Many people are grateful for the day you were born and all in your life that has helped you become who you are today. I hope you derive immense satisfaction for the incredible ways in which you make this world a better place.
A comment on your freewheeling birthday chat ... you observed that Lenin, Mussolini, James Henry Hammond, Senator Mike Lee, etc., all have a common thread that democracy is dangerous and that people need someone or some group to lead them. You mentioned the challenge of why people vote against their own self interest ... how to make progress when people don't "come along".
You did not offer a solution ... and perhaps as a historian, that is not your role. Nevertheless, I think we do need to find our way to a solution ... and I view the Nordic social democratic systems as systems to help guide us. What is important is what the Federal Government "Country Study" series observed regarding Finland:
" ... the social security system was an outgrowth of the traditional Nordic belief that the state was not inherently hostile to the well-being of its citizens, but could intervene benevolently on their behalf. According to some social historians, the basis of this belief was a relatively benign history that had allowed the gradual emergence of a free and independent peasantry in the Nordic countries and had curtailed the dominance of the nobility and the subsequent formation of a powerful right wing."
Interesting to contemplate this regarding the news today. What a concept, that government could be "of the people, by the people, for the people" ... the Nordic countries with their basis of public health, public education, partnership among labor, employers, and government ... seem to be much more "democratic" than us, yet because of their parliamentary systems are "republics" because each district is about 30 thousand people and there are no massive marketing campaigns to influence millions of votes by (negative) ads.
The Finnish writer Anu Partanen has an interesting book and several interesting articles on the topic of correcting the misinformed idea that the Nordic countries are not capitalist; an excellent article is her NY Times Sunday Review article from last December ... "Finland is a Capitalist Paradise" ... in large part because citizens are supported in their education, healthcare, etc. because people and corporations pay taxes for services to make a more free and equal society.
Perhaps a review from you as a historian on why this country seems so opposed to the sentiment of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes that "I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization". We as a country seem to hate taxes so much that we fail to support basic services or unlike the Nordic countries where everyone is entitled (to healthcare, education, etc.) we focus on providing benefits to citizens as a form of public charity and consider those needing public services as "unworthy" or "lessor" people. This sentiment does not exist in Nordic countries because everyone is entitled ... benefits are universal, government and society has an interest in supporting people, helping them to be free to achieve what they may be able to accomplish.
Back to my question to you regarding a solution to the problem of people voting against their self interest ... perhaps this is part of the cultural difference between the Nordic countries where there is much focus and interest on working together instead of rugged individualism ... ???
Americans hate taxes because they get nothing for them, except a huge military-industrial complex and constant war, overt or covert, while the wealthy and large corporations pay nothing.
I don't mind reasonable taxes, if the wealthy pay their fair share. And Stuart Attewell is correct - I want my taxes to be spent on other things and not just the military and cops.
I certainly don’t mind my taxes going for infrastructure, first responders, and yes even welfare, because too many struggle with disabilities, and/or economic injustice. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to help those who are less fortunate.
Reading the replies below is interesting ... let me take this to a state level, the state of Wisconsin, for example. Under former Governor Scott Walker and still under the Republicans dominating the state legislature, the University of Wisconsin system has been gutted ... and continues to shrink from what was once a great land grant University system. This seems to be because the people of Wisconsin do not want to support public higher education for people of the state. They would rather have the short term benefit of smaller taxes than have an educated population. We have a serious problem in this country (certainly in the state of Wisconsin) of placing a value on education ... not just to "get a job" but to be an educated people.
Extend this to healthcare ... we as a nation are not willing to support healthcare for all but would rather be subject to the authority of the private insurance industry in terms of deciding if we receive care ... we as a nation struggle with the concept of doing what is best "for the greater good". We love charity so long as we choose who benefits ... we are not a very generous nation in terms of supporting the "public" ... as the Nordic countries are.
True Jean, but Allen is some what correct about income taxes. It used to be we would get infrastructure, but our roads and bridges are crumbling now. People need health insurance provided before Medicare age.
This morning, I woke up in terror — dreaming that I had to immediately get busy and find a job —ASAP! The reality? I’m 75 years old, had a stroke about three weeks ago and am currently recovering, but unsteady on my feet. Should I laugh or cry? Welcome to what we have wrought.
My heart goes out to you. I have had episodes of SVT, where my heart rate exceeds 200 bpm since March. My husband had 3 strokes in 4 days almost 8 years ago. Both caused by extreme stress. Take a break from all this...just be sure to vote. 💙🗳
I have a friend who has a small business. She thinks all the money she pays in payroll taxes is her money. It has been pointed out to her that part of that is an employee contribution. She does not get it
Well, we do have public education, public roads, and an aging but pretty efficient national highway system (thanks, Republican Pres. Eisenhower). But I agree that too much of our taxes goes to the military, considering the monumental fraud we pay for from crooked contractors who don't submit to any oversight. I'd rather see that money go to our infrastructure, aid to cities, and K-12 education, which right now is a patchwork of systems, some not very good.
Although I don't think it will happen in my lifetime, I'd like to see implementation of universal health care. Our country would be so much stronger and more peaceful if the poorest and most disenfranchised among us had a level playing field to work in.
And speaking of the disenfranchised, the news that Alito and Thomas want to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges to repeal same-sex marriage is heinous. I've never liked Thomas because I don't think he can be fair or humane. He's always seemed just mean-spirited to me.
By that I mean the observation of people's knee jerk reaction to, and discontent with taxation, which breeds contempt towards government. Personally, I feel you get the government you pay for, and the benefits derived from good governance are well worth the price.
However much many of us in the United States would incorporate Nordic social democracy into our political system, solutions start with recognition of our diversity. Today we are split among reactionaries (including Movement Conservatives, evangelicals, and extreme right wing groups), traditional Republicans (including yesterday’s RINOs and today’s Lincoln Project), majority Democrats, and progressive left wing social democrats (Bernie Sanders, AOC, et al.). The “problem of people voting against their self interest” and not appreciating the value of taxes is painted too broadly. It alienates the very segment of people who would support Nordic social democracy.
It matters to recognize the diversity of today’s political landscape because solutions start with a good assessment of the problem.
A very important aspect of social democracy and Nordic social democracy in particular is engagement and participation by all in decisions. For example, the partnership between labor, employers, and government (representing "we the people"). Nordic social democracy in particular strives to find political solutions through engagement among all. Nordic social democracy formed in the early twentieth century through engagement among labor, agrarian society, employers, and the elite ... rather than a violent revolution as in the Russian revolution or the situation in Germany where the Weimar Republic was destroyed by the elite aligning themselves with the Nazis to prevent "socialism". The Nordic countries followed a nonviolent "revolution" where the elite ceded power to society and a government of "we the people".
In George Lakey's book "Viking Economics", he mentions a conversation in Norway with the Kristin Clemet, the head of a leading Conservative think tank named Citiva. She is a prominent conservative politician and observed that President Obama would be considered right wing in Norway ... she would be happy to have him as a member of the Conservative Party in Norway.
My point is that we are so far from being balanced in our politics in this country ... what we consider the "center" would be considered far right wing in Nordic countries.
So ... a good assessment of the problem in this country is that our diversity is not very diverse at all ... we are largely a very conservative, right wing country. Until we are willing to look at ourselves in the mirror and recognize ourselves for what we really are ... progress is very challenging.
"The Nordic countries followed a nonviolent 'revolution' where the elite ceded power to society and a government of 'we the people'." It's the "elite ceded..." part that has us stuck, IMHO. I don't think our elite would "nonviolently" cede. T
I would love to post a couple of your statements, especially the one from Oliver Wendell Holmes. There has been so much bad mouthing about paying taxes, it is no wonder that that is the only pony the gop (and some democrats) have been able to ride. Needless to say the knee jerk reaction to anything that has anything at all to do with taxation makes having a reasonable and educated discussion about taxation has been impossible for years and years - before Reagan - but certainly the crowd against any taxation has grown even deeper roots since Reagan. The U.S. Tax Code is woefully inequitable. That needs to be addressed for sure. 45's own tax situation and the huge breaks the real estate industry uses to cut their own taxes and reap refunds and credits must be completely overhauled. No wonder folks cannot get reasonably priced housing.
I think you have hit on something....this working together vs rugged individualism. There is no balance or compromise between these two right now in the U.S. And our so called leader has done nothing to bring our country together. Our culture is a mix of those who want to work together and those who don't. At this point, I can't even guess which path we will ultimately take.
Though in Nordic countries there is a common view of what represents self interest and it is very much collective. It effectively produces a significant, community-policed conformity of view on what constitutes social relations and the relationship of the individual to the collectivity. Excentricity and otherwise "alternative" views are not encouraged...quite the contrary.
This reminds me of a comment a Swedish colleague made to me after the 2016 elections here. I was lamenting the results and expressing my depression ... and he mentioned this aspect of Sweden. He mentioned that perhaps 15% of the people in Sweden are rather "nasty", "mean" people ... perhaps similar to here. The big difference is that in Sweden everybody votes ... typical voter turnout is around 90%. So, even if all the 15% of the "nasty" people turn out and vote, they don't win. His comment was that you need to have people engaged in their society and government.
We typically struggle to have a voter turnout of 50% ... so 15% can have a big impact on the result. I think a major difference between Nordic social democracy and here is that in Nordic social democracy, people are engaged in their society and government ... they don't "sit out" but instead participate because the government is "we the people".
So, yes, there is a common collective view in Nordic social democracy ... because the conversation is a conversation among all ... not just the elite or highly vocal factions.
The participation rate is of course very important but your figures suggest a striking conformity of views of 85% of the population and little tolerance for the "unacceptable" views of the other15%.
Just an anecdote but a greek friend who ran a major swedish, de-luxe, pre-fabricated house-building i met in the US . He was married to a swedish lady. He said simply that the only way he could put up with the "iron-clad" conformity and the resulting impossible boredom was to escape for 2 months a year to their house in Majorca.
I would like to know how to see the "Freewheeling birthday chat" and other live talks by HCR. I can't seem to find a reference as to how to access these live events.
Happiest of Birthday's to you and may you have many many more years to gift us with your wisdom, insight and perspective! And thank you also for wading through this muck to bring us the daily salient points. I know that you have made my life far less fretful and I look forward to your letters daily.
I was so heartened running errands today and seeing an absolute sea of Bide/Harris yard signs that have popped up since the “debate”. And I live in Ohio! Northeast Ohio! The land of defunct steel mills and automotive assembly and parts plants!
Since moving back to my hometown in 2017 after almost 40 years, I have been pained and baffled by the predominant mindset and attitudes that have developed here. It has been a trying time and although I have lived in both blue and red states over the years, I had never experienced actual aggressive behavior while merely my driving around house hunting prior to the election with my NY State plates and a Hillary sticker. Astonishing.
I so appreciate the comments of this community and Dr Richardson, your historical perspective is priceless. I was so fortunate to find your letters and I pass them along regularly.
Like many others here who like myself are long travelers, we have, well let’s just say, seen some shit. I recently found my “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for McGovern” bumper sticker if that gives you a clue of my journey. It’s been a long and slippery slope.
Now I am beginning feel hopeful and have taken advantage of Ohio’s early voting.
He has my first vote too. Went to the poles with my dad so our votes offset each other. Intro to politics 101. Later, in 1974, we watched the Nixon debacle together. He was a forever changed Republican after that, and towards the end of his time on earth was a Vermonter and huge fan of Bernie.
As another long traveler, I always smile when I think of the bumper sticker when Nixon won the Electoral College votes in 49 out of 50 states for his second term and then Watergate and impeachment loomed over him. The bumper sticker said. "Don't blame me, I'm from Massachusetts!"
It´s not about figuring out the cause. He has been saying to 'lock up' Hillary Clinton for 4 years beginning when they both were Presidential candidates until now. Now he is President and he is saying 'lock up' Biden and Obama. Now, people are wondering if it is the drugs effecting him or if this is just normal Trump, which it may be. It´s one of those things you look at and realize how used to his level of crazy and outrageous we have become. With any other President (or most people) we could tell when they are shouting drug-induced crazy talk. With Trump, it just sounds close enough to his normal talk. Unless it is his normal talk. Either way, it is anti-democratic.
And on an aside, despite being thought of as corrupt, Hillary is probably the most heavily investigated person in history. Which either makes her not corrupt or smarter than multiple teams filled with people who literally hate her who are investigating her. I think she is smart, but not that smart.
Excellent summary if this crazy Trump news day. As for Trump, a friend who is a psychiatrist says his behavior is typical for a narcissist who is cornered. He is on a destructive path which will likely get worse.
It is going to be a wild ride through the election.
We need to get out and vote. Your statement on Tuesday saying we can be our own saviors is absolutely correct.
Thank you for the perpective you give us with your letters.
Actually, we need to stay vigilant until noon on Jan. 20. He and other defeated Rs and cabinet members can cause a lot of chaos and destruction. We must stay strong.
Yeah, just wondering what we could do in the lame-duck period. I hate to think what our People's House will look like. And that's just cosmetic. What further destruction will they wreak in our judicial system, for instance? I wish we had to way to just oust their sorry fat backsides.
I agree. They can’t leave too soon. I think continuing to pressure our Senators might help. Both of our FLorida Senators aren’t up for re-election this year, but once they see the landslide we’ll give Biden and we take back the Senate, they may be willing to grow a spine. If we can, donate to the ACLU and other groups who can file lawsuits, stays, etc.
I am very glad the House is pursuing the avenue of the 25th Amendment. It's appropriate at this time. If the current president's mental health was the sole concern, it would be more than enough to warrant action to mitigate the effects of his actions. But the intimations and support of violent, lawless paramilitary groups is a major concern as well.
After yesterday's horrifying news of the (foiled) plot to kidnap and possibly kill our Michigan Governor, it felt like my worst fears were coming true. Here in Northern Michigan, we not only have white supremist "militia's" on the rise, but county sheriffs who support them. I cannot put up Biden signs for fear of being shot. But,
after reading about the brilliant work of the FBI and our Michigan State Police, and watching Gretchen Whitmer's incredible speech and our AG Nessel's strong interview, I felt renewed hope in "the system." It still works!! There was no Waco stand off. Their were no killings. There were no shots fired in the successful raid. Even with the urging of our president to stop that woman. We have a long way to go. But in a perverse way, tRump is bringing all these festering boils to a head, and , by golly, America has the highly skilled professionals to lance and treat (and arrest) them. HOPE! (Also, I take heart in learning that these "proud boys" and "boogaloos" are not very smart.)
As so many others have said, “Happy Birthday “. But isn’t it odd, and wonderful, that your birthday gift is really a gift to all of us in your community who love you and the true friendship that has developed among all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for using the term domestic terrorists to describe the groups plotting violence against Gov. Whitmer. It is essential that we consistently counter any “constitutional” legitimacy that their self description of “milititia” gives them. White nationalists with guns are domestic terrorists with a long history. And now they have too much “lawful” access to public spaces thanks to the NRA. We need to decouple their projected image as patriots from their actual intended actions of terrorizing anyone who dares encroach on their petty liberty of being perceived as “real” men who don’t take orders from women.
Happy Birthday!! I am so grateful every morning to have your clear thinking. It grounds me, inspires me, educates me, prepares me to face each new crazy day. I hope you take time to recharge!
I could not believe it when I heard about the kidnap attempt on Governor Whitmer. Yet, as a Michigander, I was not surprised 😥 I know people who were in the Michigan Militia. They are nuts. An inflammatory Facebook post by a second cousin on an anti-shutdown was published in a magazine with nationwide distribution. My mother asked his sister about it. She was like yup it was him. Unbelievable
Yup. Here in Northern Michigan, we see it in neighbors and coworkers - and in local sheriffs who support them. BUT, the system worked!! The experts at the FBI and Michigan State Police did it right, caught them all, no shots fired! It gives me hope, in a state where yo can open carry and conceal carry guns insudenour Lansing Capital, but you can't carry signs because they might scrape paint off the walls.
Mary Pat Sercu Randall, I was an Enumerator for U.S. Census for about six weeks. The county I was enumerating for was fairly compliant, so we were sent to counties in northern central Michigan to enumerate. I hated it. The people were mean and I did not feel safe. I told a friend that I would rather enumerate in downtown Saginaw which is a little dodgy. That said I agree the justice system worked. I was very proud of the Women from Michigan yesterday. Like I am every day. That said I heard that thing about the signs in the Capitol building on MSNBC last night. I think it was "The Rachel Maddow Show". Unbelievable
Sad to hear that folks were mean to you and you felt unsafe, but not suprised. When I worked the Census in 2010, I visited those who had not responded, which in this area meant a lot of beautiful, empty cabins on 5 lovely lakes. Most people who live here year round are good and kind and had completed their forms. But on some of the back roads, not so much. Wait to see how big their dogs are.
I live in Maryland now but grew up in Michigan and went to college there. I listened to Gov. Whitmer's speech and found it comforting to hear that short, flat-a, as she spoke. I haven't heard it so clearly in quite a while. Be safe up there in the beautiful North!
She is very reassuring when she speaks. You feel someone is in charge. In my 60 plus years as a Michigander, I think she is the best governor we have ever had. She takes care of the people first regardless of the politics.
I supported her election. I think she represents a standard Michigan deserves. It is frightening to see her struggle to survive the armed gangs coming after her. I am glad that she stands strong, most Michiganders have her back, and that her approval rating has increased to over 60% for handling of COVID.
With any luck, Fatso will go to his superspreader frolic in Florida on Saturday, where he will be ten times worse than he was on Hannity tonight, ranting for an hour as he coughs on all of them and gasps for air and his oxygenation drops below 85%, ending with his collapse, in which he ends up DOA by the time his face hits the floor. And all the ga-ga old boomers in the front row will pass on what they got to everyone else there and they'll all proceed to Make America Great Again. Permanently.
At the same time that I totally get the impulse to wish death on Trump for all the evil he has done and intends to do, and send his followers along with him, following his lead into hatred and ugly stereotypes can only make things worse. Plus, you are denigrating fat people and old boomers, both of which are categories into which I might fit. Far from sitting in some trumpistan front row, my mother and I have written 700 get out the vote letters to help Donald move back to Mar-A-Lago, where he can golf daily in between answering for his crimes to the NY courts. A whole crowd of my peers in Florida are spending their retirement days campaigning for progressive candidates. Don't count us out.
Most of the baby boom generation was useless from the day they were born. The whole "Sixties thing" only involved around 15% of the generation. For the rest, it was just the 1950s. I say that as a war baby who went to school with the idiots.
I speak for many Boomers here in Florida who have or will vote #BidenHarris and we do not want T to come here. In fact, we wish our puppet governor to leave as well.
With Pence heading back to DC and cancelling other events, Nancy Pelosi might not need her new bill to participate in the process of invoking the 25th Amendment after all. Trump is now dragging them all down with them and they won't necessarily let him get away with it! That's a very special birthday present! Happy Birthday Heatheryou deserve it.
I have the same question. Since he was going to “vote”in Indiana - maybe he has tested positive? Or (ideally) he is onboard with the 25th amendment and he needs to be in DC to sign it?
I was wondering, as I read about Pence heading back to D.C., what line Trump has to cross before Pence would no longer defend him? Pence has always backed Trump and excused Trumps behavior. I don’t think Pence has the backbone to go along with the 25th, if it came to that.
My mind keeps going back to the idea that Pence has been called back to take over quietly because the 45 train has just derailed. I mean--arrest Obama and Biden?! WTH?
Oh clearly. Mostly because he instills a sense of calm and reasoning in some folks however his milk toast “quality” will lose his party many more supporters.
He has probably the capacity to organize which the other lacks. A snake indeed. But a little late to get it together and it's not sure that Barr and Pompeo will let him draw the blanket to himself and away from them.
Yes, Shakespearean. Personally I feel like we’ve been in an endless Act II.1 of Calderón’s La vida es sueño. Tragically our mad prince doesn’t have the capacity to stop, come to his senses, and end his violence. We will have to remove the sword from his hand by voting, this ending this nightmare of a play..
Happy Birthday, Heather! We always appreciate receiving your nightly letters, no matter the length. I suspect many of us get up in the middle of the night to read them when we can't sleep (who can sleep much these days?). Thanks for your guidance and historical perspective as we navigate the 2020 "wormhole to hell" year, and may your 2021 birthday be in a much happier and healthier world. I voted on Wednesday, and would have kissed my ballot before I dropped it in the box, if it wasn't for the pandemic...
Dear Heather,
Many people are grateful for the day you were born and all in your life that has helped you become who you are today. I hope you derive immense satisfaction for the incredible ways in which you make this world a better place.
Happy Birthday!
💐
Bonne anniversaire! Some flowers for you 🥀🌺🌸🌿🌻
Well said, Ellie!
Happy Birthday!
A comment on your freewheeling birthday chat ... you observed that Lenin, Mussolini, James Henry Hammond, Senator Mike Lee, etc., all have a common thread that democracy is dangerous and that people need someone or some group to lead them. You mentioned the challenge of why people vote against their own self interest ... how to make progress when people don't "come along".
You did not offer a solution ... and perhaps as a historian, that is not your role. Nevertheless, I think we do need to find our way to a solution ... and I view the Nordic social democratic systems as systems to help guide us. What is important is what the Federal Government "Country Study" series observed regarding Finland:
" ... the social security system was an outgrowth of the traditional Nordic belief that the state was not inherently hostile to the well-being of its citizens, but could intervene benevolently on their behalf. According to some social historians, the basis of this belief was a relatively benign history that had allowed the gradual emergence of a free and independent peasantry in the Nordic countries and had curtailed the dominance of the nobility and the subsequent formation of a powerful right wing."
Interesting to contemplate this regarding the news today. What a concept, that government could be "of the people, by the people, for the people" ... the Nordic countries with their basis of public health, public education, partnership among labor, employers, and government ... seem to be much more "democratic" than us, yet because of their parliamentary systems are "republics" because each district is about 30 thousand people and there are no massive marketing campaigns to influence millions of votes by (negative) ads.
The Finnish writer Anu Partanen has an interesting book and several interesting articles on the topic of correcting the misinformed idea that the Nordic countries are not capitalist; an excellent article is her NY Times Sunday Review article from last December ... "Finland is a Capitalist Paradise" ... in large part because citizens are supported in their education, healthcare, etc. because people and corporations pay taxes for services to make a more free and equal society.
Perhaps a review from you as a historian on why this country seems so opposed to the sentiment of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes that "I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization". We as a country seem to hate taxes so much that we fail to support basic services or unlike the Nordic countries where everyone is entitled (to healthcare, education, etc.) we focus on providing benefits to citizens as a form of public charity and consider those needing public services as "unworthy" or "lessor" people. This sentiment does not exist in Nordic countries because everyone is entitled ... benefits are universal, government and society has an interest in supporting people, helping them to be free to achieve what they may be able to accomplish.
Back to my question to you regarding a solution to the problem of people voting against their self interest ... perhaps this is part of the cultural difference between the Nordic countries where there is much focus and interest on working together instead of rugged individualism ... ???
Americans hate taxes because they get nothing for them, except a huge military-industrial complex and constant war, overt or covert, while the wealthy and large corporations pay nothing.
That's not hatred of taxes but of the republican-deformed tax system and budget.
I don't mind reasonable taxes, if the wealthy pay their fair share. And Stuart Attewell is correct - I want my taxes to be spent on other things and not just the military and cops.
I certainly don’t mind my taxes going for infrastructure, first responders, and yes even welfare, because too many struggle with disabilities, and/or economic injustice. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to help those who are less fortunate.
Joan Demman, I feel the same way
Reading the replies below is interesting ... let me take this to a state level, the state of Wisconsin, for example. Under former Governor Scott Walker and still under the Republicans dominating the state legislature, the University of Wisconsin system has been gutted ... and continues to shrink from what was once a great land grant University system. This seems to be because the people of Wisconsin do not want to support public higher education for people of the state. They would rather have the short term benefit of smaller taxes than have an educated population. We have a serious problem in this country (certainly in the state of Wisconsin) of placing a value on education ... not just to "get a job" but to be an educated people.
Extend this to healthcare ... we as a nation are not willing to support healthcare for all but would rather be subject to the authority of the private insurance industry in terms of deciding if we receive care ... we as a nation struggle with the concept of doing what is best "for the greater good". We love charity so long as we choose who benefits ... we are not a very generous nation in terms of supporting the "public" ... as the Nordic countries are.
We love charity so long as we choose who benefits ... we are not a very generous nation in terms of supporting the "public"
Sad but true. How often do we hear, "I don't want my tax money supporting... (too often BIPOC)".
Our payroll taxes fund Medicare and Social Security, and as someone working very hard to get to retirement, I don't mind that at all.
True Jean, but Allen is some what correct about income taxes. It used to be we would get infrastructure, but our roads and bridges are crumbling now. People need health insurance provided before Medicare age.
This morning, I woke up in terror — dreaming that I had to immediately get busy and find a job —ASAP! The reality? I’m 75 years old, had a stroke about three weeks ago and am currently recovering, but unsteady on my feet. Should I laugh or cry? Welcome to what we have wrought.
My heart goes out to you. I have had episodes of SVT, where my heart rate exceeds 200 bpm since March. My husband had 3 strokes in 4 days almost 8 years ago. Both caused by extreme stress. Take a break from all this...just be sure to vote. 💙🗳
:( I hope you're recovering well!
Oh, Patricia! What a terrible way to wake! I hope you are feeling better by now and that you have all the supports you need!
Patricia Andrews, I had a bizarre dream last night too. Steve Bannon was in it, so I guess it was a nightmare.
I', 75 too, feel constant anxiety, had terrible dreams last night, but thank God I'm healthy so far... Thinking of you and hoping for the best.
I have a friend who has a small business. She thinks all the money she pays in payroll taxes is her money. It has been pointed out to her that part of that is an employee contribution. She does not get it
Well, we do have public education, public roads, and an aging but pretty efficient national highway system (thanks, Republican Pres. Eisenhower). But I agree that too much of our taxes goes to the military, considering the monumental fraud we pay for from crooked contractors who don't submit to any oversight. I'd rather see that money go to our infrastructure, aid to cities, and K-12 education, which right now is a patchwork of systems, some not very good.
Although I don't think it will happen in my lifetime, I'd like to see implementation of universal health care. Our country would be so much stronger and more peaceful if the poorest and most disenfranchised among us had a level playing field to work in.
And speaking of the disenfranchised, the news that Alito and Thomas want to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges to repeal same-sex marriage is heinous. I've never liked Thomas because I don't think he can be fair or humane. He's always seemed just mean-spirited to me.
Sorry. Rant over.
Spot on.
By that I mean the observation of people's knee jerk reaction to, and discontent with taxation, which breeds contempt towards government. Personally, I feel you get the government you pay for, and the benefits derived from good governance are well worth the price.
However much many of us in the United States would incorporate Nordic social democracy into our political system, solutions start with recognition of our diversity. Today we are split among reactionaries (including Movement Conservatives, evangelicals, and extreme right wing groups), traditional Republicans (including yesterday’s RINOs and today’s Lincoln Project), majority Democrats, and progressive left wing social democrats (Bernie Sanders, AOC, et al.). The “problem of people voting against their self interest” and not appreciating the value of taxes is painted too broadly. It alienates the very segment of people who would support Nordic social democracy.
It matters to recognize the diversity of today’s political landscape because solutions start with a good assessment of the problem.
A very important aspect of social democracy and Nordic social democracy in particular is engagement and participation by all in decisions. For example, the partnership between labor, employers, and government (representing "we the people"). Nordic social democracy in particular strives to find political solutions through engagement among all. Nordic social democracy formed in the early twentieth century through engagement among labor, agrarian society, employers, and the elite ... rather than a violent revolution as in the Russian revolution or the situation in Germany where the Weimar Republic was destroyed by the elite aligning themselves with the Nazis to prevent "socialism". The Nordic countries followed a nonviolent "revolution" where the elite ceded power to society and a government of "we the people".
In George Lakey's book "Viking Economics", he mentions a conversation in Norway with the Kristin Clemet, the head of a leading Conservative think tank named Citiva. She is a prominent conservative politician and observed that President Obama would be considered right wing in Norway ... she would be happy to have him as a member of the Conservative Party in Norway.
My point is that we are so far from being balanced in our politics in this country ... what we consider the "center" would be considered far right wing in Nordic countries.
So ... a good assessment of the problem in this country is that our diversity is not very diverse at all ... we are largely a very conservative, right wing country. Until we are willing to look at ourselves in the mirror and recognize ourselves for what we really are ... progress is very challenging.
"The Nordic countries followed a nonviolent 'revolution' where the elite ceded power to society and a government of 'we the people'." It's the "elite ceded..." part that has us stuck, IMHO. I don't think our elite would "nonviolently" cede. T
I would love to post a couple of your statements, especially the one from Oliver Wendell Holmes. There has been so much bad mouthing about paying taxes, it is no wonder that that is the only pony the gop (and some democrats) have been able to ride. Needless to say the knee jerk reaction to anything that has anything at all to do with taxation makes having a reasonable and educated discussion about taxation has been impossible for years and years - before Reagan - but certainly the crowd against any taxation has grown even deeper roots since Reagan. The U.S. Tax Code is woefully inequitable. That needs to be addressed for sure. 45's own tax situation and the huge breaks the real estate industry uses to cut their own taxes and reap refunds and credits must be completely overhauled. No wonder folks cannot get reasonably priced housing.
And no wonder Americans hate to pay taxes. We see the inequities. I would feel a lot better if I thought our tax code was fair.
I think you have hit on something....this working together vs rugged individualism. There is no balance or compromise between these two right now in the U.S. And our so called leader has done nothing to bring our country together. Our culture is a mix of those who want to work together and those who don't. At this point, I can't even guess which path we will ultimately take.
“. . .the sentiment of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes that ‘I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization’”. WOW!
I quote it often.
That is a great quote!
Though in Nordic countries there is a common view of what represents self interest and it is very much collective. It effectively produces a significant, community-policed conformity of view on what constitutes social relations and the relationship of the individual to the collectivity. Excentricity and otherwise "alternative" views are not encouraged...quite the contrary.
This reminds me of a comment a Swedish colleague made to me after the 2016 elections here. I was lamenting the results and expressing my depression ... and he mentioned this aspect of Sweden. He mentioned that perhaps 15% of the people in Sweden are rather "nasty", "mean" people ... perhaps similar to here. The big difference is that in Sweden everybody votes ... typical voter turnout is around 90%. So, even if all the 15% of the "nasty" people turn out and vote, they don't win. His comment was that you need to have people engaged in their society and government.
We typically struggle to have a voter turnout of 50% ... so 15% can have a big impact on the result. I think a major difference between Nordic social democracy and here is that in Nordic social democracy, people are engaged in their society and government ... they don't "sit out" but instead participate because the government is "we the people".
So, yes, there is a common collective view in Nordic social democracy ... because the conversation is a conversation among all ... not just the elite or highly vocal factions.
The participation rate is of course very important but your figures suggest a striking conformity of views of 85% of the population and little tolerance for the "unacceptable" views of the other15%.
Just an anecdote but a greek friend who ran a major swedish, de-luxe, pre-fabricated house-building i met in the US . He was married to a swedish lady. He said simply that the only way he could put up with the "iron-clad" conformity and the resulting impossible boredom was to escape for 2 months a year to their house in Majorca.
I would like to know how to see the "Freewheeling birthday chat" and other live talks by HCR. I can't seem to find a reference as to how to access these live events.
Vickie, they are posted on Heather’s Facebook page and, later, on her YouTube page.
Thanks! I found it, watched it once and then shared with my husband-great info and my level of admiration for HCR just keeps rising.
Happiest of Birthday's to you and may you have many many more years to gift us with your wisdom, insight and perspective! And thank you also for wading through this muck to bring us the daily salient points. I know that you have made my life far less fretful and I look forward to your letters daily.
I was so heartened running errands today and seeing an absolute sea of Bide/Harris yard signs that have popped up since the “debate”. And I live in Ohio! Northeast Ohio! The land of defunct steel mills and automotive assembly and parts plants!
Since moving back to my hometown in 2017 after almost 40 years, I have been pained and baffled by the predominant mindset and attitudes that have developed here. It has been a trying time and although I have lived in both blue and red states over the years, I had never experienced actual aggressive behavior while merely my driving around house hunting prior to the election with my NY State plates and a Hillary sticker. Astonishing.
I so appreciate the comments of this community and Dr Richardson, your historical perspective is priceless. I was so fortunate to find your letters and I pass them along regularly.
Like many others here who like myself are long travelers, we have, well let’s just say, seen some shit. I recently found my “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for McGovern” bumper sticker if that gives you a clue of my journey. It’s been a long and slippery slope.
Now I am beginning feel hopeful and have taken advantage of Ohio’s early voting.
My vote has been cast!
He has my first vote too. Went to the poles with my dad so our votes offset each other. Intro to politics 101. Later, in 1974, we watched the Nixon debacle together. He was a forever changed Republican after that, and towards the end of his time on earth was a Vermonter and huge fan of Bernie.
My 1st vote in a presidential election was for McGovern! I remember those bumper stickers. And what scary times they were. HOPE!
Mine, too. I was one who had the "Don't blame me I'm from Massachusetts" bumper sticker.
I remember the primaries that year, because the first vote I cast was for Shirley Chisholm.
As another long traveler, I always smile when I think of the bumper sticker when Nixon won the Electoral College votes in 49 out of 50 states for his second term and then Watergate and impeachment loomed over him. The bumper sticker said. "Don't blame me, I'm from Massachusetts!"
It is very sad when you can´t tell whether the President is his normal crazy or if he is affected by the drugs he is taking.
I find it hard to keep up, much less figure out the cause.
It´s not about figuring out the cause. He has been saying to 'lock up' Hillary Clinton for 4 years beginning when they both were Presidential candidates until now. Now he is President and he is saying 'lock up' Biden and Obama. Now, people are wondering if it is the drugs effecting him or if this is just normal Trump, which it may be. It´s one of those things you look at and realize how used to his level of crazy and outrageous we have become. With any other President (or most people) we could tell when they are shouting drug-induced crazy talk. With Trump, it just sounds close enough to his normal talk. Unless it is his normal talk. Either way, it is anti-democratic.
And on an aside, despite being thought of as corrupt, Hillary is probably the most heavily investigated person in history. Which either makes her not corrupt or smarter than multiple teams filled with people who literally hate her who are investigating her. I think she is smart, but not that smart.
Maybe it's all just various degrees of horrible.
I hope your birthday was fabulous!
Excellent summary if this crazy Trump news day. As for Trump, a friend who is a psychiatrist says his behavior is typical for a narcissist who is cornered. He is on a destructive path which will likely get worse.
It is going to be a wild ride through the election.
We need to get out and vote. Your statement on Tuesday saying we can be our own saviors is absolutely correct.
Thank you for the perpective you give us with your letters.
Actually, we need to stay vigilant until noon on Jan. 20. He and other defeated Rs and cabinet members can cause a lot of chaos and destruction. We must stay strong.
Yeah, just wondering what we could do in the lame-duck period. I hate to think what our People's House will look like. And that's just cosmetic. What further destruction will they wreak in our judicial system, for instance? I wish we had to way to just oust their sorry fat backsides.
I agree. They can’t leave too soon. I think continuing to pressure our Senators might help. Both of our FLorida Senators aren’t up for re-election this year, but once they see the landslide we’ll give Biden and we take back the Senate, they may be willing to grow a spine. If we can, donate to the ACLU and other groups who can file lawsuits, stays, etc.
Like a rabid dog that has been cornered.
I am very glad the House is pursuing the avenue of the 25th Amendment. It's appropriate at this time. If the current president's mental health was the sole concern, it would be more than enough to warrant action to mitigate the effects of his actions. But the intimations and support of violent, lawless paramilitary groups is a major concern as well.
After yesterday's horrifying news of the (foiled) plot to kidnap and possibly kill our Michigan Governor, it felt like my worst fears were coming true. Here in Northern Michigan, we not only have white supremist "militia's" on the rise, but county sheriffs who support them. I cannot put up Biden signs for fear of being shot. But,
after reading about the brilliant work of the FBI and our Michigan State Police, and watching Gretchen Whitmer's incredible speech and our AG Nessel's strong interview, I felt renewed hope in "the system." It still works!! There was no Waco stand off. Their were no killings. There were no shots fired in the successful raid. Even with the urging of our president to stop that woman. We have a long way to go. But in a perverse way, tRump is bringing all these festering boils to a head, and , by golly, America has the highly skilled professionals to lance and treat (and arrest) them. HOPE! (Also, I take heart in learning that these "proud boys" and "boogaloos" are not very smart.)
That trump invited...
As so many others have said, “Happy Birthday “. But isn’t it odd, and wonderful, that your birthday gift is really a gift to all of us in your community who love you and the true friendship that has developed among all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Happy Birthday Dr. R. I too appreciate your birthday gift to all of us! Thank you.
Thank you for using the term domestic terrorists to describe the groups plotting violence against Gov. Whitmer. It is essential that we consistently counter any “constitutional” legitimacy that their self description of “milititia” gives them. White nationalists with guns are domestic terrorists with a long history. And now they have too much “lawful” access to public spaces thanks to the NRA. We need to decouple their projected image as patriots from their actual intended actions of terrorizing anyone who dares encroach on their petty liberty of being perceived as “real” men who don’t take orders from women.
Happy Birthday!! I am so grateful every morning to have your clear thinking. It grounds me, inspires me, educates me, prepares me to face each new crazy day. I hope you take time to recharge!
I could not believe it when I heard about the kidnap attempt on Governor Whitmer. Yet, as a Michigander, I was not surprised 😥 I know people who were in the Michigan Militia. They are nuts. An inflammatory Facebook post by a second cousin on an anti-shutdown was published in a magazine with nationwide distribution. My mother asked his sister about it. She was like yup it was him. Unbelievable
Yup. Here in Northern Michigan, we see it in neighbors and coworkers - and in local sheriffs who support them. BUT, the system worked!! The experts at the FBI and Michigan State Police did it right, caught them all, no shots fired! It gives me hope, in a state where yo can open carry and conceal carry guns insudenour Lansing Capital, but you can't carry signs because they might scrape paint off the walls.
Mary Pat Sercu Randall, I was an Enumerator for U.S. Census for about six weeks. The county I was enumerating for was fairly compliant, so we were sent to counties in northern central Michigan to enumerate. I hated it. The people were mean and I did not feel safe. I told a friend that I would rather enumerate in downtown Saginaw which is a little dodgy. That said I agree the justice system worked. I was very proud of the Women from Michigan yesterday. Like I am every day. That said I heard that thing about the signs in the Capitol building on MSNBC last night. I think it was "The Rachel Maddow Show". Unbelievable
Sad to hear that folks were mean to you and you felt unsafe, but not suprised. When I worked the Census in 2010, I visited those who had not responded, which in this area meant a lot of beautiful, empty cabins on 5 lovely lakes. Most people who live here year round are good and kind and had completed their forms. But on some of the back roads, not so much. Wait to see how big their dogs are.
I found the "lifers" to be worst. The seasonal people were OK for the most part
I live in Maryland now but grew up in Michigan and went to college there. I listened to Gov. Whitmer's speech and found it comforting to hear that short, flat-a, as she spoke. I haven't heard it so clearly in quite a while. Be safe up there in the beautiful North!
She is very reassuring when she speaks. You feel someone is in charge. In my 60 plus years as a Michigander, I think she is the best governor we have ever had. She takes care of the people first regardless of the politics.
I supported her election. I think she represents a standard Michigan deserves. It is frightening to see her struggle to survive the armed gangs coming after her. I am glad that she stands strong, most Michiganders have her back, and that her approval rating has increased to over 60% for handling of COVID.
Nice to hear that!
Guns-yes; signs-no. Defies logic.
*an anti-shutdown Facebook page*
With any luck, Fatso will go to his superspreader frolic in Florida on Saturday, where he will be ten times worse than he was on Hannity tonight, ranting for an hour as he coughs on all of them and gasps for air and his oxygenation drops below 85%, ending with his collapse, in which he ends up DOA by the time his face hits the floor. And all the ga-ga old boomers in the front row will pass on what they got to everyone else there and they'll all proceed to Make America Great Again. Permanently.
Gee, TC, don't sugarcoat it. Tell us how you really feel! LOL!
At the same time that I totally get the impulse to wish death on Trump for all the evil he has done and intends to do, and send his followers along with him, following his lead into hatred and ugly stereotypes can only make things worse. Plus, you are denigrating fat people and old boomers, both of which are categories into which I might fit. Far from sitting in some trumpistan front row, my mother and I have written 700 get out the vote letters to help Donald move back to Mar-A-Lago, where he can golf daily in between answering for his crimes to the NY courts. A whole crowd of my peers in Florida are spending their retirement days campaigning for progressive candidates. Don't count us out.
I hope he never visits Mar-A-Lago again. I want him arrested as soon as he becomes a citizen again and he remains in jail while awaiting trial.
At this rate, he's going to be confined in a mental hospital while his lawyers argue he's not competent to stand trial.
Most of the baby boom generation was useless from the day they were born. The whole "Sixties thing" only involved around 15% of the generation. For the rest, it was just the 1950s. I say that as a war baby who went to school with the idiots.
Beg your pardon. I be one of those, born in 1949. And I have contributed and continue to contribute to this country.
🤣 OK, tryin' NOT to wish it, tryin' NOT to wish it . . .
I speak for many Boomers here in Florida who have or will vote #BidenHarris and we do not want T to come here. In fact, we wish our puppet governor to leave as well.
If you haven’t already, please take a huge chunk of time to celebrate you.
May the year ahead bring you joy and success upon success!
With Pence heading back to DC and cancelling other events, Nancy Pelosi might not need her new bill to participate in the process of invoking the 25th Amendment after all. Trump is now dragging them all down with them and they won't necessarily let him get away with it! That's a very special birthday present! Happy Birthday Heatheryou deserve it.
Why is Pence heading back to DC? I have not seen anywhere an explanation for it.
Me neither....it's Friday after all...we might see something "difficult" tonight after the news deadlines "as usual" .
Okie Doke. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss something about it. Thanks!
You're welcome.
I have the same question. Since he was going to “vote”in Indiana - maybe he has tested positive? Or (ideally) he is onboard with the 25th amendment and he needs to be in DC to sign it?
I was wondering, as I read about Pence heading back to D.C., what line Trump has to cross before Pence would no longer defend him? Pence has always backed Trump and excused Trumps behavior. I don’t think Pence has the backbone to go along with the 25th, if it came to that.
Who knows? And when the worm turns...! It's amazing what the strangest of people will do when their back is up against the proverbial wall!
If he's tested +ve, they are going to have to rush to "do the 25th" before symptoms appear to stop "a Pelosi scenario" .
We'll see rapidly no dout.
Doubt of course! Aagghh!
Of course, the "b" in doubt is silent, so the typo is understandable.
Tell that to the keyboard on my Blackberry telephone. It doesn't seem to listen to me!
I read speculation that the "pink eye" that Pence had during the debate is a sign of Covid. I'd bet he's positive.
My mind keeps going back to the idea that Pence has been called back to take over quietly because the 45 train has just derailed. I mean--arrest Obama and Biden?! WTH?
Bet he tested positive AND has symptoms.
I agree. Terrifying slithery man.
Slithery. That's the word I meant! All I could think of was slinky. Thanks! And terrifying absolutely.
Oh clearly. Mostly because he instills a sense of calm and reasoning in some folks however his milk toast “quality” will lose his party many more supporters.
He has probably the capacity to organize which the other lacks. A snake indeed. But a little late to get it together and it's not sure that Barr and Pompeo will let him draw the blanket to himself and away from them.
Yes.
He's acting a lot like King Lear in the final scenes. I wonder what that bodes for the near future.
Yes, Shakespearean. Personally I feel like we’ve been in an endless Act II.1 of Calderón’s La vida es sueño. Tragically our mad prince doesn’t have the capacity to stop, come to his senses, and end his violence. We will have to remove the sword from his hand by voting, this ending this nightmare of a play..
It looks like a race between Trump’s brain and body. Any bets on which fails first?
I’m not sure I care if his brain or body loses so long as the race ends and he fails.
The brain won, years ago.
Happy Birthday, Heather! We always appreciate receiving your nightly letters, no matter the length. I suspect many of us get up in the middle of the night to read them when we can't sleep (who can sleep much these days?). Thanks for your guidance and historical perspective as we navigate the 2020 "wormhole to hell" year, and may your 2021 birthday be in a much happier and healthier world. I voted on Wednesday, and would have kissed my ballot before I dropped it in the box, if it wasn't for the pandemic...