The press could focus on uplifting and motivating rather than deflating hope with constant focus on Biden's age, polls, why people dont feel the economy improving blah blah blah. Stop implying it's a foregone conclusion that t-rump will win. Nothing is more demotivating than hearing all day everyday everywhere how hopeless it is. If you want people to get off the coach stop the beatdown already. Like a sport coach at halftime, go to the locker room and pump the team UP. No team wins by whining about how impossible it is to win! We MUST rally to get all behind Biden (no protest votes for candidates who can't win please) and know that together we can do this! Otherwise losing will be a self fulfilling prophecy that we will be solely responsible for having created.
Donald Trump generates dollars for the media, it is a simple as that. This all reminds me of is this quote from Lenin,
“The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them. “ By amplifying and normalizing the fascist message, they are doing their part to ensure the fascists take power. Once fascists get in power, the media will be targeted. But profit is all that matters, right?
Thank you for reminding me why it is so important that those of us who see the danger in Trump and his following keep repeating ourselves. I have felt that inkling of despair, thinking only the like minded are hearing what is been said about the Trump Regime, but as you noted, if only one person with each reminder changes their mind, then we must continue speaking out. We owe that much to our great nation and the democracy we are trying to hold on to.
Mr. Dan and Mr. Elliot, I know i don't have to say this but please don't stop what you're doing. Pass the torch if you must, to the many you have helped to enlighten, the many who're willing to carry that torch, to whom you've given steady encouragement. You exemplify true patriotism. Thank you.
One of the most insidious methodologies employed by Republicans over the past 30 years or so is the attempt to normalize greater and greater threats to our democracy. So the Truth no longer matters, Reality no longer matters, Expertise no longer matters, Civility no longer matters, because it's whatever Republicans feel is in the way of their ultimate goal of ramming their repressive ideology down the throats of everyone, forever. Democrats are no longer fellow citizens with different ideas, but radical communist "vermin" who must be thrown out of power by any means necessary. Hell, a violent coup d'etat, complete with the Stars and Bars flying inside the Capital, doesn't even offend most Republicans - they still believe it should be their way or the highway. One way to combat this normalization is to be just as relentless as they are in terms of calling out these offensive words and actions wherever and whenever they occur. Otherwise, we are in danger of too many of our electorate thinking such tactics are a non-issue, and the threat of Republican authoritarianism becomes that much greater.
Either we have hope within us or we do not. It is a dimension of the soul and is not essentially dependent on some particular observation of the world.
HOPE is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of the heart. It transcends the world that is immediately experienced and is anchored somewhere beyond its horizons.
HOPE in this deep and powerful sense is not the same as joy that things are going well or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good, not because it stands a chance to succeed.
HOPE is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out.
It is HOPE, above all which gives the strength to live and continually try new things.
Veterans stood on street corners while trump was president also!
And I will remind you, that when trump was president we were using refrigerated trucks as morgues, and after trump lost in 2020 - he incited an insurrection on Jan 6th.
Thanks, but I'll vote for Biden - he is a far better 'tool' in 2024 than trump could ever hope to be. Biden has turned things around after trump's failure to govern.
Under Biden, America is once again the leader of the free world, instead of a fanboy for the dictators of the world. And, every dollar sent to Ukraine weakens Russia's military - and is money well spent defeating a known enemy of US Democracy!
I kinda feel like the media is on a hampster wheel. Preaching into the mic each night isn't getting anything done beyond the first few impressions. I think in other countries where the media isn't so dominant the concern/action spills into the streets. Here, we just believe that the TV is the only place anything needs to happen. We take false comfort in the fact that 'liberal' media is on the 'Trump/Fascist Danger' message 7/24, while the far right watches 'their shows' and believe its all made up BS.
I’ve not felt despair. Maybe I’m crazy but given TFG was out of public so long and is having more and more “senior” moments, 4 upcoming trials and his rantings on his failing social media platform, his downward spiral started a long time ago and has only picked up speed this year and more every day.
He lost in 2020 after his disastrous first term, he’s lost supporters over January 6th, more with his upcoming trials and many republicans want someone other than TFG to be the nominee. There aren’t enough MAGA supporters to win an election for him and the whole party is fractured and fighting from within. While yes, TFG is a threat but I ask, just how much of a threat is he?? Taking into consideration all of the factors above, my personal opinion is he’s not really much of a threat. MSM pushes the fear factor to make money, not because they’re telling the truth. They need people riled up but I’m just not buying into that fear. I’ve donated to many democrats for their 2024 run, in my state of Texas as well as others around the country. While Republicans are infighting, democrats stand united, behind Biden and behind the party. I think that is an important factor that isn’t talked about much and one of the main reasons we will win in 2024. I use the power of positive thinking while watching the disaster that IS the Republican Party. I know democrats will win. Think positive and give your support to Democratic candidates in any way you can. I pledge that I will.
Nicely written, Julie, thank you. Your words have me reflecting on my “positive thinking” concerning all things “Phlegm” (past president). Never had I imagined a professional politician with a lifetime commitment to her(Hillary) craft, would be ousted by a known grifter. The persistent validation of such antics baffles me to this day. I was “shocked” into having to change my mind about a lot of things regarding just how ignorant and indifferent the voting public are in this country (Myself included). I had to change my mind regarding how this system works; “majority rules” (majority votes), that didn’t come to fruition; Money is what prevails, not persons; The fear (not mine)of having an intelligent woman as leader.
Lessons learned on my part, regrettably.
Having a concern for Truth, a better understanding of the systemic issues that made all things “PFFT” (President Flim-Flam T) possible, I come to Substack. I Read several columns. Becoming informed, and more importantly Enlightened, about politics, economics, history, and much more, has been important to me. I’m grateful for the many writers who so eloquently put into words the insights into these challenging topics.
As for this next voting cycle, as always, I’m Hopeful…
Lots of demonizing political opponents here in the comments. If they are evil, they are not human and you may morally kill them. Mr Rather has seen this in action and should know better and speak against it.
The echo chamber here claims hate is only from the other side. But it seems hate now encompasses simple disagreement. Perhaps we need a two state solution. I watch my Democrat friends get louder and more strident, while my Republican friends get quieter and more resentful at the constant haranguing.
People, you need to GET INVOLVED with your local grass roots Democratic organizations. We need people to go door to door talking to our community members about Biden's programs, how they have improved our lives, AND FINALLY, GET OUT AND VOTE! Whether people choose mail-in or in person, we must vote!!!!
So, as my dad always said, GET YOUR ASS MOVING!! Make a difference through action. You'll feel more positive about our situation and help to push DEMS forward!!
The press could focus on uplifting and motivating rather than deflating hope with constant focus on Biden's age, polls, why people dont feel the economy improving blah blah blah. Stop implying it's a foregone conclusion that t-rump will win. Nothing is more demotivating than hearing all day everyday everywhere how hopeless it is. If you want people to get off the coach stop the beatdown already. Like a sport coach at halftime, go to the locker room and pump the team UP. No team wins by whining about how impossible it is to win! We MUST rally to get all behind Biden (no protest votes for candidates who can't win please) and know that together we can do this! Otherwise losing will be a self fulfilling prophecy that we will be solely responsible for having created.
Donald Trump generates dollars for the media, it is a simple as that. This all reminds me of is this quote from Lenin,
“The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them. “ By amplifying and normalizing the fascist message, they are doing their part to ensure the fascists take power. Once fascists get in power, the media will be targeted. But profit is all that matters, right?
✨️Always go high
Thank you for reminding me why it is so important that those of us who see the danger in Trump and his following keep repeating ourselves. I have felt that inkling of despair, thinking only the like minded are hearing what is been said about the Trump Regime, but as you noted, if only one person with each reminder changes their mind, then we must continue speaking out. We owe that much to our great nation and the democracy we are trying to hold on to.
Mr. Dan and Mr. Elliot, I know i don't have to say this but please don't stop what you're doing. Pass the torch if you must, to the many you have helped to enlighten, the many who're willing to carry that torch, to whom you've given steady encouragement. You exemplify true patriotism. Thank you.
One of the most insidious methodologies employed by Republicans over the past 30 years or so is the attempt to normalize greater and greater threats to our democracy. So the Truth no longer matters, Reality no longer matters, Expertise no longer matters, Civility no longer matters, because it's whatever Republicans feel is in the way of their ultimate goal of ramming their repressive ideology down the throats of everyone, forever. Democrats are no longer fellow citizens with different ideas, but radical communist "vermin" who must be thrown out of power by any means necessary. Hell, a violent coup d'etat, complete with the Stars and Bars flying inside the Capital, doesn't even offend most Republicans - they still believe it should be their way or the highway. One way to combat this normalization is to be just as relentless as they are in terms of calling out these offensive words and actions wherever and whenever they occur. Otherwise, we are in danger of too many of our electorate thinking such tactics are a non-issue, and the threat of Republican authoritarianism becomes that much greater.
Not sure which comment I was referring to as I seem to have lost the thread. Sorry for the confusion.
Vaclav Havel on HOPE
Via Chop Wood, Carry Water
November 30, 2023
HOPE
Either we have hope within us or we do not. It is a dimension of the soul and is not essentially dependent on some particular observation of the world.
HOPE is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of the heart. It transcends the world that is immediately experienced and is anchored somewhere beyond its horizons.
HOPE in this deep and powerful sense is not the same as joy that things are going well or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good, not because it stands a chance to succeed.
HOPE is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out.
It is HOPE, above all which gives the strength to live and continually try new things.
Veterans stood on street corners while trump was president also!
And I will remind you, that when trump was president we were using refrigerated trucks as morgues, and after trump lost in 2020 - he incited an insurrection on Jan 6th.
Thanks, but I'll vote for Biden - he is a far better 'tool' in 2024 than trump could ever hope to be. Biden has turned things around after trump's failure to govern.
Under Biden, America is once again the leader of the free world, instead of a fanboy for the dictators of the world. And, every dollar sent to Ukraine weakens Russia's military - and is money well spent defeating a known enemy of US Democracy!
Absolutely.
I kinda feel like the media is on a hampster wheel. Preaching into the mic each night isn't getting anything done beyond the first few impressions. I think in other countries where the media isn't so dominant the concern/action spills into the streets. Here, we just believe that the TV is the only place anything needs to happen. We take false comfort in the fact that 'liberal' media is on the 'Trump/Fascist Danger' message 7/24, while the far right watches 'their shows' and believe its all made up BS.
I’ve not felt despair. Maybe I’m crazy but given TFG was out of public so long and is having more and more “senior” moments, 4 upcoming trials and his rantings on his failing social media platform, his downward spiral started a long time ago and has only picked up speed this year and more every day.
He lost in 2020 after his disastrous first term, he’s lost supporters over January 6th, more with his upcoming trials and many republicans want someone other than TFG to be the nominee. There aren’t enough MAGA supporters to win an election for him and the whole party is fractured and fighting from within. While yes, TFG is a threat but I ask, just how much of a threat is he?? Taking into consideration all of the factors above, my personal opinion is he’s not really much of a threat. MSM pushes the fear factor to make money, not because they’re telling the truth. They need people riled up but I’m just not buying into that fear. I’ve donated to many democrats for their 2024 run, in my state of Texas as well as others around the country. While Republicans are infighting, democrats stand united, behind Biden and behind the party. I think that is an important factor that isn’t talked about much and one of the main reasons we will win in 2024. I use the power of positive thinking while watching the disaster that IS the Republican Party. I know democrats will win. Think positive and give your support to Democratic candidates in any way you can. I pledge that I will.
Nicely written, Julie, thank you. Your words have me reflecting on my “positive thinking” concerning all things “Phlegm” (past president). Never had I imagined a professional politician with a lifetime commitment to her(Hillary) craft, would be ousted by a known grifter. The persistent validation of such antics baffles me to this day. I was “shocked” into having to change my mind about a lot of things regarding just how ignorant and indifferent the voting public are in this country (Myself included). I had to change my mind regarding how this system works; “majority rules” (majority votes), that didn’t come to fruition; Money is what prevails, not persons; The fear (not mine)of having an intelligent woman as leader.
Lessons learned on my part, regrettably.
Having a concern for Truth, a better understanding of the systemic issues that made all things “PFFT” (President Flim-Flam T) possible, I come to Substack. I Read several columns. Becoming informed, and more importantly Enlightened, about politics, economics, history, and much more, has been important to me. I’m grateful for the many writers who so eloquently put into words the insights into these challenging topics.
As for this next voting cycle, as always, I’m Hopeful…
It's good to receive your writings so we can forward to others
Lots of demonizing political opponents here in the comments. If they are evil, they are not human and you may morally kill them. Mr Rather has seen this in action and should know better and speak against it.
The echo chamber here claims hate is only from the other side. But it seems hate now encompasses simple disagreement. Perhaps we need a two state solution. I watch my Democrat friends get louder and more strident, while my Republican friends get quieter and more resentful at the constant haranguing.
A pox on both your houses
I like that👍
People, you need to GET INVOLVED with your local grass roots Democratic organizations. We need people to go door to door talking to our community members about Biden's programs, how they have improved our lives, AND FINALLY, GET OUT AND VOTE! Whether people choose mail-in or in person, we must vote!!!!
So, as my dad always said, GET YOUR ASS MOVING!! Make a difference through action. You'll feel more positive about our situation and help to push DEMS forward!!
Exactly
Perfect way to say "F**k you" to half the country. Thanks for deploring us and yet attempting to say its because you care too much.
F**k you right back!
The tell is when this gets deleted, to prove your tolerance.