As someone in the target age bracket who is an unabashed Taylor Swift fan, I must unfortunately inform you all that Taylor Swift does NOT have this level of power and influence.
Although the fact older people seem to think she does just proves what a total rockstar she is.
You know, Dan, my lovely house is not far from the high school. A lot of kids walk by everyday. Recently, I was out doing yard work and a couple of these folks walked by and complimented me on my landscape. Well, we got to talking and I discovered they were seniors who had turned 18. I spoke to them about their power to vote and they both replied that they had already registered. Made my heart just swell up! So please allow me to talk about Tik Tok and its positive influence on the younger crowd. Tik Tok provides a place where these folks can find their known celebrities speaking out about their power to make change. I know the government wants to get rid of it because of finding Chinese spyware on it. I get that but on the hand, this app is home for many and if it is reduced to nothing, the younger generation will feel cheated and possibly not vote. I do not feel we can take that risk. I also want to encourage people to look at Victor Shi and David Hogg on “X” who are big influencers promoting Biden-Harris. Hogg has been harassed by Marjorie Taylor-Greene relentlessly but he is backing young candidates who vying for seats at many tables. Maxwell Frost is the youngest person in Congress!
I am 29, and my brother is 23. I only know who Dan Rather is because of having older parents, but have grown to love Steady. We will both be voting for Biden and straight blue down the ticket, me very enthusiastically, him more reluctantly, but no matter. I will be volunteering and have already donated as well.
My plea to anyone reading is this: don't assume things about young people, or try to reach them as if they are a different, strange new spices who are as distractable as a squirrel. I see and hear it in both subtle and overt ways (ex. Most of us aren't going to decide our votes based on TikTok.) Give them THE SAME MESSAGE as you would anyone else, but add an even heftier dose of positivity. Don't adjust or patronize. I see a lot of assumptions that we are likely to be social justice warriors or college protestors, etc. The biggest issue by far is still economics. We by and large see this as part of justice: we need a system that works more for everyone and just want to see evidence that someone is giving it a solid try.
Most of us know that Republicans are awful and against our generational values. That perception is deeply baked in. What gets lost in the noise is how effective Democrats are, and exactly what is possible with a few more votes. Dems aren't just "the only other option," but a GOOD option. They are a good option because of VALUES and EFFECTIVENESS, whether you are iNsPiReD by current leaders or not.
If talking to a younger voter, don't assume: ask them what is most important to THEM, what could get them to vote more enthusiastically. There is a 92.7% chance there is something in recent Democratic policy or platform that would address those concerns. Remind them voting is not about falling in love, but a basic thing like brushing your teeth. You just do it, and you choose who you think is better at that time. It is our power and many powerful people will do everything in their power to make us feel powerless so that we will give up our power without them even having to take it. Don't let them.
Format: "I know that it looks like [concern], but [issue] is important to us, Biden/Democrats have already [positive accomplishment] , if we get a few more Congresspeople could do more, like [positive proposal]! Plus we know the other guys will [horrifying thing]. We need you on the right team! We Got this!"
Please don't lecture on why we should have more patriotism or civic awareness. People WANT to feel that! We are inundated with negativity and the best thing to do is provide a confident example of what national pride looks like along with examples of how things are getting better. It makes people wonder what other positives they have been missing!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Will,from Cal. Your comments give me hope for all our futures. Keep up the great work you are doing to protect our freedom for all to enjoy.
I can’t tell you what joy reading your post gave me. Not just joy but hope you can fix the mess our country is in right now…the courts, voting rights, guns, bodily autonomy, income equality, taxing the oligarchs…so much you and your generation need to do. The peace, love, doves like me let you down. Many for buying Republican bullshit and many like me for not paying more attention.
Thank you for the compliment, Will. I just believe in listening to people and then I chime in with what knowledge I have. Those I talk to (not at) can think about things or they can ignore them. Choices are what we all have. We CAN think for ourselves and your generation really sees beyond all the bullshit. We are challenged and inspired by you. The most important part: We must stick together! Let’s be a force of nature without being obnoxiously forceful. If we must do battle, then let’s just find our words, our emotions, and swing our proverbial bats accordingly. I love people like yourself, Will.
Thank you Will from my home State. At age 29, have you considered running for elective office? At 25 you can be a Congress person, at 30 a Senator. You are the kind of thoughtful, thought provoking person we desperately need to be thinking of a career in politics. I don't know where you live in our State, but if you contact Democratic headquarters I'm sure they could start grooming you.
Great to read this. I have great faith in this young generation of voters. We all just need to work to get people registered and get them fired up about voting.
Will, I truly appreciate your comment and you address many good points.
That said, to me there's a problem with a concept however. That is the capitalized "THEM", which is just another word for "me". And, no, that's not generational at all. Unless one was born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth, we have all lived through the very economic issues that younger generations are going through at this moment.
The "me" thinking is a large part of what has put the country in its current state, whether it's boomers or Gen-Z. We have somewhat moved away from concern about the greater good to what's in it for me. Equality has too often become a "they got this, so why shouldn't I" thinking, taking the place of a "wow, they don't have this" mentality.
Yes, we had galvanizing moments such as Civil Rights, Vietnam, and Watergate that inspired us to become more politically aware. But should there really be a need to explain to the very bright generations that followed that January 6th was a big deal? That a President trying to overturn an election is not enough of a rallying cry?
Voting should be for the good of all and the country. "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".
It's not a lecture, but critical thinking and it knows no age barrier.
If “from Cal” is from California, your vote, work and enthusiasm is completely wasted. It’s impossible for California to get any deeper into the fever swamp. Leftists control 99% of all elected offices; and the chaos proves it.
Most important comment, Marlene....thanks. Whatever method gives all of us the most urgent and factual information is welcome. As for MTG, she is my favorite Waffle House waitress because she fries bacon better than being a member of congress.
I am so with you, Marlene. I’m not sure about Tik Tok as far as getting rid of it. Like you say our young love it. There would have to be something just like it so not to lose them. We must keep moving with them in areas of the World Wide Web… this is their life and will be for their entire lifetime. My grandchildren could use the computer at 2-3 years old. Grandson is a Jr. in College with a full 4-year Scholarship, everything paid and lives in the New House and very well rounded, My granddaughter, is off to College next fall, last but not least, grandson is 8 yrs been on the computer forever…. He was obsessed with washing machines and while mom/dad time his sessions… I think he could build a washer..🤣 all of them were active in sports 🏈 🏀⚽️🏐 so, if parents pay attention, it all works. Family values have fallen overwhelmingly IMHO, I’m sure you know too. One more thing… why ever did they stop teaching Civic’s…
Because the emphasis and money went to STEM. Not that science isn’t important but social studies is also important. I have learned more history from Heather Cox Richardson and JoAnne Freeman than I learned in 6 semesters in school.
1962, and I still remember civics class in high school. That's where I learned about the three branches of government, how a bill becomes a law, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Is this no longer taught in public schools?
You're right, Ruth. We have to keep up with change, too. It sounds like your family is doing a great job. Computer science and IT are important parts of our lives but at one point we all may need a specialist in washers, a plumber, an electrician, a painter, a mason... or a translator or art restorer :) I'm greatly in favor of training in the skilled trades, from carpentry and agriculture to civil engineering to manufacturing as well as the rare skills. Production operators and extraction workers have all my respect. It takes finesse and attention to batch manufacture delicate car air conditioning parts or pharmaceuticals that conform to quality standards. And yes, I.T. is also a part of those trades as well! All of that technical skill is advantageously enhanced by a solid foundation in the humanities and civics. Whatever the educational path, it definitely has to be well-rounded and allow students to expand their personal thinking skills.
Thank you Michelle W, for your kind reply. I just want people to understand we need our young people to get involved to change up our Country. Be well.
That's a question I've been asking myself for years. While I admit that this sounds quite conspiratorial, I do believe that there has been a deliberate attempt by Republican politicians and the billionaires who own them to dumb down the population. As the orange man once said "I love the uneducated!"
STEM education is critically important, but spending one year in 6th grade learning about our government and how it works will go a long way towards ensuring a more knowledgeable electorate.
I don't think it's right to ban Tik Tok, & allow FaceBook & X to do the things they're doing. Russian propaganda is a lot more targeted & persuasive than China's. I think that all social media should not be allowed to post misinformation about Covid, or lies and propaganda.
You have no clue what China is doing with TikTok here in the US. The algorithm in the US version of the app is entirely different than what they do in CHINA. Educate yourself before making uninformed comments.
Having dump in the White (gray?) House for four years 2016-2020 (vision year) will ever be an embarrassment and a humiliation in our history. Sort of like having Nero or Caligula in office. We need to get over that by never allowing such a filthy, stinking disease to rot our public image again. We have a lot to mend... people all around the world have been shocked and dismayed at how low the US can go, although I guess bottom is still some way below... but let's not test it again. Let's reelect Biden and later another Obama or the like. How about Tammy Duckworth, for one? We have many heroes to go around. Why settle for Putin & Xi's errand boy Donald Dump?Sheep Heil! JTC
but but Trump will go down in history and he does not care if it is negative or positive. The man represents everything that is bad about our country. Hopefully he will be an example of that when the new history books are written.
Frankly, this view is utterly bizzarre, didn't-study-for-your-Sociology-101-paper bizzarre. I was 13 when Obama was elected, and the "sociocultural norm" of a candidate is not a deciding factor for me. Anyone who voted for Biden in 2020 by definition also voted for Kamala Harris, a biracial woman. I voted for 2 women for president the 1st 2 times I was eligible: Clinton in 2016 primary and general, Warren in 2020 primary. I've voted for women and people of color for Congress, mayor, and statehouse while living in different cities. Here In the most populous state, Governor Newsom is the only Caucasian man to be elected to any statewide office in over half a decade. The USA has multiple LGBT governors and Senators now. Of the 10 largest cities, NINE have a mayor who is a person of color, and 4 female. Of 9 Supreme Court Justices, 4 are female and 3 people of color.
To voters of what is very soon the dominant generations, this is completely NORMAL. Diversity IS the status quo. We do not fear a "white backlash." We are currently in a white backlash and the reason is because this is the bigots' last gasp (for a long time being, at least) and they know it.
It is normal progression -- one large step forward, two small steps back. then another large step forward. Also, I think you might be missing the fact that a very large percentage of your generation and the next are being raised in secular schools (funded by public money) and home schooled into the old 1950's fantasy life, and never associate with the the rest of our most interesting cultures within the USA. They also are not allowed to read books that expose the dirty-laundry part of our history or anything that doesn't reflect a white, male-dominant cultures successes. So you will also have issues with the way they'll vote just as we-who-have-lived-longer have had to do. I live in the very red part of a state (been having political 'fun' here since the '80's) and see and talk with those coming out of that climate. Some are escaping, but most have been raised on the koolaid and believe in the fantasy.
I agree that the democrat party is not perfect, and neither is the sitting President. One will never 100% agree with any politician. However, this election of Democrat federal congresspeople is vital to get rid of the do-nothing, whining, screaming rethuglicans. Not all Republicans are that way, just enough of the trumpites that are trying to destroy or democracy. I'll vote straight blue just because of that.
I know who Carol Moseley-Braun is, actually. I am capable of having knowledge of what happened before I was alive, and the appropriate context. That is how almost all understanding of history works: by study, not first-hand. For Pete's sake, I'm reading a blog by Dan Rather. You chide and claim older Democrats show they are out of touch by branding young candidates as inexperienced, but then you chide young volunteers like me for being ignorant by dint of youth. Which one is it? (The current chair of the Democratic Party in the swing state of NC is 25, by the way.) It is less that you are arrogant that is the problem for me, but more that you are inconsistent. You don't know who I am or how educated I am, yet you are assuming my ignorance based on my mere disagreement with you.
Neither of us knows whether the past few decades are an anomaly or the dawn of a new era, because none of us can see the future. Only one of us seems level-headed enough to admit that, and it's not the one of us whose pseudonym is a fatty breakfast food.
Will, you give me hope! I’m 68, old enough to be your grandfather. But your reasoned response is something I look for in everyone, regardless of age. My hope is your generation will do more, and better, than mine. That you will be, and will remain, active in preserving our democracy.
Will, You give me hope, although I must comment that insulting blueberry muffins and the person using it as their Substack name is a bit rude. In general though, in all the posts of yours that I've read in the past, I always look forward to reading your comments because (subjective opinion here) you feel like an old wise soul to me, and I appreciate the time you take in reading and commenting here.
With respect your comment previously sounded alittle bit patronizing. Different viewpoints are neccessary. How else can we see anothers perspective? Dan did ask if there were any younger ppl reading this to voice their thoughts.
Why should they be proud of our country? Old men have a stranglehold on legislation and the grownups appear to have sat by and let Donald Trump take over.
Heard a good one from Andrew Weisselberg (sp), former DA, Eastern District of NY and MSNBC contributor, last night. MAGA: "Making Attorneys Get Attorneys."
I understand where you're coming from Beth, they get on my last nerve, too. But those sour old men and grownups aren't the country. There's still plenty to inspire us to excise them at the polls.
We have very few young persons willing to enter politics as an aspiration as we had back in the 1960's. Now it seems only persons interested in pushing an agenda, rather than the collective good do so.
Very good question. One answer is probably similar to why I turned down the local Democrat Party when they asked me to run for local Office a couple of years ago. (I had other reasons too such as being a caregiver to my Mother.)
Politics is a blood sport these days.
I think that stops a lot of qualified people from running for Office in today's Hyper-Partisan, social media charged environment.
Seriously , because the lineup you presented had only one woman in it and she is a better choice than ANY of the men mentioned.
I am a staunch democrat, but I want the women to get some respect, Kamala has been tireless in her job, and gets zero credit from most. We are more than half the population, we need a chance too.
Yeah, Haley is the best of the group listed, but that is like saying that a poop sandwich is better than diarrhea soup.
The idea that Harris is a lacks presence or impact is baffling. She is the VICE President, she doesn't make leadership choices herself. It's the ultimate example of "great job title, thankless job." Did people have the same criticism for Al Gore or Dan Quayle. I wonder what was different about them? Hmm...
Dude, again, cite your sources rather than your feelings. I'm in my 20s and volunteer for Democrats. Youth outreach is one of the highest priorities this year. The median freshman Democrat in the last few Congresses is younger than the median incoming Republican, but regardless, younger candidate does not automatically equal younger voters. (You think people would have learned that by the popularity of freakin' Bernie Sanders at colleges.)
Also, we 20-somethings have a word for Gen Xers. That word is "old."
"Why doesn't the Democratic Party encourage younger members to run for political office?"
It's not that it is DIScouraged, but let us think about this for one moment. The Democratic Party as an organization does not look for any demographic of candidate, they look for *strong* candidates, i.e. ones that have recognition for an important accomplishment, a notable resume, local/community base of support, or ideally all of the above. You are just more likely to have been able to have these qualities if you have been alive for longer. That's just how time works.
Folks here may be interested in supporting Run for Something, an excellent org which supports young candidates for office (no, I am not affiliated).
I agree with you on this (though I am, myself 75 yrs) However, Trump caught us at a very bad time and we were not prepared to address his criminal ways. We must be thankful for President Biden one more time. We must encourage our young to take their places. We have a good group of men and women in our Democratic Party that can fill their shoes. The biggest problem, IMHO is the DARK $$$$. PAC’s, and just corruption all around. Just look at our Supreme Court and they have the last say………NO NO NO. For eight years we have had tfg ‘IN OUR FACE” everyday…..My God
I agree with you Ms. James about the money. All the PACs are horrible. Look what happened last night. President Biden took in more then 26 million dollars in one night. The expensive tickets were 500,000 dollars each. One million dollars for a couple. Yes I know the other side does it as much if not more but no one can tell me that kind of money does not get you influence at the white house. Both parties should be made to stop..
I want a viable third party that can force the other two to clean up their mess and not nominate a Trump or a President who will be 86 if reelected.
I agree. I'm not proud of the US. I think a representative democracy is a worthwhile form of government, although it has its flaws, and I'm grateful for the people who work hard on our behalf as part of that government. Allegiance to flags (or kings, or religions) rather than a sense of common humanity is always a losing game for people in general.
All I can hope is the more he talks the less votes he gets. Hopefully people will see that he is really an idiot with a very large mouth and no substance at all
Maybe some people are getting tired of the same old schtick from Trump. He's finally beginning to wear out. It's taken long enough, and he's becoming more incoherent by the speech. Between his word salads and legal entanglements, he's digging a hole for himself. Someone once said "when your opponent is digging a hole, let them do it." So let it be said, and so may it happen. Our work will make it so.
Like quite a number of other people, I got tired of the noise after the results of the 2020 election were posted, but watched the disgraceful behavior of those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the hearings that followed it. Those were informational. Since then, I've paid attention to the slow grind of Trump's legal progress to what I hope are the end of the delays and the imposition of a prison term, and thank you, I do spend more time enjoying the beautiful spring weather!
Cable programs and social media aren't reliable producers of news, unless it's called noise. At 76, I've heard enough noise and shun those sources like the plague. As usual Dan, you at Steady, Washington Post, BBC World Service, The Guardian, and PBS/NPR are my go-to for more accurate news and updates. Thank you, and please keep them coming. Happy Easter.
I’m horrified that Garland has chosen to slow walk our democracy. Biden hog tied in the back of a truck by Trump trying to win votes from people who must have been raised by wolves. Promise you if anyone other than Republicans they would be in jail. But Garland ignores it.
Garland was slow, but all of the delays are bringing the administration of justice to a grinding halt. How many before the judges (collectively) say enough is enough, and it's time to move the trials along? A close look at the quality of the complaints securing the appeals should be more closely examined for being specious and frivolus.
Please don’t insult wolves by association…the elder Trumps are responsible in part for the maniac we’ve been stuck trying for o scrape off our collective heel.
I am a baby boomer and I am completely ashamed of the US. The Vietnam War started me down that path — sending thousands of young men off to fight and die in a war those jackasses knew we had no business being in and also that we could not win. The Fake War that Bush started so he could get revenge for his daddy. Thousands more killed—Iraqis and Americans. The border “crisis.” What a bunch of hypocrites. Every person I know in Texas has undocumented maids, nannies, gardeners, ranch hands, builders, chefs—you name it, and they are ALL Republican. But if there was really a will to fix this so called crisis, it would have been done a long time ago. People during mg because they cannot afford to go to the doctor. Women who cannot feed their children. Murdering innocent people including children in mass slaughterings on a regular basis while those scum in congress line their pockets with gun money, taking away women’s rights and treating them like breeding cattle, and the final atrocity—actually accepting that a RAPIST is a viable candidate for the presidency of the United States. What a sick sick place. I’m so happy I moved to Europe.
It's sad that you feel this way about emigrating. It would be better with a person of your knowlege of the situations to stay and help us work to change the direction of the "ship of state", but do what you feel you must.
IMHO, calling Biden a “genocide supporter” is wholly inaccurate based on his words/actions & imagine there are a lot of negotiations & pressure going on out of view of the public. If you specifically mean about money/arms to Israel (btw, the USA is not the only country doing this), then I agree that sanctions need to be stiffer. Personally, I’d rather we be supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine with those supplies.
It should be noted for the record that UN Special Rapporteurs are individual people speaking in an individual capacity and do not speak on behalf of the UN as a body. None of the official bodies charged with deciding whether the criteria for such crimes have been fufilled, such as the ICJ, have actually done so. The current Special Rapporteur, although an accomplished person, also has a long history of anti-Israeli public remarks.
I personally disagree with anti-BDS laws on a 1st Amendment basis, but the fact that almost every state has them - when this country can agree on so little - speaks for itself.
He's so deeply underrated. Subtly affecting melodies with a huge heart. I love all time periods and genres but I'm such a sucker for the Americana singer-songwriter stuff from that era.
To keep my sanity, I am just as open eyed and keep abreast of all the news I can find about the country I used to love. I am very active in Democrats Above and I will make sure I vote in the election to attempt To keep a criminal fascist out of running a mob empire.
If Biden wants the Young Voter, he has got to address their frustration with the horrors happening in Gaza and their anger about the US military support of Israel with zero.accointability from Netanyahu
My God, I am officially so sick of this. (Sorry Randa, this isn't addressed to you personally.) I'm a young voter. I know young voters. We aren't mythical unicorns, and we don't need other people speaking for us. We don't need people blaming us for "polling weaknesses" and "enthusiasm gaps" and using us as a reason for you to insist that the President must change a policy or else those fickle Young Voters will stay home. That is the way YOU are feeling about this issue and you are projecting it on us.
Yes, young voters are *more likely* to be against the Israeli conduct of the war, Biden's allyship, etc. They also are more likely than older people to have absolutely no opinion, and not any more likely to prioritize this issue over all the others literally closer to home. We are not ALL so very angry about this (I'm just sad it has come to this, mostly). It is not more important to us than climate change, civil and reproductive rights, gun violence, income inequality, and cost of living PUT TOGETHER, because that would be insane. Stop assuming, please.
Well said, Will. I am a “Boomer” & my generation often gets painted with the “same brush”….no one generation is a monolith! [btw, good to “hear” your voice again…been awhile since I’ve seen the Will, from Cal handle!]
Thanks, Barbara. The friendly responses today are so touching. I like to sit back and "listen" and learn unless I really have something to contribute, and can do so in a timely manner. Today was the day!
Got it. I appreciate your comment and calling me out on my assumptiveness. I should modify my comment to note that my opinion here is based on the young voters who I have personally spoken to.
From what I can tell, President Biden and his administration has been trying to get Israel to stop bombing, raiding Palestine areas and call for a cease-fire. But the Israeli leader refuses.
That is a story that the media doesn’t seem interested in spreading. Main-stream news can’t compete with social media, so they have tried to copy the fast, emotional reaction to events, rather than giving us actual facts and details. Selling fear and anger is more profitable than sticking to the truth.
Our President, no matter who they are, cannot control another country. They can try to influence them, and Biden has and continues to do that, but ultimately, it is Netanyahu and Hamas who are responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.
Exactly. Main stream media is complicit in the " normalization " of Trump, I will never forgive them for it. Of course, if Trump were to win ( God forbid), the press would be nonexistent.
Yes! This is my big concern. Biden has lost many young (and older) voters over his "no red line" approach to Israel and Gaza, and continual provision of war materials to continue the genocide. I could not bring myself to vote for Biden in the primary. I hope I can feel better about him by November. So far I see only hypocrisy and double standard in our government on this issue. And yes, I know that Trump would be worse.
Here is the problem with this: when you are in leadership, you have got to make some difficult decisions, and with an issue as complex and incendiary as this, there will be some group(s) of people who is going to be mad at you no matter what you choose. We are currently looking at the ramifications of Choice 1, but Choice 2 would likely result in angry constituents, just different ones.
Case in point: my Dad, age 75. Lifelong progressive, long-haired anti-war activist at Berkeley, worked for the Bobby Kennedy and George McGovern campaign. He's an atheist, but his Dad was Jewish, so given his age you can guess his stance on Israel. He hates Netanyahu, but the only thing I could see making him angry before November would be if Biden denounced Israel. He sees the rhetoric around the conflict as disgusting anti-semitism, and even entertaining framing this conflict as "genocide" as ridiculous and offensive. His views have moderated as the conflict has gone on, he wants more aid to get in and to see fewer people hurt, obviously, but in his mind Israel is pretty justified. I feel similarly, frankly. In the recent Senate primary in deep blue CA, pro-Israel Adam Schiff won about three times as many votes as Barbara Lee, who championed an immediate ceasefire. My whole family voted for Schiff. I don't know if that influenced my Dad any in his vote; for my brother and I (29 and 23) the issue was irrelevant.
In short, I don't think the Middle East is as electorally damaging as the people most impassioned about it want it to be, nor do I think a different stance would have helped the President.
The immediate cease fire sounds good. To happen all parties have to stop fighting. Each keeps finding a reason to continue. Then there is the not-so-small issue of Hezbollah and the other minions of Iran who would spot an opportunity if the US denounced Israel. Not only inside Israel but as the Houthis have demonstrated, with a somewhat more strategic effort, terrorist interference in the region’s shipping would have a much greater impact.
Biden advised the Israelis publicly on his visit at the start of the war to avoid the mistakes the US made after 9/11. But Netanyahu is not interested because he needs the war to stay in power. Same for the rest of his cabinet. Of course for Netanyahu it has the additional advantage of helping him stay out of jail. I have noticed pushback from the US and other countries is met with a lot of bluster but promised military actions have not yet materialized. Netanyahu has major dissension at home on various issues. Friday, he gave permission for the negotiators to return to Cairo according to Israeli news. The protests on Saturday were reported to be 10s of thousands, more angry and more calls for elections.
One complication with Israel never mentioned is the US has a military stockpile located somewhere in Israel. Some time ago, Congress provide the necessary legislation to allow stockpiles in countries that are not NATO members.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I think Netanyahu has severely damaged ties to allies.
Randa, Netanyahu is imploding on the world stage and staining the legacy of Israel. Many, if not most, Israelis do NOT support him. I was able to find an article I read awhile back that concerned me regarding the news/information coverage that people in Israel are getting from their media…seems like they are not getting the whole/true picture…see this Guardian article from a couple of months ago: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/06/journalists-see-their-role-as-helping-to-win-how-israeli-tv-is-covering-gaza-war
I have grandsons in high school whose first experience with politics was the 2016 election when they were in elementary school. It was a terrible time and they remember it well. They remember Obama but the first presidency that they will always remember was Trump’s. One of them just tries to ignore what is happening and the other one is struggling to understand how to navigate the news and constant stream of crazy. He is a junior and already somewhat cynical, especially about claims of American greatness. I think they both love our country but cautiously. They’ve both talked about living over seas, as do the daughters of a close friend. Part of that comes from the fact that they have all traveled and know that here is a big world out there. But it also comes from growing up in these very disturbing times.
Your encouragement and conversation with them will help them to make better decisions for themselves, their future, and the future of our country. Any help that you and others can give is a good thing.
Saving democracy is job #1 certainly Dan, thank you. The noise/disinformation machine from Trump world will be a lot to deal with between now and the election...but will be beaten. Thanks for all you do to help keep us dedicated, reassured and 'steady.'
Not so much the young, these children don’t know what they aren’t learning, but the teachers are frustrated. All this constant slamming of critical race theory, and now the Utah, and other states’ bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, have led to upsets in classrooms. With this hard line on what we can and cannot teach, and what we can and cannot say is disheartening and leads to students being uniformed, loss of critical thinking skills, and the fruition of “The Dumbing Down of America,” predicted in the 1970’s.
In our family we have long known that a lot of real teaching happens at home. That’s where lessons like respect, tolerance, inclusion and acceptance are learned. We are lucky to have had many wide ranging discussions on all kinds of topics with our kids and now our grandkids. They all say that they learned the things that matter most at home.
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough parents like you. So many believe that it is all the school’s job. And now here in Utah, our legislature is giving school vouchers to those who opt out of public school to attend private schools, or even home school.
Vouchers for private, parochial, and home school efforts effectively defund public schools and public education, which has been a Republican agenda for decades -- defund and privatize. If left to continue, it won't be good.
Thanks, Mr. Rather, for your column today. I'm a boomer. I learned American history and civics in my rural high school in the early 60s. It is tragic that students today don't learn about our history, our country and our responsibility as citizens to maintain our democracy. It is also tragic that there is a culture war against public education, against teaching the truth about slavery, against learning about the diversity of our society. We will reap what we sow and at present we aren't sowing the seeds needed to preserve our country
I taught in the inner city for 40 years & taught what I KNEW my kids needed to know about Civil Rights/Justice & the environment! I wasn’t supposed, but my kids were reading, loved books & reading, so I wasn’t challenged as much as they wanted to challenge me (depending on the administrator)! Bush’s NCLB was the beginning of the end for our educational system. Now it’s run by testing companies & their BS “curriculum”! This country is in YUGE trouble
Depends on the school, teacher, administrators & city & in general, teachers are arrogantly conservative & don’t rock the boat! Hopefully that is changing w/diverse students finally receiving good, diverse teachers. BUT, the bottom line is our oligarchy doesn’t WANT educated citizens because they are involved & they VOTE 🗳️ ‼️
Once again, I'm happy to thank you for this, Dan. I'm certain your readers are, knowledgeable about the working of the American government. You're absolutely correct about the poor job our educational system does of preparing students to be thoughtful and knowledgeable voters. I won't go on too long a rant about what I believe has been behind this downward trend -- a policy of intentionally watering down the educational system nationally that began with the Reagan administration. If I were to do that kind of research that other journalists and historians do, I bet I'd find evidence of my theory. A population that isn't capable of critical thinking and evaluating what they hear is so much more likely to believe whatever is delivered in a way they can understand. What's delivered doesn't have to be true (and we see this daily with the MAGA Republicans, headed by the former president), it just has to appeal to the fears of the listeners. I applaud you for reminding us how important it is to get younger Americans registered to vote, and to present them with the truth in ways they'll understand.
Amen Dan! Now I have two words for everyone:Taylor Swift. She can lock up Trump in two more words: Vote Biden.
Maybe she will. She loves the US just as I do, but it's not just Biden, we need blue votes up and down the ballot.
As someone in the target age bracket who is an unabashed Taylor Swift fan, I must unfortunately inform you all that Taylor Swift does NOT have this level of power and influence.
Although the fact older people seem to think she does just proves what a total rockstar she is.
When she posted a link on
IG to Vote. org last fall it resulted in 35,000 new voters registering which was a sizable uptick. So she does have sway with Swifties and beyond.
If she excites a new 1% to get out and vote for Biden, well within her ability to influence, Biden wins in a landslide.
I disagree. She is for women's reproductive rights. She also has encouraged people to vote. She has alot of power to influence younger voters to vote.
Taylor Swift would be a huge asset for president Biden to be re-elected to the presidency.
You know, Dan, my lovely house is not far from the high school. A lot of kids walk by everyday. Recently, I was out doing yard work and a couple of these folks walked by and complimented me on my landscape. Well, we got to talking and I discovered they were seniors who had turned 18. I spoke to them about their power to vote and they both replied that they had already registered. Made my heart just swell up! So please allow me to talk about Tik Tok and its positive influence on the younger crowd. Tik Tok provides a place where these folks can find their known celebrities speaking out about their power to make change. I know the government wants to get rid of it because of finding Chinese spyware on it. I get that but on the hand, this app is home for many and if it is reduced to nothing, the younger generation will feel cheated and possibly not vote. I do not feel we can take that risk. I also want to encourage people to look at Victor Shi and David Hogg on “X” who are big influencers promoting Biden-Harris. Hogg has been harassed by Marjorie Taylor-Greene relentlessly but he is backing young candidates who vying for seats at many tables. Maxwell Frost is the youngest person in Congress!
You sound awesome, Marlene.
I am 29, and my brother is 23. I only know who Dan Rather is because of having older parents, but have grown to love Steady. We will both be voting for Biden and straight blue down the ticket, me very enthusiastically, him more reluctantly, but no matter. I will be volunteering and have already donated as well.
My plea to anyone reading is this: don't assume things about young people, or try to reach them as if they are a different, strange new spices who are as distractable as a squirrel. I see and hear it in both subtle and overt ways (ex. Most of us aren't going to decide our votes based on TikTok.) Give them THE SAME MESSAGE as you would anyone else, but add an even heftier dose of positivity. Don't adjust or patronize. I see a lot of assumptions that we are likely to be social justice warriors or college protestors, etc. The biggest issue by far is still economics. We by and large see this as part of justice: we need a system that works more for everyone and just want to see evidence that someone is giving it a solid try.
Most of us know that Republicans are awful and against our generational values. That perception is deeply baked in. What gets lost in the noise is how effective Democrats are, and exactly what is possible with a few more votes. Dems aren't just "the only other option," but a GOOD option. They are a good option because of VALUES and EFFECTIVENESS, whether you are iNsPiReD by current leaders or not.
If talking to a younger voter, don't assume: ask them what is most important to THEM, what could get them to vote more enthusiastically. There is a 92.7% chance there is something in recent Democratic policy or platform that would address those concerns. Remind them voting is not about falling in love, but a basic thing like brushing your teeth. You just do it, and you choose who you think is better at that time. It is our power and many powerful people will do everything in their power to make us feel powerless so that we will give up our power without them even having to take it. Don't let them.
Format: "I know that it looks like [concern], but [issue] is important to us, Biden/Democrats have already [positive accomplishment] , if we get a few more Congresspeople could do more, like [positive proposal]! Plus we know the other guys will [horrifying thing]. We need you on the right team! We Got this!"
Please don't lecture on why we should have more patriotism or civic awareness. People WANT to feel that! We are inundated with negativity and the best thing to do is provide a confident example of what national pride looks like along with examples of how things are getting better. It makes people wonder what other positives they have been missing!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Will,from Cal. Your comments give me hope for all our futures. Keep up the great work you are doing to protect our freedom for all to enjoy.
I can’t tell you what joy reading your post gave me. Not just joy but hope you can fix the mess our country is in right now…the courts, voting rights, guns, bodily autonomy, income equality, taxing the oligarchs…so much you and your generation need to do. The peace, love, doves like me let you down. Many for buying Republican bullshit and many like me for not paying more attention.
Bravo! Thank you for this. I love the tooth brushing analogy too.
Thank you for the compliment, Will. I just believe in listening to people and then I chime in with what knowledge I have. Those I talk to (not at) can think about things or they can ignore them. Choices are what we all have. We CAN think for ourselves and your generation really sees beyond all the bullshit. We are challenged and inspired by you. The most important part: We must stick together! Let’s be a force of nature without being obnoxiously forceful. If we must do battle, then let’s just find our words, our emotions, and swing our proverbial bats accordingly. I love people like yourself, Will.
Thank you Will from my home State. At age 29, have you considered running for elective office? At 25 you can be a Congress person, at 30 a Senator. You are the kind of thoughtful, thought provoking person we desperately need to be thinking of a career in politics. I don't know where you live in our State, but if you contact Democratic headquarters I'm sure they could start grooming you.
Great to read this. I have great faith in this young generation of voters. We all just need to work to get people registered and get them fired up about voting.
Will, thank you for this powerful post. So much more I could say, but I do not want to distract from your powerful and succinct words.
Will, I truly appreciate your comment and you address many good points.
That said, to me there's a problem with a concept however. That is the capitalized "THEM", which is just another word for "me". And, no, that's not generational at all. Unless one was born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth, we have all lived through the very economic issues that younger generations are going through at this moment.
The "me" thinking is a large part of what has put the country in its current state, whether it's boomers or Gen-Z. We have somewhat moved away from concern about the greater good to what's in it for me. Equality has too often become a "they got this, so why shouldn't I" thinking, taking the place of a "wow, they don't have this" mentality.
Yes, we had galvanizing moments such as Civil Rights, Vietnam, and Watergate that inspired us to become more politically aware. But should there really be a need to explain to the very bright generations that followed that January 6th was a big deal? That a President trying to overturn an election is not enough of a rallying cry?
Voting should be for the good of all and the country. "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".
It's not a lecture, but critical thinking and it knows no age barrier.
If “from Cal” is from California, your vote, work and enthusiasm is completely wasted. It’s impossible for California to get any deeper into the fever swamp. Leftists control 99% of all elected offices; and the chaos proves it.
So, by all means. Voot and volunteer.
Maxwell Frost is my Congressman and I'm very proud of him. He stays in touch with the community and is very focused in D.C.
You've mentioned some fine influencers, and I'd like to add Adam Mockler on YouTube and Instagram.
Thank you for mentioning Adam. I know nothing about him but will check him out!
Ta, Marlene! I'm sure you'll like his work!
Most important comment, Marlene....thanks. Whatever method gives all of us the most urgent and factual information is welcome. As for MTG, she is my favorite Waffle House waitress because she fries bacon better than being a member of congress.
😆🤣 that’s ‘cause she loves greasers and greasy “thangs”!
I am so with you, Marlene. I’m not sure about Tik Tok as far as getting rid of it. Like you say our young love it. There would have to be something just like it so not to lose them. We must keep moving with them in areas of the World Wide Web… this is their life and will be for their entire lifetime. My grandchildren could use the computer at 2-3 years old. Grandson is a Jr. in College with a full 4-year Scholarship, everything paid and lives in the New House and very well rounded, My granddaughter, is off to College next fall, last but not least, grandson is 8 yrs been on the computer forever…. He was obsessed with washing machines and while mom/dad time his sessions… I think he could build a washer..🤣 all of them were active in sports 🏈 🏀⚽️🏐 so, if parents pay attention, it all works. Family values have fallen overwhelmingly IMHO, I’m sure you know too. One more thing… why ever did they stop teaching Civic’s…
Because the emphasis and money went to STEM. Not that science isn’t important but social studies is also important. I have learned more history from Heather Cox Richardson and JoAnne Freeman than I learned in 6 semesters in school.
Same, and I graduated from high school in 1980!
1967!
1965 and still remember that class!!
1962, and I still remember civics class in high school. That's where I learned about the three branches of government, how a bill becomes a law, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Is this no longer taught in public schools?
You're right, Ruth. We have to keep up with change, too. It sounds like your family is doing a great job. Computer science and IT are important parts of our lives but at one point we all may need a specialist in washers, a plumber, an electrician, a painter, a mason... or a translator or art restorer :) I'm greatly in favor of training in the skilled trades, from carpentry and agriculture to civil engineering to manufacturing as well as the rare skills. Production operators and extraction workers have all my respect. It takes finesse and attention to batch manufacture delicate car air conditioning parts or pharmaceuticals that conform to quality standards. And yes, I.T. is also a part of those trades as well! All of that technical skill is advantageously enhanced by a solid foundation in the humanities and civics. Whatever the educational path, it definitely has to be well-rounded and allow students to expand their personal thinking skills.
Thank you Michelle W, for your kind reply. I just want people to understand we need our young people to get involved to change up our Country. Be well.
That's a question I've been asking myself for years. While I admit that this sounds quite conspiratorial, I do believe that there has been a deliberate attempt by Republican politicians and the billionaires who own them to dumb down the population. As the orange man once said "I love the uneducated!"
STEM education is critically important, but spending one year in 6th grade learning about our government and how it works will go a long way towards ensuring a more knowledgeable electorate.
Hey, then he might become an engineer or a scientist! I think that’s a positive!👍🏼
Good question!
Margery Taylor Green is an infant.
Worse…she’s an adult in wolf’s clothing.
She behaves like a nasty little spoiled child kind of like the “Bad Seed“
I don't think it's right to ban Tik Tok, & allow FaceBook & X to do the things they're doing. Russian propaganda is a lot more targeted & persuasive than China's. I think that all social media should not be allowed to post misinformation about Covid, or lies and propaganda.
Great advice!
You have no clue what China is doing with TikTok here in the US. The algorithm in the US version of the app is entirely different than what they do in CHINA. Educate yourself before making uninformed comments.
Outdoors - with pets - with music - with friends. Do things that bring you joy - we need more joy in our lives. (and a lot less Trump)
Not just a lot less, we need zero Trump in our lives.
Having dump in the White (gray?) House for four years 2016-2020 (vision year) will ever be an embarrassment and a humiliation in our history. Sort of like having Nero or Caligula in office. We need to get over that by never allowing such a filthy, stinking disease to rot our public image again. We have a lot to mend... people all around the world have been shocked and dismayed at how low the US can go, although I guess bottom is still some way below... but let's not test it again. Let's reelect Biden and later another Obama or the like. How about Tammy Duckworth, for one? We have many heroes to go around. Why settle for Putin & Xi's errand boy Donald Dump?Sheep Heil! JTC
but but Trump will go down in history and he does not care if it is negative or positive. The man represents everything that is bad about our country. Hopefully he will be an example of that when the new history books are written.
Believe me, his place is secure…2016, the year cockroaches invaded the White House.
His place is secure only if truth tellers are the ones recording the facts.
You said it, John T. Cullen !!!!!! Perfect.
Frankly, this view is utterly bizzarre, didn't-study-for-your-Sociology-101-paper bizzarre. I was 13 when Obama was elected, and the "sociocultural norm" of a candidate is not a deciding factor for me. Anyone who voted for Biden in 2020 by definition also voted for Kamala Harris, a biracial woman. I voted for 2 women for president the 1st 2 times I was eligible: Clinton in 2016 primary and general, Warren in 2020 primary. I've voted for women and people of color for Congress, mayor, and statehouse while living in different cities. Here In the most populous state, Governor Newsom is the only Caucasian man to be elected to any statewide office in over half a decade. The USA has multiple LGBT governors and Senators now. Of the 10 largest cities, NINE have a mayor who is a person of color, and 4 female. Of 9 Supreme Court Justices, 4 are female and 3 people of color.
To voters of what is very soon the dominant generations, this is completely NORMAL. Diversity IS the status quo. We do not fear a "white backlash." We are currently in a white backlash and the reason is because this is the bigots' last gasp (for a long time being, at least) and they know it.
It is normal progression -- one large step forward, two small steps back. then another large step forward. Also, I think you might be missing the fact that a very large percentage of your generation and the next are being raised in secular schools (funded by public money) and home schooled into the old 1950's fantasy life, and never associate with the the rest of our most interesting cultures within the USA. They also are not allowed to read books that expose the dirty-laundry part of our history or anything that doesn't reflect a white, male-dominant cultures successes. So you will also have issues with the way they'll vote just as we-who-have-lived-longer have had to do. I live in the very red part of a state (been having political 'fun' here since the '80's) and see and talk with those coming out of that climate. Some are escaping, but most have been raised on the koolaid and believe in the fantasy.
I agree that the democrat party is not perfect, and neither is the sitting President. One will never 100% agree with any politician. However, this election of Democrat federal congresspeople is vital to get rid of the do-nothing, whining, screaming rethuglicans. Not all Republicans are that way, just enough of the trumpites that are trying to destroy or democracy. I'll vote straight blue just because of that.
I know who Carol Moseley-Braun is, actually. I am capable of having knowledge of what happened before I was alive, and the appropriate context. That is how almost all understanding of history works: by study, not first-hand. For Pete's sake, I'm reading a blog by Dan Rather. You chide and claim older Democrats show they are out of touch by branding young candidates as inexperienced, but then you chide young volunteers like me for being ignorant by dint of youth. Which one is it? (The current chair of the Democratic Party in the swing state of NC is 25, by the way.) It is less that you are arrogant that is the problem for me, but more that you are inconsistent. You don't know who I am or how educated I am, yet you are assuming my ignorance based on my mere disagreement with you.
Neither of us knows whether the past few decades are an anomaly or the dawn of a new era, because none of us can see the future. Only one of us seems level-headed enough to admit that, and it's not the one of us whose pseudonym is a fatty breakfast food.
Will, you give me hope! I’m 68, old enough to be your grandfather. But your reasoned response is something I look for in everyone, regardless of age. My hope is your generation will do more, and better, than mine. That you will be, and will remain, active in preserving our democracy.
Will, You give me hope, although I must comment that insulting blueberry muffins and the person using it as their Substack name is a bit rude. In general though, in all the posts of yours that I've read in the past, I always look forward to reading your comments because (subjective opinion here) you feel like an old wise soul to me, and I appreciate the time you take in reading and commenting here.
With respect your comment previously sounded alittle bit patronizing. Different viewpoints are neccessary. How else can we see anothers perspective? Dan did ask if there were any younger ppl reading this to voice their thoughts.
Why should they be proud of our country? Old men have a stranglehold on legislation and the grownups appear to have sat by and let Donald Trump take over.
As Yogi said, it ain’t over until it’s over. Stay tuned for further Trump self destruction.
Yeah, but don't depend on Trump 'self destruction' to result in his losing the election.
We have a lot of work to do for reelect Biden, keep the Senate, and win the House.
Also, Yogi said, "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings." Loved the guy.
Also, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!".
Not all old men, just MAGA.
Heard a good one from Andrew Weisselberg (sp), former DA, Eastern District of NY and MSNBC contributor, last night. MAGA: "Making Attorneys Get Attorneys."
Yes, but we also have to give women a chance to show what they can do , could they F things up worse than Trump, I don't think so..
No one could be worse than Trump.
How about MTG-she's pretty low.
Green's a nasty piece of work but an angel compared to Trump.
I understand where you're coming from Beth, they get on my last nerve, too. But those sour old men and grownups aren't the country. There's still plenty to inspire us to excise them at the polls.
We have very few young persons willing to enter politics as an aspiration as we had back in the 1960's. Now it seems only persons interested in pushing an agenda, rather than the collective good do so.
Very good question. One answer is probably similar to why I turned down the local Democrat Party when they asked me to run for local Office a couple of years ago. (I had other reasons too such as being a caregiver to my Mother.)
Politics is a blood sport these days.
I think that stops a lot of qualified people from running for Office in today's Hyper-Partisan, social media charged environment.
Oh I defintely agree with that statement!! Power Baby, Power!! And money 💰 of course. Very well said. 👏
Seriously , because the lineup you presented had only one woman in it and she is a better choice than ANY of the men mentioned.
I am a staunch democrat, but I want the women to get some respect, Kamala has been tireless in her job, and gets zero credit from most. We are more than half the population, we need a chance too.
Yeah, Haley is the best of the group listed, but that is like saying that a poop sandwich is better than diarrhea soup.
The idea that Harris is a lacks presence or impact is baffling. She is the VICE President, she doesn't make leadership choices herself. It's the ultimate example of "great job title, thankless job." Did people have the same criticism for Al Gore or Dan Quayle. I wonder what was different about them? Hmm...
Dude, again, cite your sources rather than your feelings. I'm in my 20s and volunteer for Democrats. Youth outreach is one of the highest priorities this year. The median freshman Democrat in the last few Congresses is younger than the median incoming Republican, but regardless, younger candidate does not automatically equal younger voters. (You think people would have learned that by the popularity of freakin' Bernie Sanders at colleges.)
Also, we 20-somethings have a word for Gen Xers. That word is "old."
"Why doesn't the Democratic Party encourage younger members to run for political office?"
It's not that it is DIScouraged, but let us think about this for one moment. The Democratic Party as an organization does not look for any demographic of candidate, they look for *strong* candidates, i.e. ones that have recognition for an important accomplishment, a notable resume, local/community base of support, or ideally all of the above. You are just more likely to have been able to have these qualities if you have been alive for longer. That's just how time works.
Folks here may be interested in supporting Run for Something, an excellent org which supports young candidates for office (no, I am not affiliated).
I agree with you on this (though I am, myself 75 yrs) However, Trump caught us at a very bad time and we were not prepared to address his criminal ways. We must be thankful for President Biden one more time. We must encourage our young to take their places. We have a good group of men and women in our Democratic Party that can fill their shoes. The biggest problem, IMHO is the DARK $$$$. PAC’s, and just corruption all around. Just look at our Supreme Court and they have the last say………NO NO NO. For eight years we have had tfg ‘IN OUR FACE” everyday…..My God
I agree with you Ms. James about the money. All the PACs are horrible. Look what happened last night. President Biden took in more then 26 million dollars in one night. The expensive tickets were 500,000 dollars each. One million dollars for a couple. Yes I know the other side does it as much if not more but no one can tell me that kind of money does not get you influence at the white house. Both parties should be made to stop..
I want a viable third party that can force the other two to clean up their mess and not nominate a Trump or a President who will be 86 if reelected.
There are much better people in this country.
I agree. I'm not proud of the US. I think a representative democracy is a worthwhile form of government, although it has its flaws, and I'm grateful for the people who work hard on our behalf as part of that government. Allegiance to flags (or kings, or religions) rather than a sense of common humanity is always a losing game for people in general.
All I can hope is the more he talks the less votes he gets. Hopefully people will see that he is really an idiot with a very large mouth and no substance at all
Maybe some people are getting tired of the same old schtick from Trump. He's finally beginning to wear out. It's taken long enough, and he's becoming more incoherent by the speech. Between his word salads and legal entanglements, he's digging a hole for himself. Someone once said "when your opponent is digging a hole, let them do it." So let it be said, and so may it happen. Our work will make it so.
Steve, he announced that his supporters “will be tired of all the winning” when actually it turned out that we’re really “tired of all the whining”!🤪
The poor thing never figured out how to spell, bless his heart.
Old saying: "I liked him/her until he/she opened his/her mouth!"
We have a lot of idots in Brazil, IN and the surrounding areas. And yes our state it near the worst in education in the USA.
Yikes!
Like quite a number of other people, I got tired of the noise after the results of the 2020 election were posted, but watched the disgraceful behavior of those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the hearings that followed it. Those were informational. Since then, I've paid attention to the slow grind of Trump's legal progress to what I hope are the end of the delays and the imposition of a prison term, and thank you, I do spend more time enjoying the beautiful spring weather!
Cable programs and social media aren't reliable producers of news, unless it's called noise. At 76, I've heard enough noise and shun those sources like the plague. As usual Dan, you at Steady, Washington Post, BBC World Service, The Guardian, and PBS/NPR are my go-to for more accurate news and updates. Thank you, and please keep them coming. Happy Easter.
I’m horrified that Garland has chosen to slow walk our democracy. Biden hog tied in the back of a truck by Trump trying to win votes from people who must have been raised by wolves. Promise you if anyone other than Republicans they would be in jail. But Garland ignores it.
Garland was slow, but all of the delays are bringing the administration of justice to a grinding halt. How many before the judges (collectively) say enough is enough, and it's time to move the trials along? A close look at the quality of the complaints securing the appeals should be more closely examined for being specious and frivolus.
Agreed.
Please don’t insult wolves by association…the elder Trumps are responsible in part for the maniac we’ve been stuck trying for o scrape off our collective heel.
I am a baby boomer and I am completely ashamed of the US. The Vietnam War started me down that path — sending thousands of young men off to fight and die in a war those jackasses knew we had no business being in and also that we could not win. The Fake War that Bush started so he could get revenge for his daddy. Thousands more killed—Iraqis and Americans. The border “crisis.” What a bunch of hypocrites. Every person I know in Texas has undocumented maids, nannies, gardeners, ranch hands, builders, chefs—you name it, and they are ALL Republican. But if there was really a will to fix this so called crisis, it would have been done a long time ago. People during mg because they cannot afford to go to the doctor. Women who cannot feed their children. Murdering innocent people including children in mass slaughterings on a regular basis while those scum in congress line their pockets with gun money, taking away women’s rights and treating them like breeding cattle, and the final atrocity—actually accepting that a RAPIST is a viable candidate for the presidency of the United States. What a sick sick place. I’m so happy I moved to Europe.
It's sad that you feel this way about emigrating. It would be better with a person of your knowlege of the situations to stay and help us work to change the direction of the "ship of state", but do what you feel you must.
IMHO, calling Biden a “genocide supporter” is wholly inaccurate based on his words/actions & imagine there are a lot of negotiations & pressure going on out of view of the public. If you specifically mean about money/arms to Israel (btw, the USA is not the only country doing this), then I agree that sanctions need to be stiffer. Personally, I’d rather we be supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine with those supplies.
It should be noted for the record that UN Special Rapporteurs are individual people speaking in an individual capacity and do not speak on behalf of the UN as a body. None of the official bodies charged with deciding whether the criteria for such crimes have been fufilled, such as the ICJ, have actually done so. The current Special Rapporteur, although an accomplished person, also has a long history of anti-Israeli public remarks.
I personally disagree with anti-BDS laws on a 1st Amendment basis, but the fact that almost every state has them - when this country can agree on so little - speaks for itself.
I also am a baby boomer, and am sick about the state of affairs with Trump, if he should win the election, we have our passports ready.
Gayna, reading your words made me think of this Jackson Browne song “Lives in the Balance”….rings true still: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_8UAYJLU98 And when I get demoralized & need some “juice” in my tank I listen to his ‘Til I Go Down…on the same album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmzimxfqgfw
He's so deeply underrated. Subtly affecting melodies with a huge heart. I love all time periods and genres but I'm such a sucker for the Americana singer-songwriter stuff from that era.
Thank you! Although I “ran away”
To keep my sanity, I am just as open eyed and keep abreast of all the news I can find about the country I used to love. I am very active in Democrats Above and I will make sure I vote in the election to attempt To keep a criminal fascist out of running a mob empire.
May I ask what country you live in now?
If Biden wants the Young Voter, he has got to address their frustration with the horrors happening in Gaza and their anger about the US military support of Israel with zero.accointability from Netanyahu
"If Biden wants the Young Voter..."
My God, I am officially so sick of this. (Sorry Randa, this isn't addressed to you personally.) I'm a young voter. I know young voters. We aren't mythical unicorns, and we don't need other people speaking for us. We don't need people blaming us for "polling weaknesses" and "enthusiasm gaps" and using us as a reason for you to insist that the President must change a policy or else those fickle Young Voters will stay home. That is the way YOU are feeling about this issue and you are projecting it on us.
Yes, young voters are *more likely* to be against the Israeli conduct of the war, Biden's allyship, etc. They also are more likely than older people to have absolutely no opinion, and not any more likely to prioritize this issue over all the others literally closer to home. We are not ALL so very angry about this (I'm just sad it has come to this, mostly). It is not more important to us than climate change, civil and reproductive rights, gun violence, income inequality, and cost of living PUT TOGETHER, because that would be insane. Stop assuming, please.
Well said, Will. I am a “Boomer” & my generation often gets painted with the “same brush”….no one generation is a monolith! [btw, good to “hear” your voice again…been awhile since I’ve seen the Will, from Cal handle!]
Thanks, Barbara. The friendly responses today are so touching. I like to sit back and "listen" and learn unless I really have something to contribute, and can do so in a timely manner. Today was the day!
Good for you , Will, some folks make assumptions about young people without actually interacting with them. Tell them what you really think..
Got it. I appreciate your comment and calling me out on my assumptiveness. I should modify my comment to note that my opinion here is based on the young voters who I have personally spoken to.
From what I can tell, President Biden and his administration has been trying to get Israel to stop bombing, raiding Palestine areas and call for a cease-fire. But the Israeli leader refuses.
That is a story that the media doesn’t seem interested in spreading. Main-stream news can’t compete with social media, so they have tried to copy the fast, emotional reaction to events, rather than giving us actual facts and details. Selling fear and anger is more profitable than sticking to the truth.
Our President, no matter who they are, cannot control another country. They can try to influence them, and Biden has and continues to do that, but ultimately, it is Netanyahu and Hamas who are responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.
Exactly. Main stream media is complicit in the " normalization " of Trump, I will never forgive them for it. Of course, if Trump were to win ( God forbid), the press would be nonexistent.
BJTS, I just posted this article upthread, but wanted to pass it along to you as well…re press coverage WITHIN Israel…found it very concerning: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/06/journalists-see-their-role-as-helping-to-win-how-israeli-tv-is-covering-gaza-war
Yes! This is my big concern. Biden has lost many young (and older) voters over his "no red line" approach to Israel and Gaza, and continual provision of war materials to continue the genocide. I could not bring myself to vote for Biden in the primary. I hope I can feel better about him by November. So far I see only hypocrisy and double standard in our government on this issue. And yes, I know that Trump would be worse.
Here is the problem with this: when you are in leadership, you have got to make some difficult decisions, and with an issue as complex and incendiary as this, there will be some group(s) of people who is going to be mad at you no matter what you choose. We are currently looking at the ramifications of Choice 1, but Choice 2 would likely result in angry constituents, just different ones.
Case in point: my Dad, age 75. Lifelong progressive, long-haired anti-war activist at Berkeley, worked for the Bobby Kennedy and George McGovern campaign. He's an atheist, but his Dad was Jewish, so given his age you can guess his stance on Israel. He hates Netanyahu, but the only thing I could see making him angry before November would be if Biden denounced Israel. He sees the rhetoric around the conflict as disgusting anti-semitism, and even entertaining framing this conflict as "genocide" as ridiculous and offensive. His views have moderated as the conflict has gone on, he wants more aid to get in and to see fewer people hurt, obviously, but in his mind Israel is pretty justified. I feel similarly, frankly. In the recent Senate primary in deep blue CA, pro-Israel Adam Schiff won about three times as many votes as Barbara Lee, who championed an immediate ceasefire. My whole family voted for Schiff. I don't know if that influenced my Dad any in his vote; for my brother and I (29 and 23) the issue was irrelevant.
In short, I don't think the Middle East is as electorally damaging as the people most impassioned about it want it to be, nor do I think a different stance would have helped the President.
The immediate cease fire sounds good. To happen all parties have to stop fighting. Each keeps finding a reason to continue. Then there is the not-so-small issue of Hezbollah and the other minions of Iran who would spot an opportunity if the US denounced Israel. Not only inside Israel but as the Houthis have demonstrated, with a somewhat more strategic effort, terrorist interference in the region’s shipping would have a much greater impact.
Biden advised the Israelis publicly on his visit at the start of the war to avoid the mistakes the US made after 9/11. But Netanyahu is not interested because he needs the war to stay in power. Same for the rest of his cabinet. Of course for Netanyahu it has the additional advantage of helping him stay out of jail. I have noticed pushback from the US and other countries is met with a lot of bluster but promised military actions have not yet materialized. Netanyahu has major dissension at home on various issues. Friday, he gave permission for the negotiators to return to Cairo according to Israeli news. The protests on Saturday were reported to be 10s of thousands, more angry and more calls for elections.
One complication with Israel never mentioned is the US has a military stockpile located somewhere in Israel. Some time ago, Congress provide the necessary legislation to allow stockpiles in countries that are not NATO members.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I think Netanyahu has severely damaged ties to allies.
He has tried, but they won't listen.
Randa, Netanyahu is imploding on the world stage and staining the legacy of Israel. Many, if not most, Israelis do NOT support him. I was able to find an article I read awhile back that concerned me regarding the news/information coverage that people in Israel are getting from their media…seems like they are not getting the whole/true picture…see this Guardian article from a couple of months ago: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/06/journalists-see-their-role-as-helping-to-win-how-israeli-tv-is-covering-gaza-war
Thanks
Biden, along with Chuck Schumer have tried to reason with them, but their pleas are falling on the deaf ears of Netanyahu
I have grandsons in high school whose first experience with politics was the 2016 election when they were in elementary school. It was a terrible time and they remember it well. They remember Obama but the first presidency that they will always remember was Trump’s. One of them just tries to ignore what is happening and the other one is struggling to understand how to navigate the news and constant stream of crazy. He is a junior and already somewhat cynical, especially about claims of American greatness. I think they both love our country but cautiously. They’ve both talked about living over seas, as do the daughters of a close friend. Part of that comes from the fact that they have all traveled and know that here is a big world out there. But it also comes from growing up in these very disturbing times.
Your encouragement and conversation with them will help them to make better decisions for themselves, their future, and the future of our country. Any help that you and others can give is a good thing.
Saving democracy is job #1 certainly Dan, thank you. The noise/disinformation machine from Trump world will be a lot to deal with between now and the election...but will be beaten. Thanks for all you do to help keep us dedicated, reassured and 'steady.'
Not so much the young, these children don’t know what they aren’t learning, but the teachers are frustrated. All this constant slamming of critical race theory, and now the Utah, and other states’ bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, have led to upsets in classrooms. With this hard line on what we can and cannot teach, and what we can and cannot say is disheartening and leads to students being uniformed, loss of critical thinking skills, and the fruition of “The Dumbing Down of America,” predicted in the 1970’s.
In our family we have long known that a lot of real teaching happens at home. That’s where lessons like respect, tolerance, inclusion and acceptance are learned. We are lucky to have had many wide ranging discussions on all kinds of topics with our kids and now our grandkids. They all say that they learned the things that matter most at home.
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough parents like you. So many believe that it is all the school’s job. And now here in Utah, our legislature is giving school vouchers to those who opt out of public school to attend private schools, or even home school.
Vouchers for private, parochial, and home school efforts effectively defund public schools and public education, which has been a Republican agenda for decades -- defund and privatize. If left to continue, it won't be good.
Thanks, Mr. Rather, for your column today. I'm a boomer. I learned American history and civics in my rural high school in the early 60s. It is tragic that students today don't learn about our history, our country and our responsibility as citizens to maintain our democracy. It is also tragic that there is a culture war against public education, against teaching the truth about slavery, against learning about the diversity of our society. We will reap what we sow and at present we aren't sowing the seeds needed to preserve our country
I taught in the inner city for 40 years & taught what I KNEW my kids needed to know about Civil Rights/Justice & the environment! I wasn’t supposed, but my kids were reading, loved books & reading, so I wasn’t challenged as much as they wanted to challenge me (depending on the administrator)! Bush’s NCLB was the beginning of the end for our educational system. Now it’s run by testing companies & their BS “curriculum”! This country is in YUGE trouble
Depends on the school, teacher, administrators & city & in general, teachers are arrogantly conservative & don’t rock the boat! Hopefully that is changing w/diverse students finally receiving good, diverse teachers. BUT, the bottom line is our oligarchy doesn’t WANT educated citizens because they are involved & they VOTE 🗳️ ‼️
I am registered, and I will vote! So will my children—who both understand how our country works. 💙💙💙💙
Once again, I'm happy to thank you for this, Dan. I'm certain your readers are, knowledgeable about the working of the American government. You're absolutely correct about the poor job our educational system does of preparing students to be thoughtful and knowledgeable voters. I won't go on too long a rant about what I believe has been behind this downward trend -- a policy of intentionally watering down the educational system nationally that began with the Reagan administration. If I were to do that kind of research that other journalists and historians do, I bet I'd find evidence of my theory. A population that isn't capable of critical thinking and evaluating what they hear is so much more likely to believe whatever is delivered in a way they can understand. What's delivered doesn't have to be true (and we see this daily with the MAGA Republicans, headed by the former president), it just has to appeal to the fears of the listeners. I applaud you for reminding us how important it is to get younger Americans registered to vote, and to present them with the truth in ways they'll understand.