For me, I went back and forth between tRump/Repugs lying loudly and people feeling gloomy. I decided to go with how I felt. I am fully aware that tRump/Rethugs are law breaking liars. I am aware that SCOTUS is corrupt. I'm also aware that the economy IS getting better. There are new jobs and unemployment is going down. But I am gloomy. The good news doesn't help me. We are struggling. The bad news is, as my kids used to say, "harshing my buzz". You had a column the other day about how the Dems should be talking about the ultra wealthy/corporations raking in huges incomes and profits while many in America are food insecure (hungry), utilities insecure (power shut offs) and so on. I totally agree with that. Americans like me need to be more aware and educated about our 21st century robber barons.
Irishcoda ; Good idea about the education about the robber barons. Voters need to understand! Also, I have a new term "harshing my buzz". Perfect for my 27 year olds!
Both Trump and President Biden have identified themselves within their base, seeing that support they are reaffirming the issues that got them to the point where they currently find themselves. Each finds strength in what they believe in, its too bad Trump supporters prefer lies to the truth.
I read a quote the other day which seems to apply, "We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so stupid people won't feel offended." The author wasn't listed other wise I would have given him or her the credit.
Yes, to the point where meteorologists on TV are being threatened for talking about climate change. Don't look up. A portion of our people want to be lied to. The ignorance and hate is frightening.
Everything comes back around. I’m pretty damn sure the phrase harshing my buzz has been around since the late-80’s or early-90’s. Bring it back. It fits.
Truscha Quatrone ; The media likes culture wars and endless stories about the latest repressive legislation from the Republicans like DeSantis or the activist 'Supreme Court'. to illustrate some examples. They want to continually rub our noses in it. No wonder so many are 'gloomy'! They pretend to care, while they trot in apologists for the slow mo courts! endlessly recounting things they have been highlighting for months and months; like a soap opera ....they want us to believe that 'nothing can be done' and 'this legislation will never pass', while a totally corrupt and illegitimate 'Congress' sits lawlessly screwing us all ; George Santos and others with fake resumes and questionable campaign funding.
I agree with everything you have said. The reason I subscribe to journalist on Substack . I can no longer read the NY TIMES, Washington Post even the Guardian has become redundant.
I am the same way. I quit watching the news (CNN, CBS, etc) and reading mainstream news. I follow Substack and a few of the more independent news sources like Raw Story, Truthout, and Huffington Post.
Speaking of feeling gloomy, look into what party is depressed and which is happier. When you live lives committed to destroying God’s laws and are convinced letting criminals out of jail and children being castrated are “good values,” it makes you crabby.
I lived that lifestyle for 10 years when young. I even went to a religious Bible college for a year and worked as a missionary in Mexico.Problem became the majority of the leaders were hypocrites. I walked away and live by my own moral standards. Much happier 😄
I feel sorry for those duped into believing religion will save the world. More death and destruction has been caused by the idea that any one group has the only RIGHT way than any other idea throughout history.
They have caused more death and destruction than other reasons? Wrong. Communists have killed 100 million people. What wars did Christians start in which there was so much death? Or do you just parot what your comrades say?
If the thread of history is accurately charted, I would say that the "Crusades" is an ongoing war. But until the white supremacist, the Palestine/Israel conflict, Irish Troubles, Americas/Indigenous People (need I go on?) come to an end, the count of the Christian war deaths continues.
That’s amazing. I don’t know any Christians killing Native Americans. There are 23,000 white supremacists in all of the US. By membership. The rest are imagined and promoted by your comrades who have no facts or arguments. So, to answer your question, “Yes, you need go on, since the ones you mentioned cover a drop in the bucket. And since all your points will never keep up with the vast numbers of ongoing deaths from totalitarianism.
When the Americas were "discovered", Spanish Christians slaughtered, enslaved and spread diseases that resulted in the near extinction of native populations. European Christians migrated to the western continents because of religious disagreements with their governments forcing a particular. Southern states' white supremacists killed escaped slaves before the American Civil War and and thousands more under the Jim Crow and KKK reigns and more everyday. And now immigrants from every nation and every religion are murdered each day for what ever the killers imagine their transgression might be.
If you need facts to backup my claims, I suggest you read history books (unless you believe that history is some vast conspiracy). I have no "comrades" and authoritarians in today's world justify killing whomever they call their enemies.
The republicons want authoritarianism/totalitarianism.
I question where you got your 23,000 number. That's a whole lot of hate-filled people. The US intelligence agencies call right-wing White supremacists/nationalists etc. the greatest terror threat we face.
You obviously never read about the Crusades or the deaths from other wars by European kings all thru the middle ages. Wars thru out history have killed millions. Whether the economic systems were Communist or any other system including capitalism is irrelevant!
It's more like: when one lives a life convinced that others are not "Godly" enough and that the righteous must run around sticking their nose into everybody else's business. Also, that only those one considers "worthy" (i.e. white enough and rich enough) are allowed to receive the favors and privilege that our wealthy nation can provide and, oh yeah, equal justice before the law. When those "Godly" busybodies see "others" receiving what should be rendered only to the rich white cis-gendered "Christian" males....yeah they get cranky.
Is that what it’s more like? Typical narcissistic comeback. When you have no answer you “well what about!” “ well what about all those people running around blah blah. Kids are getting their genitals cut out, crime is ridiculous, we are the only first world country without s secure border. And you still can’t give up your Trump fetish or whatever it is you people have. Concentrate on the delirious fool we have now.
What kind of theology do you adhere to? Make it up as you go? The Bible does not rule your doctrine? What is a belief you don’t agree with? Almost all churches have a statement of faith. Try sending them a message to correct their beliefs. Jesus said, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever shall believe in him will not perish but have life everlasting.” John 3:16. That about sums it up.
Make deal about modern robber baron's not helping to feed America's hungry, in fact trying to take food out of school programs. Do you remember your little carton of milk in the school lunch? I do. It was not much, but it was something. They wanted at the time to make sure I might be fit enough for the next war. Sure enough we had Vietnam and I was fit. But my draft number was 357, I would not be called up. I was studying for my AA degree in chemistry at that time. I can only imagine what the military would have wanted me to do. Probably not pleasant.
But an AA degree would have gotten me into several civilian jobs having to do with chemicals. Great program, well worth the time and money and experience.
Precisely. Middle/Lower incomes continue to lose ground on costs of housing, food, education, and healthcare, while rich get richer and control policy
decisions (mostly). Average Americans know this. The numbers used by the press don't tell the whole story. The Biden Admin needs to help
Americans make connection between their policies and LONG TERM effects towards equalizing inequality, but inequality didn't happen over night and won't be righted quickly either. R's are certainly counting on it.
There are things to feel gloomy about. It appears that the Democrats are our best hope and though I am mostly a Biden fan, gee wiz the Dems have disappointed in the past. Let's try to get big Dem majorities in the House and Senate and keep the Presidency. Then we can push for real progress. My dream and goal is sixty seats in the Senate.
I like volunterering on the phone banks so I can talk to voters, find out their concerns, explain about issues and about the candidates. Of course, I get some people who are just stuck in their ways and I'm just polite to them and say thanks for talking to me and best wishes.
Or hang up before you get a full sentence out of your mouth, lol. Auto dialers have been a big help, screening out answering machines, disconnects and no answers. As for the ones who hang up in my ear, I just shrug it off and figure it's their loss. They could've expressed how they felt and chose to go unheard
Sticking their noses into the path of the Godless? We think drag queens and castration, defunding police and an open border are being pushed in everyone’s face by morally lost people who invent gods as they go.
The military coup he and his team were planning around the 18th December. Yes, they had discussed HOW they could get the military to prevent president-elect Biden from taking office. This was reported just yesterday (7/7), and Jack Smith will have some new indictments.
Michael Popok of LegalAF reports on Jack Smith’s secret group within the DOJ called “Project Coconut” that has picked up via search warrant the private cell phones of more than 5 Trump lawyers and former DOJ high ranking officials involved in the attempted coup, and are using their private emails and text messages against Trump, as each of them faces their own criminal liability.
I don't agree that Biden is moving rapidly into senile dementia. I cared for elderly patients, many with dementia, for decades and am familiar with all stages of dementia. He is not as quick as he used to be, but I believe he has all his faculties at this point. BTW, Reich's twitter and mini class on the harm that private equity has done to corporate America with buyouts and jobs lost overseas, to the housing market, and now to healthcare is frightening. I thank him for continuing to teach us the truth.
It was mentioned that Trump was headed towards dementia.President Biden weighs his words very well,a prudent thing to do.he's also physically active,have you seen him ride a bike.He deserves a heck of alot more credit than he gets!!!
Gloria J.M.: I'm so glad to hear you defend a man who just became 80 years old. I think he could have a harmless but annoying case of neuropathy, which is when your feet become numb on the bottom—the entire foot surface that you walk on—and you have to learn to wobble all over again. I didn't know about this until I recently became the age I've become, so be warned! It is in no way a sign of senior fog, or whatever you may believe about seniors. Who knows? Maybe we War Babies will be the first generation to break through to the younger ones and become recognized as arbiters of wisdom.
. . . Nah! Not in America. I say you have no idea how politically brilliant Joe Biden is TODAY. You have to take a closer look. The historians will be comparing him with FDR for all his conniving. Call it what it is.
It doesn't help when a sand bag is left where it should never have been placed... he could have really hurt himself seriously with that one (hmm.... makes one think..... ) but of course the ever empathetic gop only wants to use the footage in the wrong way. Personally, I am impressed that he can fly all over the world, and move from one time zone to another (in the midst of extremely demanding work schedules and long hours) and still even know who he is... Who among us could perform at top level doing the same?
I wish I could agree with you. The evidence ends up meaning nothing to the republicans. I get on blogs frequently and I'm dismayed at how many people still deny climate change. Meteorologists are having their lives threatened for reporting what's actually happening. It' s impossible to reason with them.
Did you see the woman questioning Pence? Facts and truth have no bearing. It's their faith and faith can't be questioned.
It's the so called independents I worry about. There are many of them and they seem to be the least informed, often making up their minds at the last minute on something emotional that just happened.
I so want to believe this Susan. I try to stay hopeful but the powers that allow the constant shattering of the truth is tough on my energy. I suppose that is their goal . So, I(we) must keep fighting back.
but how much will the 'natural world' be changed - by the activities of MANKIND. And will the 'natural world' have to start the process of - evolution -
A fascinating question. For a very thought provoking and realistic answer, I cannot recommend highly enough a novel I've read and re-read several times. I first read it in my 20's or early 30's I think. I've returned to it about every 20 years or so and as I've gotten older I've found it even more ponderous. It's called "Earth Abides" by George R. Stewart. It's not a scholarly discussion but a beautiful and thought provoking novel about where things may go in the us vs nature scenario should everything go south so to speak for our species. Bear in mind also that it was published for the first time in I believe 1948 - right after the end of WWII. I'm 75 years old and may find it necessary to read one more time before I shuffle off the coil just to gain perspective.
Ignorance. People don't read. Don't discern from several sources accurate information. That is the reason Biden is not getting credit. Plus the barrage of right wing propaganda and slander agains the President.
Mainstream media is more concerned about the outlandish behavior of The Right than in covering the positive aspects of the Biden administration, because it sells.
Tom Beatini It's also owned by those who want more gigantic tax breaks for the obscenely wealthy! They don't like loan breaks for students, or unions, or the truth about what the corporations are doing to 'inflate' the costs of their products. It' easier and more politically expedient to blame Biden and the Democrats!
It's "culture". It's peer pressure. It's the id, ego, superego. Its collective racist subconscious. It's demagoguery. If you want to have a beer with a candidate, pick Biden.
Trump is a tea toadler (or so he says). Some say he is addicted to Adderall. He snorts. He picks his nose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2QUU7S0PQY Every time he appears on TV, count the snorts. Count the sniffs.
99% of his cult members would never be welcome at Mar a Lago. The Palm Beach Post has reported initial Mar-a-Lago membership fee is about $200,000, and then annual dues have ranged just under $20,000.
While Biden has done many god things for the economy, it is still massively rigged for the one percent. This reality is a massive drag on Biden’s, or anyone’s popularity.. Improved Medicare for all; undoing student debt; undoing the Bush/Trump tax cuts; a wealth tax; overturning Citizens United; breaking up the electoral college; these are some of the things that would inspire Biden’s popularity.
Bill Semple ; Actually, President Biden has championed relief for those struggling with student debt. He was sued by a state (Missouri? (For Mohela, a loan servicer) , and has pledged to figure out a way to give relief to loan sharked students. He does speak out about these issues, and, I believe he is doing what he can as President. He is going after them, one priority at a time.
his Admin.have already taken two steps aimed at providing debt relief for as many borrowers as possible, as fast as possible, and supporting student loan borrowers:
1. Sec.of Education initiated a rulemaking process aimed at opening an alternative path to debt relief for as many working and middle-class borrowers as possible, using the Secretary’s authority under the Higher Education Act.
2. The Department of Education (Department) finalized the most affordable repayment plan ever created, ensuring that borrowers will be able to take advantage of this plan this summer—before loan payments are due. Many borrowers will not have to make monthly payments under this plan. Those that do will save more than $1,000 a year.
In addition, the Department is instituting a 12-month “on-ramp” to repayment, running from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, so that financially vulnerable borrowers who miss monthly payments during this period are not considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies.
Today, the Department initiated rulemaking aimed at opening an alternative path to debt relief for as many borrowers as possible, using the Secretary of Education’s authority under the Higher Education Act. The Department issued a notice, which is the first step in the process of issuing new regulations under this so-called “negotiated rulemaking” process. The notice announces a virtual public hearing on July 18th and solicits written comments from stakeholders on topics to consider.
I read yesterday that the Progressives who were extremely disappointed by the outcome of that lawsuit were fairly impressed & mollified by Biden's immediate efforts to enact a Plan B. He should gain more support if he continues to react in this manner any time he's thwarted. People just want to be heard, understood, FOUGHT FOR.
Half the country pays zero federal income tax. Biden wants to give anyone under 150k in income an additional $3600 per kid per year. Trumps standard deduction for a couple is now $27,000 a year. It’s great for low to mid income. Ask any CPA. It is very nice to have. Many of you use it. We have the wealthiest poor people in the world.
Sep 13, 2022 — Real median household income was $70,784 in 2021, not statistically different from the 2020 estimate of $71,186 (Figure 1 and Table A-1). Based ...
That's the middle, so 1/2 make less and half makes more. So I'm not sure how you get that half pays no income tax. (Also remember there are lots of other tax that even the poorest workers pay, like payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, if they own their homes.)
PHT- I get them the same place everyone else does. I googled it. "How many people don't pay any federal income tax?" Most states don't tax them either if they have income that low. Yes, they do pay into SS and Medicare. That's the minimum. Otherwise we would have to carry them on that too. What liberals don't understand is human nature. They think giving people money helps them get out of poverty, like a parent who shovels money to their kid thinks it will help him get better. Sometimes it does but usually not. There should be a reward for being upwardly mobile, educating themselves (which there are many free options) staying in good health:
"Although higher income inequality was associated with lower obesity rates, a higher percentage of poverty was associated with higher obesity rates."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov)
Oct 11, 2018
People living in poverty smoke cigarettes more heavily and smoke for nearly twice as many years as people with a family income three times the poverty rate. Lower income individuals who smoke cigarettes suffer more from smoking-caused diseases than individuals who smoke with higher incomes. (American Lung Association)
They also commit more crimes and have much higher rates of domestic violence. How about cutting them off if they decide it's okay to beat their wife? And of course they commit more crimes in general which are justified by Dems due to their lack of income. Jobs replace a lot of crime, and of course they are incarcerated more adding to the pain. The dems and the media seem mystified as to why there are more black people in jail. There is not. It is POOR people in jail, but they have to use race.
The government needs to have harsh treatments for those that abuse the system and high rewards for people who work their way out of poverty. They should be personally, as individuals learn they can work their way out. It's not that hard. Walmart is actually paying well and is consistently ranked as the company easiest to work yourself up to higher paying jobs. They also pay for college as does McDonalds and Starbucks and hundreds more.
The government loves to divide statistics by race. Instead of saying "low income people struggle more with these issues," they will say black people and/or Latinos.
There is no self respect left among the poor, especially in the black community. A lot of it is due to being liberals telling them they are hopeless victims. Making them victims instead of encouraging them to be heroes for their family and themselves. When a black person like Sen. Tim Scott, gives a speech about how he came from poverty and overcame it through having good parents then the media and the left lose their minds and call him an Uncle Tom. On "the View," it was said, "doesn't he realize he had special talents and gifts and that won't work for most people?" Now that is truly a racist comment but is the attitude of leftists politicians wanting their votes and wanting to control them. Remember the Klan were democrats. And when "exalted cyclops" (a klan term for leader) Robert Byrd died, Biden was at the funeral and gave him a long eulogy. When Biden first got elected, Byrd was still part of the klan. (Reuters, but it's everywhere.
I think if food prices and gas prices went down people would believe the economy is getting better. Still paying close to 5 dollars a gallon for gas, in California, and 7 dollars for a jar of mayonnaise. It's spending less for basic living that will show people that things are getting better.
but not here in Washington, Seattle area especially, hoving near $5 + a gallon, but less
(curiously) in more remote and rural areas, where the "wealthy" do not congregate (?)
From what I've seen around town, the 'wealthier' neighborhods have the highest gas prices and still have customers even IF ? a cheaper gas station is only a couple blocks
The ARCO station where I get gas is very reasonable. On the opposite, diagonal corner the STANDARD station is usually a dollar more per gallon. Their big ole signs face each other!! Can't miss them! But the STANDARD is always quite busy all the time. Go figure. Neighborhood has all economic levels.
We will all benefit when the giant conglomerates who decided that inflationary times were the ideal time to hide their crazed lust for profit by price gouging (to make far more profit than rising production and material costs warranted) are finally busted by re-newed and re-strengthened anti-trust laws--then we will see "inflation" disappear.
In California. Gas 3.69 here. Eggs are back to 1.60. Go grocery shopping. Prices are down. Maybe you could become an activist working against “Big Mayonnaise.”
THE FACT IS--GOP/dRUMPfsfers are more adept at using the Media and developing a message. They were smart enough earlier on to buy up lots of local radio stations and media outlets and constantly bombard their message. Dems, as usual, close the barn door after the horse galloped out. And they continue to do so. Dems do not know how to get ahead of the curve and SPIN A MESSAGE that an audience would be attracted to. Dems Leadership, and particularly their Media Messengers. tend to be too intellectually arrogant in their Message and Branding. They usually RE-ACT, rather that INITIATE. They don't know how to program their message; they should have bought /owned lots of LOCAL Media/Local radio stations and recruited, hired, and involved charismatic Radio Personalities.
So true. I also do not understand why the Democratic Campaign Leadership does not see this issue the way most of us do. And if they have even the slightest clue, they obviously have no idea how to deal with it. It's shameful. We have some of the smartest, most creative and brilliant marketing professionals in the world and nobody is utilizing them. More time & effort is spent on Super Bowl commercials! It's beyond frustrating. I refuse to give DCCC type orgs any $$$ because I think they're all inept and in over their heads. I donate ONLY to the candidates I want to support, and do it directly. WHO DO WE HAVE TO TALK TO & WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THESE INEFFECTIVE TOP DOGS' ATTENTION??????
I guess they should be wealthier, like the greedy Republicans! It takes $$$$$$$to do those things! Take some big bucks from billionaires, huh? And pay for 'charismatic' Radio Personalities instead of real people telling the truth? Problem is, do billionaires like the truth? Do they care about the common good , or the rule of law? Do pigs fly?
Laurie: Do you really imagine that there are no Democratic billionaires? There is plenty of wealth lurking in Democratic coffers; for some reason, those particular wealthy individuals don't feel the same need as Republican billionaires to make themselves known or to donate to the political welfare of their party. Wonder why that is.
Much appreciation to anyone who even replies to my Comments. Whether you agree with me or not. We don't usually engage in back and forth dialogue with one person--BUT--this is particularly addressed to Laurie, who appears to be somewhat naive. PLEASE understand, this isn't meant as a aspersion/put-down, but--maybe a suggestion: DO SOME RESEARCH on Political donations/money flows/donors/ WHO donates. Dear Laurie--everybody who COULD/SHOULD donate to the Dem Party--or EVEN BETTER-- to PROGRESSIVE causes-- ain't Po'!!! Repeat: Everybody who contributes to the Dem Party ain't Po' --SURPRISE SURPRISE. SURPRISE SURPRISE, SURPRISE, LAURIE. There are lots of folks with money who donate--sometimes to BOTH parties, believe it or not.
I'm relatively poor and donate way too much, hundreds a month. I really like to support candidates who take no corporate donations. Dems do need to get some PR people, I agree.
I have read that Rs fired their policy staffs in favor of marketing staff. They couldn't even write a party platform for 2020. Dems produce policy. I have written to president Biden suggesting that Dems hire some marketers.
I am very concerned that Biden agreed to send cluster bombs, warfare outlawed by at least 100 countries, including France and England. Papers like the NYT and Washington Post question the dangers of that being seen by the world and many in the Democratic Party as a blow to our morality stand in the Ukrainian war. I certainly do.
Susan: My reaction as well. My comment is down in the list somewhere for you to read. And it does connect to the economy in a militarily industrial way. Thank you President Dwight D Eisenhower for that prescient insight into the future.
I am very concerned about all of those like Putin and that person in Brazil--the Amazon is protected territory by international agreement yet gold mining companies were allowed to mine and destroy parts of the Amazon--and that person in North Korea and etc.--who break international law and agreements and get away with it.
I feel the same way but I want Ukraine to succeed. The stranger issue for me is that with the huge military budget we have no artillery left to send them. We were completely unprepared for a land war, presumably because we weren't expecting a land attack on the US.
Worries me too (and additionally makes me wonder if we are getting desperate - not good if true and certainly not a good "look" -- somebody set me straight please.
You ask for positive ideas and comments - OK: Despite Joe Biden being an excellent and beloved president, how about drafting Sheldon Whitehouse? Do some YouTube searches. Watch some recent videos and see if you don't agree with me. I think he'd make a great Commander in Chief, a real communicator!
Lawrence Piper : I have had this thought, too. I wonder if Sheldon Whitehouse would want the job? Like Bernie Sanders, he is effective as a Senator, and can pursue the Supreme Court with laser precision! He seems like he would make a very strong President too.
If you think that I'm suggesting Sheldon should run against Joe - absolutely not. I've written to them that Joe in voluntarily stepping aside might agree that Sheldon would be the ideal fully-qualified person to 'draft'. I think the youth vote should assure a defeat of trump.
I'm suggesting that admirable as he is as a senator, Whitehouse has as much chance of winning a national election as the at least equally admirable Adlai Stevenson and George McGovern had. Not to mention: zero evidence of any fire in the belly for executive power.
I LOVE Sheldon Whitehouse! He has a lower key "Katie Porter" style about him and he's super smart and professional. Not enough people even know about him which is too bad because he is on top of really key issues, quietly working away on them all the time.
Not sure he should go for the presidency, even if Biden were to support it; he just needs more national attention and possibly a different role where he could be even more effective - IF that makes sense. Some Senators (Elizabeth Warren as an example IMHO) can get more done as Senators, period
Had I the time, Laurie, I'd google evidence for all of my assertions - as I have done in the past. Odd, that in understanding the context of Biden's lack of popularity, you suggest expunging a piece of that context that had a powerful psychological impact on the minds of a lot of people. The corporate Democratic Establishment burying of Bernie. Perhaps, you are a person who finds the emotional/psychological implications of various actions unimportant because they are invisible instead of tangible. That is odd isn't it? Isn't popularity determined by feelings of affinity and being supported or ignored. All of which is invisible - the "intangibles". Giving speeches in union halls and then crushing a strike? What impact does that cognitive dissonant combinationleave on a union worker? Did you know this fact Laurie? "teen suicide has nonetheless traced an alarming upward trend since well before the onset of the COVID-19." (google) Interesting too, the youth do not like Mr. Biden. Why is that Laurie? Is it because he's simply an old foggy or perhaps, they find he does not support those things that are dire to them, or may support them but not passionately? Life on an habitable earth. Access to education. Upward mobility.
Well, how do we know "the youth do not like Mr. Biden"? Polls? And how has our faith in polls be rewarded in the last few cycles? They essentially mean nothing at this point.
First. The Democratic Party for at least a couple decades- plus became The Business Party - left tilting side, with the Republicans - right cult side. The Party Establishment is corporatized. They shoved the growing popular Bernie out to the back 70th acre and plopped Biden in. ("We're the boss; we know what's good for you" is the message. The impact? People realize their voice doesn't really count-even if they weren't for Bernie. The message is clear. Second. The rotten fruits of what has been essentially their collusion in supporting corporate dominance over the Peoples' interests is experienced in: the un-natural (ecologically speaking) wealth gap, the privatization of education, the replacement of federal educational loans to students with Bank centered (read piranha styled) loans, Bidens limp support of student debt forgiveness (insuring an overworked citizenry be a politically worn out citizenry), the weak support of unions, the crushing of the railway workers strike sent if not a shouting message then a subliminal one that corporate wins over people, no fire in the belly Obama standing firm for the poor but instead giving away our monies to the Wall Street Robbers and continue on-Private Equity style- to destroy what they consume (now, under Biden's welcome they enter the Medicaid/Medicare door to chew up like termites socialized programs highly popular to us), the weakening of meaningful Wall Street regulation, insipid climate amelioration, zero federal education of the public that life matters and we can and will- as we did in
WW2 change our life style so our children can live in an habitable earth, no Federal push to save the Post Office by booting deJoy out the door, the recent Federal termination of Covid-related Medicare for millions, the explosion over the past 20 years of blue tent homeless people, the billions thrown and continuing being thrown at the black hole Ukraine proxy War boosting the profits of the Forever War Industry and decimating that country, the ugliness of the two-tier (in)justice system, Obama's crushing instead of welcoming whistleblowers, the criminal Federal justice fang- showing determination to murder Assange, a citizen of Australia, for revealing our government's dastardly, if not evil, deeds giving the signal that the freedom of dissent and the freedom of the press do not count.....the list is endless. Weird. One could think that the prevalence of mass murder in the USA just might be - like the canary in the coal mine - a metaphor for the state of the psychic health of the nation. The same goes for the blatant militarization of the police. Militarizing against the people! Especially, non-white people! the Democratic Party has long ceased being an authentic opposition party that strongly, unremittingly supports, nourishes and protects the workers and the middle class. Everyone knows this. Much behavior is unconscious. We know - consciously and/or unconsciously - when push comes to shove, our interests will ultimately be thrown under the bus. How utter absolutely incredibly insane that the USA is the only so-called "developed" country without a strong health care system for all. Biden and the corporate democrats want us to think "isn't he wonderful!" Very little truth in that advertising blitz.
I call BS on a lot of that rant. Leave Bernie out of this! He was popular when running, but is not relevant as a Presidential candidate now. Biden does support Unions and rarely misses a chance to give speeches in their union halls. He has been fighting and been shut down in court for massive student loan relief. There is very little truth in your rant Ms Sweet!
Rant on, Ms Sweet. You're painfully on point and while Bernie is not and probably should not be a candidate, it behooves those who lionize the present president to realize how Biden actually got elected. Biden can give all the speeches he wants to unions, but his original take on the railroad strike was reprehensible. There is a big difference between union leadership and the rank-and-file. His total memory loss when it comes to the $15 minimum wage is pathetic. And if his advisors didn't explain that his student debt relief strategy would probably run afoul of the Supreme Court, well then who are those advisors? The best and the brightest?
Biden's slow and steady progress on the economic front doesn't mesh with the need of the media to command eyeballs. Breathlessly presenting everything as a horse race does. As a result, the real progress being made by Biden's policies is pushed to the back burner by the fluff and chaff of political sound bites.
Really it is all of the above as the media is focused on trump and nothing else. He makes news the growing economy does not as it is boring. I forgot I have a job through it or that we are making more widgets. I only see the Feds rate hikes which hurt me get a house, a negative I see and feel.
William Cash : The media is owned by the right wing. They pretend to care about the left. Otherwise they would lose viewers. I am getting tired of old (2 years or more) 'news' clips re examining things from the Jan 6th committee, for example. I guess I lose patience because things have gone so slowly in getting the top players of the coup attempt .
Groceries are still too high, rent is outrageous, salaries are not keeping up, these are the things average people are seeing and feeling. Until this changes, there will not be a feeling of progress.
For me, I went back and forth between tRump/Repugs lying loudly and people feeling gloomy. I decided to go with how I felt. I am fully aware that tRump/Rethugs are law breaking liars. I am aware that SCOTUS is corrupt. I'm also aware that the economy IS getting better. There are new jobs and unemployment is going down. But I am gloomy. The good news doesn't help me. We are struggling. The bad news is, as my kids used to say, "harshing my buzz". You had a column the other day about how the Dems should be talking about the ultra wealthy/corporations raking in huges incomes and profits while many in America are food insecure (hungry), utilities insecure (power shut offs) and so on. I totally agree with that. Americans like me need to be more aware and educated about our 21st century robber barons.
Irishcoda ; Good idea about the education about the robber barons. Voters need to understand! Also, I have a new term "harshing my buzz". Perfect for my 27 year olds!
Both Trump and President Biden have identified themselves within their base, seeing that support they are reaffirming the issues that got them to the point where they currently find themselves. Each finds strength in what they believe in, its too bad Trump supporters prefer lies to the truth.
I read a quote the other day which seems to apply, "We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so stupid people won't feel offended." The author wasn't listed other wise I would have given him or her the credit.
I am sure the fans on here think they are intelligent and are more scientific. Saying women have penises kind if kills that theory.
craig--I can see where that reality might cause a bit of confusion. .
The author nailed that one like a pro!
They're sickos w/ feeble brains and allow themselves to be led by a maniac!
Red-- and by Donald Trump. LOL
Yes, to the point where meteorologists on TV are being threatened for talking about climate change. Don't look up. A portion of our people want to be lied to. The ignorance and hate is frightening.
Could you name 3 weather people who are getting threatened? Weather, as you say is not climate! Until it gets hot then you say it’s climate.
PHT--You're classifying it improperly, it called stupidity.
Everything comes back around. I’m pretty damn sure the phrase harshing my buzz has been around since the late-80’s or early-90’s. Bring it back. It fits.
You and I are aware, they guy with a new job is aware. The media somehow does not know about it.
Truscha Quatrone ; The media likes culture wars and endless stories about the latest repressive legislation from the Republicans like DeSantis or the activist 'Supreme Court'. to illustrate some examples. They want to continually rub our noses in it. No wonder so many are 'gloomy'! They pretend to care, while they trot in apologists for the slow mo courts! endlessly recounting things they have been highlighting for months and months; like a soap opera ....they want us to believe that 'nothing can be done' and 'this legislation will never pass', while a totally corrupt and illegitimate 'Congress' sits lawlessly screwing us all ; George Santos and others with fake resumes and questionable campaign funding.
I agree with everything you have said. The reason I subscribe to journalist on Substack . I can no longer read the NY TIMES, Washington Post even the Guardian has become redundant.
I am the same way. I quit watching the news (CNN, CBS, etc) and reading mainstream news. I follow Substack and a few of the more independent news sources like Raw Story, Truthout, and Huffington Post.
I agree but cynicism is paralyzing and we all need to get out the vote.
Speaking of feeling gloomy, look into what party is depressed and which is happier. When you live lives committed to destroying God’s laws and are convinced letting criminals out of jail and children being castrated are “good values,” it makes you crabby.
I lived that lifestyle for 10 years when young. I even went to a religious Bible college for a year and worked as a missionary in Mexico.Problem became the majority of the leaders were hypocrites. I walked away and live by my own moral standards. Much happier 😄
I feel sorry for those duped into believing religion will save the world. More death and destruction has been caused by the idea that any one group has the only RIGHT way than any other idea throughout history.
They have caused more death and destruction than other reasons? Wrong. Communists have killed 100 million people. What wars did Christians start in which there was so much death? Or do you just parot what your comrades say?
In the middle ages millions were killed during the Crusades and you gotta love the inquisition!
If the thread of history is accurately charted, I would say that the "Crusades" is an ongoing war. But until the white supremacist, the Palestine/Israel conflict, Irish Troubles, Americas/Indigenous People (need I go on?) come to an end, the count of the Christian war deaths continues.
Well Craig maybe all those white soldiers that slaughtered the American Indians were Buddhist ? Who knew.
That’s amazing. I don’t know any Christians killing Native Americans. There are 23,000 white supremacists in all of the US. By membership. The rest are imagined and promoted by your comrades who have no facts or arguments. So, to answer your question, “Yes, you need go on, since the ones you mentioned cover a drop in the bucket. And since all your points will never keep up with the vast numbers of ongoing deaths from totalitarianism.
When the Americas were "discovered", Spanish Christians slaughtered, enslaved and spread diseases that resulted in the near extinction of native populations. European Christians migrated to the western continents because of religious disagreements with their governments forcing a particular. Southern states' white supremacists killed escaped slaves before the American Civil War and and thousands more under the Jim Crow and KKK reigns and more everyday. And now immigrants from every nation and every religion are murdered each day for what ever the killers imagine their transgression might be.
If you need facts to backup my claims, I suggest you read history books (unless you believe that history is some vast conspiracy). I have no "comrades" and authoritarians in today's world justify killing whomever they call their enemies.
The republicons want authoritarianism/totalitarianism.
I question where you got your 23,000 number. That's a whole lot of hate-filled people. The US intelligence agencies call right-wing White supremacists/nationalists etc. the greatest terror threat we face.
You obviously never read about the Crusades or the deaths from other wars by European kings all thru the middle ages. Wars thru out history have killed millions. Whether the economic systems were Communist or any other system including capitalism is irrelevant!
It's more like: when one lives a life convinced that others are not "Godly" enough and that the righteous must run around sticking their nose into everybody else's business. Also, that only those one considers "worthy" (i.e. white enough and rich enough) are allowed to receive the favors and privilege that our wealthy nation can provide and, oh yeah, equal justice before the law. When those "Godly" busybodies see "others" receiving what should be rendered only to the rich white cis-gendered "Christian" males....yeah they get cranky.
Is that what it’s more like? Typical narcissistic comeback. When you have no answer you “well what about!” “ well what about all those people running around blah blah. Kids are getting their genitals cut out, crime is ridiculous, we are the only first world country without s secure border. And you still can’t give up your Trump fetish or whatever it is you people have. Concentrate on the delirious fool we have now.
Um, what? You mean the Repuglican party? I already knew that. They are definitely not following NT Jesus teachings.
What kind of theology do you adhere to? Make it up as you go? The Bible does not rule your doctrine? What is a belief you don’t agree with? Almost all churches have a statement of faith. Try sending them a message to correct their beliefs. Jesus said, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever shall believe in him will not perish but have life everlasting.” John 3:16. That about sums it up.
I care not about "God's law," I do not need a mythical being to have "good values."
Make deal about modern robber baron's not helping to feed America's hungry, in fact trying to take food out of school programs. Do you remember your little carton of milk in the school lunch? I do. It was not much, but it was something. They wanted at the time to make sure I might be fit enough for the next war. Sure enough we had Vietnam and I was fit. But my draft number was 357, I would not be called up. I was studying for my AA degree in chemistry at that time. I can only imagine what the military would have wanted me to do. Probably not pleasant.
But an AA degree would have gotten me into several civilian jobs having to do with chemicals. Great program, well worth the time and money and experience.
Precisely. Middle/Lower incomes continue to lose ground on costs of housing, food, education, and healthcare, while rich get richer and control policy
decisions (mostly). Average Americans know this. The numbers used by the press don't tell the whole story. The Biden Admin needs to help
Americans make connection between their policies and LONG TERM effects towards equalizing inequality, but inequality didn't happen over night and won't be righted quickly either. R's are certainly counting on it.
Having said that, go listen to some of FDR's speeches. He stuck it to the rich, defying their power. We need that fire from our President.
There are things to feel gloomy about. It appears that the Democrats are our best hope and though I am mostly a Biden fan, gee wiz the Dems have disappointed in the past. Let's try to get big Dem majorities in the House and Senate and keep the Presidency. Then we can push for real progress. My dream and goal is sixty seats in the Senate.
I like volunterering on the phone banks so I can talk to voters, find out their concerns, explain about issues and about the candidates. Of course, I get some people who are just stuck in their ways and I'm just polite to them and say thanks for talking to me and best wishes.
I too used to enjoy phoning, but it is frustrating that so many folks don't answer their phones anymore.
Or hang up before you get a full sentence out of your mouth, lol. Auto dialers have been a big help, screening out answering machines, disconnects and no answers. As for the ones who hang up in my ear, I just shrug it off and figure it's their loss. They could've expressed how they felt and chose to go unheard
Sticking their noses into the path of the Godless? We think drag queens and castration, defunding police and an open border are being pushed in everyone’s face by morally lost people who invent gods as they go.
Trump is moving rapidly into senile dementia.
The GOP knows this.
Smith is about to release a fusillade of evidence of Trump’s intent to overthrow the government.
THAT will end his reign in the GOP.
You nailed it all, Robert
The military coup he and his team were planning around the 18th December. Yes, they had discussed HOW they could get the military to prevent president-elect Biden from taking office. This was reported just yesterday (7/7), and Jack Smith will have some new indictments.
Michael Popok of LegalAF reports on Jack Smith’s secret group within the DOJ called “Project Coconut” that has picked up via search warrant the private cell phones of more than 5 Trump lawyers and former DOJ high ranking officials involved in the attempted coup, and are using their private emails and text messages against Trump, as each of them faces their own criminal liability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1K-8ij0LO4
Although it almost had to be it is nice to know of this.
Thanks for sharing this, Daniel. THIS is
encouraging! Let's hope for indictments coming soon. And my take--"Operation Coconut" because the inner workings of Trump
and Team (a.k.a. Mobster Network) is a tough nut to crack! Looks like Jack Smith is equal to the task.
I don't agree that Biden is moving rapidly into senile dementia. I cared for elderly patients, many with dementia, for decades and am familiar with all stages of dementia. He is not as quick as he used to be, but I believe he has all his faculties at this point. BTW, Reich's twitter and mini class on the harm that private equity has done to corporate America with buyouts and jobs lost overseas, to the housing market, and now to healthcare is frightening. I thank him for continuing to teach us the truth.
It was mentioned that Trump was headed towards dementia.President Biden weighs his words very well,a prudent thing to do.he's also physically active,have you seen him ride a bike.He deserves a heck of alot more credit than he gets!!!
Gloria: the comment was that Trump was moving into senile dementia, not Biden.
Thanks. I was doing two things at once and I shouldn't. As Gilda Radner used to say, "Never mind."
Gloria J.M.: I'm so glad to hear you defend a man who just became 80 years old. I think he could have a harmless but annoying case of neuropathy, which is when your feet become numb on the bottom—the entire foot surface that you walk on—and you have to learn to wobble all over again. I didn't know about this until I recently became the age I've become, so be warned! It is in no way a sign of senior fog, or whatever you may believe about seniors. Who knows? Maybe we War Babies will be the first generation to break through to the younger ones and become recognized as arbiters of wisdom.
. . . Nah! Not in America. I say you have no idea how politically brilliant Joe Biden is TODAY. You have to take a closer look. The historians will be comparing him with FDR for all his conniving. Call it what it is.
It doesn't help when a sand bag is left where it should never have been placed... he could have really hurt himself seriously with that one (hmm.... makes one think..... ) but of course the ever empathetic gop only wants to use the footage in the wrong way. Personally, I am impressed that he can fly all over the world, and move from one time zone to another (in the midst of extremely demanding work schedules and long hours) and still even know who he is... Who among us could perform at top level doing the same?
I'll put Biden's brain against trump's. Biden is our best hope now.
Be careful not to allow this to become your only truth.
Heather, too! Thank you for your comments on this morning's klatch
I wish I could agree with you. The evidence ends up meaning nothing to the republicans. I get on blogs frequently and I'm dismayed at how many people still deny climate change. Meteorologists are having their lives threatened for reporting what's actually happening. It' s impossible to reason with them.
Did you see the woman questioning Pence? Facts and truth have no bearing. It's their faith and faith can't be questioned.
I think we are the majority, the Rs think that too, that's why they try hard to suppress the vote. Don't get cynical, get active.
It's the so called independents I worry about. There are many of them and they seem to be the least informed, often making up their minds at the last minute on something emotional that just happened.
They need a major brain wash!(He polluted them)
I so want to believe this Susan. I try to stay hopeful but the powers that allow the constant shattering of the truth is tough on my energy. I suppose that is their goal . So, I(we) must keep fighting back.
I personally think Mother Nature will prevail.
Jean(Muriel) ; There is no doubt that Mother Nature will prevail. We work with her or against her, ; We ignore her at our peril.
Yes, Laurie ... and the Natural World will be here when, perhaps, we are not. Good to remember!
No doubt.
but how much will the 'natural world' be changed - by the activities of MANKIND. And will the 'natural world' have to start the process of - evolution -
all over again ? ? ? ? ?
A fascinating question. For a very thought provoking and realistic answer, I cannot recommend highly enough a novel I've read and re-read several times. I first read it in my 20's or early 30's I think. I've returned to it about every 20 years or so and as I've gotten older I've found it even more ponderous. It's called "Earth Abides" by George R. Stewart. It's not a scholarly discussion but a beautiful and thought provoking novel about where things may go in the us vs nature scenario should everything go south so to speak for our species. Bear in mind also that it was published for the first time in I believe 1948 - right after the end of WWII. I'm 75 years old and may find it necessary to read one more time before I shuffle off the coil just to gain perspective.
I wonder how long it took Mars and Venus to dry up. Weeks? 100 years?
If you mean climate destabilization will put an end to most living things, that could be true.
Jack Smith. It's so hard to maintain patience and wait. But yes! I believe (and hope) you are correct, Susan.
Republicans in the House seem oblivious.
Ignorance. People don't read. Don't discern from several sources accurate information. That is the reason Biden is not getting credit. Plus the barrage of right wing propaganda and slander agains the President.
And we have to spread the truth,somehow,someway.
Is it right wing or wealthy corporate news media. Have you watched CNN lately?
John Bauer : nailed it!
I think there are many people who should be frustrated but are not; they have no clue what's going on and the serious jeopardy we all face.
Mainstream media is more concerned about the outlandish behavior of The Right than in covering the positive aspects of the Biden administration, because it sells.
Tom Beatini It's also owned by those who want more gigantic tax breaks for the obscenely wealthy! They don't like loan breaks for students, or unions, or the truth about what the corporations are doing to 'inflate' the costs of their products. It' easier and more politically expedient to blame Biden and the Democrats!
We need to bigtime SHAME THEM somehow.
Mainstream media are large, wealthy corporations, like all of them, it's the money.
Clicks rule.
Media is not covering the Biden economy
IMHO it's not the economy (stupid)!
It's "culture". It's peer pressure. It's the id, ego, superego. Its collective racist subconscious. It's demagoguery. If you want to have a beer with a candidate, pick Biden.
Trump is a tea toadler (or so he says). Some say he is addicted to Adderall. He snorts. He picks his nose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2QUU7S0PQY Every time he appears on TV, count the snorts. Count the sniffs.
99% of his cult members would never be welcome at Mar a Lago. The Palm Beach Post has reported initial Mar-a-Lago membership fee is about $200,000, and then annual dues have ranged just under $20,000.
Mar a Lago fees: Cheap! -- If you're a Russian agent hoping to come across loose classified material!
While Biden has done many god things for the economy, it is still massively rigged for the one percent. This reality is a massive drag on Biden’s, or anyone’s popularity.. Improved Medicare for all; undoing student debt; undoing the Bush/Trump tax cuts; a wealth tax; overturning Citizens United; breaking up the electoral college; these are some of the things that would inspire Biden’s popularity.
Bill Semple ; Actually, President Biden has championed relief for those struggling with student debt. He was sued by a state (Missouri? (For Mohela, a loan servicer) , and has pledged to figure out a way to give relief to loan sharked students. He does speak out about these issues, and, I believe he is doing what he can as President. He is going after them, one priority at a time.
And nothing is impossible,I believe important issues are being tackled.
Check this: what other President concerned themselves w/ junk fees? He's more meticulous than you think.
Go to WH.gov/student loan 2023
6/30 Post Supreme Crt. decision, Pres.Biden and
his Admin.have already taken two steps aimed at providing debt relief for as many borrowers as possible, as fast as possible, and supporting student loan borrowers:
1. Sec.of Education initiated a rulemaking process aimed at opening an alternative path to debt relief for as many working and middle-class borrowers as possible, using the Secretary’s authority under the Higher Education Act.
2. The Department of Education (Department) finalized the most affordable repayment plan ever created, ensuring that borrowers will be able to take advantage of this plan this summer—before loan payments are due. Many borrowers will not have to make monthly payments under this plan. Those that do will save more than $1,000 a year.
In addition, the Department is instituting a 12-month “on-ramp” to repayment, running from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, so that financially vulnerable borrowers who miss monthly payments during this period are not considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies.
Today, the Department initiated rulemaking aimed at opening an alternative path to debt relief for as many borrowers as possible, using the Secretary of Education’s authority under the Higher Education Act. The Department issued a notice, which is the first step in the process of issuing new regulations under this so-called “negotiated rulemaking” process. The notice announces a virtual public hearing on July 18th and solicits written comments from stakeholders on topics to consider.
I read yesterday that the Progressives who were extremely disappointed by the outcome of that lawsuit were fairly impressed & mollified by Biden's immediate efforts to enact a Plan B. He should gain more support if he continues to react in this manner any time he's thwarted. People just want to be heard, understood, FOUGHT FOR.
Half the country pays zero federal income tax. Biden wants to give anyone under 150k in income an additional $3600 per kid per year. Trumps standard deduction for a couple is now $27,000 a year. It’s great for low to mid income. Ask any CPA. It is very nice to have. Many of you use it. We have the wealthiest poor people in the world.
Google “world poverty levels.”
Income in the United States: 2021
Census.gov
https://www.census.gov › library › publications › demo
Sep 13, 2022 — Real median household income was $70,784 in 2021, not statistically different from the 2020 estimate of $71,186 (Figure 1 and Table A-1). Based ...
That's the middle, so 1/2 make less and half makes more. So I'm not sure how you get that half pays no income tax. (Also remember there are lots of other tax that even the poorest workers pay, like payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, if they own their homes.)
PHT- I get them the same place everyone else does. I googled it. "How many people don't pay any federal income tax?" Most states don't tax them either if they have income that low. Yes, they do pay into SS and Medicare. That's the minimum. Otherwise we would have to carry them on that too. What liberals don't understand is human nature. They think giving people money helps them get out of poverty, like a parent who shovels money to their kid thinks it will help him get better. Sometimes it does but usually not. There should be a reward for being upwardly mobile, educating themselves (which there are many free options) staying in good health:
"Although higher income inequality was associated with lower obesity rates, a higher percentage of poverty was associated with higher obesity rates."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov)
Oct 11, 2018
People living in poverty smoke cigarettes more heavily and smoke for nearly twice as many years as people with a family income three times the poverty rate. Lower income individuals who smoke cigarettes suffer more from smoking-caused diseases than individuals who smoke with higher incomes. (American Lung Association)
They also commit more crimes and have much higher rates of domestic violence. How about cutting them off if they decide it's okay to beat their wife? And of course they commit more crimes in general which are justified by Dems due to their lack of income. Jobs replace a lot of crime, and of course they are incarcerated more adding to the pain. The dems and the media seem mystified as to why there are more black people in jail. There is not. It is POOR people in jail, but they have to use race.
The government needs to have harsh treatments for those that abuse the system and high rewards for people who work their way out of poverty. They should be personally, as individuals learn they can work their way out. It's not that hard. Walmart is actually paying well and is consistently ranked as the company easiest to work yourself up to higher paying jobs. They also pay for college as does McDonalds and Starbucks and hundreds more.
The government loves to divide statistics by race. Instead of saying "low income people struggle more with these issues," they will say black people and/or Latinos.
There is no self respect left among the poor, especially in the black community. A lot of it is due to being liberals telling them they are hopeless victims. Making them victims instead of encouraging them to be heroes for their family and themselves. When a black person like Sen. Tim Scott, gives a speech about how he came from poverty and overcame it through having good parents then the media and the left lose their minds and call him an Uncle Tom. On "the View," it was said, "doesn't he realize he had special talents and gifts and that won't work for most people?" Now that is truly a racist comment but is the attitude of leftists politicians wanting their votes and wanting to control them. Remember the Klan were democrats. And when "exalted cyclops" (a klan term for leader) Robert Byrd died, Biden was at the funeral and gave him a long eulogy. When Biden first got elected, Byrd was still part of the klan. (Reuters, but it's everywhere.
Sorry. I have long responses.
I think if food prices and gas prices went down people would believe the economy is getting better. Still paying close to 5 dollars a gallon for gas, in California, and 7 dollars for a jar of mayonnaise. It's spending less for basic living that will show people that things are getting better.
Gas prices are down for most of the country. The state of California has an antitrust suit against Amazon for fixing prices.
but not here in Washington, Seattle area especially, hoving near $5 + a gallon, but less
(curiously) in more remote and rural areas, where the "wealthy" do not congregate (?)
From what I've seen around town, the 'wealthier' neighborhods have the highest gas prices and still have customers even IF ? a cheaper gas station is only a couple blocks
down the street - go figure -
The ARCO station where I get gas is very reasonable. On the opposite, diagonal corner the STANDARD station is usually a dollar more per gallon. Their big ole signs face each other!! Can't miss them! But the STANDARD is always quite busy all the time. Go figure. Neighborhood has all economic levels.
We will all benefit when the giant conglomerates who decided that inflationary times were the ideal time to hide their crazed lust for profit by price gouging (to make far more profit than rising production and material costs warranted) are finally busted by re-newed and re-strengthened anti-trust laws--then we will see "inflation" disappear.
That's why I pray,Lord give wisdom to the pricers,the American public needs a break!
In California. Gas 3.69 here. Eggs are back to 1.60. Go grocery shopping. Prices are down. Maybe you could become an activist working against “Big Mayonnaise.”
THE FACT IS--GOP/dRUMPfsfers are more adept at using the Media and developing a message. They were smart enough earlier on to buy up lots of local radio stations and media outlets and constantly bombard their message. Dems, as usual, close the barn door after the horse galloped out. And they continue to do so. Dems do not know how to get ahead of the curve and SPIN A MESSAGE that an audience would be attracted to. Dems Leadership, and particularly their Media Messengers. tend to be too intellectually arrogant in their Message and Branding. They usually RE-ACT, rather that INITIATE. They don't know how to program their message; they should have bought /owned lots of LOCAL Media/Local radio stations and recruited, hired, and involved charismatic Radio Personalities.
So true. I also do not understand why the Democratic Campaign Leadership does not see this issue the way most of us do. And if they have even the slightest clue, they obviously have no idea how to deal with it. It's shameful. We have some of the smartest, most creative and brilliant marketing professionals in the world and nobody is utilizing them. More time & effort is spent on Super Bowl commercials! It's beyond frustrating. I refuse to give DCCC type orgs any $$$ because I think they're all inept and in over their heads. I donate ONLY to the candidates I want to support, and do it directly. WHO DO WE HAVE TO TALK TO & WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THESE INEFFECTIVE TOP DOGS' ATTENTION??????
I guess they should be wealthier, like the greedy Republicans! It takes $$$$$$$to do those things! Take some big bucks from billionaires, huh? And pay for 'charismatic' Radio Personalities instead of real people telling the truth? Problem is, do billionaires like the truth? Do they care about the common good , or the rule of law? Do pigs fly?
Laurie: Do you really imagine that there are no Democratic billionaires? There is plenty of wealth lurking in Democratic coffers; for some reason, those particular wealthy individuals don't feel the same need as Republican billionaires to make themselves known or to donate to the political welfare of their party. Wonder why that is.
P.S. George Soros is a billionaire who cares about the common good, but look at how vilified he is.
Much appreciation to anyone who even replies to my Comments. Whether you agree with me or not. We don't usually engage in back and forth dialogue with one person--BUT--this is particularly addressed to Laurie, who appears to be somewhat naive. PLEASE understand, this isn't meant as a aspersion/put-down, but--maybe a suggestion: DO SOME RESEARCH on Political donations/money flows/donors/ WHO donates. Dear Laurie--everybody who COULD/SHOULD donate to the Dem Party--or EVEN BETTER-- to PROGRESSIVE causes-- ain't Po'!!! Repeat: Everybody who contributes to the Dem Party ain't Po' --SURPRISE SURPRISE. SURPRISE SURPRISE, SURPRISE, LAURIE. There are lots of folks with money who donate--sometimes to BOTH parties, believe it or not.
I'm relatively poor and donate way too much, hundreds a month. I really like to support candidates who take no corporate donations. Dems do need to get some PR people, I agree.
The billionaires who support the right-wing get a great return on their money They made tons$ with trump in office.
I have read that Rs fired their policy staffs in favor of marketing staff. They couldn't even write a party platform for 2020. Dems produce policy. I have written to president Biden suggesting that Dems hire some marketers.
The GQP also has more media outlets sympathetic to the GQP and willing to be at their service.
I am very concerned that Biden agreed to send cluster bombs, warfare outlawed by at least 100 countries, including France and England. Papers like the NYT and Washington Post question the dangers of that being seen by the world and many in the Democratic Party as a blow to our morality stand in the Ukrainian war. I certainly do.
Susan: My reaction as well. My comment is down in the list somewhere for you to read. And it does connect to the economy in a militarily industrial way. Thank you President Dwight D Eisenhower for that prescient insight into the future.
I am very concerned about all of those like Putin and that person in Brazil--the Amazon is protected territory by international agreement yet gold mining companies were allowed to mine and destroy parts of the Amazon--and that person in North Korea and etc.--who break international law and agreements and get away with it.
I feel the same way but I want Ukraine to succeed. The stranger issue for me is that with the huge military budget we have no artillery left to send them. We were completely unprepared for a land war, presumably because we weren't expecting a land attack on the US.
Worries me too (and additionally makes me wonder if we are getting desperate - not good if true and certainly not a good "look" -- somebody set me straight please.
You ask for positive ideas and comments - OK: Despite Joe Biden being an excellent and beloved president, how about drafting Sheldon Whitehouse? Do some YouTube searches. Watch some recent videos and see if you don't agree with me. I think he'd make a great Commander in Chief, a real communicator!
Lawrence Piper : I have had this thought, too. I wonder if Sheldon Whitehouse would want the job? Like Bernie Sanders, he is effective as a Senator, and can pursue the Supreme Court with laser precision! He seems like he would make a very strong President too.
If voting were restricted to progressive Dems, Whitehouse would win in a walk. In the real world, not so much.
If you think that I'm suggesting Sheldon should run against Joe - absolutely not. I've written to them that Joe in voluntarily stepping aside might agree that Sheldon would be the ideal fully-qualified person to 'draft'. I think the youth vote should assure a defeat of trump.
I'm suggesting that admirable as he is as a senator, Whitehouse has as much chance of winning a national election as the at least equally admirable Adlai Stevenson and George McGovern had. Not to mention: zero evidence of any fire in the belly for executive power.
Probably true, sad.
Sheldon Whitehouse is a good idea, but it's not going to happen. Up for grabs is 2028, not 2024.
I LOVE Sheldon Whitehouse! He has a lower key "Katie Porter" style about him and he's super smart and professional. Not enough people even know about him which is too bad because he is on top of really key issues, quietly working away on them all the time.
Not sure he should go for the presidency, even if Biden were to support it; he just needs more national attention and possibly a different role where he could be even more effective - IF that makes sense. Some Senators (Elizabeth Warren as an example IMHO) can get more done as Senators, period
Had I the time, Laurie, I'd google evidence for all of my assertions - as I have done in the past. Odd, that in understanding the context of Biden's lack of popularity, you suggest expunging a piece of that context that had a powerful psychological impact on the minds of a lot of people. The corporate Democratic Establishment burying of Bernie. Perhaps, you are a person who finds the emotional/psychological implications of various actions unimportant because they are invisible instead of tangible. That is odd isn't it? Isn't popularity determined by feelings of affinity and being supported or ignored. All of which is invisible - the "intangibles". Giving speeches in union halls and then crushing a strike? What impact does that cognitive dissonant combinationleave on a union worker? Did you know this fact Laurie? "teen suicide has nonetheless traced an alarming upward trend since well before the onset of the COVID-19." (google) Interesting too, the youth do not like Mr. Biden. Why is that Laurie? Is it because he's simply an old foggy or perhaps, they find he does not support those things that are dire to them, or may support them but not passionately? Life on an habitable earth. Access to education. Upward mobility.
OMG Selina girl don't pull any punches!! You sure got my attention.
And yet Biden has made the largest (by a long way) investment in ameliorating climate change ever in our country.
Well, how do we know "the youth do not like Mr. Biden"? Polls? And how has our faith in polls be rewarded in the last few cycles? They essentially mean nothing at this point.
Young voter pushed him over the top in 2020, with an even stronger showing in 2022.
First. The Democratic Party for at least a couple decades- plus became The Business Party - left tilting side, with the Republicans - right cult side. The Party Establishment is corporatized. They shoved the growing popular Bernie out to the back 70th acre and plopped Biden in. ("We're the boss; we know what's good for you" is the message. The impact? People realize their voice doesn't really count-even if they weren't for Bernie. The message is clear. Second. The rotten fruits of what has been essentially their collusion in supporting corporate dominance over the Peoples' interests is experienced in: the un-natural (ecologically speaking) wealth gap, the privatization of education, the replacement of federal educational loans to students with Bank centered (read piranha styled) loans, Bidens limp support of student debt forgiveness (insuring an overworked citizenry be a politically worn out citizenry), the weak support of unions, the crushing of the railway workers strike sent if not a shouting message then a subliminal one that corporate wins over people, no fire in the belly Obama standing firm for the poor but instead giving away our monies to the Wall Street Robbers and continue on-Private Equity style- to destroy what they consume (now, under Biden's welcome they enter the Medicaid/Medicare door to chew up like termites socialized programs highly popular to us), the weakening of meaningful Wall Street regulation, insipid climate amelioration, zero federal education of the public that life matters and we can and will- as we did in
WW2 change our life style so our children can live in an habitable earth, no Federal push to save the Post Office by booting deJoy out the door, the recent Federal termination of Covid-related Medicare for millions, the explosion over the past 20 years of blue tent homeless people, the billions thrown and continuing being thrown at the black hole Ukraine proxy War boosting the profits of the Forever War Industry and decimating that country, the ugliness of the two-tier (in)justice system, Obama's crushing instead of welcoming whistleblowers, the criminal Federal justice fang- showing determination to murder Assange, a citizen of Australia, for revealing our government's dastardly, if not evil, deeds giving the signal that the freedom of dissent and the freedom of the press do not count.....the list is endless. Weird. One could think that the prevalence of mass murder in the USA just might be - like the canary in the coal mine - a metaphor for the state of the psychic health of the nation. The same goes for the blatant militarization of the police. Militarizing against the people! Especially, non-white people! the Democratic Party has long ceased being an authentic opposition party that strongly, unremittingly supports, nourishes and protects the workers and the middle class. Everyone knows this. Much behavior is unconscious. We know - consciously and/or unconsciously - when push comes to shove, our interests will ultimately be thrown under the bus. How utter absolutely incredibly insane that the USA is the only so-called "developed" country without a strong health care system for all. Biden and the corporate democrats want us to think "isn't he wonderful!" Very little truth in that advertising blitz.
I call BS on a lot of that rant. Leave Bernie out of this! He was popular when running, but is not relevant as a Presidential candidate now. Biden does support Unions and rarely misses a chance to give speeches in their union halls. He has been fighting and been shut down in court for massive student loan relief. There is very little truth in your rant Ms Sweet!
Bernie supports Biden. He, like I feel, Biden is our best hope currently.
Rant on, Ms Sweet. You're painfully on point and while Bernie is not and probably should not be a candidate, it behooves those who lionize the present president to realize how Biden actually got elected. Biden can give all the speeches he wants to unions, but his original take on the railroad strike was reprehensible. There is a big difference between union leadership and the rank-and-file. His total memory loss when it comes to the $15 minimum wage is pathetic. And if his advisors didn't explain that his student debt relief strategy would probably run afoul of the Supreme Court, well then who are those advisors? The best and the brightest?
Biden's slow and steady progress on the economic front doesn't mesh with the need of the media to command eyeballs. Breathlessly presenting everything as a horse race does. As a result, the real progress being made by Biden's policies is pushed to the back burner by the fluff and chaff of political sound bites.
Really it is all of the above as the media is focused on trump and nothing else. He makes news the growing economy does not as it is boring. I forgot I have a job through it or that we are making more widgets. I only see the Feds rate hikes which hurt me get a house, a negative I see and feel.
He gets free publicity.
And those giving it to him get tons of "easy" clicks.
The media is too afraid of criticism from the right wing to give Biden credit for his accomplishments.
William Cash : The media is owned by the right wing. They pretend to care about the left. Otherwise they would lose viewers. I am getting tired of old (2 years or more) 'news' clips re examining things from the Jan 6th committee, for example. I guess I lose patience because things have gone so slowly in getting the top players of the coup attempt .
Groceries are still too high, rent is outrageous, salaries are not keeping up, these are the things average people are seeing and feeling. Until this changes, there will not be a feeling of progress.