Our clay ankles — these two senators who have debased themselves with lobbyist money and become drunk on their own power to destroy. Watching them from outside the halls of power is beyond demoralizing and underlines the helplessness we feel every day.
Rachel, I too often feel that helplessness, sometimes even hopelessness and hopelessness is what's gonna be the straw that breaks the back of democracy. I have daughters. I CARE about future gens (most Dems do I think) and it is for THEM that I fight. I'm crying right now writing this to you...
You are so right and perceptive: when people give me that pessimistic response about needed positive change oh, I ask them when they ever hear right-wing fanatics & Fundamentalists discount the possibility of the change they go for? NEVER!!! & that is exactly how they gained the power they now wield even know they are the minority. But it is a dangerous game so let them will. Power instead of talking to American people in ways that they can hear and then therefore come to understand. I rarely hear Democratic Leadership educating Americans in such a way. But I know because I talk to them everyday color that when they are given information most do come to understand, including that they need to be involved and take action. Even a small action, one phone call, can make a huge difference. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water
Sinema's become just another corrupt, self-serving politician, bought and paid for by corporate selfish interests, and easily manipulated by flattery. Maybe she supported Ralph Nader, not because she believed in his policy positions, but because she liked the idea of being a rebel sticking it to the establishment. Contrast with Rep. Cori Bush, who was homeless for a time, and doesn't want her constituents to suffer as she did.
I'm a Dem drowning in a sea of trump's braindead army in the state of AZ (thank you for the sympathy). Just sent your succinct message to sin-enema. She has heard from me many times as I have believed she was receptive to voter input. That foolish hope is now dead
So you moved to AZ because California politics ruined that state (my brother lives there and is definitely looking at moving) and now you complain about life in AZ, huh? So you want AZ to change to CA? You are the problem.
It is a free country. If Robert Reich wants to delete my account, so be it - it is his website. I am simply presenting another side of the story. For what it is worth, I voted for Biden simply because I thought he was going to be centrist. So I am certainly disappointed.
You are delusional if you think every Democrat is a torch-bearing "progressive."
The fact that you think this is a free country is hilarious. I’m all for helping people I guess I’m a torch bearing progressive, not an uptight centrist.
Torch bearing? Helping people is not Torch bearing. You are part of the problem and the reason this country is headed towards disaster, now shut the fuck up you asswipe piece of shit
As one of her constituents, I can freely say she is a complete disaster and nothing like she portrayed herself as when we voted for her. Can’t wait until we can replace her with a real Democrat.
I think President Biden should invite her into his office & recite your letter to her. Maybe make an audio tape on a loop & make her listen to it until she comes back to reality.
If LBJ was in the White House, he would call Sinema into his office and make sure no one else was present. Then he'd tell her just how much power he has to make sure she will never be reelected to Congress or any other elected office. He's make it clear that he has the power to ruin her. Phony stories, corruption charges, surveillance, primary challenges, no help from the DNC or the WH. Get with the president's program, or face the consequences. Biden doesn't know how to play hardball.
She's been paid by republican donors. Congress needs to make their salary. No more. No donations from anyone. Total financial transparency. Less holidays. No lifetime benefits. Congressional job requirements should include a minimum of a four year degree, pass physical/mental health eval and full time residency in the district they serve. They need to be held to the same ethical/behavioral standards we are. They should be paid the average income of the districts thet rep. No gerrymandering - no electoral college- simple majority rules. No filibuster. Pass voting rights. Expand scotus. Any elected/appointed official, media source etc... who spreads false information immediately fired/shut down. This is what we need. Common sense.
Agreed, except for the need for a degree. Not everyone does that path, and it certainly does not prove intelligents, I've met many a not so bright uni grad in my time.
It’s clear that she has a glaring personality disorder but I think her stance is more about the donations she gets from big Pharma and other donors. I wonder why so few commenters follow the money. The system is corrupt and people like Sinema and Manchin (fossil fuel industry) are being richly rewarded for protecting the interests of the powerful.
What you described in the above Dr. Reich is at the heart of the psychological evolution of our species. We are at a crossroads. We can go the way of Sinema or the the way of Martin Luther King. We as a nation are in the process of choosing the beliefs and assumptions, values and norms that will drive our civilization for the foreseeable future. The battle field of the new American revolution lies within the mind.
I feel exactly as you do. We are on the precipice staring out over the chasm and there's an evil wind at our backs...
My hopes for our nation and our species lie with the (mostly) under 40 crowd. They are BETTER than us (I'm over 60 and sadly am lumped in with the 'boomers' which I find distressing as the term is highly pejorative now). These young ppl know how to share, be considerate of and fair to all regardless of superficial aspects of a person, and KNOW that money is... let's just say, problematic.
Damn you better get in that bunker and try to ride out this horrific fourth reich you're about to live under. Either that or get ready to take up arms and be a resistance. Go hero, go!
This is just a fun gig for her, she’s not a believer in public service, obviously. I’m still somewhat surprised at the lack of qualifications required to be an elected official, but if a narcissistic sociopath, a crooked washed up TV reality show host can be president, we don’t have any standards, Kyrsten Sinema can be as nutty as she likes.
I got on her government site and attached Robert's newsletter. I wish we all would do that, because no has said it better. It will make her angry and cry.
Thank you so much for doing this (referring to the overall project, not merely this specific post; sorry to be off-topic). But I just wanted to say that I’m thrilled to be a part of this and have the utmost respect for everything you’re doing, and I look forward to checking out Office Hours! I’ve been having a particularly hard day and signing up for this just made it a little better. Hats off to us all for participating!
Manchin and Sinema reached a deal with McConnell during the the month that McConnell refused to call a session handing the 'gavel' to Schumer. McConnell finally did so only after reaching a deal with Manchin and Sinema. Has any reporter ever asked what that deal entailed? Sinema turned on a dime after that 'deal' was struck, so what was she promised? Clearly it was enough to sell out her party, and her country.
Didnt j ow that. Finally making sense now! They are clearly using the same stall tactic that Rep used on Obama- use "negotiations" as the stall tactic, in An effort to get to the midterms where you have the numbers to just outright obstruct.
Our clay ankles — these two senators who have debased themselves with lobbyist money and become drunk on their own power to destroy. Watching them from outside the halls of power is beyond demoralizing and underlines the helplessness we feel every day.
Rachel, I too often feel that helplessness, sometimes even hopelessness and hopelessness is what's gonna be the straw that breaks the back of democracy. I have daughters. I CARE about future gens (most Dems do I think) and it is for THEM that I fight. I'm crying right now writing this to you...
You are so right and perceptive: when people give me that pessimistic response about needed positive change oh, I ask them when they ever hear right-wing fanatics & Fundamentalists discount the possibility of the change they go for? NEVER!!! & that is exactly how they gained the power they now wield even know they are the minority. But it is a dangerous game so let them will. Power instead of talking to American people in ways that they can hear and then therefore come to understand. I rarely hear Democratic Leadership educating Americans in such a way. But I know because I talk to them everyday color that when they are given information most do come to understand, including that they need to be involved and take action. Even a small action, one phone call, can make a huge difference. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water
Then get a tissue, you insufferable drama queen.
Arizona Democrats - please censure this self-centered twit immediately and make sure she has no friends and no future in our party.
You got that right! I can't wait to get her OUT
Yes.
Sinema's become just another corrupt, self-serving politician, bought and paid for by corporate selfish interests, and easily manipulated by flattery. Maybe she supported Ralph Nader, not because she believed in his policy positions, but because she liked the idea of being a rebel sticking it to the establishment. Contrast with Rep. Cori Bush, who was homeless for a time, and doesn't want her constituents to suffer as she did.
I'm a Dem drowning in a sea of trump's braindead army in the state of AZ (thank you for the sympathy). Just sent your succinct message to sin-enema. She has heard from me many times as I have believed she was receptive to voter input. That foolish hope is now dead
But I SHALL continue the good fight!
Thank you!
You probably moved here from CA.
BINGO! And spent the first 60 years of my life in LA County on top of it. I don't share that demographic info around here much...
So you moved to AZ because California politics ruined that state (my brother lives there and is definitely looking at moving) and now you complain about life in AZ, huh? So you want AZ to change to CA? You are the problem.
No, you are the problem. We’re like minded people on this platform and you’re not one of us! Troll much?
ONE OF US ONE OF US! Like the sideshow freaks!
Darci:
It is a free country. If Robert Reich wants to delete my account, so be it - it is his website. I am simply presenting another side of the story. For what it is worth, I voted for Biden simply because I thought he was going to be centrist. So I am certainly disappointed.
You are delusional if you think every Democrat is a torch-bearing "progressive."
The fact that you think this is a free country is hilarious. I’m all for helping people I guess I’m a torch bearing progressive, not an uptight centrist.
Maybe you think “centrist” means Republican?
Joe Sandovaljust now
Torch bearing? Helping people is not Torch bearing. You are part of the problem and the reason this country is headed towards disaster, now shut the fuck up you asswipe piece of shit
Simple minded.
Moving back to CA because AZ if full of nuts wanting to carry guns around.
Aw poor baby.
Best news yet
So please go back to CA and leave AZ alone
Thank you.
You sound like the biggest self-important ass on the planet.
As one of her constituents, I can freely say she is a complete disaster and nothing like she portrayed herself as when we voted for her. Can’t wait until we can replace her with a real Democrat.
I agree, but personality disorder? Idk, because she is wrapped up in the the money end of it and her yes sayers. Manchin don't give a fig.
I think it’s both (and doesn’t one possibly inform the other?).
I think President Biden should invite her into his office & recite your letter to her. Maybe make an audio tape on a loop & make her listen to it until she comes back to reality.
If LBJ was in the White House, he would call Sinema into his office and make sure no one else was present. Then he'd tell her just how much power he has to make sure she will never be reelected to Congress or any other elected office. He's make it clear that he has the power to ruin her. Phony stories, corruption charges, surveillance, primary challenges, no help from the DNC or the WH. Get with the president's program, or face the consequences. Biden doesn't know how to play hardball.
I’m not fully in favor of this, but I love imagining it!
I'm not sure they would be phony stories at all because I think the Repubs and lobbyist already got her snatch so she's dug into their mud.
She's been paid by republican donors. Congress needs to make their salary. No more. No donations from anyone. Total financial transparency. Less holidays. No lifetime benefits. Congressional job requirements should include a minimum of a four year degree, pass physical/mental health eval and full time residency in the district they serve. They need to be held to the same ethical/behavioral standards we are. They should be paid the average income of the districts thet rep. No gerrymandering - no electoral college- simple majority rules. No filibuster. Pass voting rights. Expand scotus. Any elected/appointed official, media source etc... who spreads false information immediately fired/shut down. This is what we need. Common sense.
Agreed, except for the need for a degree. Not everyone does that path, and it certainly does not prove intelligents, I've met many a not so bright uni grad in my time.
Only the rich can afford a degree.
Brilliant and deep thoughts.
It’s clear that she has a glaring personality disorder but I think her stance is more about the donations she gets from big Pharma and other donors. I wonder why so few commenters follow the money. The system is corrupt and people like Sinema and Manchin (fossil fuel industry) are being richly rewarded for protecting the interests of the powerful.
AMEN!
Clear. Thanks for the diagnosis, doctor.
The narcissist's pronouns: me/my/mine
Nothing like hittin' the nail on the head...
What you described in the above Dr. Reich is at the heart of the psychological evolution of our species. We are at a crossroads. We can go the way of Sinema or the the way of Martin Luther King. We as a nation are in the process of choosing the beliefs and assumptions, values and norms that will drive our civilization for the foreseeable future. The battle field of the new American revolution lies within the mind.
I feel exactly as you do. We are on the precipice staring out over the chasm and there's an evil wind at our backs...
My hopes for our nation and our species lie with the (mostly) under 40 crowd. They are BETTER than us (I'm over 60 and sadly am lumped in with the 'boomers' which I find distressing as the term is highly pejorative now). These young ppl know how to share, be considerate of and fair to all regardless of superficial aspects of a person, and KNOW that money is... let's just say, problematic.
We just gotta get them to vote!!!!
Boomers knew these things in our youth. But we forgot once we got started up the ladder of success.
Damn you better get in that bunker and try to ride out this horrific fourth reich you're about to live under. Either that or get ready to take up arms and be a resistance. Go hero, go!
Wow! Mr.Reich knocks it out of the park! I haven't had a good laugh/cry like that in a while.
This is just a fun gig for her, she’s not a believer in public service, obviously. I’m still somewhat surprised at the lack of qualifications required to be an elected official, but if a narcissistic sociopath, a crooked washed up TV reality show host can be president, we don’t have any standards, Kyrsten Sinema can be as nutty as she likes.
Did you email that to her? PERFECT!
Now I will. Thanks for a great idea. I may send it to Manchin, too.
PLEASE DO!!!
Done, and to Manchin. I wonder if either will get it.
Dean, I'm writing about Manchin right now. (You'll have it in a few hours.)
Should he be beaten like you suggested should be done to Sinema when you were drunk tweeting at 1 AM?
Oh, I believe they will feel that sting, but only briefly as they prepare for the next camera shot.
Yeah you get right on that!
I got on her government site and attached Robert's newsletter. I wish we all would do that, because no has said it better. It will make her angry and cry.
Thank you so much for doing this (referring to the overall project, not merely this specific post; sorry to be off-topic). But I just wanted to say that I’m thrilled to be a part of this and have the utmost respect for everything you’re doing, and I look forward to checking out Office Hours! I’ve been having a particularly hard day and signing up for this just made it a little better. Hats off to us all for participating!
Thanks, Grace. Glad this letter made your day a little better!
I do believe Mr. Reich has captured sinema's psyche.
Manchin and Sinema reached a deal with McConnell during the the month that McConnell refused to call a session handing the 'gavel' to Schumer. McConnell finally did so only after reaching a deal with Manchin and Sinema. Has any reporter ever asked what that deal entailed? Sinema turned on a dime after that 'deal' was struck, so what was she promised? Clearly it was enough to sell out her party, and her country.
Didnt j ow that. Finally making sense now! They are clearly using the same stall tactic that Rep used on Obama- use "negotiations" as the stall tactic, in An effort to get to the midterms where you have the numbers to just outright obstruct.
Very good point. Interesting question. Hope Rachel Maddow gets down on this.
No pun intended, I hope...
Also, what do you mean "get off my lawn?" I'd stomp on it with both cleats, good that I don't own any. lol
No stalking, please, but I aspire to lawn ownership, and all it enables...
Smirk, lol ha ha ha ha. Hadn't thought of that, I guess because she's not may cup of tea.
Great point - I hope a reporter asks her that question and doesn't take no comment for an answer.
Manchin also needs to be asked that question of course and there is no executive privilege attached to such deals!!