I keep telling people that throwing in the towel now is like telling FDR to surrender on April 7, 1942, the day Bataan fell in the Philippines. Before the Doolittle Tokyo Raid. Before the Battle of the Coral Sea. Before the Battle of Midway. All of those were “unexpected game changers.” There were people who thought the U.S. Navy would lose those battles, and in fact the wins were very narrow.
Yes, TC. I posted on another site today a suggestion to read Hubbell’s Substack today. Towards the end of his essay, he addresses the perils of pessimism amongst Dems right now. And he is correct. People think optimism is everything from corny to stupid in the face of the boldness of the fascism and treason creeping into the governance in this country. Optimism is NOT merely sitting around “hoping” for something good to happen while your brow is sweaty with fear. Optimism is fighting the good fight and not giving in to flight. It’s standing on two feet and staring down (or commenting down) the same Dems that lost us the election in 2016 or some who think a grievance or complaint against the current administration is somehow relevant in light of the gross malfeasance and authoritarian, narcissistic, bloated non-leadership of the last administration. It’s not talking about moving to another country. Please. We are the majority. We have enough to counter without listening to whining within our own ranks. Hitch up the britches and get the glint in the eye, the toss of the head, and let’s go kick some ass. It’s shocking to me that people are so afraid of the brawl. I usually say that it’s good that I grew up with lots of brothers but honestly? In this moment, it’s good they grew up with me. Too much pessimism emanating from men. Almost every woman I speak with or listen to understands the fight we are in and has no intention of fleeing.
I just implore all of us to really understand what TC’s ending sentence in this essay means. And choose feet or knees.
I like the tone and attitude of today's "Mess". I'm with you. The pendulum is swinging. The GQP has gone too far. And then there are the Republican idiots running for office. Can you really call women "thumbs" and get re-elected? Watch for a resurgence of "moderate" Republicans after the Mid Terms as they perform their post mortem.
Now to send some money to some competitive candidates....
I’ve been engaging with people who just want to bash Biden and complain that the Democrats haven’t “done anything.”
I list the legislation that has been passed, and the bills that have been passed in the House but BLOCKED by 50 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
Sometimes I wonder if they’re true leftists or trolls trying to get a narrative across so real leftists start thinking the same thing-maybe it’s a mixture of both.
I heard a poignant quote yesterday regarding how many Dems react to politicians and politics,“Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line.”
It’s time progressives do a bit more falling in line and not give up in two years because they didn’t get all the “promises.”
TC, I really like your line
“If you want your ponies and rainbows, get a 52-48 D Senate.”
There’s all the avalanche of small contributions going to Democratic campaigns, even as the pool of small donors to Republicans is drying up like Lake Mead. The GOP has plenty of sugar daddies who write big checks, but the volume of small donors is a measure of base enthusiasm. By this admittedly subjective measure, the Democratic base is aroused and enthusiastic and the Republican base is sinking into the Slough of Despond. The off-year losses don’t always happen, by the way. In 1962, JFKs Democrats gained four senate seats. Which is possible this year.
"Mind like parachute, only work when open" - Charly Chan 1936ish. Seems like a case of the one-eyed (media) ruling the (willfully) blind lefties.
I share your optimism TC, mainly due to the Republicans continued determination to disenfranchise, completely infuriate, and insult the intelligences of the single block of more than 50% of voters who may well decide their future. Those voters who demand the right to decide when and how they will give birth to children, children who may be gunned down at school or church or the mall. Voters who may already have fears for the children and grandchildren they love. Many of those voters will be registered Republicans, because husbands and families dictate so, but I hope enough of those are brave and quietly cast their votes for Democratic candidates this midterm season. I am quietly optimistic that the pragmatism and sensibility that somehow gives a woman the strength to put up with the endless foibles of a man-child for years on end and to carry his children will give them the stubborn fortitude to do good for the betterment of future generations.
I’m reading this afternoon that Manchien has agreed to a package of tax hikes on the rich, lowering prescription drug costs, and fighting (but probably with one hand tied behind out backs) climate change. If true, if Senima goes along, and the House doesn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good, Democrats might have some serious bragging rights here.
I am a 'moron', have a strong 'left wing' and often act like an 'idiot.' The name calling in this piece by Mary Sunshine starts early but that didn't stop me from reading it. I read a wide range of material every day, and I'm sure one or two articles was probably written by a sonofabitch. Ms. Sunshine reported that the odds of the Democrats picking up a couple of senate seats has improved. 'Green Shoots' is a well organized, informative and encouraging report, so Mary's not a total loser.
So, TC, I don't get it. Why is Biden's rating steadily dropping? Is it partially due to the ads on TV talking about losing Medicare benefits and to "stop Biden's spending plans", etc.? The ones which do not tell you they are Republican disinformation campaigns?
I note with some satisfaction that the price of gas here ended the month under $4/gallon after falling steadily during the peak of the summer driving season. It will be interesting to see how much coverage that gets as the media are currently almost orgasmic in their chastisement of Big Oil for excessive profit taking.
'Former Republicans and Democrats form new third U.S. political party'
'LOS ANGELES, July 27 (Reuters) - Dozens of former Republican and Democratic officials announced on Wednesday a new national political third party to appeal to millions of voters they say are dismayed with what they see as America's dysfunctional two-party system.'
'The new party, called Forward and whose creation was first reported by Reuters, will initially be co-chaired by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Christine Todd Whitman, the former Republican governor of New Jersey. They hope the party will become a viable alternative to the Republican and Democratic parties that dominate U.S. politics, founding members told Reuters.'
'Party leaders will hold a series of events in two dozen cities this autumn to roll out its platform and attract support. They will host an official launch in Houston on Sept. 24 and the party's first national convention in a major U.S. city next summer.'
'The new party is being formed by a merger of three political groups that have emerged in recent years as a reaction to America's increasingly polarized and gridlocked political system. The leaders cited a Gallup poll last year showing a record two-thirds of Americans believe a third party is needed.'
'The merger involves the Renew America Movement, formed in 2021 by dozens of former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump; the Forward Party, founded by Yang, who left the Democratic Party in 2021 and became an independent; and the Serve America Movement, a group of Democrats, Republicans and independents whose executive director is former Republican congressman David Jolly.' (Reuters) See link below.
Yes, TC. I posted on another site today a suggestion to read Hubbell’s Substack today. Towards the end of his essay, he addresses the perils of pessimism amongst Dems right now. And he is correct. People think optimism is everything from corny to stupid in the face of the boldness of the fascism and treason creeping into the governance in this country. Optimism is NOT merely sitting around “hoping” for something good to happen while your brow is sweaty with fear. Optimism is fighting the good fight and not giving in to flight. It’s standing on two feet and staring down (or commenting down) the same Dems that lost us the election in 2016 or some who think a grievance or complaint against the current administration is somehow relevant in light of the gross malfeasance and authoritarian, narcissistic, bloated non-leadership of the last administration. It’s not talking about moving to another country. Please. We are the majority. We have enough to counter without listening to whining within our own ranks. Hitch up the britches and get the glint in the eye, the toss of the head, and let’s go kick some ass. It’s shocking to me that people are so afraid of the brawl. I usually say that it’s good that I grew up with lots of brothers but honestly? In this moment, it’s good they grew up with me. Too much pessimism emanating from men. Almost every woman I speak with or listen to understands the fight we are in and has no intention of fleeing.
I just implore all of us to really understand what TC’s ending sentence in this essay means. And choose feet or knees.
🗽
I like the tone and attitude of today's "Mess". I'm with you. The pendulum is swinging. The GQP has gone too far. And then there are the Republican idiots running for office. Can you really call women "thumbs" and get re-elected? Watch for a resurgence of "moderate" Republicans after the Mid Terms as they perform their post mortem.
Now to send some money to some competitive candidates....
I’ve been engaging with people who just want to bash Biden and complain that the Democrats haven’t “done anything.”
I list the legislation that has been passed, and the bills that have been passed in the House but BLOCKED by 50 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
Sometimes I wonder if they’re true leftists or trolls trying to get a narrative across so real leftists start thinking the same thing-maybe it’s a mixture of both.
I heard a poignant quote yesterday regarding how many Dems react to politicians and politics,“Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line.”
It’s time progressives do a bit more falling in line and not give up in two years because they didn’t get all the “promises.”
TC, I really like your line
“If you want your ponies and rainbows, get a 52-48 D Senate.”
There’s all the avalanche of small contributions going to Democratic campaigns, even as the pool of small donors to Republicans is drying up like Lake Mead. The GOP has plenty of sugar daddies who write big checks, but the volume of small donors is a measure of base enthusiasm. By this admittedly subjective measure, the Democratic base is aroused and enthusiastic and the Republican base is sinking into the Slough of Despond. The off-year losses don’t always happen, by the way. In 1962, JFKs Democrats gained four senate seats. Which is possible this year.
The battlefield is at the ballot box: VOTE!!
"Mind like parachute, only work when open" - Charly Chan 1936ish. Seems like a case of the one-eyed (media) ruling the (willfully) blind lefties.
I share your optimism TC, mainly due to the Republicans continued determination to disenfranchise, completely infuriate, and insult the intelligences of the single block of more than 50% of voters who may well decide their future. Those voters who demand the right to decide when and how they will give birth to children, children who may be gunned down at school or church or the mall. Voters who may already have fears for the children and grandchildren they love. Many of those voters will be registered Republicans, because husbands and families dictate so, but I hope enough of those are brave and quietly cast their votes for Democratic candidates this midterm season. I am quietly optimistic that the pragmatism and sensibility that somehow gives a woman the strength to put up with the endless foibles of a man-child for years on end and to carry his children will give them the stubborn fortitude to do good for the betterment of future generations.
I’m reading this afternoon that Manchien has agreed to a package of tax hikes on the rich, lowering prescription drug costs, and fighting (but probably with one hand tied behind out backs) climate change. If true, if Senima goes along, and the House doesn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good, Democrats might have some serious bragging rights here.
I am a 'moron', have a strong 'left wing' and often act like an 'idiot.' The name calling in this piece by Mary Sunshine starts early but that didn't stop me from reading it. I read a wide range of material every day, and I'm sure one or two articles was probably written by a sonofabitch. Ms. Sunshine reported that the odds of the Democrats picking up a couple of senate seats has improved. 'Green Shoots' is a well organized, informative and encouraging report, so Mary's not a total loser.
Thanks for this one TC. Excellent post today.
So, TC, I don't get it. Why is Biden's rating steadily dropping? Is it partially due to the ads on TV talking about losing Medicare benefits and to "stop Biden's spending plans", etc.? The ones which do not tell you they are Republican disinformation campaigns?
I note with some satisfaction that the price of gas here ended the month under $4/gallon after falling steadily during the peak of the summer driving season. It will be interesting to see how much coverage that gets as the media are currently almost orgasmic in their chastisement of Big Oil for excessive profit taking.
TC &TAFM subscribers, READ THIS!
'Former Republicans and Democrats form new third U.S. political party'
'LOS ANGELES, July 27 (Reuters) - Dozens of former Republican and Democratic officials announced on Wednesday a new national political third party to appeal to millions of voters they say are dismayed with what they see as America's dysfunctional two-party system.'
'The new party, called Forward and whose creation was first reported by Reuters, will initially be co-chaired by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Christine Todd Whitman, the former Republican governor of New Jersey. They hope the party will become a viable alternative to the Republican and Democratic parties that dominate U.S. politics, founding members told Reuters.'
'Party leaders will hold a series of events in two dozen cities this autumn to roll out its platform and attract support. They will host an official launch in Houston on Sept. 24 and the party's first national convention in a major U.S. city next summer.'
'The new party is being formed by a merger of three political groups that have emerged in recent years as a reaction to America's increasingly polarized and gridlocked political system. The leaders cited a Gallup poll last year showing a record two-thirds of Americans believe a third party is needed.'
'The merger involves the Renew America Movement, formed in 2021 by dozens of former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump; the Forward Party, founded by Yang, who left the Democratic Party in 2021 and became an independent; and the Serve America Movement, a group of Democrats, Republicans and independents whose executive director is former Republican congressman David Jolly.' (Reuters) See link below.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-former-republicans-democrats-form-new-third-us-political-party-2022-07-27/