House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has responded to news stories about his plan to get rid of the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) by claiming his comments at the closed-door campaign event on Monday were taken out of context.
Imagine if all those Harris endorsements showed up on Foxy! The right-wing reaction to the Dems' messaging women married to Magas can discreetly vote for Harris without telling their partners shows just how much patriarchy still thrives in America. Thanks for letter, Heather, I hope those endorsements, both now and earlier, make a difference! This thing shouldn't seem too close to call!
If a woman does not feel comfortable discussing who she intends to vote for with her partner, that is a problem with the relationship, not the Democratic party. When it comes to bodies and voting booths - mind your own damn business!
My sister had a husband who watched Fox News. Wanting peace at home she did naught. I came to visit one day to find him watching Fox hi volume. I Lost it and ordered him to turn it off immediately. As he did I said, “How can you watch that station with a wife you say you love knowing how awful it is for her?” He’s no longer in this realm. I like to imagine even he’d be disgusted with t& cronies.
Maybe he's tuned into the Fox Eternal channel, only in jest mind you. My neighbours have two tvs in the house, one for "her", one for "him", but they're both rabid Dem supports, more or less like myself.
Frank, we have one TV. We turn off the news when we can't stand like last night when we watched no national news. We are both ardent Ds and I can't even imagine living with a person voting for death star. As we have mail in ballots, we sometimes discuss how to vote especially on ballot measures. Across the street is our male R neighbor who doesn't speak to us and his D wife who loves to discuss politics and does when she is at our neighbors without him. He once told her to stop listening to some radio station that she liked and she told him to get lost.
We don't talk about it l, either. I'm almost certain he know how I feel/how I'll vote with how I've been clapping back at family, but he takes a "logical minded" approach and only looks at comparisons of candidates' policies and then votes for the one he likes most. His family is historically Republican, so he has a bias to get over as well that I don't think he acknowledges.
He doesn't follow news, social media, or, unfortunately, HCR.
I understand it, to some extent, and I would like that to be the way of things, but it isn't.
Hitler's policies sounded good on paper too - look where that got us.
Thinking I might need to have a conversation in my house and am dreading it. I hate conflict.
If I may presume to give you advice: approach it gently, and talk about how YOU feel without accusations. How you feel disrespected by TFG, scared about the future of women, etc. Bring "receipts" - proof of what he said, preferably videos. But mostly how he scares you (all of us) if he's elected. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice. We had a long, fraught conversation where neither of us changed each other's mind. He still believes that policy should be all the matters. He isn't a MAGA diehard, for which I am grateful, but he cannot conceive of voting Democrat because their core beliefs/platforms do not align with his. He said if he ends up not liking Republican policies when he looks them up in the next few days that he will vote 3rd party.
I am disheartened and greatly saddened, but not surprised.
You could share some/all of the major U.S. economic news magazine/publications headlines this week about how our current economic health is the envy of the world.
I have a Republican daughter and grandkids in TX, TJB, and we had some uncomfortable conversations a few months back. I learned today that they all voted early for Harris at the top, Allred for senate, Dems when they were on the ballot, and left blank any slots that had only Republican candidates. I don't take any credit for how they voted, but rather than attacking conservative policy, I mostly talked about E. Jean Carroll, the Access Hollywood tape, and Dobbs. I said more than half the people in America are female, and I couldn't trust anyone to be in charge of the whole country who disenfranchised the majority of us. It only points to someone who doesn't consider the whole picture, so how could any of us rely on any of his decisions or policies as sound? Don't know if that helps, but I hope it does.
I asked a dear friend if I really knew his heart like I thought I did. He seemed to think about it but got out of answering me when he died just before the 2016 election. I still wonder... I feel for your situation, such can rip you apart. in so many ways
Trump took Bernie's message to the working class, twisted it, and deployed it. The Democratic Party fenced Bernie out, and because Americans liked Trump's fake-gold bravado and bullying, we got as criminal as a result.
Still griping about 2016? Really? I supported Bernie then and did again in 2020 but he never could have won, he is simply too far left for even very liberal Democrats. It's sad but true. I would much prefer Bernie to any of the Democrats who have run in the past 8 years (including Harris) but I am also a political realist. What I favor doesn't win elections. I still think Harris can win this although I am not very confident. But PLEASE get over Bernie, it's a waste of psychic energy.
I was for Bernie, too, Jon. I still like his take on things, but like you I am a realist. I voted for Hillary, because I thought she could win and Bernie couldn't. I voted for Biden, because more TFG was unthinkable, and again for Harris for the same reason. As to getting to Bernie's goals, I think it's a slow process and won't happen in any one presidency, even his if he'd gotten the job. I do think Kamala's stated agenda will take us farther down the Sanders road, but we won't get there until a possible second term for her or even later. It will depend on how severe the backlash is to a female of color in the oval. We got TFG largely in response to the election of a black man, imho, so what happens after Harris will determine if we progress or regress.
I feel this way about my parents. They live 3 miles away and I haven't been able to bring myself to reach out to them for a month. Of course, they haven't reached out to me either.
I have the same situation. We finally discussed it civilly after a few years of screaming. He really believes the bullshit that Fox spews. I never thought i could be with someone like this but he's a 71 yo white male former construction worker so he's their demographic. I'd say I can't wait until this is over but it won't be over uuntil January. Gotta hang tight and keep the meds coming 🤪
LATE BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN : IN A SURPRISING TURN OF EVENTS, HALF OF DONALD TRUMP’s FACE FELL OFF AFTER HIS ORANGE MAKEUP HARDENED AND PULLED FROM HIS FACE REVEALING AN EMPTY CRANIAL CAVITY WHERE THE RESIDUE OF WORMS ONCE INCUBATED.
Yeah but isn't living in Texas pretty much the same thing? Maybe it's gotten better but when I was there in 2022, I felt the stifling effect of its leanings. I don't care how much financial benefit I could get over California (quite a bit as it turns out) I could never live there, sorry not meaning to offend you, just your state!
Apparently whatever women are doing, they are doing it in the voting booth in greater numbers than men. I appreciate the optimism, and here is more. 5 reasons for hope.
Considering what is "reported" as a weakness constituency for Harris, men who really love women should be kryptonite to maga's too. I know because I am a man who worships the fairer and stronger gender; of every size, shape, and ethnicity, and as a matter of record.
These men are when they vote. I know a lot who do not vote in the Millennial category. Too comfortable, too interested in making money, too caught up on YouTube. Their wives vote, and do not vote MAGA.
Gotta visit the Evangelical pews, Gary, though the joke is funny. also eg a dual citizen professional female in Toronto, Canada, was definitely voting Trump, no hesitation.
While volunteering to handout the Democratic slate pamphlet at an early voting site, I observed many maga couples walking male leading a few steps ahead of the female with adult children trailing!
I start my election polling work tomorrow morning….(Maricopa County), I’m sure I will see similar sights. I am always saddened by the ultra-MAGA women, especially when they bring their children with them…what messages What messages already imprinted.😢
I have a Dem activist friend who was visiting her brother in Scottsdale. She went to a small Kamala event a coupla days ago and to Penzey's yesterday... she said it felt good to feel safe and among friends. If you get overwhelmed, I suggest a trip to Penzey's, Carol. They sell a French herbs concoction that is to die for, and you'll like the vibe.
Campaigning here in Wisconsin. I've seen the oversize glossy flyers a GOP group is mailing out for Jill Stein. Front side environmental issue lies against Harris, backside environmental issue lies for Stein. I canvassed my first self identified Stein voter yesterday, a young woman living in an enclave of McMansions. She said 'sadly this time I'm not voting for any Democratic candidates.' She seemed uneasy but urging herself on. I don't try to dissuade any Trump aligned voters because they can get defensive and dig in. But, I did feel sad. I think her concerns may have to do with Gaza. Electing Trump won't help. Anything.
Trump's policy point-man on the NE - Jared Kushner - has proposed 'bulldozing the Negev desert, building camps for Palestinians' and developing valuable [and Palestinian free] Gaza waterfront property.' Exactly the solution racist right wing religious extremist real estate thugs would pursue.
Trump's solution to every war is capitulate to the "strong man" - Putin, Netanyahu - why bother fighting for silly intangibles like freedom, beliefs and principles?
I have a friend in a RED state who is voting for Stein; she wouldn't if she though it would affect anything..... BUT I've heard the Green Party statements that they are DELIBERATELY going after Harris/Walz and it sickens me...that's not issue driven, it's just hubris and stupid!
Pax, Stein voters will get drowned out so have no worry. It’s too bad that your friend cannot see that Stein is a Russian agent. Does she know her own kids won’t even speak to her and begged her not to run?
I wouldn't give even a half-penny's worth of thought to Stein or RFK Jr., Pax. They're misguided at best, malicious spoilers at worst, but fortunately neither has enough voters to make any difference. Stein's at less than 1%, and Bobby's at 1 or 2% since Harris got in and he got out of the race. Those percentages could make a difference in a swing state, but not in a reliably red or true blue state.
History very clearly shows that votes for 3rd party candidates are not only wasted, but wasted blindly in that there's no guarantee who the wasted vote will favor between the 2 mainstream parties; those waste factor possibilities should be shocking enough to dissuade. *edit - Furthermore, most 3rd party fliers "know" they have no chance of election. Some are put up to taking votes by one of the two mainstream parties.
And if she cares about the environment, one can point out how Jill Stein obviously doesn't if she is willing to risk throwing the election to the most anti-environmental president in history.
I am always careful on this "you're going to throw the election" argument. We argue that voting is the right of every citizen. If they truly believe in Jill (and I can understand why because she is really good left wing on most things) you will just piss them off with that approach. But if their position is to support the Palestinians in Gaza, there I would go full steam on pointing out how MUCH MORE Trump's position is bad for Gaza and how making a choice that is likely to minimize more hurt to the Palestinians is important. Sure Stein would be a better choice in the abstract but it will not help the Gazans of Trump wins. That's the best you can do, I think.
My friend was on the phone with such a person and asked why and gave responses that got the person to see things with new eyes, because they knew nothing.
I told my RFK supporting friend that no matter how much she likes his stands on the environment and vaccines, he doesn't have a prayer of winning, lin+. I said it will come down to TFG and Harris, even if Bobby's still on the ballot, which I believe he is in WI. I'd tell a Stein supporter something similar - that no matter how good Stein looks, she can't get enough electoral college votes to win, so it's better to vote for TFG or Harris, depending on which will be more helpful to Gaza, if that's her #1 issue. Harris supports a 2-state solution, TFG will refuse aid to Palestine and encourage Bibi to bomb it back to the stone age. There's video to support the latter remark, if you can get it teed up on your phone to show 3rd partiers.
History very clearly shows that votes for 3rd party candidates are not only wasted, but wasted blindly in that there's no guarantee who the wasted vote will favor between the 2 mainstream parties; those waste factor possibilities should be shocking enough to dissuade. *edit - Furthermore, most 3rd party fliers "know" they have no chance of election. Some are put up to taking votes by one of the two mainstream parties.
Sorry I generally think that's a bad argument. It makes sense and hopefully smart people will understand but to push it on people who are seriously opposed to Harris is counterproductive. Better to leave them alone and hope they will see the light.
No it's not stupidity. We spend years teaching kids about how serious voting your conscience is so why would we call it stupidity when kids actually learn the lesson and take it to heart? You can try to reason with them but better to leave them with "will at least promise me you won't vote for Trump and think hard about the consequences of your choice. " But too much pressure is highly counterproductive, at least in my estimation.
Your business is your business, but ... I'm a fast walker, too. When I am walking with someone I care about, I slow down to their pace. Just sayin' ...
I know that story, i'm inherently a little slower thanks to ageing hardware, but i smell "the roses" with camera in tow, pretty much umbilical at this stage.
My father-in-law was a slow walker and his girlfriend a fast walker. They lived in NYC and took a walk every day. She would walk her pace to the end of the block, then turn around and walk fast back to him, and so on. They lived together in a NYC apartment. They had plenty of together time.
It is the patriarchy in action. However, these are families that are voting in person so she can do what she wants in the voting booth, just to exercise a little power.
my ex wife tended to walk behind, hardly what i wanted, then she went off her meds, end of that story. Almost kidding. My current gf, hardly a rebel or "feminist", generally ends up maybe 3-4 paces ahead of me, mainly she can walk a little faster, me slower, and admittedly, with a camera in hand. Dont take this too seriously
I imagine he was a slow and patient walker. Until the crowds became too large and then climb into a boat, and speak without profanity to the burgeoning crowds. (grin)
The Roe decision was based on people's right to privacy, and so does the right to vote. MAGA doesn't respect privacy for anyone, but especially not for women. They want the government to monitor pregnancies! I wish everyone would mind their own damn business, Steve. They have no business in the bedroom, the doctor's office, or the voting booth. But try telling them that.
Steve, of course you are right. I'd voice my political opinions, regardless of what my husband thought, and woe be to anyone - man or woman - who demanded otherwise. Of course, I don't discuss controversial subjects or politics with people whose opinions differ from mine, or those who don't reveal their preferences. However, any woman who can't voice her political opinions to her spouse should find a good divorce lawyer.
That comment by that “Christian” pastor… My jaw hit the floor. In what day and age is that man living in?? In 1312 or something?? Vote, women of America, vote! Vote like your life depends on it (because it does)! Vote for Kamala, vote out the misogynist!
Some clear examples of why religion (patriarchy) and the R party aren’t rocking it with women. Waters of Fox said lying to your husband about whom you voted for is JUST LIKE having an affair!!! Oh please.
My thoughts exactly, Daniel, shouldn’t he, ahem, be visited by by the FBI for those clear threats of violence? He’s getting bolder, older, more “out there” and desperate by the minute. If he’s not careful the stress and all those “hamberders” will give him a Big MacAttack🍔!
He ought to be placed under a hold for psychiatric observation. An ordinary citizen making murderous insinuations is a danger to self and others. We all know these are dog whistles for his racist, misogynistic base to act on his behalf. Trump is a dangerous, demented man.
Well, Trump named her to the ambassadorship of the Vatican, so it’s unlikely he’d risk getting to live in luxury at some embassy or other in the next 4 years.
Rickey, I have long wondered why so many men—and some culturally ingrained misogynistic countries/cultures (women covered head-to-toe, can’t speak in public, travel w/o male accompaniment, etc.)—are so freakin’ scared of women that they have to keep their boot on women’s neck. Are they that weak that they can’t control themselves in women’s presence? Maybe I’m dense, but the root motivation for this confounds me and makes zero sense. I’ve posted this rec here before, but may I suggest the thought-experiment novel by Naomi Alderman “The Power”.
I've wondered the same... Maybe this is what we Dutchies call "de knuppel in het hoenderhok gooien", but are still so many men afraid of intelligent women, because they think they won't get any sex if women get to decide such things for themselves? It won't be any problem if you're interesting and self-conscious enough as a man, but maybe that's the point? They somehow sense their own insecurity and project that onto (their relationship with) women?
When you think of powerful Democratic men, behind almost all of them is a woman who is the smarter one in the relationship.
When you look at Republican politicians you see men who support the patriarchy. This is why there are so few Republican politicians relative to Democrat ones.
Barbara, many of the men around here on Cape Cod I meet, say their wives are smarter than they are. So. There’s hope? I think this attempt in our present world to go backwards culturally is the effect of the rise of women in not only politics but also in access to education. It reminds me of the rise of nationalism as the world is impacted by the internet and more that has virtually threatened cultural differences. Reflexive! Repressive. And yes deeply fearful. ‘Close the border, close the society!’ Who are The real Americans? Only the native Indians are as you know it, as most of us on this site know. My favorite saying (as a Winslow) is NO ONE INVITED US HERE!
🤮🤬……and here I wait and wait and wait….for the ERA to finally be ratified. Maybe once Harris is POTUS it will come to pass….kinda like folks have forgotten about it…. Not unlike how SCOTUS decimated the Voting Rights Act cuz “we’re all good now, right?”…..um, wrong…so wrong.
NPR contained an article with an interview with a pastor of a Pentacostal church. He played the ‘hate the sin, forgive the sinner card’ when he commented that
“And so you can have some people with some pretty deep moral struggles who are upholding a platform that we support. And I tell our people, don't pay as much attention to the struggles — pay attention to the platform. “
The words of Pentecostal church pastor Chad Harvey, whose sermons — often to weekly crowds of about 3,000 — usually feature on Cross Assembly's social media channels.
“And I tell our people, don't pay as much attention to the struggles — pay attention to the platform. Because here's what the Bible says: There's none righteous. No, not one. We're all messed-up people. “
“Some pretty deep moral struggles…”!! Seriously Chad!
Cheated on each of his 3 wives
Advocates sexual assault on women
Convicted of sexual assault
Convicted of financial fraud and election fraud
Deadly incompetent management of US policy during covid crisis leading to over 1,000,000 Americans death
Disdains laws that impede his pursuit of avaricious greed.
Lead and participated in the organization of the Jan 6 assault on our election process.
Dear Chad:
The creature trump is running for the office of POTUS not some low level municipal office!
‘We’re all messed…’ however your position is reckless!
Don't worry, Dutch. Women are voting in much greater numbers than men, and we know which side of the bread is buttered. We can listen to patriarchal pastors on Sunday to our heart's content and do as we wish on Tuesday.
You go, girls!! The world needs you. You need to ditch the COF and wannabe-emperor Musk, but I would also love to see a woman of colour be your president!
Dutch Mike, I’m with you on your political sentiments, but if your jaw is dropping to the floor due to the “Christian pastor’s” (my quotation marks includes pastor) comments, pick it up. It’s what the apostates like the religious misogynists commonly believe. It’s what I and others whose stumbling loyalties to Jesus abhor.
Frank, wishes do come true: George Conway (Kelly Anne’s ex,) who had been involved in the Lincoln Project, started the Anti-Psychopath PAC, and ran ads highlighting Trump’s cognitive decline on Fox; the Golf Channel and other networks he watches. Other ads, which some might find triggering, recount the words of women he (allegedly 🙄) assaulted. The pac specifically bought time in the Florida market including West Palm Beach. It also bought billboards reading “Attention golfers: Trump cheats,” visible from his golf courses in Florida and New Jersey. A similar one was also scheduled to be bought near Mara Largo this month.
I am amazed at how much better George looks! I don't like to judge people by their appearances, but he reminds me of when coworkers would retire, then come in to visit. We'd always remark how good retirement made them look! I think that Kellyanne must have been miserable to live with. Good for George!
PS.... how did i get up so early to be a "first commentator"! Well back to bed, my two kitties who moved out to the living room sofa, will likely follow suit. Still need another hour's zzz.
Frank, I call LFAA my Late Night University….. What I SHOULD learn is NOT to log on in the middle of the night when I awake & can’t fall back to sleep…but it’s not unlike cracking a good book…same “down the rabbit hole” results…enjoyable but tiring in the end!!! Good thing I’m retired!!!! [Some years ago I went to bed & picked up a book I’d been reading…read late-ish—11:00 or so—and thought uh-oh I need to get to sleep so I won’t be too tired at work……wait!!! OMG! I’m retired now and don’t have to be at work in the morning…lol….read until I finished the book…it was 4 a.m., and I then slept past noon. It was my first retirement epiphany!!!!😁]
Barbara, I used to have to get up anytime between 2:30 and 4:00 am to get to work. There are some difficult parts of this time of time, but oh boy do I love not worrying about the clock to head into work!!
lol. I'm still a "7 am" kind of riser, but pee breaks lead to 4am events. My watch says that even with a couple of them and an hour or so of looking at LFAA and commenting a little, i clocked nine hours 1 min zzzz . I'm not sure how accurate the gadget is, to be honest. I get back to sleep usually by putting on an audible, something not too intense or even boring. Put it on a timer, usually don't get through 30 minutes.
For me, Frank, it is my 3 yr old dogger, Piper (aka “hyper Piper”) who needs to do her “business” in the wee hours (see what I did there?) of the night. Now normally I’d just let her out for a bit, but she being all black & invisible at night in the yard, I have to shine a flashlight on her & follow her lest she make moves to run into the way-back yard where—oh my!—skunks and raccoons cavort in the night (ask me how I know about late night skunking’s!!!). So, by the time she has completed her ablutions in the glare of the flashlight, I am fully awake and falling back into restful sleep is elusive. LFAA to the rescue….sort of, as I read until my eyelids finally droop once again into sleep as dawn approaches.
There is no ♥ icon here, thanks for this, Barbara! I can just imagine the scene. No 4 am discovery of LFAA for me is the more customary routine. My current audible is Empire of the Steppes! Interesting but a bit in the weeds, LOTS of conquering warlords or at least the attempts. It's a 4500 year tale of how the various peoples of the Eurasian steppes interacted with the ancient and not so ancient empires surrounding them. If I'm too awake, Ill put on a more sleepifying Bible audible by Dave Suchet, a great reader, humanistic and human interest here is my game.
Satanic cults never sleep.......MAGA........Opus Die/Heritage Foundation are at the Gates of Hell right now, readiy to open the doors wide open..... after waiting and planning for decades. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS...YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE.
So does she sleep in? In Atlantic Canada, one hour ahead of Eastern, Heather's letters sometimes don't hit til 6 am. I was wondering if some kind of automation delay.
I suspect she's not in the Eastern Time Zone right now. My Letters, which usually arrive between 9-11 p.m. were arriving at 1 a.m. when she was in Portland, OR.
Once in a while my sleep clock goes haywire and I am awake when Heather posts her letter. Amazing how many of her followers are up. And how eager we seem to be to respond to her consistently excellent presentation of events tying them together. Enjoy your snooze.
I’ve commented in this forum before that it is the women of America that will save it. I fervently believe that and will remain grateful to them to the end of my days!
Glad to see you as first out of the gate, Frank. Honestly, I think the idea of patriarchy is overblown. I used to believe it until I did counter-insurgency field-work in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those experiences convinced me that, notwithstanding all the bluster by men, changing a culture entails working with the women.
Inasmuch as I differ on one word, Frank, my reaction about this essay coincides with yours, on the level of feeling. My exasperation with the large gender gap is that so many men still buy into candidate Trump's aggressively and Senator Shady J.D.'s pedantically macho-mouthed scheiße. The divide should be close and favouring President Harris.
For more reasons than just outreach to women, I thought that particular commercial was the best of the season. For instance, guess who doesn't consider how silly it is to post your election choices on FB or other social media ? The youth - young folks that grew up with FB ! The privacy of one's voting choice is sacrosanct; that's why there are curtains there for christmas sake !
When she talks about American women making voting decisions for themselves, she nabs former House Speaker Newt Gingrich going apoplectic that women might have voting choices of their own -- as if such a moral possibility invokes the Q as to: "what kind of a totally amoral, corrupt, sick system have the Democrats developed?” Of course, Heather started the para by reminding us of the far greater cheating Newt had practiced on his first two wives -- no Dems needed to spur his depravity.
No end to the hypocrisies, lies, exaggerations, deceptions, and other chicanery normal now in the circles of the political party running a convicted criminal and court-adjudicated rapist for president.
But it's not just idiocy and madness informing Heather's mirth. Remember, she's author of books looking levelly at the presence throughout U.S. history of slave-owning classes for whom human dignity has always stopped at the questions of ownership and short-term profit that comprise the sum total of any possible ethics for both the slave owners and their current varieties of nihilist, cynical, and others of supreme vulgarity.
Yes, the women seem to be pouring out. Let's hope that trend continues, to relegate to history and its dustbins all the patriarchal charades still pontificating, lying, attempting newest forms of oldest slavery.
Thank you Ellie for posting this clever approach to common sense. I will never understand how anyone can find anything admirable in that sleaze bag liar. Some of Heather’s reporting is new to me and shocks me after all these years of his 💩💩💩💩. How can this race be close? Beam me up Scotty! There’s no intelligent life on Earth has never felt more accurate. 💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼. Think Positive Thoughts for a peaceful transition. 💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
"MAGA bro pals," Ellie -- love how human decency stands out in this little video.
And I'm accessing this of yours (your kindness in providing link) at a time when I've just seen the newest of the orange felon in a rally hosted by Tucker Carlson. There the exhausted, deranged, vitriolic criminal convict does nothing but intersperse venom for others with rank public masturbation for himself.
Nothing but? No, Ellie, because in his latest sinking to new lows he now urges Liz Cheney be put up before a firing squad, nine rifles aimed at her head for newest display of the icky fat, fat felon's murderous sickness.
It’s a further demonstration of Trump’s sociopathy, sadism, and mental decay. There is no bottom with Donald, no low he will not reach. He doesn’t want to get his own tiny hands messy with the blood of others, so he encourages his MAGA maniacs to violence.
Almost didn’t post this, Phil, but your choice of words brought to mind an image I can’t unsee based on something some comic (I think) said. Not unlike now always hearing accordion music in my head when TFFFG does that back ‘n forth thing with his hands (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S65jqrHQi_c). Anyway, some comic said TFFFG’s fist-pumping “dance moves” looks like he’s jerking off two guys at once. Can’t. Unsee. That. Image. When he makes those moves!
Are we a nation of cowards. I may be on chump’s enemies list, but anybody who knows me likely knows my sentiments. And I know theirs, we used to coexist, W and the tea party started to change that. Chump ripped that all to hell, with republicans on board all the way.
The "soft" racists allied with the gun-toting militia nuts in Texas and changed the dynamics, with help from Moscow Mitch. I was shocked at some "friends" during that period.
MAGA bros think they want a strong man. Some ideas from Timothy Snyder on that. . .
Strongman rule is a fantasy. Essential to it is the idea that a strongman will be your strongman. He won't. In a democracy, elected representatives listen to constituents. We take this for granted, and imagine that a dictator would owe us something. But the vote you cast for him affirms your irrelevance. The whole point is that the strongman owes us nothing. We get abused and we get used to it.
Another pleasant illusion is that the strongman will unite the nation. But an aspiring dictator will always claim that some belong and others don't. He will define one group after another as the enemy. This might feel good, so long as you feel that you are on the right side of the line. But now fear is the essence of life. The politics of us-and-them, once begun, never ends.
We dream that a strongman will let us focus on America. But dictatorship opens our country to the worst the world has to offer. An American strongman will measure himself by the wealth and power of other dictators. He will befriend them and compete with them. From them he will learn new ways to oppress and to exploit his own people.
At least, the fantasy goes, the strongman will get things done. But dictatorial power today is not about achieving anything positive. It is about preventing anyone else from achieving anything. The strongman is really the weak man: his secret is that he makes everyone else weaker.
It's a shame that some have to hide how they vote to stay in good grace with their social crowd, but that is human nature. People frequently avoid telling the exact truth to their friends and family so they can simply get along.
Men must pour out FOR Harris and against Trump, too. We are counting on our husbands, sons, brothers, nephews, cousins and colleagues to have our female backs!
Mika gets it. She has been appealing to men as much as to women regarding women's reproductive rights.
My wife had 5 miscarriages. The 5th one was at 20 weeks. The fetal heart rate was easily detected at this point. She delivered the still born fetus in the hospital under the care of an amazing ob-gyn team. Today, in many states the doctor's options could have been considered illegal and the doctor locked up.
Her 6th pregnancy resulted in the birth of our daughter who was born 11 weeks premature at 2 lb 12 oz. Again the team in the delivery room was incredible. If this had happened today in many of the forced birth states, it is quite possible both my wife and daughter wouldn't have survived.
What father wouldn't have been devastated and never again voted for a single Republican? I haven't for years.
Everything ol’ Newt says applies to Republicans, not Democrats. He’s been a stain on our political life for years, and he should just go away into private life.
How about he finally go to hell. The hypocrite is as vile now as he was when he and Tom Delay, and a host of other monsters, soiled our country. Liz and Adam are two of a precious few who now recognize the reality of the garbage dump they have created, in our own back yard.
Darn it, Ellen, you unleashed my junior high brain. It went to another piece of human anatomy, all brown and wrinkly, way south of the neck and on the backside.
they are threatening every human alive with every degree of invasion of people's lives, to dictate their morals from on high. and to keep the patriarchal order going where men do what they want and make the rules and definitions and laws, when all reason suggests, and history tells us is contra their entire weak spin of history and science. AND a distorted and dis-informational relation to factual knowledge, empirical science.
Is it any wonder that these people fear academia and scientists so much?
They're hyper-paranoid and all worked up about shit that aint none of their bidnisss.
Bodily autonomy is bodily autonomy, like identity is identity and consent means consent, never the other. Voting is the same way.
If that's the position they take, then you know for real you're dealing with fascists.
I don’t appreciate their right to be butting into other people’s private lives, even though I am not doing anything more than hard work and being a single and happy cat lady. Vance is my senator and I didn’t vote for him, and can’t stand him. What I’m concerned about is losing the election to Trump, and losing our good Senator Sherrod Brown to a dishonest car salesman. Moreno and Trump are both grifters.
Just to let you know that this 90-year old did 200 GOTV postcards to OH voters on Sherrod Brown’s behalf and sent him more contributions than she could afford. (Virginian, currently in IL.)
I too am as much concerned about your Senate race as well as others (Montana, PA, TX, etc)..way easier for repubs to win in such red states (not so much PA)
I'm not sure, Nate, that they "fear academia" ("and scientists").
The primal document, the Powell memo of 1971, shows they have contempt for academe. But back then academe still had humanities thriving in it. Still had decent, generous amounts of interdisciplinarity, room for essays, for personal anecdote, patience for citing wider perspectives -- and the literacy for acknowledging apt humanities in many ways.
But that, Nate, is exactly what all members of our latter-day enslaving classes hate.
They want to control. And the first steps to dehumanizing others is to enforce on oneself all of the neutered, abstracted language, all the group think and categorical smallness, all the parades of shrunken, shriveled linearity as if life were ever nothing more than replicating, repeating, monotonous units the living dead can package, themselves first, then others with vengeance.
Yes, Nate, as you say: "they are threatening every human alive with every degree of invasion of people's lives, to dictate . . .."
Funny, too, Nate, how everything you say of our latter-day enslaving classes also applies to all the instruments of their standardized testing by which they've also killed the schools.
They don’t want us to think for ourselves, which humanities encourage. I’ll admit there may be some crazy individuals in academia, but they hardly make up the whole, which is what these modern day philistines want you to believe.
Phil, I know you are an avid advocate for the return of the humanities in education. The business model has been super-imposed on higher ed such that data gathering to assess effectiveness is now a primary task for educators. This, i believe interferes with an actual education as numbers, not ideas gain primacy. We forget the etymology of the word educate: e, a contraction of the preposition ex meaning out from, and ducare, the verb to lead. To educate meant to lead out the person, to allow and promote self-actualization. Now education has turned into an avenue for pecuniary gain, rather than a path to fulfillment.
I enjoyed the Dr. Richardson's humor as well. For the rest of this campaign, I am chilling out on reacting to what they say. No more being aghast, fearful, outraged, stunned, sleepless or hopeless.
VP Harris ran a flawless campaign. The Country is coming together for her. I have never in my 57 years of voting seen endorsements pour in from everywhere like this. Even the dastardly media is somewhat off her back. We have a movement on our hands, folks. One reason I have become so positive is that I have become a devotee of watching VP Harris' rallies. Oh man! The energy! Watch them for a boost in these final days.
We've got this. Our lawyers are as prepared as theirs. Our Democratic President is Commander in Chief of the Military, and he falls under the immunity clause courtesy of SCOTUS too.
Well, I think if church pastors are going to be admonishing and insisting their attendees to vote in federal elections for a certain party, their churches ought to be paying taxes. I’m really tired of them sticking their nose in my business.
Tho’ I am a religious “none”, when tragedy struck dear friends in 2012, a group of their friends, colleagues and neighbors assisting at the estate sale held at their Victorian era house they were renovating, the group of us looked at each other and said “we’ve got this”, and proceeded to work for over a month to finish what they’d started, in hopes of giving the surviving daughter a nest egg from the sale of the house to finish college. I shared with folks that working on the house and garden was like a prayer to me and kept them close in my heart. So, to me, two hands working CAN be a prayer as well. ☮️
Barbara, this choked me up reading it. My dad lived in his own small home till he passed in it age 93. His back yard had a long row of hostas, the offspring of plants he'd dug up from his sister's yard in Indiana, and transplanted into his about 20 years before. The spring before he died, he remarked about how overgrown they'd become, and needed to be thinned. I offered to help him, as although he still was able to do all his housekeeping, marketing, shopping, etc, this was a bit much for him. He said "let's do it in the fall."
He passed in August of that year. My sister, who inherited the house, and me, worked like dogs to get it ready for sale. IShe worked full time, while I worked part-time, so in September, for two days I worked alone, digging up and splitting these compacted plants. The roots went below the thin topsoil into what was more clay than dirt, very difficult to dig up, but the exhausting work was cathartic. I replanted them in his yard, and took a bunch to mine, and they were well watered with tears.
It's stories like yours that make me angry when Trump calls our nation "garbage" that needs to be "made great again." It is great, because of people like you.
❤️🩹Miselle, working in the garden can be a toil and backbreaking (I know this!), but is always healing to me. There once was an especially hard time of combined anger and grief when Mother Earth accepted me using a maddock to tear up the ground until I’d worked it out of my system, and I got some new garden beds ready to boot! I planted some peonies at my friends’ house as they, to me, would be a long-lived remembrance that I left behind.
All these little stories made me cry even though I have no similar experiences to relate to. But it's because of the heart. Everything is coming from the heart and we need more of that around us that is for sure.
Thanks, Gail, it was hard leaving their house once the work was completed…I felt so close to them while there. Nowadays, every once in awhile, I drive by the house to see what changes the new family living there have made. Makes me smile to think that if their spirits—father/mother/son—linger, the new family has the Best. Ghosts. Ever.
My dad's old house (not my childhood home, my folks moved to be closer to my home and my sister's condo) is a 5 minute walk away. I rarely go by it, but the new family put up a tall, cedar fence. I wish I could see if the hostas are still there, but I don't want to intrude.
Miselle, I read this comment hours ago, but have been thinking of it since. I remember once, when I was just a kid, someone came knocking at our door….the folks said that they’d lived in “our” house many years before and just wanted to visit it once again. Of course this being a much simpler time (probably mid-50’s) my folks invited them in to look around the house and yard. Probably wouldn’t happen this way now, but perhaps if you should see the folks living there and happen to ask about the hostas’, they might be inclined to share and maybe even show you what is happening nowadays. Just a thought. BTW, I tried growing hostas, but in my slug and snail loving climate, it was always such a challenge that I opted for other types of perennials!!!
Here is something I've been posting on my social media forums for a few weeks:
. . . You know you should abandon the trump crazy train before it's too late.
We know it's very hard to leave the cult -- not unlike getting off alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs, but help is available -- some of the best help comes from the many sane republicans who are (at least this time) supporting Harris.
In any case, if you're not ready to 'come out' for Harris, you don't have to admit your Harris vote to family and friends -- vote in secret for Harris -- admitting the truth to yourself is a very good start in recovery ;-)
My aunt and uncle both born in 1920 respected each other to vote however they wanted without having to divulge their voting preferences. That’s how it should be. Women are not chattels and we are not going back
I’d hate to think that I lived with and loved someone who agreed with chump about anything. This election would not have been the first clue, me thinks…
My husband and I voted opposite of each other a couple times. We both had our reasons for our choices, we each respected that and life went on normally. Being married does not mean a woman has to vote against her own feelings.
A few years ago (election 2022) my husband and I were getting ready to deliver our mail in votes in person. Me: You’re voting for X, right? He: No, I voted for Y. After my initial blow up, I sat down and explained why a vote for Y was a vote that would harm me, and my daughter, among other things. When we got to the courthouse he changed his vote. Love that man!
I have found that very often, failures to consider issues from a totally foreign point of view - intentionally, coincidentally, or innocently explain most differences of opinion. Of course there are others, like emotional rather than logical thinking, but I think the foregoing explains most. Sometimes, just asking the right questions illuminates more than debates.
A reminder that all those ‘white women voting for Trump’ was not necessarily an example of free choice but rather another glaring example of domestic abuse, denying women the right to selfhood.
I heard a news story last week about an 80 year old woman voting for the FIRST TIME because her husband had died. He had always told her that there was no reason she needed to vote. Hearing what those pastors were saying about women being “unfaithful” if they vote differently than their husbands makes me nauseous.
My mother and father have always voted, and Mom never tells what her vote is. My parents have always respected each other’s right to privacy. Mom’s father educated his family about the importance of voting, and Mom has done the same. I have been a regular voter as an adult.
My late parents also voted their own way. On the way home from voting they would discuss and laugh as sometimes they voted the same and sometimes different.
I agree but the now very public suggestion that women can keep their vote private or can lie to their partners about their vote makes me very nervous. Raising this idea in this way casts suspicion on all women. I'm very worried that this could trigger the paranoia and anger in men that leads to domestic assault. The message should simply have been that in America, one's vote is private. But I really wish that it had just been left to women themselves to figure that out. Now, it's a thing, a big thing. I won't be surprised if it becomes an issue at the polls with some men demanding that they be able to watch their partner vote. I'm sure that women who live with domestic assault might very well be afraid to vote now. Note that I'm not saying or implying that all domestic abusers are Republicans. They exist in both parties.
Sadly, the anger and paranoia among men -- especially WHITE men -- already exists among the MAGA crowd. Their racism and misogyny is why they support TFG in the first place.
Abusers don’t abuse because of how their partner voted. No one causes another to abuse them. It reminds me of the woman who said, “No, my husband never hit me. I never gave him reason to.”
Hi Jean. I'm not sure I understand your answer. Domestic assault is only about control through violence. A person who assaults their partner could very well assault her for how she voted. They assault her for whatever reason they think she deserves to be assaulted for - how the pasta was cooked, talking to a man or her sister, not being home when he phoned, how she looked at him. There is no reason only an excuse. They just want to do it. Please clarify your thoughts.
We are trained as poll workers not to let anyone watch someone vote. They may assist in case of disability only. However, I can't prevent them from looking at each other's paper ballot if they are in line together at the scanner. But I would hope they can finesse a way to not be in line together if they truly need to hide.
IN my area, they put a cardboard cover over the ballot as they feed it in. I assumed it was that way everywhere. Even at my very busy polling place, there was no line for this, so nobody looking over my shoulder.
That's too bad. I thought there were rules allowing one person at a time at the ballot station. For the future, you may want to suggest to those in charge of the polls to consider a regulation for their polls of one person at a time at the ballot station.
Perhaps I was unclear or perhaps your State's voting process is different. The rule IS one person per voting machine. Georgia has voting touchscreens that print out a paper ballot to be used in any recounts or audits. Only when that paper ballot is scanned into the scanner is the vote actually cast. In most precincts, there are multiple touchscreens (our precinct has 12) but only 1 scanner. So sometimes a small line can form. That line is always monitored by a line scanner.
Living in Alaska I usually hold up late enough to read your letter. Your history and perspective ends my day with a positive note. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis of daily events measured with our country's history. The pendulum is always in motion. I believe it will continue to swing to the light.
Ally, after the LFAA and comments, I generally go to this site. I know that you are a respectful atheist (and I'm not trying to convert you). I know you have some real MAGA former colleagues, and while it might surprise them for you to post such a link, maybe this would make them think, assuming that they identify as Christians?
This website fills a void for me, as I can't tolerate the marriage of religion and politics.
There are no Harris signs in my neighborhood, and I find myself feeling hateful at the Trump-flag-bearing homes, without even knowing who lives in them. That's not the person I aspire to be, and it's really, really, hard.
Tonight, I have only one question: “Why have Republicans spent so much time and energy on trying to cancel the ACA?”
There are so many issues and challenges for our country that it just seems they could be better served by reaching across the aisle to solve problems. They simply demonstrate no willingness to govern for the people of this country. Instead, they cater to special interests and the moneyed class. Such a waste of time, like a drumbeat that has lost its melody.
The ACA is scaled up Romneycare; but it's connected to Obama, so Republicans have to hate it, and even compared it to "Nazi Germany". If Obama had found a generic cure for cancer, Republicans would be calling it the work of the devil*. Everything they do is labeled "good" and everything outside the cult is alleged to be "evil". It keeps the public off their guard while plutocrats pick their pockets.
*Vaccines, masks, and distancing empirically save lives, but in the depths of a million+ casualty pandemic, Repubs sought to demonize preventive care, and even make it illegal. Some even publicly said that it was selfish of older people to protect themselves by sheltering in ways that impeded maximal commerce.
You've probably seen the meme - something along the lines of: The Democrats want to increase our rights, the Republicans want to take them away. Seriously, the Republicans thrive on hatred and negativity. I'm so sick of it.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”— Frank Wilhoit
John D.: I found myself asking the same question this morning because, of course, we haven't heard anyone who opposes the ACA seriously and thoroughly lay out the objections. I have to assume the opposition to the ACA comes from opposition to a successful government program. To see the government effectively handle a problem and even become popular with the people undercuts the Reagan contention that "government is the problem."
They like to pick up, and pick upon, the easy issues. It's something that can be denigrated in a simplified way. For simplified people. Like the Nazis did with what they called "The Jewish Problem."
Why have they spent so much time trying to cancel ACA? That’s an easy one. It’s so they can renew their full subscription with their holy trinity of Big Pharma/Private healthcare companies/Partisan control of choice.
Most people who participate in this Substack are good listeners and kind in their responses, even if they are challenging or questioning. It is much appreciated because it creates a safe environment for thinking and questioning and learning. Just wanted to express my thanks for that.
Agree, except when they pull shenanigans that affect who can vote & if they can vote & how they can vote….and how those votes are tabulated (gerrymandering, voter suppression, etc.). We mustn’t forget that TFFFG never, not once, won the popular vote….probably won’t this time either, but that’s no guarantee he won’t “win”.
I am not unaware of all the voter suppression efforts and the legislatures that condone and support those efforts. Records reflect most, if not all, of these efforts occur in states with red/MAGA legislatures!!! Another reason to vote blue all the way up and down the ballot!
Disgusting, the hypocrisy of the MAGA Rethugs. Also, tffg blatantly threatening violence against Liz Cheney, isn't that a violation of a gag order? Consequences are hopefully in the works. Almost 2am now, and time to sleep. Like most others here, just tired of the ongoing tffg nonsense and have been intentionally consuming fewer Substack articles.
LOL….Abby, when I saw “age of Orange” my brain went straight to the toxic Agent Orange!!!! Maybe a song Agent Orange Man sung to the tune of Secret Agent Man!!!
There's a man who puts the land in danger; the garbage that he speaks is even stranger. Every move he makes, another bribe he takes; odds are that he'll lie again tomorrow.
The flaws and failures in our judiciary are revealed on a grand scale these days...esp with the obvious leniency and favoritism awarded to rich white, misogynist, racist scum such as the felon / rapist. We need a review of much of how this country is run, we need regular people to get involved so the criminals in charge no longer have any power.
Nate, it arose from President Biden calling his predessesor "the former guy". The additional "f" can stand for any adjective you'd like. My junior high brain suggests a profane description of an act of copulation, but my very principled friend who does not swear uses "freaking".
Ally, I now use 3 “F’s”: Former Felonious Fu*king (sometimes I switch up the order)…TFFFG! Just think of Hannibal Lector pronucing it…..you know enunciating the “ffffffff”…..with a bottle of Chianti!!!
One of the other commenters noted that if any of the rest of us made such a threat, we would be arrested. I guess that incitement to violence is permissible for billionaires.
Nothing seems more pleasing to Trump than breaking all the rules and getting away with it. His "Conservative Christian" following seems to love him for it. Republicans MAKE the rules (for others); they don't follow them. Isn't that pretty much the essence of tyranny?
I saw David Hogg on a panel/conversation and was impressed. He started "Leaders We Deserve" https://leaderswedeserve.com/. I'm glad to know about how they're thinking long term.
If I’m up late enough for the letter to arrive a big hole is blown in the next morning! Thankfully the comment section has populated by then. I’m so grateful for all of you here!
Interesting that the Right is telling religious women to be directed by their husbands where USA voting is concerned. These men are instructing women to relinquish their secret ballot, which is a USA free right, to the men who control them. They are being instructed to go against the United States freedom to vote. That tells us all we need to know about the religion of the Right. It is anti-USA freedom. Of course, it is anti-USA religious freedom, guaranteed in our Constitution. They are against our Constitution and Freedom. Women are their slaves.
I follow a lot of women on social media who used to be part of extreme right religious groups and who are now speaking out against the abuses they suffered while in those groups. It’s eye opening and appalling.
Seems to me that the overall theme of teaching attributed to Jesus is one of kindness and generosity, and and yet some of the most sociopathic behaviors in human history are have been claimed to be justified by "religion". Jesus taught indifference to wealth and political power (though he did advise paying taxes) that binds us to those who would control us. He was murdered for it, as have a number of other leaders who a little too successfully preached peace. One which side does Trump stand?
The purpose of Deity as I understand it is by culture. Is a deity God or Goddess, or can that Deity be both? This requires acquaintance with the history of religion on Earth by time and location. This acquaintance amount can be correlated with amount known and successfully interpreted by religion, by culture, by time and location. In the USA as I understand it (I have been baptized in the Reform Judaism, Catholic, and Sufi traditions. I have studied Paganism, and World Religions. I have studied Native American traditions, particularly that coming out of the Cherokee experience. I can say that my purpose, my reason for being here among humans and all of the rest of the living is to contribute thought and kindness to society for as long as I live. I don't know what the purpose is of most other people, indeed, I'd say, all other people.
Many god sets are gendered (Gods and Goddesses), but notably not Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. God is gendered and Male. Hard Right Religions in the USA tend to be Christian and Patriarchal in social practice as well as religious text acceptance.
Male domination is also found in societies that do not primarily practice Abrahamic religions, but male superiority seems to be rooted exclusively in brawn, not brain, and our societies are increasingly independent of muscular labor to the point where lack of exercise is a major health threat. Other than projection, why would one assume God (who can create anything as an act of will) would be male?
As for 'projection,' in my practice, and the practices of many, all deities are projections of human mind. There is a long history for this thought pattern across many cultures.
You are going to have to ask folks who believe 1) God or Goddess or both create everything we experience, and 2) God is male or female or both. You are asking the wrong person here about if there is a God in those terms and if that God creates from his or her or both's personal will, and 3) is any god set likely to be male given culture time and location. If you are asking is the assumption of a God's gender significant to his or her resulting religious structures and requirements for practitioners socially, politically, fiscally, and historically, many researchers have come to the place where the answer is yes, there is a strong influence of Deity gender on all of the above in terms of everyday life, and every kind of life humans experience from conception to grave.
As for brains, the jury is out on if males or females are better brain-wise or if they are similar by what society allows and trains for, location, and time. As for brawn, many men can beat smaller women down physically even now when brawn is not as important as brains work wise, but remains important other wise. especially domestically, for all women and children.
And there was a time when physical strength was advantageous in hunting and warfare, and with that came leverage. That said it seems to me that a lot of "tradition" was crafted to help certain people consolidate and defend anti-democratic tyranny; obey or else. We all want other people to cooperate with us, but some favor negotiation and others force. It's clearly not just that simple, but I think there are trend lines nevertheless; One person, one vote VS dictator.
Brains tell us how nature functions, so by knowledge and finesse, we can use the power of the wind to sail against the wind (by tacking). We coax shovelfuls of earth and rock into microprocessors. My daughter studied Aikido, a martial art that finesses the force of an attack into self-defeat of the aggressor. It's not invincible, but can preternaturally defeat greater physical strength. The founder of the art is rumored to have been quick enough to dodge bullets (he did fight in battle) but I don't believe it. I have seen moves that seem to defy physics, but are actually supremely attuned to it.
The only way my wife could betray this 78 year old white male would be for her to vote for the 78 year old white male who should be in jail rather than trying to lie his way to the White House.
Garbage man or McDonald’s may be the only jobs for which he is qualified!
“Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Let’s see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face.”
Seriously……WTF is wrong with this demented little prick‼️‼️‼️
JDinTX, I had the opportunity to watch dementia with several friends who went through it with their spouses, and an occasional glimpse professionally when the patient exceeded the caregiver's abilities. My friend (a former pastor) and his sweet wife, who stayed just as sweet and charming as she always had been and a former supervisor, whose spirited and energetic wife became a banshee. I only got called to the violent and uncontrollable ones professionally. One I will never forget is a man whose wife's father had dementia and they were caring for him in their home. The Dad went 'round the bend, and the husband had to physically restrain him as Dad was going for the gun cabinet. Dad went to the hospital, I took a detailed report, and made sure the husband had my contact info, and was well aware that DHS would be investigating. He wrote my supervisor a letter that was one of the most kind and complimentary citizen contact replies I ever got.
We just never hear about the ones who never go "dark". I've never seen a jerk flip the switch to nice, however. My father-in-law was awful, even worse than he had been when dementia hadn't taken his mind.
My MIL is slipping onto “the dark path”. I’ve only witnessed one other loved one travel the dementia path, my grandfather, and he stayed sweet and nonviolent. The paranoia and anger of my MIL is tough to navigate.
What a path you have traveled, you have been a strong advocate for sanity, even though it may have been problematic. A position on the point of a pin. I do admire our helpers of all stripes, bravery equal to any who put their lives on the line. And never know what to expect from some “in the throes…”
Thank you, JD. I was once told (by a bean counter supervisor) “It’s really too bad you can’t measure your strengths with statistics. You’d get better evaluations.” Sigh.
Imagine if all those Harris endorsements showed up on Foxy! The right-wing reaction to the Dems' messaging women married to Magas can discreetly vote for Harris without telling their partners shows just how much patriarchy still thrives in America. Thanks for letter, Heather, I hope those endorsements, both now and earlier, make a difference! This thing shouldn't seem too close to call!
If a woman does not feel comfortable discussing who she intends to vote for with her partner, that is a problem with the relationship, not the Democratic party. When it comes to bodies and voting booths - mind your own damn business!
Can’ imagine being with someone who would vote chump. Hell in my home wouldn’t fly at all.
It’s tough — we don’t talk about it.. I can’t understand how he could go from supporting Bernie to the orange grifter - it’s like living w a traitor -
Oh, sorry, Susie! It must be tough!
Oh condolences 💐
My sister had a husband who watched Fox News. Wanting peace at home she did naught. I came to visit one day to find him watching Fox hi volume. I Lost it and ordered him to turn it off immediately. As he did I said, “How can you watch that station with a wife you say you love knowing how awful it is for her?” He’s no longer in this realm. I like to imagine even he’d be disgusted with t& cronies.
Maybe he's tuned into the Fox Eternal channel, only in jest mind you. My neighbours have two tvs in the house, one for "her", one for "him", but they're both rabid Dem supports, more or less like myself.
Frank, we have one TV. We turn off the news when we can't stand like last night when we watched no national news. We are both ardent Ds and I can't even imagine living with a person voting for death star. As we have mail in ballots, we sometimes discuss how to vote especially on ballot measures. Across the street is our male R neighbor who doesn't speak to us and his D wife who loves to discuss politics and does when she is at our neighbors without him. He once told her to stop listening to some radio station that she liked and she told him to get lost.
Weird humor, lost my sense of humor re Fox
Fix attracts men by showing sports.
We don't talk about it l, either. I'm almost certain he know how I feel/how I'll vote with how I've been clapping back at family, but he takes a "logical minded" approach and only looks at comparisons of candidates' policies and then votes for the one he likes most. His family is historically Republican, so he has a bias to get over as well that I don't think he acknowledges.
He doesn't follow news, social media, or, unfortunately, HCR.
I understand it, to some extent, and I would like that to be the way of things, but it isn't.
Hitler's policies sounded good on paper too - look where that got us.
Thinking I might need to have a conversation in my house and am dreading it. I hate conflict.
If I may presume to give you advice: approach it gently, and talk about how YOU feel without accusations. How you feel disrespected by TFG, scared about the future of women, etc. Bring "receipts" - proof of what he said, preferably videos. But mostly how he scares you (all of us) if he's elected. Good luck.
Maybe share with him the recent Economist endorsement for Harris, which cites the dangerousness of his policies for our economy.
Thank you for the advice. We had a long, fraught conversation where neither of us changed each other's mind. He still believes that policy should be all the matters. He isn't a MAGA diehard, for which I am grateful, but he cannot conceive of voting Democrat because their core beliefs/platforms do not align with his. He said if he ends up not liking Republican policies when he looks them up in the next few days that he will vote 3rd party.
I am disheartened and greatly saddened, but not surprised.
You could share some/all of the major U.S. economic news magazine/publications headlines this week about how our current economic health is the envy of the world.
I have a Republican daughter and grandkids in TX, TJB, and we had some uncomfortable conversations a few months back. I learned today that they all voted early for Harris at the top, Allred for senate, Dems when they were on the ballot, and left blank any slots that had only Republican candidates. I don't take any credit for how they voted, but rather than attacking conservative policy, I mostly talked about E. Jean Carroll, the Access Hollywood tape, and Dobbs. I said more than half the people in America are female, and I couldn't trust anyone to be in charge of the whole country who disenfranchised the majority of us. It only points to someone who doesn't consider the whole picture, so how could any of us rely on any of his decisions or policies as sound? Don't know if that helps, but I hope it does.
Thanks for sharing this about your life, TJB.
I hate caving worse
Absolutely; Nothing is worse than the gnawing of self loathing owing to fear.
I asked a dear friend if I really knew his heart like I thought I did. He seemed to think about it but got out of answering me when he died just before the 2016 election. I still wonder... I feel for your situation, such can rip you apart. in so many ways
Trump took Bernie's message to the working class, twisted it, and deployed it. The Democratic Party fenced Bernie out, and because Americans liked Trump's fake-gold bravado and bullying, we got as criminal as a result.
Still griping about 2016? Really? I supported Bernie then and did again in 2020 but he never could have won, he is simply too far left for even very liberal Democrats. It's sad but true. I would much prefer Bernie to any of the Democrats who have run in the past 8 years (including Harris) but I am also a political realist. What I favor doesn't win elections. I still think Harris can win this although I am not very confident. But PLEASE get over Bernie, it's a waste of psychic energy.
I was for Bernie, too, Jon. I still like his take on things, but like you I am a realist. I voted for Hillary, because I thought she could win and Bernie couldn't. I voted for Biden, because more TFG was unthinkable, and again for Harris for the same reason. As to getting to Bernie's goals, I think it's a slow process and won't happen in any one presidency, even his if he'd gotten the job. I do think Kamala's stated agenda will take us farther down the Sanders road, but we won't get there until a possible second term for her or even later. It will depend on how severe the backlash is to a female of color in the oval. We got TFG largely in response to the election of a black man, imho, so what happens after Harris will determine if we progress or regress.
I feel this way about my parents. They live 3 miles away and I haven't been able to bring myself to reach out to them for a month. Of course, they haven't reached out to me either.
Indeed it is. I am so sorry.
I have the same situation. We finally discussed it civilly after a few years of screaming. He really believes the bullshit that Fox spews. I never thought i could be with someone like this but he's a 71 yo white male former construction worker so he's their demographic. I'd say I can't wait until this is over but it won't be over uuntil January. Gotta hang tight and keep the meds coming 🤪
LATE BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN : IN A SURPRISING TURN OF EVENTS, HALF OF DONALD TRUMP’s FACE FELL OFF AFTER HIS ORANGE MAKEUP HARDENED AND PULLED FROM HIS FACE REVEALING AN EMPTY CRANIAL CAVITY WHERE THE RESIDUE OF WORMS ONCE INCUBATED.
MORE NEWS AT 11.
Empty suit, empty head. Sorry worms
Via proximity to kennedy
What a trio, chump, JD and RFK. Almost as bad as Tx
If only!
🤣🤣🤣! Thanks, Bill.
LOL, Bill.
oh Jeez, Bill lol
You mean MAGAts?
For me, it's a deal breaker. I'm a widow, but I wouldn't give the time of day to a trumper. Not one second.
Same here, it would be an assault on me, as a human being
Yeah but isn't living in Texas pretty much the same thing? Maybe it's gotten better but when I was there in 2022, I felt the stifling effect of its leanings. I don't care how much financial benefit I could get over California (quite a bit as it turns out) I could never live there, sorry not meaning to offend you, just your state!
Offend away, it used to be awesome. I’m too old to move, but would if I could. Has turned so hateful and ugly.
Apparently whatever women are doing, they are doing it in the voting booth in greater numbers than men. I appreciate the optimism, and here is more. 5 reasons for hope.
https://kamala4prez.substack.com/p/5-reasons-for-hope
He’s right…women ARE kryptonite to Repubs and especially to MAGA!
Considering what is "reported" as a weakness constituency for Harris, men who really love women should be kryptonite to maga's too. I know because I am a man who worships the fairer and stronger gender; of every size, shape, and ethnicity, and as a matter of record.
These men are when they vote. I know a lot who do not vote in the Millennial category. Too comfortable, too interested in making money, too caught up on YouTube. Their wives vote, and do not vote MAGA.
The joke from the 2016 and 2020 election cycle is still apropos-
A woman voting Republican is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders.
Gotta visit the Evangelical pews, Gary, though the joke is funny. also eg a dual citizen professional female in Toronto, Canada, was definitely voting Trump, no hesitation.
You did mean "They" know, didn't you Ryan ?
Thanks! I needed that.
Sure Chris! It helped me so I decided to spread it around. We need to stand together. When we vote we win!
Thanks for sharing this link, simple and powerful.
Men would have to get off the couch and turn off the football games. So probably not a likely event LOL
While volunteering to handout the Democratic slate pamphlet at an early voting site, I observed many maga couples walking male leading a few steps ahead of the female with adult children trailing!
I start my election polling work tomorrow morning….(Maricopa County), I’m sure I will see similar sights. I am always saddened by the ultra-MAGA women, especially when they bring their children with them…what messages What messages already imprinted.😢
Good luck and thank you for doing this.
I have a Dem activist friend who was visiting her brother in Scottsdale. She went to a small Kamala event a coupla days ago and to Penzey's yesterday... she said it felt good to feel safe and among friends. If you get overwhelmed, I suggest a trip to Penzey's, Carol. They sell a French herbs concoction that is to die for, and you'll like the vibe.
digging is the tribal name of the game here, Carol, i guess well you know.
I saw that too! I couldn’t help but feel a little pity.
Campaigning here in Wisconsin. I've seen the oversize glossy flyers a GOP group is mailing out for Jill Stein. Front side environmental issue lies against Harris, backside environmental issue lies for Stein. I canvassed my first self identified Stein voter yesterday, a young woman living in an enclave of McMansions. She said 'sadly this time I'm not voting for any Democratic candidates.' She seemed uneasy but urging herself on. I don't try to dissuade any Trump aligned voters because they can get defensive and dig in. But, I did feel sad. I think her concerns may have to do with Gaza. Electing Trump won't help. Anything.
If it was Gaza, she's about to get some hopes dashed. Some time ago he remarked, let the Israelis finish it....
Oh they went beyond 'finish it...'
Trump's policy point-man on the NE - Jared Kushner - has proposed 'bulldozing the Negev desert, building camps for Palestinians' and developing valuable [and Palestinian free] Gaza waterfront property.' Exactly the solution racist right wing religious extremist real estate thugs would pursue.
Trump's solution to every war is capitulate to the "strong man" - Putin, Netanyahu - why bother fighting for silly intangibles like freedom, beliefs and principles?
I have a friend in a RED state who is voting for Stein; she wouldn't if she though it would affect anything..... BUT I've heard the Green Party statements that they are DELIBERATELY going after Harris/Walz and it sickens me...that's not issue driven, it's just hubris and stupid!
Pax, Stein voters will get drowned out so have no worry. It’s too bad that your friend cannot see that Stein is a Russian agent. Does she know her own kids won’t even speak to her and begged her not to run?
I wouldn't give even a half-penny's worth of thought to Stein or RFK Jr., Pax. They're misguided at best, malicious spoilers at worst, but fortunately neither has enough voters to make any difference. Stein's at less than 1%, and Bobby's at 1 or 2% since Harris got in and he got out of the race. Those percentages could make a difference in a swing state, but not in a reliably red or true blue state.
History very clearly shows that votes for 3rd party candidates are not only wasted, but wasted blindly in that there's no guarantee who the wasted vote will favor between the 2 mainstream parties; those waste factor possibilities should be shocking enough to dissuade. *edit - Furthermore, most 3rd party fliers "know" they have no chance of election. Some are put up to taking votes by one of the two mainstream parties.
And if she cares about the environment, one can point out how Jill Stein obviously doesn't if she is willing to risk throwing the election to the most anti-environmental president in history.
I am always careful on this "you're going to throw the election" argument. We argue that voting is the right of every citizen. If they truly believe in Jill (and I can understand why because she is really good left wing on most things) you will just piss them off with that approach. But if their position is to support the Palestinians in Gaza, there I would go full steam on pointing out how MUCH MORE Trump's position is bad for Gaza and how making a choice that is likely to minimize more hurt to the Palestinians is important. Sure Stein would be a better choice in the abstract but it will not help the Gazans of Trump wins. That's the best you can do, I think.
My friend was on the phone with such a person and asked why and gave responses that got the person to see things with new eyes, because they knew nothing.
Sometimes that works but not always. And whatever they think, challenging their intelligence rarely works.
I told my RFK supporting friend that no matter how much she likes his stands on the environment and vaccines, he doesn't have a prayer of winning, lin+. I said it will come down to TFG and Harris, even if Bobby's still on the ballot, which I believe he is in WI. I'd tell a Stein supporter something similar - that no matter how good Stein looks, she can't get enough electoral college votes to win, so it's better to vote for TFG or Harris, depending on which will be more helpful to Gaza, if that's her #1 issue. Harris supports a 2-state solution, TFG will refuse aid to Palestine and encourage Bibi to bomb it back to the stone age. There's video to support the latter remark, if you can get it teed up on your phone to show 3rd partiers.
History very clearly shows that votes for 3rd party candidates are not only wasted, but wasted blindly in that there's no guarantee who the wasted vote will favor between the 2 mainstream parties; those waste factor possibilities should be shocking enough to dissuade. *edit - Furthermore, most 3rd party fliers "know" they have no chance of election. Some are put up to taking votes by one of the two mainstream parties.
Sorry I generally think that's a bad argument. It makes sense and hopefully smart people will understand but to push it on people who are seriously opposed to Harris is counterproductive. Better to leave them alone and hope they will see the light.
Deliberate stupidity
No it's not stupidity. We spend years teaching kids about how serious voting your conscience is so why would we call it stupidity when kids actually learn the lesson and take it to heart? You can try to reason with them but better to leave them with "will at least promise me you won't vote for Trump and think hard about the consequences of your choice. " But too much pressure is highly counterproductive, at least in my estimation.
We walk like this because my husband is a faster walker than I am and I like to take my time enjoying my surroundings. We are liberal voters.
Your business is your business, but ... I'm a fast walker, too. When I am walking with someone I care about, I slow down to their pace. Just sayin' ...
I know that story, i'm inherently a little slower thanks to ageing hardware, but i smell "the roses" with camera in tow, pretty much umbilical at this stage.
I’m gonna borrow “aging hardware”, Frank. I like that explanation. 👏🏼👏🏼
My father-in-law was a slow walker and his girlfriend a fast walker. They lived in NYC and took a walk every day. She would walk her pace to the end of the block, then turn around and walk fast back to him, and so on. They lived together in a NYC apartment. They had plenty of together time.
Carla, this is us. My hubby has long legs and he has always led because I refuse to run to keep up.
Well, perhaps his vote will be canceled out (and more) by his family.
It is the patriarchy in action. However, these are families that are voting in person so she can do what she wants in the voting booth, just to exercise a little power.
Amen, Linda. Just like in the Julia Roberts ad. What happens in the booth stays in the booth.
my ex wife tended to walk behind, hardly what i wanted, then she went off her meds, end of that story. Almost kidding. My current gf, hardly a rebel or "feminist", generally ends up maybe 3-4 paces ahead of me, mainly she can walk a little faster, me slower, and admittedly, with a camera in hand. Dont take this too seriously
Jeezus
I imagine he was a slow and patient walker. Until the crowds became too large and then climb into a boat, and speak without profanity to the burgeoning crowds. (grin)
They waste no time turning women into handmaidens!
The Roe decision was based on people's right to privacy, and so does the right to vote. MAGA doesn't respect privacy for anyone, but especially not for women. They want the government to monitor pregnancies! I wish everyone would mind their own damn business, Steve. They have no business in the bedroom, the doctor's office, or the voting booth. But try telling them that.
Steve, of course you are right. I'd voice my political opinions, regardless of what my husband thought, and woe be to anyone - man or woman - who demanded otherwise. Of course, I don't discuss controversial subjects or politics with people whose opinions differ from mine, or those who don't reveal their preferences. However, any woman who can't voice her political opinions to her spouse should find a good divorce lawyer.
Amen, brother! So true!!
Amen
Exactly!!!
That comment by that “Christian” pastor… My jaw hit the floor. In what day and age is that man living in?? In 1312 or something?? Vote, women of America, vote! Vote like your life depends on it (because it does)! Vote for Kamala, vote out the misogynist!
Some clear examples of why religion (patriarchy) and the R party aren’t rocking it with women. Waters of Fox said lying to your husband about whom you voted for is JUST LIKE having an affair!!! Oh please.
Right. But if you ACTUALLY cheat on your wife, you're qualified to be POTUS.
On Hallows Eve, Trump asked his people to execute his political enemies.
Trump on Liz Cheney: ‘Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her’ https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/10/31/2024-elections-live-coverage-updates-analysis/trump-rips-liz-cheney-00186693
Fight. https://events.democrats.org/
Yes, and if you or I made that same statement, we'd be arrested.
My thoughts exactly, Daniel, shouldn’t he, ahem, be visited by by the FBI for those clear threats of violence? He’s getting bolder, older, more “out there” and desperate by the minute. If he’s not careful the stress and all those “hamberders” will give him a Big MacAttack🍔!
Isn’t Trump on supervised release in NY prior to sentencing?
I saw an interview with the Attorney General of Arizona, Daniel, and she is looking into arresting TFG if the state laws support it.
In my business I am required to place a person on a mental health hold to be hospitalized if he/she threatens to kill someone.
problem is, this encourages wannabe proxies, often just the emotionally vexed, amped up by the endless rhetoric and grand standing.
He ought to be placed under a hold for psychiatric observation. An ordinary citizen making murderous insinuations is a danger to self and others. We all know these are dog whistles for his racist, misogynistic base to act on his behalf. Trump is a dangerous, demented man.
Exactly. He will never get his own chubby, tiny hands dirty...
I was hoping Foxy's dump would be something of an end to Tucker, foolish me!
At least if you are a republican....
Touche
Or be a host on Fox
Exactly!
I wonder if Gingrich has told his third wife that he's also cheated on her
Well, Trump named her to the ambassadorship of the Vatican, so it’s unlikely he’d risk getting to live in luxury at some embassy or other in the next 4 years.
Well he's an intellectual sinkhole, MLM. And a great one to talk about fidelity, since he was married when he met and courted his current wife.
Exactly! I felt i got swiped by a time warp.
What a detestable histrionic little man, it’s all for show and of course for a fat pay check.
Welcome to the world of weak men. Mark Cuban was right about these right wing men being scared of string intelligent women.
Rickey, I have long wondered why so many men—and some culturally ingrained misogynistic countries/cultures (women covered head-to-toe, can’t speak in public, travel w/o male accompaniment, etc.)—are so freakin’ scared of women that they have to keep their boot on women’s neck. Are they that weak that they can’t control themselves in women’s presence? Maybe I’m dense, but the root motivation for this confounds me and makes zero sense. I’ve posted this rec here before, but may I suggest the thought-experiment novel by Naomi Alderman “The Power”.
I've wondered the same... Maybe this is what we Dutchies call "de knuppel in het hoenderhok gooien", but are still so many men afraid of intelligent women, because they think they won't get any sex if women get to decide such things for themselves? It won't be any problem if you're interesting and self-conscious enough as a man, but maybe that's the point? They somehow sense their own insecurity and project that onto (their relationship with) women?
Dunno, DM, could it be as simple as this? (From Annie Get Your Gun) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn8PSd_6bq4
I dunno... That sounds to me like a competition. Imho, we should be here to support one another, using our inborn talents for the good of others.
When you think of powerful Democratic men, behind almost all of them is a woman who is the smarter one in the relationship.
When you look at Republican politicians you see men who support the patriarchy. This is why there are so few Republican politicians relative to Democrat ones.
How about "I'm far taller if I stand on you." By that, I suppose women are considered platform heels.
Barbara, many of the men around here on Cape Cod I meet, say their wives are smarter than they are. So. There’s hope? I think this attempt in our present world to go backwards culturally is the effect of the rise of women in not only politics but also in access to education. It reminds me of the rise of nationalism as the world is impacted by the internet and more that has virtually threatened cultural differences. Reflexive! Repressive. And yes deeply fearful. ‘Close the border, close the society!’ Who are The real Americans? Only the native Indians are as you know it, as most of us on this site know. My favorite saying (as a Winslow) is NO ONE INVITED US HERE!
Barbara, Samani, i think you're dead on about a massive cultural shift underway, and a lot of males are at sea.
I think you're pretty close dead on, they're manning the patriarchal ramparts.
That “Christian” pastor’s ‘father who art in heaven’ is patriarchal bullshit. The fear and dominance he’s spreading needs to die.
It was dieing for centuries but is not dead yet...
Keep sharing this 1 min video as Charlie Kirk,”Christian” pastor Webon and others say the silent part out loud ! 📣
https://x.com/senecaprojectus/status/1810372496878874790
🤮🤬……and here I wait and wait and wait….for the ERA to finally be ratified. Maybe once Harris is POTUS it will come to pass….kinda like folks have forgotten about it…. Not unlike how SCOTUS decimated the Voting Rights Act cuz “we’re all good now, right?”…..um, wrong…so wrong.
NPR contained an article with an interview with a pastor of a Pentacostal church. He played the ‘hate the sin, forgive the sinner card’ when he commented that
“And so you can have some people with some pretty deep moral struggles who are upholding a platform that we support. And I tell our people, don't pay as much attention to the struggles — pay attention to the platform. “
The words of Pentecostal church pastor Chad Harvey, whose sermons — often to weekly crowds of about 3,000 — usually feature on Cross Assembly's social media channels.
“And I tell our people, don't pay as much attention to the struggles — pay attention to the platform. Because here's what the Bible says: There's none righteous. No, not one. We're all messed-up people. “
“Some pretty deep moral struggles…”!! Seriously Chad!
Cheated on each of his 3 wives
Advocates sexual assault on women
Convicted of sexual assault
Convicted of financial fraud and election fraud
Deadly incompetent management of US policy during covid crisis leading to over 1,000,000 Americans death
Disdains laws that impede his pursuit of avaricious greed.
Lead and participated in the organization of the Jan 6 assault on our election process.
Dear Chad:
The creature trump is running for the office of POTUS not some low level municipal office!
‘We’re all messed…’ however your position is reckless!
https://www.npr.org/2024/10/29/nx-s1-5165535/trump-christians-evangelical-harris-support
Ahmahgerd... Being so misogynistic and on top of that he has the name "Chad", too? The guy is a living meme...
The living embodiment of toxic masculinity.
That is the Christian, patriarchal, literal Bible believing way of Christian nationalism. It’s a brain washing cult.
He's only 39 and a former "entrepreneur". That should tell you something.
Oh. A """"succesful"""" businessman like the Convicted Orange Felon, more likely...
Me too! I copied it and posted the comment on my FB feed with HCR credit of course.
Good on you! This blatant misogyny needs to be exposed as much as possible.
Don't worry, Dutch. Women are voting in much greater numbers than men, and we know which side of the bread is buttered. We can listen to patriarchal pastors on Sunday to our heart's content and do as we wish on Tuesday.
You go, girls!! The world needs you. You need to ditch the COF and wannabe-emperor Musk, but I would also love to see a woman of colour be your president!
Dutch Mike, I’m with you on your political sentiments, but if your jaw is dropping to the floor due to the “Christian pastor’s” (my quotation marks includes pastor) comments, pick it up. It’s what the apostates like the religious misogynists commonly believe. It’s what I and others whose stumbling loyalties to Jesus abhor.
That's what I mean: how on Earth can you profess to be a Christian and 'be with Jesus" when you tell people this kind of sh•t?
1312 or Idaho; same thing.
YES🤯
Frank, wishes do come true: George Conway (Kelly Anne’s ex,) who had been involved in the Lincoln Project, started the Anti-Psychopath PAC, and ran ads highlighting Trump’s cognitive decline on Fox; the Golf Channel and other networks he watches. Other ads, which some might find triggering, recount the words of women he (allegedly 🙄) assaulted. The pac specifically bought time in the Florida market including West Palm Beach. It also bought billboards reading “Attention golfers: Trump cheats,” visible from his golf courses in Florida and New Jersey. A similar one was also scheduled to be bought near Mara Largo this month.
https://www.psychopac.org
I always smile when I read anything about or by George Conway!
I am amazed at how much better George looks! I don't like to judge people by their appearances, but he reminds me of when coworkers would retire, then come in to visit. We'd always remark how good retirement made them look! I think that Kellyanne must have been miserable to live with. Good for George!
PS.... how did i get up so early to be a "first commentator"! Well back to bed, my two kitties who moved out to the living room sofa, will likely follow suit. Still need another hour's zzz.
Heh . . . I’m out in Hawai’i where it is 22:47 and I’m heading to bed! Nite! 💤
We need to start a Hawaii chapter of the Letters from an American club
Frank, I call LFAA my Late Night University….. What I SHOULD learn is NOT to log on in the middle of the night when I awake & can’t fall back to sleep…but it’s not unlike cracking a good book…same “down the rabbit hole” results…enjoyable but tiring in the end!!! Good thing I’m retired!!!! [Some years ago I went to bed & picked up a book I’d been reading…read late-ish—11:00 or so—and thought uh-oh I need to get to sleep so I won’t be too tired at work……wait!!! OMG! I’m retired now and don’t have to be at work in the morning…lol….read until I finished the book…it was 4 a.m., and I then slept past noon. It was my first retirement epiphany!!!!😁]
Barbara, I used to have to get up anytime between 2:30 and 4:00 am to get to work. There are some difficult parts of this time of time, but oh boy do I love not worrying about the clock to head into work!!
lol. I'm still a "7 am" kind of riser, but pee breaks lead to 4am events. My watch says that even with a couple of them and an hour or so of looking at LFAA and commenting a little, i clocked nine hours 1 min zzzz . I'm not sure how accurate the gadget is, to be honest. I get back to sleep usually by putting on an audible, something not too intense or even boring. Put it on a timer, usually don't get through 30 minutes.
For me, Frank, it is my 3 yr old dogger, Piper (aka “hyper Piper”) who needs to do her “business” in the wee hours (see what I did there?) of the night. Now normally I’d just let her out for a bit, but she being all black & invisible at night in the yard, I have to shine a flashlight on her & follow her lest she make moves to run into the way-back yard where—oh my!—skunks and raccoons cavort in the night (ask me how I know about late night skunking’s!!!). So, by the time she has completed her ablutions in the glare of the flashlight, I am fully awake and falling back into restful sleep is elusive. LFAA to the rescue….sort of, as I read until my eyelids finally droop once again into sleep as dawn approaches.
There is no ♥ icon here, thanks for this, Barbara! I can just imagine the scene. No 4 am discovery of LFAA for me is the more customary routine. My current audible is Empire of the Steppes! Interesting but a bit in the weeds, LOTS of conquering warlords or at least the attempts. It's a 4500 year tale of how the various peoples of the Eurasian steppes interacted with the ancient and not so ancient empires surrounding them. If I'm too awake, Ill put on a more sleepifying Bible audible by Dave Suchet, a great reader, humanistic and human interest here is my game.
It's not early in Hawai'i, but you still beat me ;-)
I'm currently in the UK
2:49 a.m. here in CA just about nodding off
Kitty!! Kitties!!
Late riser at 5, kitty on my lap. Enjoy
Hah! Right, does she not sleep? Either a strict Calvinist or on freebase (kidding!) Seriously though.
Satanic cults never sleep.......MAGA........Opus Die/Heritage Foundation are at the Gates of Hell right now, readiy to open the doors wide open..... after waiting and planning for decades. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS...YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE.
I think her hours must be somewhat vampiric these days!
So does she sleep in? In Atlantic Canada, one hour ahead of Eastern, Heather's letters sometimes don't hit til 6 am. I was wondering if some kind of automation delay.
I suspect she's not in the Eastern Time Zone right now. My Letters, which usually arrive between 9-11 p.m. were arriving at 1 a.m. when she was in Portland, OR.
Once in a while my sleep clock goes haywire and I am awake when Heather posts her letter. Amazing how many of her followers are up. And how eager we seem to be to respond to her consistently excellent presentation of events tying them together. Enjoy your snooze.
Having an enlarged prostate would explain....😄
🤣
This article from Scientific American explains why polls are far less reliable these days:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-election-polling-has-become-less-reliable/
Doug, thank you for this!
Many thanks, i've heard as much.
Thanks, I’ve been screaming this from the rooftops. Who under 30 has a landline?
I’ve commented in this forum before that it is the women of America that will save it. I fervently believe that and will remain grateful to them to the end of my days!
Glad to see you as first out of the gate, Frank. Honestly, I think the idea of patriarchy is overblown. I used to believe it until I did counter-insurgency field-work in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those experiences convinced me that, notwithstanding all the bluster by men, changing a culture entails working with the women.
Inasmuch as I differ on one word, Frank, my reaction about this essay coincides with yours, on the level of feeling. My exasperation with the large gender gap is that so many men still buy into candidate Trump's aggressively and Senator Shady J.D.'s pedantically macho-mouthed scheiße. The divide should be close and favouring President Harris.
@Frank Loomer. YOU can send them to Fox comments on their websites. On Fox social media. To Fox outlets. What's stopping you?
I believe women are doing something because here is a discussion of the early ballots called Trump's Turnout Troubles.
https://youtu.be/EZvQCIsu8Zs?si=PkMng4T0rMo3rsnL
For more reasons than just outreach to women, I thought that particular commercial was the best of the season. For instance, guess who doesn't consider how silly it is to post your election choices on FB or other social media ? The youth - young folks that grew up with FB ! The privacy of one's voting choice is sacrosanct; that's why there are curtains there for christmas sake !
Love the sense of humor in Heather's today.
When she talks about American women making voting decisions for themselves, she nabs former House Speaker Newt Gingrich going apoplectic that women might have voting choices of their own -- as if such a moral possibility invokes the Q as to: "what kind of a totally amoral, corrupt, sick system have the Democrats developed?” Of course, Heather started the para by reminding us of the far greater cheating Newt had practiced on his first two wives -- no Dems needed to spur his depravity.
No end to the hypocrisies, lies, exaggerations, deceptions, and other chicanery normal now in the circles of the political party running a convicted criminal and court-adjudicated rapist for president.
But it's not just idiocy and madness informing Heather's mirth. Remember, she's author of books looking levelly at the presence throughout U.S. history of slave-owning classes for whom human dignity has always stopped at the questions of ownership and short-term profit that comprise the sum total of any possible ethics for both the slave owners and their current varieties of nihilist, cynical, and others of supreme vulgarity.
Yes, the women seem to be pouring out. Let's hope that trend continues, to relegate to history and its dustbins all the patriarchal charades still pontificating, lying, attempting newest forms of oldest slavery.
Enjoy this counterpart to the women's sticky notes: Narration by George Clooney that men's votes are private from MAGA bro pals!
https://www.threads.net/@johnlcorbett/post/DBz4pPDOPJ1?xmt=AQGzUthLl8HzKBwef8EwgxFAqtDxcjP2mX__p9_lV3rHZw
Thank you Ellie for posting this clever approach to common sense. I will never understand how anyone can find anything admirable in that sleaze bag liar. Some of Heather’s reporting is new to me and shocks me after all these years of his 💩💩💩💩. How can this race be close? Beam me up Scotty! There’s no intelligent life on Earth has never felt more accurate. 💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼. Think Positive Thoughts for a peaceful transition. 💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Gigi, maybe THAT’S why we’ve never been visited by aliens…..they cruise by, take a good look & say “nope, let’s not waste our time”…..
"MAGA bro pals," Ellie -- love how human decency stands out in this little video.
And I'm accessing this of yours (your kindness in providing link) at a time when I've just seen the newest of the orange felon in a rally hosted by Tucker Carlson. There the exhausted, deranged, vitriolic criminal convict does nothing but intersperse venom for others with rank public masturbation for himself.
Nothing but? No, Ellie, because in his latest sinking to new lows he now urges Liz Cheney be put up before a firing squad, nine rifles aimed at her head for newest display of the icky fat, fat felon's murderous sickness.
And Newt of all people espousing morality?? What a joke!!
It’s a further demonstration of Trump’s sociopathy, sadism, and mental decay. There is no bottom with Donald, no low he will not reach. He doesn’t want to get his own tiny hands messy with the blood of others, so he encourages his MAGA maniacs to violence.
This is NOT normal political discourse. It is a vicious threat, and he knows it well.
And yet the GOP expresses their [faux] outrage at Biden's gaf
Oh hell. Remember they had a cow when Obama wore a tan suit?
Almost didn’t post this, Phil, but your choice of words brought to mind an image I can’t unsee based on something some comic (I think) said. Not unlike now always hearing accordion music in my head when TFFFG does that back ‘n forth thing with his hands (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S65jqrHQi_c). Anyway, some comic said TFFFG’s fist-pumping “dance moves” looks like he’s jerking off two guys at once. Can’t. Unsee. That. Image. When he makes those moves!
Bill Maher says that always.
Ah, thanks JD, that’s probably where I heard it, tho’ don’t watch him much anymore.
He does tolerate too much crap from his “special” guests, who I have to ff over. No tolerance for deliberate stupidity
Are we a nation of cowards. I may be on chump’s enemies list, but anybody who knows me likely knows my sentiments. And I know theirs, we used to coexist, W and the tea party started to change that. Chump ripped that all to hell, with republicans on board all the way.
Yeah, JD, I was just thinking the other day about the Tea Party being the noticeable beginning of the fraying of the Republican Party.
The "soft" racists allied with the gun-toting militia nuts in Texas and changed the dynamics, with help from Moscow Mitch. I was shocked at some "friends" during that period.
Great link, Ellie! Thank you!
MAGA bros think they want a strong man. Some ideas from Timothy Snyder on that. . .
Strongman rule is a fantasy. Essential to it is the idea that a strongman will be your strongman. He won't. In a democracy, elected representatives listen to constituents. We take this for granted, and imagine that a dictator would owe us something. But the vote you cast for him affirms your irrelevance. The whole point is that the strongman owes us nothing. We get abused and we get used to it.
Another pleasant illusion is that the strongman will unite the nation. But an aspiring dictator will always claim that some belong and others don't. He will define one group after another as the enemy. This might feel good, so long as you feel that you are on the right side of the line. But now fear is the essence of life. The politics of us-and-them, once begun, never ends.
We dream that a strongman will let us focus on America. But dictatorship opens our country to the worst the world has to offer. An American strongman will measure himself by the wealth and power of other dictators. He will befriend them and compete with them. From them he will learn new ways to oppress and to exploit his own people.
At least, the fantasy goes, the strongman will get things done. But dictatorial power today is not about achieving anything positive. It is about preventing anyone else from achieving anything. The strongman is really the weak man: his secret is that he makes everyone else weaker.
OH MY GOD!
Ellie--this is, wow, no words this is so GOOD!
Thank you for sharing this, I hope all who have social media will put up this link!!!
It's a shame that some have to hide how they vote to stay in good grace with their social crowd, but that is human nature. People frequently avoid telling the exact truth to their friends and family so they can simply get along.
Men must pour out FOR Harris and against Trump, too. We are counting on our husbands, sons, brothers, nephews, cousins and colleagues to have our female backs!
You know what I've noticed though (just a hunch?) there's more of us out there than they're able to count.
🤞
Mika gets it. She has been appealing to men as much as to women regarding women's reproductive rights.
My wife had 5 miscarriages. The 5th one was at 20 weeks. The fetal heart rate was easily detected at this point. She delivered the still born fetus in the hospital under the care of an amazing ob-gyn team. Today, in many states the doctor's options could have been considered illegal and the doctor locked up.
Her 6th pregnancy resulted in the birth of our daughter who was born 11 weeks premature at 2 lb 12 oz. Again the team in the delivery room was incredible. If this had happened today in many of the forced birth states, it is quite possible both my wife and daughter wouldn't have survived.
What father wouldn't have been devastated and never again voted for a single Republican? I haven't for years.
Everything ol’ Newt says applies to Republicans, not Democrats. He’s been a stain on our political life for years, and he should just go away into private life.
How about he finally go to hell. The hypocrite is as vile now as he was when he and Tom Delay, and a host of other monsters, soiled our country. Liz and Adam are two of a precious few who now recognize the reality of the garbage dump they have created, in our own back yard.
Your first sentence made me lol. That’s the best idea yet for Mr. sanctimony.
Newt is the poster child for Republican hypocrisy and evil. More so than chump
I don't know, Jeri, I think they're neck and neck 😆
Darn it, Ellen, you unleashed my junior high brain. It went to another piece of human anatomy, all brown and wrinkly, way south of the neck and on the backside.
Newt was the first to make it sort of OK. I was shocked in the 90's, more so by repubs than Bill and his zipper idiocy.
they are threatening every human alive with every degree of invasion of people's lives, to dictate their morals from on high. and to keep the patriarchal order going where men do what they want and make the rules and definitions and laws, when all reason suggests, and history tells us is contra their entire weak spin of history and science. AND a distorted and dis-informational relation to factual knowledge, empirical science.
Is it any wonder that these people fear academia and scientists so much?
They're hyper-paranoid and all worked up about shit that aint none of their bidnisss.
Bodily autonomy is bodily autonomy, like identity is identity and consent means consent, never the other. Voting is the same way.
If that's the position they take, then you know for real you're dealing with fascists.
I don’t appreciate their right to be butting into other people’s private lives, even though I am not doing anything more than hard work and being a single and happy cat lady. Vance is my senator and I didn’t vote for him, and can’t stand him. What I’m concerned about is losing the election to Trump, and losing our good Senator Sherrod Brown to a dishonest car salesman. Moreno and Trump are both grifters.
Brown deserves support, and I did donate. Good man
Me too!
Same here, JDinTX.
Just to let you know that this 90-year old did 200 GOTV postcards to OH voters on Sherrod Brown’s behalf and sent him more contributions than she could afford. (Virginian, currently in IL.)
Me too!
I donated!
I too am as much concerned about your Senate race as well as others (Montana, PA, TX, etc)..way easier for repubs to win in such red states (not so much PA)
For the life of me... I just never understood why Clinton didn't just simply say, "Uh.. that's just none of y'alls bidniss."
I'm not sure, Nate, that they "fear academia" ("and scientists").
The primal document, the Powell memo of 1971, shows they have contempt for academe. But back then academe still had humanities thriving in it. Still had decent, generous amounts of interdisciplinarity, room for essays, for personal anecdote, patience for citing wider perspectives -- and the literacy for acknowledging apt humanities in many ways.
But that, Nate, is exactly what all members of our latter-day enslaving classes hate.
They want to control. And the first steps to dehumanizing others is to enforce on oneself all of the neutered, abstracted language, all the group think and categorical smallness, all the parades of shrunken, shriveled linearity as if life were ever nothing more than replicating, repeating, monotonous units the living dead can package, themselves first, then others with vengeance.
Yes, Nate, as you say: "they are threatening every human alive with every degree of invasion of people's lives, to dictate . . .."
Funny, too, Nate, how everything you say of our latter-day enslaving classes also applies to all the instruments of their standardized testing by which they've also killed the schools.
They don’t want us to think for ourselves, which humanities encourage. I’ll admit there may be some crazy individuals in academia, but they hardly make up the whole, which is what these modern day philistines want you to believe.
Phil, I know you are an avid advocate for the return of the humanities in education. The business model has been super-imposed on higher ed such that data gathering to assess effectiveness is now a primary task for educators. This, i believe interferes with an actual education as numbers, not ideas gain primacy. We forget the etymology of the word educate: e, a contraction of the preposition ex meaning out from, and ducare, the verb to lead. To educate meant to lead out the person, to allow and promote self-actualization. Now education has turned into an avenue for pecuniary gain, rather than a path to fulfillment.
Their biggest fears are facts in evidence Phil.
I enjoyed the Dr. Richardson's humor as well. For the rest of this campaign, I am chilling out on reacting to what they say. No more being aghast, fearful, outraged, stunned, sleepless or hopeless.
VP Harris ran a flawless campaign. The Country is coming together for her. I have never in my 57 years of voting seen endorsements pour in from everywhere like this. Even the dastardly media is somewhat off her back. We have a movement on our hands, folks. One reason I have become so positive is that I have become a devotee of watching VP Harris' rallies. Oh man! The energy! Watch them for a boost in these final days.
We've got this. Our lawyers are as prepared as theirs. Our Democratic President is Commander in Chief of the Military, and he falls under the immunity clause courtesy of SCOTUS too.
Enjoy the Autumn. It's so ephemeral.
Please, please, please, may it happen as you say. Men need to join women in standing against this vile misogyny! Thanks for what you write.
trump has always had the white woman vote. I'm hoping that even they can't tolerate the republican hate of women.
Get ‘em Phil👏
Eloquent!
Well, I think if church pastors are going to be admonishing and insisting their attendees to vote in federal elections for a certain party, their churches ought to be paying taxes. I’m really tired of them sticking their nose in my business.
Madalyn Murray O’Hair.—-“Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer.”
Tho’ I am a religious “none”, when tragedy struck dear friends in 2012, a group of their friends, colleagues and neighbors assisting at the estate sale held at their Victorian era house they were renovating, the group of us looked at each other and said “we’ve got this”, and proceeded to work for over a month to finish what they’d started, in hopes of giving the surviving daughter a nest egg from the sale of the house to finish college. I shared with folks that working on the house and garden was like a prayer to me and kept them close in my heart. So, to me, two hands working CAN be a prayer as well. ☮️
Barbara, this choked me up reading it. My dad lived in his own small home till he passed in it age 93. His back yard had a long row of hostas, the offspring of plants he'd dug up from his sister's yard in Indiana, and transplanted into his about 20 years before. The spring before he died, he remarked about how overgrown they'd become, and needed to be thinned. I offered to help him, as although he still was able to do all his housekeeping, marketing, shopping, etc, this was a bit much for him. He said "let's do it in the fall."
He passed in August of that year. My sister, who inherited the house, and me, worked like dogs to get it ready for sale. IShe worked full time, while I worked part-time, so in September, for two days I worked alone, digging up and splitting these compacted plants. The roots went below the thin topsoil into what was more clay than dirt, very difficult to dig up, but the exhausting work was cathartic. I replanted them in his yard, and took a bunch to mine, and they were well watered with tears.
It's stories like yours that make me angry when Trump calls our nation "garbage" that needs to be "made great again." It is great, because of people like you.
❤️🩹Miselle, working in the garden can be a toil and backbreaking (I know this!), but is always healing to me. There once was an especially hard time of combined anger and grief when Mother Earth accepted me using a maddock to tear up the ground until I’d worked it out of my system, and I got some new garden beds ready to boot! I planted some peonies at my friends’ house as they, to me, would be a long-lived remembrance that I left behind.
Miselle, I get it. Hostas are iconic to me. Thank you.
All these little stories made me cry even though I have no similar experiences to relate to. But it's because of the heart. Everything is coming from the heart and we need more of that around us that is for sure.
That’s beautiful, Barbara.
Thanks, Gail, it was hard leaving their house once the work was completed…I felt so close to them while there. Nowadays, every once in awhile, I drive by the house to see what changes the new family living there have made. Makes me smile to think that if their spirits—father/mother/son—linger, the new family has the Best. Ghosts. Ever.
My dad's old house (not my childhood home, my folks moved to be closer to my home and my sister's condo) is a 5 minute walk away. I rarely go by it, but the new family put up a tall, cedar fence. I wish I could see if the hostas are still there, but I don't want to intrude.
Miselle, I read this comment hours ago, but have been thinking of it since. I remember once, when I was just a kid, someone came knocking at our door….the folks said that they’d lived in “our” house many years before and just wanted to visit it once again. Of course this being a much simpler time (probably mid-50’s) my folks invited them in to look around the house and yard. Probably wouldn’t happen this way now, but perhaps if you should see the folks living there and happen to ask about the hostas’, they might be inclined to share and maybe even show you what is happening nowadays. Just a thought. BTW, I tried growing hostas, but in my slug and snail loving climate, it was always such a challenge that I opted for other types of perennials!!!
❤️❤️❤️
Hadn’t thought of her in years! Thank you.
Way past time. Left Methodist for that reason long, long ago
Agree 100%.
I think they should o matter what
Here is something I've been posting on my social media forums for a few weeks:
. . . You know you should abandon the trump crazy train before it's too late.
We know it's very hard to leave the cult -- not unlike getting off alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs, but help is available -- some of the best help comes from the many sane republicans who are (at least this time) supporting Harris.
In any case, if you're not ready to 'come out' for Harris, you don't have to admit your Harris vote to family and friends -- vote in secret for Harris -- admitting the truth to yourself is a very good start in recovery ;-)
If only, sort of like trying to leave Scientology. May need a sane friend…
My aunt and uncle both born in 1920 respected each other to vote however they wanted without having to divulge their voting preferences. That’s how it should be. Women are not chattels and we are not going back
I’d hate to think that I lived with and loved someone who agreed with chump about anything. This election would not have been the first clue, me thinks…
My husband and I voted opposite of each other a couple times. We both had our reasons for our choices, we each respected that and life went on normally. Being married does not mean a woman has to vote against her own feelings.
A few years ago (election 2022) my husband and I were getting ready to deliver our mail in votes in person. Me: You’re voting for X, right? He: No, I voted for Y. After my initial blow up, I sat down and explained why a vote for Y was a vote that would harm me, and my daughter, among other things. When we got to the courthouse he changed his vote. Love that man!
I have found that very often, failures to consider issues from a totally foreign point of view - intentionally, coincidentally, or innocently explain most differences of opinion. Of course there are others, like emotional rather than logical thinking, but I think the foregoing explains most. Sometimes, just asking the right questions illuminates more than debates.
Well said.
Yep! 🩵
My parents, born in 1921 and 1923, had a policy of not telling each other who they voted for.
Yessss! We're not going back!
A reminder that all those ‘white women voting for Trump’ was not necessarily an example of free choice but rather another glaring example of domestic abuse, denying women the right to selfhood.
I heard a news story last week about an 80 year old woman voting for the FIRST TIME because her husband had died. He had always told her that there was no reason she needed to vote. Hearing what those pastors were saying about women being “unfaithful” if they vote differently than their husbands makes me nauseous.
My mother and father have always voted, and Mom never tells what her vote is. My parents have always respected each other’s right to privacy. Mom’s father educated his family about the importance of voting, and Mom has done the same. I have been a regular voter as an adult.
My late parents also voted their own way. On the way home from voting they would discuss and laugh as sometimes they voted the same and sometimes different.
I can’t help but realize that in the “olden days” the vote didn’t reflect democracy vs. autocracy.
I saw that too and was dumbfounded.
Damn, you’re right, Marilyn… I didn’t look at it that way before, but, coupled with the comment from that “Christian” pastor, I think you’re right.
I agree but the now very public suggestion that women can keep their vote private or can lie to their partners about their vote makes me very nervous. Raising this idea in this way casts suspicion on all women. I'm very worried that this could trigger the paranoia and anger in men that leads to domestic assault. The message should simply have been that in America, one's vote is private. But I really wish that it had just been left to women themselves to figure that out. Now, it's a thing, a big thing. I won't be surprised if it becomes an issue at the polls with some men demanding that they be able to watch their partner vote. I'm sure that women who live with domestic assault might very well be afraid to vote now. Note that I'm not saying or implying that all domestic abusers are Republicans. They exist in both parties.
Sadly, the anger and paranoia among men -- especially WHITE men -- already exists among the MAGA crowd. Their racism and misogyny is why they support TFG in the first place.
Abusers don’t abuse because of how their partner voted. No one causes another to abuse them. It reminds me of the woman who said, “No, my husband never hit me. I never gave him reason to.”
Hi Jean. I'm not sure I understand your answer. Domestic assault is only about control through violence. A person who assaults their partner could very well assault her for how she voted. They assault her for whatever reason they think she deserves to be assaulted for - how the pasta was cooked, talking to a man or her sister, not being home when he phoned, how she looked at him. There is no reason only an excuse. They just want to do it. Please clarify your thoughts.
Abuse does not have to be physical - control through emotional and psychological violence can be just as deeply damaging.
We are trained as poll workers not to let anyone watch someone vote. They may assist in case of disability only. However, I can't prevent them from looking at each other's paper ballot if they are in line together at the scanner. But I would hope they can finesse a way to not be in line together if they truly need to hide.
IN my area, they put a cardboard cover over the ballot as they feed it in. I assumed it was that way everywhere. Even at my very busy polling place, there was no line for this, so nobody looking over my shoulder.
That's too bad. I thought there were rules allowing one person at a time at the ballot station. For the future, you may want to suggest to those in charge of the polls to consider a regulation for their polls of one person at a time at the ballot station.
Perhaps I was unclear or perhaps your State's voting process is different. The rule IS one person per voting machine. Georgia has voting touchscreens that print out a paper ballot to be used in any recounts or audits. Only when that paper ballot is scanned into the scanner is the vote actually cast. In most precincts, there are multiple touchscreens (our precinct has 12) but only 1 scanner. So sometimes a small line can form. That line is always monitored by a line scanner.
Really thoughtful comment, Cindy.
And subtle pressure from a more nuanced monster (made sure not to leave visible bruises).
Living in Alaska I usually hold up late enough to read your letter. Your history and perspective ends my day with a positive note. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis of daily events measured with our country's history. The pendulum is always in motion. I believe it will continue to swing to the light.
Swing to the light!
She starts my day , keeps me sane, sort of…
I love starting my day with LFAA, and then the comments section.
A blessing in red nut land
Me, too!
Have a great weekend, Ally! Let's hope the "promised land" is only a few days away.
Yes, indeed!!!
Ally, after the LFAA and comments, I generally go to this site. I know that you are a respectful atheist (and I'm not trying to convert you). I know you have some real MAGA former colleagues, and while it might surprise them for you to post such a link, maybe this would make them think, assuming that they identify as Christians?
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/spiritual-practice-and-social-renewal/
This website fills a void for me, as I can't tolerate the marriage of religion and politics.
There are no Harris signs in my neighborhood, and I find myself feeling hateful at the Trump-flag-bearing homes, without even knowing who lives in them. That's not the person I aspire to be, and it's really, really, hard.
Me, too!
Sort of…so true!
Tonight, I have only one question: “Why have Republicans spent so much time and energy on trying to cancel the ACA?”
There are so many issues and challenges for our country that it just seems they could be better served by reaching across the aisle to solve problems. They simply demonstrate no willingness to govern for the people of this country. Instead, they cater to special interests and the moneyed class. Such a waste of time, like a drumbeat that has lost its melody.
The ACA is scaled up Romneycare; but it's connected to Obama, so Republicans have to hate it, and even compared it to "Nazi Germany". If Obama had found a generic cure for cancer, Republicans would be calling it the work of the devil*. Everything they do is labeled "good" and everything outside the cult is alleged to be "evil". It keeps the public off their guard while plutocrats pick their pockets.
*Vaccines, masks, and distancing empirically save lives, but in the depths of a million+ casualty pandemic, Repubs sought to demonize preventive care, and even make it illegal. Some even publicly said that it was selfish of older people to protect themselves by sheltering in ways that impeded maximal commerce.
You hit the nail on the head. MAGAs are all about money and power and not about governance.
You've probably seen the meme - something along the lines of: The Democrats want to increase our rights, the Republicans want to take them away. Seriously, the Republicans thrive on hatred and negativity. I'm so sick of it.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”— Frank Wilhoit
John D.: I found myself asking the same question this morning because, of course, we haven't heard anyone who opposes the ACA seriously and thoroughly lay out the objections. I have to assume the opposition to the ACA comes from opposition to a successful government program. To see the government effectively handle a problem and even become popular with the people undercuts the Reagan contention that "government is the problem."
They like to pick up, and pick upon, the easy issues. It's something that can be denigrated in a simplified way. For simplified people. Like the Nazis did with what they called "The Jewish Problem."
Exactly, I said so long ago
It has the name “Obama” in it.
Only because Republicans put "Obama" there!
Obama himself called it the Affordable Care Act.
Think "bidenomics."
Why have they spent so much time trying to cancel ACA? That’s an easy one. It’s so they can renew their full subscription with their holy trinity of Big Pharma/Private healthcare companies/Partisan control of choice.
Salud, John!
🗽
I would like to see their health care plan to comparison shop it beside the ACA. You know, free market.
Cause a Black man created it...pure racism.
Most people who participate in this Substack are good listeners and kind in their responses, even if they are challenging or questioning. It is much appreciated because it creates a safe environment for thinking and questioning and learning. Just wanted to express my thanks for that.
Yet a stupid electorate keeps putting them back in office! You get what you deserve.
Agree, except when they pull shenanigans that affect who can vote & if they can vote & how they can vote….and how those votes are tabulated (gerrymandering, voter suppression, etc.). We mustn’t forget that TFFFG never, not once, won the popular vote….probably won’t this time either, but that’s no guarantee he won’t “win”.
I am not unaware of all the voter suppression efforts and the legislatures that condone and support those efforts. Records reflect most, if not all, of these efforts occur in states with red/MAGA legislatures!!! Another reason to vote blue all the way up and down the ballot!
Disgusting, the hypocrisy of the MAGA Rethugs. Also, tffg blatantly threatening violence against Liz Cheney, isn't that a violation of a gag order? Consequences are hopefully in the works. Almost 2am now, and time to sleep. Like most others here, just tired of the ongoing tffg nonsense and have been intentionally consuming fewer Substack articles.
I agree -- his Liz Cheney "firing squad" threat seems to blatantly cross a legal line? Does anyone know of legal repercussions?
There are no legal repercussions for rich people. Two tiered justice system. If we’ve learned anything in the age of Orange, it’s that.
Elon Musk knows it too.
Exactly. Once you reach the level of “fuck you money”, nothing can hurt you anymore. And Darth Musk definitely is “fuck you money”-level rich…
Elon is being sued in state court for running an unlawful lottery: Common- Wealth of Pennsylvania vs ELON MUSK & AMERICAN PAC. Case 241003509.
The Complaint is written in 2 languages, English & Spanish:
"Le han demantado a usted en la corte". Translation: 'Hey Elon, this is notice. Pennsylvania is suing your ass & your cash in Court.
Liz should get a restraining order against Trump
But he has so many to carry out his hints, Carlson may not be so protected
Rich men - look what happened to Martha Stewart.
LOL….Abby, when I saw “age of Orange” my brain went straight to the toxic Agent Orange!!!! Maybe a song Agent Orange Man sung to the tune of Secret Agent Man!!!
🎶 An [orange] face can hide an evil mind. ... They given you a number & taken away your name.🎶
But, ... "Get Smart ... We are not going Back".
There's a man who puts the land in danger; the garbage that he speaks is even stranger. Every move he makes, another bribe he takes; odds are that he'll lie again tomorrow.
Not bad JL .... !
If it's not (a violation), then what is? I trust it's been noted appropriately. When is the sentence?
The flaws and failures in our judiciary are revealed on a grand scale these days...esp with the obvious leniency and favoritism awarded to rich white, misogynist, racist scum such as the felon / rapist. We need a review of much of how this country is run, we need regular people to get involved so the criminals in charge no longer have any power.
Learn something new every day. I had to google tffg; it came up as the airport in Saint Martin!
Did not know that. I assume you mean Trump, however, please do tell. It sounds like a good-one. Hey, St. Martin: a good place to go, just in case.
Nate, it arose from President Biden calling his predessesor "the former guy". The additional "f" can stand for any adjective you'd like. My junior high brain suggests a profane description of an act of copulation, but my very principled friend who does not swear uses "freaking".
Ally, I now use 3 “F’s”: Former Felonious Fu*king (sometimes I switch up the order)…TFFFG! Just think of Hannibal Lector pronucing it…..you know enunciating the “ffffffff”…..with a bottle of Chianti!!!
Ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaa !
How the heck can he get away with threatening Liz Chaney like that?
That's perhaps the most appalling thing I've seen so far.
On top of a long list.
One of the other commenters noted that if any of the rest of us made such a threat, we would be arrested. I guess that incitement to violence is permissible for billionaires.
“Laws are spider webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught.”
― Balzac
He gets away with everything. 😠
Nothing seems more pleasing to Trump than breaking all the rules and getting away with it. His "Conservative Christian" following seems to love him for it. Republicans MAKE the rules (for others); they don't follow them. Isn't that pretty much the essence of tyranny?
Hopefully…..until he DOESN’T. Not holding my breath tho’.
Everyone is going to sleep just as I'm waking up.
Come on, I want someone to talk to. 😉
I can say that most young women who just came into voting age, hate the donvict.
He's crass, vile and lies like he breathes and most young women look at that a go, oh hell no.
Who knows, maybe this will lead us into the future where people are accepted by their character and their deeds not their skin color or religion.
I've always wanted to live in the star trek universe. Who knows, maybe by the time my grandson has grandkids of his own, that universe will be there.
If you haven't already, VOTE and make sure everyone you know does too.
#NotGoingBack
I saw David Hogg on a panel/conversation and was impressed. He started "Leaders We Deserve" https://leaderswedeserve.com/. I'm glad to know about how they're thinking long term.
David Hogg shows incredible leadership talent.
Beth, this old woman looked at him back in ‘16 and said “oh hell no!” Said it much louder in ‘20. Screaming it at the top on my lungs in ‘24!
Some of us are getting up even before dawn breaks
<raises hand>. Dawn won't break here for another 2 hours.
Dark OK for me and Lulu the kitty. She thinks it’s play time
Yes and now 5 hours later, Woody, my kitten is out like a light! 😂
They can conk at the weirdest times.
If I’m up late enough for the letter to arrive a big hole is blown in the next morning! Thankfully the comment section has populated by then. I’m so grateful for all of you here!
As am i
Interesting that the Right is telling religious women to be directed by their husbands where USA voting is concerned. These men are instructing women to relinquish their secret ballot, which is a USA free right, to the men who control them. They are being instructed to go against the United States freedom to vote. That tells us all we need to know about the religion of the Right. It is anti-USA freedom. Of course, it is anti-USA religious freedom, guaranteed in our Constitution. They are against our Constitution and Freedom. Women are their slaves.
I follow a lot of women on social media who used to be part of extreme right religious groups and who are now speaking out against the abuses they suffered while in those groups. It’s eye opening and appalling.
Tia Levings is a great read on that score. I recommend her book “The Well-Trained Wife,” about her abusive first marriage.
Indeed, and not uncommon
Seems to me that the overall theme of teaching attributed to Jesus is one of kindness and generosity, and and yet some of the most sociopathic behaviors in human history are have been claimed to be justified by "religion". Jesus taught indifference to wealth and political power (though he did advise paying taxes) that binds us to those who would control us. He was murdered for it, as have a number of other leaders who a little too successfully preached peace. One which side does Trump stand?
Does it make sense that God would be gendered at all? For what purpose?
The purpose of Deity as I understand it is by culture. Is a deity God or Goddess, or can that Deity be both? This requires acquaintance with the history of religion on Earth by time and location. This acquaintance amount can be correlated with amount known and successfully interpreted by religion, by culture, by time and location. In the USA as I understand it (I have been baptized in the Reform Judaism, Catholic, and Sufi traditions. I have studied Paganism, and World Religions. I have studied Native American traditions, particularly that coming out of the Cherokee experience. I can say that my purpose, my reason for being here among humans and all of the rest of the living is to contribute thought and kindness to society for as long as I live. I don't know what the purpose is of most other people, indeed, I'd say, all other people.
Many god sets are gendered (Gods and Goddesses), but notably not Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. God is gendered and Male. Hard Right Religions in the USA tend to be Christian and Patriarchal in social practice as well as religious text acceptance.
Male domination is also found in societies that do not primarily practice Abrahamic religions, but male superiority seems to be rooted exclusively in brawn, not brain, and our societies are increasingly independent of muscular labor to the point where lack of exercise is a major health threat. Other than projection, why would one assume God (who can create anything as an act of will) would be male?
As for 'projection,' in my practice, and the practices of many, all deities are projections of human mind. There is a long history for this thought pattern across many cultures.
You are going to have to ask folks who believe 1) God or Goddess or both create everything we experience, and 2) God is male or female or both. You are asking the wrong person here about if there is a God in those terms and if that God creates from his or her or both's personal will, and 3) is any god set likely to be male given culture time and location. If you are asking is the assumption of a God's gender significant to his or her resulting religious structures and requirements for practitioners socially, politically, fiscally, and historically, many researchers have come to the place where the answer is yes, there is a strong influence of Deity gender on all of the above in terms of everyday life, and every kind of life humans experience from conception to grave.
As for brains, the jury is out on if males or females are better brain-wise or if they are similar by what society allows and trains for, location, and time. As for brawn, many men can beat smaller women down physically even now when brawn is not as important as brains work wise, but remains important other wise. especially domestically, for all women and children.
And there was a time when physical strength was advantageous in hunting and warfare, and with that came leverage. That said it seems to me that a lot of "tradition" was crafted to help certain people consolidate and defend anti-democratic tyranny; obey or else. We all want other people to cooperate with us, but some favor negotiation and others force. It's clearly not just that simple, but I think there are trend lines nevertheless; One person, one vote VS dictator.
Brains tell us how nature functions, so by knowledge and finesse, we can use the power of the wind to sail against the wind (by tacking). We coax shovelfuls of earth and rock into microprocessors. My daughter studied Aikido, a martial art that finesses the force of an attack into self-defeat of the aggressor. It's not invincible, but can preternaturally defeat greater physical strength. The founder of the art is rumored to have been quick enough to dodge bullets (he did fight in battle) but I don't believe it. I have seen moves that seem to defy physics, but are actually supremely attuned to it.
If I were Trump or Gingrich, I’d keep my mouth shut regarding what women should do! Both have been disloyal and disrespectful!
But a malignant sociopath thinks that ignoring compassion and conscience makes them "smart".
“Smart” and “strong”. Don’t forget the manly strong part.
With “tears in their eyes” and “sir”…….
They are too stupid to keep their mouths shut.
The only way my wife could betray this 78 year old white male would be for her to vote for the 78 year old white male who should be in jail rather than trying to lie his way to the White House.
Garbage man or McDonald’s may be the only jobs for which he is qualified!
I would never trust a food item prepared by those tiny hands.
Not too sure I'd trust my garbage, either. . .he's probably dump it at the nearest beauty spot to avoid the waste site fees.
Hmmm.......... he is NOT qualified to do that very important work. If you have ever spent time on the handle end of a shovel, you will understand that
And could not do…
Thanks, Dr Richardson,. love the positive vibes.
“Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Let’s see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face.”
Seriously……WTF is wrong with this demented little prick‼️‼️‼️
Well, you answered your own question.
He's demented.
Dementia can turn people who have been vicious bullies all their lives into pussy cats. And it can turn sweet little old ladies into banshees.
Trump - it has just left him the way he's always been - only more so. Expect to see a sharp increase in the nastiness as his dementia deepens.
I know - you didn't think he could get any nastier, did you? Trump - "Hold my beer. . ."
I lived with dementia for 15 years, NEVER did my husband degenerate into that evil bastard…
JDinTX, I had the opportunity to watch dementia with several friends who went through it with their spouses, and an occasional glimpse professionally when the patient exceeded the caregiver's abilities. My friend (a former pastor) and his sweet wife, who stayed just as sweet and charming as she always had been and a former supervisor, whose spirited and energetic wife became a banshee. I only got called to the violent and uncontrollable ones professionally. One I will never forget is a man whose wife's father had dementia and they were caring for him in their home. The Dad went 'round the bend, and the husband had to physically restrain him as Dad was going for the gun cabinet. Dad went to the hospital, I took a detailed report, and made sure the husband had my contact info, and was well aware that DHS would be investigating. He wrote my supervisor a letter that was one of the most kind and complimentary citizen contact replies I ever got.
We just never hear about the ones who never go "dark". I've never seen a jerk flip the switch to nice, however. My father-in-law was awful, even worse than he had been when dementia hadn't taken his mind.
My MIL is slipping onto “the dark path”. I’ve only witnessed one other loved one travel the dementia path, my grandfather, and he stayed sweet and nonviolent. The paranoia and anger of my MIL is tough to navigate.
What a path you have traveled, you have been a strong advocate for sanity, even though it may have been problematic. A position on the point of a pin. I do admire our helpers of all stripes, bravery equal to any who put their lives on the line. And never know what to expect from some “in the throes…”
Thank you, JD. I was once told (by a bean counter supervisor) “It’s really too bad you can’t measure your strengths with statistics. You’d get better evaluations.” Sigh.
Sounds like a pain
My witness is that those in dementia become more of whatever they were before the decline.
Have been close to only one, best man I ever knew, before and after
HEH! HEH! HEH!