So this week has been a bit unusual, to say the least. The things you learn to take for granted, like a cell phone with a full battery charge to check Twitter, suddenly became a rarity as Texas plunged into darkness. Posting, like staying on the news, became more complicated. And I want to thank everyone who helped me stay connected, particularly my colleagues here on Team Steady (Elliot and Alex). With this in mind, let’s have at another “Week in Tweets,” although I’ve already given spoilers on how the week ended.
February 11 - February 18
-Thursday-
I mean, seriously? No offense to The Columbus Dispatch or the state of Ohio, but some things shouldn’t be left to chance. (As the saying goes, sneezes should be nowhere near cheeses.) Maybe once we conquer the vaccine line, we can handle the buffet line. On the other hand, perhaps the salad bar will begin to go the way of the dodo. I, for one, am in no rush.
- Friday -
The political news last Friday was buzzing over a profile that Nikki Haley gave to Politico. Here was a Trump enabler trying to walk the high wire that is today’s Republican Party. If you want to be taken “seriously” by people living in a fact-based world you can’t appear to be a craven Trump crony. On the other hand, if you ever want to be elected in a Republican primary you have to think twice about offending a base hot on the scent of anyone who appears wobbly in their support of the Dear Leader. We are still in the shadow of the election (and, let’s not forget a mob of insurrectionists hellbent on violence). It will take a while to see how the political winds blow, but my guess is as the years go by more and more of those who stood by and enabled Trump will do some version of, “Trump, who?” Will Americans let them get away with it?
- Saturday -
As expected, the vast majority of Republican senators voted to acquit a president whose guilt was more obvious than a rhinoceros at an ice cream parlor —although not nearly as sweet. The final verdict of the case may not have been in doubt, but what happens next certainly is. And a lot of how this moment in American history is eventually viewed by future generations will be decided in large part by what happens in the next elections.
I was so shocked that McConnell voted to acquit (as in not surprised at all), that I figured it was a sentiment best expressed in a “classic” gif.
- Sunday -
February 14 holds a significance far beyond Valentine’s Day. It was a day of tragedy in Parkland, Florida. And my thoughts always return to those lost in the shooting and all the others affected. The ripples of violence seem to stretch unendingly —to families, friends, students, teachers, communities, and the country as a whole. I will always remember my discussion with some of the survivors and organizers of March For Our Lives: Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, Jaclyn Corin, and Alex Wind. Their strength and courage is inspiring, and we hope that there will be change from the ugly pattern of gun violence. The trauma these young men and women had to face was heartbreaking. I thank them for their activism and wish them good luck and Godspeed.
- Monday -
Thank you. And I love the community comments. Many of them are certainly far more insightful than the posts that inspire them. 😁 #steadyJimelle Mader @jmader315
After enjoying Dan Rather’s posts on social media for a while, I joined his blog Steady. There I’ve found the juxtaposition of honesty, eloquence and optimism quite refreshing-both in Dan’s writing and in the community comments! Enjoy!! @DanRather https://t.co/3z5pS8U6MS
My hope for Steady was to build a digital community to engage with ideas and thoughtful discussion. A tip of the Stetson to all of you for helping to make that possible. The quality of the comments and conversations here have far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for adding your voices. Please continue to speak up and don’t be shy to speak to each other.
- Tuesday -
And then on Monday night, a story hit that has come to dominate our lives in Texas and, I understand, swept the world in interest. As the power went out, and along with it the heat, we had no idea of how long it would last. Information was scarce. We felt relatively lucky, worrying more about those who had less and were in more dire need of care and attention. But one thing seemed certain. The only thing hot in Texas was (and is) outrage and anger. We need answers, accountability, and action. Where are all those politicians who bemoan government, regulations, and preparedness?
- Wednesday -
I would make a joke about tilting at windmills, but none of this is funny.
- Thursday -
If you are looking for someone who can, on cue, turn tragedy into farce, you shouldn’t look any further than the junior senator from Texas. Even the most shallow and cynical politicians know you have to at least act like you care. But even that has long been far too high a bar for Ted Cruz. Not surprisingly he met the blowback with his usual “charming” mendacity. On a scale of political optics this is about as bad as it gets.
Ok, after a week of tragedy and governmental failure, when it seems like nobody can do anything right, a bunch of engineers land a machine they designed and built safely on a distant planet. If there ever is a palate cleanser for what we’re going through, I think this picture might be it. Suddenly our world and our dreams feel a wee bit bigger.
Well, that’s a walk through my Twitter week. I hope you enjoyed it. Remember to leave a comment if you’re so inclined. And if you haven’t subscribed, please consider doing so. Or share with family and friends. Thanks for your support.
— Dan
I wish you could have somehow included the fact that Beto O'Rourke, who is not an elected official, started up a phone chain that is checking up on seniors and directing them to warming centers closest to them.
But I do agree, the picture of the landing on Mars gives me hope for the future
I used to be the biggest cheerleader for NASA. The advancements learned from their accomplishments aided life on earth immensely. But now I find it increasingly difficult to justify starving, impoverished Americans that could benefit from the monies spent. It’s a dilemma for me.