YES! Professor Reich and Heather - the Dems need to join together and voice messages over and over again until it is all anyone hears; WE ARE PRO-DEMOCRACY! WE ARE THE TRUE PATRIOTS AND AMERICA’S GREATEST! We MUST grow thicker skin, put on the gloves and fight fire with fire with regards to our message.
I haven’t been here of late as I have Omicron and only just today feel a bit better. I am fully boosted and this thing kicked my tuchus… Mask up, and please keep safe, everyone!
I enjoyed listening to your coffee time and will tune into the Simpson’s tomorrow…
Here in South Dakota, it is literally becoming Gilead. The legislature and governor actually write bills against our People's Referendums(PO) that pass! Now on the ballot for the primaries(when less people vote), is a Legislature Referendum against the whole process of our People's Referendums, which would require a 60% vote for a PO to pass!!! We are seeing book burnings and a destructive abortion bill being put in place. We already have a huge brain drain and our youth moving away. These radicals will not stop their fascist march until it hurts them financially. The only thing that will save our state from these radicals is a boycott on our tourism(we are the Mt. Rushmore State) which our state depends on, for these Christo-fascists to go back under their rocks.
It seems important to distinguish between "optimism" (everything will be fine, eventually) and "hope" (it might not be fine but I/we have a vision for what it would take and I/we're going to fight like hell to try and make it happen). Optimism is simply another form of denial in my view. Hope is more realistic and tenacious. Example: Vaclav Havel was a hopeful person but not an optimist. (see his essay on "The Politics of Hope" in "Disturbing the Peace", pp.180ff)
Here in South Dakota, it is literally becoming Gilead. The legislature and governor actually write bills against our People's Referendums(PO) that pass! Now on the ballot for the primaries(when less people vote), is a Legislature Referendum against the whole process of our People's Referendums, which would require a 60% vote for a PO to pass!!! We are seeing book burnings and a destructive abortion bill being put in place. We already have a huge brain drain and our youth moving away. These radicals will not stop their fascist march until it hurts them financially. The only thing that will save our state from these radicals is a boycott on our tourism(We are the Mt. Rushmore State) which our state depends on, for these Christo-fascists to go back under their rocks.
Heather has a mellifluous voice and seems like she would be a great singer! I love her voice! I would rather see Bob dance because he is a great dancer! A little bit like a hesitant Fred Astaire!
Thanks Bob. You have so much more visibility and recognition than the rest of us. I am so glad that you continue to use your platform so rigorously. Maybe the Dems will actually listen to you. Like you said (to paraphrase); the anti-Democracy forces aren't even trying to hide their disdain or greed any longer. They couldn't care less about bettering the lives of the citizens of the USA.
When I optimistically voted for Joe Biden, I believed quite naively that the Progressive Era might be upon us. Ordinary working people would have a chance at decent and rewarding lives; people of color, women, disabled people, LGBTQ people, Native Americans; we would all enjoy peace and prosperity on a national, even global, level; we would all see our needs, concerns, and rights considered and addressed; our leader Joe Biden would step up to the plate and strive to emulate his role models: the Roosevelts and particularly, FDR. I was counting a lot on Joe Biden although I had my misgivings about his ability to take action and go out on a limb for the sake of his nation and the world. I expected that he would face a united Trump-party posing as Republicans, but I also hoped he would use whatever legal and Constitutional means to drive his initiative and agenda. (I thought that, since he readily rescinded Trump's often unconstitutional Executive Orders, that he would be ready with his own EOs in order to remedy lamentable economic and social inequities and deal with Trumpy stagnation in Congress.) Well, it has turned out as I feared: Joe is much more willing to compromise on his (our?) ideals and get along with the Trumpists than he claimed. He is more than willing to sacrifice his (our?) agenda for the sake of unity and agreement, never realizing that, as the Trumpists gain political power and influence over the non-critical thinking/skills set, the majority of Americans are steadily losing whatever influence and power-in-unity they had. The Trumpists are an anti-Democracy (democracy) party and they are steadily gaining in power and strength as they continue to divide and conquer/to vote down needed legislation and to force people into fear and submission. At this point, I do not know what the future will bring and I hesitate to predict since my previous prediction (about what Joe would do when put to the test, that is, cave or back down) seems to have been very accurate. I would hope that the essential progressive ideal of a majority of Progressives gains the upper hand but I do not know that this is so---no one knows that. What it comes down to for me is reading candidate statements and written letters of support, trying to select the most avowed progressives and hope that they will carry through, and hoping that the candidate in national office in 2024 (on the Progressive side) will do her best to follow through on the promises she has made. (I tend to support the likes of Elizabeth Warren or Stacey Abrams--that is why I have used the female pronouns!) If we had elected Bernie Sanders (as I hoped) we would be in a different place as Bernie would carry through on his promises and not deal them away as Joe BIden has. Did Joe ever stop to think that there were many of us who were counting on him to carry through and stick to his FDR role model? To resort to the EO tactic Trump used to his own advantage, to cement his personal power, but that an FDR inspired Joe BIden might turn to for the benefit of the people and not for personal gain? There were and still are many who cling to that belief and hope that Biden might decide to serve the people and use whatever constitutional means necessary to do so. Does he have some constitutional tricks up his sleeve? I don't know but I sure hope so.
We need to first, start using descriptive language. Republicans are NOT conservative. They are fascists. We should never use any other word to describe them. We are conservative, in that when we are in power, the deficit goes down, we want to conserve energy, conserve the planet.
Republicans are for mandatory motherhood - pro birth. They are anti lifers except for embryos. They love the death penalty.
Democrats are for democracy, which requires an educated citizenship. It requires a healthy populace. These are the things we support.
And finally, the opposite of woke is asleep. Can we not point out that being woke means we are awake and these people want everyone asleep so the asleep people will not notice human cruelty dishonesty, lies and cheating.
I really think we democrats have always shown a reluctance to paint pictures in black and white. If we are going to hang on to a democracy, we had better start calling shots more clearly.
Seriously, even though the milieu regarding robber barons is similar it is in no way the same as the 1890’s. The robbers are much more powerful and sophisticated! We lose now, I’m afraid we lose forever.
Many of the subscribers have commended how perplex they are that the Democratic Party has been so complacent and docile with the Republican Party. I have wonder often as to why the Democratic Party is not aggressively addressing the attacks coming from the Republican Party. I am suspecting that the Democratic party is being paid to be docile. We need to gradually replace all of the Democratic membership in the party serving in the House of Representative and in the Senate as well as in the Headquarter Office. They should be replaced with smart younger aggressive men and women. People that know how to debate using the facts and who have the ability to educate the masses within our country that do not know how our governmental system works. Believe me there are many citizens that have no idea how democracy functions, nor how the power structure develops and pressures government to pass laws or block laws.
In addition, we need to establish term limits, so that no one becomes too comfortable in their position so as to become low hanging fruits ready to be picked. At 76 and being actively involved in some elections, I have seen a lot. If what we have now is not working, it is time to make changes.
It is true that the demographic of America has been changing. What we see happening now in response to these changes is not a surprise to me and many other Americans. To be truthfully, we expected the ticking bomb to have gone off earlier.
Robert, I want it to be clear that I’m grateful for your insight, even though I’m a socialist, not a capitalist. Thanks for your good humor and cheerfulness, and striving to encourage people.
Do you think the term ‘conservative’ still applies to republican politicians? The loudest voices on that side seem fascist to me.
YES! Professor Reich and Heather - the Dems need to join together and voice messages over and over again until it is all anyone hears; WE ARE PRO-DEMOCRACY! WE ARE THE TRUE PATRIOTS AND AMERICA’S GREATEST! We MUST grow thicker skin, put on the gloves and fight fire with fire with regards to our message.
I haven’t been here of late as I have Omicron and only just today feel a bit better. I am fully boosted and this thing kicked my tuchus… Mask up, and please keep safe, everyone!
I enjoyed listening to your coffee time and will tune into the Simpson’s tomorrow…
🌻
Here in South Dakota, it is literally becoming Gilead. The legislature and governor actually write bills against our People's Referendums(PO) that pass! Now on the ballot for the primaries(when less people vote), is a Legislature Referendum against the whole process of our People's Referendums, which would require a 60% vote for a PO to pass!!! We are seeing book burnings and a destructive abortion bill being put in place. We already have a huge brain drain and our youth moving away. These radicals will not stop their fascist march until it hurts them financially. The only thing that will save our state from these radicals is a boycott on our tourism(we are the Mt. Rushmore State) which our state depends on, for these Christo-fascists to go back under their rocks.
It seems important to distinguish between "optimism" (everything will be fine, eventually) and "hope" (it might not be fine but I/we have a vision for what it would take and I/we're going to fight like hell to try and make it happen). Optimism is simply another form of denial in my view. Hope is more realistic and tenacious. Example: Vaclav Havel was a hopeful person but not an optimist. (see his essay on "The Politics of Hope" in "Disturbing the Peace", pp.180ff)
You, on Fox? Who’da thunk it 😉
Thank you so much for the work you do. I find it informative and inspiring. Best wishes.
Here in South Dakota, it is literally becoming Gilead. The legislature and governor actually write bills against our People's Referendums(PO) that pass! Now on the ballot for the primaries(when less people vote), is a Legislature Referendum against the whole process of our People's Referendums, which would require a 60% vote for a PO to pass!!! We are seeing book burnings and a destructive abortion bill being put in place. We already have a huge brain drain and our youth moving away. These radicals will not stop their fascist march until it hurts them financially. The only thing that will save our state from these radicals is a boycott on our tourism(We are the Mt. Rushmore State) which our state depends on, for these Christo-fascists to go back under their rocks.
Heather has a mellifluous voice and seems like she would be a great singer! I love her voice! I would rather see Bob dance because he is a great dancer! A little bit like a hesitant Fred Astaire!
I've always read the word "conservative" as "selfish."
Thanks Bob. You have so much more visibility and recognition than the rest of us. I am so glad that you continue to use your platform so rigorously. Maybe the Dems will actually listen to you. Like you said (to paraphrase); the anti-Democracy forces aren't even trying to hide their disdain or greed any longer. They couldn't care less about bettering the lives of the citizens of the USA.
When I optimistically voted for Joe Biden, I believed quite naively that the Progressive Era might be upon us. Ordinary working people would have a chance at decent and rewarding lives; people of color, women, disabled people, LGBTQ people, Native Americans; we would all enjoy peace and prosperity on a national, even global, level; we would all see our needs, concerns, and rights considered and addressed; our leader Joe Biden would step up to the plate and strive to emulate his role models: the Roosevelts and particularly, FDR. I was counting a lot on Joe Biden although I had my misgivings about his ability to take action and go out on a limb for the sake of his nation and the world. I expected that he would face a united Trump-party posing as Republicans, but I also hoped he would use whatever legal and Constitutional means to drive his initiative and agenda. (I thought that, since he readily rescinded Trump's often unconstitutional Executive Orders, that he would be ready with his own EOs in order to remedy lamentable economic and social inequities and deal with Trumpy stagnation in Congress.) Well, it has turned out as I feared: Joe is much more willing to compromise on his (our?) ideals and get along with the Trumpists than he claimed. He is more than willing to sacrifice his (our?) agenda for the sake of unity and agreement, never realizing that, as the Trumpists gain political power and influence over the non-critical thinking/skills set, the majority of Americans are steadily losing whatever influence and power-in-unity they had. The Trumpists are an anti-Democracy (democracy) party and they are steadily gaining in power and strength as they continue to divide and conquer/to vote down needed legislation and to force people into fear and submission. At this point, I do not know what the future will bring and I hesitate to predict since my previous prediction (about what Joe would do when put to the test, that is, cave or back down) seems to have been very accurate. I would hope that the essential progressive ideal of a majority of Progressives gains the upper hand but I do not know that this is so---no one knows that. What it comes down to for me is reading candidate statements and written letters of support, trying to select the most avowed progressives and hope that they will carry through, and hoping that the candidate in national office in 2024 (on the Progressive side) will do her best to follow through on the promises she has made. (I tend to support the likes of Elizabeth Warren or Stacey Abrams--that is why I have used the female pronouns!) If we had elected Bernie Sanders (as I hoped) we would be in a different place as Bernie would carry through on his promises and not deal them away as Joe BIden has. Did Joe ever stop to think that there were many of us who were counting on him to carry through and stick to his FDR role model? To resort to the EO tactic Trump used to his own advantage, to cement his personal power, but that an FDR inspired Joe BIden might turn to for the benefit of the people and not for personal gain? There were and still are many who cling to that belief and hope that Biden might decide to serve the people and use whatever constitutional means necessary to do so. Does he have some constitutional tricks up his sleeve? I don't know but I sure hope so.
I do not like the Simpsons but I will watch it tomorrow night.
We need to first, start using descriptive language. Republicans are NOT conservative. They are fascists. We should never use any other word to describe them. We are conservative, in that when we are in power, the deficit goes down, we want to conserve energy, conserve the planet.
Republicans are for mandatory motherhood - pro birth. They are anti lifers except for embryos. They love the death penalty.
Democrats are for democracy, which requires an educated citizenship. It requires a healthy populace. These are the things we support.
And finally, the opposite of woke is asleep. Can we not point out that being woke means we are awake and these people want everyone asleep so the asleep people will not notice human cruelty dishonesty, lies and cheating.
I really think we democrats have always shown a reluctance to paint pictures in black and white. If we are going to hang on to a democracy, we had better start calling shots more clearly.
Seriously, even though the milieu regarding robber barons is similar it is in no way the same as the 1890’s. The robbers are much more powerful and sophisticated! We lose now, I’m afraid we lose forever.
Many of the subscribers have commended how perplex they are that the Democratic Party has been so complacent and docile with the Republican Party. I have wonder often as to why the Democratic Party is not aggressively addressing the attacks coming from the Republican Party. I am suspecting that the Democratic party is being paid to be docile. We need to gradually replace all of the Democratic membership in the party serving in the House of Representative and in the Senate as well as in the Headquarter Office. They should be replaced with smart younger aggressive men and women. People that know how to debate using the facts and who have the ability to educate the masses within our country that do not know how our governmental system works. Believe me there are many citizens that have no idea how democracy functions, nor how the power structure develops and pressures government to pass laws or block laws.
In addition, we need to establish term limits, so that no one becomes too comfortable in their position so as to become low hanging fruits ready to be picked. At 76 and being actively involved in some elections, I have seen a lot. If what we have now is not working, it is time to make changes.
It is true that the demographic of America has been changing. What we see happening now in response to these changes is not a surprise to me and many other Americans. To be truthfully, we expected the ticking bomb to have gone off earlier.
Robert, I want it to be clear that I’m grateful for your insight, even though I’m a socialist, not a capitalist. Thanks for your good humor and cheerfulness, and striving to encourage people.