For weeks now, I have vowed that I would finish these letters early and get to bed before midnight, and for weeks now, I have finally finished around three in the morning.
Professor Richardson. Your understanding of history and how it applies to the current frightening times is valuable beyond words. Your recaps of the key events are now essential reading for us. Thank you. Please never stop.
However, I agree with others, if it means less letters per week to keep your spark alive, please don't hesitate. Whatever it takes to keep your explanations pouring forth longer. Your contributions are epic.
Sleep is essential to health. Please don't lose your health balance. I would be happy with less letters and a longer life for them. Why not take the weekends off? Old school idea, I know. A letter every other day? Whatever works for you. Just stay healthy. Life is short. You deserve to enjoy it fully. And we need you :)
i totally agree Bill. Her insights are so well expressed and historically relevant. She does need to take care of herself and fewer letters would be fine. Have you seen Robert Kagan’s recent piece in the Washington Post?
In the past we bought their papers. They need $ to survive, and do the research that we need for our liberty. What does it cost? 50 cents/day for each or $1/day for both? It's totally worth it.
I understand the economic necessity of news reporting. I also understand that such an insignificant amount for one newspaper is not a burden to some ppl. (I used to subscribe to the daily paper in Miami and Gainesville Florida) However, not everyone has discretionary cash, even in small amounts.
I completely agree. You need sleep, we need you. If less of you keeps you healthy, choose THAT path. You’ve got volumes of material for us to review and reread in order to remain attentive, alert and informed. Please don’t shirk sleep.
Your rested brain, heart and soul are vital to us all, and to the truths we hold so dear.
Absolutely agree with you, Bill. I actually don't know how Dr. Richardson does it, day and night. I know how sleepless my nights have been lately, no matter what I do, and I simply cannot imagine how she has the mental stamina to keep going. Somedays I want to crawl under the covers....and yet at night sleep is illusive. So here's a suggestion.....maybe more peaceful pictures and even a musical selection to accompany it. I know our friend, Cathy Learoyd, would most likely agree!
I have often wondered what the toll is for you to write these. Staying up until midnight, let alone 0300 would flatten me - and I’m talking about just puttering around my house or watching tv. Writing these letters seems like a full time job to me.
Do what you need to do to balance it all out. I’m okay with whatever works for you.
I want you to know that your letters/essays are very important to me and have been incredibly helpful in understanding so much of our current situation and in learning things in our history that I didn’t know. Thank you for helping me understand our knotted up, ugly politics and for expanding my education. I very much appreciate your work on these letters/essays.
I totally agree with Bill's comment to you Heather! I need your explanations and your passion! But I also want you to have a healthy balance.....now that you have your classes again. Please get rest! Sr. Lisette Michaud
You mean "fewer" letters, not "less" letters, a common grammatical error that always bugs me. Otherwise, I couldn't agree more with the intent of your letter. Well done.
The thousands of folks gathering here to read Ms. Richardson’s daily LFaA are nearly as inspiring to me as the Letters themselves, as we depend on her concise explanations of the nuances of Democracy’s peril. Every day, I say a little prayer for her well-being. The fact that we’re all more or less on the same page is at least a small comfort. But gratifying as it is to read like-minded comments, it is simply not enough.
What HCR has been telling us about the danger to our democracy in these past few missives is nearly as jolting as when the former guy was still in office. CPAC in Budapest?? Good Lord. Nothing less than a muster call to the election barricades to defend our democracy is needed.
No matter how many likes we give each other in the comments section, the fact remains that if we don’t have overwhelming election numbers, we simply won’t be able to outvote this rigged minority. Every single one of us must be organizing now out in our local communities, talking up support for the President’s plan, registering voters, and preparing to get out every vote when the time comes. Even that may not be enough, but at the end of the day, how will we feel if we have not done everything we can to push this ugly fascist rock over the proverbial cliff?
Yes, read, comment, vote up and connect. We need that! This is a great online community!
But also get together, online or in person, with your local Dems and join a “Get Out The Vote” campaign. I guarantee you, they need us phone banking, letter writing, pot-lucking, canvassing, and putting out door hangers NOW. How did Stacy Abrams get it done? Boots on the ground.
I love you guys. If you’re not already there, step away from the doom-scroll and let’s get down to the real work of saving Democracy.
This. Rest here in the comfort of like-minded friends. Then do the hard work of organizing and activating- boots on the ground as you describe it so well. Thank you for articulating so clearly what each and every one of us needs to be doing. Me? Postcards to voters today. Later this week, more training with the campaign office of my US Representative who is in another dog fight to retain her seat. This is MY democracy! Lots of work required to retain it.
The CPAC in Budapest? I can't get over that. Does that mean that crazy has metastasized tp the planetary level? Hey, let's have the next one in North Korea. /s
Charlie some days I read the comments first to break myself in gently to the “real news”. I think I would have passed out yesterday if I had not thought you were joking before reading that you were not. A blatant Fascist Party in the US of A with around 28% support of the electorate but a heckuva lot more than that in Congress! 😳😳😳 mind boggling!
Eye-opening perhaps. So perhaps we can have a different view of Italy in the Mussolini era. Perhaps we can have a different view of Germany in the NSDAP era. Maybe the USA in 2021 is just a different version of Mussolini‘s Italy and Hitler’s Germany, and perhaps 1930s Japan although here my ignorance prevails. People can be duped into giving power to somebody who turns into a self-appointed member of royalty. Even a well-intentioned political “savior“ can degenerate into an authoritarian if democratic controls are not enforced.
Yes Christy, the Republican Party is being taken over and replaced by the Fascist Party of America, in spirit if not in name. I agree completely. Heather would probably say they are going back to their 1800s imperialist capitalist roots.
Roland! I was thinking this weekend about emailing the two people whose contact info I have and ask if they knew what happened to you. I've missed your comments! Hoping you are okay.
Learning from the past may be the best way to prevent it from happening again, here. We now all have responsibilities to teach by connecting that history to the present.
YES! Write letters! Write postcards! Text! Even though some of us aren't comfortable with phoning, door-to-door, face-to-face, there are many more ways to get our voices out there. As many folks as there are in the streets, there also needs to be multitudes with pens, paper, stamps, laptops at our desks with nimble fingers.
Our indivisible group has done mentoring in going door to door. Anything anxiety producing once done several times with some hand holding becomes much less so. ❤️
Excellent idea. Georgia has thickened the plot by removing the Secretary of State from the election verification function, and will replace the Board of Elections in large, racially diverse counties (i.e., Fulton County, where Atlanta is located, with a large Black population) with partisan legislators if there is any question of mismanagement. There has only to be the accusation, but not necessarily proof of irregularities, and our majority Republican legislators, most with an axe to grind, have the power to overturn that county's votes and substitute other electors. In case you've heard about our current "heroic" Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, who recorded the infamous call from TFG asking him to "find" enough votes to overturn our election results, and reaped the wrath of our resident Trumpies, he has approved of this latest scheme, and is self-righteously justifying it to "give voters confidence that the votes are valid." He was interviewed by Nicolle Wallace on Deadline: White House, and she really made him squirm about this latest voter nullification ruse - lovely!
I agree. Many would argue with me, and they might be right, but I believe he's losing steam - heard that the Georgia rally was fairly limp. If he's losing his mojo, perhaps there won't be a civil war if he's criminally charged.
We MUST get the voting rights bill passed. Otherwise, voter nullification will pose a huge threat, as well as the upcoming redistricting/gerrymandering.
Additionally, as you've said, we all need to turn out to support voting assistance and outreach. No more sleeping on the job.
I suggest to everyone that you read Fred Kagan's Washington Post Op-Ed "Our Constitutional Crisis is Already Here. As Charlie Sykes put it in his newsletter, it is a must must must read. Rachel and I both agree that we don't agree much with most of what Kagan has written over the years, but this is "bang on" as they say. It's interesting how it's the Never-Trump conservatives like Kagan, or Steve Schmidt (what he said last night on Rachel's show was really powerful) or Stuart Stevens or any of the people at The Bulwark, who are waving their arms and shouting about what is going on with the revolutionary fascists of Trump's movement. Perhaps it's like the ex-communists who understood the dangers of Stalinism, having seen them up close and personal.
Anyway, if you haven't read Kagan's op-ed, do so now:
TC, there are two Kagans known as rightwing scholars and commentators, Robert and Frederick. They are brothers. Their father, Donald Kagan, was a well-known historian and classicist at Yale until he died about 6-7 weeks ago. Frederick's wife, Kimberly Kagan, is also a big-time academic, military historian and sometime commentator in the Wall Street Journal. I have no idea how much they all agree/d with each other, but it appears none of them is/was a Democrat, to say the least. You surely already know all this, but your post erroneously attributes the WaPo article to Fred Kagan.
The excellent must, must, must, must read article you cite was written by Robert Kagan, once a Republican but who now considers himself to be an independent of the "anyone-but-Trump" sort. Even my older sister in Bend, a lifetime Democrat like me, who recently refused to engage with me in political conversation because it was all too depressing -- preaching to the choir -- and she just couldn't stand thinking about "it", sent me an email recommending Kagan's article after she heard Rachel Maddow talking about it/him.
I agree with you that Kagan nailed it. I also agree with several other HRC LFAA commentators that Kagan did not have much to say about the Justice Department's investigations into the events of Jan. 6 or other legal proceedings regarding Trump's many nefarious activities both before and since the elections of 2016 and 2020.
So, I am wondering how long we will have to wait before the arrests begin? Will we first have to learn of all the incriminating details from the mainstream news media and Bob Woodward before Garland will make a move? It seems to me that the problem is extremely urgent and that the Biden strategy of passing a bunch of fairly progressive legislation so as to convince Americans to vote in sufficient numbers that Trump/GOP moves to falsify the 2022 elections in purple states they control because of gerrymandering will be overwhelmed by DEM turnout is not really a very good strategy and is likely to fail with truly catastrophic consequences, almost as catastrophic as this ridiculously long and contorted sentence.
Based on what I have read in mainstream, usually reliable news sources, there is more than enough incriminating evidence to arrest and hold for questioning Trump and a pretty large group of his cretinous underlings and opportunistic GOP politicians on charges of conspiracy to break many laws, and on charges of attempted insurrection and -- even -- treason. I deplore the death penalty. Trump does not.
Democrats needing a little more steel in their spines is not a new development. It has been true for a very long time. I am on the fence about what is responsible for that. On the one hand, I wonder if Democrats are trying to act as they would like Republicans to act towards them. On the other hand, I wonder if Democrats are afraid that if they act decisively, what the backlash might be so they waffle.
Yes. Fear of backlash. Always trying to be a big tent. Offering compromise. Being empathetic. Trying to use reason, logic, science... We want to be nice.
But you can't reason with haters and bigots. It's like standing up from a trench in WWI and saying: "Hey, hey! Wanna talk this over?"
Democrats are limited by their insistence on adhering to the rule of law. Republicans have bought into the idea that we don’t need no stinkin’ laws. We just need a brutal, Dirty Harry style police force. Steel in the spine cannot help unless the electorate puts enough decent people into legislatures to make it possible for the rule of law to survive. Plutocrats like Koch take advantage of the racist inclinations of white working class to retain power and use it to further their selfish (to put it mildly) interests.
But to be fair, Republicans have a lot more MONEY in their spines, and the acumen of a basic business plan from which to orchestrate the complete take over of 3 branches of a democrstic republic.
Donald Kagan was the terrific translator of Greek plays--yes, a curmudgeon who never got over the idea of women (gasp!) attending Yale, but very much in the mold of that era of classicists.
David I knew and admired Donald Kagan, who, in addition to being a distinguished classist, was, for a while, dean (of students, I believe) at Yale. Donald had a classist’s sense of integrity and I found him somewhat curmudgeonly in reacted to the campus changes in the 1980s. He was a man of personal integrity and conservative principles which I see reflected in some of Robert Fagab’s writings.
Keith, How could I not be thrilled with your name Robert 'Fagab's' (Kagan) as it is the perfect abbreviation of my thoughts about his writing style in 'Our constitutional crisis is already here' Opinion.
David, Applause for your clarity with reference to Robert Kagan's 'Our constitutional crisis is already here'. I wondered, too, about what seems to be his rush to conclusion, '...with a reasonable chance over the next three to four years of incidents of mass violence, a breakdown of federal authority, and the division of the country into warring red and blue enclaves.' Kagan calls this 'a reasonable chance', is he hedging with that? Clearly the opinion is a WAKE UP call. Is it also too self-confidently deterministic or, perhaps, absolutist - with an “all-or-nothing,” “black-or-white” mindset? America could go there, but Biden, the Democrats and pro-democracy advocates are determined to turn Kagan's 'reasonable chance' scenario in to a highly unlikely one. Comments here, such as Kara Hammonds, are full of suggestions for what we LFAA subscribers can do on behalf of democracy.
Rachel's 8 min interview of Steve Schmidi is posted at MSNBC & YouTube MSNBC. Schmidt 8 days ago on Twitter: "There will be no unity with the seditionists".
TC, You saw Steve too! I'm so glad. I was going to put in a big pitch for the show after HCR's Letter last night, but decided to catch the link to the transcript and post it here tonight. Guess it will be Monday, it wasn't up last time I checked.
I kept replaying his segment over a dozen times. It was pure Schmidt at his absolute best! It was the perfect corollary the the Letter.
And Rachel -- like Nicole Wallace -- knows exactly what to do with Steve: Hand him the ball and let him run free until he's finished, Repeat. It's just too bad The Media is all fake news, assisting the democrats in their evil bid to destroy our way of life and our freedoms, according to forty-five tonight in Perry. So we can't believe anything Steve said.....
Kagan made no mention at all re congressional Jan. 6th investigation and ongoing investigations by NY state AG and federal SDNY attorneys. Does he, or anyone here, believe these to be of no consequence, whatever the outcomes?
Indeed. Most of the MAGA mob would ignore its conclusions anyway. But public testimony by subpoena-ed witnesses running up to the 2022 elections could sway individual congressional races.
It just seemed to me for Kagan to ignore the various investigations in his otherwise very good summation of the very real threat we face indicates he believes that the former president, and his congressional toadies, are beyond facing political consequences for criminal activity. If this is so, in a way, their revolution is already a success.
If the investigation isn’t done by the time of midterms, and Repubs take the House majority, am I correct that they could kill the investigation and dismantle the committee??
TC in LA…You are SO RIGHT. On all points. Kagan:OMG. And, Steve Schmidt presented his usual clear articulate brilliant explanation about what is happening. It was evident that Rachel Maddow was at a loss for words when he finished his shattering assessment. What can one say but he’s right? My hair is on fire! Every day. Still, life goes on around me. I feel almost paralyzed by the absence of alarm in ordinary citizens like my neighbors and friends who seem to think that if Democrats and Republicans all stopped squabbling, we can all get along together. If I counter any of their points, it’s met with “Joe Biden is too old to be President.” I can’t say I disagree with the age factor, but he’s what we have and thank goodness it’s not the other guy. I continue to be politically active. What choice is there? But for me hope is defined as the belief that we can act to make things better. I sure HOPE Congressional Democrats act soon to help us foot soldiers out. ❤️🤍💙
I was driving about yesterday, with several of these thoughts and issues percolating in my thoughts. I was approaching an intersection that is the second most passed in my travels through town (Albertsons on the North, BiMart on the south; both of which are go to places, with BiMart being a general store type of place with a pharmacy). I noted both parking lots fairly full for a Saturday afternoon, cars at the gas station on the corner, a guy getting his propane tank filled. Just a normal Saturday.
Then I thought: do any of these folks have any clue what is facing our country right now? I just don't think so.
“Just a normal Saturday.” That, Ally, is exactly what is at stake of us losing in America but is what the Trump Party has taken advantage of to further their agenda. The complacency of people. The comfort zone, so to speak. Don’t upset the apple cart kind of mindset.
I’m somewhat amazed recently at how difficult it has been to rally people to actively support and participate in the Women’s March on October 2nd. To take place in one week’s time. Trump’s rally in Perry, GA has gathered more press than the national opportunity Americans have next weekend to make our voices heard. And to let oppressors know we are not complacent, silent, and easily obedient. And that our Constitution will not be held hostage.
Well, if you go look at the Women's March map, it is getting pretty darned impressive! I would love to see more marches around the world--in solidarity!
I’ve sent The info to friends outside the US. For support and to be in thought with us. One friend is organizing a protest event in their international location!!! Yes!
Yes! I have the same experience conducting daily life. I feel like I'm in an episode of the original Twilight Zone! Your writing reminded me of Rod Serling's intros. "Just a normal...." "Just an ordinary..." etc. :)
I so agree with you! Steve's appearance on Rachel Maddow's show...along with all the alarm pulling he and Rick Wilson have done, have made my nights sleepless once again. (not that I have gotten good sleep at all, but lately it seems to be getting worse again). I also agree that, while some of us are doing much to counter the insanity, there are so many more that are simply unaware or indifferent to the crisis. When they realize the severity of the situation, it will be too late.
Sleep? What sleep? I'm increasing my political messages on Instagram, but my post on the VA governor's race got few responses versus my post on a local art exhibit. People are busy, some maybe worried and exhausted, some aren't aware, or don't want to or know how to deal with what's happening. We keep on keeping on, but ordinary citizens like us need our elected officials and legal system to help us out before it's too late. The wheels of justice are turning so slowly. I know it takes time to build a case, but the Justice Department, Congress, SDNY, FBI - you name it - need to start delivering. Just a little bit would help. Somebody, please light a fire under Merrick Garland! P.S. (HCR's latest podcast on Now & Then discusses the need now for accountability.)
It's apparently getting a high volume of readers (according to the WaPo.) It made me sick, too. I did the same thing - went outside to walk and pull a few weeds!
Yes a must read. Exactly right. It's (Trumpism) has morphed into revolutionary fascism. Trump now is just a sideshow that will be replaced with a more refined version and then, then the ship hits the sand.
I have been sending it to anyone that I think will read it and telling them all to forward it on to whoever they think will read it. The WP has made it available for anyone to read 👍
However, Hugh, that is not the point as made clear in Kagan’s essay or a solution that he feels will get legislation passed. As he states….
“Those who criticize Biden and the Democrats for not doing enough to prevent this disaster are not being fair. There is not much they can do without Republican cooperation, especially if they lose control of either chamber in 2022. It has become fashionable to write off any possibility that a handful of Republicans might rise up to save the day. This preemptive capitulation has certainly served well those Republicans who might otherwise be held to account for their cowardice. How nice for them that everyone has decided to focus fire on Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.
Yet it is largely upon these Republicans that the fate of the republic rests.”
Thanks - but the reality, is that there actually exists a world outside 'Murica. It is hard enough to get various countries governments to
do anything to mitigate what our culture is doing to the environment - and if you live in a brownstone in NY - so, who gives a fuck about the environment? As a conservation biologist - this is unbelieveably depressing. Glad no one has children (yes??).
Yes, there actually is a world that exists outside the United States America. It's something we US Americans conveniently forget much of the time, so much so that we generally fail to acknowledge that Americans are all the people who live in the Americas, which range from the polar north to the southern tip of South America.
One of the best comments today, Daria. Sometimes, when I’m trying to frame a response to a comment, I’ll read one like yours that says it. Makes me realize that so many people not only think alike, but KNOW the same things. Perhaps that is why humans have survived crises for so many eons. And in the here and now when it is so easy to share, I think it one of the reasons Professor Richardson strives to keep us connected as often as she does. I had a teacher mentor who was quite a taskmaster that said to her students….”Don’t complain about being tired when there is work to do. You can relax when the chore is done and when the work becomes the reward.”
I’ve not ever forgotten that. Especially when the temptation is great to be complacent and just be one of the three monkeys covering my eyes, ears, and mouth.
That time is now for me. I hope our voices will be raised in all the Americas and around the world next Saturday, October 2nd, 2021. The Universe is listening.
Allan Lichtman has a track record of accurately predicting presidential elections, and is generally an astute observer of the American political scene. So I paid attention when Lichtman, a political science professor at American University, told me it would be disastrous for President Biden to go war against Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema and the other centrist Democrats jamming him up in Congress.
Lest we not forget Manchin's ties to Big Pharma...The former CEO of Mylan was Heather Bresch, Manchin's daughter. "[In October 2011], with no competition to speak of, Mylan began raising prices on EpiPen, a process that continued until Bresch was called before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in September of 2016. By that time, the price of EpiPen had ballooned from $100 to over $600 per pair."
Gayle Manchin, Joe's wife, " took over the National Association of State Boards of Education in 2012, she spearheaded an unprecedented effort that encouraged states to require schools to purchase medical devices [Epi-Pen] that fight life-threatening allergic reactions."
Not related to Big Pharmacy but also of note:
"Gayle Conelly Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commission’s thirteenth federal co-chair on May 6, 2021, becoming the first ARC federal co-chair from West Virginia. Nominated by President Biden, Manchin works directly with ARC’s 13 member governors, their state alternates and program managers, and a network of local development districts to continue to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia."
I need Epipens and get them through the VA, I have been aware of the Manchin connection since they started raising prices, what’s wrong with these people, they have a product that they were making a profit with that was helping keep people alive with no competition in the market place, have they no decency, I think not.
Dick, Mylan radically boosted the price of a number of other medications as well, including an asthma disc inhaler I used. I watched the price skyrocket and was exceedingly grateful that my insurance never increased my copay for that med.
What strikes me as unconscionable is the fact that Manchin, first the Governor of West Virginia, then a US senator had a daughter who was investigated by Congress and a wife who ran a monopoly for Epi-pens in a tidy number of public school systems and that they're still being rewarded for their duplicity.
Manchin's is taking the Senate Democrats and all US Americans for a ride. Biden nominated Manchin's wife to a cushy
position – likely thinking he could buy some brownie points with Joe Manchin. And still Manchin continues to crap all over the country. The family's behavior smacks of criminality.
I keep hoping that all these Republicans like Kagan and Schmidt et al speaking out on the extreme danger we are facing of losing our freedoms would open some of the minds of the 70 million who voted for TFG in 2020. Like others have commented though, I cannot see that it influences.
70% of the GOP supports Trump. I’m more concerned about the lackadaisacal response of the Democrats around Biden, who seem to think, now that they have the presidency, that it’s back to “business as usual.” God willing, Kagan’s piece will shake them up.
A vital point obvious to me but never stated in the media is this: 1) the U.S. government is meant to insure the rights and liberties outlined in our constitution and, 2) secondly, our economic system is based on the private profit motive, which assures nothing but profits for shareholders in privately held companies while allowing for an individual to create one’s own business. imho
Liberals and progressives have NEVER made this distinction. Unstated but inherent in Prof. Richardson’s essay this morning, is the heart of conservatives’ philosophy that capitalism rules over people and “democracy", to the threat of nearly every American. The accumulation of resources and wealth has never taken a secondary role to liberties and rights in this society, according to the ancestors of Native Americans, African Americans and every minority to land soles on this soil.
Progressives and liberals never frame Capitalism and American economics as a system unto itself, which disregards every dire consequence of its violent nature; violent to nature, violent to people, and violent to one’s soul. Arguably, the key tenet of the conserviave’s constitution is “The Second Amendment,” which allows for one to shoot another person who enters its “property”.. One night, as we neighbors discussed an abandoned mansion in our neighborhood, our city councilor reminded me that were I to undertake care of the property without the permission of the owner (who is absent), I would create a circumstance whereby I could be shot. This is “Capitalism unto itself,” imho, whereby the property must remain tattered and abused, while the deterioration grows - and allows for squatters with addictions to reside under the cloak of darkness. Until they are discovered and are shuttered into other abandoned properties, where abandoned people (veterans, too) should live, apparently.
The world has been abused by this capitalist economic system which dictates that the starving, homeless and street beggars are permitted and perhaps even encouraged, by the silence of the masses, particularly the “churchly sect”. The abject poverty created by capitalism ingrains into the subconscious of Americans - because we are not even conscious of our passive adherence to our violent world, created and abetted by our silence, to allow for people to live “on the street"
Our Governor will visit our neighborhood, this week, in fact, to meet and greet members of our local party, and the Mrs. and I will attend. I will try to raise this distinction, between the liberties and rights outlined in our constitution - and the threat to our rights by an economic system which tramples “liberty and justice for all” and leaves tattered lives in its wake, while our planet sees rising wakes of waves - oh, btw, another meeting will occur where residents will discuss the threat to the survivability of town, due to the proximity of the ocean to its beach and main street .....
imho, Americans are avowedly capitalist, because we cherish capital over people and society.
I think Europeans and Scandanavians are Socialists because they place a greater value on people and society than on capital. Nearly every European I’ve spoken with, on a couple of my visits and while they visit our soil, has led me to believe they both admire - and pity us.
Living here, I mostly pity us, because I’m aware of this duality between governance and capitalism. Mostly, I admire the Europeans, because they value people over capital. imho
THIS! Frederick, you must publish. Democracy must rule capitalism (and make it a small "c"). Share with your governor! So glad you have the opportunity right in your town! Unfortunately, we cannot use the word "socialism" in this country without nasty, undeserved backlash from the right (and middle?), but I know you have good, important words at hand to get this critical point across. Thank You. Let's save Democracy!
Thank you MP. I WILL hand this to every attendee at our gathering with the Governor. and will hand her a copy as I gladly she her other hand. Perhaps, well, in our small state, everyone knows someone at Maine public broadcasting ~ perhaps I will send this letter to a producer friend, and discus the value of a “Citizen’s Moment” which would broadcast a resident’s short essay or poem. Thanx MP!
Frederick, I wonder whether Europeans' value of people and society springs from the fact that they've lived through two world wars and the resulting devastation, while we've remained blinded because of our isolation, provided by two vast oceans and few borders. In our cocoon, we have spent a tremendous amount of time nation building elsewhere, while ignoring the glaring problems in our own society.
Yes. Agree. Keep in mind also that Europeans have a centuries-long, millennial-long history of the people being suppressed as serfs and slaves. Royalty, some nonexistent God-given right to excessive wealth while commoners are relegated to poverty, ran Europe for centuries and centuries. And in case you think that legacy is over, I had an uncle who lives in Switzerland visit us. He tells us that the large majority of Europeans are renters, because most of the property in Europe is still owned by the Royals. Obviously those one dollar homes in towns in Italy are an exception. Those two world wars were the cataclysm that ended the overt domination and hegemony by the royals. Those two world wars finally tipped the scales in favor of commoners, democracy.
It's so ironic that it took war to tip the scales, but it is also chilling to realize that many of our country's ills were delivered by the settlers here, having sought to escape tyranny in their homelands.
Yes, I agree Nancy. And the seemingly unceasing feudal wars. All between peoples of various languages, cultures and customs and the like. I smile when I remember that Italy was formed in the mid 1800s, in attempts to unify various peoples. So, no wonder we have some tribal differences here, and while we speak the same language, we don’t speak the same language!
Having grown up in suburban Boston, I saw first-hand that the various ethnic groups populated neighborhoods exclusively, and people often discussed their families' origins. I've lived near Atlanta for many years, and people here aren't as aware or interested in their relatives European (usually) origins. That might change, as the South is attracting people from all locations and cultures. Then, to your point, there are lots of people who are separated by a common language.
Nancy, You remind us to think about those of us that look more inwardly, in the sense of tribe versus consciousness of people and circumstances beyond our circle. In the past even with ethnic groups seemingly at war, we were closer to one another with opportunities to mingle at work, at the track, little league games, other local events and in unions. Local newspapers brought us together, so did social clubs. We watched the same newscasts on three network television stations. Americans have been driven apart by political manipulation, social media, the change in work and the tech revolution. Our sense of cohesion and knowledge of one another has gone dark for many.
This is not arguing with you but there are still sporting events for parents to show up at and mingle, local events to share, and even book clubs. Part of the Kagen article I found fascinating was how UNNATURAL it is to want the same rights for others that we want for ourselves, WHEN WE PERCEIVE OTHERS AS UNLIKE US.
The change, nevertheless, Kathy, in opportunities for people of difference races, religions and ethnic groups to meet are tremendously reduced. Examples of towns and communities which use to have bustling Main Streets are now drastically reduced. It is much more common to see the almost empty Main Streets, boarded up shops, with, perhaps, two churches, a bar, a coffee shop and maybe a grocery store.
I agree, Fern. With the evolution of the 24 hour news cycle, political manipulation has become more prevalent, and it's getting worse. Add to that social media and the dissemination of disinformation treated as fact, and society's demand for instant gratification rather than using deductive reasoning, and we have arrived at our current predicament. The pandemic and necessity for people to work remotely, the resulting social isolation has added to the witch's brew. Our society has devolved into an "us vs. them" situation.
Hi Nancy. A book, which I ordered called, Wildland, The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos, describes kaleidoscopic changes that threaten to cause America to come apart at the seams, according to Jane Mayer, his colleague at The New Yorker. It sounds as though this book will more than touch upon our mutual concerns.
Frederick, That is a key distinction often neglected. One is a political system (democracy vs. 'fascism') the other is an economic system (capitalism vs. communism). There is not necessarily a direct correlation between the two dimensions. BTW socialism and communism are NOT the same things. (https://7esl.com/socialism-vs-communism/). I could go on but it's early...
Well, Charlie. Please go on when you have time. Why you insert “communism” instead of “socialism”. There is nothing that the Trump party says that is more cringeworthy to me than how they weaponize the concept of “socialism”. And use it to seer a brand on any legislation designed to benefit people and the common good.
I cannot remember when I’ve ever heard the word “communism” come out of the former’s mouth. No way he could use that as a buzzword to gather any flies.
LAKOFF! Ah-haaa! A brethren of the first order, Charlie. WHAT is your favorite admonition from Lakoff, Charlie!? Mine is this: 'DO NOT worry about what conservatives say, speak to your audience without using their language.’ (my loose translation, btw)
One of the big problems we have now is that lies are told and the masses believe them. Whether it is "socialism" or something else, these craven Rs tell their followers what they want them to believe. A recent example is the statement by Senator Tim Scott when saying why he would not agree to the police reform bill.....saying it was because the Democrats refused to budge off their stance of defunding the police, which even my cats know is not true.
Besides of which aren’t they simply constructs from which any government can pick and choose the parts they like from each? There is no police saying it’s all or nothing?
Oh the damage done with labels. There was a time when "capitalist" and "socialist" and "liberal" or "conservative" had different meanings. Your comment perfectly captures the battle for the soul of this nation.
I gather you live in Maine. As a former Mainer, you have my sympathies as the forces of Paul LePage seek to ruin the state again. I am a fan of ranked choice voting. But thanks to Eliot Cutler, a monster ruled the Pine Tree State having achieved less than 40% of the vote - twice! Good luck to you....
Can you explain why you are a fan of ranked choice voting, even though it resulted in a monster ruling the state? So many people are wary of RCV, including me.
Ranked choice voting was instituted in Maine in 2016. LePage won the governor's race in in 2010 with 37.6% of the vote. He won in 2014 with 48.2% of the vote - never a majority.
I like RCV because it encourages support for smaller party candidates without the fear of wasting a vote. You could vote for a "green party" candidate as a first choice but know that your second choice of a major party candidate would have value and ultimately be counted in the resolution of the race.
In Cutler's case, he saw himself as the reasonable choice between a not so popular Democrat and a Republican lunatic. But instead of being elected he was just a third candidate spoiler. The fact that he tried a second time still makes me sick to my stomach. Think of him as a Perot or a Nader. Perhaps if the nation had RCV, "W' would never have had the chance to launch two multi-trillion dollar wars that slaughtered or displaced millions of humans. "An Inconvenient Truth" would have been embraced and climate change could have been slowed...
The mathematics of unregulated capitalism are simple: a feedback howl. It's one of the first systems you study in feedback systems in engineering. "Feedback howl" is what happens when you get the stage microphones in front of the speakers. The amplified sound from the speakers reaches the microphone, and gets amplified again. The still-louder sound gets re-amplified. The sound ramps up until it reaches the maximum sound-producing capability of the speakers, or the maximum amplification of the circuits, or the current-carrying capacity of the wires, whichever comes first. And there it sits until something breaks. If you have great amplifiers with lots of power, you'll blow the speakers. If you have a cheap amplifiers, it isn't designed to go full-out indefinitely, and components will start to heat up, until they "blow smoke." If the wires are the weak point, they can melt and catch fire.
And then, the concert is over. You've quite permanently destroyed your sound system.
That is what "global climate change" is all about. Feedback howl. Nothing will stop it from ending our civilizational concert -- quite painfully -- unless someone turns down the volume, and then rearranges the stage to prevent unregulated feedback.
Global destruction is the natural, predictable, obvious end-result of unregulated capitalism that calls a 2% annual "economic growth" a good thing.
I think the big (money) was always there, before and after the Revolution, transcending national boundaries. The Stars and Stripes look very much like the flag of the British East India Company.
Heather I want you to know how appreciated these letters are, how much they mean to me. I stay up to the wee hours to read your insights on the day, the context of history, and what this all means to democracy. Please take care of yourself and get some good sleep. With double the load as you say, you might consider writing three or four times a week instead of six or seven. You essay tonight is beautiful and so clear about what we are facing. I believe I officially joined the non-violent resistance tonight. I'm going to go read How to Win by George Lakey and prepare myself. October 2nd I will be out protesting and boycotting or whatever is needed to save democracy ... and every week thereafter because this will take time and tenacity. Money doesn't buy happiness so I don't understand the obsession with accumulating more and more money and saying that's a booming economy. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the accumulation of wealth to magically turn into happiness. Capitalism as well as democracy is being destroyed by hollowing out the middle class. I do think we will be the resilient ones because as we help and support others we will find the glow of well-being.
This is why I believe Joseph is wrong. Our country has shifted hugely and so many ethical, good people see the danger and have taken to the airways, print, and ongoing conversations with one another and strangers who need to hear they might be wrong. Hang in there, Folks. And keep updating your own knowledge base and joining others to make what you know and care about irresistible. We are all in this together.
I agree that our country has shifted, and hugely. Fascism, American style (think KKK) has emerged. It was always there, but in the shadows. Now, it's blatant, out in the open. It was all at once and a seismic shift, brought on by Trump. Roughly 35% of our country wants the strong man and authoritarian rule. And rules don't matter.
Yes, the rest of us are waking up. But we've got a lot of catching up to do. And business as usual won't cut it. I'm alarmed. We should all be alarmed.
Deborah, you are right, but it is not enough. We "libs" are all in it together, but the Jews in Germany were all in it together, too. and look what it got them.
Oh, but nothing like THAT could ever happen in the USA!
Kathy, of course it is simplistic of me to compare Nazi Germany with MAGA America, and I agree that women have led the way in protesting and resisting what Trump is trying to do. I think the rapidity and ease with which we can all know the latest news (also the fake news) and then join the debate with nothing more than a smart phone is hugely different from what was possible in Nazi Germany.
On the one hand, we are all taking a risk jumping into the online fray, especially if we use our real names and not an alias, but on the other, we can feel as if we are really doing something when we are mostly just preaching to the choir. This would be a very surreal way for us to meet a violent and premature end to our persons and to our beloved country. So I think assuming the worst is the most prudent course, given how there is no country on earth that could or would intervene to save us from ourselves.
I think German Jews were largely in denial -- any normal, peaceful people would be -- until it was too late, but a few of those who did imagine what could happen tried to hide in place, others with greater means emigrated just in the nick of time, and some fought back. And a few survived and later made it to Israel.
My position is to assume the worst about Trump and his cult and the GOP, and act accordingly. From Italy there is little I can do but sound the alarm.
Professor thank you. Finally I found a clear eyed, thoughtful and complete description of what the heck is going on here. I wish our hard at work journalists would take the time to read your posts. The historical context you bring helps the reader take a step back and view with a wide lense- the big picture, often ignored.
Prof Richardson: Please don't burn out on this Letters project! I'd much rather you took an extra day or two a week off than get so tired you have to stop writing.
I believe that my NYT comment on Paul Krugman’s article reflects what the Democrats must do in face of the Republican intransigence described by Heather: ‘I agree that a major investment in human infrastructure is critical to building an America that preserves and serves the great majority of Americans to be productive in coming decades.
I find disturbing the bickering between ‘progressive’ and ‘moderate’ Democrats, as the opportunity for such essential investments is slipping away. I find the figure ‘$3.5 trillion’ misleading, since it refers to expenditures over a decade and does not reflect an increase in taxes and the financial impact of such investments.
The Democrats might reflect on what a delegate said during an acrimonious debate on the proposed Declaration of Independence: WE MUST WORK TOGETHER OR ALL HANG SEPARATELY. At stake is President Biden’s positive plan for America.”
Yes! Without extraordinary compromises, no Constitution! FDR, to get the Social Security Act of 1935 approved and constitutionally protected, made compromises that would give ‘progressives’ apoplexy. Even Reagan, working with Dan Rokonkoski (Chicago Dem—sp?), approved a give-and-take tax bill in 1986 that was the most appropriate/fair tax legislation that I can recall. Why not settle for about 3/4 loaf?
Agree. The half left on the floor at this point will be remembered as what was lost and cast a large shadow over the paltry gains when the intent was to go big and do it right. Whose interests are left behind for "another day"? I suggest it is time for our honorable congress people to pull up their big boy/big girl pants and suck up their differences in the perfect and cast their votes together. Without this vote together, there is not likely to be bills for tempering and dealing with the nuances that have already been set aside for bipartisan or intraparty visions for 2022 and beyond.
Fred, I share your point of view. The people, particularly the most vulnerable, and not only them, but also the people who used be part of the middleclass have been sacrificed since the 1980's. Given the composition of the Democratic Party and its slimmest of margins in the Senate, again, we do not have a choice. If it's a half loaf, hopefully more, or none, a deal must be made. We have no other choice but to keenly bargain because that is the best we can do.
Two things you don't want to watch being made are sausages and laws. We're watching the sausage being made, and it's unpleasant. Politics shouldn't be a spectator sport.
A tweet from ruthbenghiat (@Ruth Ben-Ghiat) seems pertinent: It’s also psychological warfare that authoritarians wage superbly: exhaust the adversary’s time and psychological resources to lead to exhaustion and depoliticization- too much conflict.
This is a large element of what we are up against. I do not choose to allow myself to become exhausted. My ancestors didn't; I cannot.
I have just finished reading your book on Wounded Knee. I am furious and exhausted. And clearly see that Republicans are pushing the same agenda as in the 1890 era. I so appreciate your contributions from your books, letters, and videos. I recently retired and am so grateful for the time I get to learn with HCR every day.
Heather, I count on your postings to give historical context to current political events. However, I must urge you to take care of yourself; don't sacrifice getting a decent night's sleep in order to write a column! Since I'm probably old enough to be your mother, I'm here to tell you that "burning the candle at both ends" really is a good metaphor for what you're doing!!!
I wish this to be serious and non-inflammatory, but we cannot ask AG Garland to act until the evidence is a slam dunk. Otherwise it will be infinitely counterproductive politically.
All these little nails in the coffin will eventually seal the fate of this evil aberration of the Republican Party. The results in Arizona drew blood. John Eastman’s letter was printed with lethal ink.
Want a savior? Look to the women. Encourage the vote. For still within the voter box they will be inclined to tell their truth. The older generations because of what they have suffered. The younger generations because of what they fear is coming.
So how will the younger generation vote? My grandchildren are pretty much about "me" but deep down they feel they are not getting the life they deserve. My daughters are the opposite.
In a recent irrelevant tv series, this ancient (reportedly from the 1st Century AD/CE) adage popped out at me. If it is not true for everyone, it is true for enough people that everyone who wants to be able for themselves and their families to live truthfully needs to be willing to stand up for truth and not wait for others to do so:
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur: "The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived.”
Whether they know the adage or not, the Republicans are acting as if this is both descriptive and prescriptive of their game plan. Those who revere truth and truthfulness and human decency need to act as though it is a warning, a description of what conservative statesman Edmund Burke warned of:
“All that is required for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Thanks MaryPat! I wish someone who could be heard by many (and shared) a very particular boycott or boycotts could get the word out and we could really grab some attention on that front!
These letters are becoming more complex so it's not news that the writing is becoming more difficult, but to my knowledge, there is no one else producing anything like them. It's the simple bringing together of ideas and points that anyone willing to read them and give it some thought can understand, but that simple bringing together is the key to it. The letters, as we know them, are more important than ever before, but it's also clear that one person already having a full-time job can't sustain that effort. I don't have an answer for that dilemma.
I hardly slept at all last night. I woke up and took my nightly stroll down the hall, and when I crawled back in bed I checked to find of your letter had arrived. I could not get get back to sleep for hours. I am shaken to my core.
I am sick, and I can hardly think about much else.
My liberal friends, many of them also read your letters but too many people say , let's not talk about politics, it's too upsetting. I respond with 'that's exactly why we HAVE to talk about them!
It's so frightening, and frustrating!
There was a cute commercial when I was a kid for 'Accent', a salt/msg based seasoning and the ta line was 'wake up sleeping vegetables!'
I say this sometimes but no one gets it...
I read everything about our situation, and thanks to everyone with their links and recommendations. Since reading LSA (almost from the beginning) I have consumed more history than I had in my entire life. But I am so disappointed that so many others, not even talking about the nuts on the right, that seem to prefer sweeping the dust under the chair and stay 'safe'!?
The old 80/20 rule strikes again... if this doesn't change, how do we stand a chance?!
I woke up this morning thinking about what it might take to organize a pots and pans band. I've never been much of a joiner, but I had an image in my mind of a huge crowd of middle-aged women and men, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, standing in an intersection banging with giant spoons in unison to Queen's "We Will Rock You".
My Dad is one of those sheep, those lemmings. Go with the status quo. Follow the herd. Eat beef. Buy a house, install a lawn. Buy diamonds, the preferred wedding ring gemstone. What the lemmings, the cattle, don’t realize is that they are being played. De Beers ran the diamond marketing campaign that turned them into the supposed premier gemstone that they are perceived as today. Lawns were promoted commercially, of course, hence their popularity. And everyone here I’m sure knows that beef has been promoted as a high quality food when actually it’s the lowest quality food you can buy, next to straight chemicals like MSG.
Here on HCR, we are not the herd animals. We are the people with a brain who actually use it.
It’s the herd animals that follow Mussolini, that follow my dear friend Adolph, and that follow our dear friends who are bought and paid for by the Russian government. (that would be the leaders of the Republican Party)
Oh Sweetheart you don’t have to worry about me. I’m a chameleon and a phoenix, I always come back stronger and smart-ass-ier.
One of the gargantuan flaws in this forum, the way it’s constructed, is that I can’t have private conversations. I don’t want to publicize everything that’s going on with me, because there are actors here that I don’t trust. If I had a private way of communicating with anybody who is concerned about me, I could allay those concerns.
Thank you for your persistence in giving voice and perspective to the struggle for democracy currently being waged in our country. This is a crisis so vast and immediate, yet mostly hidden from public view, most people have trouble with the notion that we could lose our democracy in the next couple of years.
The sad thing is, it's not hidden from view. It's in plain sight and half the nation wants what it sees. This is a very scary time for our nation held together only by an idea.
Professor Richardson. Your understanding of history and how it applies to the current frightening times is valuable beyond words. Your recaps of the key events are now essential reading for us. Thank you. Please never stop.
However, I agree with others, if it means less letters per week to keep your spark alive, please don't hesitate. Whatever it takes to keep your explanations pouring forth longer. Your contributions are epic.
Sleep is essential to health. Please don't lose your health balance. I would be happy with less letters and a longer life for them. Why not take the weekends off? Old school idea, I know. A letter every other day? Whatever works for you. Just stay healthy. Life is short. You deserve to enjoy it fully. And we need you :)
Professor - totally agree with Bill. You need to take care of yourself before you can help take care of the rest of us. Please pace yourself.
i totally agree Bill. Her insights are so well expressed and historically relevant. She does need to take care of herself and fewer letters would be fine. Have you seen Robert Kagan’s recent piece in the Washington Post?
Yes, I shared the link to it yesterday. It’s “essential reading” and needs to be broadcast far and wide.
TCinLA shared a link early on in today's comments as well.
And here it is again. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/23/robert-kagan-constitutional-crisis/
The trouble with WaPo links is being a paid subscription it is not available to everyone. NYT the same.
In the past we bought their papers. They need $ to survive, and do the research that we need for our liberty. What does it cost? 50 cents/day for each or $1/day for both? It's totally worth it.
Joseph in Missoula
I understand the economic necessity of news reporting. I also understand that such an insignificant amount for one newspaper is not a burden to some ppl. (I used to subscribe to the daily paper in Miami and Gainesville Florida) However, not everyone has discretionary cash, even in small amounts.
Thanks. That's a terrifying read.
I completely agree. You need sleep, we need you. If less of you keeps you healthy, choose THAT path. You’ve got volumes of material for us to review and reread in order to remain attentive, alert and informed. Please don’t shirk sleep.
Your rested brain, heart and soul are vital to us all, and to the truths we hold so dear.
Absolutely agree with you, Bill. I actually don't know how Dr. Richardson does it, day and night. I know how sleepless my nights have been lately, no matter what I do, and I simply cannot imagine how she has the mental stamina to keep going. Somedays I want to crawl under the covers....and yet at night sleep is illusive. So here's a suggestion.....maybe more peaceful pictures and even a musical selection to accompany it. I know our friend, Cathy Learoyd, would most likely agree!
I agree with what Bill said.
I have often wondered what the toll is for you to write these. Staying up until midnight, let alone 0300 would flatten me - and I’m talking about just puttering around my house or watching tv. Writing these letters seems like a full time job to me.
Do what you need to do to balance it all out. I’m okay with whatever works for you.
I want you to know that your letters/essays are very important to me and have been incredibly helpful in understanding so much of our current situation and in learning things in our history that I didn’t know. Thank you for helping me understand our knotted up, ugly politics and for expanding my education. I very much appreciate your work on these letters/essays.
Very well said. Professor Richardson, You have such an important voice. We want you to take care of yourself.
I totally agree with Bill's comment to you Heather! I need your explanations and your passion! But I also want you to have a healthy balance.....now that you have your classes again. Please get rest! Sr. Lisette Michaud
I couldn’t have said this better and agree 100%.
"Life is short."
oh, oh
Perhaps this is not the case?
You just made my day!
You mean "fewer" letters, not "less" letters, a common grammatical error that always bugs me. Otherwise, I couldn't agree more with the intent of your letter. Well done.
The thousands of folks gathering here to read Ms. Richardson’s daily LFaA are nearly as inspiring to me as the Letters themselves, as we depend on her concise explanations of the nuances of Democracy’s peril. Every day, I say a little prayer for her well-being. The fact that we’re all more or less on the same page is at least a small comfort. But gratifying as it is to read like-minded comments, it is simply not enough.
What HCR has been telling us about the danger to our democracy in these past few missives is nearly as jolting as when the former guy was still in office. CPAC in Budapest?? Good Lord. Nothing less than a muster call to the election barricades to defend our democracy is needed.
No matter how many likes we give each other in the comments section, the fact remains that if we don’t have overwhelming election numbers, we simply won’t be able to outvote this rigged minority. Every single one of us must be organizing now out in our local communities, talking up support for the President’s plan, registering voters, and preparing to get out every vote when the time comes. Even that may not be enough, but at the end of the day, how will we feel if we have not done everything we can to push this ugly fascist rock over the proverbial cliff?
Yes, read, comment, vote up and connect. We need that! This is a great online community!
But also get together, online or in person, with your local Dems and join a “Get Out The Vote” campaign. I guarantee you, they need us phone banking, letter writing, pot-lucking, canvassing, and putting out door hangers NOW. How did Stacy Abrams get it done? Boots on the ground.
I love you guys. If you’re not already there, step away from the doom-scroll and let’s get down to the real work of saving Democracy.
This. Rest here in the comfort of like-minded friends. Then do the hard work of organizing and activating- boots on the ground as you describe it so well. Thank you for articulating so clearly what each and every one of us needs to be doing. Me? Postcards to voters today. Later this week, more training with the campaign office of my US Representative who is in another dog fight to retain her seat. This is MY democracy! Lots of work required to retain it.
You rock!
❤️🙏🙏
The CPAC in Budapest? I can't get over that. Does that mean that crazy has metastasized tp the planetary level? Hey, let's have the next one in North Korea. /s
Charlie some days I read the comments first to break myself in gently to the “real news”. I think I would have passed out yesterday if I had not thought you were joking before reading that you were not. A blatant Fascist Party in the US of A with around 28% support of the electorate but a heckuva lot more than that in Congress! 😳😳😳 mind boggling!
Eye-opening perhaps. So perhaps we can have a different view of Italy in the Mussolini era. Perhaps we can have a different view of Germany in the NSDAP era. Maybe the USA in 2021 is just a different version of Mussolini‘s Italy and Hitler’s Germany, and perhaps 1930s Japan although here my ignorance prevails. People can be duped into giving power to somebody who turns into a self-appointed member of royalty. Even a well-intentioned political “savior“ can degenerate into an authoritarian if democratic controls are not enforced.
Yes Christy, the Republican Party is being taken over and replaced by the Fascist Party of America, in spirit if not in name. I agree completely. Heather would probably say they are going back to their 1800s imperialist capitalist roots.
Just hope that it doesn't happen here. We can't let them win.
Roland! I was thinking this weekend about emailing the two people whose contact info I have and ask if they knew what happened to you. I've missed your comments! Hoping you are okay.
Wonderful to see your comment today. We’ve missed you Roland.
Learning from the past may be the best way to prevent it from happening again, here. We now all have responsibilities to teach by connecting that history to the present.
I agree in spirit, but most of these people are so intractable in their beliefs, I'm not sure they're reachable by reasonable discourse.
Hope you’re doing well Roland. ❤️
Thank you Christy, very sweet of you
Some say it metastasized FROM the planetary level. https://www.csis.org/analysis/kremlin-playbook
Most excellent analysis. Thank you.
There is a sequel: https://www.csis.org/features/kremlin-playbook-2
Yes, it is a Stupid Pandemic. They have protestors against COVID vaccine and mandatory masking in Europe as well as the U.S.
Well, keep in mind that, unlike North Korea, Budapest isn't jailing Americans - yet.
Too bad, then they could take some of those CPAC speakers hostage.
Hi, Roland! Good to “see” you!
Darn! I should have considered that posssibility.
That’s why we have each other Nancy ❤️
YES! Write letters! Write postcards! Text! Even though some of us aren't comfortable with phoning, door-to-door, face-to-face, there are many more ways to get our voices out there. As many folks as there are in the streets, there also needs to be multitudes with pens, paper, stamps, laptops at our desks with nimble fingers.
Our indivisible group has done mentoring in going door to door. Anything anxiety producing once done several times with some hand holding becomes much less so. ❤️
Yes! what you said, in spades. We ALL need to contribute in whatever way we can, to Get Out The Vote. Our mantra for the next three years - GOTV.
"if we don’t have overwhelming election numbers, we simply won’t be able to outvote this rigged minority"
Right you are, Chief! (with a nod to C.S. Lewis)
Clear-eyed focus. Thank you, Kara.
Excellent! Thank you ❤️
Agreed!
Excellent idea. Georgia has thickened the plot by removing the Secretary of State from the election verification function, and will replace the Board of Elections in large, racially diverse counties (i.e., Fulton County, where Atlanta is located, with a large Black population) with partisan legislators if there is any question of mismanagement. There has only to be the accusation, but not necessarily proof of irregularities, and our majority Republican legislators, most with an axe to grind, have the power to overturn that county's votes and substitute other electors. In case you've heard about our current "heroic" Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, who recorded the infamous call from TFG asking him to "find" enough votes to overturn our election results, and reaped the wrath of our resident Trumpies, he has approved of this latest scheme, and is self-righteously justifying it to "give voters confidence that the votes are valid." He was interviewed by Nicolle Wallace on Deadline: White House, and she really made him squirm about this latest voter nullification ruse - lovely!
I agree. Many would argue with me, and they might be right, but I believe he's losing steam - heard that the Georgia rally was fairly limp. If he's losing his mojo, perhaps there won't be a civil war if he's criminally charged.
We MUST get the voting rights bill passed. Otherwise, voter nullification will pose a huge threat, as well as the upcoming redistricting/gerrymandering.
Additionally, as you've said, we all need to turn out to support voting assistance and outreach. No more sleeping on the job.
I suggest to everyone that you read Fred Kagan's Washington Post Op-Ed "Our Constitutional Crisis is Already Here. As Charlie Sykes put it in his newsletter, it is a must must must read. Rachel and I both agree that we don't agree much with most of what Kagan has written over the years, but this is "bang on" as they say. It's interesting how it's the Never-Trump conservatives like Kagan, or Steve Schmidt (what he said last night on Rachel's show was really powerful) or Stuart Stevens or any of the people at The Bulwark, who are waving their arms and shouting about what is going on with the revolutionary fascists of Trump's movement. Perhaps it's like the ex-communists who understood the dangers of Stalinism, having seen them up close and personal.
Anyway, if you haven't read Kagan's op-ed, do so now:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/23/robert-kagan-constitutional-crisis/
TC, there are two Kagans known as rightwing scholars and commentators, Robert and Frederick. They are brothers. Their father, Donald Kagan, was a well-known historian and classicist at Yale until he died about 6-7 weeks ago. Frederick's wife, Kimberly Kagan, is also a big-time academic, military historian and sometime commentator in the Wall Street Journal. I have no idea how much they all agree/d with each other, but it appears none of them is/was a Democrat, to say the least. You surely already know all this, but your post erroneously attributes the WaPo article to Fred Kagan.
The excellent must, must, must, must read article you cite was written by Robert Kagan, once a Republican but who now considers himself to be an independent of the "anyone-but-Trump" sort. Even my older sister in Bend, a lifetime Democrat like me, who recently refused to engage with me in political conversation because it was all too depressing -- preaching to the choir -- and she just couldn't stand thinking about "it", sent me an email recommending Kagan's article after she heard Rachel Maddow talking about it/him.
I agree with you that Kagan nailed it. I also agree with several other HRC LFAA commentators that Kagan did not have much to say about the Justice Department's investigations into the events of Jan. 6 or other legal proceedings regarding Trump's many nefarious activities both before and since the elections of 2016 and 2020.
So, I am wondering how long we will have to wait before the arrests begin? Will we first have to learn of all the incriminating details from the mainstream news media and Bob Woodward before Garland will make a move? It seems to me that the problem is extremely urgent and that the Biden strategy of passing a bunch of fairly progressive legislation so as to convince Americans to vote in sufficient numbers that Trump/GOP moves to falsify the 2022 elections in purple states they control because of gerrymandering will be overwhelmed by DEM turnout is not really a very good strategy and is likely to fail with truly catastrophic consequences, almost as catastrophic as this ridiculously long and contorted sentence.
Based on what I have read in mainstream, usually reliable news sources, there is more than enough incriminating evidence to arrest and hold for questioning Trump and a pretty large group of his cretinous underlings and opportunistic GOP politicians on charges of conspiracy to break many laws, and on charges of attempted insurrection and -- even -- treason. I deplore the death penalty. Trump does not.
What gives?
Excellent point. If Republicans were in power Democrats would have been rounded up long ago. Democrats need a little more steel in their spines.
Democrats needing a little more steel in their spines is not a new development. It has been true for a very long time. I am on the fence about what is responsible for that. On the one hand, I wonder if Democrats are trying to act as they would like Republicans to act towards them. On the other hand, I wonder if Democrats are afraid that if they act decisively, what the backlash might be so they waffle.
Yes. Fear of backlash. Always trying to be a big tent. Offering compromise. Being empathetic. Trying to use reason, logic, science... We want to be nice.
But you can't reason with haters and bigots. It's like standing up from a trench in WWI and saying: "Hey, hey! Wanna talk this over?"
Absolutely!!!
Democrats are limited by their insistence on adhering to the rule of law. Republicans have bought into the idea that we don’t need no stinkin’ laws. We just need a brutal, Dirty Harry style police force. Steel in the spine cannot help unless the electorate puts enough decent people into legislatures to make it possible for the rule of law to survive. Plutocrats like Koch take advantage of the racist inclinations of white working class to retain power and use it to further their selfish (to put it mildly) interests.
Can we just call the Republicans "The Criminal Party"?
But to be fair, Republicans have a lot more MONEY in their spines, and the acumen of a basic business plan from which to orchestrate the complete take over of 3 branches of a democrstic republic.
If no arrests are made, it would mean to me, we are lost. The dems we elected are complicit.
Donald Kagan was the terrific translator of Greek plays--yes, a curmudgeon who never got over the idea of women (gasp!) attending Yale, but very much in the mold of that era of classicists.
Wait a minute, women are going to college?? 😳
Good to see you again, Roland. I have missed you!!!
😘
It's true & there are even Distinguished women Professors, very distinguished.
Hmmmm... Distinguished Professors of History, being referenced?
You noticed, thank you. See above; "kcmo" equals Kansas City Mo. Missouri. University thereof.
I’m surprised and I even attended University. 😎
Welcome to Afghanistan of the post-Russian post-US era.
😔
Thank you Professor, aptly summarized.
David I knew and admired Donald Kagan, who, in addition to being a distinguished classist, was, for a while, dean (of students, I believe) at Yale. Donald had a classist’s sense of integrity and I found him somewhat curmudgeonly in reacted to the campus changes in the 1980s. He was a man of personal integrity and conservative principles which I see reflected in some of Robert Fagab’s writings.
Keith, How could I not be thrilled with your name Robert 'Fagab's' (Kagan) as it is the perfect abbreviation of my thoughts about his writing style in 'Our constitutional crisis is already here' Opinion.
Maybe, no one want's to unleash the anger of the Trumpists, "keep it cool, boy!"
BS. Bring it!
David, Applause for your clarity with reference to Robert Kagan's 'Our constitutional crisis is already here'. I wondered, too, about what seems to be his rush to conclusion, '...with a reasonable chance over the next three to four years of incidents of mass violence, a breakdown of federal authority, and the division of the country into warring red and blue enclaves.' Kagan calls this 'a reasonable chance', is he hedging with that? Clearly the opinion is a WAKE UP call. Is it also too self-confidently deterministic or, perhaps, absolutist - with an “all-or-nothing,” “black-or-white” mindset? America could go there, but Biden, the Democrats and pro-democracy advocates are determined to turn Kagan's 'reasonable chance' scenario in to a highly unlikely one. Comments here, such as Kara Hammonds, are full of suggestions for what we LFAA subscribers can do on behalf of democracy.
Rachel's 8 min interview of Steve Schmidi is posted at MSNBC & YouTube MSNBC. Schmidt 8 days ago on Twitter: "There will be no unity with the seditionists".
And they are in our government, paid by us, obstructing democracy.... (just me again with my little message....)...
TC, You saw Steve too! I'm so glad. I was going to put in a big pitch for the show after HCR's Letter last night, but decided to catch the link to the transcript and post it here tonight. Guess it will be Monday, it wasn't up last time I checked.
I kept replaying his segment over a dozen times. It was pure Schmidt at his absolute best! It was the perfect corollary the the Letter.
And Rachel -- like Nicole Wallace -- knows exactly what to do with Steve: Hand him the ball and let him run free until he's finished, Repeat. It's just too bad The Media is all fake news, assisting the democrats in their evil bid to destroy our way of life and our freedoms, according to forty-five tonight in Perry. So we can't believe anything Steve said.....
P.S. ( just kidding about the can't believe Schmidt part! My dry humor again...)
We appreciate your humor.
Kagan made no mention at all re congressional Jan. 6th investigation and ongoing investigations by NY state AG and federal SDNY attorneys. Does he, or anyone here, believe these to be of no consequence, whatever the outcomes?
The House investigation is unlikely to be done before next year's elections.
Indeed. Most of the MAGA mob would ignore its conclusions anyway. But public testimony by subpoena-ed witnesses running up to the 2022 elections could sway individual congressional races.
It just seemed to me for Kagan to ignore the various investigations in his otherwise very good summation of the very real threat we face indicates he believes that the former president, and his congressional toadies, are beyond facing political consequences for criminal activity. If this is so, in a way, their revolution is already a success.
Yup
If the investigation isn’t done by the time of midterms, and Repubs take the House majority, am I correct that they could kill the investigation and dismantle the committee??
I think they'd do it in a heartbeat-can't have facts floating around, right? S/
Wow! Kagan’s op-ed is a rallying cry. Let’s pray that it gets widely distributed. Thank you TC in LA.
TC in LA…You are SO RIGHT. On all points. Kagan:OMG. And, Steve Schmidt presented his usual clear articulate brilliant explanation about what is happening. It was evident that Rachel Maddow was at a loss for words when he finished his shattering assessment. What can one say but he’s right? My hair is on fire! Every day. Still, life goes on around me. I feel almost paralyzed by the absence of alarm in ordinary citizens like my neighbors and friends who seem to think that if Democrats and Republicans all stopped squabbling, we can all get along together. If I counter any of their points, it’s met with “Joe Biden is too old to be President.” I can’t say I disagree with the age factor, but he’s what we have and thank goodness it’s not the other guy. I continue to be politically active. What choice is there? But for me hope is defined as the belief that we can act to make things better. I sure HOPE Congressional Democrats act soon to help us foot soldiers out. ❤️🤍💙
I was driving about yesterday, with several of these thoughts and issues percolating in my thoughts. I was approaching an intersection that is the second most passed in my travels through town (Albertsons on the North, BiMart on the south; both of which are go to places, with BiMart being a general store type of place with a pharmacy). I noted both parking lots fairly full for a Saturday afternoon, cars at the gas station on the corner, a guy getting his propane tank filled. Just a normal Saturday.
Then I thought: do any of these folks have any clue what is facing our country right now? I just don't think so.
“Just a normal Saturday.” That, Ally, is exactly what is at stake of us losing in America but is what the Trump Party has taken advantage of to further their agenda. The complacency of people. The comfort zone, so to speak. Don’t upset the apple cart kind of mindset.
I’m somewhat amazed recently at how difficult it has been to rally people to actively support and participate in the Women’s March on October 2nd. To take place in one week’s time. Trump’s rally in Perry, GA has gathered more press than the national opportunity Americans have next weekend to make our voices heard. And to let oppressors know we are not complacent, silent, and easily obedient. And that our Constitution will not be held hostage.
http://bit.ly/3o1Ft0N
Well, if you go look at the Women's March map, it is getting pretty darned impressive! I would love to see more marches around the world--in solidarity!
https://map.womensmarch.com/?source=website
I’ve sent The info to friends outside the US. For support and to be in thought with us. One friend is organizing a protest event in their international location!!! Yes!
When does complacency become complicity?
Yes! I have the same experience conducting daily life. I feel like I'm in an episode of the original Twilight Zone! Your writing reminded me of Rod Serling's intros. "Just a normal...." "Just an ordinary..." etc. :)
Good morning gildedtwig. I’ll be thinking about you and many warriors next Saturday, October 2nd.
Unitad! ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Thank you!
I so agree with you! Steve's appearance on Rachel Maddow's show...along with all the alarm pulling he and Rick Wilson have done, have made my nights sleepless once again. (not that I have gotten good sleep at all, but lately it seems to be getting worse again). I also agree that, while some of us are doing much to counter the insanity, there are so many more that are simply unaware or indifferent to the crisis. When they realize the severity of the situation, it will be too late.
Sleep? What sleep? I'm increasing my political messages on Instagram, but my post on the VA governor's race got few responses versus my post on a local art exhibit. People are busy, some maybe worried and exhausted, some aren't aware, or don't want to or know how to deal with what's happening. We keep on keeping on, but ordinary citizens like us need our elected officials and legal system to help us out before it's too late. The wheels of justice are turning so slowly. I know it takes time to build a case, but the Justice Department, Congress, SDNY, FBI - you name it - need to start delivering. Just a little bit would help. Somebody, please light a fire under Merrick Garland! P.S. (HCR's latest podcast on Now & Then discusses the need now for accountability.)
Reading Kagan’s post made me physically ill. I’m going outside for awhile to restore my equilibrium.
It's apparently getting a high volume of readers (according to the WaPo.) It made me sick, too. I did the same thing - went outside to walk and pull a few weeds!
Yes a must read. Exactly right. It's (Trumpism) has morphed into revolutionary fascism. Trump now is just a sideshow that will be replaced with a more refined version and then, then the ship hits the sand.
The WaPo has resent the op-ed in their "week in ideas" newsletter.
I have been sending it to anyone that I think will read it and telling them all to forward it on to whoever they think will read it. The WP has made it available for anyone to read 👍
Saw that.
Excellent letter and thanks for Kagan’s analysis of our dilemma.
ARRRRGGGHHH!
Wow - that is a very chilling essay - Surely someone can put spine into Manchin and Sinema.
However, Hugh, that is not the point as made clear in Kagan’s essay or a solution that he feels will get legislation passed. As he states….
“Those who criticize Biden and the Democrats for not doing enough to prevent this disaster are not being fair. There is not much they can do without Republican cooperation, especially if they lose control of either chamber in 2022. It has become fashionable to write off any possibility that a handful of Republicans might rise up to save the day. This preemptive capitulation has certainly served well those Republicans who might otherwise be held to account for their cowardice. How nice for them that everyone has decided to focus fire on Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.
Yet it is largely upon these Republicans that the fate of the republic rests.”
Certainly a conundrum.
Thanks - but the reality, is that there actually exists a world outside 'Murica. It is hard enough to get various countries governments to
do anything to mitigate what our culture is doing to the environment - and if you live in a brownstone in NY - so, who gives a fuck about the environment? As a conservation biologist - this is unbelieveably depressing. Glad no one has children (yes??).
Yes, there actually is a world that exists outside the United States America. It's something we US Americans conveniently forget much of the time, so much so that we generally fail to acknowledge that Americans are all the people who live in the Americas, which range from the polar north to the southern tip of South America.
One of the best comments today, Daria. Sometimes, when I’m trying to frame a response to a comment, I’ll read one like yours that says it. Makes me realize that so many people not only think alike, but KNOW the same things. Perhaps that is why humans have survived crises for so many eons. And in the here and now when it is so easy to share, I think it one of the reasons Professor Richardson strives to keep us connected as often as she does. I had a teacher mentor who was quite a taskmaster that said to her students….”Don’t complain about being tired when there is work to do. You can relax when the chore is done and when the work becomes the reward.”
I’ve not ever forgotten that. Especially when the temptation is great to be complacent and just be one of the three monkeys covering my eyes, ears, and mouth.
That time is now for me. I hope our voices will be raised in all the Americas and around the world next Saturday, October 2nd, 2021. The Universe is listening.
Unbelievably depressing, yes.
Allan Lichtman has a track record of accurately predicting presidential elections, and is generally an astute observer of the American political scene. So I paid attention when Lichtman, a political science professor at American University, told me it would be disastrous for President Biden to go war against Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema and the other centrist Democrats jamming him up in Congress.
https://www.salon.com/2021/09/26/fdr-once-tried-to-purge-disloyal-democrats--would-it-work-for-biden-to-do-the-same/
Excellent read. Thanks for posting.
Hugh, I think Sinema and Manchin may be, as yet, "uncited" co-conspirators.
Sinema is being headlined in AZ for her donations from Big-Pharma and her support of current drug prices.
Lest we not forget Manchin's ties to Big Pharma...The former CEO of Mylan was Heather Bresch, Manchin's daughter. "[In October 2011], with no competition to speak of, Mylan began raising prices on EpiPen, a process that continued until Bresch was called before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in September of 2016. By that time, the price of EpiPen had ballooned from $100 to over $600 per pair."
Gayle Manchin, Joe's wife, " took over the National Association of State Boards of Education in 2012, she spearheaded an unprecedented effort that encouraged states to require schools to purchase medical devices [Epi-Pen] that fight life-threatening allergic reactions."
Not related to Big Pharmacy but also of note:
"Gayle Conelly Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commission’s thirteenth federal co-chair on May 6, 2021, becoming the first ARC federal co-chair from West Virginia. Nominated by President Biden, Manchin works directly with ARC’s 13 member governors, their state alternates and program managers, and a network of local development districts to continue to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia."
https://snacksafely.com/2021/09/court-documents-show-mylan-ceo-heather-bresch-played-integral-role-in-epipen-price-scandal/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/09/20/family-matters-epipens-had-help-getting-schools-manchin-bresch/90435218/
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/07/politics/manchin-defends-bresch-mylan-epipen-price/index.html
https://www.arc.gov/staff/federal-co-chair-gayle-conelly-manchin/
I need Epipens and get them through the VA, I have been aware of the Manchin connection since they started raising prices, what’s wrong with these people, they have a product that they were making a profit with that was helping keep people alive with no competition in the market place, have they no decency, I think not.
Dick, Mylan radically boosted the price of a number of other medications as well, including an asthma disc inhaler I used. I watched the price skyrocket and was exceedingly grateful that my insurance never increased my copay for that med.
What strikes me as unconscionable is the fact that Manchin, first the Governor of West Virginia, then a US senator had a daughter who was investigated by Congress and a wife who ran a monopoly for Epi-pens in a tidy number of public school systems and that they're still being rewarded for their duplicity.
Manchin's is taking the Senate Democrats and all US Americans for a ride. Biden nominated Manchin's wife to a cushy
position – likely thinking he could buy some brownie points with Joe Manchin. And still Manchin continues to crap all over the country. The family's behavior smacks of criminality.
Dick, thanks for your service, and Welcome Home. I wonder what the VA pays for those things.
Outstanding information, Daria. That 'splains a whole lot, thank you so much!
Thanks, Gus!
Okay!
Hugh, I believe they are bought and paid for, or blackmailed?
Their explanations make no sense in light of the enormity of the consequences to their resistance. Something is afoot....
I keep hoping that all these Republicans like Kagan and Schmidt et al speaking out on the extreme danger we are facing of losing our freedoms would open some of the minds of the 70 million who voted for TFG in 2020. Like others have commented though, I cannot see that it influences.
70% of the GOP supports Trump. I’m more concerned about the lackadaisacal response of the Democrats around Biden, who seem to think, now that they have the presidency, that it’s back to “business as usual.” God willing, Kagan’s piece will shake them up.
"Democrats need to give anti-Trump Republicans a chance to do the right thing."
A vital point obvious to me but never stated in the media is this: 1) the U.S. government is meant to insure the rights and liberties outlined in our constitution and, 2) secondly, our economic system is based on the private profit motive, which assures nothing but profits for shareholders in privately held companies while allowing for an individual to create one’s own business. imho
Liberals and progressives have NEVER made this distinction. Unstated but inherent in Prof. Richardson’s essay this morning, is the heart of conservatives’ philosophy that capitalism rules over people and “democracy", to the threat of nearly every American. The accumulation of resources and wealth has never taken a secondary role to liberties and rights in this society, according to the ancestors of Native Americans, African Americans and every minority to land soles on this soil.
Progressives and liberals never frame Capitalism and American economics as a system unto itself, which disregards every dire consequence of its violent nature; violent to nature, violent to people, and violent to one’s soul. Arguably, the key tenet of the conserviave’s constitution is “The Second Amendment,” which allows for one to shoot another person who enters its “property”.. One night, as we neighbors discussed an abandoned mansion in our neighborhood, our city councilor reminded me that were I to undertake care of the property without the permission of the owner (who is absent), I would create a circumstance whereby I could be shot. This is “Capitalism unto itself,” imho, whereby the property must remain tattered and abused, while the deterioration grows - and allows for squatters with addictions to reside under the cloak of darkness. Until they are discovered and are shuttered into other abandoned properties, where abandoned people (veterans, too) should live, apparently.
The world has been abused by this capitalist economic system which dictates that the starving, homeless and street beggars are permitted and perhaps even encouraged, by the silence of the masses, particularly the “churchly sect”. The abject poverty created by capitalism ingrains into the subconscious of Americans - because we are not even conscious of our passive adherence to our violent world, created and abetted by our silence, to allow for people to live “on the street"
Our Governor will visit our neighborhood, this week, in fact, to meet and greet members of our local party, and the Mrs. and I will attend. I will try to raise this distinction, between the liberties and rights outlined in our constitution - and the threat to our rights by an economic system which tramples “liberty and justice for all” and leaves tattered lives in its wake, while our planet sees rising wakes of waves - oh, btw, another meeting will occur where residents will discuss the threat to the survivability of town, due to the proximity of the ocean to its beach and main street .....
imho, Americans are avowedly capitalist, because we cherish capital over people and society.
I think Europeans and Scandanavians are Socialists because they place a greater value on people and society than on capital. Nearly every European I’ve spoken with, on a couple of my visits and while they visit our soil, has led me to believe they both admire - and pity us.
Living here, I mostly pity us, because I’m aware of this duality between governance and capitalism. Mostly, I admire the Europeans, because they value people over capital. imho
On another note:
Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,
a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.
If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life.
- Wu Men Hui-k’ai
Today’s “Daily Peace Quote"
Thanks. I needed that!
Thank you, Frederick.
THIS! Frederick, you must publish. Democracy must rule capitalism (and make it a small "c"). Share with your governor! So glad you have the opportunity right in your town! Unfortunately, we cannot use the word "socialism" in this country without nasty, undeserved backlash from the right (and middle?), but I know you have good, important words at hand to get this critical point across. Thank You. Let's save Democracy!
Thank you MP. I WILL hand this to every attendee at our gathering with the Governor. and will hand her a copy as I gladly she her other hand. Perhaps, well, in our small state, everyone knows someone at Maine public broadcasting ~ perhaps I will send this letter to a producer friend, and discus the value of a “Citizen’s Moment” which would broadcast a resident’s short essay or poem. Thanx MP!
"A Citizen's Moment" for sure!!!
WONDERFUL!
Bravo!
Frederick, I wonder whether Europeans' value of people and society springs from the fact that they've lived through two world wars and the resulting devastation, while we've remained blinded because of our isolation, provided by two vast oceans and few borders. In our cocoon, we have spent a tremendous amount of time nation building elsewhere, while ignoring the glaring problems in our own society.
Yes. Agree. Keep in mind also that Europeans have a centuries-long, millennial-long history of the people being suppressed as serfs and slaves. Royalty, some nonexistent God-given right to excessive wealth while commoners are relegated to poverty, ran Europe for centuries and centuries. And in case you think that legacy is over, I had an uncle who lives in Switzerland visit us. He tells us that the large majority of Europeans are renters, because most of the property in Europe is still owned by the Royals. Obviously those one dollar homes in towns in Italy are an exception. Those two world wars were the cataclysm that ended the overt domination and hegemony by the royals. Those two world wars finally tipped the scales in favor of commoners, democracy.
It's so ironic that it took war to tip the scales, but it is also chilling to realize that many of our country's ills were delivered by the settlers here, having sought to escape tyranny in their homelands.
Exactly correct. Thank you, Roland.
HI ROLAND!!
HI MARYPAT‼️
💞
Yes, I agree Nancy. And the seemingly unceasing feudal wars. All between peoples of various languages, cultures and customs and the like. I smile when I remember that Italy was formed in the mid 1800s, in attempts to unify various peoples. So, no wonder we have some tribal differences here, and while we speak the same language, we don’t speak the same language!
Having grown up in suburban Boston, I saw first-hand that the various ethnic groups populated neighborhoods exclusively, and people often discussed their families' origins. I've lived near Atlanta for many years, and people here aren't as aware or interested in their relatives European (usually) origins. That might change, as the South is attracting people from all locations and cultures. Then, to your point, there are lots of people who are separated by a common language.
Nancy, You remind us to think about those of us that look more inwardly, in the sense of tribe versus consciousness of people and circumstances beyond our circle. In the past even with ethnic groups seemingly at war, we were closer to one another with opportunities to mingle at work, at the track, little league games, other local events and in unions. Local newspapers brought us together, so did social clubs. We watched the same newscasts on three network television stations. Americans have been driven apart by political manipulation, social media, the change in work and the tech revolution. Our sense of cohesion and knowledge of one another has gone dark for many.
This is not arguing with you but there are still sporting events for parents to show up at and mingle, local events to share, and even book clubs. Part of the Kagen article I found fascinating was how UNNATURAL it is to want the same rights for others that we want for ourselves, WHEN WE PERCEIVE OTHERS AS UNLIKE US.
The change, nevertheless, Kathy, in opportunities for people of difference races, religions and ethnic groups to meet are tremendously reduced. Examples of towns and communities which use to have bustling Main Streets are now drastically reduced. It is much more common to see the almost empty Main Streets, boarded up shops, with, perhaps, two churches, a bar, a coffee shop and maybe a grocery store.
I agree, Fern. With the evolution of the 24 hour news cycle, political manipulation has become more prevalent, and it's getting worse. Add to that social media and the dissemination of disinformation treated as fact, and society's demand for instant gratification rather than using deductive reasoning, and we have arrived at our current predicament. The pandemic and necessity for people to work remotely, the resulting social isolation has added to the witch's brew. Our society has devolved into an "us vs. them" situation.
Hi Nancy. A book, which I ordered called, Wildland, The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos, describes kaleidoscopic changes that threaten to cause America to come apart at the seams, according to Jane Mayer, his colleague at The New Yorker. It sounds as though this book will more than touch upon our mutual concerns.
Yes.
Frederick, That is a key distinction often neglected. One is a political system (democracy vs. 'fascism') the other is an economic system (capitalism vs. communism). There is not necessarily a direct correlation between the two dimensions. BTW socialism and communism are NOT the same things. (https://7esl.com/socialism-vs-communism/). I could go on but it's early...
Well, Charlie. Please go on when you have time. Why you insert “communism” instead of “socialism”. There is nothing that the Trump party says that is more cringeworthy to me than how they weaponize the concept of “socialism”. And use it to seer a brand on any legislation designed to benefit people and the common good.
I cannot remember when I’ve ever heard the word “communism” come out of the former’s mouth. No way he could use that as a buzzword to gather any flies.
It's easier to evoke emotion when you frame things as just good vs. bad (or whatever). George Lakoff is a person to follow.
LAKOFF! Ah-haaa! A brethren of the first order, Charlie. WHAT is your favorite admonition from Lakoff, Charlie!? Mine is this: 'DO NOT worry about what conservatives say, speak to your audience without using their language.’ (my loose translation, btw)
That comes close to No. 1. "Do not think of an elephant'.
Messaging, messaging, messaging. Has the Pro-Democracy party forgotten this as an exceptional tool to at least INVITE rather than INCITE the citizens?
One of the big problems we have now is that lies are told and the masses believe them. Whether it is "socialism" or something else, these craven Rs tell their followers what they want them to believe. A recent example is the statement by Senator Tim Scott when saying why he would not agree to the police reform bill.....saying it was because the Democrats refused to budge off their stance of defunding the police, which even my cats know is not true.
Wrong messaging that hurt the cause. Words are becoming everything.
Besides of which aren’t they simply constructs from which any government can pick and choose the parts they like from each? There is no police saying it’s all or nothing?
Yes. Exactly.
As I like to say often, Americans live to work, others (Latinos and most Europeans) work to live. Think how that defines a lifetime lived.
And I eat to live
Rather than live to eat.
Go vegetarian!
Thank you. I hope you submit this essay to every op-ed page on the planet.
Daria, would you be so kind to help me with the distribution to, say, Latin and South America 🤣. Thank you
Yes!
Oh the damage done with labels. There was a time when "capitalist" and "socialist" and "liberal" or "conservative" had different meanings. Your comment perfectly captures the battle for the soul of this nation.
I gather you live in Maine. As a former Mainer, you have my sympathies as the forces of Paul LePage seek to ruin the state again. I am a fan of ranked choice voting. But thanks to Eliot Cutler, a monster ruled the Pine Tree State having achieved less than 40% of the vote - twice! Good luck to you....
Can you explain why you are a fan of ranked choice voting, even though it resulted in a monster ruling the state? So many people are wary of RCV, including me.
Christy is correct.
Ranked choice voting was instituted in Maine in 2016. LePage won the governor's race in in 2010 with 37.6% of the vote. He won in 2014 with 48.2% of the vote - never a majority.
I like RCV because it encourages support for smaller party candidates without the fear of wasting a vote. You could vote for a "green party" candidate as a first choice but know that your second choice of a major party candidate would have value and ultimately be counted in the resolution of the race.
In Cutler's case, he saw himself as the reasonable choice between a not so popular Democrat and a Republican lunatic. But instead of being elected he was just a third candidate spoiler. The fact that he tried a second time still makes me sick to my stomach. Think of him as a Perot or a Nader. Perhaps if the nation had RCV, "W' would never have had the chance to launch two multi-trillion dollar wars that slaughtered or displaced millions of humans. "An Inconvenient Truth" would have been embraced and climate change could have been slowed...
The vote for RCV came as a reaction to Lepage’s 8 years of destructive minority rule
The mathematics of unregulated capitalism are simple: a feedback howl. It's one of the first systems you study in feedback systems in engineering. "Feedback howl" is what happens when you get the stage microphones in front of the speakers. The amplified sound from the speakers reaches the microphone, and gets amplified again. The still-louder sound gets re-amplified. The sound ramps up until it reaches the maximum sound-producing capability of the speakers, or the maximum amplification of the circuits, or the current-carrying capacity of the wires, whichever comes first. And there it sits until something breaks. If you have great amplifiers with lots of power, you'll blow the speakers. If you have a cheap amplifiers, it isn't designed to go full-out indefinitely, and components will start to heat up, until they "blow smoke." If the wires are the weak point, they can melt and catch fire.
And then, the concert is over. You've quite permanently destroyed your sound system.
That is what "global climate change" is all about. Feedback howl. Nothing will stop it from ending our civilizational concert -- quite painfully -- unless someone turns down the volume, and then rearranges the stage to prevent unregulated feedback.
Global destruction is the natural, predictable, obvious end-result of unregulated capitalism that calls a 2% annual "economic growth" a good thing.
You nailed it, Frederick. Thank you.
I think the big (money) was always there, before and after the Revolution, transcending national boundaries. The Stars and Stripes look very much like the flag of the British East India Company.
I’m betting, hoping and helping John Fetterman next occupies that seat in the US Senate!
Heather I want you to know how appreciated these letters are, how much they mean to me. I stay up to the wee hours to read your insights on the day, the context of history, and what this all means to democracy. Please take care of yourself and get some good sleep. With double the load as you say, you might consider writing three or four times a week instead of six or seven. You essay tonight is beautiful and so clear about what we are facing. I believe I officially joined the non-violent resistance tonight. I'm going to go read How to Win by George Lakey and prepare myself. October 2nd I will be out protesting and boycotting or whatever is needed to save democracy ... and every week thereafter because this will take time and tenacity. Money doesn't buy happiness so I don't understand the obsession with accumulating more and more money and saying that's a booming economy. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the accumulation of wealth to magically turn into happiness. Capitalism as well as democracy is being destroyed by hollowing out the middle class. I do think we will be the resilient ones because as we help and support others we will find the glow of well-being.
This is why I believe Joseph is wrong. Our country has shifted hugely and so many ethical, good people see the danger and have taken to the airways, print, and ongoing conversations with one another and strangers who need to hear they might be wrong. Hang in there, Folks. And keep updating your own knowledge base and joining others to make what you know and care about irresistible. We are all in this together.
I agree that our country has shifted, and hugely. Fascism, American style (think KKK) has emerged. It was always there, but in the shadows. Now, it's blatant, out in the open. It was all at once and a seismic shift, brought on by Trump. Roughly 35% of our country wants the strong man and authoritarian rule. And rules don't matter.
Yes, the rest of us are waking up. But we've got a lot of catching up to do. And business as usual won't cut it. I'm alarmed. We should all be alarmed.
Joseph in Missoula
Deborah, you are right, but it is not enough. We "libs" are all in it together, but the Jews in Germany were all in it together, too. and look what it got them.
Oh, but nothing like THAT could ever happen in the USA!
I am not sure that the Jewish people protested. American women might.
Kathy, of course it is simplistic of me to compare Nazi Germany with MAGA America, and I agree that women have led the way in protesting and resisting what Trump is trying to do. I think the rapidity and ease with which we can all know the latest news (also the fake news) and then join the debate with nothing more than a smart phone is hugely different from what was possible in Nazi Germany.
On the one hand, we are all taking a risk jumping into the online fray, especially if we use our real names and not an alias, but on the other, we can feel as if we are really doing something when we are mostly just preaching to the choir. This would be a very surreal way for us to meet a violent and premature end to our persons and to our beloved country. So I think assuming the worst is the most prudent course, given how there is no country on earth that could or would intervene to save us from ourselves.
I think German Jews were largely in denial -- any normal, peaceful people would be -- until it was too late, but a few of those who did imagine what could happen tried to hide in place, others with greater means emigrated just in the nick of time, and some fought back. And a few survived and later made it to Israel.
My position is to assume the worst about Trump and his cult and the GOP, and act accordingly. From Italy there is little I can do but sound the alarm.
Yes, the peril remains upfront and should not be underestimated.
I will be protesting also. Cathy!
I have my Don't Tread on Me tshirt with the rattlesnake coiled like a uterus!
HA! I have a poster I made years ago with a hanger with a line through it saying “We’ll Never Go Back!”.
I have seen one with one of the fallopian tubes raising a middle finger...
Fits with my appreciation of profanity.
Heehee!
Love it
Nice‼️
Hi Roland!! Long time no hear from. Hope you are well.
Me, too!
HEAR! HEAR! CATHY!
We must ALL join this non-violent resistance.
1. Read how to do it (e.g. George Lakey's How to Win")
2. Join The League of Women Voter's (Cathy Learoyd is a chapter president in Texas)
3. March on October 2nd and every opportunity thereafter.
4. Kindly inform your business friends of how their livelihoods and bottom lines are in peril now because of trumpism.
5. contribute to FairFight, candidates and causes.
6. Take care of yourself (democracy support group)
7. Focus on wins (just had a great one in trumpian northern Michigan with protests, letters, calls, publicity and partners!!).
We can do this. We have to do this.
Oh, and join boycotts.
Professor thank you. Finally I found a clear eyed, thoughtful and complete description of what the heck is going on here. I wish our hard at work journalists would take the time to read your posts. The historical context you bring helps the reader take a step back and view with a wide lense- the big picture, often ignored.
Agreed
Prof Richardson: Please don't burn out on this Letters project! I'd much rather you took an extra day or two a week off than get so tired you have to stop writing.
Agreed. We need your clear voice, knowledge and contextual perspective. Thank you, thank you.
I believe that my NYT comment on Paul Krugman’s article reflects what the Democrats must do in face of the Republican intransigence described by Heather: ‘I agree that a major investment in human infrastructure is critical to building an America that preserves and serves the great majority of Americans to be productive in coming decades.
I find disturbing the bickering between ‘progressive’ and ‘moderate’ Democrats, as the opportunity for such essential investments is slipping away. I find the figure ‘$3.5 trillion’ misleading, since it refers to expenditures over a decade and does not reflect an increase in taxes and the financial impact of such investments.
The Democrats might reflect on what a delegate said during an acrimonious debate on the proposed Declaration of Independence: WE MUST WORK TOGETHER OR ALL HANG SEPARATELY. At stake is President Biden’s positive plan for America.”
Better half a loaf than no loaf at all. Get over it, compromise, meet in the middle.
Yes! Without extraordinary compromises, no Constitution! FDR, to get the Social Security Act of 1935 approved and constitutionally protected, made compromises that would give ‘progressives’ apoplexy. Even Reagan, working with Dan Rokonkoski (Chicago Dem—sp?), approved a give-and-take tax bill in 1986 that was the most appropriate/fair tax legislation that I can recall. Why not settle for about 3/4 loaf?
Agree. The half left on the floor at this point will be remembered as what was lost and cast a large shadow over the paltry gains when the intent was to go big and do it right. Whose interests are left behind for "another day"? I suggest it is time for our honorable congress people to pull up their big boy/big girl pants and suck up their differences in the perfect and cast their votes together. Without this vote together, there is not likely to be bills for tempering and dealing with the nuances that have already been set aside for bipartisan or intraparty visions for 2022 and beyond.
Fred, I share your point of view. The people, particularly the most vulnerable, and not only them, but also the people who used be part of the middleclass have been sacrificed since the 1980's. Given the composition of the Democratic Party and its slimmest of margins in the Senate, again, we do not have a choice. If it's a half loaf, hopefully more, or none, a deal must be made. We have no other choice but to keenly bargain because that is the best we can do.
Well said.
Two things you don't want to watch being made are sausages and laws. We're watching the sausage being made, and it's unpleasant. Politics shouldn't be a spectator sport.
😁 you tickled my funny bone. And I believe you are absolutely correct.
Speaking as a worker who used to pick up product regularly at a sausage factory.
A tweet from ruthbenghiat (@Ruth Ben-Ghiat) seems pertinent: It’s also psychological warfare that authoritarians wage superbly: exhaust the adversary’s time and psychological resources to lead to exhaustion and depoliticization- too much conflict.
This is a large element of what we are up against. I do not choose to allow myself to become exhausted. My ancestors didn't; I cannot.
Hang in there, Prof. Richardson.
Thank upon for this; an example for us all not to despair.
Thank you for this.....
I have just finished reading your book on Wounded Knee. I am furious and exhausted. And clearly see that Republicans are pushing the same agenda as in the 1890 era. I so appreciate your contributions from your books, letters, and videos. I recently retired and am so grateful for the time I get to learn with HCR every day.
Heather, I count on your postings to give historical context to current political events. However, I must urge you to take care of yourself; don't sacrifice getting a decent night's sleep in order to write a column! Since I'm probably old enough to be your mother, I'm here to tell you that "burning the candle at both ends" really is a good metaphor for what you're doing!!!
Absolutely, Mother! What would everyone say to insisting she take weekends OFF, as a start? Just spit-balling here....
I wish this to be serious and non-inflammatory, but we cannot ask AG Garland to act until the evidence is a slam dunk. Otherwise it will be infinitely counterproductive politically.
All these little nails in the coffin will eventually seal the fate of this evil aberration of the Republican Party. The results in Arizona drew blood. John Eastman’s letter was printed with lethal ink.
Want a savior? Look to the women. Encourage the vote. For still within the voter box they will be inclined to tell their truth. The older generations because of what they have suffered. The younger generations because of what they fear is coming.
Hate to say it but their are a lot of women who do not fall within your voting decision matrix:
"The older generations because of what they have suffered. The younger generations because of what they fear is coming."
A lot.
So how will the younger generation vote? My grandchildren are pretty much about "me" but deep down they feel they are not getting the life they deserve. My daughters are the opposite.
The younger generation is more evolved. They want progress and don't have roots in some delusional past. Thus they are progressive.
They are also socially-minded. I live in a social city. We therefore are democratic.
In a recent irrelevant tv series, this ancient (reportedly from the 1st Century AD/CE) adage popped out at me. If it is not true for everyone, it is true for enough people that everyone who wants to be able for themselves and their families to live truthfully needs to be willing to stand up for truth and not wait for others to do so:
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur: "The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived.”
Whether they know the adage or not, the Republicans are acting as if this is both descriptive and prescriptive of their game plan. Those who revere truth and truthfulness and human decency need to act as though it is a warning, a description of what conservative statesman Edmund Burke warned of:
“All that is required for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
That phrase has cropped up for me recently as well.
And here's what to do. Many thanks to Cathy Learoyd for the inspiration:
HEAR! HEAR! CATHY!
We must ALL join this non-violent resistance.
1. Read how to do it (e.g. George Lakey's How to Win")
2. Join The League of Women Voter's (Cathy Learoyd is a chapter president in Texas)
3. March on October 2nd and every opportunity thereafter.
4. Kindly inform your business friends of how their livelihoods and bottom lines are in peril now because of trumpism.
5. contribute to FairFight, candidates and causes.
6. Take care of yourself (democracy support group)
7. Focus on wins (just had a great one in trumpian northern Michigan with protests, letters, calls, publicity and partners!!).
We can do this. We have to do this.
Oh, and join boycotts.
Thanks MaryPat! I wish someone who could be heard by many (and shared) a very particular boycott or boycotts could get the word out and we could really grab some attention on that front!
These letters are becoming more complex so it's not news that the writing is becoming more difficult, but to my knowledge, there is no one else producing anything like them. It's the simple bringing together of ideas and points that anyone willing to read them and give it some thought can understand, but that simple bringing together is the key to it. The letters, as we know them, are more important than ever before, but it's also clear that one person already having a full-time job can't sustain that effort. I don't have an answer for that dilemma.
I hardly slept at all last night. I woke up and took my nightly stroll down the hall, and when I crawled back in bed I checked to find of your letter had arrived. I could not get get back to sleep for hours. I am shaken to my core.
I am sick, and I can hardly think about much else.
My liberal friends, many of them also read your letters but too many people say , let's not talk about politics, it's too upsetting. I respond with 'that's exactly why we HAVE to talk about them!
It's so frightening, and frustrating!
There was a cute commercial when I was a kid for 'Accent', a salt/msg based seasoning and the ta line was 'wake up sleeping vegetables!'
I say this sometimes but no one gets it...
I read everything about our situation, and thanks to everyone with their links and recommendations. Since reading LSA (almost from the beginning) I have consumed more history than I had in my entire life. But I am so disappointed that so many others, not even talking about the nuts on the right, that seem to prefer sweeping the dust under the chair and stay 'safe'!?
The old 80/20 rule strikes again... if this doesn't change, how do we stand a chance?!
I woke up this morning thinking about what it might take to organize a pots and pans band. I've never been much of a joiner, but I had an image in my mind of a huge crowd of middle-aged women and men, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, standing in an intersection banging with giant spoons in unison to Queen's "We Will Rock You".
Love it! Most of us are half-deaf anyway from going to these concerts in our younger days.
Hahaha! too true
Where can I sign up?!
WAKE UP, SLEEPING VEGETABLES‼️
My Dad is one of those sheep, those lemmings. Go with the status quo. Follow the herd. Eat beef. Buy a house, install a lawn. Buy diamonds, the preferred wedding ring gemstone. What the lemmings, the cattle, don’t realize is that they are being played. De Beers ran the diamond marketing campaign that turned them into the supposed premier gemstone that they are perceived as today. Lawns were promoted commercially, of course, hence their popularity. And everyone here I’m sure knows that beef has been promoted as a high quality food when actually it’s the lowest quality food you can buy, next to straight chemicals like MSG.
Here on HCR, we are not the herd animals. We are the people with a brain who actually use it.
It’s the herd animals that follow Mussolini, that follow my dear friend Adolph, and that follow our dear friends who are bought and paid for by the Russian government. (that would be the leaders of the Republican Party)
Hello Roland! My Gawd I've been so worried about you?!
Oh Sweetheart you don’t have to worry about me. I’m a chameleon and a phoenix, I always come back stronger and smart-ass-ier.
One of the gargantuan flaws in this forum, the way it’s constructed, is that I can’t have private conversations. I don’t want to publicize everything that’s going on with me, because there are actors here that I don’t trust. If I had a private way of communicating with anybody who is concerned about me, I could allay those concerns.
Are you on Twitter or Facebook?
LAA not LSA!
Thank you for your persistence in giving voice and perspective to the struggle for democracy currently being waged in our country. This is a crisis so vast and immediate, yet mostly hidden from public view, most people have trouble with the notion that we could lose our democracy in the next couple of years.
The sad thing is, it's not hidden from view. It's in plain sight and half the nation wants what it sees. This is a very scary time for our nation held together only by an idea.
You are so right! And just as threatening is that half the nation sees what it wants...
For many of us, if an issue isn't front page news every day, it's unfortunately, hidden.
Or months...