We sit on the precipice of a damaging federal government shutdown inflicted by a group of political extremists in Washington who wield, with glee, their power to destroy. Meanwhile, up in New York City and other parts of the Northeast, a different kind of destruction is also driving a shutdown. This one is the result of inundation from life-threatening storms.
I agree with you, Vicki Woodhed. He made it possible for me to attend college without going into debt. And his 235 program offered housing to first time buyers. It was all of his campaign on poverty. I believe that he also provided help with food with his "commodities " program.
As a Canadian I see what’s happening with some objectivity. Obviously I don’t want the insanity that’s happening in the USA to seep through our borders, but it is stunning to me how nobody is in the streets. There isn’t a call for a general strike, there’s just pitiful social media posting saying ‘vote blue.’ It’s enough to make you throw up your hands and say, well, they deserve whatever happens to them.
Dan please inform your nationwide readers about Tim Dunn and the Wilks brothers using their billions of dollars to push this nation dangerously toward Christo Fascism. They already control what the Houston Chronicle today described as the Austin Kremlin.
Time is an elastic element in all this. We don't have to travel far back in time to find how quickly past extremists in this country have paled in the face of strong opposition by the majority, either by vote or open defiance and demonstration against extreme conservative efforts. This won't be the last upheaval by the right. They've failed to come up with a rational platform going on twenty years now. What's to expect them to expose any sort of rational theoretical framework for government now?
Thank you Dan and Elliott very timely. I may never understand the why of climate denial of the few or why anyone would buy into it and support the Official deniers. I'm guessing a twister in their faces might get through to them. How can the regular people whose homes get flooded or cars get swept away in a flood that shouldn't be yet is, still support any of this denial. In Arizona we have had blistering heat waves of over 110 ° flash flooding from our monsoon rainstorms that even veteran Arizonans don't recognize were used to monsoons but not when we have a tornado we don't normally do tornadoes dust devils yes this was not that. So no climate denial in this household cannot speak for any others.
I find it offensive that those we have elected to represent our interests care only for themselves and their camera time. Take THEIR pay away and see how anxious they are to shut the government down. They are so out of touch with reality it is disgusting.
I agree, three cheers that Murdochs empire looks to be crumbling. He should have been vetted long ago. His interests are only $$$$ and doesn't care about the chaos he causes.Americans generally are well educated, let's hope that the younger generation can see through the mess and support a better system.
Time was when the Republican Party brought gravitas, statesmanship & respect for the Constitution to the table. In their way, they were serious guardians of our nation's core principles. Nowadays it has devolved into a camp of "Gotcha!" MAGA extremists willing to destroy what we have long defended as sacrosanct principles upholding our nation: The Bill of Rights and the Constitution itself. And for what? For nothing better as far as rational minds can deduce. At the risk of something worse: Constraint of indivldual liberty and equal rights for all.
Are they just "having a moment" of excessive political hooliganism, or have they set a course for political suicide? Every nation needs two (rational) contending political parties to constrain excesses by either. So as a party, meaning Republicans or their replacement, they need a seat at the table. But when they devolve to irrationality as expressed by their spokespeople such as Matt Gaetz & Marjorie Taylor Greene, we find ourselves unwitting and unwilling attendees at Lewis Carroll's MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY. They are not legislators, but disruptors unclear on the concept. Or, they are balking at the core principle that ALL are welcome; not just those whose roots trace to Western Europe.
No historian shall treat them with unmitigated respect. The damage they do and try to do leaves scars on the body politic. The Republic is strong enough to survive, but at what cost to common sense, political dignity and national unity? Is there really a place in our body politic for, say, The Proud Boys?
Our Constitution demands fealty to it, including obeying its liberating strictures and enjoying its blessings. There is no place at the top for regionalism or defection from its principles, regardless of the reactionary impulses of those who prefer to take our nation backward in the social arena rather than live up to its sensible principles, as spelled out in our Bill of Rights and Constitution. This cannot be tolerated. It would undermine what makes us unique among nations, and consequential in the world. Any compromise with those principles would accomplish what dictators and authoritarians worldwide have tried to do, but failed: Make America inconsequential.
There is a reason we are the world's beacon of hope and consequence: We are committed to the principles of equality, human value, and opportunity for all, on an equal basis, with no one group advantaged to the disadvantage of others. Not all are in concordance with that necessity, but if so, it is only because they have not thought the matter through, or want to disregard the strictures and demands therein, for unfair advantage.
The liberty and freedom we enjoy has a price: Fealty to the underlying principles that enable and nourish it. It is an inseparable package. To take part, one must take all, and defend that package, or take nothing and go elsewhere. Trouble is, apart from Great Britain, there is no "elsewhere" that assures the same set of principles and protections. In that regard, we are unique among nations. Which explains the unending stream of those from elsewhere striving to be allowed to become Americans.
Not that America is without blemishes; indeed it has some. But it has no Secret Police; no covert informers next door; no "Big Brother;" no mechanism to end or circumscribe individual rights beyond violation of the laws and principles that we all are expected to uphold as our part of the bargain. Quite simple, really.
Note that the world's unaffected millions are not risking all to try to enter Cuba, or Hungary, or Russia, or Turkey, to mention a few. But they willingly risk privation, risk of death, and all their worldly goods to be allowed to come here. That is the most compelling testimonial of all, trumping all other concerns.
As societies go, we are not perfect. But compared to most, we are the preferred destination. As the adage says, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." More clamor at our gates than can be let in. Is that not a sort of "imitation"? And compliment? Yes, there are many nations they could try to enter instead. Why don't they? Ask them.
Here, one is free to criticize those at the top without personal consequence. Elsewhere, risky business. May it always be so. Our Founding Fathers bet the farm on it. So far, we've passed the test. May we always. Keep in mind the eternal charge: "The price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance." Plus a willingness to challenge charlatans who would change that arrangement.
Thank you, Dan Rather, for reminding us all what is at stake. You walk in the footsteps of significant other guardians of liberty, including such long gone commentators as H. V. Kaltenborn, Alex Sevareid, Chet Huntley and Edward R. Murrow, civic giants of radio and pioneering TV, when radio was still unrivaled, and television was waiting to be established, whose names from the past may be unknown to younger supporters of "Steady." All were keepers of the flame, as we all must be.
I agree with you, Vicki Woodhed. He made it possible for me to attend college without going into debt. And his 235 program offered housing to first time buyers. It was all of his campaign on poverty. I believe that he also provided help with food with his "commodities " program.
Dan and Elliot, well said and a great perspective. We must continue to inspire future generations with hope. Nothing is impossible.
Please don’t drive me to a search engine. What’s “TFG” & “TFFG” mean?
#LiveAndLearn, TFG doesn’t mean #ThisFeelsGood.
TGF = The Former Guy
As a Canadian I see what’s happening with some objectivity. Obviously I don’t want the insanity that’s happening in the USA to seep through our borders, but it is stunning to me how nobody is in the streets. There isn’t a call for a general strike, there’s just pitiful social media posting saying ‘vote blue.’ It’s enough to make you throw up your hands and say, well, they deserve whatever happens to them.
Then I realize y’all will probably start WWIII…
Dan please inform your nationwide readers about Tim Dunn and the Wilks brothers using their billions of dollars to push this nation dangerously toward Christo Fascism. They already control what the Houston Chronicle today described as the Austin Kremlin.
A hearty happy heathen’s “A-men!” to that hope.
Time is an elastic element in all this. We don't have to travel far back in time to find how quickly past extremists in this country have paled in the face of strong opposition by the majority, either by vote or open defiance and demonstration against extreme conservative efforts. This won't be the last upheaval by the right. They've failed to come up with a rational platform going on twenty years now. What's to expect them to expose any sort of rational theoretical framework for government now?
What demonstrations against extreme conservative efforts? Did I miss something?
Thank you Dan and Elliott very timely. I may never understand the why of climate denial of the few or why anyone would buy into it and support the Official deniers. I'm guessing a twister in their faces might get through to them. How can the regular people whose homes get flooded or cars get swept away in a flood that shouldn't be yet is, still support any of this denial. In Arizona we have had blistering heat waves of over 110 ° flash flooding from our monsoon rainstorms that even veteran Arizonans don't recognize were used to monsoons but not when we have a tornado we don't normally do tornadoes dust devils yes this was not that. So no climate denial in this household cannot speak for any others.
Well Dan, there's only one solution. Why don't YOU run for PRESIDENT? I am serious.
Nobody lies to babies
Including Trump?
Excluding Trump?
‘Daddy and mommy are going out
To shoot some shoplifters’
---
Fox News: Trump suggests shooting shoplifters
Let us hope. That's all I got. 💔
I find it offensive that those we have elected to represent our interests care only for themselves and their camera time. Take THEIR pay away and see how anxious they are to shut the government down. They are so out of touch with reality it is disgusting.
I agree, three cheers that Murdochs empire looks to be crumbling. He should have been vetted long ago. His interests are only $$$$ and doesn't care about the chaos he causes.Americans generally are well educated, let's hope that the younger generation can see through the mess and support a better system.
Thanks for your kind reply!
Climate Change
Time was when the Republican Party brought gravitas, statesmanship & respect for the Constitution to the table. In their way, they were serious guardians of our nation's core principles. Nowadays it has devolved into a camp of "Gotcha!" MAGA extremists willing to destroy what we have long defended as sacrosanct principles upholding our nation: The Bill of Rights and the Constitution itself. And for what? For nothing better as far as rational minds can deduce. At the risk of something worse: Constraint of indivldual liberty and equal rights for all.
Are they just "having a moment" of excessive political hooliganism, or have they set a course for political suicide? Every nation needs two (rational) contending political parties to constrain excesses by either. So as a party, meaning Republicans or their replacement, they need a seat at the table. But when they devolve to irrationality as expressed by their spokespeople such as Matt Gaetz & Marjorie Taylor Greene, we find ourselves unwitting and unwilling attendees at Lewis Carroll's MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY. They are not legislators, but disruptors unclear on the concept. Or, they are balking at the core principle that ALL are welcome; not just those whose roots trace to Western Europe.
No historian shall treat them with unmitigated respect. The damage they do and try to do leaves scars on the body politic. The Republic is strong enough to survive, but at what cost to common sense, political dignity and national unity? Is there really a place in our body politic for, say, The Proud Boys?
Our Constitution demands fealty to it, including obeying its liberating strictures and enjoying its blessings. There is no place at the top for regionalism or defection from its principles, regardless of the reactionary impulses of those who prefer to take our nation backward in the social arena rather than live up to its sensible principles, as spelled out in our Bill of Rights and Constitution. This cannot be tolerated. It would undermine what makes us unique among nations, and consequential in the world. Any compromise with those principles would accomplish what dictators and authoritarians worldwide have tried to do, but failed: Make America inconsequential.
There is a reason we are the world's beacon of hope and consequence: We are committed to the principles of equality, human value, and opportunity for all, on an equal basis, with no one group advantaged to the disadvantage of others. Not all are in concordance with that necessity, but if so, it is only because they have not thought the matter through, or want to disregard the strictures and demands therein, for unfair advantage.
The liberty and freedom we enjoy has a price: Fealty to the underlying principles that enable and nourish it. It is an inseparable package. To take part, one must take all, and defend that package, or take nothing and go elsewhere. Trouble is, apart from Great Britain, there is no "elsewhere" that assures the same set of principles and protections. In that regard, we are unique among nations. Which explains the unending stream of those from elsewhere striving to be allowed to become Americans.
Not that America is without blemishes; indeed it has some. But it has no Secret Police; no covert informers next door; no "Big Brother;" no mechanism to end or circumscribe individual rights beyond violation of the laws and principles that we all are expected to uphold as our part of the bargain. Quite simple, really.
Note that the world's unaffected millions are not risking all to try to enter Cuba, or Hungary, or Russia, or Turkey, to mention a few. But they willingly risk privation, risk of death, and all their worldly goods to be allowed to come here. That is the most compelling testimonial of all, trumping all other concerns.
As societies go, we are not perfect. But compared to most, we are the preferred destination. As the adage says, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." More clamor at our gates than can be let in. Is that not a sort of "imitation"? And compliment? Yes, there are many nations they could try to enter instead. Why don't they? Ask them.
Here, one is free to criticize those at the top without personal consequence. Elsewhere, risky business. May it always be so. Our Founding Fathers bet the farm on it. So far, we've passed the test. May we always. Keep in mind the eternal charge: "The price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance." Plus a willingness to challenge charlatans who would change that arrangement.
Thank you, Dan Rather, for reminding us all what is at stake. You walk in the footsteps of significant other guardians of liberty, including such long gone commentators as H. V. Kaltenborn, Alex Sevareid, Chet Huntley and Edward R. Murrow, civic giants of radio and pioneering TV, when radio was still unrivaled, and television was waiting to be established, whose names from the past may be unknown to younger supporters of "Steady." All were keepers of the flame, as we all must be.