In 1650 Thomas Fuller wrote “The darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn,” we all know that the past several years has been dark indeed. We have the power, however, to hasten dawns arrival with individual determination to fight for what is just and right.
It’s understandable that we’re exhausted, I get that, however now is not the time for complacency, now is the time for courage and strength. There are so many local and national groups to join, opportunities to get involved are abundant. I’ve volunteered for several years now from the comfort of my own home and know of many others that do the same. I’ve written letters to the editor of my local newspaper, signed petitions, created petitions, called state representatives and even wrote to the White House and Supreme Court Justices. Imagine if we all did that in mass, the power of the people would prevail.
Happy New Year to one and all, let’s get ready now for 2022 and help make it a better year.
Continuous engagement and activism is exhausting. I've found that the best ways to avoid burnout are to (1) pace yourself, (2) be a member of a team or group that helps one another, (3) find opportunities to celebrate victories, no matter how small.
But, how much difference do letters make? I interned one summer for a Congresswoman, and I had to aggregate and count the form emails we received, and it seems that these made a bit of difference maybe, just because of the sheer numbers, but really, the causes they were for were already on our agenda and I’m not sure how much any letter could change a representative’s position. They already know the points you’ll make. Sorry for being cynical. I just think if we focused on getting out the vote a lot more, Democrats would win, and then actually progressive priorities will be possible. I did write one letter last year to Joe Manchin urging support for climate change legislation. I thought vaguely it was a no-brainer and if he just saw the light. Probably no one read it and certainly no one would have changed their minds in his office.
I’ve written so many letters too susan. Both through groups and on my own. It is disappointing sometimes but we have to keep at this. I hope the phrase…darkest hour comes before the dawn…means 2022!😊 But it’s a pretty scary dark hour, one I never thought I would see in the US. There are more of us! We need that little mantra. And we have to be visible and loud.
Kudos to you for writing letters and staying involved. It may not seem as though it's working, but it very well may be. Look at the changes that came because people got involved over the past years. Don't give up, you are making a difference!!
Check out "Indivisible.org" "MoveOn.org" "Democracy for America.com" "Common Cause.org" and google a list of organizations that may work for you. Don't forget local too, candidates running in your town/state. Good luck Audrey!
Thank you for that. I have often wondered if there is any effect from letter writing but I’ve heard politicians say they do need to hear. I’ve been very lucky to have had fairly progressive politicians in office most of the time due to where I have lived, SF-CA, Mpls, MN, Chicago, IL etc I’ve had conservative leaders, especially at the state level. But nothing like the south…I can’t imagine.
I've been working with Swing Left, and retired in 2014 to become a climate activist. But I'm not sure what to do now. Living in a blue state and a very progressive town...My concern is that you can't out-organize voter suppression, gerrymandering and the takeover of the election process, especially in a state you don't live in. I can donate, but even that seems inadequate. Ideas? Everyone is telling us to wake up and fight for democracy. How?
Other than move to a swing state, or have friends or relatives there whom you can work with, you can support national organizations (like Common Cause) that maintain active and chapters in key states.
Maybe you can explain your reasoning here. Hassan opposed $15 hour minimum wage inclusion in BBB. How can you ask a minimum wage worker in New Hampshire earning far less than $15 he to support her? In many parts of that state these are the only jobs available. People still chop wood in that state to keep warm in the winter. All the manufacturing jobs are gone. As a former labor secretary how can you believe it is possible to convince these working class voters to come out and support someone who votes against them?
I have also donated to youth groups like March for our Lives, Occupy Wall Street when it was in full swing, Moms for Clean Air, etc. Everytown for gun safety, Connecting with groups like ECCSC (ex-Cons for Community and Social Change) they go out and try to talk to gang members and other at risk violent groups who will listen to them because they used to be them! I had dinner with a couple of members and feel they are one of our hopes for reaching these very at-risk young people.
Thank you for supporting these organizations and involving yourself in these worthwhile efforts. The answer to turn out was to do something for the voters Bernie reached during his campaign. So far the Democrats in Congress have turned a deaf ear and let the corporate lobbyists have a field day. Biden still has the option of using executive action.
The fact that Trump and all the higher ups, who helped with the deadly attempted coup, are running around free as birds sends a big chill down my spine. I was a Bernie supporter and still find him to be one of the best people in Congress. He also was given a powerful position in the administration. So that’s some relief. Whatever Biden can do by executive order, he should do. But it’s not clear if he can use it for certain things. Unfortunately, the Republicans snap their fingers and the worst kinds of anti-civil rights acts are there for us to fight. Yet Democrats can never seem to reverse or act in kind. I’m all for following the law, but Republicans shove things through and Dems can’t even call Trump a traitor, criminal or deluded psychopath. All of which are obvious. The Progressives are the ones working for people.
I also work with Swing Left, also living in a blue state (Mass.). We do have the opportunity here to go up to New Hampshire in support of Sen. Maggie Hassan as well as state legislators, which I expect a fair number of us will do. But I'm also a big fan of Movement Voter Project (www.movement.vote) that raises money to support grassroots groups all over the country but focused heavily on swing states. Stacey Abrams' Fair Fight and others like it made a big difference in Georgia, helping win the state for Biden and for the two US Senators who now represent Georgia. That time convinced me that fundraising for grassroots groups is the most effective (but not the only) thing I can do. This year our western Mass SL group has raised $10,000 for two funds - Swing Left's National Impact Fund and Movement Voter Project's Black-Led Organizing Fund. The former supports candidates, the latter supports grassroots groups. We can't be everywhere, but we can help ensure that the people in those embattled states have the resources they need to win.
I'm also in western MA--Northampton--a fan of MVP, and planning to canvass for Maggie as soon as they start doing that. So yeah, I guess we do what we can.
Maggie Hassan voted against the $15 minimum wage and doesn’t support reducing student debt. I’m sure the voters in NH will appreciate your coming from Massachusetts to enlighten them on the proper way to vote.
We’ll NEVER get those things done with the numbers so close in Congress. We just need to vote for the Democrats, no matter our (often unrealistic) expectations. I’m just sick of people not understanding the difficulty of getting anything through. This is not the time to nitpick. And frankly, climate change is by far the most important issue the world ever has come upon, and let’s focus on that first.
Look I’m really sorry about your not wanting to understand what is happening here but you cannot wish away the disaster facing the Democratic Party in 2022 by grasping for the straw of party unity. Democrats will pull the blue lever but that clearly isn’t enough. How can you possibly say to a person making $7.25 an hour that they should vote for a Democrat who voted against including $15 minimum in BBB? Just tell me how you think that works?
I routinely get hundreds of emails from Democrats seeking financial contributions. When they call me I go down the list of reforms promised by Biden. I then ask them about where they stand on healthcare, housing, student debt, and the Defense Dept budget. If I don’t get the right answer they don’t get my support. I have supported Cisneros in Texas and other challengers to entrenched Republocrats. I never give a penny to the DNC. Reform or go to hell is my motto. I also support any youth group willing to stand up against global warming. If there is ever a March on Washington to demand the Green New Deal I’ll join it. You will not find me pulling the blue lever and believing I am a good person anymore. Not with Joe Biden’s good buddy Joe Manchin under the same umbrella.
PS I don’t drive a Maserati, live on a yacht, own a coal mining company and call myself a Democrat
Sorry, that wasn’t the best tone. I just feel very strongly there is zero room for not supporting Democrats right now. Most all of them have the same intentions as you and me.
I agree with your sentiments. That’s why I am so anxious when punishments for massive crimes by 45 et al are not being seen. The only way to overcome cheating is with massive Dem turnout…a blowout at the polls. But will we get that?
I joined local politics in my city, working at the city level and getting to talk face to face or phone to phone is really helpful. We can help them directly and answer their questions honestly and directly. People love that. Volunteer for the mayor or alderman of your city. I have an awesome alderman in my city that I work for. It helps to see something in politics work the way it should.
Sue, I'm with you. Where is the guide book? We have been seeing the degradation of civility and the annihilation of many norms for six years now. It is a necessity in a sinister plan. Fear and ignorance in an element of society has brought us down, I am hopeful some of the answers to the questions many of us have can be found here. It is hard to be optimistic in these times.
Que Sera, Sera, the future's not ours to see, whatever will be will be....Not! I will be the 'nicest' pain in the a$$ I can ; emailing, phoning and maybe even visiting representatives. Writing letters to the editor, jumping into the fray on FB by pointing out the truth at every opportunity. I will give as many donations as I can to DFA and progressives. I will also watch the A.G. and the courts to see what, if anything, happens with our Justice Department. I will encourage anyone who lost a loved one to Covid because they were misinformed by Fox 'News' to look into starting a class action suit against Fox 'News' and Gov, DeSantis. I will look closely at any proposed legislation or candidate, local or state, or federal to understand as much as I can. I will take care of myself and get more exercise with my new light hand weights, exercise bench, and some walks. And hope for the best! Happy New Year and buckle up! Be well, everyone.
Laurie, I too will do my best to be a thorn until something sane happens. Yes! Fox News needs to be shut down. I love the idea of a class action lawsuit to defund them. But I worry about which judge will hear the case. I’m sure the FBI is very aware of the chatter online from people like us. They can read the writing on the wall. Kudos for getting routine exercise this year. I have walked at least one mile per day for the past 2 years. Nothing stellar but it helps to relieve the stress (which also improved when Trumpolini was taken off the airwaves! 😄) And now to remove Faux News…Onward!
Seeking Reason ; Sounds like a good plan. I had a similar walking routine, getting out at 5 a.m. before going to work at 7:30. Since rotator cuff surgery, and now dark mornings it has been awhile. But I will resume. And think of strategies for the advancement of sanity. Onward and upward! ( will try anyway!).
"We are the leaders we've been waiting for!" It doesn't require anyone of us to do everything, but together we complement each other and this is an unstoppable force. My wish for 2022 is that more people simply believe in themselves.
I don’t know what to expect from 2022. I think you are right, though that we must cause Lewis’s « good trouble » and get out of our comfort zones and make a difference! I participated in two BLM marches, which was so empowering. I want to continue to protest peacefully when given the opportunity. I live in a small town and no one really stirs things up or takes a stand. I think of Greta Thurnberg and her single protest that grew into a movement. I would honestly run for office in my town if I weren’t shy and didn’t have skeletons in my closet! I’m no AOC but I wish I were like her. I’m in a mode of activism after reading today’s newsletter and thinking of what is possible for me to do to be more proactive. I’ll find my own way to make change or reform by doing as much as possible. Thanks for the motivation!
I suspect 2022 will make 2021 seem like a walk in the park.
Increasing intensity on the effects of climate change, global political instability, global pandemic, possibly with yet another, worse mutant, extreme division of people, China and Russia getting more aggressive, right-wing politicians on the rise in more and more countries, likely a recession, and more.
First, I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and allowing us to share our thoughts with you. It made 2021 a bit more tolerable, even therapeutic.
On the topic of voting rights, I came to one big realization;
God forbid we don't override the filibuster and the John Lewis Act or some form of a Voting rights act is not passed.
We need a Plan B.
It must be a grass roots plan state by state. There must be an effort to ascertain whether any laws infringe on the "one man, one vote " principle on a state level. That includes a review of all the state constitutions. And if the state's constitution, does not contain it, the effort has to be made to include it. And yes, state by state if necessary.
Second, a dialogue must be started about having a Constitutional Convention for the U.S. Thomas Jefferson said the U.S. Constitution is a living document. He also said there needs to be a Constitutional Convention every 20 years in order that this living document can be adjusted to meet the needs of the population to meet the times. I think we are way overdue.
The Constitution provides zero guidance on the ground rules for such a Convention. The Convention could make up its own rules, set its own agenda, and open up the Constitution to harmful, ill-considered, and radical changes. Who wants the people we have today in government monkeying with the Constitution? It would a political nightmare. Finally, if you think that some imposed mandate could prevent this from happening, remember that the Constitutional Convention of 1787 totally violated its mandate, to amend the Articles of Confederation, by writing a brand new document, the US Constitution.
The right wing wants exactly that: a constitutional convention. With so many states under Republican control can you imagine how that would turn out? We absolutely do not want that.
This should be a call that's heeded by all who share Professor Reichs' love of this country, and concern for its' future. I'd suggest we all write/e-mail our elected officials, regardless of whether we support the same party, and make some specific points: 1) All of us care deeply about the country and its future 2) There are dangerous trends revealed by Jan. 6th and still in play 3) The economy is crucial to all Americans, regardless of their wealth, and it's not treating all of us fairly 4) A combination of the push towards authoritarian rule, dismantling the two-party system through unfair voting practices, and huge income disparities is not healthy for the economy and the country 5) People on both sides of the left/right spectrum are dissatisfied, and that can lead to distrust and dangerous actions against the system. Therefore, as a constituent, I strongly urge you to reexamine your assumptions and priorities in light of the realities of the 21st Century, and always ask yourself before voting on a piece of legislation: "Is this what the folks who elected me really want and need?" The answer should tell you how to vote. Thank you for your service to our Country and to the people you represent.
We need to become futurists, describe the world we think would be sustainable and good. We can't make a future without an idea of what we want it to be. Planning. Good luck to all the occupants of this world, with whom we are all in it together.
Welcome aboard. "We, the people" are the answer and always have been. I am done with this Republic garbage. I want one person, one vote, majority rule Democracy and I want it now.
Mr. Reich, I did the unthinkable, the forbidden, the unscientific and unprovable thing. I wrote down what I thought might have happened if the man we elected president in 2000 had taken office. That man's name was Al Gore, and he won the popular vote.
Who cares if I can’t prove this, if the man, that “We, the people” elected had taken office in 2000, this is what I think, feel and believe would have happened.
1. The first, the biggest and the most important difference starts on September 11, 2001. President Al Gore would have kept us in check, promised to get Bin Laden and thrown everything this nation possesses into fulfilling that promise.
2. There would be no war on terror, no war on Iraq, no war on Afghanistan, no Syrian war, no refugee crisis and no trillions of dollars spent on war.
3. Gore would have secured the social security system for perpetuity. Today, seniors would know a truly secure retirement, instead of poverty.
4. Gore would have worked to liberate school districts, teachers and administrators from political interference. The one-size-fits-all-rote-learning education goals of the Republican Party (aka no child left behind) would have disappeared into the past.
5. Gore would have stopped internet monopolies before they got started. I think it likely, Gore would have made internet access a public good – just like electricity, and telephones back in the old days. Here in rural America, we’d be using fiber optics (and paying pennies compared to the cost we now pay for unreliable, slow as snails, cable and satellite).
6. The 2007 economic crisis and housing market crash would not have happened. But if it did, Gore would have split any bailout money, in half (half to the too big to fail banks and half to taxpayers). People would have been held accountable and sent to prison.
7. Gore would have secured voting rights – for all.
8. Gore would have developed relationships with China and ASEAN nations and begun building agreements that protected and advanced the interests of all nations. Under Gore, I dare to believe that today, America would have been building our own connections to China’s belts and roads initiative.
9. Gore would have raised the federal minimum wage, then tied it to the top pay rates in the nation (if CEO salaries go up 400%, so does the minimum wage).
10. Gore would have guaranteed our government’s pay scale could compete with global corporations for the best and brightest technology-oriented people. Under Gore no one could have outperformed America in technology (and held us hostage, manipulated our communication systems, interfered in our elections, or hid money on tiny islands).
11. When Gore left office, we’d be trillions of dollars richer, and more secure than we are today.
12. When Obama set out to institutionalize National Health Insurance, “We, the people” would have screamed “Yes, yes, yes.” Thanks to 20 years of good healthcare, our people today would be healthier, happier and more productive. Our children and our seniors would have a mouthful of clean, healthy teeth. Thanks to 20 years of increasingly healthier people, today we’d be seeing huge drops in our national healthcare costs. We would have been able to afford psychological services and drug treatment programs, thereby preventing a lot of murders, crimes and destitution. Even our police would be psychologically and physically fit.
13. And oh what an appropriate number to end my fantasy 13 is. Donald Trump would never have been president. With a National Healthcare System in place, Covid might have been a scare, instead of a pandemic.
I gave you my list for a reason. Time and time again, “We, the people” have proven ourselves wiser, more moral, and smarter than our “representatives”. I sound so simplistic, it makes me sound stupid, but I honestly believe, we can vote our way out of the horrible mess created by the rich and powerful and their thinktanks, talking heads, Ivy League minions and politicians.
We need to start believing in ourselves and acting on that belief by voting. No matter what, we must vote. Vote in every election. If dog-catcher is the only thing on your ballot, get up, go to the polls and vote for dog-catcher. Do not, ever, let another election go by, without you voting for everything on your ballot.
In 1650 Thomas Fuller wrote “The darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn,” we all know that the past several years has been dark indeed. We have the power, however, to hasten dawns arrival with individual determination to fight for what is just and right.
It’s understandable that we’re exhausted, I get that, however now is not the time for complacency, now is the time for courage and strength. There are so many local and national groups to join, opportunities to get involved are abundant. I’ve volunteered for several years now from the comfort of my own home and know of many others that do the same. I’ve written letters to the editor of my local newspaper, signed petitions, created petitions, called state representatives and even wrote to the White House and Supreme Court Justices. Imagine if we all did that in mass, the power of the people would prevail.
Happy New Year to one and all, let’s get ready now for 2022 and help make it a better year.
Continuous engagement and activism is exhausting. I've found that the best ways to avoid burnout are to (1) pace yourself, (2) be a member of a team or group that helps one another, (3) find opportunities to celebrate victories, no matter how small.
Absolutely agree!
But, how much difference do letters make? I interned one summer for a Congresswoman, and I had to aggregate and count the form emails we received, and it seems that these made a bit of difference maybe, just because of the sheer numbers, but really, the causes they were for were already on our agenda and I’m not sure how much any letter could change a representative’s position. They already know the points you’ll make. Sorry for being cynical. I just think if we focused on getting out the vote a lot more, Democrats would win, and then actually progressive priorities will be possible. I did write one letter last year to Joe Manchin urging support for climate change legislation. I thought vaguely it was a no-brainer and if he just saw the light. Probably no one read it and certainly no one would have changed their minds in his office.
I’ve written so many letters too susan. Both through groups and on my own. It is disappointing sometimes but we have to keep at this. I hope the phrase…darkest hour comes before the dawn…means 2022!😊 But it’s a pretty scary dark hour, one I never thought I would see in the US. There are more of us! We need that little mantra. And we have to be visible and loud.
Kudos to you for writing letters and staying involved. It may not seem as though it's working, but it very well may be. Look at the changes that came because people got involved over the past years. Don't give up, you are making a difference!!
Spot-On, Susan! ! !
Good for you. I don't even know where to start. Happy New Year.
Vote Forward is a good one. You write letters to voters. Moms Rising does that too.
Check out "Indivisible.org" "MoveOn.org" "Democracy for America.com" "Common Cause.org" and google a list of organizations that may work for you. Don't forget local too, candidates running in your town/state. Good luck Audrey!
Thank you for that. I have often wondered if there is any effect from letter writing but I’ve heard politicians say they do need to hear. I’ve been very lucky to have had fairly progressive politicians in office most of the time due to where I have lived, SF-CA, Mpls, MN, Chicago, IL etc I’ve had conservative leaders, especially at the state level. But nothing like the south…I can’t imagine.
I've been working with Swing Left, and retired in 2014 to become a climate activist. But I'm not sure what to do now. Living in a blue state and a very progressive town...My concern is that you can't out-organize voter suppression, gerrymandering and the takeover of the election process, especially in a state you don't live in. I can donate, but even that seems inadequate. Ideas? Everyone is telling us to wake up and fight for democracy. How?
Other than move to a swing state, or have friends or relatives there whom you can work with, you can support national organizations (like Common Cause) that maintain active and chapters in key states.
Also, if you live within an easy drive of a swing state, spend as much time there as you can!
Maybe you can explain your reasoning here. Hassan opposed $15 hour minimum wage inclusion in BBB. How can you ask a minimum wage worker in New Hampshire earning far less than $15 he to support her? In many parts of that state these are the only jobs available. People still chop wood in that state to keep warm in the winter. All the manufacturing jobs are gone. As a former labor secretary how can you believe it is possible to convince these working class voters to come out and support someone who votes against them?
I have also donated to youth groups like March for our Lives, Occupy Wall Street when it was in full swing, Moms for Clean Air, etc. Everytown for gun safety, Connecting with groups like ECCSC (ex-Cons for Community and Social Change) they go out and try to talk to gang members and other at risk violent groups who will listen to them because they used to be them! I had dinner with a couple of members and feel they are one of our hopes for reaching these very at-risk young people.
Thank you for supporting these organizations and involving yourself in these worthwhile efforts. The answer to turn out was to do something for the voters Bernie reached during his campaign. So far the Democrats in Congress have turned a deaf ear and let the corporate lobbyists have a field day. Biden still has the option of using executive action.
The fact that Trump and all the higher ups, who helped with the deadly attempted coup, are running around free as birds sends a big chill down my spine. I was a Bernie supporter and still find him to be one of the best people in Congress. He also was given a powerful position in the administration. So that’s some relief. Whatever Biden can do by executive order, he should do. But it’s not clear if he can use it for certain things. Unfortunately, the Republicans snap their fingers and the worst kinds of anti-civil rights acts are there for us to fight. Yet Democrats can never seem to reverse or act in kind. I’m all for following the law, but Republicans shove things through and Dems can’t even call Trump a traitor, criminal or deluded psychopath. All of which are obvious. The Progressives are the ones working for people.
I also work with Swing Left, also living in a blue state (Mass.). We do have the opportunity here to go up to New Hampshire in support of Sen. Maggie Hassan as well as state legislators, which I expect a fair number of us will do. But I'm also a big fan of Movement Voter Project (www.movement.vote) that raises money to support grassroots groups all over the country but focused heavily on swing states. Stacey Abrams' Fair Fight and others like it made a big difference in Georgia, helping win the state for Biden and for the two US Senators who now represent Georgia. That time convinced me that fundraising for grassroots groups is the most effective (but not the only) thing I can do. This year our western Mass SL group has raised $10,000 for two funds - Swing Left's National Impact Fund and Movement Voter Project's Black-Led Organizing Fund. The former supports candidates, the latter supports grassroots groups. We can't be everywhere, but we can help ensure that the people in those embattled states have the resources they need to win.
I'm also in western MA--Northampton--a fan of MVP, and planning to canvass for Maggie as soon as they start doing that. So yeah, I guess we do what we can.
For anyone interested in supporting these two funds, here are the links:
SL National Impact Fund - https://swingleft.org/fundraise/slwm_nationalimpact?source=copypaste&utm_source=copypaste&utm_medium=manual&utm_campaign=fd&utm_term=register_save Levpw go2lqixq
MVP Black-Led Organizing Fund - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/black-led-fund?refcode=P-SLWM
Maggie Hassan voted against the $15 minimum wage and doesn’t support reducing student debt. I’m sure the voters in NH will appreciate your coming from Massachusetts to enlighten them on the proper way to vote.
We’ll NEVER get those things done with the numbers so close in Congress. We just need to vote for the Democrats, no matter our (often unrealistic) expectations. I’m just sick of people not understanding the difficulty of getting anything through. This is not the time to nitpick. And frankly, climate change is by far the most important issue the world ever has come upon, and let’s focus on that first.
Look I’m really sorry about your not wanting to understand what is happening here but you cannot wish away the disaster facing the Democratic Party in 2022 by grasping for the straw of party unity. Democrats will pull the blue lever but that clearly isn’t enough. How can you possibly say to a person making $7.25 an hour that they should vote for a Democrat who voted against including $15 minimum in BBB? Just tell me how you think that works?
I routinely get hundreds of emails from Democrats seeking financial contributions. When they call me I go down the list of reforms promised by Biden. I then ask them about where they stand on healthcare, housing, student debt, and the Defense Dept budget. If I don’t get the right answer they don’t get my support. I have supported Cisneros in Texas and other challengers to entrenched Republocrats. I never give a penny to the DNC. Reform or go to hell is my motto. I also support any youth group willing to stand up against global warming. If there is ever a March on Washington to demand the Green New Deal I’ll join it. You will not find me pulling the blue lever and believing I am a good person anymore. Not with Joe Biden’s good buddy Joe Manchin under the same umbrella.
PS I don’t drive a Maserati, live on a yacht, own a coal mining company and call myself a Democrat
The Sunrise Movement is a good one, Peter.
I have contributed to them. Thanks
Well, thanks for screwing over your own priorities, for all of us, by being a perfectionist.
Sorry, that wasn’t the best tone. I just feel very strongly there is zero room for not supporting Democrats right now. Most all of them have the same intentions as you and me.
I agree with your sentiments. That’s why I am so anxious when punishments for massive crimes by 45 et al are not being seen. The only way to overcome cheating is with massive Dem turnout…a blowout at the polls. But will we get that?
I joined local politics in my city, working at the city level and getting to talk face to face or phone to phone is really helpful. We can help them directly and answer their questions honestly and directly. People love that. Volunteer for the mayor or alderman of your city. I have an awesome alderman in my city that I work for. It helps to see something in politics work the way it should.
Sue, I'm with you. Where is the guide book? We have been seeing the degradation of civility and the annihilation of many norms for six years now. It is a necessity in a sinister plan. Fear and ignorance in an element of society has brought us down, I am hopeful some of the answers to the questions many of us have can be found here. It is hard to be optimistic in these times.
Que Sera, Sera, the future's not ours to see, whatever will be will be....Not! I will be the 'nicest' pain in the a$$ I can ; emailing, phoning and maybe even visiting representatives. Writing letters to the editor, jumping into the fray on FB by pointing out the truth at every opportunity. I will give as many donations as I can to DFA and progressives. I will also watch the A.G. and the courts to see what, if anything, happens with our Justice Department. I will encourage anyone who lost a loved one to Covid because they were misinformed by Fox 'News' to look into starting a class action suit against Fox 'News' and Gov, DeSantis. I will look closely at any proposed legislation or candidate, local or state, or federal to understand as much as I can. I will take care of myself and get more exercise with my new light hand weights, exercise bench, and some walks. And hope for the best! Happy New Year and buckle up! Be well, everyone.
Excellent
Thank you!
Laurie, I too will do my best to be a thorn until something sane happens. Yes! Fox News needs to be shut down. I love the idea of a class action lawsuit to defund them. But I worry about which judge will hear the case. I’m sure the FBI is very aware of the chatter online from people like us. They can read the writing on the wall. Kudos for getting routine exercise this year. I have walked at least one mile per day for the past 2 years. Nothing stellar but it helps to relieve the stress (which also improved when Trumpolini was taken off the airwaves! 😄) And now to remove Faux News…Onward!
Seeking Reason ; Sounds like a good plan. I had a similar walking routine, getting out at 5 a.m. before going to work at 7:30. Since rotator cuff surgery, and now dark mornings it has been awhile. But I will resume. And think of strategies for the advancement of sanity. Onward and upward! ( will try anyway!).
"We are the leaders we've been waiting for!" It doesn't require anyone of us to do everything, but together we complement each other and this is an unstoppable force. My wish for 2022 is that more people simply believe in themselves.
Yes -- and believe in the efficacy of activism!
👍🏼Me too Philippe!
Here is a bucket list of 76 things you can do to boost civil engagement from the non-partisan Brookings Institution:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2019/11/12/the-bucket-list-for-involved-citizens-76-things-you-can-do-to-boost-civic-engagement/
I don’t know what to expect from 2022. I think you are right, though that we must cause Lewis’s « good trouble » and get out of our comfort zones and make a difference! I participated in two BLM marches, which was so empowering. I want to continue to protest peacefully when given the opportunity. I live in a small town and no one really stirs things up or takes a stand. I think of Greta Thurnberg and her single protest that grew into a movement. I would honestly run for office in my town if I weren’t shy and didn’t have skeletons in my closet! I’m no AOC but I wish I were like her. I’m in a mode of activism after reading today’s newsletter and thinking of what is possible for me to do to be more proactive. I’ll find my own way to make change or reform by doing as much as possible. Thanks for the motivation!
I suspect 2022 will make 2021 seem like a walk in the park.
Increasing intensity on the effects of climate change, global political instability, global pandemic, possibly with yet another, worse mutant, extreme division of people, China and Russia getting more aggressive, right-wing politicians on the rise in more and more countries, likely a recession, and more.
What can expect in 2022?
More of the same from Republicans BOO!
What can we do?
Vote in the Midterms, that's what we will do!
We will turn more states Blue.
We will take the liars, the haters, the big craters that try to stomp on Democracy
And we will continue to show the whole world their hypocrisy.
We will continue the trend to indict those that inflict pain and their might in wrong ways.
We will make them pay for all their wicked ways.
We will reveal the flaws of their thinking.
And, send their remade laws a stinking.
We will tan all they hide and not allow them to take us on the hellsinky ride.
We will make them walk back all the hate talk
We will make them have their day in court and they will pay for their misdeeds.
We will know that we will succeed in every righteous endeavor.
c. Lucy Socha :-) Happy New Year to all!
May I copy this and post it and send it to friends and family?
Of course. Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
You are very talented in the art of writing/poetry!
That is so nice of you to say! You made my day. Have a wonderful New Year ahead in every way. https://medium.com/what-is-love-to-you/bring-love-into-2022-18d816f95872
I subscribed to you.
Thank you, Nancy what I a nice surprise. Oh, wow! You made my day.
You rock! 😀
Thank you, Paula B. Please have a wonderful New Year!
The very best to you too, Lucy!
First, I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and allowing us to share our thoughts with you. It made 2021 a bit more tolerable, even therapeutic.
On the topic of voting rights, I came to one big realization;
God forbid we don't override the filibuster and the John Lewis Act or some form of a Voting rights act is not passed.
We need a Plan B.
It must be a grass roots plan state by state. There must be an effort to ascertain whether any laws infringe on the "one man, one vote " principle on a state level. That includes a review of all the state constitutions. And if the state's constitution, does not contain it, the effort has to be made to include it. And yes, state by state if necessary.
Second, a dialogue must be started about having a Constitutional Convention for the U.S. Thomas Jefferson said the U.S. Constitution is a living document. He also said there needs to be a Constitutional Convention every 20 years in order that this living document can be adjusted to meet the needs of the population to meet the times. I think we are way overdue.
The Constitution provides zero guidance on the ground rules for such a Convention. The Convention could make up its own rules, set its own agenda, and open up the Constitution to harmful, ill-considered, and radical changes. Who wants the people we have today in government monkeying with the Constitution? It would a political nightmare. Finally, if you think that some imposed mandate could prevent this from happening, remember that the Constitutional Convention of 1787 totally violated its mandate, to amend the Articles of Confederation, by writing a brand new document, the US Constitution.
The right wing wants exactly that: a constitutional convention. With so many states under Republican control can you imagine how that would turn out? We absolutely do not want that.
This should be a call that's heeded by all who share Professor Reichs' love of this country, and concern for its' future. I'd suggest we all write/e-mail our elected officials, regardless of whether we support the same party, and make some specific points: 1) All of us care deeply about the country and its future 2) There are dangerous trends revealed by Jan. 6th and still in play 3) The economy is crucial to all Americans, regardless of their wealth, and it's not treating all of us fairly 4) A combination of the push towards authoritarian rule, dismantling the two-party system through unfair voting practices, and huge income disparities is not healthy for the economy and the country 5) People on both sides of the left/right spectrum are dissatisfied, and that can lead to distrust and dangerous actions against the system. Therefore, as a constituent, I strongly urge you to reexamine your assumptions and priorities in light of the realities of the 21st Century, and always ask yourself before voting on a piece of legislation: "Is this what the folks who elected me really want and need?" The answer should tell you how to vote. Thank you for your service to our Country and to the people you represent.
If left unattended a garden will return to nature.
Our garden needs tending.
Please, be a gardener.
We need to become futurists, describe the world we think would be sustainable and good. We can't make a future without an idea of what we want it to be. Planning. Good luck to all the occupants of this world, with whom we are all in it together.
Martha - I agree with you wholeheartedly. We must imagine the world we want.
Welcome aboard. "We, the people" are the answer and always have been. I am done with this Republic garbage. I want one person, one vote, majority rule Democracy and I want it now.
Mr. Reich, I did the unthinkable, the forbidden, the unscientific and unprovable thing. I wrote down what I thought might have happened if the man we elected president in 2000 had taken office. That man's name was Al Gore, and he won the popular vote.
Who cares if I can’t prove this, if the man, that “We, the people” elected had taken office in 2000, this is what I think, feel and believe would have happened.
1. The first, the biggest and the most important difference starts on September 11, 2001. President Al Gore would have kept us in check, promised to get Bin Laden and thrown everything this nation possesses into fulfilling that promise.
2. There would be no war on terror, no war on Iraq, no war on Afghanistan, no Syrian war, no refugee crisis and no trillions of dollars spent on war.
3. Gore would have secured the social security system for perpetuity. Today, seniors would know a truly secure retirement, instead of poverty.
4. Gore would have worked to liberate school districts, teachers and administrators from political interference. The one-size-fits-all-rote-learning education goals of the Republican Party (aka no child left behind) would have disappeared into the past.
5. Gore would have stopped internet monopolies before they got started. I think it likely, Gore would have made internet access a public good – just like electricity, and telephones back in the old days. Here in rural America, we’d be using fiber optics (and paying pennies compared to the cost we now pay for unreliable, slow as snails, cable and satellite).
6. The 2007 economic crisis and housing market crash would not have happened. But if it did, Gore would have split any bailout money, in half (half to the too big to fail banks and half to taxpayers). People would have been held accountable and sent to prison.
7. Gore would have secured voting rights – for all.
8. Gore would have developed relationships with China and ASEAN nations and begun building agreements that protected and advanced the interests of all nations. Under Gore, I dare to believe that today, America would have been building our own connections to China’s belts and roads initiative.
9. Gore would have raised the federal minimum wage, then tied it to the top pay rates in the nation (if CEO salaries go up 400%, so does the minimum wage).
10. Gore would have guaranteed our government’s pay scale could compete with global corporations for the best and brightest technology-oriented people. Under Gore no one could have outperformed America in technology (and held us hostage, manipulated our communication systems, interfered in our elections, or hid money on tiny islands).
11. When Gore left office, we’d be trillions of dollars richer, and more secure than we are today.
12. When Obama set out to institutionalize National Health Insurance, “We, the people” would have screamed “Yes, yes, yes.” Thanks to 20 years of good healthcare, our people today would be healthier, happier and more productive. Our children and our seniors would have a mouthful of clean, healthy teeth. Thanks to 20 years of increasingly healthier people, today we’d be seeing huge drops in our national healthcare costs. We would have been able to afford psychological services and drug treatment programs, thereby preventing a lot of murders, crimes and destitution. Even our police would be psychologically and physically fit.
13. And oh what an appropriate number to end my fantasy 13 is. Donald Trump would never have been president. With a National Healthcare System in place, Covid might have been a scare, instead of a pandemic.
I gave you my list for a reason. Time and time again, “We, the people” have proven ourselves wiser, more moral, and smarter than our “representatives”. I sound so simplistic, it makes me sound stupid, but I honestly believe, we can vote our way out of the horrible mess created by the rich and powerful and their thinktanks, talking heads, Ivy League minions and politicians.
We need to start believing in ourselves and acting on that belief by voting. No matter what, we must vote. Vote in every election. If dog-catcher is the only thing on your ballot, get up, go to the polls and vote for dog-catcher. Do not, ever, let another election go by, without you voting for everything on your ballot.
If he had just completed item 2, that would have been enough for me.
Indeed. Imagining what a difference that would have made is worth remembering.
LOVE THIS NEWSLETTER!
Thanks, Terri. (Please spread the word.)
“The bastards have got us where we want them.”…All true Americans will do the right thing…Our Democracy will prevail…
We must admonish those in Congress to: Ask not what you can do for your donors, rather to ask what you can do for your country.