Russian president Vladimir Putin met with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un today in Russia’s far east. His need to turn to North Korea’s isolated leader is a dramatic fall for Putin, who just four years ago was hobnobbing with then-president Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Now, thanks to his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin, too, is isolated, charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court, and under an arrest warrant.
Yes, thank you yet again Heather. I particularly appreciate your summary of Secretary Blinken's speech which I would not otherwise know about. It tells me there is a vision and a plan that makes sense and can move us forward. Compare it to those horrible Trump years when he governed by temper tantrum and wanted to dismantle all of the alliances that have kept us all safe for so long. The people working so hard at the State Department and we know it isn't easy to carry out this vision but there are people in place who know what they are doing and believe their job is to serve the public, not themselves. May they be able to continue to do that after 2024.
The perfect backup to the speech: HRC on MSNBC this morning. New Department of International Affairs at Columbia where she will teach. Early guest: Pope Francis. If you don’t know what he’s up to (climate change, overpopulation) this may be our chance to find out!
I sincerely second this thought - if not for Professor Richardson’s letters would we ever even hear the comments and support of Secretary Blinkin. Thank you a million times Heather for your time at informing us of sanity in the world that we’d surely believe no longer existed.
Fear. As long as the Putin wing of the GOP can appeal to human insecurities they will sell their souls. Those Republicans are anti democracy, which puts them against all that has made this country great.
As I have often committed here, the Rs are the party of death to everything that decent people hold dear. If they are allowed to pursue their devastating path not only will we not have democracy, but we will see more evidence of climate change and it will be much more difficult to sustain life on the planet. They are motivated by power and greed just like the Putins, Kims, Xis, and other autocrats of the world.
In Wisconsin, the backlash against the corrupt republicans is growing. If they try to remove (impeach) the Judge we voted for in huge numbers they will feel our wrath at the ballot box and the State Capitol.
I feel your pain here in Ohio. I wrote letters for Vote Forward sent to Wisconsin voters urging them to show up for the SC election and was thrilled to see the outcome. I am tempted to pull up that list and send additional letters encouraging voters to take all peaceful legal steps to retain the Judge they voted in but of course I have not been authorized by VF to do so. Are there advocacy groups in place to keep people engaged in this threat to their voting power?
Yes, insecurity, as I posted yesterday. That is the common thread running through the autocrat's songbook everywhere on earth. Exploit people via something as simple, as common, as much a fact of life as life itself! Human insecurity is directly chained to the "fight or flight" atavistic patterns encoded in our ancient DNA. The human brain is a magnificent organ. We have only just begun to grasp the depth and scope of its potential. Russian thug Putin is far, far ahead of the American people. My short chance encounter with KGB men years ago in the US Navy solidified my awareness for that. Nature does abhor a vacuum, and in our recent vacuous past we allowed has lap dog trump into our lives 24/7. And, so it goes. Check out Astra Taylor, Canadian activist/film maker.
Linda, we are living in a nation perceived differently by today’s RepubliQans. I had a former work colleague post a photo of tfg with the caption “I trust this man more than anyone else in Washington.” There were at least a half dozen likes/comments on it.
That's why the dissemination of disinformation is so dangerous. It is far too easy to drown people in a sea if lies.
Online algorithms are programmed to lead people to ever more radicalism, and ownership of media platforms by unstable and erratic people like Elon Musk only increases the danger.
People don't trust the government, but they trust Trump and Musk?
When private individuals have more power than the government, we are in greater danger than when government regulates.
Cheryl, I’m less worried about individuals having power than a government owned by monied interests. The rot in our system is extensive. Trump didn’t come from a vacuum; DeSantis would be worse, even if less vulgar. Once one grasps the concept of inverted totalitarianism, this Team Red vs. Team Blue illusion of democracy becomes much clearer, even if more unsettling.
If the founders, whom the right wing considers so sacred, wanted a king, they would have written it into the Constitution. Our parents and grandparents who fought in world wars to defend democracy would be astounded at the republicants rejection of democracy.
If you live in a world where all you hear is "the sky is orange and the grass is purple", then that is what you will believe. We are all influenced by repetition. Makes me wonder if we aren't some extraterrestrial experiment...
Sorry, this thought just burst into my mind-nothing erudite and scholarly. BUT I wonder if their heads are where the sun don't shine, will they need toilet paper? Is trump handing that out or was it paper towels?
Ally, having encountered a couple of your ex-colleagues on Facebook, I am not surprised. Somehow their manhood is threaten by anything definded as woke. And they wonder why people do not trust the police. Just last night there was a news story of a Seattle cop laughing and making crass remarks including something like her life was not worth anything anyway after the woman had been run over by a police vehicle and killed.
Our local paper, the weekly Ellsworth American has an opinion page. Their editorials are as close to apolitical as possible because they fear losing even one subscriber.
With that being said, the letters to the editor are definitely political and mostly about national politics. A few MAGAs attempt to contribute letters now and then. They mostly parrot Tucker, Hannity, Laura and the other Fox talking heads. And since Fox peddles mostly lies, hate and gossip against the Biden administer that's what they try peddling. Once in a while they plagiarize what Fox says, but mostly they attempt to rephrase it and most often miss the mark badly.
The next week someone rebuts their letters. The paper will not post anything that hints at incivility, so there are very creative ways that liberals call the MAGAs morons without calling them morons.
This week a MAGAt tried to call out a former Maine State Senator and also a former editor to the Ellsworth American saying that Biden was amoral because he hadn't recognized Hunter's daughter until recently. Compared to our rapist misogynistic homophobic white supremacist former President, Biden's lack of contact with his granddaughter is a nothing burger. He also attempted to refute a few other points made by the former Senator, but they either incoherent or Fox msiinformation.
After reading the MAGAt's letters, I usually end up shaking my head or laughing or both.
So yes, the sky is a different color to the RepubliQans, but they have to watch Fox News to see what color it is this week.
I don't see how Biden's relationship with a grand daughter has anything to do with any thing. Wasn't it his son and ex? wife's problem? We should talk about the forgotten daughter Tiffany.
I know people who feel the same. Trump is absolutely the most dishonest and corrupt person ever to take office anywhere in our country. It boggles my mind how brainwashed and disconnected from reality they are. Everyone I know who believes this are avid watchers of FOX News. How do we enlighten theses masses?
Trump's image for most of his followers probably began with NBC's The Apprentice .We know that image was manufactured for "reality" TV by producer Mark Burnett. FOX built that myth into a candidate.
Ally House, yes indeed republicans see a different world than Democrats. It feels like a hall of funhouse mirrors. Their beliefs mirror ours. Democrats are terrible, radical, unthinking, out of touch with reality and determined to ruin this country, and end democracy. Democrats are upending long standing norms that we built this country on. They have to be voted out and anything Democrats stand for has to be opposed. I vehemently disagree with republicans world view and sadly concede that facts have no impact in this debate. Because everything I say to a Republican will be dismissed because I am, “ terrible, radical, unthinking, out of touch with reality and determined to ruin this country, and end democracy.” VOTE Democratic!
Yet he stands on camera and tells provable lie after lie, sometimes within the same speech! 🤦🏻♀️ I have to think that these believers felt most secure in their earliest years in an environment where they were constantly lied to, cementing that type of lying authority relationship so into their deepest wiring that is all that their adult selves can truly trust 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I’m not leaving the silo of truth, and though I frequently fall when it comes to criminals and violent, malicious people I try not to leave the silo of love.
Thanks to Blinken (and Heather), I now see the proverbial big picture amid all that’s swirling around us. We already knew the 2024 election was critical, but clearly it’s more than that. Life would become a hellscape if Trump or other wannabe dictators in his mold take power.
The Gop is, obsessed with power and control to rule this country for themselves. They have been mimniputed by Trumps ideology of thinking, and have no remorse for humanity or the planet. A dictatorship and autocratic rule is what they want, nothing else.
Why is it that when commentators mention the 14th section 3, they don't emphasize the "aid and comfort" phrase? We don't have to have a conviction in any court we have the timeline of the 6th. His speech sends the protestors to the Capital. We have testimony stating Trump didn't want to do anything about protestors while they trashed the Capitol and fought the police. Then when he does decide he's accomplished his goal, he sends them home and they go without protest. Add the sedition convictions of the Proud Boys and you're done.
Does this apply to the president? Article II Section 2 "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.."
Section 3
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or HOLD ANY OFFICE, civil OR MILITARY, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, OR GIVEN AID OR COMFORT TO THE ENEMIES THEREOF. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
With that, we can perhaps take down the Senators and Representatives who stood to try and enact the false elector scheme. (Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Josh Hawley, Representative Paul Gosar, Representative Jody Hice, Representative Majorie Taylor Green, Representative Mo Brooks Jr., Representative Scott Perry, and Representative Louie Gohmert - there were others but they didn't continue their support after the Congress returned to session). I think this is the right link. But it's all in the Congressional Record to include the specific objections to swing states and the rejection of objections that didn't have a Senator to support the objection.
This morning/early afternoon, at 12:30 am Eastern/9:30 Pacific, CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) will be providing an update on the lawsuit they filed in the state Colorado to prevent Trump from being placed on the ballot under Art.14, Sec. 3. I highly recommend making a donation to CREW to support their effort and, if you have the time, attending the 30 min Zoom update. Here is the link to CREW: https://www.citizensforethics.org
No, he doesn't appear in the Congressional Record stating any objections. One Senator evidently had a Come to Jesus moment. Senator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia who lost the GA runoff election, had intended to stand in support of the Georgia challenge and instead used a floor speech to call out the violence and withdraw her objection.
Quite frankly he is a sycophant. I just didn't recognize the behavior when he stood in John McCain's shadow. His policies have never agreed with mine. But I didn't think he was a waste of human DNA until Trump.
Isee don't think we even need the "aid and co fort" phrase. It is pretty clear from public evidence that Trump actively engaged in insurrection. His orchestration of the fake electors scheme as well as incitement of his mob on Jan. 6 go well beyond "aid and comfort"!
I hope we can get Section 3 enforced! Clearly, some citizens and groups are brining suit to do so.
Without enforcement of its provisions, the Constitution is, as GWB once infamously stated, is "just a piece of paper."
When you write about using Sec. 3 of the 14th Amendment to 'take down' those who supported the false elector scheme, you use the adverb 'perhaps,' recognizing that some things are easier said than done. For democracy to work effectively, it requires smart, knowledgeable, people. When there are not enough of them, it does not. That is not 'perhaps' the problem. That IS the problem. And they vote for the people you mention.
Paula, do you think there is the remotest chance Congress can garner supermajorities from both chambers let alone even one? I don't see i blue wave coming, do you? On the aiding and abetting you also need to realize the GOP is whole handedly participating in that effort. Can you see that voting base suddenly cracking up? I read an interesting poll that put unregistered likely non-voters with significant majorities thinking 2020 was a stolen election, far more than registered voters, who are also significantly fractured. The big lie has worked?
No one knows. Which is why I’m writing GOTV postcards. Anyone who cares can link up with the Turnabout Project, Indivisible, or organizations either can lead you too so that you can write postcards to states having primaries in November 2023 (VA, OH). You get cards and voters lists. This Virginian has just written 100 to VA and is waiting for the next batch to either state.
Key words: unregistered and nonvoters. Some states have made it so difficult to register and vote, these people may not be able to afford to register to vote because they don't have the money to pay for an id. Voting places may not be accessible. We might be assuming that these people will get off their butts and vote. Last election was important and nothing was done. Ironically all these obstacles put in the way of poor and black people may bite Republicans in the butt when rural and the poorer trumpers don't vote.
Just have to be lucky and not get a trump judge like Cannon. There are a lot of republican appointed judges who go by the facts with their eyes wide opened. Look at how many have dismissed appeals and request for delays.
and after 2-1/2 years we cannot set a trial date which should of been done immediately after Trump was out of office and it was clearer in the public's mind. WTF seems pretty lawless.
Thank you Heather and all your readers are so smart.
This is an extraordinarily concise and shaking summation of the US and world situation. I have to marvel at the ability of qualified politicians to convey complex ideas to citizens (if they're paying the slightest bit of attention). Scarily like the leadup to WW II.
--- Democracies are under threat, Blinken said. “Challenged from the inside by elected leaders who exploit resentments and stoke fears; erode independent judiciaries and the media; enrich cronies; crack down on civil society and political opposition. And challenged from the outside, by autocrats who spread disinformation, who weaponize corruption, who meddle in elections.”
America is also on the list of actively overthrowing elected Democratic leaders in other countries and converting those countries into brutal, violent dictatorships.
The Shah of Iran being the most well known and famous bloodthirsty dictator we put in place by overthrowing a decent man ELECTED by the Iranian people.
We got rid of that guy in 1953 and, with "Great" Britain, put in place the Shah, who, then proceeded to torture and kill Iranians at will, for (ever). Or until he left to go to a US hospital because even the evil get old and die.
And? We wonder why Iranians hate America? Like we have done nothing wrong and they are just nuts.
Don't forget what Nixon and Kissinger and the CIA did fifty years ago orchestrating the coup in Chile overthrowing and killing democratically elected Salvatore Aliende on September 11, 1973.
Mike S, thanks! The whole truth is essential to those of us who thirst for a fairer, more just nation. Those who don't, love stuffing things under rugs.
Tom High, you are so correct that Blinken is a cheerleader for American hegemony. So much of what he said don't really cover reality. His mention of the United Nations was fanciful at best. The U.S. rarely, if ever, works with the UN. And the major threat to humanity is what is happening to where we all live as the earth is boiling, and things grow far worse and faster than most people imagine. Then there are the sanctions our president and Congress are using. Sanctions are weapons of war. They starve and kill just as much, or even more, than bombs, bullets, drones, and the other weapons. As for corporations, Boeing and the rest of those that make weapons of war are making incredible amounts of money. Meanwhile, in our country, the poor continue to stay where they are with far too little help from those rich cats.
Well, sometimes we, the USA, ARE willing to lie to the UN to at least inform them about what we are going to do whether the UN votes to support our (usually) military aggression or not.
For example, Colin Powell, lap dog of Cheney and Bush II, got up and, like the lap dog he was, lied about "Weapons of Mass Destruction" in Iraq, to the UN, EVEN though the weapons inspectors placed on the ground, long before, by none other than Reagan were saying there were NONE to the press world wide.
Sadly, not many news organizations here were running interviews with the weapons inspectors denials. I think I saw those interviews on Al Jazeera.
So, yes, we DO work with the UN once in a while. We, the USA, LIE to get the UN to not oppose our war machine that has been active since WW II.
"And the major threat to humanity is what is happening to where we all live as the earth is boiling . . . " If all these issues are addressed without prioritizing care for our one and only dying planet, all the diplomacy and politics and saber-rattling become pointless.
But, I will say, I personally am not sure what I would be doing.
Blinken's statement about being in a fog? I understand what he means. It is really difficult to sort the "right thing" in this situation. At least in my own mind.
I don't want WW III but I also don't want Putin in charge here or in Ukraine.
Although, we might get "Putin in Charge right here" just by re-electing Trump, who, without a doubt, is a Putin Puppet.
Secretaries of State are appointed by presidents. They may be anyone the president chooses. Haven’t checked Blinken’s biography, just watched him grow in the job.
And what turns leaders into autocrats who will attempt to crush anyone who threatens their rule? The drug of choice: power. At the beginning of their political careers, Putin, Jinping, and Erdogan earnestly worked to improve their citizens' lives and all three economies grew and prospered. Once all three fell into the addiction of power, their efforts began to unravel. Notice that all three of these countries' economies are in decline. trump was worse than all of them because he could not care less about anything but fame and fortune from the get-go. What he did in initiating America's decline was evident--thank God the damage he did was nipped at four years. It's unimaginable that he could be president while in a jail cell but I am not privy to the deal he made with the devil. Every judicial tool possible should be implemented to imprison him. Fearing for his safety and the millions that would be spent to ensure it? I've got the solution to both: solitary confinement....
Anthony Blinken does not stand alone. He is backed by the hard work and professionalism of the civil and foreign service workers who staff the Department of State.
Quoted below is the text from the Project 2025 section on the reorganization of the Department of State. It is crystal clear on the stated intentions of the Republicans to purge the the Department and gut it of any professionals who are not willing to obey orders and fall in line behind whatever whims the President has. Acting UNCONFIRMED political appointees will be in place on Day 1, no person in leadership at the beginning of Day one should be there by the close, the Department will be gutted of professional staff with any differing or dissenting views, another layer of political appointees will be inserted to ensure that there is no dissent.
US foreign policy evolves and is refined and implemented by the career professionals at State. I find this sentence particularly chilling. "The secretary must find a way to make clear
to career officials that despite prior history and modes of operation, they need
not be adversaries of a conservative President, Secretary of State, or the team of
political appointees." That they "need not" says it all: fall in line or else.
This plan will ensure that if the Republicans win and thereafter Democrats retake the presidency the Department of State will have been hollowed out with much of its professional staff replaced by Republican loyalists so it will impede any reversals of policy.
"LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT
Focusing the State Department on the needs and goals of the next President
will require the President’s handpicked political leadership—as well as foreign
service and civil service personnel who share the President’s vision and policy
agendas—to run the department. This can be done by taking these steps at the
outset of the next Administration.
Exert Leverage During the Confirmation Process. Notwithstanding the
challenges and slowness of the modern U.S. Senate confirmation process, the next
President can exert leverage on the Senate if he or she is willing to place State
Department appointees directly into those roles, pending confirmation. Doing so
would both ensure that the department has immediate senior political leadership
and would force the Senate to act on nominees’ appointments instead of being
allowed to engage in dilatory tactics that cripple the State Department’s functionality for weeks, months, or even years.
Assert Leadership in the Appointment Process. The next Administration
should assert leadership over, and guidance to, the State Department by placing
political appointees in positions that do not require Senate confirmation, including
senior advisors, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries, and Deputy Assistant Secretaries. Given the department’s size, the next Administration should also increase
the number of political appointees to manage it.
To the extent possible, all non-confirmed senior appointees should be selected
by the President-elect’s transition team or the new President’s Office of Presidential Personnel (depending on the timing of selection) and be in place the first day
of the Administration. No one in a leadership position on the morning of January
20 should hold that position at the end of the day. These recommendations do not
imply that foreign service and civil service officials should be excluded from key
roles: It is hard to imagine a scenario in which they are not immediately relevant to
the transition of power. The main suggestion here is that as many political appointees as possible should be in place at the start of a new Administration.
Support and Train Political Appointees. The Secretary of State should use
his or her office and its resources to ensure regular coordination among all political
appointees, which should take the form of strategy meetings, trainings, and other
events. The secretary should also take reasonable steps to ensure that the State
Department’s political appointees are connected to other departments’ political
appointees, which is critical for cross-agency effectiveness and morale. The secretary should capitalize on the more experienced political appointees by using
them as the foundation for a mentorship program for less experienced political
appointees. The interaction of political appointees must be routine and operational
rather than incidental or occasional, and it must be treated as a crucial dimension
for the next Administration’s success.
Maximize the Value of Career Officials. Career foreign service and civil
service personnel can and must be leveraged for their expertise and commitment to the President’s mission. Indeed, the State Department has thousands of
employees with unparalleled linguistic, cultural, policy, and administrative skills,
and large numbers of them have been an enormous resource to the Secretaries of
State under which they have served. The secretary must find a way to make clear
to career officials that despite prior history and modes of operation, they need
not be adversaries of a conservative President, Secretary of State, or the team of
political appointees.
Reboot Ambassadors Worldwide. All ambassadors are required to submit
letters of resignation at the start of a new Administration. Previous Republican
Administrations have accepted the resignations of only the political ambassadors
and allowed the foreign service ambassadors to retain their posts, sometimes for
months or years into a new Administration.
The next Administration must go further: It should both accept the resignations of all political ambassadors and quickly review and reassess all career ambassadors. This review should commence
well before the new Administration’s first day.
Ambassadors in countries where U.S. policy or posture would substantially
change under the new Administration, as well as any who have evinced hostility
toward the incoming Administration or its agenda, should be recalled immediately.
The priority should be to put in place new ambassadors who support the President’s agenda among political appointees, foreign service officers, and civil service
personnel, with no predetermined percentage among these categories. Political
ambassadors with strong personal relationships with the President should be prioritized for key strategic posts such as Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the
United Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)."
you've added motivation to defeat Project 2025 as well as a very bad taste in my mouth for the continuing chaos and undermining of government "for the people" this outlines.
For the life of me, I don't understand why people "prefer" assassinations and executions over the peaceful transfer of power, because that is the obvious path they are taking.
Yes, Beverly, but they think and know it's quicker to kill them. Let's ask Hilary Clinton about that after what just happened in Libya. I'm talking about the big storm and deaths and destruction there. Since the U.S. killing of Kadafi, Libya has gone to hell.
At some points this excerpt from the 2025 Project reads like any other poorly written training manual. Hannah Arendt's "The Banality of Evil" comes to mind. Then the talk of purging the Department of State on day 1 begins. Building the effective, dynamic, Department of State we have now took years, decades, even. Apparently, the 2025 Project plans to destroy it in a day.
Today ProPublica published another fact-finding article regarding our nation’s fleet of mighty ships that are dead in the water. Each one of those ships were to go to battle, if need be, however, they all kept breaking down. Sailors were frustrated because they were making repairs when they wanted to sail. Now those ships are headed to a trash heap. Billions were spent on these warships and for what?? That money could easily go to men, women, and children to help sustain them. Just remember, each year the Defense Dept always asks for increases for their pet projects. This was as disastrous as it gets.
Every year Congress tries to divvy up the DOD funds equitably between the 50 states. Of course some states are more equal than others. In ME, Angus King is on the Armed Services Committee and Susan Collins is on the Appropriations Committee. They are both on other committees related to defense as well. They both make sure that ME gets a share of the DOD's annual budget.
ME has seen several bases close in the past 30 years. Only a couple remain including the National Guard. So where does the DOD money go with fewer bases here?
General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works which has been building destroyers and other Navy vessels for many years. Of course, the profits don't stay in ME, but there are thousands of workers employed there plus suppliers to the Bath Iron Works.
To answer your question, every state gets a piece of this huge pie. Sure the DOD asks for money for specific projects but the Senators are really the ones that lobby to have these "pet projects" for their state.
I'm guessing that Alabama's allocation will be reduced substantially due to Tuberville's abortion tantrum which includes the loss of the Space Force HQ.
My stepson, who took most of the prizes upon graduating from the Long Island Maritime Academy, who didn’t want to build warships, spent most of his long career at Bath Ironworks, so I know ME was spending DoD money well! He was finally “allowed” to retire to walk the Appalachian Trail, which was his real ambition when he finally had time.
That is ambitious--to walk the Appalachian Trail. I've only driven by the Iron Works and seen the Destroyers out in the water. It's hard to tell if they are ready for delivery or not since I know very little about these ships.
I'm glad your stepson was able to retire and cross that off his bucket list. I'll bet he has some great stories.
Pure military industrial complex corruption. People knew these ships were junk but there was too much money to get from the project. Jobs. We’d create more jobs with social and education programs
Same for the Air Force. There is a huge graveyard of too old fighter planes and jets in the desert cemetery in Tucson, AZ. The money, the money....but you cant fly them safely anymore.
While I'm horrified about the tragic loss of life in Libya (and Morocco), this paragraph in the report by the Associated Press journalists SAMY MAGDY AND YOUSEF MURAD is a warning to the United States when voting for so-called GOP "leadership" who are seeking to continue to divide on party lines without regard to the damage and vulnerability they cause to America.
"The startling devastation pointed to the storm’s intensity, but also Libya’s vulnerability. The country is divided by rival governments, one in the east, the other in the west, and the result has been neglect of infrastructure in many areas."
For Jeri and Gayle above; Hillary, in all her diplomatic glory. Right up there with Madeleine Albright saying the sanctions that killed thousands of Iraqi children were worth it. Pathetic.
"[O]ur competitors have a fundamentally different vision,” [Secretary Blinken] said. “They see a world defined by a single imperative: regime preservation and enrichment. A world where authoritarians are free to control, coerce, and crush their people, their neighbors, and anyone else standing in the way of this all-consuming goal.
Does this not also describe the Republican position in America?
In England, in the void left by the stability and order of the Roman Empire when it collapsed, peace was lost and the ensuing chaos quickly reverted to Bronze age thuggery - Putin is an archetypal Saxon King. Throughout history we have seen the cruelty of the marauders, the Mongol hordes. Putin is human nature and civilisation is a fragile flower, we must not trample it.
Thank you, Heather, for sharing Kim Jon Ung’s and Anthony Blinken’s words with us.
“…the evil forces that ambitiously pursue hegemony and expansion.” Once again, the bad guys project their actions and desires onto their opponents. TFG projects the actions of his child (and spouse) using their White House access to their benefit onto Hunter Biden.
Luckily, we have Blinken to verbalize the steps and goals that the current administration is taking to shore up the world order. Failing to heed his caution about China would be a mistake.
“McCarthy is a dead speaker walking. He is beholden to the Republican Freedom Caucus with whom he made a nauseous deal to gain his speakership on the 15th vote.
Because of this he is endeavoring to hold the Senate and the US government hostage on voting budget continuing resolutions.
After horrendous hostage ‘negotiating’, election-threatened Republicans will support a ‘bipartisan’ House resolution which will leave McCarthy hovering on his self-made political plank.
International relations are very complex and often subtle. They require knowledge of history and economics and psychology and geography, etc. international relations are an extremely complex and important part of what government does. We are in a period of great international disorder. And yet while the President and his administration are navigating some very complex and critical issues the crazies of the GOP want to sabotage the administration’s foreign policies and engage in POLITICAL PORNOGRAPHY. They want to impeach the president. They are not only inept but ignorant and selfish and as to their ability to govern a failure
'Blinken said, “what we’re experiencing now is more than a test of the post–Cold War order. It’s the end of it.”' And how does that war end? When American office holders promise: " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." we find ourselves at odds with China and Russia, but also with domestic opponents, at odds with Donald Trump and his followers. Notwithstanding the oath that he took, Trump, as President, was willing to acquiesce to Russia and would do it again.
Within the limitations of the Constitution, we have to fight for our country. The limitations of the Constitution require us to win at the ballot box (That means act in support and give money to candidates for whom resources would make a difference) and to take other appropriate steps (Thank you Jack Smith). Let's sustain our rules-based world at. home and internationally. (Thank you Heather Cox Richardson)
I would be delighted to see Secretary Blinken become the Democratic Party’s candidate for President. Not possible, given the party’s immutable strategy, but a lovely fantasy.
Virginia Hey Noddy! I just discovered that I could access our countless e-mails over more than two years—inbox and then ‘Virginia Witmer.’ I am reminded of Pal Joey’s “I could write a book.”I am thankful for my Heather connection with a fascinating younger lady.
He was born when he was born. He's healthy, fit, intelligent and on top of the job. He has created a very strong framework to ensure that he's not the only one in the administration.
Matt, I understand your fear, and this is my response to it when I hear others voice this.
What is the fear: that he will develop cognitive disorder? I truly believe in the honesty and integrity of this man AND of the cabinet he chose. Should he be unable to perform his duties, I believe he would step aside, and should he NOT be able to form that decision, I believe his cabinet would do so. (Unlike the prior POTUS)
Do you fear that he will develop an ailment serious enough to hospitalize him, or require extraordinary treatment? Correct me if I'm wrong, LFAA readers, but it seems that every time a POTUS undergoes a colonoscopy (or ends up hospitalized with COVID, for instance) the VP has legally stood in. Not an issue.
Are you concerned he will die? Sadly, threats against every POTUS are real and some have been successful. Our Constitution has stood this test before and will again, should that happen. Does the thought of President Harris worry you? If so, you might wish to examine yourself to see why: do you feel her policies would be that different than Biden, that you would not like them, and that they would instantaneously be instituted? Does her race or sex factor into this?
We need to direct our vote towards the candidate that best fits the platform that supports our desires for what we want our country to be---it's not a popularity contest. Theoretically, at least, succession of a VP should reflect those policies, at least until the end of the original term of office. (This can be difficult to do if the candidate refuses to state their platform.)
Could I work any job at 80? I don't want to, for sure! Should there be an upper age limit? Perhaps. I'd like to think that any person who takes the office of POTUS seriously would self-limit if they feel unable to execute their responsibilities. (therein lies the rub, narcissists can't make that judgement and it is up to us, the PRIMARY voters, to do so.) The position of POTUS is such an extremely complex job--sometimes referred to as 4D Chess, that I don't know how anyone can do it! They DO make (in our opinions) mistakes, and I do lose patience with people who toss the "good" because they will only accept the "perfect". I also believe that the ability to play 4D chess in politics comes only after years of experience. In politics, not in business, although life experiences (poverty, tragedies, personal) certainly helps.
Matt, I hope that you understand that these thoughts I just typed were meant for the general readers, were written respectfully, and not meant to insult you in any way.
And a PS--anyone who encounters the "Joe is too old" on their social platforms is welcome to quote my comments.
Thank you. At 89, with “our” K. Wheelock at 90, remembering that we are mortal from birth, I say, don’t worry about age except to focus on our children’s and grandchildren’s futures on the planet. Many of us knew “ancients” who were “old and wise,” or old and growing great gardens.
It is as simple as with age you slow down at some point. And if you've watched presidential debates from the 2020 election even, you *have* to admit that Biden is slowing down relative to for example Pete Buttigieg and pretty much all other Dem candidates that year. We see very few CEOs of companies pushing 80, for example. It would be stretch to think that Biden is not immune to aging, and that the US couldn't do better with a younger Dem, maybe even plucked from his administration for continuity of policy.
As to the policies of the Biden Administration, I'm grateful for passing the Chips Act, the Infrastructure Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act for sure. These are good first steps towards bringing good jobs back to this country and combating climate change. Yet voters 20-30 years younger then me (I'm 49) are frustrated with their political leaders getting older and older and refusing to pass the mantle on.
And regarding climate change (actually global warming), are we doing enough? Hell no! It will take younger folks to be serious about tackling the top problem that humanity faces. Maybe you disagree.
And why are you bringing race and sex into the conversation? You are clearly speculating here on my biases which do not exist with regard to sex and race.
Matt, I appreciate your well thought out response. As for your last 2 sentences, I was not referring to you personally, but to what I have read in comment areas (not on LFAA).
I agree with wanting younger people, in fact, Buttigieg was my first choice although I thought he was a long shot. In our current political climate, I think a gay man would not win. As the Trump crowd grew crazier, I changed my opinion and went 100% Biden as I thought he was the best choice among those running, for the reason that I saw the ugly divide and thought that our nation would need a unifying force, someone who had years of relationships within Congress. Someone who DID think and answer slowly and not retort to every comment thrown their way. Ever the optimist, I never dreamed that the GOP would continue with the antics they pull.
Personally, I don't put a lot of store in the debates, because I don't find them to be actual debates anymore! (I'm 67) Trump trolling Clinton while stalking around is an extreme example, but I think they have devolved into people talking over each other and not making any good points. I prefer to read their official websites and look at their platforms, and consider their records. If Biden is slower, I attribute it 50% to his stuttering and 50% to not his age, but the age that many of us over about 60 grew up in: maybe it is the raised during Sesame Street generation that grew up with information quickly shot at them, and us older people didn't learn that way? I have a couple of YouTube channels I like to follow: Beau of the Fifth Column, Brian Tyler Cohen, and Politics Girl. I honestly have to watch Politics Girl several times, and sometimes give up and turn on the CC and read what she has to say. She just talks too fast! BTC is a bit slower, but even he takes no pauses unless it is for a dramatic effect. I actually like Beau the best because he does talk slowly!
If you are a frequent reader, perhaps you've seen Will from California (he's 28 or 29) and he recently stated he thought that any POTUS should first have experience in government by being in the House or Senate. I thought a lot about that and see the value in it, though I don't 100% agree.
I am delighted to see the youngest of voters engaged and running for offices. I confess, it wasn't until I was about 40 that I paid close attention to politics. I don't think it was such big news as it is now--not that important issues didn't happen but it wasn't the weekly or daily scandals and upheavals in the WH that Trump fed us. I watched Watergate occur and was horrified, but I was busy with school and then career, marriage and raising children.
One final thought, regarding climate change, I agree with you 100%--and I truly fear that we might have already crossed the point of no return. In this one scenario, the debate had value--
If you aren't already a Beau watcher, I think you will appreciate this clip
Thanks for your thoughts! I might not have time to follow Beau but will try to check him out. My free time is typically spent on Clean Technica (https://cleantechnica.com), following the news there regarding clean energy and tech, and commenting, as well as here and on medium.com.
What a gift Blinken's service and articulation of our international aspirations has been. I suppose we will never know what the former guy promised Putin, but certainly it was a low point when the translation was banished. Putin is banking on the restoration of the former US regime, and we must make it clear to our people and Putin that it was not in our best interests..
But...the notetaker was in the room when Trump demanded that he or she was forbidden to take any notes. That doesn’t mean that person forgot what was said. I imagine Jack Smith has already tracked that individual down. We just haven’t heard anything yet.
Let’s face it: the fragility of democracy at this point (think overpopulation and climate change) has everyone scared and Big Papa is the dream of the most scared. That’s our problem. The Chinese and Russians have never known anything but oppressive Big Papas. And the Big Papas have oppressive power that can spread beyond their borders. Go Biden and Blinken!
Mike, which Democrat other than Biden do you see as more capable than Biden of winning the presidency in 2024? Do you think willingly giving up the benefits of incumbency at this crucial juncture is a good idea? Do you think winning 2024 is critical for our future as a democracy?
Do you really see the prospect of VP Harris succeeding Biden as “all of us losing”?
Biden is doing an excellent job. He has already demonstrated that he can beat TFG. Yeah, he’s old. I wish he weren’t. But he’s shown us he has the chops to do his job, and do it well. I don’t understand this desire to see him step aside in this most important election. Particularly if it’s an election pitting Biden, 80, against Trump, 77.
Of course I think it’s time for a new generation. But I also think Biden’s steady hand on the rudder is steering us to a much better place. In my opinion, he’s the best president of my lifetime and I want another four years of this.
Miselle , SORRY !, for My LAST, Comment, I Laid on Mike, . ( AND, Sorry, To You, Mike ! ) Because, He was Responding to You, Miselle ! EVEDENTLY, WE ALL, Understand, That in THIS ELECTION, WE NEED, The BEST, HEART, & MIND, ,,,,,To HOLD UP !, ,,,,,This USA! SO FAR, The CHOICE ! , is SET !!
It took me a while to find it! I almost wish you would paste it here; I would like Mike S to read it as it’s a very good complement to my comment. Thank you.
MIKE !, Where is This * ALTITUDE ! * , COMIN' From ??! . WHAT ?, are We Going , To LOSE ?? ! . ( I Guess, IT'S From Whom, You are AGREEING With ,,,,,,)
"The international economic order of the past several decades is flawed in ways that have caused people to lose faith in it, Blinken explained. Technology and globalization have hollowed out entire industries and weakened workers, while laws protected property. Inequality grew dramatically between 1980 and 2020, with the richest 0.1% accumulating the same wealth as the poorest 50%."
Can it be a coincidence that the period over which "Inequality grew dramatically" overlaps a similar period of US policies guided by Reaganomics with "GOP" fanaticism and a fair degree of Democratic acquiescence? How much of the breakdown Blinken speaks of was exacerbated or empowered by aspects of national policy, here and abroad?
I would say more than a fair degree of Democratic Party acquiescence. It could be argued that Bill Clinton was worse than Reagan in many aspects. Both Rs and Ds are responsible for the neoliberal corporate coup that rules over us at present; neither party is capable of fixing it because neither party is willing is willing to fully acknowledge its complicity.
The "neoliberal corporate coup" have been the Republican raison d'etre since Reagan, but yes, in some important ways Clinton bent with the wind, and overall Democratic leaders have not sufficiently resisted the creep toward plutocracy that has steadily advanced over the last four decades. Reagan and his cohort had democracy (which they successfully tar as "communism") from the getgo, and Democrats won a number of battles while steadily losing the war. Almost as comical as it was dangerous, an actual coop 'd'etat was attempted for which the Jan 6th insurrection was only the most visible part. And it isn't over.
Had Pence folded (at least he checked in with Quayle) it might not have been the end of the Republic, but at the very least it would have been a far more ugly and chaotic turn of events. At least the White House has hardened it's stance on the grotesquely corrupt Repubican threat to impeach Biden. It seems to me that "GOP" shamelessness, and its lack of the encumbrance of "decency," is both their superpower and their chief liability. It's time to give 'em hell, and it's time to really make an issue of how gerrymandering, impediments to voting, and legalized de facto bribery and de facto plutocracy is dramatically eroding democracy and E Pluribus Unum. That has to include admitting our own mistakes.
I think the fact that this is administration takes the fact that domestic and foreign policy are highly intertwined in todays world is a remarkable change from the last disastrous administration and that we have a functioning government in this administration is due to Biden’s experience and leadership. Is it perfect, no but it is exceptional in contrast to the previous. We can thank Nixon, Reagan and Bush as well as Fox for for creating the fissures in the system that Trump blew wide open and with the 2025 plan plans to “finish the job”. The fact that this administration has held together versus the revolving door of the previous is also a starting revelation. This site by the way is being invaded by “bots” to disrupt. Seems like part of the GOP plan. Thanks Heather.
Thank you Dr Richardson, in times like these we need cooperation in order to face the looming tragedy of global warming. We need to recognize the needs of all people.
Thank you Heather.
Secretary Blinken has certainly paved a path of enlightenment.
Why does it seem we are living in a different nation as the GOP ? If only they would listen to reality and not their own censored echo chamber.
Together we could achieve so much more.
Be safe. Be well.
Yes, thank you yet again Heather. I particularly appreciate your summary of Secretary Blinken's speech which I would not otherwise know about. It tells me there is a vision and a plan that makes sense and can move us forward. Compare it to those horrible Trump years when he governed by temper tantrum and wanted to dismantle all of the alliances that have kept us all safe for so long. The people working so hard at the State Department and we know it isn't easy to carry out this vision but there are people in place who know what they are doing and believe their job is to serve the public, not themselves. May they be able to continue to do that after 2024.
The perfect backup to the speech: HRC on MSNBC this morning. New Department of International Affairs at Columbia where she will teach. Early guest: Pope Francis. If you don’t know what he’s up to (climate change, overpopulation) this may be our chance to find out!
Thanks, Virginia, for the heads-up.
I sincerely second this thought - if not for Professor Richardson’s letters would we ever even hear the comments and support of Secretary Blinkin. Thank you a million times Heather for your time at informing us of sanity in the world that we’d surely believe no longer existed.
Fear. As long as the Putin wing of the GOP can appeal to human insecurities they will sell their souls. Those Republicans are anti democracy, which puts them against all that has made this country great.
As I have often committed here, the Rs are the party of death to everything that decent people hold dear. If they are allowed to pursue their devastating path not only will we not have democracy, but we will see more evidence of climate change and it will be much more difficult to sustain life on the planet. They are motivated by power and greed just like the Putins, Kims, Xis, and other autocrats of the world.
That is certainly the case here in Wisconsin where right wing extremists have a stranglehold and are continuing to move against the people.
In Wisconsin, the backlash against the corrupt republicans is growing. If they try to remove (impeach) the Judge we voted for in huge numbers they will feel our wrath at the ballot box and the State Capitol.
I feel your pain here in Ohio. I wrote letters for Vote Forward sent to Wisconsin voters urging them to show up for the SC election and was thrilled to see the outcome. I am tempted to pull up that list and send additional letters encouraging voters to take all peaceful legal steps to retain the Judge they voted in but of course I have not been authorized by VF to do so. Are there advocacy groups in place to keep people engaged in this threat to their voting power?
Exactly!!!!
Yes, insecurity, as I posted yesterday. That is the common thread running through the autocrat's songbook everywhere on earth. Exploit people via something as simple, as common, as much a fact of life as life itself! Human insecurity is directly chained to the "fight or flight" atavistic patterns encoded in our ancient DNA. The human brain is a magnificent organ. We have only just begun to grasp the depth and scope of its potential. Russian thug Putin is far, far ahead of the American people. My short chance encounter with KGB men years ago in the US Navy solidified my awareness for that. Nature does abhor a vacuum, and in our recent vacuous past we allowed has lap dog trump into our lives 24/7. And, so it goes. Check out Astra Taylor, Canadian activist/film maker.
Linda, we are living in a nation perceived differently by today’s RepubliQans. I had a former work colleague post a photo of tfg with the caption “I trust this man more than anyone else in Washington.” There were at least a half dozen likes/comments on it.
That was from a retired cop.
Their sky is a different color.
That's why the dissemination of disinformation is so dangerous. It is far too easy to drown people in a sea if lies.
Online algorithms are programmed to lead people to ever more radicalism, and ownership of media platforms by unstable and erratic people like Elon Musk only increases the danger.
People don't trust the government, but they trust Trump and Musk?
When private individuals have more power than the government, we are in greater danger than when government regulates.
Cheryl, I’m less worried about individuals having power than a government owned by monied interests. The rot in our system is extensive. Trump didn’t come from a vacuum; DeSantis would be worse, even if less vulgar. Once one grasps the concept of inverted totalitarianism, this Team Red vs. Team Blue illusion of democracy becomes much clearer, even if more unsettling.
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/sheldon-wolin-and-inverted-totalitarianism/
Agreed 👍
If the founders, whom the right wing considers so sacred, wanted a king, they would have written it into the Constitution. Our parents and grandparents who fought in world wars to defend democracy would be astounded at the republicants rejection of democracy.
Ally it amazes me the level of polarity of the interpretation between Democrats and Republicans/MAGA.
You are right, their sky is a different color.
They can't see the sky as their heads are where the sun never shines.
If you live in a world where all you hear is "the sky is orange and the grass is purple", then that is what you will believe. We are all influenced by repetition. Makes me wonder if we aren't some extraterrestrial experiment...
Well, we have free will and a large brain, so that must be part of the experiment.
That is the simplest, best fitting summary. Their egos are so fragile that they can’t handle the truth so they hide from it.
I agree!
Sorry, this thought just burst into my mind-nothing erudite and scholarly. BUT I wonder if their heads are where the sun don't shine, will they need toilet paper? Is trump handing that out or was it paper towels?
It was paper towels. He is ensconced on his golden throne and the peons can use banana leaves.
🤣🤣🤣
Ally, having encountered a couple of your ex-colleagues on Facebook, I am not surprised. Somehow their manhood is threaten by anything definded as woke. And they wonder why people do not trust the police. Just last night there was a news story of a Seattle cop laughing and making crass remarks including something like her life was not worth anything anyway after the woman had been run over by a police vehicle and killed.
Our local paper, the weekly Ellsworth American has an opinion page. Their editorials are as close to apolitical as possible because they fear losing even one subscriber.
With that being said, the letters to the editor are definitely political and mostly about national politics. A few MAGAs attempt to contribute letters now and then. They mostly parrot Tucker, Hannity, Laura and the other Fox talking heads. And since Fox peddles mostly lies, hate and gossip against the Biden administer that's what they try peddling. Once in a while they plagiarize what Fox says, but mostly they attempt to rephrase it and most often miss the mark badly.
The next week someone rebuts their letters. The paper will not post anything that hints at incivility, so there are very creative ways that liberals call the MAGAs morons without calling them morons.
This week a MAGAt tried to call out a former Maine State Senator and also a former editor to the Ellsworth American saying that Biden was amoral because he hadn't recognized Hunter's daughter until recently. Compared to our rapist misogynistic homophobic white supremacist former President, Biden's lack of contact with his granddaughter is a nothing burger. He also attempted to refute a few other points made by the former Senator, but they either incoherent or Fox msiinformation.
After reading the MAGAt's letters, I usually end up shaking my head or laughing or both.
So yes, the sky is a different color to the RepubliQans, but they have to watch Fox News to see what color it is this week.
I don't see how Biden's relationship with a grand daughter has anything to do with any thing. Wasn't it his son and ex? wife's problem? We should talk about the forgotten daughter Tiffany.
I know people who feel the same. Trump is absolutely the most dishonest and corrupt person ever to take office anywhere in our country. It boggles my mind how brainwashed and disconnected from reality they are. Everyone I know who believes this are avid watchers of FOX News. How do we enlighten theses masses?
Trump's image for most of his followers probably began with NBC's The Apprentice .We know that image was manufactured for "reality" TV by producer Mark Burnett. FOX built that myth into a candidate.
“The Apprentice “?
Thank you. My spell checker needs a spell checker.
How do we take down FOX? Sue them for Treason???
Ally House, yes indeed republicans see a different world than Democrats. It feels like a hall of funhouse mirrors. Their beliefs mirror ours. Democrats are terrible, radical, unthinking, out of touch with reality and determined to ruin this country, and end democracy. Democrats are upending long standing norms that we built this country on. They have to be voted out and anything Democrats stand for has to be opposed. I vehemently disagree with republicans world view and sadly concede that facts have no impact in this debate. Because everything I say to a Republican will be dismissed because I am, “ terrible, radical, unthinking, out of touch with reality and determined to ruin this country, and end democracy.” VOTE Democratic!
I guess "In God we trust" would not be an appropriate belief for him.
Yet he stands on camera and tells provable lie after lie, sometimes within the same speech! 🤦🏻♀️ I have to think that these believers felt most secure in their earliest years in an environment where they were constantly lied to, cementing that type of lying authority relationship so into their deepest wiring that is all that their adult selves can truly trust 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
They think it's our sky that's a different color.
We're going to have to find a way to get out of our silos.
I’m not leaving the silo of truth, and though I frequently fall when it comes to criminals and violent, malicious people I try not to leave the silo of love.
And the cyberbots are helping....
Thanks to Blinken (and Heather), I now see the proverbial big picture amid all that’s swirling around us. We already knew the 2024 election was critical, but clearly it’s more than that. Life would become a hellscape if Trump or other wannabe dictators in his mold take power.
The Gop is, obsessed with power and control to rule this country for themselves. They have been mimniputed by Trumps ideology of thinking, and have no remorse for humanity or the planet. A dictatorship and autocratic rule is what they want, nothing else.
Why is it that when commentators mention the 14th section 3, they don't emphasize the "aid and comfort" phrase? We don't have to have a conviction in any court we have the timeline of the 6th. His speech sends the protestors to the Capital. We have testimony stating Trump didn't want to do anything about protestors while they trashed the Capitol and fought the police. Then when he does decide he's accomplished his goal, he sends them home and they go without protest. Add the sedition convictions of the Proud Boys and you're done.
Does this apply to the president? Article II Section 2 "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.."
Section 3
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or HOLD ANY OFFICE, civil OR MILITARY, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, OR GIVEN AID OR COMFORT TO THE ENEMIES THEREOF. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
With that, we can perhaps take down the Senators and Representatives who stood to try and enact the false elector scheme. (Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Josh Hawley, Representative Paul Gosar, Representative Jody Hice, Representative Majorie Taylor Green, Representative Mo Brooks Jr., Representative Scott Perry, and Representative Louie Gohmert - there were others but they didn't continue their support after the Congress returned to session). I think this is the right link. But it's all in the Congressional Record to include the specific objections to swing states and the rejection of objections that didn't have a Senator to support the objection.
https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-167/issue-4/house-section/article/H76-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22certification+of+electoral+college+vote%22%5D%7D&s=1&r=2
This morning/early afternoon, at 12:30 am Eastern/9:30 Pacific, CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) will be providing an update on the lawsuit they filed in the state Colorado to prevent Trump from being placed on the ballot under Art.14, Sec. 3. I highly recommend making a donation to CREW to support their effort and, if you have the time, attending the 30 min Zoom update. Here is the link to CREW: https://www.citizensforethics.org
Did you forget Lindsay Grahm?
No, he doesn't appear in the Congressional Record stating any objections. One Senator evidently had a Come to Jesus moment. Senator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia who lost the GA runoff election, had intended to stand in support of the Georgia challenge and instead used a floor speech to call out the violence and withdraw her objection.
What is the difference between a brown nose and an ass kisser?...............Depth perception!!
Oh dear, LOL. The first smile of my am.
😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
Well, I forget all of the occasions he has supported Trump against democracy and what his "friend" John McCain would have stood for ...
Just read this in his own words.
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A2F3DAA2-84A6-4C9B-BCC9-96DD96529456
Quite frankly he is a sycophant. I just didn't recognize the behavior when he stood in John McCain's shadow. His policies have never agreed with mine. But I didn't think he was a waste of human DNA until Trump.
I looked up sycophant to see synonyms. Here they toady, creep, crawler, fawner, flatterer, flunkey, truckler, groveler, doormat, lickspittle, kowtower, obsequious person, minion, hanger-on, leech, puppet, spaniel, Uriah Heep, bootlicker, yes-man, brown-nose, suck-up, arse-licker, arse-kisser, suckhole, ass-licker, ass-kisser
They all describe Lindsey Graham and all the other idiotic MAGAs. I just love words!!
😂😂😂
My favorite for Lindsay Graham?
Ass Kisser. That is the most appropriate visualization of the most common behavior associated with Graham. No doubt.
BC, now that's a list of great words. Thanks!
Well said and good night! (for me)
I can't wait till Lindsay Graham falls flat when he's voted out of office by Gen Z and people like us!
Isee don't think we even need the "aid and co fort" phrase. It is pretty clear from public evidence that Trump actively engaged in insurrection. His orchestration of the fake electors scheme as well as incitement of his mob on Jan. 6 go well beyond "aid and comfort"!
I hope we can get Section 3 enforced! Clearly, some citizens and groups are brining suit to do so.
Without enforcement of its provisions, the Constitution is, as GWB once infamously stated, is "just a piece of paper."
When you write about using Sec. 3 of the 14th Amendment to 'take down' those who supported the false elector scheme, you use the adverb 'perhaps,' recognizing that some things are easier said than done. For democracy to work effectively, it requires smart, knowledgeable, people. When there are not enough of them, it does not. That is not 'perhaps' the problem. That IS the problem. And they vote for the people you mention.
Paula, do you think there is the remotest chance Congress can garner supermajorities from both chambers let alone even one? I don't see i blue wave coming, do you? On the aiding and abetting you also need to realize the GOP is whole handedly participating in that effort. Can you see that voting base suddenly cracking up? I read an interesting poll that put unregistered likely non-voters with significant majorities thinking 2020 was a stolen election, far more than registered voters, who are also significantly fractured. The big lie has worked?
No one knows. Which is why I’m writing GOTV postcards. Anyone who cares can link up with the Turnabout Project, Indivisible, or organizations either can lead you too so that you can write postcards to states having primaries in November 2023 (VA, OH). You get cards and voters lists. This Virginian has just written 100 to VA and is waiting for the next batch to either state.
Key words: unregistered and nonvoters. Some states have made it so difficult to register and vote, these people may not be able to afford to register to vote because they don't have the money to pay for an id. Voting places may not be accessible. We might be assuming that these people will get off their butts and vote. Last election was important and nothing was done. Ironically all these obstacles put in the way of poor and black people may bite Republicans in the butt when rural and the poorer trumpers don't vote.
Just have to be lucky and not get a trump judge like Cannon. There are a lot of republican appointed judges who go by the facts with their eyes wide opened. Look at how many have dismissed appeals and request for delays.
and after 2-1/2 years we cannot set a trial date which should of been done immediately after Trump was out of office and it was clearer in the public's mind. WTF seems pretty lawless.
Thank you Heather and all your readers are so smart.
This is an extraordinarily concise and shaking summation of the US and world situation. I have to marvel at the ability of qualified politicians to convey complex ideas to citizens (if they're paying the slightest bit of attention). Scarily like the leadup to WW II.
--- Democracies are under threat, Blinken said. “Challenged from the inside by elected leaders who exploit resentments and stoke fears; erode independent judiciaries and the media; enrich cronies; crack down on civil society and political opposition. And challenged from the outside, by autocrats who spread disinformation, who weaponize corruption, who meddle in elections.”
Isn’t Blinken a diplomat and not a politician?
Aren't there other democracies like Israel where his comments might apply? America is on quite a long list of "flawed democracies."
America is also on the list of actively overthrowing elected Democratic leaders in other countries and converting those countries into brutal, violent dictatorships.
The Shah of Iran being the most well known and famous bloodthirsty dictator we put in place by overthrowing a decent man ELECTED by the Iranian people.
We got rid of that guy in 1953 and, with "Great" Britain, put in place the Shah, who, then proceeded to torture and kill Iranians at will, for (ever). Or until he left to go to a US hospital because even the evil get old and die.
And? We wonder why Iranians hate America? Like we have done nothing wrong and they are just nuts.
WE are just ignorant of history.
Don't forget what Nixon and Kissinger and the CIA did fifty years ago orchestrating the coup in Chile overthrowing and killing democratically elected Salvatore Aliende on September 11, 1973.
It would seem that the US is a busy body interfering with other countries' affairs. We should be rightly chastised.
Mike S, thanks! The whole truth is essential to those of us who thirst for a fairer, more just nation. Those who don't, love stuffing things under rugs.
Sad but true and I do not trust the World Bank and IMF
Actually, neither. He’s a cheerleader for American hegemony.
Tom High, you are so correct that Blinken is a cheerleader for American hegemony. So much of what he said don't really cover reality. His mention of the United Nations was fanciful at best. The U.S. rarely, if ever, works with the UN. And the major threat to humanity is what is happening to where we all live as the earth is boiling, and things grow far worse and faster than most people imagine. Then there are the sanctions our president and Congress are using. Sanctions are weapons of war. They starve and kill just as much, or even more, than bombs, bullets, drones, and the other weapons. As for corporations, Boeing and the rest of those that make weapons of war are making incredible amounts of money. Meanwhile, in our country, the poor continue to stay where they are with far too little help from those rich cats.
"The U.S. rarely, if ever, works with the UN."
Well, sometimes we, the USA, ARE willing to lie to the UN to at least inform them about what we are going to do whether the UN votes to support our (usually) military aggression or not.
For example, Colin Powell, lap dog of Cheney and Bush II, got up and, like the lap dog he was, lied about "Weapons of Mass Destruction" in Iraq, to the UN, EVEN though the weapons inspectors placed on the ground, long before, by none other than Reagan were saying there were NONE to the press world wide.
Sadly, not many news organizations here were running interviews with the weapons inspectors denials. I think I saw those interviews on Al Jazeera.
So, yes, we DO work with the UN once in a while. We, the USA, LIE to get the UN to not oppose our war machine that has been active since WW II.
"And the major threat to humanity is what is happening to where we all live as the earth is boiling . . . " If all these issues are addressed without prioritizing care for our one and only dying planet, all the diplomacy and politics and saber-rattling become pointless.
Biden/Blinken crossed to red lines in allowing: cluster bombs and now bombers.
Steady creep to World War.
But, I will say, I personally am not sure what I would be doing.
Blinken's statement about being in a fog? I understand what he means. It is really difficult to sort the "right thing" in this situation. At least in my own mind.
I don't want WW III but I also don't want Putin in charge here or in Ukraine.
Although, we might get "Putin in Charge right here" just by re-electing Trump, who, without a doubt, is a Putin Puppet.
Instead of the MAGA GOP it's now the Putin GOP.
Tom Is correct, missed that???
Secretaries of State are appointed by presidents. They may be anyone the president chooses. Haven’t checked Blinken’s biography, just watched him grow in the job.
Lisa, don't both have to be both?
No, I don’t think so.
And what turns leaders into autocrats who will attempt to crush anyone who threatens their rule? The drug of choice: power. At the beginning of their political careers, Putin, Jinping, and Erdogan earnestly worked to improve their citizens' lives and all three economies grew and prospered. Once all three fell into the addiction of power, their efforts began to unravel. Notice that all three of these countries' economies are in decline. trump was worse than all of them because he could not care less about anything but fame and fortune from the get-go. What he did in initiating America's decline was evident--thank God the damage he did was nipped at four years. It's unimaginable that he could be president while in a jail cell but I am not privy to the deal he made with the devil. Every judicial tool possible should be implemented to imprison him. Fearing for his safety and the millions that would be spent to ensure it? I've got the solution to both: solitary confinement....
Anthony Blinken does not stand alone. He is backed by the hard work and professionalism of the civil and foreign service workers who staff the Department of State.
Quoted below is the text from the Project 2025 section on the reorganization of the Department of State. It is crystal clear on the stated intentions of the Republicans to purge the the Department and gut it of any professionals who are not willing to obey orders and fall in line behind whatever whims the President has. Acting UNCONFIRMED political appointees will be in place on Day 1, no person in leadership at the beginning of Day one should be there by the close, the Department will be gutted of professional staff with any differing or dissenting views, another layer of political appointees will be inserted to ensure that there is no dissent.
US foreign policy evolves and is refined and implemented by the career professionals at State. I find this sentence particularly chilling. "The secretary must find a way to make clear
to career officials that despite prior history and modes of operation, they need
not be adversaries of a conservative President, Secretary of State, or the team of
political appointees." That they "need not" says it all: fall in line or else.
This plan will ensure that if the Republicans win and thereafter Democrats retake the presidency the Department of State will have been hollowed out with much of its professional staff replaced by Republican loyalists so it will impede any reversals of policy.
"LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT
Focusing the State Department on the needs and goals of the next President
will require the President’s handpicked political leadership—as well as foreign
service and civil service personnel who share the President’s vision and policy
agendas—to run the department. This can be done by taking these steps at the
outset of the next Administration.
Exert Leverage During the Confirmation Process. Notwithstanding the
challenges and slowness of the modern U.S. Senate confirmation process, the next
President can exert leverage on the Senate if he or she is willing to place State
Department appointees directly into those roles, pending confirmation. Doing so
would both ensure that the department has immediate senior political leadership
and would force the Senate to act on nominees’ appointments instead of being
allowed to engage in dilatory tactics that cripple the State Department’s functionality for weeks, months, or even years.
Assert Leadership in the Appointment Process. The next Administration
should assert leadership over, and guidance to, the State Department by placing
political appointees in positions that do not require Senate confirmation, including
senior advisors, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries, and Deputy Assistant Secretaries. Given the department’s size, the next Administration should also increase
the number of political appointees to manage it.
To the extent possible, all non-confirmed senior appointees should be selected
by the President-elect’s transition team or the new President’s Office of Presidential Personnel (depending on the timing of selection) and be in place the first day
of the Administration. No one in a leadership position on the morning of January
20 should hold that position at the end of the day. These recommendations do not
imply that foreign service and civil service officials should be excluded from key
roles: It is hard to imagine a scenario in which they are not immediately relevant to
the transition of power. The main suggestion here is that as many political appointees as possible should be in place at the start of a new Administration.
Support and Train Political Appointees. The Secretary of State should use
his or her office and its resources to ensure regular coordination among all political
appointees, which should take the form of strategy meetings, trainings, and other
events. The secretary should also take reasonable steps to ensure that the State
Department’s political appointees are connected to other departments’ political
appointees, which is critical for cross-agency effectiveness and morale. The secretary should capitalize on the more experienced political appointees by using
them as the foundation for a mentorship program for less experienced political
appointees. The interaction of political appointees must be routine and operational
rather than incidental or occasional, and it must be treated as a crucial dimension
for the next Administration’s success.
Maximize the Value of Career Officials. Career foreign service and civil
service personnel can and must be leveraged for their expertise and commitment to the President’s mission. Indeed, the State Department has thousands of
employees with unparalleled linguistic, cultural, policy, and administrative skills,
and large numbers of them have been an enormous resource to the Secretaries of
State under which they have served. The secretary must find a way to make clear
to career officials that despite prior history and modes of operation, they need
not be adversaries of a conservative President, Secretary of State, or the team of
political appointees.
Reboot Ambassadors Worldwide. All ambassadors are required to submit
letters of resignation at the start of a new Administration. Previous Republican
Administrations have accepted the resignations of only the political ambassadors
and allowed the foreign service ambassadors to retain their posts, sometimes for
months or years into a new Administration.
The next Administration must go further: It should both accept the resignations of all political ambassadors and quickly review and reassess all career ambassadors. This review should commence
well before the new Administration’s first day.
Ambassadors in countries where U.S. policy or posture would substantially
change under the new Administration, as well as any who have evinced hostility
toward the incoming Administration or its agenda, should be recalled immediately.
The priority should be to put in place new ambassadors who support the President’s agenda among political appointees, foreign service officers, and civil service
personnel, with no predetermined percentage among these categories. Political
ambassadors with strong personal relationships with the President should be prioritized for key strategic posts such as Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the
United Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)."
https://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/project2025/2025_MandateForLeadership_CHAPTER-06.pdf
Reeks of premeditated conspiracy for outright Treason. Perpetraitors telling citizens of their criminal intentions. This is grotesque!
How to Coup, 101.
Chilling to the bone
you've added motivation to defeat Project 2025 as well as a very bad taste in my mouth for the continuing chaos and undermining of government "for the people" this outlines.
For the life of me, I don't understand why people "prefer" assassinations and executions over the peaceful transfer of power, because that is the obvious path they are taking.
Yes, Beverly, but they think and know it's quicker to kill them. Let's ask Hilary Clinton about that after what just happened in Libya. I'm talking about the big storm and deaths and destruction there. Since the U.S. killing of Kadafi, Libya has gone to hell.
This is a frightening plan. The Road to unfreedom as Timothy Snyder would say.
And few, except those who have lived it, know more of what he speaks and writes
At some points this excerpt from the 2025 Project reads like any other poorly written training manual. Hannah Arendt's "The Banality of Evil" comes to mind. Then the talk of purging the Department of State on day 1 begins. Building the effective, dynamic, Department of State we have now took years, decades, even. Apparently, the 2025 Project plans to destroy it in a day.
This reads like 1984. Talk about weaponization, filling the weapons with duds.
And that covers just about everything. Just lie back and enjoy it.
Thank you. Anyone who reads that and isn’t terrified should be ready for mayhem.
Thank you for sharing….
We can not let this happen, period!!!
Today ProPublica published another fact-finding article regarding our nation’s fleet of mighty ships that are dead in the water. Each one of those ships were to go to battle, if need be, however, they all kept breaking down. Sailors were frustrated because they were making repairs when they wanted to sail. Now those ships are headed to a trash heap. Billions were spent on these warships and for what?? That money could easily go to men, women, and children to help sustain them. Just remember, each year the Defense Dept always asks for increases for their pet projects. This was as disastrous as it gets.
Who’s watching the store?
https://www.propublica.org/article/how-navy-spent-billions-littoral-combat-ship
Every year Congress tries to divvy up the DOD funds equitably between the 50 states. Of course some states are more equal than others. In ME, Angus King is on the Armed Services Committee and Susan Collins is on the Appropriations Committee. They are both on other committees related to defense as well. They both make sure that ME gets a share of the DOD's annual budget.
ME has seen several bases close in the past 30 years. Only a couple remain including the National Guard. So where does the DOD money go with fewer bases here?
General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works which has been building destroyers and other Navy vessels for many years. Of course, the profits don't stay in ME, but there are thousands of workers employed there plus suppliers to the Bath Iron Works.
To answer your question, every state gets a piece of this huge pie. Sure the DOD asks for money for specific projects but the Senators are really the ones that lobby to have these "pet projects" for their state.
I'm guessing that Alabama's allocation will be reduced substantially due to Tuberville's abortion tantrum which includes the loss of the Space Force HQ.
My stepson, who took most of the prizes upon graduating from the Long Island Maritime Academy, who didn’t want to build warships, spent most of his long career at Bath Ironworks, so I know ME was spending DoD money well! He was finally “allowed” to retire to walk the Appalachian Trail, which was his real ambition when he finally had time.
That is ambitious--to walk the Appalachian Trail. I've only driven by the Iron Works and seen the Destroyers out in the water. It's hard to tell if they are ready for delivery or not since I know very little about these ships.
I'm glad your stepson was able to retire and cross that off his bucket list. I'll bet he has some great stories.
Pure military industrial complex corruption. People knew these ships were junk but there was too much money to get from the project. Jobs. We’d create more jobs with social and education programs
Senator Tuberville?
Thank the conservatives and their lack of oversight of the military except when it suits them.
Same for the Air Force. There is a huge graveyard of too old fighter planes and jets in the desert cemetery in Tucson, AZ. The money, the money....but you cant fly them safely anymore.
Divided, we are falling.
While I'm horrified about the tragic loss of life in Libya (and Morocco), this paragraph in the report by the Associated Press journalists SAMY MAGDY AND YOUSEF MURAD is a warning to the United States when voting for so-called GOP "leadership" who are seeking to continue to divide on party lines without regard to the damage and vulnerability they cause to America.
"The startling devastation pointed to the storm’s intensity, but also Libya’s vulnerability. The country is divided by rival governments, one in the east, the other in the west, and the result has been neglect of infrastructure in many areas."
https://apnews.com/article/libya-floods-derna-storm-daniel-39081eb32e4fd426119f4b486c9c2ade
And who was it that caused Libya to be ‘divided and vulnerable’ again?
Yep, the cause of "divided and vulnerable", would be none other than:
HILLARY CLINTON, who convinced Obama it would be a good idea to start a Civil War in Libya.
Missed that
Really??? Can I get some proof please?
For Jeri and Gayle above; Hillary, in all her diplomatic glory. Right up there with Madeleine Albright saying the sanctions that killed thousands of Iraqi children were worth it. Pathetic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DXDU48RHLU
Exactly.
"[O]ur competitors have a fundamentally different vision,” [Secretary Blinken] said. “They see a world defined by a single imperative: regime preservation and enrichment. A world where authoritarians are free to control, coerce, and crush their people, their neighbors, and anyone else standing in the way of this all-consuming goal.
Does this not also describe the Republican position in America?
In England, in the void left by the stability and order of the Roman Empire when it collapsed, peace was lost and the ensuing chaos quickly reverted to Bronze age thuggery - Putin is an archetypal Saxon King. Throughout history we have seen the cruelty of the marauders, the Mongol hordes. Putin is human nature and civilisation is a fragile flower, we must not trample it.
Thank you, Heather, for sharing Kim Jon Ung’s and Anthony Blinken’s words with us.
“…the evil forces that ambitiously pursue hegemony and expansion.” Once again, the bad guys project their actions and desires onto their opponents. TFG projects the actions of his child (and spouse) using their White House access to their benefit onto Hunter Biden.
Luckily, we have Blinken to verbalize the steps and goals that the current administration is taking to shore up the world order. Failing to heed his caution about China would be a mistake.
https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/jared-and-ivanka-made-up-to-640-million-in-the-white-house/
Posted on the New York Times website:
“McCarthy is a dead speaker walking. He is beholden to the Republican Freedom Caucus with whom he made a nauseous deal to gain his speakership on the 15th vote.
Because of this he is endeavoring to hold the Senate and the US government hostage on voting budget continuing resolutions.
After horrendous hostage ‘negotiating’, election-threatened Republicans will support a ‘bipartisan’ House resolution which will leave McCarthy hovering on his self-made political plank.
Like Ryan and Boehner, he will be gone.”
Keith,
That would be a positive outcome from the mess that I see in Washington now. Definitely.
I hope you are correct, but, worry that the next speaker will be even worse that McCarthy.
There are plenty of mentally unstable people to take McCarthy's place.
I’m waiting for McCarthy to shout “Ali Ali in free,” which was, as a kid, how we would end a game of hide and go seek.
International relations are very complex and often subtle. They require knowledge of history and economics and psychology and geography, etc. international relations are an extremely complex and important part of what government does. We are in a period of great international disorder. And yet while the President and his administration are navigating some very complex and critical issues the crazies of the GOP want to sabotage the administration’s foreign policies and engage in POLITICAL PORNOGRAPHY. They want to impeach the president. They are not only inept but ignorant and selfish and as to their ability to govern a failure
Political pornography, you said it best!
'Blinken said, “what we’re experiencing now is more than a test of the post–Cold War order. It’s the end of it.”' And how does that war end? When American office holders promise: " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." we find ourselves at odds with China and Russia, but also with domestic opponents, at odds with Donald Trump and his followers. Notwithstanding the oath that he took, Trump, as President, was willing to acquiesce to Russia and would do it again.
Within the limitations of the Constitution, we have to fight for our country. The limitations of the Constitution require us to win at the ballot box (That means act in support and give money to candidates for whom resources would make a difference) and to take other appropriate steps (Thank you Jack Smith). Let's sustain our rules-based world at. home and internationally. (Thank you Heather Cox Richardson)
Support, yes. But can Democrat money ever match Republican wealth?
It’s the votes, not the money.
We do not need to match Republican wealth. We need to give enough.
I would be delighted to see Secretary Blinken become the Democratic Party’s candidate for President. Not possible, given the party’s immutable strategy, but a lovely fantasy.
With Joe Biden as candidate, we get not only Biden but also Blinken—two for one!
Mary A play on the old nursery rhyme Biden, Blinken, and Nod.
If it’s Nod, it’s got to be DT. Or do we Nod and vote? I say No to Nod. Vote blue.
Virginia Hey Noddy! I just discovered that I could access our countless e-mails over more than two years—inbox and then ‘Virginia Witmer.’ I am reminded of Pal Joey’s “I could write a book.”I am thankful for my Heather connection with a fascinating younger lady.
Keith, I prefer Biden, Blinken and God.
Mary Spot on. Let’s take back God and the American flag from the MAGATS.
Yes, we are reelecting the administration, for sure. I do worry about Biden getting too old, however.
He was born when he was born. He's healthy, fit, intelligent and on top of the job. He has created a very strong framework to ensure that he's not the only one in the administration.
I’m not worried. We do have an excellent back-up in VP Harris.
My kiddo is a fan of Harris.
Why?
Matt, I understand your fear, and this is my response to it when I hear others voice this.
What is the fear: that he will develop cognitive disorder? I truly believe in the honesty and integrity of this man AND of the cabinet he chose. Should he be unable to perform his duties, I believe he would step aside, and should he NOT be able to form that decision, I believe his cabinet would do so. (Unlike the prior POTUS)
Do you fear that he will develop an ailment serious enough to hospitalize him, or require extraordinary treatment? Correct me if I'm wrong, LFAA readers, but it seems that every time a POTUS undergoes a colonoscopy (or ends up hospitalized with COVID, for instance) the VP has legally stood in. Not an issue.
Are you concerned he will die? Sadly, threats against every POTUS are real and some have been successful. Our Constitution has stood this test before and will again, should that happen. Does the thought of President Harris worry you? If so, you might wish to examine yourself to see why: do you feel her policies would be that different than Biden, that you would not like them, and that they would instantaneously be instituted? Does her race or sex factor into this?
We need to direct our vote towards the candidate that best fits the platform that supports our desires for what we want our country to be---it's not a popularity contest. Theoretically, at least, succession of a VP should reflect those policies, at least until the end of the original term of office. (This can be difficult to do if the candidate refuses to state their platform.)
Could I work any job at 80? I don't want to, for sure! Should there be an upper age limit? Perhaps. I'd like to think that any person who takes the office of POTUS seriously would self-limit if they feel unable to execute their responsibilities. (therein lies the rub, narcissists can't make that judgement and it is up to us, the PRIMARY voters, to do so.) The position of POTUS is such an extremely complex job--sometimes referred to as 4D Chess, that I don't know how anyone can do it! They DO make (in our opinions) mistakes, and I do lose patience with people who toss the "good" because they will only accept the "perfect". I also believe that the ability to play 4D chess in politics comes only after years of experience. In politics, not in business, although life experiences (poverty, tragedies, personal) certainly helps.
Matt, I hope that you understand that these thoughts I just typed were meant for the general readers, were written respectfully, and not meant to insult you in any way.
And a PS--anyone who encounters the "Joe is too old" on their social platforms is welcome to quote my comments.
Thank you. At 89, with “our” K. Wheelock at 90, remembering that we are mortal from birth, I say, don’t worry about age except to focus on our children’s and grandchildren’s futures on the planet. Many of us knew “ancients” who were “old and wise,” or old and growing great gardens.
It is as simple as with age you slow down at some point. And if you've watched presidential debates from the 2020 election even, you *have* to admit that Biden is slowing down relative to for example Pete Buttigieg and pretty much all other Dem candidates that year. We see very few CEOs of companies pushing 80, for example. It would be stretch to think that Biden is not immune to aging, and that the US couldn't do better with a younger Dem, maybe even plucked from his administration for continuity of policy.
As to the policies of the Biden Administration, I'm grateful for passing the Chips Act, the Infrastructure Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act for sure. These are good first steps towards bringing good jobs back to this country and combating climate change. Yet voters 20-30 years younger then me (I'm 49) are frustrated with their political leaders getting older and older and refusing to pass the mantle on.
And regarding climate change (actually global warming), are we doing enough? Hell no! It will take younger folks to be serious about tackling the top problem that humanity faces. Maybe you disagree.
And why are you bringing race and sex into the conversation? You are clearly speculating here on my biases which do not exist with regard to sex and race.
Matt, I appreciate your well thought out response. As for your last 2 sentences, I was not referring to you personally, but to what I have read in comment areas (not on LFAA).
I agree with wanting younger people, in fact, Buttigieg was my first choice although I thought he was a long shot. In our current political climate, I think a gay man would not win. As the Trump crowd grew crazier, I changed my opinion and went 100% Biden as I thought he was the best choice among those running, for the reason that I saw the ugly divide and thought that our nation would need a unifying force, someone who had years of relationships within Congress. Someone who DID think and answer slowly and not retort to every comment thrown their way. Ever the optimist, I never dreamed that the GOP would continue with the antics they pull.
Personally, I don't put a lot of store in the debates, because I don't find them to be actual debates anymore! (I'm 67) Trump trolling Clinton while stalking around is an extreme example, but I think they have devolved into people talking over each other and not making any good points. I prefer to read their official websites and look at their platforms, and consider their records. If Biden is slower, I attribute it 50% to his stuttering and 50% to not his age, but the age that many of us over about 60 grew up in: maybe it is the raised during Sesame Street generation that grew up with information quickly shot at them, and us older people didn't learn that way? I have a couple of YouTube channels I like to follow: Beau of the Fifth Column, Brian Tyler Cohen, and Politics Girl. I honestly have to watch Politics Girl several times, and sometimes give up and turn on the CC and read what she has to say. She just talks too fast! BTC is a bit slower, but even he takes no pauses unless it is for a dramatic effect. I actually like Beau the best because he does talk slowly!
If you are a frequent reader, perhaps you've seen Will from California (he's 28 or 29) and he recently stated he thought that any POTUS should first have experience in government by being in the House or Senate. I thought a lot about that and see the value in it, though I don't 100% agree.
I am delighted to see the youngest of voters engaged and running for offices. I confess, it wasn't until I was about 40 that I paid close attention to politics. I don't think it was such big news as it is now--not that important issues didn't happen but it wasn't the weekly or daily scandals and upheavals in the WH that Trump fed us. I watched Watergate occur and was horrified, but I was busy with school and then career, marriage and raising children.
One final thought, regarding climate change, I agree with you 100%--and I truly fear that we might have already crossed the point of no return. In this one scenario, the debate had value--
If you aren't already a Beau watcher, I think you will appreciate this clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4LbTgO_5fc
Thanks for your thoughts! I might not have time to follow Beau but will try to check him out. My free time is typically spent on Clean Technica (https://cleantechnica.com), following the news there regarding clean energy and tech, and commenting, as well as here and on medium.com.
Very well said, Miselle.
Matt , Where There is AGE ! , There is TRUE WISDOM!! Where there is one ' Close, ! , to THat Same AGE, ' There IS ! , a FLUSHHANDLE !! 'NUFF Said !
What a gift Blinken's service and articulation of our international aspirations has been. I suppose we will never know what the former guy promised Putin, but certainly it was a low point when the translation was banished. Putin is banking on the restoration of the former US regime, and we must make it clear to our people and Putin that it was not in our best interests..
But...the notetaker was in the room when Trump demanded that he or she was forbidden to take any notes. That doesn’t mean that person forgot what was said. I imagine Jack Smith has already tracked that individual down. We just haven’t heard anything yet.
God, I hope so.
Same, Jeri.
Just hoping that person has not fallen out of a window
Putin clearly aims to bring the USA down, thus his support of Trump. Unlike his pathetic stooge, Putin is smart, but not in a good way.
And China, too, with their propaganda efforts.
Let’s face it: the fragility of democracy at this point (think overpopulation and climate change) has everyone scared and Big Papa is the dream of the most scared. That’s our problem. The Chinese and Russians have never known anything but oppressive Big Papas. And the Big Papas have oppressive power that can spread beyond their borders. Go Biden and Blinken!
Maybe he gave him a Russian-angled version of that video he gave to Little Rocket Man - we two great men, leading the world to glory.
I agree.
Now that Biden has distinguished himself, I would be ecstatic to see him step aside and lead the next generation into power.
However, like Ginsberg, Biden seems bent on a strategy that could result in all of us losing.
He wants to keep his game going long after his game is over.
Mike, which Democrat other than Biden do you see as more capable than Biden of winning the presidency in 2024? Do you think willingly giving up the benefits of incumbency at this crucial juncture is a good idea? Do you think winning 2024 is critical for our future as a democracy?
Do you really see the prospect of VP Harris succeeding Biden as “all of us losing”?
Biden is doing an excellent job. He has already demonstrated that he can beat TFG. Yeah, he’s old. I wish he weren’t. But he’s shown us he has the chops to do his job, and do it well. I don’t understand this desire to see him step aside in this most important election. Particularly if it’s an election pitting Biden, 80, against Trump, 77.
Of course I think it’s time for a new generation. But I also think Biden’s steady hand on the rudder is steering us to a much better place. In my opinion, he’s the best president of my lifetime and I want another four years of this.
Who said don’t change you team in the middle of the game
Good points. I don't want to copy/paste like the trolls do, so please look at my comment above.
Miselle , SORRY !, for My LAST, Comment, I Laid on Mike, . ( AND, Sorry, To You, Mike ! ) Because, He was Responding to You, Miselle ! EVEDENTLY, WE ALL, Understand, That in THIS ELECTION, WE NEED, The BEST, HEART, & MIND, ,,,,,To HOLD UP !, ,,,,,This USA! SO FAR, The CHOICE ! , is SET !!
SO ? , Was It KR (OH) ? ,,,,,,,, OH WELL ! , I'm LOST !
It took me a while to find it! I almost wish you would paste it here; I would like Mike S to read it as it’s a very good complement to my comment. Thank you.
MIKE !, Where is This * ALTITUDE ! * , COMIN' From ??! . WHAT ?, are We Going , To LOSE ?? ! . ( I Guess, IT'S From Whom, You are AGREEING With ,,,,,,)
Dear Mike, please stop being ageist.
"The international economic order of the past several decades is flawed in ways that have caused people to lose faith in it, Blinken explained. Technology and globalization have hollowed out entire industries and weakened workers, while laws protected property. Inequality grew dramatically between 1980 and 2020, with the richest 0.1% accumulating the same wealth as the poorest 50%."
Can it be a coincidence that the period over which "Inequality grew dramatically" overlaps a similar period of US policies guided by Reaganomics with "GOP" fanaticism and a fair degree of Democratic acquiescence? How much of the breakdown Blinken speaks of was exacerbated or empowered by aspects of national policy, here and abroad?
I would say more than a fair degree of Democratic Party acquiescence. It could be argued that Bill Clinton was worse than Reagan in many aspects. Both Rs and Ds are responsible for the neoliberal corporate coup that rules over us at present; neither party is capable of fixing it because neither party is willing is willing to fully acknowledge its complicity.
Nah, putting Bill and Ronnie in the same sentence disgusts me.
Clinton and Reagan both disgusted me, for different reasons. Oops, I did it again.
I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused. - Elvis Costello
The "neoliberal corporate coup" have been the Republican raison d'etre since Reagan, but yes, in some important ways Clinton bent with the wind, and overall Democratic leaders have not sufficiently resisted the creep toward plutocracy that has steadily advanced over the last four decades. Reagan and his cohort had democracy (which they successfully tar as "communism") from the getgo, and Democrats won a number of battles while steadily losing the war. Almost as comical as it was dangerous, an actual coop 'd'etat was attempted for which the Jan 6th insurrection was only the most visible part. And it isn't over.
Had Pence folded (at least he checked in with Quayle) it might not have been the end of the Republic, but at the very least it would have been a far more ugly and chaotic turn of events. At least the White House has hardened it's stance on the grotesquely corrupt Repubican threat to impeach Biden. It seems to me that "GOP" shamelessness, and its lack of the encumbrance of "decency," is both their superpower and their chief liability. It's time to give 'em hell, and it's time to really make an issue of how gerrymandering, impediments to voting, and legalized de facto bribery and de facto plutocracy is dramatically eroding democracy and E Pluribus Unum. That has to include admitting our own mistakes.
I think the fact that this is administration takes the fact that domestic and foreign policy are highly intertwined in todays world is a remarkable change from the last disastrous administration and that we have a functioning government in this administration is due to Biden’s experience and leadership. Is it perfect, no but it is exceptional in contrast to the previous. We can thank Nixon, Reagan and Bush as well as Fox for for creating the fissures in the system that Trump blew wide open and with the 2025 plan plans to “finish the job”. The fact that this administration has held together versus the revolving door of the previous is also a starting revelation. This site by the way is being invaded by “bots” to disrupt. Seems like part of the GOP plan. Thanks Heather.
I’ve noticed that (the bots) as well. It’s particularly bad today.
Thank you Dr Richardson, in times like these we need cooperation in order to face the looming tragedy of global warming. We need to recognize the needs of all people.