No doubt there is something very wrong in our culture that we allow trump and jones to flourish! Elon Musk should not have power! He provided starlink to Ukraine and now is pulling back on it. I hope the defense department forces him to continue to supply internet to Ukraine. He should get his money from the military and perhaps the DOD should own part of the company!
Something is wrong, indeed! Of course, I'm responding specifically to the statement: "No doubt there is something very wrong in our culture that we allow trump and jones to flourish!" I realize there are many on this forum who have come to suspect the views if the man in the videos I include here. I do not hold with that view. Cassandra, perhaps he is; pariah, not! He's at very least an ally bearing bad tidings many on the left simply can't bring themselves to face. Indeed, what he says squares pretty well with what I see before me. It's a problem that involves the interpretation of what we all see before us. These two I find particularly disturbing, particularly because I agree with his interpretation. Indeed, I can't decide which of these is more disturbing. Just >please< avoid killing the messenger:
I see the responses are taking a different direction. Fair enough. But I think this underpins all of it.
UPON REFLECTION: Although I generally agree with what Maher is saying, I have two objections I'd like to make clear.
1) In the Idiocracy link, he doesn't say that the trans in Ontario is running for elected office. On the other hand, the person in Ontario is a school teacher. A lot of poor judgement to go around for everyone. And,
2) I detect an attempt to promote a post hoc fallacy in his attitude toward the pandemic. He >does< say he conducted his life normally before he got vaccinated. Then he goes on to make a big deal of getting covid 3 weeks after he was vaccinated - like there is some kind of equivalence between taking preventative measures and taking no measures at all, along with the tacit implication involved with not getting infected until >after< he was vaccinated. >That< bothers me, because
1) He should be thanking his lucky stars he got vaccinated in time, since
2) He was taking no preventative measures and was thus destined to contract the damn thing! The vaccination prevented him from being hospitalized, or worse! Indeed, would having been hospitalized destroyed him financially, as it would and did so many others?
That brings me to his mention of socialism. Government services are not equivalent to socialism. That's wank-publican bullshit to deflect attention from their tax evasion, wage-slavery, and unmitigated greed pawned off as virtue meriting privilege - the kind of privilege ol' Tweety expects. Real socialists would advocate redistributing wealth by >whatever means necessary.< That is >way< not the same as requiring government to provide a livable environment for as many of its citizens as possible, in which an economy can take place. Levying and exacting the taxes necessary to provide such an environment is not a goddam proletariat dictatorship! Yet, the wank-publicans are now advocating a dictatorship of oligarchs in the mere suggestion that "we can't afford democracy."
In all, I'm satisfied I >do< understand the other side of the story and am still unmoved. It's more like I thought it was than it has ever been before. They're still a pack of hustlers who've developed a cult following of the undereducated. As for the left, I advocate democracy and human rights. However, under no circumstances will I defend people who have the bad judgement to display their "proclivities" in public and scaring the goddam horses!
Thank you for sharing! Repubs making the country safe FROM Democracy. Too funny. And we laugh. But his humor is a warning. How may repubs watch him? Bill Maher is a Truth Teller .
No doubt we have traitors at the top of our military! We have many traitors in the military rank and file. We have many traitors in the Oathkeepers and the Proud Boys! I have neighbors who support election denial and trump. A huge indication something is deadly wrong in our country!
It's worse than that: This isn't abnormal; this is how human-run governments operate, viz., erratically, poorly, often criminally. We are shocked at how Russia, China, Iran, Mexico, et alia, are run, because ours is so well-made and commendable, right?
To quote the Grateful Dead with a slight modification: The problem with them is the problem with us.
I was referring to star-link. If musk insists on interjecting his asinine opinion to solve the worlds problems then I’ll be damned! Musk has suspended service in Ukraine just as the Ukrainian military starts for Kherson. Despicable! DOD should own a part of Star-link.
steve e ; I don't use twitter either, so I guess we are in the same boat! I will have to look up the thread to see what inspired your comment. Duh! I was replying to Stephen W Blackburn. Next time I will try to remember to identify whose post I'm replying to. Sorry for the confusion.
Absolutely…4 years under the leadership of Trump, changed both organization(which are supposed to be non-political) for the worst. Just like the period of time post J. Edgar Hoover it will take time and leadership to bring them back to nonpartisanship.
as far as I know musk has no legal responsibility to provide starlink connections. this is an issue the West has failed to deal with in the past and now has to deal with going forward..
thank you for "liking" my comment today, but mostly thank you for "gifting" me a subscription! But I notice that it still says "gift a subscription" under my post today, and I have to actually sign in to even read Robert's daily blog! I need a "tutorial" from Substack to learn how it works. I actually PAID for Heather's blog for a year, but it stopped recognizing me as a paid subscriber! I'd write you directly instead of taking up space on this page, but alas, there is no way to do that! I have issues with Microsoft, but the problem is with ME! Alas, that is so often the case these days! Hugs to you!
Oct 15, 2022·edited Oct 15, 2022Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
It's been a pretty good week. Before listening I thought through my own response. Same as Heather: B+.
And oh! I went up to Pennsylvania yesterday to do some late-ish voter registration. A young woman told me that she was 18. How wonderful to be able to register an 18 year old. (Democratic registration too).
IMHO we can make gains in key states like WI, NV where we are down in the polls. Still millions of unregistered voters and registration is open to election day. In a nutshell, what American wants to live under fascism? Also a convergence with Roevember.
Also IMHO Garland should start with an indictment for the Mar a Lago docs. No mention of the fact that Thomas denied the Trump appeal to SCOTUS. Trump has no defense. His lawyers are implicated in criminal activity. Video evidence. Mere presence of docs in his possession is dispositive.
Effect of Alex Jones? I hope that people who continue to spread his lies and attack victims are held to account civilly and criminally. Some of the plaintiffs say they are still under threat. Not a first amendment issue. Defamation is not speech. Threats are a crime in most states. Should enrage even ardent MAGAt cultists.
Inflation. I blame OPEC, Saudis Russia. This was an attempt at an October Surprise aimed directly at us. (or US). Threaten war. Threaten to confiscate Saudi property in the US. Lien up US corporations that they control. California is suing Amazon for price fixing under state antitrust statutes. What about Saudis? No relation between cost of production and price at the pump.
Nobody asks me but if I were AG, I'd send Trump 25 target letters for all of the potential cases within federal jurisdiction starting with the Mueller obstruction charges before filing the Mar a Lago indictment, Exhaust him.
dnkarr ; Why? Because she is an old white woman? Or just imperfect like most human beings? She is the reason that the Jan 6 Committee gets an A++ from me. Because she kept the crazies off the Committee. They actually accomplished something of value, with dignity.
Guess what Laurie. You have no idea who you're talking to. Totally agree re: Jan 6 committee, but re: her entire career supporting corporate dems and working diligently to sabotage the progressive agenda, sorry -- she does not get my vote. Signed: Imperfect Old White Woman.
dnkarr ; You are right ; I had no idea who I was communicating with. I have similar concerns about Speaker Pelosi. I still like what she did to keep the crazies off the Jan 6th Committee. There are those who do not respect older, white women, just because they are old and white. You are not in that category, obviously. There are so many Democrats who are compromised by Corporate money. it can be frustrating.
Barbara ; I am a 71 year old white woman and could not help but ask why anyone would find it so depressing that Nancy Pelosi acted 'presidential'. See dnkarr 's comment. There is plenty of Nancy Pelosi bashing by the right , and sometimes on the left. I could not see the reason and was curious why her response was "depressing". I was not trying to insult, for sure.
Ageism is real: I'm old, but I still harbor that prejudice in my mind, probably because deep-down I think I'm still young. At 73, that's a hard sell objectively to anyone else. But my psychological self-defense mechanisms keep me warm and safe in my happy place.
So true. The older I get the more I realize how much of it is in my head. I get frustrated with the behavior of “old people” sometimes and then realize I am one (I’m 70).
You don't have to: When the body wants to have a major breakdown, it will. My ancient mom used to say that she could go to be feeling fine, but wake up with huge problems and have to the ER. But until then, all we can do is ride the wave till it hits the beach.
The subject seems to have changed to ageism. I'm 91, so I'll speak up. You don't know what it's like to be old until you get there. I was in my late 80s when the word "frail" hit me, and I realized I was beginning to feel it. then slowly little things begin to happen, or not happen, and you're there. Much earlier, when you first know that you're beginning to look old, someone will hold a door open for you, or something small like that, but it won't be too much longer before you notice that you are being ignored or slighted. (You have to speak up) I'm still vigorous, yes, but I know I don't have as much energy as I used to. It's different for each of us, but it is NOT just a state of
mind!!! Read Being Mortal by Gawande if you're getting older or have older family members.
I agree: Our bodies are slowly, but surely slip-sliding away. Other people notice it and treat us, sad to say, accordingly, which usually means like a child, or they just ignore us, some not knowing what to say, so they say nothing. It's awkward and sad, but that's life and growing old.
My mom was 96 when she passed. She suffered for years; I do not want to live like that. At some point, the game isn't worth the candle. I think it's nature's way of telling and showing and proving to you that it's time to go: endless sleep and you never have to get up to go to the bathroom.
There comes a day when you ask yourself, "What's the point of living so long?" It is possible to just stop eating. After a few days you'll have about 12 hours of hunger pain, after that you'll slowly go. You should still drink water though.
Why are you just now realizing this? She has demonstrated her skill and intelligence for decades. This realization should now prompt you to open your mind and expand your perspective and see the many talented and capable people who don’t fit the usual white male mold. And you might also find some hope.
She's quite a gal,but it's uplifting to know Adam Schiff could be taking her place if she retires.I just prefer to have a positive view and keep working to save our democracy!
I liked Pelosi talking about punching tRump ! I have had similar feelings! But I have never been in the position that she , her daughter and many others were in on Jan 6th !
Are there any statesmen in that scuzzy group?I remember Josh at one point sitting w/ his dirty feet up on the chair.Real class & diligence to his duties.
The Committee did a marvelous job,but from my vantage point only Democrats were watching, and the birdbrains (of my family) had other things to do. I haven't a lot of hope for the future of America given what goes for EDUCATION these days. This said, probably my last Presidential vote ever, will be Democratic! Oh, and I love Robert Reich and always have! :)
Oct 15, 2022Liked by Heather Lofthouse, Robert Reich
This was a great week. The children are watching. Teachers shared democracy in action. Truth was underscored. The Committee's work was excellent. Postcards were written and sent. Doors were knocked, honest conversations were prevailed. Thank you for this community.
Oct 15, 2022Liked by Heather Lofthouse, Robert Reich
What a great Coffee Klatch! To reflect my DNA I am going to be a Chatty Cathy.
I so so excited about the elections. I printed a document of my judicial picks from Injustice Watch. They have an invaluable tool on their site. Here in Illinois I predict that JB Pritzker will win as governor for a second term.
As for Covid I participated in NIH blood draw research three times. I still wear masks on public trans and in stores. I get eight free tests a month. I am fortunate to be a Rush University Medical Center patient. Early on they gave me my first two vaccines. And now I have three boosters.
I selected Trump to be convicted on our survey here. Is it wishful thinking? Yes so what. We can do that if we want!
Oct 15, 2022Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
I hope Attorney General Merrick Garland will indict tRump. As far as grading the week goes...who? Robert Reich gets an A++. The Jan 6th Committee gets an A++ too. The other side are beneath the pit and do not qualify for a grade at all.
I have now finished listening to the coffee klatch ; From the intro theme music to the ending klatch music , it was interesting and funny ( DNA theories?). My overall grade for the week was tweaked by the facts stated about the raising interest rates not helping to reduce inflation. A++ for Robert and Heather for discussing this topic we never hear about in the mainstream 'news'. D minus for the pundits for their twisted and wrong 'analysis'!
Oct 15, 2022Liked by Heather Lofthouse, Robert Reich
As a former teacher, I am not a fan of grades, but I know there are expectations, so I will be generous and explain. First to Robert and Heather, a solid A. Truth, history, political connections, plus they match my agenda and philosophy. Yes, that’s bias. And natural. We’re all biased. Next the Jan 6 Committee this week a solid A for being able to hold my attention, to cry and cheer and groan and hope and doubt all in a short time. And for all their work and risk. Tying it together the way we hope DOJ will. And the amazing video footage of NP and behind the scenes. Doing what almost any president would do. I understand that all the Truth in the world may not put TFG and his crooked cohorts behind bars, but every second of the Hearings, the interviews, research, all are available for maybe posterity. Unless they are somehow erased by some crookie repub. But we do have them in the Ethernet. TFG a solid F, no comment. The Committee has given us a backroom picture on how Fascism progresses. That’s all for this report card. It’s the tip of the crime-berg. Where are we now? Depends on your view. That and voting always Depend.
As another former teacher, I love your post. Personally I don't care if the trumpster is behind bars, I want him stripped of all his assets, he cheated, lied, and stole to gain them.
Well guess I’m a lil cynical at this point. Nothing has stuck to tRump all these years and I have little reason to believe anything ever will…despite the fact that his criminality seems to be everlasting with nary a boundary in sight. That said, I’d love to see a conviction. He’s a rank criminal, he and the rest of his loser goons. None of them has earned any right ever to be associated with the true heroes of this country. Drain the swamp, indeed!
I was sad to hear Robert and mention that the Republicans have a good chance of taking the house so I would like to share with you something I posted on Facebook: The 19th Amendment provided women the right to vote. SCOTUS stole women's right to have an abortion. Candidates in the 2022 mid-term election from the Democrat party will find legal ways to insure women have the right to the health care they need. The majority of Republican candidates are anti-abortion. Another problem is that many Republican candidates are election deniers. According to CNN "Republicans are positioned to reclaim the House of Representatives and are locked in a neck-and-neck fight with Democrats to win back the Senate.." I am asking every woman to research the candidates down -tballot, discuss them with family and friends and see if they stand for what you want to represent you. And remember, just because CNN states "Republicans are positioned to reclaim the House of Representatives and are locked in a neck-and-neck fight with Democrats to win back the Senate" does not make it true. Please do your research and vote during the 2022 mid-term election on or before Tuesday 8 November. Thank you for being a voter.
This is a really important statement, thank you for making it. The most effective work we do is in the beginning and at the end of the long, long campaigns our politicians have been forced to wage by Citizens United. We need a surge of attention to down-ballot races, very much including for secretary of state and attorney general! People need to be googling to find out candidates' names and platforms, and offering to phonebank, donate, canvass (best of all)--or just figuring out who to vote for! "Use it or lose it" never felt so real as this year.
Agree! Can't believe everything you hear/ read. Back in August, I did my research and made 3-figure donations to Democratic candidates in predicted tight races all over the country. Considering I'm a retired nurse (read: not wealthy by any means) it was a 1 time thing, as generous as I could afford.
Since then, the "please send more" emails have become more frequent and desperate. Lately, 3xday from the same candidates. Now, they beg for "only $2" claiming they're "one point behind" in polling and destined to lose if I don't dig deeper. Feeling quite manipulated. Do I dig deeper and live on cat food the rest of the month? Sigh...
I agree, well said: "Democrats suck at controlling the narrative, and are always on the defensive side... better they reframe the situation and hammer the anti-democratic dishonest hypocrites, etc, etc... Liberal is a noble attribute of reverence for the truth and hatred of falsehoods, but dishonest Republican strategists have turned the word into an insult, even a character flaw, just the opposite from what the word actually represents."
Oct 15, 2022Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
Nancy Pelosi was laser-focused on the job to complete and the time-frame required. I admire her rock-solid authority! I'm afraid I can't give a grade for the week - I am too worried about too many situations. But meanwhile, here, in New Hampshire, the golden & flame-red and orange leaves are lighting up our hills. It is spectacular and humbling.
I worked temporarily as a market research interviewer. I was totally dismayed at the number of tRump supporters I talked to that remained steadfastly behind him in spite of everything. I also read an article in which interviewed voters were more concerned about how much their groceries cost than whether or not they had a democracy so it also looks like half America has already forgotten 1/6/21. Just feeling pessimistic today.
If you're not depressed about the state of our union, you're not paying attention. Which may be the smarter option, all things considered, because things seem to just get worse and worse. We jump from one house fire to another.
Do elected Republican officials not have any shame? They act like sociopaths. They act like the competition between the two parties is a war, and all is fair in war. They have no standing to object to Putin's war crimes, which are justified by the same logic. How was Trump different from Putin or any other ego-maniacle wanna-be (or actual) dictator?
No doubt there is something very wrong in our culture that we allow trump and jones to flourish! Elon Musk should not have power! He provided starlink to Ukraine and now is pulling back on it. I hope the defense department forces him to continue to supply internet to Ukraine. He should get his money from the military and perhaps the DOD should own part of the company!
Something is wrong, indeed! Of course, I'm responding specifically to the statement: "No doubt there is something very wrong in our culture that we allow trump and jones to flourish!" I realize there are many on this forum who have come to suspect the views if the man in the videos I include here. I do not hold with that view. Cassandra, perhaps he is; pariah, not! He's at very least an ally bearing bad tidings many on the left simply can't bring themselves to face. Indeed, what he says squares pretty well with what I see before me. It's a problem that involves the interpretation of what we all see before us. These two I find particularly disturbing, particularly because I agree with his interpretation. Indeed, I can't decide which of these is more disturbing. Just >please< avoid killing the messenger:
THE IDIOCRACY:
https://youtu.be/vo8t86Fi2JQ
THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY:
https://youtu.be/GDkjjGZ92NQ
I see the responses are taking a different direction. Fair enough. But I think this underpins all of it.
UPON REFLECTION: Although I generally agree with what Maher is saying, I have two objections I'd like to make clear.
1) In the Idiocracy link, he doesn't say that the trans in Ontario is running for elected office. On the other hand, the person in Ontario is a school teacher. A lot of poor judgement to go around for everyone. And,
2) I detect an attempt to promote a post hoc fallacy in his attitude toward the pandemic. He >does< say he conducted his life normally before he got vaccinated. Then he goes on to make a big deal of getting covid 3 weeks after he was vaccinated - like there is some kind of equivalence between taking preventative measures and taking no measures at all, along with the tacit implication involved with not getting infected until >after< he was vaccinated. >That< bothers me, because
1) He should be thanking his lucky stars he got vaccinated in time, since
2) He was taking no preventative measures and was thus destined to contract the damn thing! The vaccination prevented him from being hospitalized, or worse! Indeed, would having been hospitalized destroyed him financially, as it would and did so many others?
That brings me to his mention of socialism. Government services are not equivalent to socialism. That's wank-publican bullshit to deflect attention from their tax evasion, wage-slavery, and unmitigated greed pawned off as virtue meriting privilege - the kind of privilege ol' Tweety expects. Real socialists would advocate redistributing wealth by >whatever means necessary.< That is >way< not the same as requiring government to provide a livable environment for as many of its citizens as possible, in which an economy can take place. Levying and exacting the taxes necessary to provide such an environment is not a goddam proletariat dictatorship! Yet, the wank-publicans are now advocating a dictatorship of oligarchs in the mere suggestion that "we can't afford democracy."
In all, I'm satisfied I >do< understand the other side of the story and am still unmoved. It's more like I thought it was than it has ever been before. They're still a pack of hustlers who've developed a cult following of the undereducated. As for the left, I advocate democracy and human rights. However, under no circumstances will I defend people who have the bad judgement to display their "proclivities" in public and scaring the goddam horses!
Thank you for sharing! Repubs making the country safe FROM Democracy. Too funny. And we laugh. But his humor is a warning. How may repubs watch him? Bill Maher is a Truth Teller .
Senior moment! LOL! Gon'na fix it right away. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Fixed now. I think you'll like it.
I don't think musk deserves any more money from the military or any other source. Like the trumpster he is an evil nascissist.
Stephen W Blackburn ; Careful what you wish for : How many traitors are at the top of our military?
No doubt we have traitors at the top of our military! We have many traitors in the military rank and file. We have many traitors in the Oathkeepers and the Proud Boys! I have neighbors who support election denial and trump. A huge indication something is deadly wrong in our country!
It's worse than that: This isn't abnormal; this is how human-run governments operate, viz., erratically, poorly, often criminally. We are shocked at how Russia, China, Iran, Mexico, et alia, are run, because ours is so well-made and commendable, right?
To quote the Grateful Dead with a slight modification: The problem with them is the problem with us.
James - Remember Pogo? "We have met the enemy and he is us!"
Stephen W Blackburn ; And a good reason the DOD should not own part of Twitter along with Elon.
I was referring to star-link. If musk insists on interjecting his asinine opinion to solve the worlds problems then I’ll be damned! Musk has suspended service in Ukraine just as the Ukrainian military starts for Kherson. Despicable! DOD should own a part of Star-link.
Stephen W Blackburn ; The comment I made was in reference to Starlink, I typed Twitter in error. Oops! Time for this senior to take a nap.
steve e ; I don't use twitter either, so I guess we are in the same boat! I will have to look up the thread to see what inspired your comment. Duh! I was replying to Stephen W Blackburn. Next time I will try to remember to identify whose post I'm replying to. Sorry for the confusion.
Absolutely…4 years under the leadership of Trump, changed both organization(which are supposed to be non-political) for the worst. Just like the period of time post J. Edgar Hoover it will take time and leadership to bring them back to nonpartisanship.
as far as I know musk has no legal responsibility to provide starlink connections. this is an issue the West has failed to deal with in the past and now has to deal with going forward..
He has a moral responsibility to continue especially when Ukraine needs starlink for military purposes!!
Maybe But you can’t be too reliant on a flake like musk. He could change his mind tomorrow
He's a wise guy lunatic,I DON"T TRUST HIM!
Hello Janet R~
thank you for "liking" my comment today, but mostly thank you for "gifting" me a subscription! But I notice that it still says "gift a subscription" under my post today, and I have to actually sign in to even read Robert's daily blog! I need a "tutorial" from Substack to learn how it works. I actually PAID for Heather's blog for a year, but it stopped recognizing me as a paid subscriber! I'd write you directly instead of taking up space on this page, but alas, there is no way to do that! I have issues with Microsoft, but the problem is with ME! Alas, that is so often the case these days! Hugs to you!
Wrong in our culture. Wrong in the DNA. Collective racist subconscious.
We just want him to do something pronto!
It's been a pretty good week. Before listening I thought through my own response. Same as Heather: B+.
And oh! I went up to Pennsylvania yesterday to do some late-ish voter registration. A young woman told me that she was 18. How wonderful to be able to register an 18 year old. (Democratic registration too).
You get an A.
Still time to register in some states. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/09/20/voter-registration-deadline-2022/
IMHO we can make gains in key states like WI, NV where we are down in the polls. Still millions of unregistered voters and registration is open to election day. In a nutshell, what American wants to live under fascism? Also a convergence with Roevember.
Also IMHO Garland should start with an indictment for the Mar a Lago docs. No mention of the fact that Thomas denied the Trump appeal to SCOTUS. Trump has no defense. His lawyers are implicated in criminal activity. Video evidence. Mere presence of docs in his possession is dispositive.
Effect of Alex Jones? I hope that people who continue to spread his lies and attack victims are held to account civilly and criminally. Some of the plaintiffs say they are still under threat. Not a first amendment issue. Defamation is not speech. Threats are a crime in most states. Should enrage even ardent MAGAt cultists.
Inflation. I blame OPEC, Saudis Russia. This was an attempt at an October Surprise aimed directly at us. (or US). Threaten war. Threaten to confiscate Saudi property in the US. Lien up US corporations that they control. California is suing Amazon for price fixing under state antitrust statutes. What about Saudis? No relation between cost of production and price at the pump.
Also we have a better chance of winning in red states like IA, SD than depicted by the media. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MccoAulV87Q
That was uplifting Daniel.Gracias!
Good summary, Dan'l. Where did you learn that Justice Thomas denied Tchump's appeal?
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/13/us/politics/trump-supreme-court.html?searchResultPosition=1
A very good list of issues and responses. Forward ho....
Nobody asks me but if I were AG, I'd send Trump 25 target letters for all of the potential cases within federal jurisdiction starting with the Mueller obstruction charges before filing the Mar a Lago indictment, Exhaust him.
You're speaking to the choir here. La-la-la...
The most depressing thing for me this week was realizing that Nancy Pelosi was the most presidential individual I've seen in quite some time.
dnkarr ; Why? Because she is an old white woman? Or just imperfect like most human beings? She is the reason that the Jan 6 Committee gets an A++ from me. Because she kept the crazies off the Committee. They actually accomplished something of value, with dignity.
Guess what Laurie. You have no idea who you're talking to. Totally agree re: Jan 6 committee, but re: her entire career supporting corporate dems and working diligently to sabotage the progressive agenda, sorry -- she does not get my vote. Signed: Imperfect Old White Woman.
dnkarr ; You are right ; I had no idea who I was communicating with. I have similar concerns about Speaker Pelosi. I still like what she did to keep the crazies off the Jan 6th Committee. There are those who do not respect older, white women, just because they are old and white. You are not in that category, obviously. There are so many Democrats who are compromised by Corporate money. it can be frustrating.
Sorry but please be careful about using old white woman as an insult. I happen to be one.
Me, too! We are NOT the same as OLD WHITE MEN. WE use our brains for more than a hairpiece.
LOL!!!!!!
As an old white man, I can relate. But at least dnkarr and Laurie didn't use the term "Karen".
Huh?
Barbara ; I am a 71 year old white woman and could not help but ask why anyone would find it so depressing that Nancy Pelosi acted 'presidential'. See dnkarr 's comment. There is plenty of Nancy Pelosi bashing by the right , and sometimes on the left. I could not see the reason and was curious why her response was "depressing". I was not trying to insult, for sure.
Possibly that was sarcasm, not insult. Possibly "insult" appeared in the previous comment.
Ageism is real: I'm old, but I still harbor that prejudice in my mind, probably because deep-down I think I'm still young. At 73, that's a hard sell objectively to anyone else. But my psychological self-defense mechanisms keep me warm and safe in my happy place.
So true. The older I get the more I realize how much of it is in my head. I get frustrated with the behavior of “old people” sometimes and then realize I am one (I’m 70).
Yes, I made my final arrangements years ago, but I still consider myself middle-aged, if that. I like playing baseball with my six-year-old grandson.
I don't look at numbers,I just keep living!
You don't have to: When the body wants to have a major breakdown, it will. My ancient mom used to say that she could go to be feeling fine, but wake up with huge problems and have to the ER. But until then, all we can do is ride the wave till it hits the beach.
The subject seems to have changed to ageism. I'm 91, so I'll speak up. You don't know what it's like to be old until you get there. I was in my late 80s when the word "frail" hit me, and I realized I was beginning to feel it. then slowly little things begin to happen, or not happen, and you're there. Much earlier, when you first know that you're beginning to look old, someone will hold a door open for you, or something small like that, but it won't be too much longer before you notice that you are being ignored or slighted. (You have to speak up) I'm still vigorous, yes, but I know I don't have as much energy as I used to. It's different for each of us, but it is NOT just a state of
mind!!! Read Being Mortal by Gawande if you're getting older or have older family members.
I agree: Our bodies are slowly, but surely slip-sliding away. Other people notice it and treat us, sad to say, accordingly, which usually means like a child, or they just ignore us, some not knowing what to say, so they say nothing. It's awkward and sad, but that's life and growing old.
AMEN<AMEN<and AMEN,that really works!
My mom was 96 when she passed. She suffered for years; I do not want to live like that. At some point, the game isn't worth the candle. I think it's nature's way of telling and showing and proving to you that it's time to go: endless sleep and you never have to get up to go to the bathroom.
There comes a day when you ask yourself, "What's the point of living so long?" It is possible to just stop eating. After a few days you'll have about 12 hours of hunger pain, after that you'll slowly go. You should still drink water though.
The like button does't work for me.
Thank you, Laurie
You can thank your lucky stars Nancy Pelosi was there.
Did anyone see her w/ the beef jerky stick,I thought it was a profound gesture of composure.
Why are you just now realizing this? She has demonstrated her skill and intelligence for decades. This realization should now prompt you to open your mind and expand your perspective and see the many talented and capable people who don’t fit the usual white male mold. And you might also find some hope.
I suggest you read my reply to Laurie. Thank you.
She's quite a gal,but it's uplifting to know Adam Schiff could be taking her place if she retires.I just prefer to have a positive view and keep working to save our democracy!
I liked Pelosi talking about punching tRump ! I have had similar feelings! But I have never been in the position that she , her daughter and many others were in on Jan 6th !
I bet they loved each other MORE that day.what a fright!
Amen. She led while Mitch quivered. But I just can't get over her saying that Congress members "need" insider information. Hello?
We all have weaknesses ,failings and imperfections!
Are there any statesmen in that scuzzy group?I remember Josh at one point sitting w/ his dirty feet up on the chair.Real class & diligence to his duties.
The Committee did a marvelous job,but from my vantage point only Democrats were watching, and the birdbrains (of my family) had other things to do. I haven't a lot of hope for the future of America given what goes for EDUCATION these days. This said, probably my last Presidential vote ever, will be Democratic! Oh, and I love Robert Reich and always have! :)
He says it pretty WELL when he has to.
This was a great week. The children are watching. Teachers shared democracy in action. Truth was underscored. The Committee's work was excellent. Postcards were written and sent. Doors were knocked, honest conversations were prevailed. Thank you for this community.
What a great Coffee Klatch! To reflect my DNA I am going to be a Chatty Cathy.
I so so excited about the elections. I printed a document of my judicial picks from Injustice Watch. They have an invaluable tool on their site. Here in Illinois I predict that JB Pritzker will win as governor for a second term.
As for Covid I participated in NIH blood draw research three times. I still wear masks on public trans and in stores. I get eight free tests a month. I am fortunate to be a Rush University Medical Center patient. Early on they gave me my first two vaccines. And now I have three boosters.
I selected Trump to be convicted on our survey here. Is it wishful thinking? Yes so what. We can do that if we want!
That WILL HAPPEN,don't you fret!
I hope Attorney General Merrick Garland will indict tRump. As far as grading the week goes...who? Robert Reich gets an A++. The Jan 6th Committee gets an A++ too. The other side are beneath the pit and do not qualify for a grade at all.
I have not listened to the coffee klatch. Grading not complete....
I have now finished listening to the coffee klatch ; From the intro theme music to the ending klatch music , it was interesting and funny ( DNA theories?). My overall grade for the week was tweaked by the facts stated about the raising interest rates not helping to reduce inflation. A++ for Robert and Heather for discussing this topic we never hear about in the mainstream 'news'. D minus for the pundits for their twisted and wrong 'analysis'!
I am hoping Garland has balls.
Unfortunately, he's capable of dropping every one of them.
One does not get this far if not a juggler
As a former teacher, I am not a fan of grades, but I know there are expectations, so I will be generous and explain. First to Robert and Heather, a solid A. Truth, history, political connections, plus they match my agenda and philosophy. Yes, that’s bias. And natural. We’re all biased. Next the Jan 6 Committee this week a solid A for being able to hold my attention, to cry and cheer and groan and hope and doubt all in a short time. And for all their work and risk. Tying it together the way we hope DOJ will. And the amazing video footage of NP and behind the scenes. Doing what almost any president would do. I understand that all the Truth in the world may not put TFG and his crooked cohorts behind bars, but every second of the Hearings, the interviews, research, all are available for maybe posterity. Unless they are somehow erased by some crookie repub. But we do have them in the Ethernet. TFG a solid F, no comment. The Committee has given us a backroom picture on how Fascism progresses. That’s all for this report card. It’s the tip of the crime-berg. Where are we now? Depends on your view. That and voting always Depend.
As another former teacher, I love your post. Personally I don't care if the trumpster is behind bars, I want him stripped of all his assets, he cheated, lied, and stole to gain them.
A dirty orange jumpstart and flip flops works for me!
May God protect them all,who knows what good thing they'll do next?
Well guess I’m a lil cynical at this point. Nothing has stuck to tRump all these years and I have little reason to believe anything ever will…despite the fact that his criminality seems to be everlasting with nary a boundary in sight. That said, I’d love to see a conviction. He’s a rank criminal, he and the rest of his loser goons. None of them has earned any right ever to be associated with the true heroes of this country. Drain the swamp, indeed!
Look at all the BIG TIME stuff he's done in recent years,he'll be on the slop line in Leavenworth,CAN"T WAIT!!!
We shall see. If not our country is fini.
Maybe tax him fairly to change his mindset then we use the proceeds for that and much more
I was sad to hear Robert and mention that the Republicans have a good chance of taking the house so I would like to share with you something I posted on Facebook: The 19th Amendment provided women the right to vote. SCOTUS stole women's right to have an abortion. Candidates in the 2022 mid-term election from the Democrat party will find legal ways to insure women have the right to the health care they need. The majority of Republican candidates are anti-abortion. Another problem is that many Republican candidates are election deniers. According to CNN "Republicans are positioned to reclaim the House of Representatives and are locked in a neck-and-neck fight with Democrats to win back the Senate.." I am asking every woman to research the candidates down -tballot, discuss them with family and friends and see if they stand for what you want to represent you. And remember, just because CNN states "Republicans are positioned to reclaim the House of Representatives and are locked in a neck-and-neck fight with Democrats to win back the Senate" does not make it true. Please do your research and vote during the 2022 mid-term election on or before Tuesday 8 November. Thank you for being a voter.
Katherine Cooper
This is a really important statement, thank you for making it. The most effective work we do is in the beginning and at the end of the long, long campaigns our politicians have been forced to wage by Citizens United. We need a surge of attention to down-ballot races, very much including for secretary of state and attorney general! People need to be googling to find out candidates' names and platforms, and offering to phonebank, donate, canvass (best of all)--or just figuring out who to vote for! "Use it or lose it" never felt so real as this year.
Katherine
Agree! Can't believe everything you hear/ read. Back in August, I did my research and made 3-figure donations to Democratic candidates in predicted tight races all over the country. Considering I'm a retired nurse (read: not wealthy by any means) it was a 1 time thing, as generous as I could afford.
Since then, the "please send more" emails have become more frequent and desperate. Lately, 3xday from the same candidates. Now, they beg for "only $2" claiming they're "one point behind" in polling and destined to lose if I don't dig deeper. Feeling quite manipulated. Do I dig deeper and live on cat food the rest of the month? Sigh...
Excellent point!I've been wondering how reliable and real all those polls are.Nowadays???
I agree, well said: "Democrats suck at controlling the narrative, and are always on the defensive side... better they reframe the situation and hammer the anti-democratic dishonest hypocrites, etc, etc... Liberal is a noble attribute of reverence for the truth and hatred of falsehoods, but dishonest Republican strategists have turned the word into an insult, even a character flaw, just the opposite from what the word actually represents."
Hitler was charged and convicted of treason for participating in a failed coup.
He dismissed the authority of the court that tried him and started writing Mein Kampf in prison, and upon release from jail,
well, the rest in history.
This is critical for people to know and remember. Thank you for stating these historical facts.
What a great reminder,we all need it!
Nancy Pelosi was laser-focused on the job to complete and the time-frame required. I admire her rock-solid authority! I'm afraid I can't give a grade for the week - I am too worried about too many situations. But meanwhile, here, in New Hampshire, the golden & flame-red and orange leaves are lighting up our hills. It is spectacular and humbling.
I worked temporarily as a market research interviewer. I was totally dismayed at the number of tRump supporters I talked to that remained steadfastly behind him in spite of everything. I also read an article in which interviewed voters were more concerned about how much their groceries cost than whether or not they had a democracy so it also looks like half America has already forgotten 1/6/21. Just feeling pessimistic today.
If you're not depressed about the state of our union, you're not paying attention. Which may be the smarter option, all things considered, because things seem to just get worse and worse. We jump from one house fire to another.
Light always conquers dark and WE ARE DOING THIS<lather,rinse,repeat!!!
Thanks for all that you do to help me understand the political landscape. Well done!
Do elected Republican officials not have any shame? They act like sociopaths. They act like the competition between the two parties is a war, and all is fair in war. They have no standing to object to Putin's war crimes, which are justified by the same logic. How was Trump different from Putin or any other ego-maniacle wanna-be (or actual) dictator?
They've emulated him and maybe think they'll be rewarded w/ 'brownie points'
Grown men and a few 'trashy acting' females.