The proliferation of Fox News and others has provided an avenue for misinformation and out right lies to become a serious cancer threatening or democracy. We need a renewed Fairness Doctrine that all legitimate news organizations follow. It's removal by Regan Administration set the stage for this situation to develop.
So grateful that my parents aren’t alive. Both of them were victims of the Holocaust. They never felt “survivor” fit them because they were never sent to the camps. Their close relatives were, however. My dad, upon coming to this country in 1937, joined the Army in 1941 in hopes they would send him to Europe. They sent him to Papua New Guinea. Through his time in the Pacific Theatre, he honed in on his English. He got out in 1945 and in 1946, met my mother, who had come from Germany in 1939. After dating for 6 weeks, they got married in the Catskills. They later moved to North Carolina and established themselves as merchants in a small industrial town. My father never spoke much about the war but my mom did. She always felt very guilty leaving her parents behind. It wasn’t until the Berlin Wall came down that she discovered her parents were gassed in a van (possibly a Ford van) along with 7 others, in 1942, at the gas camp known as Chelmno.
My parents always loved this country in spite of its flaws. They felt extremely loyal to it for opening its arms and embracing them. They worked side-by-side in the business and were very proud to pay their taxes (unlike me). Did they love each other? That’s a questionable term. I think they respected one another as there was not a lot of open affection between them. But maybe for them, that was their definition of love.
January 6th would have terrified my folks to see their country almost fall to yet another crazy man. Thank you, Dan and Elliot, for giving us a space to express ourselves and our emotions. A lot of us need it.
When you reach the fork in the road good decisions are necessary, you take the short route or the long way to succeed. I like the choices Steady makes in choosing a story to write about, stories that make people smile.
The new feature is splendid. I love reading about how people comment absorbing their thoughts.
On the topic of January 6 insurrection of our nations Capital, I can only say, democracy is the threat to this country. The protesters in this country should have been well behaved marchers. It's a democratic society that instills in our minds the power of a national protest. History has been documented for this assault on January 6, 2021. It's time to move forward.
I need to read your eloquence and calm in these crazy, crazy times, Dan. I was so shocked when Charlottesville happened. It was the ugly beast rising , then culminating on Jan. 6th. It had been totally let loose by this madman that was our "president." No Republicans at a vigil for our Capital police! So, so disrespectful to them. I pray we can stand strong against this and reclaim our beautiful freedom once again!!
I am not as sanguine as many of your correspondents. Only once before have large numbers of elected officials, a substantial number of state legislatures, actively sought to undermine our democracy. And that was at the beginning of the Civil War.
I am trying with all my resolve to remain patient while the wheels of justice churn on. It seems an eternity since 1/6/2020 and that there should be more visibility of those tried and convicted. I am not idealistic enough to believe that the "initiator" will ever be held accountable, though I think he should be. I find solace in Steady and thank you Mr. Rather for soldiering on as we all await some resolution.
I just read this particular post. We, too, are living a life that has shown unexpected kindnesses after moving from West coast to East coast. Twin sisters stopping after my husband fell: they held an umbrella over him to protect from a hot sun, while I worked to gather info for first responders. People going to or coming from important times in their own lives. Please continue posting the comments. And, thank you, for sharing honest, hopeful messages to move forward. Backwards is not really possible.
Hi Dan: Your comment: “It Ain’t Over,” has caused me to think.
Despite my tendency to want to put January 6th, “Insurrection Day,” as simply a foolish attempt to counter the recording of the votes of the Electoral College and in so doing continue the Presidency of Donald Trump into a second term, I have had serious second thoughts.
The words of the great Bard came to mind: “This above all, to thine own self be true …. thou canst not then be false to any man.” In other words, let us not fool ourselves, January 6th has serious implications for the continuity of our great American Democracy.
The mob attack on our Capitol building represents an attack on each and every one of us, regardless of political, religious, or cultural beliefs. That one man, unquestionably the most dishonest and despicable President in our Nation’s history, could convince his followers of the falsehood that the 2020 election was fraudulent and thereby deny him continuity in office, destroys the efficacy of our electoral process. The guiding principle behind that process is simple and straightforward, namely, that each citizen has one vote and the candidate with the majority of those votes is our elected representative. Whether there was any fraud in this process is of course possible and open to investigation. Not one instance, no, not one, indicated any significant or malicious fraud, after countless recounts and audits.
If any person believes that the followers of the former defeated President will not seek to overthrow the next election and place him again in our highest office, you are welcome to your delusional world. In my view, the only solution is for each voting citizen and every non-partisan election officer and worker watch for attempts to circumvent our electoral process. Suspicious activities should be reported to local authorities, beginning with your local Board of Elections and/or the local Circuit Court. Voting is our sacred duty, now, more than ever.
To me the Jan 6 attack is like the Attack on Fort Sumter, when the right decided that violence was warranted, but was not yet full ready to commit to all out war.
Just adding my voice to those saying - please continue to share selected comments and your response. I can't read even a fraction of the comments, so I'll appreciate a curated list! Keep up the thoughtful essays and thanks to all the thoughtful (non-ranting, well-written) responses. I never cringe when I read comments here!
Well, time is on me today, I for now can't stop and read everything today!
But, I have been signing off as, "My Name is NoBody" (1 vs 160) WHY? It`s from an old western. where man name NoBody recruit's Henry Fonda into taking on 160 horsemen. Is 160 a good ball park number, as to those congress personal willing to burn down Our Constitution?
Point is to fine a person or group. or try to do something as to what I NOT Hearing about as To Congress. See, now I am not looking at the One Person here. I am highly concerned about GOP leadership party as a whole. As to WHY they are not calling this out. Its Madness, its disgraceful and looks to be fine with it, losing this Nation. The Big Lie, or what I like is "Take back the steal rally'. Which is,,, The stealing in itself. Being,, let go and STEAL an Election to the highest office.
NOW We ALL Know, what MAGA is or what for!.... The meaning, the goal, Thee about, to which time frame are We taking about here? So yes I want to MAGA. To a time frame, where WE wasn't so divided!
We cannt get there, by letting the facts go. GOP as a whole, their leadership is in question here.
My Hope is that things are now so bad, They opened it up, We ALL gotten a pretty good look at those that willing to burn Our Constitution.
I am hoping to soon post a letter, AND Yes I`ll need help or input. I`ll try to keep it short as to how we got here.
Dan I think you have come up with a great idea. I love reading true stories about real people. Perhaps this will bring more of us together. It sure can't hurt.
The proliferation of Fox News and others has provided an avenue for misinformation and out right lies to become a serious cancer threatening or democracy. We need a renewed Fairness Doctrine that all legitimate news organizations follow. It's removal by Regan Administration set the stage for this situation to develop.
So grateful that my parents aren’t alive. Both of them were victims of the Holocaust. They never felt “survivor” fit them because they were never sent to the camps. Their close relatives were, however. My dad, upon coming to this country in 1937, joined the Army in 1941 in hopes they would send him to Europe. They sent him to Papua New Guinea. Through his time in the Pacific Theatre, he honed in on his English. He got out in 1945 and in 1946, met my mother, who had come from Germany in 1939. After dating for 6 weeks, they got married in the Catskills. They later moved to North Carolina and established themselves as merchants in a small industrial town. My father never spoke much about the war but my mom did. She always felt very guilty leaving her parents behind. It wasn’t until the Berlin Wall came down that she discovered her parents were gassed in a van (possibly a Ford van) along with 7 others, in 1942, at the gas camp known as Chelmno.
My parents always loved this country in spite of its flaws. They felt extremely loyal to it for opening its arms and embracing them. They worked side-by-side in the business and were very proud to pay their taxes (unlike me). Did they love each other? That’s a questionable term. I think they respected one another as there was not a lot of open affection between them. But maybe for them, that was their definition of love.
January 6th would have terrified my folks to see their country almost fall to yet another crazy man. Thank you, Dan and Elliot, for giving us a space to express ourselves and our emotions. A lot of us need it.
When you reach the fork in the road good decisions are necessary, you take the short route or the long way to succeed. I like the choices Steady makes in choosing a story to write about, stories that make people smile.
The new feature is splendid. I love reading about how people comment absorbing their thoughts.
On the topic of January 6 insurrection of our nations Capital, I can only say, democracy is the threat to this country. The protesters in this country should have been well behaved marchers. It's a democratic society that instills in our minds the power of a national protest. History has been documented for this assault on January 6, 2021. It's time to move forward.
I need to read your eloquence and calm in these crazy, crazy times, Dan. I was so shocked when Charlottesville happened. It was the ugly beast rising , then culminating on Jan. 6th. It had been totally let loose by this madman that was our "president." No Republicans at a vigil for our Capital police! So, so disrespectful to them. I pray we can stand strong against this and reclaim our beautiful freedom once again!!
Well said! Thank you!
I am not as sanguine as many of your correspondents. Only once before have large numbers of elected officials, a substantial number of state legislatures, actively sought to undermine our democracy. And that was at the beginning of the Civil War.
I am trying with all my resolve to remain patient while the wheels of justice churn on. It seems an eternity since 1/6/2020 and that there should be more visibility of those tried and convicted. I am not idealistic enough to believe that the "initiator" will ever be held accountable, though I think he should be. I find solace in Steady and thank you Mr. Rather for soldiering on as we all await some resolution.
I just read this particular post. We, too, are living a life that has shown unexpected kindnesses after moving from West coast to East coast. Twin sisters stopping after my husband fell: they held an umbrella over him to protect from a hot sun, while I worked to gather info for first responders. People going to or coming from important times in their own lives. Please continue posting the comments. And, thank you, for sharing honest, hopeful messages to move forward. Backwards is not really possible.
Hi Dan: Your comment: “It Ain’t Over,” has caused me to think.
Despite my tendency to want to put January 6th, “Insurrection Day,” as simply a foolish attempt to counter the recording of the votes of the Electoral College and in so doing continue the Presidency of Donald Trump into a second term, I have had serious second thoughts.
The words of the great Bard came to mind: “This above all, to thine own self be true …. thou canst not then be false to any man.” In other words, let us not fool ourselves, January 6th has serious implications for the continuity of our great American Democracy.
The mob attack on our Capitol building represents an attack on each and every one of us, regardless of political, religious, or cultural beliefs. That one man, unquestionably the most dishonest and despicable President in our Nation’s history, could convince his followers of the falsehood that the 2020 election was fraudulent and thereby deny him continuity in office, destroys the efficacy of our electoral process. The guiding principle behind that process is simple and straightforward, namely, that each citizen has one vote and the candidate with the majority of those votes is our elected representative. Whether there was any fraud in this process is of course possible and open to investigation. Not one instance, no, not one, indicated any significant or malicious fraud, after countless recounts and audits.
If any person believes that the followers of the former defeated President will not seek to overthrow the next election and place him again in our highest office, you are welcome to your delusional world. In my view, the only solution is for each voting citizen and every non-partisan election officer and worker watch for attempts to circumvent our electoral process. Suspicious activities should be reported to local authorities, beginning with your local Board of Elections and/or the local Circuit Court. Voting is our sacred duty, now, more than ever.
Most will remain in a state of denial... as Republicans seal all the exits, and ignite the match.
To me the Jan 6 attack is like the Attack on Fort Sumter, when the right decided that violence was warranted, but was not yet full ready to commit to all out war.
FYI- Ft. Sumter was a federal facility subject to unprovoked attack by the SC militia in 1861.
Just adding my voice to those saying - please continue to share selected comments and your response. I can't read even a fraction of the comments, so I'll appreciate a curated list! Keep up the thoughtful essays and thanks to all the thoughtful (non-ranting, well-written) responses. I never cringe when I read comments here!
Well, time is on me today, I for now can't stop and read everything today!
But, I have been signing off as, "My Name is NoBody" (1 vs 160) WHY? It`s from an old western. where man name NoBody recruit's Henry Fonda into taking on 160 horsemen. Is 160 a good ball park number, as to those congress personal willing to burn down Our Constitution?
Point is to fine a person or group. or try to do something as to what I NOT Hearing about as To Congress. See, now I am not looking at the One Person here. I am highly concerned about GOP leadership party as a whole. As to WHY they are not calling this out. Its Madness, its disgraceful and looks to be fine with it, losing this Nation. The Big Lie, or what I like is "Take back the steal rally'. Which is,,, The stealing in itself. Being,, let go and STEAL an Election to the highest office.
NOW We ALL Know, what MAGA is or what for!.... The meaning, the goal, Thee about, to which time frame are We taking about here? So yes I want to MAGA. To a time frame, where WE wasn't so divided!
We cannt get there, by letting the facts go. GOP as a whole, their leadership is in question here.
My Hope is that things are now so bad, They opened it up, We ALL gotten a pretty good look at those that willing to burn Our Constitution.
I am hoping to soon post a letter, AND Yes I`ll need help or input. I`ll try to keep it short as to how we got here.
"My Name is NoBody" (((1 vs 160)))
Stop by my page and leave me a message. I'm willing to help. https://wastedink.substack.com
Your columns inspire me each time I read them. You don't gloss over the issues, you tell it like it is. Stay strong and true to the cause. Ann Martin
I like this plan of focusing on some of the comments/stories that others share.
Dan I think you have come up with a great idea. I love reading true stories about real people. Perhaps this will bring more of us together. It sure can't hurt.
Voter suppression laws do not expand the number of voters.
If you do not moderate income inequality, other inequalities are not addressed.
For example, why isn't Election Day a National Holiday? Because poor people working multiple jobs would have time to VOTE?
More votes for candidates to raise the minimum wage to a living wage require voter expansion laws to enable it.
When a state suppressses voter turnout, that state's sense of class entitlement does not support Democracy for all.
Contact your congress person and request support for The New Voting Rights Law.