be a class act today. 🥳
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5135515/user-clip-vice-president-harriss-magic
Magic Johnson scores a three-point swish for Vice President Harris. 🏀
No offense to men everywhere, but thank goodness the women are here at last to fix everything.
And what a contrast, Abby.
I love the combined voices of Kamala, Liz, and Heather. They get it exactly, humanly, totally correct.
And what a contrast to the depraved, lying, scheming-for-oneself-only orange felon Trump and his shameless acolyte fellow liar.
Wow, just wow, those words from Kamala and Liz almost knocked me off my chair. That is precisely what needs to be said. My five-year old granddaughter, whose grandmother is a medical doctor, her aunt a lawyer, her mother an MBA, will grow up knowing that some day she, too, could be president of the United States. My heart is bursting with pride for Kamala and Liz. They are true leaders.
Richard, this is a lovely sentiment regarding the women in your life.
Hear, here!
Agreed 111%. Women in leadership will, hopefully, end these interminably bloody conflicts. Northern Ireland is an example.
https://nedmcdletters.blogspot.com/2023/10/letter-180-post-107-in-israel-and-time.html
But, what to do when religion gets into the mixture? The reason for our First Amendment to our Constitution were the interminable religious wars in Europe, and now in the Mid-East. These wars could go on for centuries, or even eons if one side hasn't completely extinguished the other. The fact is, we’re involved in a religious conflict here right now- white Christian nationalism vs democracy.
https://youtu.be/FciQeRGYFlw?si=NYFwNr1Fmb6RB8PP
Keb Mo singing PUT A WOMAN IN CHARGE.
Cruelty, Hate, Anger, Resentment, Revenge and Misinformation.
CHARRM - the six pillars of the Trump campaign. As Roy Cohn advocated, "attack, attack, attack" and "deny, deny, deny".
All of this works with his low information base.
Gary, you've hit the proverbial nail on the head. It is what his base lives on: Cruelty, Hate, Anger, Resentment, Revenge, and Misinformation.
Liz said it all: "I ask you to stand in truth, to reject the depraved cruelty of Donald Trump." Today's Letter is Prof. H.C. Richardson at her very best.
Well said.
You missed one: "Fight! fight! fight!"
Not so charming, though
Sounds like Newt Gingrich's real strategy without the careful rephrasing by Frank Luntz (as in their early 90's GoPac Memo, "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control"). I caught the sickening reminder of his ways wit words to try to destroy the other party at:
https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-radio-hour/newt-gingrich-on-what-trump-could-accomplish-in-a-second-term
To me he is like James O'Keefe, no matter what he or Newt Gingrich tries to pass off as believable information, their repugnant reputations precede them, they have to use less recognized substitutes to avoid immediate rejection.
I honestly don't know how women can vote for Trump.
I don't know either. How can any woman,LGTBQ, black and brown person, military veteran, Muslim and other minorities vote in good conscience for this man. I don't get it.
Look to U.S. schools, Victoria.
They've surrendered to the mass suffocation of standardized testing.
Not only has this put humanities out of reach for tens of millions, but in their place sets up the conceits for life as nothing more than group categories, linear units, and other of the lowest level logic that neuters all.
It's a living death, for which we all pay.
Phil, I realize that demonizing "schools" and standardized testing is your personal hobby horse to ride. But your bumper-sticker just won't cut it.
By all measures, Finland is the happiest country in the world. Likewise, their education system is considered one of the best. They do have one standardized test. The difference between Finland and the U.S. is HOW they use standardized testing. But standardized testing – or lack of it – isn't the "secret sauce."
What I find more significant is that privately-funded schools are virtually nonexistent, at about 2% of all schools. Importantly, those handful of private schools MUST teach to national standards and they are prohibited from taking profit. In Finland, education is not an exercise in capitalism or competitive sport ... unlike the U.S. where any Tom, Dick or Mary can start a for-profit school or a parochial school that spends more time teaching religion than subjects that enable graduates to think critically and compete in the global economy.
I can agree with you in part, but everything can’t be blamed on the schools.
Sorry Phil, standard testing is the only way to ensure quality education across the country. That is why we need the Common Core. Should not a quality education be available to every student?
In some states, the schools have very little power to do otherwise. In Texas:
1) Teachers' unions have no bargaining power.
2) The state board of education makes the rules, with the state legislature sticking its nose in whenever possible.
Once again, it boils down to the voters. The people need to vote for legislators and SBOE members who support educating our youth for knowledgeable, discerning participation in our community life as adults. And locally, voters need to elect people who value public education to their local school boards. The school district in which I reside rarely has elections as no challengers step up, so the same people stay on the board for many election cycles. Perhaps the local school boards' hands are so tied by the state that serving is a thankless, powerless task. Often it seems that all they do is hire (and occasionally rehire) the superintendent.
Phil, I am glad you brought standardized testing up which turns people into zombies. Just yesterday the Oregon Education Department finally released how students were doing, this after much screaming by the media. And then every headline was about how the scores were stagnant as if they are the measure of anything other than teaching to the test. Portland School District actually did better, but that was lost in the shuffle. I have known many wonderful teachers who managed to teach their students and care for them despite interference from above. We have two friends in a district near Salem which is heavily Hispanic and Russian and they are great teachers. Don't get them started on standardized testing and bad administrators.
I wish the American Century would end so we can return to greatness through education with reasonable student teacher ratioes so we can active encourage citizens again as opposed to passive participants.
A tiny piece are ‘one issue voters.’ I believe their lenses are extraordinarily narrow.
Sadly, they are deeply misinformed, and deeply fearful. Anyone steeped in Faux News truly believes the lies, and that the orange thing will save them from the terrible immigrants who will move into their homes and eat their pets. They really believe it! It's tragic.
For me, a prayer for their pain and a humble effort to hear that pain are in order. The bellicose anger is rain-cloud cover for something else.
I don't know why anyone married to a woman would want to vote for Trump. Maybe if all of the pro-choice women in the country (probably > 70% of the voting female population) would tell their male partners "no more sex if you vote for Trump, even if you get a vasectomy" it would break through the delusions of Trump being "a strong man and good for the economy" (among other delusions and lies).
Besides immigration, the reason for suporting Trump I hear most often is the "economy." By that people mean grocery and gas price are higher and continuing to rise. I wish theTV interviewers would ask those MAGA folks how Trump would bring down the grocery and gas prices -- he has practically no power to do so! They'd be gobsmacked.
Good point. Would be nice to see "Liar, liar . . . Vance on fire" de-rail his ambitions.
Paul, i don't either as he is so misogynistic. But in fact, I don't know how any real patriot, compassionate Christian, or any decent person of either gender can vote for death star. He lacks any human virtue and is a festering cancer who destroys anything he touches. Then we have the acolytes like JD who further his agenda, not because they believe that he is best, but because they want power and wealth.
His crass coarseness and ignorance were, to me, what made it impossible that he should have won a presidential election. Ever.
Amen, brother!
Stockholm syndrome
No offense to women everywhere, but what took you so long? Re: a couple of Abigail Adams quotes: "Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could." "If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Joking aside, Harris was great yesterday, and Cheney was compelling. But we have miles to go before we sleep.
What took us so long? Penises. Penises obstructing, controlling, demanding that they are superior to uteruses. And why am I using words that men often find offensive, because I am reducing them to the member they're so proud of? Because the Dobbs decision demonstrates that that is what a lot of men--perhaps most men all over the world--use to think with.
We all have a circle of concern that includes and excludes. Some people exclude other people from their circle of concern. Some men exclude women. Some rich people exclude poor people. Some people exclude people based on how they look or what they believe. For the record, my circle of concern excludes the idea that it's okay to exclude other people.
Uh maybe cause women do everything in this world...hold a full time job, shop, plan meals, cook, clean, do the laundry, bear children and then take care of them...the question is how many men are taking care of the women and children and are not just another big baby women have to take care of.
Ha, my husband was not one of those, but I sure know some.
My husband has always helped around the house. When we were in graduate school and both carrying a full academic load, I told him to choose what he would do and he continues to do those things which includes the dishes and cleaning up the mess after I have cooked. He helps in the yard and helped me yesterday to pick figs. On Sunday he cooks the main on the Traeger (and the corn if we are having it). We do have cleaning help every two weeks and yard help because we are now in our 80s. Before that when we were still working, we went out to breakfast on Saturdays and then cleaned the house. We also do the grocery shopping together.
I'm glad you had a husband that "helped around the house" but even that language implies he was doing women's work rather that if we all eat we should all cook, if we all wear clothes we should all take care of those clothes, if we live in the house all should keep that house clean, if one helps create children they should also be equally involved their care...
That description of a long marriage warms my heart. "When we were still working, we went out to breakfast on Saturdays and then cleaned the house." And doing the grocery shopping together is no mean feat. A beautiful sunset.
Your "big baby" comment hits the nail on the head. I like the way John Lennon's "time to grow up" message to himself ended up in his "Nowhere Man" song. Translation: I'm saying I understand why women are skeptical about men, but I'm also saying it's important not to be cynical.
Well I got cynical about men when I was about 12 and nothing has changed my mind since...I do have a few nice men friends however.
Maybe time for "Lysistrata's Revenge."
We were too busy raising children and facing hundreds of years of inequality. Early on, in Adams' time, we had to contend with massive structural inequality that made women into property without the vote or legal rights. That had to come first. Remember, many women's rights that we now take for granted only date to the 1970s and 80s, and even then they often suffered discrimination in practice. Plus Dobbs has shown us how the most basic right to control our own bodies can be stripped away.
Patriarchy is why. Patriarchal religion is why; the notion that men are closer to God and therefore better. The religious belief that men are more godlike because God is male and somehow women were made from Adam's rib and were to blame for the fall from Eden is why. The willingness to believe a story utterly at odds with how nature actually works -- that man is always born of women -- has subverted society and continues to do so. And by the way, when humanity had matriarchal religion, men were not treated much better. The issue is a religion that is not based in equality, but in ignorant hierarchy.
The issue is in ignorant hierarchy. No one is free until we are all equal.
Bravo! Have you read Marilyn French?
No I haven't read Marilyn French. But Eve by Cat Bohannan was extremely enlightening.
Let's face it, even god was born from woman, even the catholic church know Mary is the mother of god...Michael Angelo even gave god a belly botton in his famous Sistine Chapel painting.
Good observation - he'd obviously never seen a birth (one doesn't notice such details when one is being born). I'm sure he was smart enough to understand the implication.
Bias against women is age old - the ego of some men simply cannot handle the strength of who we are and always have been
Jennifer, you say it's the ego of some men, I say it's the lack of maturity of some people, and if asked to bet on whether a randomly chosen insufficiently mature adult is a man or a woman, we're both betting "man." What am I doing about it? Reciting the serenity prayer.
Seriously? What took women so long? We can just NEVER do enough, can we? What has been taking MEN so long, James?
James R. Carey, spoken like someone to whom the patriarchy is like air. I'm betting you are fairly enlightened, but perhaps some additional research on the women's movement in the United States, the huge barriers it encountered might explain why it took so long. Racism clearly exists, but this country was more willing to elect a black man than an extraordinarily qualified white woman. Sexism is still alive and well, and not just among men. Agree we still have miles to go.
My attempt at self-deprecating humor might have been misinformed. Yes, the details matter, but any prejudice against any identifiable group of people has a single cause, which is the appearance that we're not all equal, and the cure involves admitting that the appearance is an illusion.
GMB, I agree on why it has taken so long and how we are not nearly there.
Wow, well stated Mr. Carey. Nice historical footnote.
Abby,I have shared this YouTube vid here before: Keb’ Mo’ singing “Put A Woman In Charge”; great song, vid well done. Spot on & about time, yeah? https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=FciQeRGYFlw
Thank you!! Please keep sharing it Barbara. There is a big fat thumb on the scales of justice. Vance “lost” the debate when he said: THE RULES WERE YOU GUYS WEREN’T GOING TO FACT CHECK. And that fact was buried by the media. So, activating women’s hearts is worth a try. . 💙💙💙💙💙💙
I agree, Gigi. That one statement by Vance did say it all. In other words, "You said we could lie!" Hoping that shows up in some ads, since the media isn't emphasizing it.
Carol, JD said earlier, before the debate, that the ends justify the means including blatant lies. He is totally without any moral core.
Everything I've read, led with it.
I certainly posted the meme made out of that line. It's made the social media circles,and MSNBC chat room after the debate. Most of what Vance said was a lie, especially when he tried to sound like a reasonable Democrat!
It wasn't buried by the media I read or hear. On the contrary, it was such a giveaway that it was about the first thing mentioned.
Thanks for reposting the link Barbara. I’ve not noted it before.
Hear, here! Beautiful song. Shorter than Aristophanes. 😉
I just posted it again, above.
Yes. Yes. And I hope that women voters come out in massive numbers to vote for sanity and decency and competency and honesty. I hope they realize that the radical right and the so called religious right want to keep you all barefoot and pregnant and in the kitchen and quiet! The morality police , dress codes , a secondary status are in their plan. Birth control is in the crosshairs. Please rouse your sisters and daughters and friends to vote .
I have been donating to Galvanize Action and encourage others to donate to also https://www.galvanizeaction.org/ They have been successful in gaining the trust of the largest voting bloc, connecting with moderate white women in rural, small town, and suburban communities to build an America that works for everyone.
Thanks for this
Birth control is in their crosshairs. I remember in 1960 (yes I’m old) , a Catholic friend of my sister expressed that no way would she support anyone who even mentioned trying to tell her what to do about birth control. Wonder what she thinks so many years later.
No offense taken here. I’ve been telling my many women friends that I am counting on the women to save America.
That’s a burden we shouldn’t need to place on you but you are essential to preserving a healthy Democracy. Thanks in advance for your votes.
met with sympathetic laughter, and knowing humour from Liz, when she spoke thus. The participants certainly got the point. And, Abby, did you notice that male partisan vocal raucousness was definitely part of the event. And, aside, the sober, if not stern, appearance of Kamala's security service guards, mostly over 6 feet tall, moving adroitly behind Kamala and scanning every movement in that close crowd.
Behind every great man is a wise woman willing to share her advice for the common good.
Every great leader regardless of sex, gender or socio-economic class there needs to be a great listener that is willing to admit when they have made a mistake.
Very wise there, Gary; thank you 'muchly'.
None taken..
¡Hear, here!✌🏽🙏🖖
Amen!
Take a moment or two to listen to Keb Mo, "Put a Woman in Charge": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FciQeRGYFlw. It will make you happy.
I say we post it on Trump's social media!
Not just women but a mixed race woman leading us! Truly women of color are saving this democracy!
No offense taken. You are speaking the absolute dad gum truth. Women ARE going to be this country’s salvation, if we can be salvaged from the hubris, cruelty, duplicity and cowardice of so many these past years.
Hopefully, women in charge will mean fewer wars.
Thanks, Rick. Well said!
No offense taken. I’m with you; an old white man.
No offense taken. About time.
No offense taken. Bout damn time.
Liz Cheney was splendid. (I saw and heard). Splendid also in the way she acknowledged the applause - not a smile or a wave, just a pause of acknowledgement.
Thank goodness for Republicans like Liz Cheney, who had the courage to stand in opposition to Trump's Tyranny. Thank goodness for Jack Smith, Judge Chutkan, and Judge Merchan, who had the courage to persevere in their belief that Trump should be held accountable for his treasonous actions.
All those who dared to bring to light the Truth about Trump, knowing it would be dangerous, are true heros in my opinion.
All those MAGA Republican House and Senate members who bowed to Trump in order to save their jobs are truly despicable in my opinion.
Well some guys -- even white conservatives -- can pitch in, too. 😉
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5021441/user-clip-brav-rep-kinzinger
Haven't forgotten him.
Thank you. Ma'am. The courage that Reps Cheney and Kinzinger have shown really inspires me; should inspire everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co52H-7Org0
I would love Vice President Harris to use that old film title from fifty-six years ago: "What's so bad about feeling good?"
Send a message to The Boss - Springsteen is the latest to come out for Harris/Walz - I'm sure he could make a song out of "What's so bad about feeling good"!
Ned, I, too, wish he’d be mentioned more often for being a stand-up, do-right guy….I appreciate all those who put country & democracy over party & power!🗽
i never before especially noticed until this campaign the speaker's gesture of putting hand to the upper chest before. It seems to be iconic. I gather it echoes the pledge of allegiance all school children learn by heart in their formative years. Just me folks?
It's body language we use when we speak truth.
I noticed that as well, and loved it. Gave me a warm feeling. 💕
It is also a way of acknowledging a compliment, or saying "thank you", or "I'm touched by your words."
That was roughly how i have been taking it, and often affirmation.
Since I say that pledge frequently, Frank, you may have added a richness to it. Thank you. Yes, I love my cherished United States deeply; that does not mean I like her a whole lot right now.
Mixed bottle of jelly beans these days, more than usual. My sense is nationalism is relatively low key and pragmatic. Canada is not encumbered??? with that sense of pervasive American exceptionalism. But also, I'm likely less obviously patriotic than many of my fellow Canadians.
Well as my mother said over half a century ago, "Canada is a civilized version of the United States." 🤝
My mother was brilliant; I am not saying that because I grew up an R.C. 🥳
She was also a saint; okay I am saying that because l did grow up Catholic. 😉
Yes, her acknowledgement was even "presidential" to match Harris.' These are true leaders who have gravitas and are able to show it in moments like this when it can convey a powerful non-verbal message. Cheney ha maintained that attitude and ability all along, especially at the Jan. 6 hearings. There's no doubt that she's damn serious. Only the deliberately deluded will not listen!
My dream race in 2016 -- as a Republican hoping against hope for an intervention by Party Elders -- was between Governor Kasich and Senator Sanders. The country was and still is facing major-league problems. These two candidates had a deep, abiding love for America and radically different, sincerely held and expressed, policy proposals.
My dream race for 2028 would be Mmes Harris and Cheney; perhaps similar to the (likely apocryphal) idea that President Kennedy supposedly consider for the 1964 race: that he and Senator Goldwater would face off and have a series of debates around the country to inform, educate, and solicit votes.
Country over party is a mantra I’ve come to believe is the cornerstone of the future of America. I love this country even more than I hate its political division.
I believe a HEALTHY two party system is an essential ingredient for the future I want to believe in. I’m pleased there are Republicans , like Liz Cheney and a growing number of other voices, willing to stand with the Democrats in continuing the great American experiment.
Thanks to HCR for so effectively weaving a tapestry of hope through her letters. They warm this elderly American’s heart!
Ned, thanks for posting the link.
I think the Country over Party mantra is a very appropriate theme to carry away from the Harris - Cheney determinations at Ripon. In the past week I read of determined Texas and national Billionaires and an uncomfortable number of business leaders who are funding every possible method to ensure Trump is elected or becomes President.
The original Republican Party founding at Ripon was in response to determined efforts of the slave holding wealth of the South to make Slavery of human beings the Law in the United States.
So the American crux in this election is whether the nation pivots to Government based on wealth and autocratic beliefs or we can reach into the same theme as did Abe Lincoln and decide for “We the People.”
We are as near to the cataclysm of absolute change or resolute democracy as we were in 1859 and voting must decide the outcome.
The March 20, 1854 (10 days before the Kansas Nebraska act, as feared), was passed) meeting at the Little White School House in Ripon is described as where according to:
https://riponhistory.org/birthplace-of-the-republican-party-read-more/
"...Alan Bovay spoke to the idea that the new party should, and in all probability would, be assigned the name Republican, but he advised against naming it at that time..."
I found it interesting that none of the House members elected in the Fall of 1854 took sets as Republicans according to how I interpret https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/34th_United_States_Congress
There were 82 listed as Democratic (down from 152 (D) at the end of the 33rd Congress), then an Opposition Caucus consisting of 51 American/(Know Nothing) designated by "A," and 100 Opposition designated by "O" in the coalition that became the majority. The first Republican listed in the House was from Vermont George T, Hodges who replaced the deceased James Meacham in a special election held September 2, 1856 and was seated on December 1, 1856.
The information (slightly different, apparently with a vacancy counted as an additional Democrat for a total of 83) also includes a bit on the 133 ballots needed to elect a Speaker and Bleeding Kansas as the Senate backed the proslavery state constitution while the House favored the antislavery constitution, according to https://history.house.gov/Congressional-Overview/Profiles/34th/
Seems sort of like recent fighting over who were real electors Electors during that period's warm up to the more consequential elections with the most consequential being 1860.
Beautifully stated, Gary. I have only one response: DITTO with a capital u.s.a.
Ned or anyone, please post yesterday's Bruce Springsteen Instagram Campaign Ad that supports Kam-Tim & is respectful of the audience.
Bruce sitting a the Counter of any Anywhere-America diner is wearing a flannel shirt with a turned up collar blending-in with the dinner's decor. Bruce delivers his
messages looking directly at the camera, talking to his fans & talking to to all Americans about supporting Kam & the themes, "I write about".
'Can't start a fire without a spark'.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DArLPGnIJD3/
Thank you, Ally! Love the 'diner' back-drop. ✌🏽
"Former" you say, Ned? I know you're speaking authentically because of her previous position. However, I would argue that today, and at this time, and as much as I thought I would never say it, she is doing a damn good job representing the faith and honor of the political ideals of this nation. She has proven herself to be the American representative Emeritus for our nation. She should get the Medal of Freedom for her stance. The stupidity of Wyoming's republicans to ignore her stand during Trump's attempted coup only proves the hollow and shallow state of lemmings for Trump. I don't want to leave out Adam Kinzinger, as he also had the guts to do much the same. However, in the news, it's been Liz Cheney who has taken the battle to the hollow minded.
And yet the shrinking MAGAs bow to a shrinking demigod. Perhaps Cheney will have a position in the Harris administration.
I have never been a Liz Cheney fan but I might change my mind. This was a truly heroic speech and I agree, she may end up in a Harris administration. If this helps Harris beat Trump, she would deserve it. Maybe she would even gain a streak of liberalism. That would be one for the books! Two terrific American women standing side by side in a coalition to sustain democracy. It would certainly make a great movie!
Jon After Dick Cheney’s dreadful role in pushing Bush into the disastrous Iraqi invasion, I never imagined that I would have a good word to say about the Cheney family.
Liz Cheney, who I’d seen as a 100% Republican Neanderthal, broke free of her family when, after January 6th, she boldly chose country over party. She did this by shouting the truth loudly.
She was duly punished by Trumpites, first losing her leadership role in the Republican House and then losing her congressional seat in Wyoming.
Even more remarkable, Dick Cheney, who I considered Dark Vader in the Bush W administration, belatedly comes out for country over party, with an endorsement of Kamala.
Georgia and I may even invite some RINOs to Thanksgiving dinner.
An interesting question for you and anyone else who is interested. I don't know if you are around in the 60s but when Kennedy dragged us through the Cuban Missile crisis which almost resulted in a nuclear war, did you feel you would never have anything good to say about Kennedy? Ditto when LBJ dragged us headlong into Vietnam? I spent my entire youth worried that I'd be drafted and end up dead on a battlefield somewhere in south east Asia. Yet I still have good things to say about both presidents even though I hated what they did then. That is also how I feel about Bush and Cheney. I don't like much of what they did but I do think they sincerely believed they were doing what was right for the country even if I think it was wrong.
Trump has completely changed the narrative. I do not think there is ANYTHING he has done which ever was for the good of the country. He is a self inflated egocentric narcissistic, something which I do NOT believe defines any other president in my lifetime. I've lived through bad presidents but nothing that even vaguely resembles Trump.
Well I will say I try hard NOT to demonize anyone, even the Cheneys. Did I ever agree with their political views? Hell no! But did I ever consider them "devils in human form"? No, I didn't even consider Reagan that. Not even NIXON (although some of his henchmen certainly felt that way at times like Haldeman). Trump had certainly shown us all an extreme that I doubt any of us even presumed existed at the highest levels of the opposition. So we probably saw things differently pre Jan6. I saw the Cheneys and Bushes et al as people who didn't see this correctly at all but I never saw them as demons. Today the demons have clearly taken over the GOP. It is "grand" no more. And that is a sad thing for our country.
Jon As I approach my 91st birthday I find that historically I am somewhat more gracious towards folks who I believe have worked badly.
Joseph McCarthy I will never forgive. He was desperate to be re-elected and was ready to trash our country and some noble individuals.
Nixon was highly skilled, but he was steaming with resentment and focused on enemies. Though I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List, I give Nixon credit for seeking to serve the United States in his way.
Reagan was an actor in an incredible role. He had some strengths and a number of weaknesses. He was an American patriot who believed that he was serving his country. He took a major popularity hit for sticking with Paul Volcker.
He also, with Gorby, were responsible for ending the Cold War with a whimper rather than a bang.
Dick Cheney, with his 10 visits to CIA, was determined, with Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz, to ‘get’ Saddam Hussein. Their arrogance was extremely destructive. I’ll give him some credit for belatedly speaking out, in part because of Liz.
With Trump and his flunky Vance there is absolutely no forgiveness. They are ME ME ME chameleons with not a whit of concern regarding what is best for the United States. I believe in the Constitution. ‘Nuff said?
My sentiments exactly. Lord, I couldn’t abide any of them, what a shock.
Inspiring, isn’t it?! What it should always look like….teaming up to work for common goals for benefit of all “the people”.
We all might survive this yet... stay tuned!
🤞
I appreciate Liz and her father for actively standing up for the continuation of democracy, it is powerful. And in that way I do think they believe and are acting upon ‘country over party’ values. But I also think that her policy values maintain , ultimately, party over country focus. Do we all remember how she voted with Trump’s values 90% of the time? Trump got a hold of the Republican party through their values which we might distill into the Reagan Trickle down system, the one HCR, Biden, Warren, AOC, Bernie and others are saying “yeah 50 years of that proves it doesnt work” but Liz would go back to that. I deeply appreciate her courage to stand with democracy but I am NOT interested in what have been her and her Republican party of old, policies.
Well you certainly don't have to agree with her or her policies, but politics is "the art of the possible" and if you want success you have to be ready to compromise even when you don't agree. Take that from a 73 year old communist (small "c") who also loves this county even when it is wrong.
I am a fan but I don’t have to agree with her policy positions to respect her.
Coming from the center, I think some of my positions might not be that far off. And my mantra is to move to the center and all that it entails.
I think we already knew that about you
I must take that as a compliment.
Ten years ago, if someone post West Wing came up with the script US has been going through with Trumpism, most of us would likely be shaking our collective heads. Trust "Civil War" thriller remains at "step beyond"...
I submit that she acquired that liberal streak when she publicly declared that she was wrong on marriage equality. Having a LGBTQ family member will do that to you ... if you're a human with a heart.
I don't know much about Liz Cheney's positions, however, her strength of character and devotion to this country speaks volumes. My prayer is we get Kamala elected and those joining her from the Republican Party will be able to establish a new and better party far from the maddening MAGA party.
You might want to read up on her policy positions then, they arent friendly. That doesnt mean we cant applaud and appreciate her courage in this course of action, but dont be duped into thinking that her policies are anything close to what humane democrat positions are
I had thought the exact same thing. We must reach across the aisle and combine both parties and especially women.
A shout out to Pete B. for helping in the process of the strike. Love him and his intelligence and warmth. What a man he is!!
Combine? Please look at Liz’s past policy support. Remember she voted with Trump 90% of the time. I’m glad for the moment she has a higher arc of vision for democracy but I absolutely doubt that she would ever be in the same
Political camp as Kamala
True but one thing I learned growing up in Arizona as a child of socialists is that in this country we do need to accept and even honor those who might disagree with us, especially when they are honorable. It is the way we reach compromises, something that definitely seems to be lost in this modern Trumpian universe. No one says you have to give up your beliefs but you do have to recognize that there are many who hold different beliefs and again if everyone is honorable you MAY be able to reach an acceptable middle ground.
hmmm.... despite the very friendly vibes... i'm wondering if she is not covertly involved in how "RINOs" might reconstitute the Republican Party. Kamala paid a pointed reference to getting that back once "we get past this" not quite how she said it perhaps, but very clear seeing Trumpism as a dangerous aberration in American political life. One that has latched onto an irreconcilable minority of evangelical zealots and elsewise, who have taken "tribal" to a whole new level.
Not surprising at all. Of course she wants to rebuild the Republican Party. HCR has long said we need to healthy parties to be a democracy, healthy being the operative word.
Liz Cheney grew up in the Republican Party of Ronald Reagan, the great espouser of “voodoo” economics, supply side economics, trickle down theory. Trickle down economics moved money up the ladder, where it has been hoarded, such that some people became wealthy beyond imagination. The Republican Party of Reagan, the Bushes, and the Cheneys is also the party of Karl Rove and Roger Stone. Karl Rove has spent years operating on the “Greed is good” idea, every man for himself. What on earth would look like a healthy Republican Party. The current Republican Party looks to make life hell on earth for so many people.
A sliver of conscience in that crowd, rare as hens teeth
Exactly. People need to remember this and not get hoodwinked into thinking that Liz is all that friendly towards democrat values i.e. the greed you refer to
But so what? If i hate everyone who had different values than me (which I acknowledge to be extreme leftist) I would hate about 95% of the American population. It is one of the things I have said here repeatedly. It is dismaying to see how many people on this blog use hateful comments when talking about the opposition. Yes, Trump is very often (almost always in fact) hateful but that does NOT mean WE have to follow him into the swamp. I am fearful for it country that too many people see ANY divide as unapproachable. We used to be able to have civil discussion with our opponents. Now they have become "enemies" and I understand it but I fear for our future, assuming we even have one.
Exactly.
I hope she is. We need a functioning second party for the US to work properly. True conservative ideas contribute important restraint to the functioning of a healthy democracy.
What Abby said. 100%!
"who have taken 'tribal' to a whole new level"
Thank you! This is it exactly!
Sorry ... I appreciate what she is doing but the lady wants her job and her party back and she won't get them until Trump et al disappear!
Not surprising at all. Of course she wants to rebuild the Republican Party. HCR has long said we need two healthy parties to be a democracy, healthy being the operative word. Republicans aren’t the enemy, the Magas are. Liz Cheney has shown the backbone that the other “rinos” have not and paid dearly for it. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I don’t just follow blindly.
She does want those things, I'm sure, and if there is any justice in the world she will get them - or some version of them. We cannot survive long-term as a single party system.
But we do need several parties. I'm OK with the idea of Liz Cheney supporting Kamala Harris in order to clean house and get her own party back. My father was a Republican who served on school boards and always voted. Just before he died, he told me he'd voted for a Democrat in an election because she was the best candidate. Believe my father, if still alive, would be following Cheney and vote for Harris. My father wouldn't have been able to vote for a convicted felon, insurrectionist, and rapist.
I agree she wants to stay in politics....clearly ....she is up there reaching out to America. But I also feel she hates DT and the fascism he stands for....as I don't think she would have put her congressional seat on the line the way she did....if it wasn't her core belief.
I do believe that, when he was in power, a good number of her votes backed him!!
Sorry ... When SHE was .....
Yes , you have a great point however, we can worry about that later. Her goal is to have unity in this country and to help Harris win this election.
I approve "shrinking demigod". Withering, decaying, deliquescing . . . down to dust.
It's funny , I was thinking the same thing.
It is alarming that lies and disinformation have such a powerful influece. Trump is another Putin and Kim of NK, a cruel oppressor of those who stand against him, but leave alone those who stay in poverty and live like slaves.
None of this has been reported by Fox, other right wing media, so it has no effect on MAGA.
That is, unless we send Heather's Substack to MAGA websites on social media.....
They’ll just call it fake news or propaganda (ask me how I know). Cults are cults for a reason. If Trump told them all to drink the grape Kool-Aid and meet him at that great Mar-A-Lago in the sky, I think there would be a lot of corpses to bury.
Evidence shows that many former Trump voters are flipping. Vote Vets, Republican Voters Against Trump and similar groups have thousands of testimonials from people who voted twice for Trump but support Kamala Harris.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NRD3KDgYmk
Daniel, I'm glad they're out there. My retired cop cohort is doubling down on fpotus.
I know how you know... sadly.
Trump's lashing out at Cheney is all over Fox. They may believe Trump, but the message that there are Republicans rooting due Harris is getting through.
Ef MAGA. Traitors.
Exactly
My thoughts exactly. I’m proud of Heather and all democracy defenders.
Amen that. Thank you heather and ms chaney both for a reminder that, amid the carnage, hate and folly of this world, there still shines a beautiful beacon of hope.