Thank you, Joyce, for always giving us “just the facts.” This is a terrible way to begin the year, but we will get through it. I am convinced of that now.
As long as we have you, Joyce, to help us understand the complexities of the news especially the legal happenings, I feel like I can take a breath and face whatever comes our way.
The SUGAR BOWL has been postponed; there is more to Life than football folks.
Update: The football game kicksoff on 1/2/2025 today, under intense security operations.
Per MSNBC these New Years Day, the incident occurred about 3:15 am after the road barriers proved inadequate with open access to the sidewalk along iconic Bourbon Street New Orleans.
Per NBC News' Patrick Smith & Melissa Chan 5 hours ago 10 persons are dead, 30 injured & two police officers shot. The Perp was killed at the scene. 15 are now reported deceased as of 11 AM PST, 1/1/2025.
The facts have been updated by a New Orleans FBI Spokeswoman in charge. The Perp got out of rented Ford Pick-up truck & exchanged fire with local police. 2 police officers were transported to a hospital. Also, two (2) IED's were planted by the Perp but, these bombs have been located & disarmed.🙏 Apparently, the Perp was an Army Veteran, Staff Sgt.
Further, a rented Tesla became engulfed in flames at the entrance to a Trump hotel in Las Vegas NV today. i person deceased was found inside.
I always go back to the fact that more people voted for someone else other than the republican maga leader.... looking forward to your comprehensive analysis always, to keep on the right path.
Australia has been doing it right since 1912. Mandatory enrollment and voting for all 18 years of age and older. If you don't vote, you will receive a form and are required to explain why you didn't. There are 3 acceptable reasons. Don't fill out the form? You get fined.
Anne- It’s so tempting to shame folks we don’t understand when we’re hurting and scared. Many Americans are struggling just to get through each day. It helps to remind ourselves that we don’t know what they’re up against.
The "more people voted for someone else" argument is not a very constructive one. Presidents have won office in both parties with less than 50%of the popular vote including Bill Clinton in both of his elections (only 43%of the vote in 92 due to third party candidacy of Ross Perot), Nixon's first election and even JFK who only got 49.7%.
With even a few third party candidates, in a closer election of its easily possible to win (even with a huge electoral college margin) despite not getting an actual majority of the popular vote.
In reality the popular vote is not determinative. Only the electoral college vote actually counts. And to win that you MUST get a majority of the electoral votes.
Since the popular vote in each state determines the electors on a "winner-take-all" basis (other than in Nebraska and Maine), it is critical, if not actually officially determinative in the end.
My comment was just to point out that under our system (whether you like it or not) the number of people voting for a candidate is not specifically tied to victory. Trump won in 2016 without even winning a plurality (Hillary got more votes than he did). This year he beat Harris and got the plurality although missing a majority vote by 0.1%. That doesn't make him a "minority" President as he was in 2016.
One thing everyone can do will be to constantly clarify reality. It will become increasingly difficult to determine what is real, what is smoke, what are lies, and what is important. One thing to try to determine is who is benefiting. This new administration is all about money, and mostly the money for those who have the most. There are already fights about which faction gets a bigger piece of the pie. Something everyone coming into power behind Trump seems to agree on is that what benefits 90% of American is of no concern to them. We have to do our best to show how the effects of their actions will make everyone suffer.
If you see something — say something! --to everyone you know and on as many platforms you can access. We can make this a happy and effective New Year!
Oldandintheway, what makes it a little easier is that we can assume that if tffg said it, it’s a lie. :-(. (Did you know that there is a group called Old and in the Way?)
1. Here is a huge “People’s March on Washington” organized by the same group, Women’s March committee on Jan 18 from 10-3 PM. It’s easy to search.
2. I have made email contact with the committee and submitted an interest to perform one of more of my 4 or 5 anti Trump songs. They are busy but if anyone reading this has any direct contact with them, please mention my interest. I’m not well known but I have written some of the best anti Trump songs of all. My YouTube channel is under “Catman Bill — Hartford.” Thank you.
I would have given up without your wisdom and knowledge. You are one of the shinning lights out there is the darkness. Thank you. I think this describes how I want to approach this difficult year.
On the stroke of midnight tonight, you can resolve to be better, if you like…
to be fitter,
to eat cleaner,
to work harder.
On the stroke of midnight tonight,
you can resolve to become a whole new you,
if you so choose.
Or, you can take a moment to acknowledge
all you already are.
Because it’s a lot.
You’re a lot.
And you deserve to be commended.
“On the stroke of midnight tonight, perhaps you could congratulate yourself, for coping.
For breaking, again,
and for rebuilding, again.
For catching the stones life has thrown at you,
and using them to build your castle that little bit stronger.
You have endured, my friend.
And I don’t see the need to resolve to become a whole new you,
A very sad commentary on our times that we must always be on our guard for potential harm being perpetrated against us. To those in New Orleans, we are sorry for your loss.
There was an interesting three-person debate on The Bulwark podcast. It was whether it is okay or not to take sides. Worth listening to. All future presidential debates should be run this way, not the way the television presents presidential debates which are not debates, they are just glorified interviews.
Please bring back the League of Women Voters, to run the debates. The current bipartisan commission assures us of a talking points festival, good for high ratings, big profits and little critical thought.
I have followed your posts from the beginning and I find your reporting and insight invaluable. And I love the chickens. I start every day by reading Heather Cox Richardson and then you on the days that you post. I also enjoy listening to you and Preet weekly on the insider podcast. My wife and I marvel at all the things you’re able to do, not least being your cooking, looking after chickens and multiple animals in your yard. In the pictures, your yard looks so inviting. We agree that we would love to be neighbors and actually have a chance to get to know you.
I believe that I am like many Americans, who will never give in to what is happening to our country. We must resist and find a way back to who we were and still are in many ways. I think a lot of the problem is that the challenges are internal this time rather than external. It’s much easier to focus when you have an enemy abroad who is attacking your country. Unfortunately, this time around the problem is within. We are all trying to reckon with the fact that people we know and respect have voted for Trump and can’t seem to see the danger. I think that over time as bad things happen, people will realize their mistake in supporting him and we will figure out as a country how to deal with what is happening. Clearly our educational system is not doing a good job and making changes there is part of what we need to do.
In the meantime, I have adopted as my slogan the quote from Joan Baez that “Action is the antidote to despair.“ I am a retired lawyer and the action I’ve chosen to take is to get much more deeply involved in the Democratic Party in purple North Carolina, where I live. I’ve become active both at the precinct level and at the county level. This has been a process over several years, but I strongly recommend it to everyone. While North Carolina still went for Trump, our county did very well and the council of state races in North Carolina went largely to Democrats. Personally, I feel much better for having worked hard to try to get good candidates elected, even though not all of them won. Everyone can do this. I had never been to a precinct meeting in my life until 2017 after Trump had won the first time. In retrospect, I’m ashamed that I did not get involved before. But now I am unwilling to simply sit by and wring my hands and worry about it. We can all work at the local level and that’s where it all starts. So if anybody wants to know what they can do. They can get involved with their precinct and go from there.
My wife’s maiden name is McLeod and the motto of the McLeod clan is “Hold Fast.” so in 2025, I will work and hold fast.
Thanks for making the decision to get more deeply involved in the Democratic Party. If more people had done so in the Trump years and stayed involved even through the Biden years, when too many assumed we were in the clear, we'd probably be in a different place.
I think too many of us have forgotten that we are an integral part of the government. We can't just vote elected officials into office and sit back.
TY Joyce for staying in the fight. JV: "We’re going to keep the Republic and reject autocracy, kleptocracy, and kakistocracy, which seem to be Trump and Musk’s vision for our future, based on how they’re conducting themselves during the transition." It's something to be amazed at: There is a cultural and veracity chasm in our country these days. I don't know exactly how we got here. But demolishing the fairness doctrine and Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, the internet, and Citizens United all have a hand in making a phenomenon like a President Donald Trump possible. Never before would a multiple bankrupt, serial philandering, convicted sexual assaulter have stood a chance at the Presidency. In a normal world, he would have continued to be fodder for Page 6 and loan work-out for his lenders.
We must remember that this current climate did not happen overnight: the strategy started in the 1980s with the Tea Party’s long-term planning on gaining power even as a minority party. It took discipline, patience, a clear strategy for gaining control of states at all levels of government, from school boards to state houses. Like the proverbial frog in the pot, we have been slow to notice that the water has started to boil! But, we are not powerless, even tho slow to awaken & respond to the threats. The R strategies have been dependent upon lies, disinformation, disenfranchising voters wherever possible; creating division & mistrust of each other & especially of government. There are now many followers who do not question, or research or challenge the lies they’ve been told. Yet, we must remember, the majority of Americans are exhausted by the grinding down of our former bi-partisan political system…..
Our goal must be to commit to speaking truth to power & lies, over & over again. Our voices must be heard as an alternative to the darkness & chaos that MAGA thrives upon, an alternative that offers empowerment and leadership to rally behind.
The Dems have to deliver a cohesive & confrontative message about the dangers of the current extreme Rep. Party objectives…..and have a rapid response to every lie.
i can’t quite say “happy” new year to people .. i do because it’s customary but it’s hard.. i’ll say “cheers “ to Joyce and to this community .. I wouldn’t quite make it through without you all and the encouragement from these posts with facts and ways to move forward .. thank you so much .. we will prevail
I have the same issue saying Happy New Year this year. I sort of choke it out followed by "Well, I hope it's happy!" My circle is fairly small these days! Joyce's substack is helping to keep me sane and a little hopeful! We all have to stick together!
Never doubt that your reporting, explanations, and perspectives do sustain us through this time, perhaps more than you know. Prayers for your stamina and continued good health!
Happy New Year, Joyce. I am finally a paid subscriber! Between you and Heather Richardson, I have most of the information I need to stay involved. I intend to keep sharing my blessings with others less fortunate, organizations in which I believe, and my family. One of the best things I have recently done is to stop hesitating when I see someone who could use a kind word. I recently saw a man about my age (75), having difficulty rolling a grocery cart down the sidewalk. I was in my car and about to leave and instead, got out and went to him as he rested on a large planter. He was happy to have help and it turns out he was going quite a distance to the bus stop. So we chatted about his disability retirement from IBM and his family. He was grateful and I happily took the cart back to the grocery store minus his mini Christmas tree and groceries. It took all of 15 minutes and made my day so much brighter!
Hate is too prevalent in too many. If only they understood how hate is not only exhausting but not the answer to what they believe are the slights against them. It breaks my heart that violence has become "the answer".
I cling to knowing that a huge majority are just people like me who want peace and to just love our lives.
The loud minority must be shown their tantrums won't stop us from fighting for our Democracy and our rights and freedoms using words and our laws.
Thank you! We are in this together, and the way we interact, and conduct ourselves does make a difference. Enjoy friends and family. Your example of "doing the work" along with caring for family and enjoying life's pursuits encourages us all!
Thank you, Joyce, for always giving us “just the facts.” This is a terrible way to begin the year, but we will get through it. I am convinced of that now.
Yes, thank you Joyce. Terrible way to start the New Year!
As long as we have you, Joyce, to help us understand the complexities of the news especially the legal happenings, I feel like I can take a breath and face whatever comes our way.
The SUGAR BOWL has been postponed; there is more to Life than football folks.
Update: The football game kicksoff on 1/2/2025 today, under intense security operations.
Per MSNBC these New Years Day, the incident occurred about 3:15 am after the road barriers proved inadequate with open access to the sidewalk along iconic Bourbon Street New Orleans.
Per NBC News' Patrick Smith & Melissa Chan 5 hours ago 10 persons are dead, 30 injured & two police officers shot. The Perp was killed at the scene. 15 are now reported deceased as of 11 AM PST, 1/1/2025.
The facts have been updated by a New Orleans FBI Spokeswoman in charge. The Perp got out of rented Ford Pick-up truck & exchanged fire with local police. 2 police officers were transported to a hospital. Also, two (2) IED's were planted by the Perp but, these bombs have been located & disarmed.🙏 Apparently, the Perp was an Army Veteran, Staff Sgt.
Further, a rented Tesla became engulfed in flames at the entrance to a Trump hotel in Las Vegas NV today. i person deceased was found inside.
God help us starting the new year like this!
Yes, I needed to listen to Patti Smith at noon:
🎶 Come on your rusted bike
Come mmm ... we'll break all the rules 🎶
🎶 We'll ride like writers ride
Neither rich nor broke
We'll ride through alleyways
In our ... tattered cloaks 🎶
🎶 We'll tramp through the mire
When our souls feel dead
With laughter we'll inspire
Then Back to Life Again 🎶
Was there verification that the truck exploded because of a bomb? Tesla vehicles are notorious for battery fires and "phantom brakes."
It was also rented from the same company as the pickup in New Orleans. They believe there is a connection
Definitely an explosion 💥 at the front glass doors in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Per AP an hour ago, yes, it was a Tesla with gas canisters stuffed inside among other accelerants.
I always go back to the fact that more people voted for someone else other than the republican maga leader.... looking forward to your comprehensive analysis always, to keep on the right path.
Also approximately 36% didn’t vote, I’ll never understand how the future of themselves and their offspring don’t seem to matter to them.
Australia has been doing it right since 1912. Mandatory enrollment and voting for all 18 years of age and older. If you don't vote, you will receive a form and are required to explain why you didn't. There are 3 acceptable reasons. Don't fill out the form? You get fined.
Shame on them!
Anne- It’s so tempting to shame folks we don’t understand when we’re hurting and scared. Many Americans are struggling just to get through each day. It helps to remind ourselves that we don’t know what they’re up against.
Thx, Cece, that distinction about the vote count is something I'll remind myself of during the next four years.
The "more people voted for someone else" argument is not a very constructive one. Presidents have won office in both parties with less than 50%of the popular vote including Bill Clinton in both of his elections (only 43%of the vote in 92 due to third party candidacy of Ross Perot), Nixon's first election and even JFK who only got 49.7%.
With even a few third party candidates, in a closer election of its easily possible to win (even with a huge electoral college margin) despite not getting an actual majority of the popular vote.
In reality the popular vote is not determinative. Only the electoral college vote actually counts. And to win that you MUST get a majority of the electoral votes.
Since the popular vote in each state determines the electors on a "winner-take-all" basis (other than in Nebraska and Maine), it is critical, if not actually officially determinative in the end.
My comment was just to point out that under our system (whether you like it or not) the number of people voting for a candidate is not specifically tied to victory. Trump won in 2016 without even winning a plurality (Hillary got more votes than he did). This year he beat Harris and got the plurality although missing a majority vote by 0.1%. That doesn't make him a "minority" President as he was in 2016.
One thing everyone can do will be to constantly clarify reality. It will become increasingly difficult to determine what is real, what is smoke, what are lies, and what is important. One thing to try to determine is who is benefiting. This new administration is all about money, and mostly the money for those who have the most. There are already fights about which faction gets a bigger piece of the pie. Something everyone coming into power behind Trump seems to agree on is that what benefits 90% of American is of no concern to them. We have to do our best to show how the effects of their actions will make everyone suffer.
If you see something — say something! --to everyone you know and on as many platforms you can access. We can make this a happy and effective New Year!
Oldandintheway, what makes it a little easier is that we can assume that if tffg said it, it’s a lie. :-(. (Did you know that there is a group called Old and in the Way?)
Not just a "group", but Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan,Vassar Clemens, David grisman, awesomemusicians
A public announcement and a request for help.
1. Here is a huge “People’s March on Washington” organized by the same group, Women’s March committee on Jan 18 from 10-3 PM. It’s easy to search.
2. I have made email contact with the committee and submitted an interest to perform one of more of my 4 or 5 anti Trump songs. They are busy but if anyone reading this has any direct contact with them, please mention my interest. I’m not well known but I have written some of the best anti Trump songs of all. My YouTube channel is under “Catman Bill — Hartford.” Thank you.
Yes, and I still have one of their records, but I don’t have a turntable.
Who benefits is always the right question.
I use the constant pharmaceutical ads one sees on television to illustrate.
We cannot buy this stuff, we can't even afford a trip to the physician who can prescribe them. But they're everywhere all the time.
Why?
It's a bribe. To prevent a close examination of the industry by investigative journalism.
Excellent advice! Thank you.
So true! And we have AI on top of it all. On Point (NPR) had a specialist on yesterday talking about AI. Ooohhhh.
The suffering is intentional on their part and the effects will quickly become apparent. No action on our part is necessary.
Trump et al, with the help of Fox and right wing media, are very skilled at deflecting the blame onto immigrants, Democrats, and/or women.
Now understand the comment. Thank you.
I would have given up without your wisdom and knowledge. You are one of the shinning lights out there is the darkness. Thank you. I think this describes how I want to approach this difficult year.
On the stroke of midnight tonight, you can resolve to be better, if you like…
to be fitter,
to eat cleaner,
to work harder.
On the stroke of midnight tonight,
you can resolve to become a whole new you,
if you so choose.
Or, you can take a moment to acknowledge
all you already are.
Because it’s a lot.
You’re a lot.
And you deserve to be commended.
“On the stroke of midnight tonight, perhaps you could congratulate yourself, for coping.
For breaking, again,
and for rebuilding, again.
For catching the stones life has thrown at you,
and using them to build your castle that little bit stronger.
You have endured, my friend.
And I don’t see the need to resolve to become a whole new you,
when you are already so very much indeed.
Happy new year.
You made it.
Now let us face another 365 day-turn, arms wide,
accepting, embracing and ‘seeing’ each other,
for all we are..”
Donna Ashworth ✨
Inspiring words ❤️. May I share it?
Absolutely. The quote though is a Donna Ashworth. ❤️
A very sad commentary on our times that we must always be on our guard for potential harm being perpetrated against us. To those in New Orleans, we are sorry for your loss.
Always remember" The "news" is (almost) always the EXCEPTION to the actual NORM!
Don't get too rattled about ONE or even a few EXCEPTIONS!
Yes, but there were over 100 mass shootings of at least 4 people in the US last year.
No country in Europe reached double figures, most had less than 3.
Thank you, Joyce. Your posts help me stay informed and educated. I truly resonate with your reminder that, "We're in this together." Yes, we are!
There was an interesting three-person debate on The Bulwark podcast. It was whether it is okay or not to take sides. Worth listening to. All future presidential debates should be run this way, not the way the television presents presidential debates which are not debates, they are just glorified interviews.
Please bring back the League of Women Voters, to run the debates. The current bipartisan commission assures us of a talking points festival, good for high ratings, big profits and little critical thought.
I have followed your posts from the beginning and I find your reporting and insight invaluable. And I love the chickens. I start every day by reading Heather Cox Richardson and then you on the days that you post. I also enjoy listening to you and Preet weekly on the insider podcast. My wife and I marvel at all the things you’re able to do, not least being your cooking, looking after chickens and multiple animals in your yard. In the pictures, your yard looks so inviting. We agree that we would love to be neighbors and actually have a chance to get to know you.
I believe that I am like many Americans, who will never give in to what is happening to our country. We must resist and find a way back to who we were and still are in many ways. I think a lot of the problem is that the challenges are internal this time rather than external. It’s much easier to focus when you have an enemy abroad who is attacking your country. Unfortunately, this time around the problem is within. We are all trying to reckon with the fact that people we know and respect have voted for Trump and can’t seem to see the danger. I think that over time as bad things happen, people will realize their mistake in supporting him and we will figure out as a country how to deal with what is happening. Clearly our educational system is not doing a good job and making changes there is part of what we need to do.
In the meantime, I have adopted as my slogan the quote from Joan Baez that “Action is the antidote to despair.“ I am a retired lawyer and the action I’ve chosen to take is to get much more deeply involved in the Democratic Party in purple North Carolina, where I live. I’ve become active both at the precinct level and at the county level. This has been a process over several years, but I strongly recommend it to everyone. While North Carolina still went for Trump, our county did very well and the council of state races in North Carolina went largely to Democrats. Personally, I feel much better for having worked hard to try to get good candidates elected, even though not all of them won. Everyone can do this. I had never been to a precinct meeting in my life until 2017 after Trump had won the first time. In retrospect, I’m ashamed that I did not get involved before. But now I am unwilling to simply sit by and wring my hands and worry about it. We can all work at the local level and that’s where it all starts. So if anybody wants to know what they can do. They can get involved with their precinct and go from there.
My wife’s maiden name is McLeod and the motto of the McLeod clan is “Hold Fast.” so in 2025, I will work and hold fast.
Happy New Year.
Thanks for making the decision to get more deeply involved in the Democratic Party. If more people had done so in the Trump years and stayed involved even through the Biden years, when too many assumed we were in the clear, we'd probably be in a different place.
I think too many of us have forgotten that we are an integral part of the government. We can't just vote elected officials into office and sit back.
We, the people.
TY Joyce for staying in the fight. JV: "We’re going to keep the Republic and reject autocracy, kleptocracy, and kakistocracy, which seem to be Trump and Musk’s vision for our future, based on how they’re conducting themselves during the transition." It's something to be amazed at: There is a cultural and veracity chasm in our country these days. I don't know exactly how we got here. But demolishing the fairness doctrine and Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, the internet, and Citizens United all have a hand in making a phenomenon like a President Donald Trump possible. Never before would a multiple bankrupt, serial philandering, convicted sexual assaulter have stood a chance at the Presidency. In a normal world, he would have continued to be fodder for Page 6 and loan work-out for his lenders.
We must remember that this current climate did not happen overnight: the strategy started in the 1980s with the Tea Party’s long-term planning on gaining power even as a minority party. It took discipline, patience, a clear strategy for gaining control of states at all levels of government, from school boards to state houses. Like the proverbial frog in the pot, we have been slow to notice that the water has started to boil! But, we are not powerless, even tho slow to awaken & respond to the threats. The R strategies have been dependent upon lies, disinformation, disenfranchising voters wherever possible; creating division & mistrust of each other & especially of government. There are now many followers who do not question, or research or challenge the lies they’ve been told. Yet, we must remember, the majority of Americans are exhausted by the grinding down of our former bi-partisan political system…..
Our goal must be to commit to speaking truth to power & lies, over & over again. Our voices must be heard as an alternative to the darkness & chaos that MAGA thrives upon, an alternative that offers empowerment and leadership to rally behind.
The Dems have to deliver a cohesive & confrontative message about the dangers of the current extreme Rep. Party objectives…..and have a rapid response to every lie.
i can’t quite say “happy” new year to people .. i do because it’s customary but it’s hard.. i’ll say “cheers “ to Joyce and to this community .. I wouldn’t quite make it through without you all and the encouragement from these posts with facts and ways to move forward .. thank you so much .. we will prevail
I have the same issue saying Happy New Year this year. I sort of choke it out followed by "Well, I hope it's happy!" My circle is fairly small these days! Joyce's substack is helping to keep me sane and a little hopeful! We all have to stick together!
I'm with you Kathy 💔
I am with both of you, Kathy and Deb. Few friends… and it can get lonely sometimes. Thankful for being an introvert.
And, happy new year to everyone. 🎉🥳
Never doubt that your reporting, explanations, and perspectives do sustain us through this time, perhaps more than you know. Prayers for your stamina and continued good health!
Happy New Year, Joyce. I am finally a paid subscriber! Between you and Heather Richardson, I have most of the information I need to stay involved. I intend to keep sharing my blessings with others less fortunate, organizations in which I believe, and my family. One of the best things I have recently done is to stop hesitating when I see someone who could use a kind word. I recently saw a man about my age (75), having difficulty rolling a grocery cart down the sidewalk. I was in my car and about to leave and instead, got out and went to him as he rested on a large planter. He was happy to have help and it turns out he was going quite a distance to the bus stop. So we chatted about his disability retirement from IBM and his family. He was grateful and I happily took the cart back to the grocery store minus his mini Christmas tree and groceries. It took all of 15 minutes and made my day so much brighter!
We ARE in this together!
Good for you! Everyone needs some kindness.
Spread it around liberally!
Hate is too prevalent in too many. If only they understood how hate is not only exhausting but not the answer to what they believe are the slights against them. It breaks my heart that violence has become "the answer".
I cling to knowing that a huge majority are just people like me who want peace and to just love our lives.
The loud minority must be shown their tantrums won't stop us from fighting for our Democracy and our rights and freedoms using words and our laws.
Thank you Kimberly! 👏🏼❤️-agree totally.
❤️🇺🇸💙
Thank you! We are in this together, and the way we interact, and conduct ourselves does make a difference. Enjoy friends and family. Your example of "doing the work" along with caring for family and enjoying life's pursuits encourages us all!