It is 1920's into 1930's Germany in America. Now. All sense of normalcy is lost. All memories of true democracy are fading...fading...gone?
The MAGA reaction to any effort to level the playing field for all Americans creates an explosion of "what about meism". "They are taking from me."
Oh, BTW, I want power. And who are those "different people"? Why are they interrupting my barbecue?
We are a lazy ass land of selfish navel gazing idiots. In this movie, a bunch of attractive actors are preparing a nice meal in their kitchen (big granite island, no?) and then they look at their phones and they scream "Holy Shit!!!!!!!" I just lost my job because I am a compassionate human. OMG, some one is knocking on the door. "I think I wrote an article about....equal opportunity" Yikes.
Hitler and Stalin are alive and well in the America of today. I never believed in reincarnation but please tell me you don't see that now in our world.
It’s not ‘True Confessions’ to say that I don’t love all the American people, but I hesitate to piss on them. In examining why voters don’t seem enthusiastic about the midterm elections, first of all, when are Americans interested in midterm elections? That too few Americans know how endangered our Democracy may not be all their fault.
For those of us ready to cast blame on the American people, E.J. Dionne, columnist at the Washington Post, has another Opinion.
‘The 2022 campaigns owe the voters more than they’re delivering’
‘I’ll say straight out that I see democracy’s future as the overarching question. The number of Republican election deniers on ballots around the country is shocking. Even more scandalous is the refusal of mainstream Republicans to stand up to them — or face up to the lawlessness of Donald Trump, brought home so effectively on Thursday by the House Jan. 6 committee.’
‘But on so many other questions, this campaign often offers more chaff than wheat. Republicans are inviting angry citizens to cast ballots based on the economy. But what, pray, does the GOP plan to do about inflation, or jobs, or incomes?’
‘The larger challenge was brought home to me on a visit to North Carolina last week by state Rep. Brandon Lofton. A Democrat, Lofton thinks his party needs to answer Trumpist culture wars around race and immigration with a broader argument about how a more inclusive society is good for everyone, economically as well as socially.’
“What Trump did was use lies and misinformation to tap into the fear many voters feel about demographic and economic change,” he said. “For our part, we largely focused on dispelling the lies and promoting helpful policies. But you can’t fight a narrative with policy alone. We need an Obama-like or Kennedy-like call to action and vision for our future.'
“These next few elections are about more than policy,” Lofton added. “They are about the future of our nation and our democracy.”
‘…if this election is as important as Democrats claim (and it is), they need to do a better job describing the radically different futures at stake. A place to start: Calling out the contradictions of a Republican Party that claims to speak for the values of working-class voters without valuing their interests. It’s also a way to begin grappling with Lofton’s challenge.’ (WAPO)
Time for the Democrats to put the facts on the line.
Quite a spiel to rally volunteers. What a way to motivate getting out the vote. Just what grassroots' organizations are looking for. What's more, you may attract the most likes!
Are you referring to how campaign callers can stay on keel when they get nasty responses. I was referring to a technique to get through the process and surprise drumpsters with unblinking pleasantness. Both your suggestion and mine be could employed by campaign workers or whatever works for them.
Yeah, Oregon is a real question mark. Sad to see all the dark money pouring in on top of Phil Knight’s multi-million dollar contributions to the RequbliQan candidates.
Thanks, Karen. This is the most difficult of times. It's natural to be angry. It's impossible not to be, but in anger, we don't see the whole picture and or our own weaknesses. On we go, Karen, in darkness and in light.
Welp....I wasn't totally relaxing. This is rather disconcerting, especially after about 4 hours of texting in swing states today and multiple responses of "stop" or "f* you" or commie Democrats being called a whatever. With heavy heart and indigestion, I'll get back to my stack of postcards.
Thank you, Beth. It occurred to me that there is some amusement in being super polite and friendly with the mouthy drumpsters. Such as, 'Thanks for speaking with me.' ' I have appreciated our conversation.' 'Enjoy the rest of the day.' 'Wishing you and yours health and happiness'. Stuff like that without an ounce of snark. What do you think?
Agree, wholeheartedly. Those kinds of polite responses are indeed scripted in to the choices of replies to be used for particular types of questions - which I click on and send with gleeful snark uppermost in my mind. 😈
Beth, you brought a smile to my face. I imagined a revolutionary upgrade, whereby we could just click the whole kit and caboodle off the face of the earth. Cheers!
It took be about 3 seconds to understand what you were driving at, Beth. I do know one excellent techy, but he's not a member of the magical subset. Too bad!
other people have said this before (and I have THOUGHT it a thousand times or so), but there should be a choice for "Like with fear, dread and loathing" obviously, "like" is a ridiculous choice. I've been hearing about these polls, and they're very, very upsetting.
yes, we should all of us vote. and we'll vote for the correct candidates. it's not US I'm worried about.
I heard an American claim advertising was the major American contribution to the world. Amazing sums of money that go into political advertising, and how tricks, lies, smearing, and biased information is playing out. Democracy, and the relevance of votes, is actually dependent of all voters being equally well informed of the consequences of their vote. In troubled times it may be tempting to avoid the responsibility, and hand over power to an authoritarian. So first step is to make times troubled, or seem troubled.
Olof, The idea that advertising was a major American achievement sounds like it came from the Advertising sector. No doubt, the country innovated the form and much imitated in the 'sales' arena, the following fields connected to science, medicine, exploration, etc., have had a great impact on human life and knowledge.
'When Americans look back on the 20th century, four-in-ten cite technological advances as America’s greatest achievement; another 7% mention medical breakthroughs. Overall, the single most-mentioned success is the space program. Almost one-in-five people cite the exploration of space as America’s greatest feat.'
I cringed when reading some of the following, given America's abyss.
'Successes in the realm of world peace — such as winning the World Wars and the Cold War — are cited by just 7% of the public. A strong economy is mentioned by 5% of Americans, the same number who see civil rights as the leading accomplishment of the century.'
'When asked to name the U.S. government’s greatest achievement, the public again names advances in science and technology in general and the space program more specifically — although there is less consensus here. Once more, technology is the top category (19% say so), and the space program is the single most-mentioned success (14% cite it specifically).'
'Substantial numbers also name international and social policies as the federal government’s greatest achievement of the century. Victories in World War II and the Cold War are cited by 12% of the public; 9% mention advances in civil rights and 6% describe safety net programs such as Social Security and welfare.'
'In assessing the nation’s and the government’s accomplishments, there are few differences between demographic groups. A small distinction is found, however, between the average American and better-educated and wealthier people, who are relatively more enthusiastic about America’s scientific and technological achievements. For more information, the link to the Pew Research Center is below.'
Well, 'an American' certainly does not make statistics. He was maybe thinking of a unique way advertising language has gone into everyday life, or maybe the unique way 'the American consumer' is providing jobs and wages for many people in the world.
I was mentioning this in the context of informed voters, and the chance of being informed is very much better in civil exchange of views between different politicians, than by one sided advertising, which is always closer to propaganda.
Olof, I failed in my underestimating role and importance of advertising in America. TC understood this better than I or he might have replied to your comment. I'm taking a makeup course with the following.
'The advertising business shaped the relationship between producers and consumers. Starting with newspapers, advertising financed media in the U.S., ensuring that it all became commercialized. Advertisers defined the benefits of consumption for Americans, linking products to personal improvement, convenience, and national progress. Admen and a few adwomen developed selling expertise that manufacturers and retailers came to rely on and that made consumption a central part of American life.' (National Museum of American History). I have provided a link to the Smithsonian, National Museum of American History, which created an extensive exhibition on the Advertising Business in the USA. I think they did a excellent job for the curious layman. You will not be bored if you decide to learn more simply open the link below.
Interesting facts to my suppositions. And is this not outstanding in the world! China is copying everything American including cotton barons at the cost of Xinyang slaves, but I doubt the Chinese will ever match the Americans as consumers. And the home market is key to replacing the dollar with the yen.
As an art student in Montana 1964 I had an assignment to make a poster including the phrase 'Advertising, the voice of free choice', sponsored by Coca Cola. I did not refuse to do the assignment, but made an ironic poster, as this kind of intrusion in education felt totally strange. On the contrary advertising is the voice of autocracy to me, as is also rap music: make the others listen, but don't listen yourself. Sometimes more relevant than other times.
Olof, thank you for your comparison of China with the US and comment about the role of 'advertising' in Democracy. Advertising and 'rap' music are seminar material when assessing the roles of each in our capitalistic,, 'experiment' with Democracy America. I don't think either are as cut and dry as you expressed. Personally, I think our opinions about 'rap' music differ a good deal. I am not now addressing the taste for rap music but its origins, what it was born into and the variations of thoughts and feelings it expresses.
Democrats do not speak with one voice about how the Fed is dealing with inflation.
'Fed ‘hurting the situation’ on economy, Sanders says'
"It is wrong to be saying that the way we're going to deal with inflation is by lowering wages and increasing unemployment. That is not what we should be doing," Sen. Bernie Sanders said. (Politico) Elizabeth Warren has also voiced opposition to the Fed approach.
Could this have any effect on the midterms? Might it put a dent in voter participation? Even a small dent could mean a lot.
Did you read Judd Legum, et al, Substack report on corporate spending for election deniers?? Billions. Thanks to that farce, “citizens united,” real citizens can’t make a bit of difference when it comes to spending. This is a nightmare . . . And Charles KKKoch, who, with Mitch McConnell, shepherded Citizen’s United through the SC, that man leads his pack of fascist, corporate donators. His mealy-mouthed apology and “regrets” for financing the political division in this country were just cynical lies . . .
Top priority is candidates must meet voters -- rallies in parks, gymnasiums, libraries, townhalls, buffets -- get them covered by local media -- be with the people -- go to hospitals, fire stations, police precincts...!
So, TC, you don't like that the candidates make meeting the voters face to face a top priority. Live and unlearn! Thanks, I'll take that with a pound of salt.
It is 1920's into 1930's Germany in America. Now. All sense of normalcy is lost. All memories of true democracy are fading...fading...gone?
The MAGA reaction to any effort to level the playing field for all Americans creates an explosion of "what about meism". "They are taking from me."
Oh, BTW, I want power. And who are those "different people"? Why are they interrupting my barbecue?
We are a lazy ass land of selfish navel gazing idiots. In this movie, a bunch of attractive actors are preparing a nice meal in their kitchen (big granite island, no?) and then they look at their phones and they scream "Holy Shit!!!!!!!" I just lost my job because I am a compassionate human. OMG, some one is knocking on the door. "I think I wrote an article about....equal opportunity" Yikes.
Hitler and Stalin are alive and well in the America of today. I never believed in reincarnation but please tell me you don't see that now in our world.
It’s not ‘True Confessions’ to say that I don’t love all the American people, but I hesitate to piss on them. In examining why voters don’t seem enthusiastic about the midterm elections, first of all, when are Americans interested in midterm elections? That too few Americans know how endangered our Democracy may not be all their fault.
For those of us ready to cast blame on the American people, E.J. Dionne, columnist at the Washington Post, has another Opinion.
‘The 2022 campaigns owe the voters more than they’re delivering’
‘I’ll say straight out that I see democracy’s future as the overarching question. The number of Republican election deniers on ballots around the country is shocking. Even more scandalous is the refusal of mainstream Republicans to stand up to them — or face up to the lawlessness of Donald Trump, brought home so effectively on Thursday by the House Jan. 6 committee.’
‘But on so many other questions, this campaign often offers more chaff than wheat. Republicans are inviting angry citizens to cast ballots based on the economy. But what, pray, does the GOP plan to do about inflation, or jobs, or incomes?’
‘The larger challenge was brought home to me on a visit to North Carolina last week by state Rep. Brandon Lofton. A Democrat, Lofton thinks his party needs to answer Trumpist culture wars around race and immigration with a broader argument about how a more inclusive society is good for everyone, economically as well as socially.’
“What Trump did was use lies and misinformation to tap into the fear many voters feel about demographic and economic change,” he said. “For our part, we largely focused on dispelling the lies and promoting helpful policies. But you can’t fight a narrative with policy alone. We need an Obama-like or Kennedy-like call to action and vision for our future.'
“These next few elections are about more than policy,” Lofton added. “They are about the future of our nation and our democracy.”
‘…if this election is as important as Democrats claim (and it is), they need to do a better job describing the radically different futures at stake. A place to start: Calling out the contradictions of a Republican Party that claims to speak for the values of working-class voters without valuing their interests. It’s also a way to begin grappling with Lofton’s challenge.’ (WAPO)
Time for the Democrats to put the facts on the line.
"The 2022 campaigns owe the voters more than they're delivering."
Amen on that. In fact, Amen on all of this, particularly 'the overarching question'.
And a Double-Amen if 'owing the voters more than what's being delivered' is applied to a vast number of politicians already 'safely' in office.
If not them 'in the flesh', their 'ghosts' are certainly healthy and makin' the rounds.
Quite a spiel to rally volunteers. What a way to motivate getting out the vote. Just what grassroots' organizations are looking for. What's more, you may attract the most likes!
Perhaps instead think of “community”. Sometimes we all go dark and need some props. Whether expressed in a comment or not.
Are you referring to how campaign callers can stay on keel when they get nasty responses. I was referring to a technique to get through the process and surprise drumpsters with unblinking pleasantness. Both your suggestion and mine be could employed by campaign workers or whatever works for them.
Nope. Referring to posters I’ve “heard” for awhile, and that sometimes the support of a community when times look crappy is immeasurable.
That makes sense
Yeah, Oregon is a real question mark. Sad to see all the dark money pouring in on top of Phil Knight’s multi-million dollar contributions to the RequbliQan candidates.
Yes Ally it makes me sick. However, for what it’s worth the Oregonian today endorsed Tina Kotek and Jamie McLeod-Skinner. Hopefully it helps.
Thank you, Karen, for taking the time. Dionne wrote it better than I could. Salud!
I think your post describes the issues very well. Pretty much hits the nail on the head!
Thanks, Karen. This is the most difficult of times. It's natural to be angry. It's impossible not to be, but in anger, we don't see the whole picture and or our own weaknesses. On we go, Karen, in darkness and in light.
😕🤯
Welp....I wasn't totally relaxing. This is rather disconcerting, especially after about 4 hours of texting in swing states today and multiple responses of "stop" or "f* you" or commie Democrats being called a whatever. With heavy heart and indigestion, I'll get back to my stack of postcards.
Thank you, Beth. It occurred to me that there is some amusement in being super polite and friendly with the mouthy drumpsters. Such as, 'Thanks for speaking with me.' ' I have appreciated our conversation.' 'Enjoy the rest of the day.' 'Wishing you and yours health and happiness'. Stuff like that without an ounce of snark. What do you think?
Agree, wholeheartedly. Those kinds of polite responses are indeed scripted in to the choices of replies to be used for particular types of questions - which I click on and send with gleeful snark uppermost in my mind. 😈
Beth, you brought a smile to my face. I imagined a revolutionary upgrade, whereby we could just click the whole kit and caboodle off the face of the earth. Cheers!
Hmmmm, know any good techies?
It took be about 3 seconds to understand what you were driving at, Beth. I do know one excellent techy, but he's not a member of the magical subset. Too bad!
other people have said this before (and I have THOUGHT it a thousand times or so), but there should be a choice for "Like with fear, dread and loathing" obviously, "like" is a ridiculous choice. I've been hearing about these polls, and they're very, very upsetting.
yes, we should all of us vote. and we'll vote for the correct candidates. it's not US I'm worried about.
I think that's all I've got right now.
Oh Shit!
Chilling!
I heard an American claim advertising was the major American contribution to the world. Amazing sums of money that go into political advertising, and how tricks, lies, smearing, and biased information is playing out. Democracy, and the relevance of votes, is actually dependent of all voters being equally well informed of the consequences of their vote. In troubled times it may be tempting to avoid the responsibility, and hand over power to an authoritarian. So first step is to make times troubled, or seem troubled.
Olof, The idea that advertising was a major American achievement sounds like it came from the Advertising sector. No doubt, the country innovated the form and much imitated in the 'sales' arena, the following fields connected to science, medicine, exploration, etc., have had a great impact on human life and knowledge.
'When Americans look back on the 20th century, four-in-ten cite technological advances as America’s greatest achievement; another 7% mention medical breakthroughs. Overall, the single most-mentioned success is the space program. Almost one-in-five people cite the exploration of space as America’s greatest feat.'
I cringed when reading some of the following, given America's abyss.
'Successes in the realm of world peace — such as winning the World Wars and the Cold War — are cited by just 7% of the public. A strong economy is mentioned by 5% of Americans, the same number who see civil rights as the leading accomplishment of the century.'
'When asked to name the U.S. government’s greatest achievement, the public again names advances in science and technology in general and the space program more specifically — although there is less consensus here. Once more, technology is the top category (19% say so), and the space program is the single most-mentioned success (14% cite it specifically).'
'Substantial numbers also name international and social policies as the federal government’s greatest achievement of the century. Victories in World War II and the Cold War are cited by 12% of the public; 9% mention advances in civil rights and 6% describe safety net programs such as Social Security and welfare.'
'In assessing the nation’s and the government’s accomplishments, there are few differences between demographic groups. A small distinction is found, however, between the average American and better-educated and wealthier people, who are relatively more enthusiastic about America’s scientific and technological achievements. For more information, the link to the Pew Research Center is below.'
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/1999/07/03/successes-of-the-20th-century/
Well, 'an American' certainly does not make statistics. He was maybe thinking of a unique way advertising language has gone into everyday life, or maybe the unique way 'the American consumer' is providing jobs and wages for many people in the world.
I was mentioning this in the context of informed voters, and the chance of being informed is very much better in civil exchange of views between different politicians, than by one sided advertising, which is always closer to propaganda.
Thanks for the link.
Olof, I failed in my underestimating role and importance of advertising in America. TC understood this better than I or he might have replied to your comment. I'm taking a makeup course with the following.
'The advertising business shaped the relationship between producers and consumers. Starting with newspapers, advertising financed media in the U.S., ensuring that it all became commercialized. Advertisers defined the benefits of consumption for Americans, linking products to personal improvement, convenience, and national progress. Admen and a few adwomen developed selling expertise that manufacturers and retailers came to rely on and that made consumption a central part of American life.' (National Museum of American History). I have provided a link to the Smithsonian, National Museum of American History, which created an extensive exhibition on the Advertising Business in the USA. I think they did a excellent job for the curious layman. You will not be bored if you decide to learn more simply open the link below.
https://americanhistory.si.edu/advertising-business
Interesting facts to my suppositions. And is this not outstanding in the world! China is copying everything American including cotton barons at the cost of Xinyang slaves, but I doubt the Chinese will ever match the Americans as consumers. And the home market is key to replacing the dollar with the yen.
As an art student in Montana 1964 I had an assignment to make a poster including the phrase 'Advertising, the voice of free choice', sponsored by Coca Cola. I did not refuse to do the assignment, but made an ironic poster, as this kind of intrusion in education felt totally strange. On the contrary advertising is the voice of autocracy to me, as is also rap music: make the others listen, but don't listen yourself. Sometimes more relevant than other times.
Olof, thank you for your comparison of China with the US and comment about the role of 'advertising' in Democracy. Advertising and 'rap' music are seminar material when assessing the roles of each in our capitalistic,, 'experiment' with Democracy America. I don't think either are as cut and dry as you expressed. Personally, I think our opinions about 'rap' music differ a good deal. I am not now addressing the taste for rap music but its origins, what it was born into and the variations of thoughts and feelings it expresses.
One version I have heard: rap originated in Ithaka (?) Zulu military dictatorship South Africa.
Democrats do not speak with one voice about how the Fed is dealing with inflation.
'Fed ‘hurting the situation’ on economy, Sanders says'
"It is wrong to be saying that the way we're going to deal with inflation is by lowering wages and increasing unemployment. That is not what we should be doing," Sen. Bernie Sanders said. (Politico) Elizabeth Warren has also voiced opposition to the Fed approach.
Could this have any effect on the midterms? Might it put a dent in voter participation? Even a small dent could mean a lot.
Be sure to go out and buy the large economy size of Pepto Bismol. Maybe the big box of Alka Seltzer too.
Did you read Judd Legum, et al, Substack report on corporate spending for election deniers?? Billions. Thanks to that farce, “citizens united,” real citizens can’t make a bit of difference when it comes to spending. This is a nightmare . . . And Charles KKKoch, who, with Mitch McConnell, shepherded Citizen’s United through the SC, that man leads his pack of fascist, corporate donators. His mealy-mouthed apology and “regrets” for financing the political division in this country were just cynical lies . . .
Top priority is candidates must meet voters -- rallies in parks, gymnasiums, libraries, townhalls, buffets -- get them covered by local media -- be with the people -- go to hospitals, fire stations, police precincts...!
So, TC, you don't like that the candidates make meeting the voters face to face a top priority. Live and unlearn! Thanks, I'll take that with a pound of salt.
Sound the alarm? What does that mean? What alarm?