Not only does the Democrats have to register more voters, but it also has to make sure that they go to the polls and vote. Democrats are not as discipline as the Republican. To many Democrats are LACKADAISCAL.
The BIG LIE has been discredited and polls show he is losing credibility, especially with independents. who voted for him twice. Hard core cultists need deprogramming. Insurance may cover.
I get a bit impatient when the "H" word starts get thrown about with abandon. There's a fine line that separates hopefulness from self delusion. I think there's a preponderance of self-delusion in our mind-set these days - just like there was in '16! Know it or be its victim. Don't be like gamblers setting out for an evening's entertainment losing money at a casino in expectation of "breaking the bank!" Remember, ol' Tweety knows all about casino gamblers - the mind-set.
DZK, Presuming Reich is correct in asserting that “swing suburbs…will determine the outcome of midterms” I would imagine that Dems, despite critiques I would submit, let alone rising inflation and gas prices, nonetheless, have a strong record of accomplishments on which to run that include record job creation, 3.6% unemployment, and wage increases. Additionally, Democratic leadership passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that people haven’t seen for decades that will help rebuild this country for the next 10 years, the President has led a coalition against Russia, whose military appears to be retreating, at least from western Ukraine, and we presumably are turning the corner on COVID. My point is that Dems must come together as a Party and detail their record of achievements, to which I might add substantial investments that will help revitalize the Midwest.
Democratic administrations always have better economic gains that Republican. This is a pattern for several decades. That should be a lead talking point.
Frank, Agreed. Additionally, since the 80s, when Dems have retaken power, they have had to contend with the widening inequality of real family income growth produced by their GOP predecessors’ fiscal policies.
Frank, I also agree this has been the case mostly bec Dems care about average Americans & what policies benefit them while the GOP only caters to wealthy folks & big corp & always works for tax cuts like the tRump tax scam! We should label the Dems as the clean up Congress people bec it’s sense like they always get stuck doing that! It remains to be seen though if DOJ will ever hold tRump accountable for his crimes! I hope he runs his mouth enough that he will accidentally let out more info about his coup planning & any other crimes!!
Thank you, Barbara, for your lucid comments on the coming midterms. I tend to agree with you that the Dems have achieved notable success in moving the country forward but I also think they need to join in support of Dem-proposed legislation, unity on Ukraine, and dealing with covid-19 variants. I was in the Bernie Sanders camp and am still there; however, I think Biden has done a very credible job with the hand that he was dealt. Realistically, it was going to be difficult for any ethical/honest/sincere Democrat (Sanders included) to play the hand dealt by the former president (45). I have read that it will take a very long time to restore the State Dept which was formerly respected for its professionalism, plain-dealing, and ethical standard world-wide. We will be dealing with the damage to that Department and the Diplomatic Corps (once the pride of our nation) for years to come. And, of course, other aspects of our govt, departments designed to serve the public and create a better country (and lives) for all, to provide public service at its most altruistic, will have to deal with four years of an administration focus on self-service and the whims of a single individual. I think the Dem leaders of the country are doing a good job and I look forward to Justice Jackson joining the Supreme Court. I only hope that world-leaders will achieve some success in restoring and rebuilding Ukraine and helping those innocent victims of PUtin to security and safety. Sometimes all we can really count on is hope and that is, in my opinion, not a bad thing. Sometimes it's the only thing left.
Lanae, Limiting my response to your last point, the Ukrainians, who, against all odds, are successfully resisting Putin’s efforts to humiliate them and to bring them to their knees until they have no choice but to agree to be who he says they are, I will continue writing leadership urging, short of putting American and NATO troops on the ground or in the air, that America and its allies 1) continue to resupply Ukraine with much needed munitions and 2) provide the weapons Ukraine requires to enforce its own no-fly zone.
As a point of clarification, I would note, that were Putin determined to escalate, he would invent a pretext for doing so. Meanwhile, resupplying, say, Mariupol, which nearly has depleted its munitions, and providing essential fire power to enable Ukraine to enforce its own no-fly zone, in my view, are Ukraine’s best shots at maintaining a stalemate and moving both parties towards a negotiated settlement.
Concerning the excuse you speak of, I'm a'keepin' an eye on that alleged Uke incursion attacking a Russian petroleum facility that - last time I heard - the Ukes claim they know nothing of. It may be wartime "liars poker" that the Ukes can play too, but it may be a desperation attempt at a false flag operation. I've not settled on which I think it is yet. If the Ukes did it, all I can say is Bravo! Well done. 1st & 10, do it again!
Hi Barbara, I did not mean to imply that, with respect to Ukraine, all we have left is a kind of desperate, last-ditch hope. I did mean, however, to suggest most emphatically that the hopes and prayers of many Americans (religious and not-so-religious) are with the Ukrainians. (Unlike DZK's view of the futility of hope in a lost cause, I tend to believe that hope makes a difference--it's what inspires us to try, sometimes against all odds, to attain a desired objective, to win peace and prosperity, to find a cure for a disease, to invent a new high-tech program to help a deaf person hear, to deal with threats to our lives and our planet, to turn an apparent lost cause into a stunning success. In many cases, hope is what enables success and I think it is folly to dismiss it. Right now, I have to hope the best for the Ukrainians and their leader Zelenskyy who is using all the tools in his personal and official arsenal to defeat threats to the country's survival. I can offer a bit of money to UNICEF and applaud those in the Congress and government who are seeking for more tactical and monetary and humanitarian aid to Ukraine but I am in no position to take a more active role. I think there are millions of people who are sending their hopes and prayers to Ukraine as they can imagine the horrific fate of Ukrainian civilians being their own but for the grace of God. We have to remember that, when our country began, we faced the challenge of being an underdog pitted against the mightiest military force in the world: we offered our enemies a military of volunteers of varied experience, education, economic resources, many of them young country boys...we had experienced leaders such as Washington but we were at a disadvantage...we persevered and that, essentially, is what the Ukrainians will do with our support. But I believe their battle is also ours as they are fighting for the right to decide who they are and, that, ultimately is a just cause and was(is) ours as well. In my opinion. (I think DZK is wrong to deny hope as it is essential to achieving what goal one aims for.)
LANAE (and DZK), I would acknowledge that summoning the will to persist, against all odds, because one believes the cause is right and just and moral entails hope.
That's right. Just get on with it! It's just a problem to be solved. Although "the devil's in the details," it's just like any other problem to be solved.
I think that it's a demand of democracy that we participate, vote, stay informed, and know what has gone before, but, remember we are dealing with an entire nation of people, many of whom prefer to forget about history, forget about involvement and participation, for about ethics and common human decency. A good number of folks want to insulate and protect against The Other (whoever that Other is, someone who comes from a different ethnic/racial/cultural/sexual orientation/religion/whatever) and make sure they are safe (whatever that is!) and protected against harm and/or disappearance of their economic well-being. The main concern of many folks (of Republican and Dem inclination) is protecting their niche in the current scheme of things and, well, being properly and constantly entertained. With this kind of base in thought and history and civics, there is not going to be much chance of changing minds, of convincing recalcitrant people that they would do well to seek the truth, eschew sensational and untruthful media, and try to learn from what has gone before. That leave those with some perspective and kinship with the truth and the past to seek to even the score by relying on hope. (Sorry but, well, you cannot force people to stay involved and enlightened.) Those willing to fight The Good (and Non-violent but constitutional/legal) will discover that sometimes their only recourse is....hope. That is not much of an active or proactive course but, for many of us, all we can do is share our values and knowledge and HOPE that we can somehow persuade others who may be on the fence. Regrettably, there are not many on the fence but either in our camp or their own. So HOpe away and, if you care enough, try to get involve. Do not hide your search for the truth but do not expect it to change many minds-set-in-stone.
If it keeps you energized, go for it! I have a completely different mentality that attempts to see reality for what it is - within the constraints of my modest ability and what that reality itself sets before me - and says "this is bullshit, I'm ag'in it, and will do what I'm able in standing ag'in' it - with or without prospect. Dashed hope leads to hopelessness, inaction, and eventual acceptance - not unlike the 5 stages of mourning a death. "Remember the Alamo!"
Relying on hope for a better future is not the same thing as rejecting reality. THe Union forces at Gettysburg (also the Confederate forces) knew that the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg would decide the fate of both sides going forward; they knew full well what the reality was: the loss of life would be substantial; the battleground would be difficult and challenging; both sides were fully armed and prepared to fight; and that one side would emerge victorious and the other would be on the road to final defeat. However, the Union forces also hoped for victory, as did the COnfederates under Lee. Hoping for an outcome does not preclude or obscure the reality and certainty of an outcome. Similarly, Winston CHurchill, the Royal Family, and the British Parliament knew what the reality was: that the Germans under Hitler would launch deadly strikes at the heart of the British Empire in LOndon, that the loss of life would be significant, and that (unless the Americans entered the fight) it would be even more drawn-out and even more losses would be incurred. So the Brits decided to stay the course and take what would come. Of course, they hoped that victory would be on their side but they also knew and accepted the coming reality (peril). I do not think that the choice is between hope and reality as you seem to see it. I think that we can know what the reality will be, prepare for it and do our best when it comes, and still cling on to hope for a better future. I think that is what Zelenskyy is doing right now: he knows the reality first-hand and has prepared for it and sought help when possible from those in a position to help; he also knows the reality of what is occurring on the ground every single day; but he also maintains hope that Ukraine will prevail and be able to rebuild after such devastating attacks. Often hope of a better tomorrow is what enables us to deal with the reality staring us in the face. Ukraine will sustain some permanent scars of this mess but it will also retain its hope in the face of fearful odds. That's what you do too in your life, that's what all of us do whether we acknowledge it or not. We don't simply curl up and die, we get back up, and--we try again. And with hope for something better always before us. (That is also what supporters of Trump and the GOP are also doing except, in their case, they're clinging fiercely to an individual who offers hope but promises a reality that is not based on The Truth.)
Thank you for your reference. I have not read President Obama's book but the title suggests what I have written and my own references to actual historical events. Right now, the reality on the ground in Ukraine looks bleak and desperate but I am sure that the British soldiers at Dunkirk were facing similar (or worse) long odds and that Churchill's plan to send fishing and pleasure boats in private hands to Normandy to rescue the trapped Brits seemed too risky, too dangerous, too little, to succeed. There was a lot of hope on the British side and, as happened, the plan succeeded and saved almost all the trapped Brits. (IN the 1400s at the Battle of Agincourt, a force of 5000 British soldiers under Henry V defeated 30,000 well-equipped, well-trained French forces and secured Normandy for the Brits...read all about it in that best-seller (and still frequently produced play) Henry Vth by---Shakespeare. One has to assume that the outcome was uncertain and doubtful going in but, well, the Brits (at least Henry V) hoped it would turn out as it did. (He also gained the Princess Royale of France in marriage.) I have no illusions that the Ukrainians will prevail because they have other nations on their side; their odds are desperate but they are also determined, well-trained, fairly well-equipped. I hope they prevail but that is about what I can do. Good will and wishes do make a difference, perhaps in morale and determination more than on the battlefield. It matters that much of the world hopes the best for them...this hope does not substitute for material aid (weapons and tech) but that does not mean it is non-essential and entirely personal...no it's part of what soldiers (especially ones as devoted as the Ukrainians and their leader) carry with them. Having the support of others (whether that support be material or mental) matters, it really does.
I tried to give you some actual examples from history (and now current events) in which hope did not lead directly to inactivity but, instead, was intertwined with the acceptance of a reality staring one straight on: Gettysberg, the Londion Blitzkrieg, Ukraine. In these three instances, the reality was clear, it was(is) a moment of truth, even for those who were not playing an active role in the conflict but were simply innocent people caught in conflict. In all three instances, both sides knew that the results of reality would be gut-wrenching and remarkable or tragic and this was not in their minds, it was not a figment of their imagination, but was down-to-earth real. The change would be permanent and life would never be the same, whatever the reality was or came to be. But what people were also HOPING for was that the reality they had fought for would prove worth the fight: that the slaves would be free and the union preserved/that slavery would continue and the ante bellum South would rise again in all its glory(?); that the Americans would join to defend London and the UK and western Europe and restore democracy/that HItler would gain more territory and spread his reality (which was/is similar to Trump's reality) to all of Europe; that Ukraine and its civilians can hold out and rebuild their nation/that the dream of a united Mother Russia will be upheld. These are NOT realities in my mind; oh, no, they are past/present realities and the hopes of a nation or single individuals are intricately interwoven in reality. When the Ukrainians take to the battlefields (which were the homes and towns of thousands of ordinary people) they are not without hope that they will prevail; that Zelenskyy will succeed in his efforts to garner more support and participation; that their loved ones in battle will succeed in defending the country--and staying alive. Please do not assume that hope is wasted effort or a lost cause. HOpe is often a companion to reality since, when we start on an effort, we do not know precisely what the result will be. HOpe motivates us to try and create a result; it does not supplant or replace effort but it enables to think that our effort might (just might and without a quarantee) may prove our own salvation. Do you really believe that the British effort to enlist 900 private boats and send them to Dunkirk to rescue 360,000 trapped British soldiers (a dubious, unlikely, and chancey effort at best) did not involve hope from Churchill's and the UK's side--hope was essential to rallying those undertaking and challenging the reality of the scheme which--as it happened and against all odds--actually worked. Hope is not detrimental to dealing with reality; it's actually essential for making what seems unlikely, unsafe, useless, wasted effort--a reality.
Another all-important point that Democrats must make is that tRump loves and supports baby-killer Putin and anyone associated with or endorsed by him in any way is morally bankrupt!
Yes. Talk about political ammunition! The number of times TFG has fawned over Putin the genocidal maniac - all collected in video montage would be powerful.
My recently submitted letter to the editor of our local paper says that any elected official who still supports Trump's Big Lie is either too stupid, or too crooked, to hold office. Save democracy. Vote them out.
My sister and her husband went to a favorite restaurant for dinner on Saturday not realizing that Trump was having a rally less than a mile away. She called me from the restaurant and said hundreds of trucks waving Trump flags converged on the streets, police cars were everywhere, chaos overtook the little town. I told her to leave, not to speak with anyone, just leave the area.
Everyone I spoke with were appalled at his speech, yet the local news station covered some of it, including the big lie. Fortunately, the news reiterated there was no voter fraud. However, they really shouldn’t have covered it at all.
The midterm election is as important or even more so than the 2020 election. If voters don’t stop him and his republican cohorts in November, we could be looking at the end of democracy. It really is this serious and I’m hoping Trumps big mouth will motivate everyone to vote, we need a huge turnout.
Either on Meet the Press, or Stephanopoulos yesterday, I heard one Democratic guest suggest they don't think it's a good idea to keep ol' Tweety out of the news or off social media. The thinking is that denying him the attention works to his advantage because those who voted >against< him - instead of >for< Biden - may forget exactly >why< they voted against him when it comes time to vote for or against candidates - or him - wrapping themselves in ol' Tweety's endorsement. For example, ol' Tweety supports Putin in Ukraine. Of course, remember how ol' Tweety blackmailed Zelenskyy with supplying arms the Ukes are currently using against the invaders, for other blackmail dirt on Biden's kid. Simultaneously, he's congratulating himself on providing said arms - but not mentioning the political blackmail!
As a further thought, consider how schizophrenic all that is in fact: supporting the invader and simultaneously congratulating himself on providing the arms being used against said invader. Are his supporters collectively bone ignorant, equally insane, or common criminals?
The Democrats had better strongly support the unionization of NY Amazon! We need the party to support working people who were not born with tickets to elite education and jobs. It’s not only about Trump; it’s the perception by those who voted for Trump of the monied elitism controlling the Democrats. It’s a cultural war of perceived loss of freedom from regulations and loss of white power. It’s a realization that only those outside of power go to jail. It was watching the impeachment trials and seeing what little change occurred from exposure of the outrages committed by the President. It was Mitch McConnell and the Supreme Court. In other words, it’s far more complex than the lies of Trump.
All that crime and no punishment. Compare it to the fate of the common citizen who lifts a needed loaf of bread. Democrats may not be helping themselves by failing to "restore law and order." Ironic almost (but not) to the laughing point that the Criminal in Chief should be campaigning on a promise to do so.
I’ve been thinking about this dichotomy too. I’m currently reading White Rage by Carol Anderson, and the post-Civil War history she covers is both heartbreaking and outrageous. I knew something about Reconstruction but I had no idea of the extent to which officials and the courts eviscerated the Constitution, even the newly passed 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. I was thinking about the difference in so-called justice for Black and white people, and it’s so stark and appalling. These insurrectionists and their leader *must* be held accountable. You’re absolutely right, Mo, that ordinary people, usually minorities, go to jail for essentially nothing and powerful people are never punished. THIS MUST STOP NOW.
After all, criminally insane partisans are fighting and shrieking for "law & order" the loudest and most energetically as they assault the people charged with upholding it, protecting it, and defending it! Then they shriek about the mention of defunding the police they'll assault if they enforce said law on them, which is being done, in fact, just about as much as elementary schools are teaching Critical Race Theory - that they're also shrieking about! They're >all in< for law & order they aren't compelled to observe, and racial equity they're under no obligation to respect.
T-Rump is a Walking Dead figure who will not die, a lot like Freddy and Jason coming back to wreak further havoc on our otherwise beautiful country. He will soon be joined by Sarah Palin, in yet another remake of the Bride of Frankenstein. Clarence and Ginny will join the fray to ensure nobody ever again gets to benefit from the affirmative action that helped Clarence make it into law school.
You would think all these despicable characters and their minions would dissuade anyone from voting Republican, but their shiny keys, look over there approach seems to have ongoing negative effects on voters. Since Disney is grooming our kids to accept trans-gender princesses and schools are indoctrinating our children to accept everyone regardless of who or what they are, these shrill shills are trying to frighten us into rejecting all the things we learned in church, synagogue or mosque - and especially anything we might have picked up in ethics class.
That 30 percent on the undead might tilt elections toward the T-Rumpsters. That is what scares me.
It would be a very good thing if Dr Reich's view is correct. However, remember all the voter suppression initiatives that nobody's spoken of much since the advent of Ukraine. Marginalizing ol' Tweety's influence in the upcoming elections may be a sufficient case, but what about the necessary requirement of fair voter law? Sorry to be the gloomy-Gus, here. It's a dirty job, but >somebody's< got to do it!
For example, the only reason OH Republicans haven't jumped on the voter suppression bandwagon is because they're ramrodding the currently unfair voter districting map. See my explanation elsewhere here. There's an insidious nuance to Republican politics in OH that most are too ham-handed to fully appreciate, assuming it doesn't slip past their notice in the first place. >Please< see my explanation elsewhere here today that opens: "Somehow, I think Ohio's current redistricting process should play into Democratic operatives thinking when it comes speech-writing time."
I suspect that THE FORMER GUY (TFG) will stick to his favorite playlist, and file more harassment suits against Dem candidates' wins. TFG is a creature of habit and will stay with what' familiar to him. If he prevails, he gets his people in, if he loses, he riles up his base and creates more chaos. Until he's in jail, or otherwise out of the picture, I'm afraid he'll keep doing Putins' dirty work.
I think you're right about Trump, but I also think it's important to elaborate on goals, not merely on the GOP's non-doing and obstructionism, and its corrupt battering-ram head Trump.
What a pain it gives me to hear media speakers talking patly about midterm electoral take backs from incumbents-- and about business cycles-- as artifacts of nature, events that move societies and humans around. I wish that it were acknowledged that voters have choices and emphasized what the *policy* and *program* choices are. To get people talking about business cycles as anything but The Heartbeat of the Universe is of course harder, and requires economic education, but oh how worthwhile that would be.
Mary Ann ; I agree, the message that it is inevitable or likely that the present administration will go is annoying and false. There are very good reasons not to allow that to happen. Anyone paying attention could see the danger if it does.
The Dems need a good shaking out of their organization and PR image . Their tarnished moniker of 'Party of The People' is just that . They, I feel are looked upon by the average American little differently than their Rep counterparts. They truely do not come across as empathetic, caring or engaged in the plight of the common citizen as one would hope . And given the ammo of insane trump, with a bit more hutzpah and proactive manuvering they can be in for a good win in the mid-terms . The systemic corruption of our elected officials by the oligarhic corporate monster is sinking the USS USA . To allow some honesty, integrity, humanity and re-allignment with the NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE back into their message, the Dems could and should get this steam ship back on course . I won't hold my breath .
Good point, Mark. My Republican assemblywoman communicates regularly and emphasizes what she’s doing for her constituents and sometimes it’s actually good stuff, which astonishes me. It’s her first term and she’s obviously taking the job seriously. She’s putting the Dems to shame. I doubt she’s a Trumpist but I still don’t want her in there. She’ll stay, though, because she conveys caring. Now why can’t the Dems, other than Rashida Tlaib, AOC, and Jamaal Bowman (and Bernie) do that?
It baffles me how the Democratic Party doesn't take advantage of the issues that most Americans agree on, like the distribution of wealth, reasonable gun control, better and lower cost health care, etc. If we had a nation-wide, uniform platform of those important issues (which the Republicans don't support) we could convince voters that we would get a lot done to benefit them. We just need to be universally consistent to win. Like Will Rogers said, "I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!"
Sooo right ! With the uncontrolled flapping of his gutter gums spewing; the lies, hatred, xenophobia, sexism, racism and nationalism, not to mention his repulsive lap dog adoration of his idol putin (you know, murderer of innocent women and children), even lil donnie's dumbed down, mis and dis informed automaton followers MUST have a glimmer of realization as to the self-serving, dangerous criminal which he is ! My only hope is that the anchor and heavy chain around his own neck, that he is sinks he and his party of henchmen to the depths of the Marianas trench . FOREVER ! !
Mark, I love the way you think. I'm sorry that we don't have forever to work with. As the seas rise and the storms wreck entire towns, we watch humanities' future vanish in the whirlwind. I shall die before the earth takes us all out. Kind of wish this were a novel and i could peek at the last chapter, but, sadly, it's my grandkids and their kids who will face the Full Stop. Adios. It Was Nice While It Lasted, The END.
I hope you are right! If so it’ll prove the no one person is powerful enough to control election outcomes.
Hope it will prove one self destructive deranged demonic demagogue will lead his cult to the agony of defeat.
To make that happen, we need to register more Democrats. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Not only does the Democrats have to register more voters, but it also has to make sure that they go to the polls and vote. Democrats are not as discipline as the Republican. To many Democrats are LACKADAISCAL.
2 step process.
Action brings traction. Each of us can do something even very seemingly small.. Many hands make the load light.
Of course Drump knows to gather his minions. It’s his minions that will help to bring him down. They are as dumb as he is.
The BIG LIE has been discredited and polls show he is losing credibility, especially with independents. who voted for him twice. Hard core cultists need deprogramming. Insurance may cover.
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/01/can-trumps-cult-of-followers-be-deprogrammed
I get a bit impatient when the "H" word starts get thrown about with abandon. There's a fine line that separates hopefulness from self delusion. I think there's a preponderance of self-delusion in our mind-set these days - just like there was in '16! Know it or be its victim. Don't be like gamblers setting out for an evening's entertainment losing money at a casino in expectation of "breaking the bank!" Remember, ol' Tweety knows all about casino gamblers - the mind-set.
DZK, Presuming Reich is correct in asserting that “swing suburbs…will determine the outcome of midterms” I would imagine that Dems, despite critiques I would submit, let alone rising inflation and gas prices, nonetheless, have a strong record of accomplishments on which to run that include record job creation, 3.6% unemployment, and wage increases. Additionally, Democratic leadership passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that people haven’t seen for decades that will help rebuild this country for the next 10 years, the President has led a coalition against Russia, whose military appears to be retreating, at least from western Ukraine, and we presumably are turning the corner on COVID. My point is that Dems must come together as a Party and detail their record of achievements, to which I might add substantial investments that will help revitalize the Midwest.
Democratic administrations always have better economic gains that Republican. This is a pattern for several decades. That should be a lead talking point.
Frank, Agreed. Additionally, since the 80s, when Dems have retaken power, they have had to contend with the widening inequality of real family income growth produced by their GOP predecessors’ fiscal policies.
Frank, I also agree this has been the case mostly bec Dems care about average Americans & what policies benefit them while the GOP only caters to wealthy folks & big corp & always works for tax cuts like the tRump tax scam! We should label the Dems as the clean up Congress people bec it’s sense like they always get stuck doing that! It remains to be seen though if DOJ will ever hold tRump accountable for his crimes! I hope he runs his mouth enough that he will accidentally let out more info about his coup planning & any other crimes!!
Thank you, Barbara, for your lucid comments on the coming midterms. I tend to agree with you that the Dems have achieved notable success in moving the country forward but I also think they need to join in support of Dem-proposed legislation, unity on Ukraine, and dealing with covid-19 variants. I was in the Bernie Sanders camp and am still there; however, I think Biden has done a very credible job with the hand that he was dealt. Realistically, it was going to be difficult for any ethical/honest/sincere Democrat (Sanders included) to play the hand dealt by the former president (45). I have read that it will take a very long time to restore the State Dept which was formerly respected for its professionalism, plain-dealing, and ethical standard world-wide. We will be dealing with the damage to that Department and the Diplomatic Corps (once the pride of our nation) for years to come. And, of course, other aspects of our govt, departments designed to serve the public and create a better country (and lives) for all, to provide public service at its most altruistic, will have to deal with four years of an administration focus on self-service and the whims of a single individual. I think the Dem leaders of the country are doing a good job and I look forward to Justice Jackson joining the Supreme Court. I only hope that world-leaders will achieve some success in restoring and rebuilding Ukraine and helping those innocent victims of PUtin to security and safety. Sometimes all we can really count on is hope and that is, in my opinion, not a bad thing. Sometimes it's the only thing left.
Lanae, Limiting my response to your last point, the Ukrainians, who, against all odds, are successfully resisting Putin’s efforts to humiliate them and to bring them to their knees until they have no choice but to agree to be who he says they are, I will continue writing leadership urging, short of putting American and NATO troops on the ground or in the air, that America and its allies 1) continue to resupply Ukraine with much needed munitions and 2) provide the weapons Ukraine requires to enforce its own no-fly zone.
As a point of clarification, I would note, that were Putin determined to escalate, he would invent a pretext for doing so. Meanwhile, resupplying, say, Mariupol, which nearly has depleted its munitions, and providing essential fire power to enable Ukraine to enforce its own no-fly zone, in my view, are Ukraine’s best shots at maintaining a stalemate and moving both parties towards a negotiated settlement.
Concerning the excuse you speak of, I'm a'keepin' an eye on that alleged Uke incursion attacking a Russian petroleum facility that - last time I heard - the Ukes claim they know nothing of. It may be wartime "liars poker" that the Ukes can play too, but it may be a desperation attempt at a false flag operation. I've not settled on which I think it is yet. If the Ukes did it, all I can say is Bravo! Well done. 1st & 10, do it again!
Hi Barbara, I did not mean to imply that, with respect to Ukraine, all we have left is a kind of desperate, last-ditch hope. I did mean, however, to suggest most emphatically that the hopes and prayers of many Americans (religious and not-so-religious) are with the Ukrainians. (Unlike DZK's view of the futility of hope in a lost cause, I tend to believe that hope makes a difference--it's what inspires us to try, sometimes against all odds, to attain a desired objective, to win peace and prosperity, to find a cure for a disease, to invent a new high-tech program to help a deaf person hear, to deal with threats to our lives and our planet, to turn an apparent lost cause into a stunning success. In many cases, hope is what enables success and I think it is folly to dismiss it. Right now, I have to hope the best for the Ukrainians and their leader Zelenskyy who is using all the tools in his personal and official arsenal to defeat threats to the country's survival. I can offer a bit of money to UNICEF and applaud those in the Congress and government who are seeking for more tactical and monetary and humanitarian aid to Ukraine but I am in no position to take a more active role. I think there are millions of people who are sending their hopes and prayers to Ukraine as they can imagine the horrific fate of Ukrainian civilians being their own but for the grace of God. We have to remember that, when our country began, we faced the challenge of being an underdog pitted against the mightiest military force in the world: we offered our enemies a military of volunteers of varied experience, education, economic resources, many of them young country boys...we had experienced leaders such as Washington but we were at a disadvantage...we persevered and that, essentially, is what the Ukrainians will do with our support. But I believe their battle is also ours as they are fighting for the right to decide who they are and, that, ultimately is a just cause and was(is) ours as well. In my opinion. (I think DZK is wrong to deny hope as it is essential to achieving what goal one aims for.)
LANAE (and DZK), I would acknowledge that summoning the will to persist, against all odds, because one believes the cause is right and just and moral entails hope.
That's right. Just get on with it! It's just a problem to be solved. Although "the devil's in the details," it's just like any other problem to be solved.
Biden seems more of a Hamlet on this point.The longer the delay in showing resolve the greater the carnage on the streets of the Ukraine.
Disturbing, that. Particularly the ending to that particular play!
I think that it's a demand of democracy that we participate, vote, stay informed, and know what has gone before, but, remember we are dealing with an entire nation of people, many of whom prefer to forget about history, forget about involvement and participation, for about ethics and common human decency. A good number of folks want to insulate and protect against The Other (whoever that Other is, someone who comes from a different ethnic/racial/cultural/sexual orientation/religion/whatever) and make sure they are safe (whatever that is!) and protected against harm and/or disappearance of their economic well-being. The main concern of many folks (of Republican and Dem inclination) is protecting their niche in the current scheme of things and, well, being properly and constantly entertained. With this kind of base in thought and history and civics, there is not going to be much chance of changing minds, of convincing recalcitrant people that they would do well to seek the truth, eschew sensational and untruthful media, and try to learn from what has gone before. That leave those with some perspective and kinship with the truth and the past to seek to even the score by relying on hope. (Sorry but, well, you cannot force people to stay involved and enlightened.) Those willing to fight The Good (and Non-violent but constitutional/legal) will discover that sometimes their only recourse is....hope. That is not much of an active or proactive course but, for many of us, all we can do is share our values and knowledge and HOPE that we can somehow persuade others who may be on the fence. Regrettably, there are not many on the fence but either in our camp or their own. So HOpe away and, if you care enough, try to get involve. Do not hide your search for the truth but do not expect it to change many minds-set-in-stone.
If it keeps you energized, go for it! I have a completely different mentality that attempts to see reality for what it is - within the constraints of my modest ability and what that reality itself sets before me - and says "this is bullshit, I'm ag'in it, and will do what I'm able in standing ag'in' it - with or without prospect. Dashed hope leads to hopelessness, inaction, and eventual acceptance - not unlike the 5 stages of mourning a death. "Remember the Alamo!"
Relying on hope for a better future is not the same thing as rejecting reality. THe Union forces at Gettysburg (also the Confederate forces) knew that the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg would decide the fate of both sides going forward; they knew full well what the reality was: the loss of life would be substantial; the battleground would be difficult and challenging; both sides were fully armed and prepared to fight; and that one side would emerge victorious and the other would be on the road to final defeat. However, the Union forces also hoped for victory, as did the COnfederates under Lee. Hoping for an outcome does not preclude or obscure the reality and certainty of an outcome. Similarly, Winston CHurchill, the Royal Family, and the British Parliament knew what the reality was: that the Germans under Hitler would launch deadly strikes at the heart of the British Empire in LOndon, that the loss of life would be significant, and that (unless the Americans entered the fight) it would be even more drawn-out and even more losses would be incurred. So the Brits decided to stay the course and take what would come. Of course, they hoped that victory would be on their side but they also knew and accepted the coming reality (peril). I do not think that the choice is between hope and reality as you seem to see it. I think that we can know what the reality will be, prepare for it and do our best when it comes, and still cling on to hope for a better future. I think that is what Zelenskyy is doing right now: he knows the reality first-hand and has prepared for it and sought help when possible from those in a position to help; he also knows the reality of what is occurring on the ground every single day; but he also maintains hope that Ukraine will prevail and be able to rebuild after such devastating attacks. Often hope of a better tomorrow is what enables us to deal with the reality staring us in the face. Ukraine will sustain some permanent scars of this mess but it will also retain its hope in the face of fearful odds. That's what you do too in your life, that's what all of us do whether we acknowledge it or not. We don't simply curl up and die, we get back up, and--we try again. And with hope for something better always before us. (That is also what supporters of Trump and the GOP are also doing except, in their case, they're clinging fiercely to an individual who offers hope but promises a reality that is not based on The Truth.)
Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama..............worth reading
Thank you for your reference. I have not read President Obama's book but the title suggests what I have written and my own references to actual historical events. Right now, the reality on the ground in Ukraine looks bleak and desperate but I am sure that the British soldiers at Dunkirk were facing similar (or worse) long odds and that Churchill's plan to send fishing and pleasure boats in private hands to Normandy to rescue the trapped Brits seemed too risky, too dangerous, too little, to succeed. There was a lot of hope on the British side and, as happened, the plan succeeded and saved almost all the trapped Brits. (IN the 1400s at the Battle of Agincourt, a force of 5000 British soldiers under Henry V defeated 30,000 well-equipped, well-trained French forces and secured Normandy for the Brits...read all about it in that best-seller (and still frequently produced play) Henry Vth by---Shakespeare. One has to assume that the outcome was uncertain and doubtful going in but, well, the Brits (at least Henry V) hoped it would turn out as it did. (He also gained the Princess Royale of France in marriage.) I have no illusions that the Ukrainians will prevail because they have other nations on their side; their odds are desperate but they are also determined, well-trained, fairly well-equipped. I hope they prevail but that is about what I can do. Good will and wishes do make a difference, perhaps in morale and determination more than on the battlefield. It matters that much of the world hopes the best for them...this hope does not substitute for material aid (weapons and tech) but that does not mean it is non-essential and entirely personal...no it's part of what soldiers (especially ones as devoted as the Ukrainians and their leader) carry with them. Having the support of others (whether that support be material or mental) matters, it really does.
In your mind that's true. In your view of reality that's true. There's nothing in what I've said that rejects reality.
I tried to give you some actual examples from history (and now current events) in which hope did not lead directly to inactivity but, instead, was intertwined with the acceptance of a reality staring one straight on: Gettysberg, the Londion Blitzkrieg, Ukraine. In these three instances, the reality was clear, it was(is) a moment of truth, even for those who were not playing an active role in the conflict but were simply innocent people caught in conflict. In all three instances, both sides knew that the results of reality would be gut-wrenching and remarkable or tragic and this was not in their minds, it was not a figment of their imagination, but was down-to-earth real. The change would be permanent and life would never be the same, whatever the reality was or came to be. But what people were also HOPING for was that the reality they had fought for would prove worth the fight: that the slaves would be free and the union preserved/that slavery would continue and the ante bellum South would rise again in all its glory(?); that the Americans would join to defend London and the UK and western Europe and restore democracy/that HItler would gain more territory and spread his reality (which was/is similar to Trump's reality) to all of Europe; that Ukraine and its civilians can hold out and rebuild their nation/that the dream of a united Mother Russia will be upheld. These are NOT realities in my mind; oh, no, they are past/present realities and the hopes of a nation or single individuals are intricately interwoven in reality. When the Ukrainians take to the battlefields (which were the homes and towns of thousands of ordinary people) they are not without hope that they will prevail; that Zelenskyy will succeed in his efforts to garner more support and participation; that their loved ones in battle will succeed in defending the country--and staying alive. Please do not assume that hope is wasted effort or a lost cause. HOpe is often a companion to reality since, when we start on an effort, we do not know precisely what the result will be. HOpe motivates us to try and create a result; it does not supplant or replace effort but it enables to think that our effort might (just might and without a quarantee) may prove our own salvation. Do you really believe that the British effort to enlist 900 private boats and send them to Dunkirk to rescue 360,000 trapped British soldiers (a dubious, unlikely, and chancey effort at best) did not involve hope from Churchill's and the UK's side--hope was essential to rallying those undertaking and challenging the reality of the scheme which--as it happened and against all odds--actually worked. Hope is not detrimental to dealing with reality; it's actually essential for making what seems unlikely, unsafe, useless, wasted effort--a reality.
It's other name is "cussedness!"
Virginia Hastings ; Except in places like Russia.
Great remark. You are referring to Putin, right? 😒
Or Brian Kemp.
Dean ; You get the idea. Birds of a feather with Desantis, Abbot, Tucker Carlson and too many more who love tRump who idolizes Putin.
Another all-important point that Democrats must make is that tRump loves and supports baby-killer Putin and anyone associated with or endorsed by him in any way is morally bankrupt!
Yes. Talk about political ammunition! The number of times TFG has fawned over Putin the genocidal maniac - all collected in video montage would be powerful.
Yes bring back the bromance photos!
On the side of Lithuanian barbeque restaurant. https://www.eater.com/2016/5/13/11673108/trump-putin-kiss-street-art
😂😂😂😂😂 😉 ];-)>
Brilliant suggestion! Simpler is much better!
Bill Alstrom ; what a great idea!
Dee ; They would support a Putin like 'President' for life.
Plus, they want a 'leader' who can control elections completeley!
“He's f***ing crazy!” might be a good counter to "Let's Go Brandon". T-shirts, flags, tattoos . . .
The republicans are busy stirring up culture wars so no one will notice how they are helping to rig the system for the super wealthy.
Boy, they sure are in high gear pushing their frivolous culture wars!
My recently submitted letter to the editor of our local paper says that any elected official who still supports Trump's Big Lie is either too stupid, or too crooked, to hold office. Save democracy. Vote them out.
My sister and her husband went to a favorite restaurant for dinner on Saturday not realizing that Trump was having a rally less than a mile away. She called me from the restaurant and said hundreds of trucks waving Trump flags converged on the streets, police cars were everywhere, chaos overtook the little town. I told her to leave, not to speak with anyone, just leave the area.
Everyone I spoke with were appalled at his speech, yet the local news station covered some of it, including the big lie. Fortunately, the news reiterated there was no voter fraud. However, they really shouldn’t have covered it at all.
The midterm election is as important or even more so than the 2020 election. If voters don’t stop him and his republican cohorts in November, we could be looking at the end of democracy. It really is this serious and I’m hoping Trumps big mouth will motivate everyone to vote, we need a huge turnout.
Either on Meet the Press, or Stephanopoulos yesterday, I heard one Democratic guest suggest they don't think it's a good idea to keep ol' Tweety out of the news or off social media. The thinking is that denying him the attention works to his advantage because those who voted >against< him - instead of >for< Biden - may forget exactly >why< they voted against him when it comes time to vote for or against candidates - or him - wrapping themselves in ol' Tweety's endorsement. For example, ol' Tweety supports Putin in Ukraine. Of course, remember how ol' Tweety blackmailed Zelenskyy with supplying arms the Ukes are currently using against the invaders, for other blackmail dirt on Biden's kid. Simultaneously, he's congratulating himself on providing said arms - but not mentioning the political blackmail!
As a further thought, consider how schizophrenic all that is in fact: supporting the invader and simultaneously congratulating himself on providing the arms being used against said invader. Are his supporters collectively bone ignorant, equally insane, or common criminals?
All of the above?
Please be right. 🙏
The Democrats had better strongly support the unionization of NY Amazon! We need the party to support working people who were not born with tickets to elite education and jobs. It’s not only about Trump; it’s the perception by those who voted for Trump of the monied elitism controlling the Democrats. It’s a cultural war of perceived loss of freedom from regulations and loss of white power. It’s a realization that only those outside of power go to jail. It was watching the impeachment trials and seeing what little change occurred from exposure of the outrages committed by the President. It was Mitch McConnell and the Supreme Court. In other words, it’s far more complex than the lies of Trump.
Well stated. Hugs from Arizona
All that crime and no punishment. Compare it to the fate of the common citizen who lifts a needed loaf of bread. Democrats may not be helping themselves by failing to "restore law and order." Ironic almost (but not) to the laughing point that the Criminal in Chief should be campaigning on a promise to do so.
I’ve been thinking about this dichotomy too. I’m currently reading White Rage by Carol Anderson, and the post-Civil War history she covers is both heartbreaking and outrageous. I knew something about Reconstruction but I had no idea of the extent to which officials and the courts eviscerated the Constitution, even the newly passed 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. I was thinking about the difference in so-called justice for Black and white people, and it’s so stark and appalling. These insurrectionists and their leader *must* be held accountable. You’re absolutely right, Mo, that ordinary people, usually minorities, go to jail for essentially nothing and powerful people are never punished. THIS MUST STOP NOW.
After all, criminally insane partisans are fighting and shrieking for "law & order" the loudest and most energetically as they assault the people charged with upholding it, protecting it, and defending it! Then they shriek about the mention of defunding the police they'll assault if they enforce said law on them, which is being done, in fact, just about as much as elementary schools are teaching Critical Race Theory - that they're also shrieking about! They're >all in< for law & order they aren't compelled to observe, and racial equity they're under no obligation to respect.
T-Rump is a Walking Dead figure who will not die, a lot like Freddy and Jason coming back to wreak further havoc on our otherwise beautiful country. He will soon be joined by Sarah Palin, in yet another remake of the Bride of Frankenstein. Clarence and Ginny will join the fray to ensure nobody ever again gets to benefit from the affirmative action that helped Clarence make it into law school.
You would think all these despicable characters and their minions would dissuade anyone from voting Republican, but their shiny keys, look over there approach seems to have ongoing negative effects on voters. Since Disney is grooming our kids to accept trans-gender princesses and schools are indoctrinating our children to accept everyone regardless of who or what they are, these shrill shills are trying to frighten us into rejecting all the things we learned in church, synagogue or mosque - and especially anything we might have picked up in ethics class.
That 30 percent on the undead might tilt elections toward the T-Rumpsters. That is what scares me.
It would be a very good thing if Dr Reich's view is correct. However, remember all the voter suppression initiatives that nobody's spoken of much since the advent of Ukraine. Marginalizing ol' Tweety's influence in the upcoming elections may be a sufficient case, but what about the necessary requirement of fair voter law? Sorry to be the gloomy-Gus, here. It's a dirty job, but >somebody's< got to do it!
For example, the only reason OH Republicans haven't jumped on the voter suppression bandwagon is because they're ramrodding the currently unfair voter districting map. See my explanation elsewhere here. There's an insidious nuance to Republican politics in OH that most are too ham-handed to fully appreciate, assuming it doesn't slip past their notice in the first place. >Please< see my explanation elsewhere here today that opens: "Somehow, I think Ohio's current redistricting process should play into Democratic operatives thinking when it comes speech-writing time."
I suspect that THE FORMER GUY (TFG) will stick to his favorite playlist, and file more harassment suits against Dem candidates' wins. TFG is a creature of habit and will stay with what' familiar to him. If he prevails, he gets his people in, if he loses, he riles up his base and creates more chaos. Until he's in jail, or otherwise out of the picture, I'm afraid he'll keep doing Putins' dirty work.
I think you're right about Trump, but I also think it's important to elaborate on goals, not merely on the GOP's non-doing and obstructionism, and its corrupt battering-ram head Trump.
What a pain it gives me to hear media speakers talking patly about midterm electoral take backs from incumbents-- and about business cycles-- as artifacts of nature, events that move societies and humans around. I wish that it were acknowledged that voters have choices and emphasized what the *policy* and *program* choices are. To get people talking about business cycles as anything but The Heartbeat of the Universe is of course harder, and requires economic education, but oh how worthwhile that would be.
Mary Ann ; I agree, the message that it is inevitable or likely that the present administration will go is annoying and false. There are very good reasons not to allow that to happen. Anyone paying attention could see the danger if it does.
The Dems need a good shaking out of their organization and PR image . Their tarnished moniker of 'Party of The People' is just that . They, I feel are looked upon by the average American little differently than their Rep counterparts. They truely do not come across as empathetic, caring or engaged in the plight of the common citizen as one would hope . And given the ammo of insane trump, with a bit more hutzpah and proactive manuvering they can be in for a good win in the mid-terms . The systemic corruption of our elected officials by the oligarhic corporate monster is sinking the USS USA . To allow some honesty, integrity, humanity and re-allignment with the NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE back into their message, the Dems could and should get this steam ship back on course . I won't hold my breath .
Good point, Mark. My Republican assemblywoman communicates regularly and emphasizes what she’s doing for her constituents and sometimes it’s actually good stuff, which astonishes me. It’s her first term and she’s obviously taking the job seriously. She’s putting the Dems to shame. I doubt she’s a Trumpist but I still don’t want her in there. She’ll stay, though, because she conveys caring. Now why can’t the Dems, other than Rashida Tlaib, AOC, and Jamaal Bowman (and Bernie) do that?
Time me thinketh for a third Progressive partee ! !
It baffles me how the Democratic Party doesn't take advantage of the issues that most Americans agree on, like the distribution of wealth, reasonable gun control, better and lower cost health care, etc. If we had a nation-wide, uniform platform of those important issues (which the Republicans don't support) we could convince voters that we would get a lot done to benefit them. We just need to be universally consistent to win. Like Will Rogers said, "I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!"
Sooo right ! With the uncontrolled flapping of his gutter gums spewing; the lies, hatred, xenophobia, sexism, racism and nationalism, not to mention his repulsive lap dog adoration of his idol putin (you know, murderer of innocent women and children), even lil donnie's dumbed down, mis and dis informed automaton followers MUST have a glimmer of realization as to the self-serving, dangerous criminal which he is ! My only hope is that the anchor and heavy chain around his own neck, that he is sinks he and his party of henchmen to the depths of the Marianas trench . FOREVER ! !
Mark, I love the way you think. I'm sorry that we don't have forever to work with. As the seas rise and the storms wreck entire towns, we watch humanities' future vanish in the whirlwind. I shall die before the earth takes us all out. Kind of wish this were a novel and i could peek at the last chapter, but, sadly, it's my grandkids and their kids who will face the Full Stop. Adios. It Was Nice While It Lasted, The END.