Our vote is our voice, our power and our wishes made known regarding the issues and politicians of the day! Every voter should make sure his/her voter registration is current and meets the demands that have been put in front of them - mostly by Republicans who want to stop people from voting in the first place.
Hard to believe so many are unregistered. I think Roe V Wade reversal will be an incentive. But on the news, despite a big majority wanting Roe V Wade & LGBTQ rights, they news anchors talk about interviewing BOTH sides without mentioning the massive % who want it in place. We’re going nothing to safeguard something else we take for granted, hearing the truth from our reporters.
The news - almost across the board - is EXTREMELY disappointing. Every day I still hear them and others, regardless of political leanings - REPEAT that it is "likely that the democrats will lose in the midterms." This is so irresponsible...unconscionable.
I think unless the media stops treating those who peddle lies and those who tell the truth as though they are both credible, we are lost. The other day I was listening to PBS interviewing one of the Qanon type candidates peddling lies and conspiracy theories and I became furious at PBS for not challenging the slop he was preaching.
The media has a lot to do with the outcome of the next election.
Me too! Why isn’t the mainstream media actually describing what fascism is, how it has ruined country after country, and pointing out fascist moves made by the reougnicians?
I find it very suspicious that a person went from the Democratic party to Republican over the vaccine. They were always right wing. They likely never really helped the Democratic party.
We still have the numbers to overwhelm the vote and as you say repeatedly, we must do everything in our power to vote (I already did) and to get others registered.
We must get the republicans out…can’t add much more stress to our situation, can we?
The United States IRS doesn’t recognize a blastocyst or an embryo or a fetus as a person for deduction. But you can be hunted down and imprisoned for aborting one by the United States.
Sarah, I have been impressed by Liz Cheney's composure in the January 6th hearings. While I agree that she is not someone I would be happy to vote for, the alternatives offered by the Republicans with the age of Trump are out and out fascists!
If I were in your shoes, I'd be voting the same way. Lesser of two evils in this case. I live in AZ and we can register as "No Party" and we then get to choose what primary ballot we want. I'll be receiving a Republucan one just so I can do my part try to get the less crazy ones out of the running in November. I'll likely have to vote for Mark Brnovich, our current AG who's running for Governor. And I cannot believe I'm typing this.
I've done similar! Yes, VERY sad to have to gerryrig at low levels in an attempt to get decency. I remember the days when it took very little (one little gaffe, even) to get someone bumped out of a race or even shamed into resigning. Sadly, we have come a loooong way from that.
There's nothing wrong with switching parties in order to have a say. My mom did that. When she lived in a conservative place, she registered as a Republican, because that's who won the general election. When she lived in a very liberal place, she registered as a Democrat for the same reason. When the balance is that obvious, voting in the primaries is the only way to have a say. And just because you're registered as a Republican doesn't mean you have to vote that way in the general election.
In 1996 I switched to Republican to vote in their presidential primary. Clinton ran unopposed & I wasn't that enthralled with him, anyway, while the Republican Party had numerous contenders, mostly horrendous, but one I liked pretty well, Richard Lugar. Well, he was too decent to have a chance, even back then.
at least you KNOW you'd be supporting someone willing to put everything on the line in support of COUNTRY over party or self!!!!! (and anyway, haven't we all had to hold our noses and vote for someone who is the lesser evil?.... altho I'd hardly consider Cheney "evil").
Sorry, that's the wrong answer. Giving up your voice in decisions about who will write laws is always a bad idea. On top of that Liz Cheney has been targeted by MAGA nation (Malevolent Autocrat Grifting America) and stands a strong chance of losing. Her alternative will undoubtedly be far worse. I'm no fan, but at least Ms. Cheney values our Constitutional principles.
Okay. Agreed. Harriet Hageman would be worse. What I really wanted to say was, yes, don't vote or vote Democratic. WE MUST VOTE EVERY REPUBLICAN OUT. THEY'RE FASCISTS!
A democrat cannot win in Wyoming. A vote for Liz Chaney makes sense. Ditto for Rusty Bower in Arizona. It's not black and white. Use your vote strategically to limit the damage if that is the only viable option.
Whoa, okay, I stand corrected but boy is that a bad omen for democracy in the United States. Republicans don't believe in democracy, they want an oligarchy. We're screwed. Like I said, Thursday, June 23rd. was probably our American Kristallnacht. Omg.
Note that Sarah said she was voting for Cheney *in the Republican primary*, not in the general election.
My mother just did the same in South Carolina: registered Republican so she could vote for the least-bad, sanest, most reality-based Republican in the primary where it matters, then cast a pointless protest vote for a Democrat in November.
Sarah. Liz, like her dad used the Wyoming voters to advance their political careers. She will be voted out in August. I was born and lived in Wyoming for over 30 years. Great people in a great state. Liz did not listen to her constituents. Politicians need to remember they work for us. Thank you for caring and stating your opinion.
If Liz Cheney listened to her constituents, she would not be in charge of the January 6th Commission. I think she has shown an amazing regard for the Country above Party. Do I like her politics? No...but I admire her courage and willingness to put her career on the line.
TL Mills. We elect politicians to listen to us. Not to do as they damn well please. They work for us. We pay their salaries with our tax money. Liz Cheney put herself about Wyoming. They will pay her back in August.
You are quite mistaken ma'am. We elect politicians to represent us, yes...whenever it's possible and practicable. We also elect them to help guide and govern our nation in ways that are in the best interest of the people and the country.
Liz Cheney did not put herself above Wyoming; Liz Cheney put OUR NATION above her own career. I think that's pretty heroic, myself. I have seldom agreed with her politics, but she has seemingly sacrificed her career for the sake of the country as a whole. But who knows, perhaps there are other Wyomingites who love democracy and this country and are also grateful. She might get re-elected.
I've always thought that a really good elected official - who is operating close to the "action" - should be able to explain a change in stands to his/her constituents, what led them to their new perspective, and the reasons it would benefit the constituents to consider a different approach, etc. I don't think I've ever witnessed or heard of that... except in the case of Jason Amash (a republican US House rep who was one of the first to call for trump's impeachment in 2019 and who tried several times to explain, in person, to voters what had led him to this and why they should consider his position).
“…most important thing we can do now is to mobilize like mad for the midterm elections. We need enough Democrats in the House and Senate to carve out exemptions from the filibuster and pass national laws that guard reproductive rights, sexual rights, marriage rights, voting rights, and the planet.” Mobilize like mad, yes, join the marches and protests, speak out. I joined the march in Sacramento, so far I’ve written 100 postcards to Arizona Dems reminding them to VOTE, it seems small, but together we can make a difference. We can’t stop working for justice; each day another assault on our Democracy reminds us how fragile it is. And we must keep marching and standing up for the equality so threatened by a repub assault, a concerted effort at dismantling our Democracy. Roe v Wade is only the first step. Clarence Thomas and SCOTUS are keeping their promises. We have to answer with action.
I agree with the spirit of this piece 100%. But I disagree with some of the statements. A small point: it is fallacious, in my opinion, to say that Democrats have a majority in the Senate as well as the House. In reality, Senators Manchin and Sinema are Republicans in their values and how they vote most of the time. Let us call them DINOS; they should not count as Democrat Senators. Second, I disagree that the main effort should be to amp up voter turnout this November though I support that completely. I think that the focus must be on passing a national voters right bill, to neutralise all the voter suppression laws enacted in the last year and a half by Republicans. Those laws mean that the game is already rigged to throw this election to the Republicans, even with increased voter turnout (which in fact is unlikely) and that has to be undone. I do not know how a national voting rights law can be passed, given Manchin and Sinema and the filibuster rule, but I do feel that the Biden administration should be giving it their every effort. There must be a way to change Senate rules and to get one or two Republicans to join this effort. If we humans were smart enough to put men on the moon and bring them back, surely it should not be beyond our intelligence to pass this most essential of laws?
Yes, absolutely! The utmost effort must be made to attain your regards so precisely stated.
Even tho the effort were to "fail" to bear immediate fruit, it would be helpful in shedding light where it is needed. Unfortunately, the Court has hamstrung our government to the point of making such an effort Sisyphean in nature. Nonetheless, it must be done. If nothing else, it would send a message to those classes struggling to vote, and to those of us sympathetic thereto, that some percentage of the elected officials actually gives a damn.
I don't think we can overlook what happened in GA, where in 2018 & 2020 a MASSIVE effort to get people registered and aware of the importance of it paid off, big time. It CAN be one. But the abortion issue HAS really angered many people who are not registered, but who ARE registering now. We must keep that momentum going, and also help them see that it's not only the federal level officials who require our focus, but down ticket too. In an ideal situation, also helping newbie voters also understand that the abortion issue is only one tiny part of a much bigger gop plan to move the country into autocracy.... sadly that can be too much for some who have not been paying attn to accept.
As someone who has been involved actively in the American gun issue for 30-40 years, I can state unequivocally that the Court's decision in the N.Y. case is nothing more than Uncaring Willful Ignorance. You call it a rogue court while Sen. Whitehouse calls it a captured court. Both apt.
The stench Justice Sotomayor speaks of is smelling stronger by the day.
It is interesting to see "justice" Thomas... oh-so-very-quiet all these years suddenly have such a big mouth.... ... .... I think of RBG all the time now, kinda glad to know she did not have to be involved in this, but also wondering what the impact of her presence might have been..
The Supreme Court rescinded - took away - Constitutional rights. This is unprecedented.
The only way to assure women's rights, gay rights, any rights at this point, is by federal legislation. This means we need to control the House and Senate.
What we must do:
1. Become acutely aware of the field. There are Senate seats in the toss-up column for this November. They are Senator Warnock, Georgia, Senator Mark Kelly, Arizona, Senator Cortez Masto, S Nevada, Senator Ron Johnson, Wisconsin, and the open seat in Pennsylvania. We must win them . As of now Democrats are in control of 36 state legislative chambers. Republicans 62. We must have control of the state houses in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada. If we don't, we lose 2024. We must also have Democratic Secretaries of State and state Supreme Court justices In these battleground states. If we don't, we lose 2024. For information on the House seats, see https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings.
2. We must get out the vote this November among young people, suburban women, urban people, white people, people of color in each of these states.
3. Support the states that are taking independent actions to protect women's rights. States that will or have codified right to an abortion: Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Maine, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, D.C.. Boycott states that have banned abortions: Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky. Vote with your suitcase, vote with your wallet.
4. If you live in Maine, or know people who live in Maine, now would be a great time to tell your Senator Susan Collins to commit to voting for a federal Roe protection law. The same goes for West Virginia and Senator Joe Manchin. NOW.
Martha, I would add to your list in point 1 Tim Ryan in Ohio for U.S. Senate. Robert Reich and Sherrod Brown endorse him. Democrats who speak like regular folks, as Ryan does, can win in competitive states.
Martha, I note you listed states, wherein, you assert, we must have control of state houses lest we lose 24. In my view, the backup plan B is to prevent Republicans from attaining trifecta control—control of both legislative state houses and the governorship, thus blocking Republicans from changing state election rules to change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified, let alone changing how 2024 electors are awarded.
Beautifully stated, Professor Reich. Your piece this morning voiced my thoughts exactly.
We must not despair, au contraire - we must channel our energies into change! All weekend I have been thinking how important it is for this to motivate every woman (and man) to vote, and contribute what we can; be it time, talent or treasure, to gain seats in both the House and the Senate. I can think of no other way for our voices to be heard loudly and clearly than at the polls.
It would be nice to see Kavanaugh and Gorsuch impeached but I doubt if it will happen, plus we don’t have time before the mid-terms. What we really need to see is justice served by the former occupant of the People’s House being indicted, then convicted. I think the January 6th Committee is doing an outstanding job at making the case against trump.
Thank you for your wise words; they are a big comfort. 🌻
Why not trump's appointees? They perjured themselves during the Senate confirmation hearings. Would the Senators have voted to approve had they known that the appointees were lying?
@diana. I don't oppose AOC's proposal at all. Impeach them all if you can! However, I specialize in trying to think through what is possible. Congress could likely only process one impeachment challenge at a time. I have never heard of a group impeachment? My thinking is that Thomas and his wife have violated judicial standards (and worse) and that an impeachment could proceed on grounds other than (what could be called) political issues. If it stopped there, getting rid of one arch conservative ideologue would be good. However, if Democrats are returned to power in 2024 general elections, either additional impeachments OR possibly expanding the court to 11 could be undertaken.
Benjamin R. Stockton ; you write ; "I have never heard of a group impeachment?", I think it would be interesting to at least call for impeachment of the tRump appointed justices because they are political picks, and the twice impeached and endlessly investigated former guy certainly was not qualified to select Supreme Court Justices. It was done in an unfair partisan manner with Speaker McConnell's questionable 'rules' that even he did not follow when they stacked the Court. After all ; We have never seen Constitutional rights just thrown out either. They have taken over the court in a very destructive way. Women will die as a result of these Draconian new 'laws'. And they are clearly not done! This is war.
@Laurie. This is war! Senate Majority Leader McConnell cheated like crazy and Obama could not or did not muster a challenge to that spurious rule making on the fly. That single transaction made the difference if you look at 6-3 minus one of the 6 (5) and plus one for the liberals (4). Even that disadvantage would put Roberts in position to better defend the legitimacy of the Court which he might have been of a mind to do where Roe is concerned.
If that kind of cheating cannot find remedy by the Supreme Court where can it be found?! How bad does it have to get before Justice actually rules? We try to run a marathon in leg irons. How many decades do we have to wait for a legitimate judicial system?
Benjamin, I would note expanding the High Court to 11 seems arbitrary. Were we to follow precedent, the number would be 13. Let me explain. In 1789, there were 6 federal circuit courts and 6 justices, each of whom was assigned to one of the lower courts. Today, there are 13 federal circuit courts and only 9 justices, resulting, some have argued, in reducing the number of cases the High Court can hear.
Kind of like the ridiculous imbalance of the weight of votes because of the Electoral College ; another vestigial appendage of tyranny that is wholly not Democratic. They hamstring Democracy in every way and get away with it!
Laurie, I imagine you are aware, if the Republicans retake the Senate, that McConnell has made clear he will dispense with the filibuster to advance legislation that fixes the number of High Court justices at 9.
@Barbara Jo. I note that you mount a strong argument, one that ought to be used in the debate about this issue. However, as a pragmatic consideration it looks insurmountable to move forward on an expansion from 9 to 13. In a start small and build approach, and not letting perfection be the enemy of progress, impeaching Thomas would open up a slot for a rational, secular, honest Justice while leaving the number at 9. Good, but not enough given the remaining 5, but also putting the Chief Justice back in a position of influence. There is a lot to think about on this question....
Benjamin, However ugly the facts, I find it inconceivable that two-thirds of the Senate would vote to convict and remove Thomas. Bottom line: Senate Republicans never would vote against Thomas and give Biden another Supreme Court pick.
Yes, I agree that impeachment of any justice may be impossible. Impeachment requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate, and it seems that will be difficult to attain, no matter how abominable the conduct.
Completely agree about Thomas (and his extremist nut-job wife) being removed from public view. How can we do this from a criminal perspective? It is VERY unlikely that the republican senators would kick out their own. Also, as many have realized recently, the supreme court does NOT adhere to ANY published ethical requirements. They do as they want to do. Period. This is reason for supreme court TERM LIMITS as 5-6 justices appear easily purchased or provided for selection. Just ask leonard leo.
We MUST get out and vote in every election to counteract this extremely partisan Supreme court (two ultra-conservative justices were crammed in the court in a very illegitamate manner) and the do-nothing Republican Congress. The justices have already indicated that they will be going after more rights that the majority of Americans want. This minority rule needs to end.
Margaret, Recently I’ve started informally field testing a possible Democratic slogan “No More Minority Veto over the Will of the Majority.” This particularly would apply not only to the High Court, wherein 5 ultra conservative Justices were appointed by presidents who lost the popular vote (W. Bush in his 1st term) but also to the Senate filibuster, wherein the minority repeatedly has blocked legislation favored by the majority from advancing. Thoughts?
I am nearing 92 years of age and I left Europe with my parents during the holocaust. Now I recognize signs that I saw in Europe in 1939. Books are banned--will they be burned next? Our government is sadly turning to fascism; for me, sadly, it is deja vue and I am frightened for my country.
You are right to be afraid. The lessons of the past are not being shared with our youth, and if they are not, then the tragedy of the past will be repeated. Civics and world history need to be taught in all schools. Please share your story with all who will listen. Thank you.
Robert, great message. It is so difficult to be positive or even optimistic about what lies ahead for this American Democratic experiment. It seems we are at a point where "if we can keep it" looms large for this country. It is important that we not let the barrage of attacks on rights and issue grievances by the right wing nuts cloud the way forward on getting people out to vote, IMO. You keep us focused on the issues that matter and motivate us to action, it is greatly appreciated. It is an excellent audio and video contribution, as usual. Thanks for all you do.
I am about the same age as Professor Reich. I remember being taught in the 5th grade that democracy depends on an educated public, a strong middle class, and a free press. These premises were no fiction or propaganda. They were based on the experience of the rise of the Third Reich. I was born in 1944 in a Jewish ghetto in Shanghai, my parents being refugees from Nazi Austria. So I have had these principles on my radar since the 5th grade, and watched them with fear and sadness slowly be dismantled. It has been our COLLECTIVE belief that US is greatest in the world and that our institutions are infallible. That belief has allowed us to shut our eyes and cease to excercise our democratic muscles in favor of "bread and circuses".
That didn’t work out as well as they had hoped. So, from what I’m seeing, they learned a lesson from that failed attempt and today are doing everything in their power to instigate their opponents, us, to start the war.
If we don’t mobilize and vote enough Democrats into office in ‘22 and ‘24 we are in for a tailspin. And quite possibly a 2nd US Civil War, instigated by the minority, but initiated by the majority.
So:
1) Trump and his Lieutenants need to be indicted and held accountable.
2) Massive, peaceful protests MUST be organized.
3) We need to “Get Out The Vote!”
4) Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. Truth over propaganda.
@Todd. I fear you are right but I hope we can prevent the conflict from becoming actual war. But forces of right and reason are in the majority; roughly double the number. But the freaks on the far right seem much more ready to use violence. That plus the penetration of police and armed forces by right winger's, is a serious worry.
But I also feel, and fear, that unless the right wing is irrefutably discredited by tge masses, they will continue to harass and back people into a corner until there appears to be no other recourse.
sigh, as often happens, you post when I "should" be asleep.
First and most important, Thank you for this and more important for you work on combating inequality of both wealth and income in the USA.
I am about 7 years younger than you are. I am not as smart as you are, I am much poorer then you are. I am sicker then you. Those facts color my opinion.
When I got out of bed, I was thinking "Was life better in my youth? "
Your tell people " I grew up in an America that expanded constitutional rights, battled racism and protected voting rights, and enlarged the middle class"
I wonder if you think was over by 1976. I suspect you do. I think I do. I say, I think, because I have not written what I thought about writing and I often do not know what I think until i write it.
I am thinking of 1976 - 1980.
Well I am going back to bed, I have a meeting in 4 hours, where I will be trying to make the world a better place.
Yes, this downward spiral began in the early 70’s when businesses began monopolizing, growing into “Too Big To Fail” Big Businesses and funding their lackey candidates. There are additional factors, but, follow the money.
Fred....I grew up in the 50's and 60's. I lived in an unairconditioned shack in Florida. I was poor. I grew up and joined the Army and got a free ride to Vietnam.
Robert, you are so correct that we are unaware of the fragility of our democracy. We do take things for granted, although many people still alive already protested for Roe V Wade back in the 70s.
The deadly lies on the news are very difficult to overcome, but radio & media are controlled by FCC laws, correct? Why wasn’t action taken? This is illegal when it results in harm.
It’s not just about the will to vote, which is ALL we have at this time, it’s about enforcing the laws and the punishments equitably. We have not done that, then lost control of that to the impeachable SCOTUS.
I have said this before but the only way we have any chance this fall is to come out to vote in such ginormous numbers that Republican voter suppression tactics will be ineffective, paling by our sheer huge numbers. Then, there would be NO DOUBT as to what we the people want.
Voting for competent leaders in the states and federal legislatures is the only solution.
Field Team six has a database of millions of unregistered likely Democratic women. Contact Jason Berlin: jason@fieldteam6.org
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Mr. Solomon, you have inspired me, I just sent away for 50 fieldteam 6 postcards, and will get to sending them off as soon as I receive them.
Our vote is our voice, our power and our wishes made known regarding the issues and politicians of the day! Every voter should make sure his/her voter registration is current and meets the demands that have been put in front of them - mostly by Republicans who want to stop people from voting in the first place.
Field Team six has a database of millions of unregistered likely Democratic women. Contact Jason Berlin: jason@fieldteam6.org
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Hard to believe so many are unregistered. I think Roe V Wade reversal will be an incentive. But on the news, despite a big majority wanting Roe V Wade & LGBTQ rights, they news anchors talk about interviewing BOTH sides without mentioning the massive % who want it in place. We’re going nothing to safeguard something else we take for granted, hearing the truth from our reporters.
The news - almost across the board - is EXTREMELY disappointing. Every day I still hear them and others, regardless of political leanings - REPEAT that it is "likely that the democrats will lose in the midterms." This is so irresponsible...unconscionable.
So true. Unconscionable!
I think unless the media stops treating those who peddle lies and those who tell the truth as though they are both credible, we are lost. The other day I was listening to PBS interviewing one of the Qanon type candidates peddling lies and conspiracy theories and I became furious at PBS for not challenging the slop he was preaching.
The media has a lot to do with the outcome of the next election.
Maggie mac, I completely agree. This is most responsible for what got us to where we are today!
If this isn’t stopped we cannot stop the lies.
I know! The insistence of the mainstream media to normalize the politics of the whackadoodle fascist far right is driving me crazy.
Me too! Why isn’t the mainstream media actually describing what fascism is, how it has ruined country after country, and pointing out fascist moves made by the reougnicians?
Only about 9% want it to include rape, incest. Republican party is working on a national 100% prohibition.
Meanwhile, we have the capacity to convince a lot of Republicans that their party is the enemy. Sorry to report that some Trump supporters are pro-choice and want gun restrictions. They apparently have been outworking and undermining us. https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-covid-health-presidential-e50db07385831e67f866ec45402be8b9
I find it very suspicious that a person went from the Democratic party to Republican over the vaccine. They were always right wing. They likely never really helped the Democratic party.
We still have the numbers to overwhelm the vote and as you say repeatedly, we must do everything in our power to vote (I already did) and to get others registered.
We must get the republicans out…can’t add much more stress to our situation, can we?
Molly Ciliberti
just now
The United States IRS doesn’t recognize a blastocyst or an embryo or a fetus as a person for deduction. But you can be hunted down and imprisoned for aborting one by the United States.
In some circles they feel that they have to register Republican due to peer pressure, family pressure, implied threats by employers.
Need to show them that they are not alone.
I ask what to do if their 10 year old daughter is raped by a demented, syphilitic, imbecile.
Very true.. So sad: what you do in the voting booth is supposed to be private!
Good point Daniel.
Sarah, I have been impressed by Liz Cheney's composure in the January 6th hearings. While I agree that she is not someone I would be happy to vote for, the alternatives offered by the Republicans with the age of Trump are out and out fascists!
If I were in your shoes, I'd be voting the same way. Lesser of two evils in this case. I live in AZ and we can register as "No Party" and we then get to choose what primary ballot we want. I'll be receiving a Republucan one just so I can do my part try to get the less crazy ones out of the running in November. I'll likely have to vote for Mark Brnovich, our current AG who's running for Governor. And I cannot believe I'm typing this.
I've done similar! Yes, VERY sad to have to gerryrig at low levels in an attempt to get decency. I remember the days when it took very little (one little gaffe, even) to get someone bumped out of a race or even shamed into resigning. Sadly, we have come a loooong way from that.
There's nothing wrong with switching parties in order to have a say. My mom did that. When she lived in a conservative place, she registered as a Republican, because that's who won the general election. When she lived in a very liberal place, she registered as a Democrat for the same reason. When the balance is that obvious, voting in the primaries is the only way to have a say. And just because you're registered as a Republican doesn't mean you have to vote that way in the general election.
In 1996 I switched to Republican to vote in their presidential primary. Clinton ran unopposed & I wasn't that enthralled with him, anyway, while the Republican Party had numerous contenders, mostly horrendous, but one I liked pretty well, Richard Lugar. Well, he was too decent to have a chance, even back then.
at least you KNOW you'd be supporting someone willing to put everything on the line in support of COUNTRY over party or self!!!!! (and anyway, haven't we all had to hold our noses and vote for someone who is the lesser evil?.... altho I'd hardly consider Cheney "evil").
Are you aware that Liz Cheney SUPPORTS her party's voter suppression/nullification? Lady, stay away from the polls. Please, don't vote.
Sorry, that's the wrong answer. Giving up your voice in decisions about who will write laws is always a bad idea. On top of that Liz Cheney has been targeted by MAGA nation (Malevolent Autocrat Grifting America) and stands a strong chance of losing. Her alternative will undoubtedly be far worse. I'm no fan, but at least Ms. Cheney values our Constitutional principles.
Okay. Agreed. Harriet Hageman would be worse. What I really wanted to say was, yes, don't vote or vote Democratic. WE MUST VOTE EVERY REPUBLICAN OUT. THEY'RE FASCISTS!
A democrat cannot win in Wyoming. A vote for Liz Chaney makes sense. Ditto for Rusty Bower in Arizona. It's not black and white. Use your vote strategically to limit the damage if that is the only viable option.
Whoa, okay, I stand corrected but boy is that a bad omen for democracy in the United States. Republicans don't believe in democracy, they want an oligarchy. We're screwed. Like I said, Thursday, June 23rd. was probably our American Kristallnacht. Omg.
Note that Sarah said she was voting for Cheney *in the Republican primary*, not in the general election.
My mother just did the same in South Carolina: registered Republican so she could vote for the least-bad, sanest, most reality-based Republican in the primary where it matters, then cast a pointless protest vote for a Democrat in November.
Sarah. Liz, like her dad used the Wyoming voters to advance their political careers. She will be voted out in August. I was born and lived in Wyoming for over 30 years. Great people in a great state. Liz did not listen to her constituents. Politicians need to remember they work for us. Thank you for caring and stating your opinion.
Some of us have a conscience.
If Liz Cheney listened to her constituents, she would not be in charge of the January 6th Commission. I think she has shown an amazing regard for the Country above Party. Do I like her politics? No...but I admire her courage and willingness to put her career on the line.
TL Mills. We elect politicians to listen to us. Not to do as they damn well please. They work for us. We pay their salaries with our tax money. Liz Cheney put herself about Wyoming. They will pay her back in August.
You are quite mistaken ma'am. We elect politicians to represent us, yes...whenever it's possible and practicable. We also elect them to help guide and govern our nation in ways that are in the best interest of the people and the country.
Liz Cheney did not put herself above Wyoming; Liz Cheney put OUR NATION above her own career. I think that's pretty heroic, myself. I have seldom agreed with her politics, but she has seemingly sacrificed her career for the sake of the country as a whole. But who knows, perhaps there are other Wyomingites who love democracy and this country and are also grateful. She might get re-elected.
She did. But she took an oath to protect the Constitution. I think that supersedes “what the voters want.”
Me too
I've always thought that a really good elected official - who is operating close to the "action" - should be able to explain a change in stands to his/her constituents, what led them to their new perspective, and the reasons it would benefit the constituents to consider a different approach, etc. I don't think I've ever witnessed or heard of that... except in the case of Jason Amash (a republican US House rep who was one of the first to call for trump's impeachment in 2019 and who tried several times to explain, in person, to voters what had led him to this and why they should consider his position).
“…most important thing we can do now is to mobilize like mad for the midterm elections. We need enough Democrats in the House and Senate to carve out exemptions from the filibuster and pass national laws that guard reproductive rights, sexual rights, marriage rights, voting rights, and the planet.” Mobilize like mad, yes, join the marches and protests, speak out. I joined the march in Sacramento, so far I’ve written 100 postcards to Arizona Dems reminding them to VOTE, it seems small, but together we can make a difference. We can’t stop working for justice; each day another assault on our Democracy reminds us how fragile it is. And we must keep marching and standing up for the equality so threatened by a repub assault, a concerted effort at dismantling our Democracy. Roe v Wade is only the first step. Clarence Thomas and SCOTUS are keeping their promises. We have to answer with action.
We need to do all of the above and more!
Field Team six has a database of millions of unregistered likely Democratic women. Contact Jason Berlin: jason@fieldteam6.org
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
I agree with the spirit of this piece 100%. But I disagree with some of the statements. A small point: it is fallacious, in my opinion, to say that Democrats have a majority in the Senate as well as the House. In reality, Senators Manchin and Sinema are Republicans in their values and how they vote most of the time. Let us call them DINOS; they should not count as Democrat Senators. Second, I disagree that the main effort should be to amp up voter turnout this November though I support that completely. I think that the focus must be on passing a national voters right bill, to neutralise all the voter suppression laws enacted in the last year and a half by Republicans. Those laws mean that the game is already rigged to throw this election to the Republicans, even with increased voter turnout (which in fact is unlikely) and that has to be undone. I do not know how a national voting rights law can be passed, given Manchin and Sinema and the filibuster rule, but I do feel that the Biden administration should be giving it their every effort. There must be a way to change Senate rules and to get one or two Republicans to join this effort. If we humans were smart enough to put men on the moon and bring them back, surely it should not be beyond our intelligence to pass this most essential of laws?
Yes, absolutely! The utmost effort must be made to attain your regards so precisely stated.
Even tho the effort were to "fail" to bear immediate fruit, it would be helpful in shedding light where it is needed. Unfortunately, the Court has hamstrung our government to the point of making such an effort Sisyphean in nature. Nonetheless, it must be done. If nothing else, it would send a message to those classes struggling to vote, and to those of us sympathetic thereto, that some percentage of the elected officials actually gives a damn.
I don't think we can overlook what happened in GA, where in 2018 & 2020 a MASSIVE effort to get people registered and aware of the importance of it paid off, big time. It CAN be one. But the abortion issue HAS really angered many people who are not registered, but who ARE registering now. We must keep that momentum going, and also help them see that it's not only the federal level officials who require our focus, but down ticket too. In an ideal situation, also helping newbie voters also understand that the abortion issue is only one tiny part of a much bigger gop plan to move the country into autocracy.... sadly that can be too much for some who have not been paying attn to accept.
As someone who has been involved actively in the American gun issue for 30-40 years, I can state unequivocally that the Court's decision in the N.Y. case is nothing more than Uncaring Willful Ignorance. You call it a rogue court while Sen. Whitehouse calls it a captured court. Both apt.
The stench Justice Sotomayor speaks of is smelling stronger by the day.
It is interesting to see "justice" Thomas... oh-so-very-quiet all these years suddenly have such a big mouth.... ... .... I think of RBG all the time now, kinda glad to know she did not have to be involved in this, but also wondering what the impact of her presence might have been..
@Carlos. Very smelly over there...
I go with "stench".
The Supreme Court rescinded - took away - Constitutional rights. This is unprecedented.
The only way to assure women's rights, gay rights, any rights at this point, is by federal legislation. This means we need to control the House and Senate.
What we must do:
1. Become acutely aware of the field. There are Senate seats in the toss-up column for this November. They are Senator Warnock, Georgia, Senator Mark Kelly, Arizona, Senator Cortez Masto, S Nevada, Senator Ron Johnson, Wisconsin, and the open seat in Pennsylvania. We must win them . As of now Democrats are in control of 36 state legislative chambers. Republicans 62. We must have control of the state houses in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada. If we don't, we lose 2024. We must also have Democratic Secretaries of State and state Supreme Court justices In these battleground states. If we don't, we lose 2024. For information on the House seats, see https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings.
2. We must get out the vote this November among young people, suburban women, urban people, white people, people of color in each of these states.
3. Support the states that are taking independent actions to protect women's rights. States that will or have codified right to an abortion: Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Maine, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, D.C.. Boycott states that have banned abortions: Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky. Vote with your suitcase, vote with your wallet.
4. If you live in Maine, or know people who live in Maine, now would be a great time to tell your Senator Susan Collins to commit to voting for a federal Roe protection law. The same goes for West Virginia and Senator Joe Manchin. NOW.
5. Have a Plan B.
Martha, I would add to your list in point 1 Tim Ryan in Ohio for U.S. Senate. Robert Reich and Sherrod Brown endorse him. Democrats who speak like regular folks, as Ryan does, can win in competitive states.
Martha, I note you listed states, wherein, you assert, we must have control of state houses lest we lose 24. In my view, the backup plan B is to prevent Republicans from attaining trifecta control—control of both legislative state houses and the governorship, thus blocking Republicans from changing state election rules to change who can be in charge, how votes are counted, and how they’re certified, let alone changing how 2024 electors are awarded.
Very good.
My personal Plan B involves a passport.
Martha, Given your repeated deep dive into issues, you would be sorely missed. Hence, I can’t ❤️ your reply.
Thank you kindly. But I understand the world wide web is active in other nations. So fear not.
Indeed!
Beautifully stated, Professor Reich. Your piece this morning voiced my thoughts exactly.
We must not despair, au contraire - we must channel our energies into change! All weekend I have been thinking how important it is for this to motivate every woman (and man) to vote, and contribute what we can; be it time, talent or treasure, to gain seats in both the House and the Senate. I can think of no other way for our voices to be heard loudly and clearly than at the polls.
It would be nice to see Kavanaugh and Gorsuch impeached but I doubt if it will happen, plus we don’t have time before the mid-terms. What we really need to see is justice served by the former occupant of the People’s House being indicted, then convicted. I think the January 6th Committee is doing an outstanding job at making the case against trump.
Thank you for your wise words; they are a big comfort. 🌻
@Anne. Thomas is the impeachable one!
Why not trump's appointees? They perjured themselves during the Senate confirmation hearings. Would the Senators have voted to approve had they known that the appointees were lying?
@diana. I don't oppose AOC's proposal at all. Impeach them all if you can! However, I specialize in trying to think through what is possible. Congress could likely only process one impeachment challenge at a time. I have never heard of a group impeachment? My thinking is that Thomas and his wife have violated judicial standards (and worse) and that an impeachment could proceed on grounds other than (what could be called) political issues. If it stopped there, getting rid of one arch conservative ideologue would be good. However, if Democrats are returned to power in 2024 general elections, either additional impeachments OR possibly expanding the court to 11 could be undertaken.
Benjamin R. Stockton ; you write ; "I have never heard of a group impeachment?", I think it would be interesting to at least call for impeachment of the tRump appointed justices because they are political picks, and the twice impeached and endlessly investigated former guy certainly was not qualified to select Supreme Court Justices. It was done in an unfair partisan manner with Speaker McConnell's questionable 'rules' that even he did not follow when they stacked the Court. After all ; We have never seen Constitutional rights just thrown out either. They have taken over the court in a very destructive way. Women will die as a result of these Draconian new 'laws'. And they are clearly not done! This is war.
@Laurie. This is war! Senate Majority Leader McConnell cheated like crazy and Obama could not or did not muster a challenge to that spurious rule making on the fly. That single transaction made the difference if you look at 6-3 minus one of the 6 (5) and plus one for the liberals (4). Even that disadvantage would put Roberts in position to better defend the legitimacy of the Court which he might have been of a mind to do where Roe is concerned.
If that kind of cheating cannot find remedy by the Supreme Court where can it be found?! How bad does it have to get before Justice actually rules? We try to run a marathon in leg irons. How many decades do we have to wait for a legitimate judicial system?
Benjamin, I would note expanding the High Court to 11 seems arbitrary. Were we to follow precedent, the number would be 13. Let me explain. In 1789, there were 6 federal circuit courts and 6 justices, each of whom was assigned to one of the lower courts. Today, there are 13 federal circuit courts and only 9 justices, resulting, some have argued, in reducing the number of cases the High Court can hear.
Kind of like the ridiculous imbalance of the weight of votes because of the Electoral College ; another vestigial appendage of tyranny that is wholly not Democratic. They hamstring Democracy in every way and get away with it!
Laurie, I imagine you are aware, if the Republicans retake the Senate, that McConnell has made clear he will dispense with the filibuster to advance legislation that fixes the number of High Court justices at 9.
@Barbara Jo. I note that you mount a strong argument, one that ought to be used in the debate about this issue. However, as a pragmatic consideration it looks insurmountable to move forward on an expansion from 9 to 13. In a start small and build approach, and not letting perfection be the enemy of progress, impeaching Thomas would open up a slot for a rational, secular, honest Justice while leaving the number at 9. Good, but not enough given the remaining 5, but also putting the Chief Justice back in a position of influence. There is a lot to think about on this question....
Benjamin, However ugly the facts, I find it inconceivable that two-thirds of the Senate would vote to convict and remove Thomas. Bottom line: Senate Republicans never would vote against Thomas and give Biden another Supreme Court pick.
Yes, I agree that impeachment of any justice may be impossible. Impeachment requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate, and it seems that will be difficult to attain, no matter how abominable the conduct.
Exaaaaactly, Diana! 🌻
Completely agree about Thomas (and his extremist nut-job wife) being removed from public view. How can we do this from a criminal perspective? It is VERY unlikely that the republican senators would kick out their own. Also, as many have realized recently, the supreme court does NOT adhere to ANY published ethical requirements. They do as they want to do. Period. This is reason for supreme court TERM LIMITS as 5-6 justices appear easily purchased or provided for selection. Just ask leonard leo.
We MUST get out and vote in every election to counteract this extremely partisan Supreme court (two ultra-conservative justices were crammed in the court in a very illegitamate manner) and the do-nothing Republican Congress. The justices have already indicated that they will be going after more rights that the majority of Americans want. This minority rule needs to end.
Margaret, Recently I’ve started informally field testing a possible Democratic slogan “No More Minority Veto over the Will of the Majority.” This particularly would apply not only to the High Court, wherein 5 ultra conservative Justices were appointed by presidents who lost the popular vote (W. Bush in his 1st term) but also to the Senate filibuster, wherein the minority repeatedly has blocked legislation favored by the majority from advancing. Thoughts?
I am nearing 92 years of age and I left Europe with my parents during the holocaust. Now I recognize signs that I saw in Europe in 1939. Books are banned--will they be burned next? Our government is sadly turning to fascism; for me, sadly, it is deja vue and I am frightened for my country.
You are right to be afraid. The lessons of the past are not being shared with our youth, and if they are not, then the tragedy of the past will be repeated. Civics and world history need to be taught in all schools. Please share your story with all who will listen. Thank you.
Robert, great message. It is so difficult to be positive or even optimistic about what lies ahead for this American Democratic experiment. It seems we are at a point where "if we can keep it" looms large for this country. It is important that we not let the barrage of attacks on rights and issue grievances by the right wing nuts cloud the way forward on getting people out to vote, IMO. You keep us focused on the issues that matter and motivate us to action, it is greatly appreciated. It is an excellent audio and video contribution, as usual. Thanks for all you do.
I am about the same age as Professor Reich. I remember being taught in the 5th grade that democracy depends on an educated public, a strong middle class, and a free press. These premises were no fiction or propaganda. They were based on the experience of the rise of the Third Reich. I was born in 1944 in a Jewish ghetto in Shanghai, my parents being refugees from Nazi Austria. So I have had these principles on my radar since the 5th grade, and watched them with fear and sadness slowly be dismantled. It has been our COLLECTIVE belief that US is greatest in the world and that our institutions are infallible. That belief has allowed us to shut our eyes and cease to excercise our democratic muscles in favor of "bread and circuses".
For those that don’t recognize it, this is what the beginning of a revolution looks like.
The instigators of the first US Civil War were the pro slavery southern states. (https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Civil-War)
That didn’t work out as well as they had hoped. So, from what I’m seeing, they learned a lesson from that failed attempt and today are doing everything in their power to instigate their opponents, us, to start the war.
If we don’t mobilize and vote enough Democrats into office in ‘22 and ‘24 we are in for a tailspin. And quite possibly a 2nd US Civil War, instigated by the minority, but initiated by the majority.
So:
1) Trump and his Lieutenants need to be indicted and held accountable.
2) Massive, peaceful protests MUST be organized.
3) We need to “Get Out The Vote!”
4) Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. Truth over propaganda.
@Todd. I fear you are right but I hope we can prevent the conflict from becoming actual war. But forces of right and reason are in the majority; roughly double the number. But the freaks on the far right seem much more ready to use violence. That plus the penetration of police and armed forces by right winger's, is a serious worry.
I concur.
But I also feel, and fear, that unless the right wing is irrefutably discredited by tge masses, they will continue to harass and back people into a corner until there appears to be no other recourse.
@Todd. Sadly you may be right...
PLEASE run this video as a nationwide ad campaign!!
sigh, as often happens, you post when I "should" be asleep.
First and most important, Thank you for this and more important for you work on combating inequality of both wealth and income in the USA.
I am about 7 years younger than you are. I am not as smart as you are, I am much poorer then you are. I am sicker then you. Those facts color my opinion.
When I got out of bed, I was thinking "Was life better in my youth? "
Your tell people " I grew up in an America that expanded constitutional rights, battled racism and protected voting rights, and enlarged the middle class"
I wonder if you think was over by 1976. I suspect you do. I think I do. I say, I think, because I have not written what I thought about writing and I often do not know what I think until i write it.
I am thinking of 1976 - 1980.
Well I am going back to bed, I have a meeting in 4 hours, where I will be trying to make the world a better place.
Thanks for reading this.
Yes, this downward spiral began in the early 70’s when businesses began monopolizing, growing into “Too Big To Fail” Big Businesses and funding their lackey candidates. There are additional factors, but, follow the money.
Fred....I grew up in the 50's and 60's. I lived in an unairconditioned shack in Florida. I was poor. I grew up and joined the Army and got a free ride to Vietnam.
@Mr. King. You are a better person than "bone spur donnie!" That effing cowardly manipulator!
Robert, you are so correct that we are unaware of the fragility of our democracy. We do take things for granted, although many people still alive already protested for Roe V Wade back in the 70s.
The deadly lies on the news are very difficult to overcome, but radio & media are controlled by FCC laws, correct? Why wasn’t action taken? This is illegal when it results in harm.
It’s not just about the will to vote, which is ALL we have at this time, it’s about enforcing the laws and the punishments equitably. We have not done that, then lost control of that to the impeachable SCOTUS.
I have said this before but the only way we have any chance this fall is to come out to vote in such ginormous numbers that Republican voter suppression tactics will be ineffective, paling by our sheer huge numbers. Then, there would be NO DOUBT as to what we the people want.