Our country needs a new story. A story where justice and courage and character matter. Where those qualities do in the end, prevail over corruption , cronyism, crime, raw power plays, deceit. Where uncivil, immoral, criminal behavior and cheating is arrested and punished. Where accountability cannot be delayed indefinitely. Where national interest outweighs party interest in decision making. Where political power has checks and balances. At every level and at every desk. Where our freedoms carry enforceable responsibility.
In July 2019 my spouse and I, already in our 70s, attended a weekend conference in Miami named “Zero Hour”. Its logo was a clock about to strike midnight for Climate Change. The whole event was planned and choreographed by teens and pre-teens and the most seats were filled with teens. One of the event by-lines was to register to vote AND TO VOTE. Most of them will be at least eighteen in November.
Now that's what I call "a breath of fresh air." THANK YOU very much, RR.
Honestly,. I'm thankful the Supreme Court leaked their intentions to abolish women's rights, and roll back the clock 50 years. I'm hopeful this will give people another reason to get fired up and vote. I'm also hopefull that AG Garland cares about the Rule of Law. Last but not least, I'm hopeful that progressives can pick up enough Senate seats that we won't need a certain Senator who looks out for Billionaires, rather than his constituents who clearly need Build Back Better more than anyone.
Hi Robert, PaulaOH (me) likes that you tackled the Hope Machine! Every story of success begins with trying! I might tweak it a bit. Your list for hope is touching, especially the reminder of how we eventually mainstream through debate, struggle, then enactment. Another hope machine for me is filled with the joy of planting native species, observing young people in my family caring about all of these issues that have emerged, and learning to get involved, debate and continue the struggle we engaged in back decades ago to ensure democracy.
We still need an Equal Rights Amendment, not just Roe v Wade. We need to protect the National Environmental Protection Act and, having grown up on a polluted Ohio River, our precious, life giving clean air and water...add to that oceans and wild places. We need universal preschool! And, if not Medicare for all...a truly fully enacted ACA. We can do that! And, as our dear President Biden has shown, we can get stuff done and build jobs even during discouraging times. Infrastrucure is an example.
And, separately forget about thinking Vance is ok. He isn’t. For those in Ohio-help Tim Ryan, Keep Hope Alive! And help elect a judiciary that believes in democracy. Having Justice Jennifer Bruner become Chief Justice Bruner here is critical. And add “Live With Love” to the Hope Machine”.
Thanks for the list of Ten reasons to feel positive for the future! Another one is to add would be “history doesn’t have to repeat itself, Dems can win more seats in the midterms!
In Kentucky and West Virginia, a candidate who chews and plays bluegrass music has a much better chance to beat Republicans. Rand Paul is a carpetbagger. named for an atheist, who voted against all the social legislation that most of his constituents needed to survive. Recently, he blocked $40bn aid package to Ukraine despite a. GOP move to pass it. He got Russian campaign donations. A staffer took the fall and was pardoned by Trump. The primary is May 17. By that time, the Democratic candidate will be known.
I don't care who it is, if the candidate can play and sing Bill Monroe music, chew Red Man, and offer a Holy Ghost government, Paul is a goner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsfVA3TKPs
I find hope in the stands at Dodger Stadium. I'm definitely a senior citizen, and I like to sit close to the field. Because of my age, I'm afraid of falling. When I go down to my seat, a kind usher frequently escorts me there. Other fans, seeing me carefully wending my way up or down, help me reach my goal. There are still good people in this world.
Empathy,forgiveness,sensitivity and love. This should be the foundation of every American. The evil will be defeated. Empathy is the antidote for narcissism. They can’t exist in the same body.
where do i find hope? that's a tough question, but i find hope in transparency, clearly reported truths, and diversity -- human as well as floral and faunal. it's extreeemely slow in coming, and therefore, even more precious once it arrives.
I too see hope in the coming generations. As a newly retired teacher, I pay attention to the young people like Malala and Greta and so many others who are ready to put their lives on the line for the planet and for human rights. When I was their age, young people were being forced to put their lives on the line to kill other people. That still goes on, but hopefully will become less and less a part of life as time goes on and the need to save our planet becomes greater than the need of young males to kill. I also have hope that women will prevail in the abortion "debate," or rather, the anti-abortion insanity. If we come together to take care of each other, providing the services needed whether legal or not, we can be stronger. Oh yes, men can help too. Old pretty-ignorant white men can gradually be moved out of the way if we stick together, and I have hope that we can. R.Sheets
It’s always good to look at what’s going on from a historic view, AND globally. I agree it’s difficult, and we’ve been here before. We MUST stay strong💪
Here is a good, Democratic thought. EVERY SINGLE PERSON has to spend two years in community service after high school. Either the military or some community project that makes them work with people who are not like them. If they are white and male, make them work with females of color, just so they can find out what "the others" are like.
Then, after successfully completing that service, they get four years of state college or trade school for free.
You could also make that two years of community service a "co-operative education", by starting their college training while they are working.
Our country needs a new story. A story where justice and courage and character matter. Where those qualities do in the end, prevail over corruption , cronyism, crime, raw power plays, deceit. Where uncivil, immoral, criminal behavior and cheating is arrested and punished. Where accountability cannot be delayed indefinitely. Where national interest outweighs party interest in decision making. Where political power has checks and balances. At every level and at every desk. Where our freedoms carry enforceable responsibility.
In July 2019 my spouse and I, already in our 70s, attended a weekend conference in Miami named “Zero Hour”. Its logo was a clock about to strike midnight for Climate Change. The whole event was planned and choreographed by teens and pre-teens and the most seats were filled with teens. One of the event by-lines was to register to vote AND TO VOTE. Most of them will be at least eighteen in November.
Now that's what I call "a breath of fresh air." THANK YOU very much, RR.
Honestly,. I'm thankful the Supreme Court leaked their intentions to abolish women's rights, and roll back the clock 50 years. I'm hopeful this will give people another reason to get fired up and vote. I'm also hopefull that AG Garland cares about the Rule of Law. Last but not least, I'm hopeful that progressives can pick up enough Senate seats that we won't need a certain Senator who looks out for Billionaires, rather than his constituents who clearly need Build Back Better more than anyone.
Hi Robert, PaulaOH (me) likes that you tackled the Hope Machine! Every story of success begins with trying! I might tweak it a bit. Your list for hope is touching, especially the reminder of how we eventually mainstream through debate, struggle, then enactment. Another hope machine for me is filled with the joy of planting native species, observing young people in my family caring about all of these issues that have emerged, and learning to get involved, debate and continue the struggle we engaged in back decades ago to ensure democracy.
We still need an Equal Rights Amendment, not just Roe v Wade. We need to protect the National Environmental Protection Act and, having grown up on a polluted Ohio River, our precious, life giving clean air and water...add to that oceans and wild places. We need universal preschool! And, if not Medicare for all...a truly fully enacted ACA. We can do that! And, as our dear President Biden has shown, we can get stuff done and build jobs even during discouraging times. Infrastrucure is an example.
And, separately forget about thinking Vance is ok. He isn’t. For those in Ohio-help Tim Ryan, Keep Hope Alive! And help elect a judiciary that believes in democracy. Having Justice Jennifer Bruner become Chief Justice Bruner here is critical. And add “Live With Love” to the Hope Machine”.
A sense of humor and a song in your heart are >extremely< useful assets!
https://youtu.be/866dJeo68Uc
I find hope in today's positive points made by Robert Reich. Onward and upward !
Thanks for the list of Ten reasons to feel positive for the future! Another one is to add would be “history doesn’t have to repeat itself, Dems can win more seats in the midterms!
Robert, all politics are local.
In Kentucky and West Virginia, a candidate who chews and plays bluegrass music has a much better chance to beat Republicans. Rand Paul is a carpetbagger. named for an atheist, who voted against all the social legislation that most of his constituents needed to survive. Recently, he blocked $40bn aid package to Ukraine despite a. GOP move to pass it. He got Russian campaign donations. A staffer took the fall and was pardoned by Trump. The primary is May 17. By that time, the Democratic candidate will be known.
I don't care who it is, if the candidate can play and sing Bill Monroe music, chew Red Man, and offer a Holy Ghost government, Paul is a goner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsfVA3TKPs
Same for house races in KY and WV.
I find hope in the stands at Dodger Stadium. I'm definitely a senior citizen, and I like to sit close to the field. Because of my age, I'm afraid of falling. When I go down to my seat, a kind usher frequently escorts me there. Other fans, seeing me carefully wending my way up or down, help me reach my goal. There are still good people in this world.
Thank you for the long perspective. As usual, it is the best of times and the worst of times.
Empathy,forgiveness,sensitivity and love. This should be the foundation of every American. The evil will be defeated. Empathy is the antidote for narcissism. They can’t exist in the same body.
where do i find hope? that's a tough question, but i find hope in transparency, clearly reported truths, and diversity -- human as well as floral and faunal. it's extreeemely slow in coming, and therefore, even more precious once it arrives.
I too see hope in the coming generations. As a newly retired teacher, I pay attention to the young people like Malala and Greta and so many others who are ready to put their lives on the line for the planet and for human rights. When I was their age, young people were being forced to put their lives on the line to kill other people. That still goes on, but hopefully will become less and less a part of life as time goes on and the need to save our planet becomes greater than the need of young males to kill. I also have hope that women will prevail in the abortion "debate," or rather, the anti-abortion insanity. If we come together to take care of each other, providing the services needed whether legal or not, we can be stronger. Oh yes, men can help too. Old pretty-ignorant white men can gradually be moved out of the way if we stick together, and I have hope that we can. R.Sheets
It’s always good to look at what’s going on from a historic view, AND globally. I agree it’s difficult, and we’ve been here before. We MUST stay strong💪
Thanks to this blog and these informative heartfelt posted comments, my hope is encouraged.
Here is a good, Democratic thought. EVERY SINGLE PERSON has to spend two years in community service after high school. Either the military or some community project that makes them work with people who are not like them. If they are white and male, make them work with females of color, just so they can find out what "the others" are like.
Then, after successfully completing that service, they get four years of state college or trade school for free.
You could also make that two years of community service a "co-operative education", by starting their college training while they are working.