I hope you have a great vacation, Joyce. We actually stayed up late enough to watch all but the beginning of the convention, I loved all of the speakers we heard, and I loved that Kamala Harris addressed the issue of both Israel and Gaza head on. But my very favorite line, the one that stood out most from the whole evening was when Gretchen Whitmer said about Harris, "She is us!". That is who I want our country to be -comfortable with everyone, no matter their race, religion or heritage.
I slept better last night, after watching Harris’s speech live, than I have in months. The adults have entered the building, and they will not tolerate bullies.
I've been sleeping better lately, knowing that it is possible and perhaps even likely to have sane leadership, or at least it feels as though we can see it from where we sit!
We stayed up and watched it, and loved the spirit in the air, as well as all the speakers we saw. Unfortunately I woke up around 3 AM and had a difficult time getting back to sleep - at least two hours lost. My husband had the same problem. Which is we normally don't watch any news after dinner. But for both of us, it was a must watch event, and we were glad we did.
Joyce, I have a question that perhaps you might address at some point or perhaps you have already provided an explanation in the past. Why is gerrymandering legal regardless of the party or agency doing the gerrymandering? It seems to me an objective, non-partisan methodology enshrining the equal protection clause provided by the 14th Amendment could be created and used as a model for the entire country for both Federal and State elections. This seems only logical and reasonable. Having members of either party responsible for gerrymandering seems counter to what we as a country allegedly stand for or am I wrong?
Here in Michigan, we managed to pass a citizens' initiative, creating a separate, nonpartisan commission to do redistricting. It seemed like that should make the process more straightforward, but it has still been messy; if I recall correctly, Detroit got broken up and attached to suburban districts in such a way that it diluted black representation. I'm not sure if it's still in court, or what's going on. I believe the commission also ran short or out of funds.
Colorado created a new commission and gave it marching orders about how it must draw lines to be as equal as possible. It resulted in some changes nobody liked but accepted as fair.
Democracy is a form of government which guarantees no one is happy. It is by definition a rule by compromise. With compromise no one gets what they want thus no one is happy!
Interesting. I was taught that is the secret to a successful negotiation--no one walks away happy (but everyone gets what they need; in mediation that is the first goal: find out each one's primary need/want).
Thank the Founders for ceding all responsibility for elections to the states with only limited input from the federal government. Non-partisan commissions are a good start though the first use of them in California resulted in some weird configurations that weren't so much gerrymanders but ignored natural alignments.
Democrats seriously screwed up in 2010 by not paying attention to redistricting. The Republicans hired a wiz kid computer geek who used "big data" to create districts that were so refined that in some cases they carved out individual addresses.
Agree Dems screwed it up. Obama's AG was and maybe still is being paid to oversee an effort to eliminate the worst of gerrymandering and I keep wondering what he's doing.
Holder, with the help of Obama, formed the National Democratic Redistricting Committee but started much too late to affect the 2021 redistricting process. Now their goal is for 2031. https://democraticredistricting.com
Holder, yes. Thank you. And thank you for this update. 2031 is wayyyyyyy too late! It is either NOW or it will likely be NEVER in our lifetimes! I cannot say I am favorably impressed with any of their work. But I appreciate knowing what they think they are trying to do.
Very good question. As it stands, it seems as though states can wreck havoc with voting districts at will. Or is it only when their own state legislatures permit it? What is the permissive body, and how can it be changed? If it's state by state, then the states that are doing this must have legislatures friendly to the idea of voter suppression or certain voter uplift.
Red states work very hard to gerrymander districts so you get a congress of louie "don't cast aspersions on my asparagus" Gohmerts and Gaetzes and Gomers and Comers. And they work to stop certain districts from voting at all--no early voting, no mail voting, removing all ballot boxes so you have to drive an hour across Houston, etc etc etc. Instead of making it easier and more comprehensive. It is very uneven within and among states.
I think our hope lies with Marc Elias and his colleagues who understand the problem and are vigilant about not letting it dominate the election. I've heard his name enough now, that I think it might be OK to believe that he and others can guard against the voting issues. Maybe last time, we weren't so prepared.
I agree with you about Marc Elias. He handled most, if not all, of the 60 lawsuits Trump filed in 2020. His Elias law firm and separate nonprofit Democracy Docket have done a lot of work protecting democracy, law, process. They are in courts across the country. But I don't know that he can do it all. I'd certainly volunteer to work for him if it would help. HE is prepared! I don't know about the general population, even the voters.
Arizona was first to introduce independent redistricting. Unfortunately partisans (Republicans) found ways to manipulate the process two of the three decennial cycles. The most recent one was helped along by trump mishandling the pandemic.
Voting should be easier and inclusive! Gerrymandering should not exist. And the electoral college has outlived its always-questionable usefulness in a democracy.
I do t often get teary-eyed in politics. I was teary-eyed last evening and fell so today. Kamala Harris gave the speech of her life. It can never be exceeded. It will become one of the greatest speeches of our time. Her plate is full and we need to give her support.
I am working in Ohio… very red area… but for reproductive rights amendment in Nov 2023, some areas went from red to purple and purple to blue… and Ohio had an overall vote 57-43% passing… but Ohio’s gerrymandered, low integrity leaders continue to fight for a ban of no exceptions after 6 weeks… Idk 🤷♀️ how these people, sleep at night. Let’s go - when we vote, we win!!
The senate race can lead the ticket in Ohio. John Glenn, Howard Metzenbaum.... Sherrod Brown. I still read the Vindicator online. Jobs at Lordstown. Trump promised jobs...Brown/Biden delivered them.
Ukraine should be above the fold news daily. Trump/Putin are being humiliated on the battlefield daily. The members in Congress who opposed Ukraine aid, should be ashamed, publicly called to account.
If I were running the campaign, Trump and Vance would have to eat their support for Putin in the Ukraine. Send a reporter to Parma, to report on the flipping of Ukrainian Americans and other Slavs on this point. 80,000 Ukrainians in Ohio alone. Enough in the other blue wall states to swing the election
The importance is everywhere Bill. With the constant watch on statistics and point spread, every additional vote for Harris-Walz and the rest of the Democratic ticket drives the narrative that the GOP as constituted under the failed insurrectionist is dying.
After working in state and federal court my entire career and reporting more than 500 jury and court trials in that time, I totally get your point! Looking forward to the opening statement, case in chief, and closing argument in the next 75 days!
First she tells you what she's gong to prove, then she presents the evidence and discredits the BS, then she closes with the oath. "Do our solemn duty! No going back!"
"This was ther finest hour.."....."I have a dream"......."ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country."..........."I am prepared to die.”..........."When they go low, we go high"............................."America, we are not going back!"..............................................
The Tattoo is one of the most inspiring musical events I’ve ever experienced - but last night was one of the most inspiring of my life. We have reclaimed our patriotism, our flag, and our will to win!
When one of my sons got involved in Drum Corps International (well, never mind it’s not very international), I came to appreciate what a great endeavor marching band is as a venue for youths to learn discipline and experience the bonding of working together to create a greater whole. And through an enterprise of turning swords into plowshares.
So far, the Harris campaign has been letter perfect! Her introduction and speech hit it out of the park. She presents a humble, first generation American rising from a middle class community, following a calling to serve, and presenting an intrepid, fierce leadership, anchored in our resilient values, virtues and inter-generational legacies, ready to vanquish the demagoguery infecting our culture, and lead us back to our cherished foundations of democracy, liberty and freedom.
Now she must enter the dark forest of campaign combat. We, her people, will stand strong and have her back. We are truly in this together. Now energized and empowered, our collective chorus will harmonize beautifully with our party's messaging and Kamala Harris's campaign. Onward, Forward!!!
It's the dark forest that troubles me--not surprising! I worry about the extra-legal shenanigans that will happen to challenge the legal system and control the results. I understand that a fabulous attorney, Mark Elias, and his colleagues, are being ever watchful and vigilant. My hope is that they can keep a light shining in that dark forest!
As wonderful and competent Biden has been, he had been unable to project an authority to counter Trump's bloviated trash talking. Without containment, Trump's lies and slurs gained traction and credibility. Kamala now demonstrates the force and authority to offer a powerful counterattack. She will bury Trump. He will continue to spin out of control, reducing his appeal and popularity.
He compulsively swerves to the extreme, taunting racist and misogynous defamations and weaving darker and more outrageous lies and provocations. I do not believe Trump is capable of self-correction as his grandiose delusions smack headlong into the cold sober reality of a Black woman prosecutor's attacks. He will self-destruct.
Have a wonderful time in Scotland! Last night was truly magical! We are pumped up! Maybe your kids will read this, and you won’t have so many new chicks. Thank you for all you do explaining, enlightening and encouraging us to do more.
I thought the whole convention was historical….every speech was invigorating, the people were so happy and so fired up….the top speeches were many: Hillary, Michelle, Barack, Tim and the topper was Kamala. Touching and painful stories, emotions overflowing (Gus Walz) by so many others, including myself. I will remember these last four nights for a very long time after I cast my vote and see Kamala become the first woman president of the USA.
I loved it when Gretchen Whitmer said "She is us!". Apart from how wonderful all the speakers were, this was the thing that stood out most. After Kamala Harris' speech.
The joy and celebration of taking care of each other was strong and vibrant throughout this amazing week. Voices that were honest and decent and healing. So refreshing and grateful. I think we need to keep smiling and fighting for rights during these in the next 75 days and right through to electing completely new leadership of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Our dreams, almost forgotten, almost crushed, are coming true at last!!
One feeling I took away from the convention- Hope! Hope in the future, as I listened to so many younger members of the Democratic Party speak- accomplished speakers with passion, commitment, and vision. Seeing this helps me feel that the Party will continue to provide excellent leadership- and demonstrates that this party is truly a mix of all of America!
So fun Joyce we are over here too for the Tattoo tonight! We watched Gov Walz yesterday and Kamala this morning, the excitement was fantastic! Safe travels.
I hope you have a great vacation, Joyce. We actually stayed up late enough to watch all but the beginning of the convention, I loved all of the speakers we heard, and I loved that Kamala Harris addressed the issue of both Israel and Gaza head on. But my very favorite line, the one that stood out most from the whole evening was when Gretchen Whitmer said about Harris, "She is us!". That is who I want our country to be -comfortable with everyone, no matter their race, religion or heritage.
Enjoy your vacation Joyce, maybe even a little more knowing you’ll come home to a rebirth of joy and genuine patriotism in America again.
Indeed.
I slept better last night, after watching Harris’s speech live, than I have in months. The adults have entered the building, and they will not tolerate bullies.
I've been sleeping better lately, knowing that it is possible and perhaps even likely to have sane leadership, or at least it feels as though we can see it from where we sit!
As in light at the end of the dark tunnel of Trump and MAGA.
We stayed up and watched it, and loved the spirit in the air, as well as all the speakers we saw. Unfortunately I woke up around 3 AM and had a difficult time getting back to sleep - at least two hours lost. My husband had the same problem. Which is we normally don't watch any news after dinner. But for both of us, it was a must watch event, and we were glad we did.
Joyce, I have a question that perhaps you might address at some point or perhaps you have already provided an explanation in the past. Why is gerrymandering legal regardless of the party or agency doing the gerrymandering? It seems to me an objective, non-partisan methodology enshrining the equal protection clause provided by the 14th Amendment could be created and used as a model for the entire country for both Federal and State elections. This seems only logical and reasonable. Having members of either party responsible for gerrymandering seems counter to what we as a country allegedly stand for or am I wrong?
David, I’m with you. Statistically and methodologically it can be done. It should be the law.
Here in Michigan, we managed to pass a citizens' initiative, creating a separate, nonpartisan commission to do redistricting. It seemed like that should make the process more straightforward, but it has still been messy; if I recall correctly, Detroit got broken up and attached to suburban districts in such a way that it diluted black representation. I'm not sure if it's still in court, or what's going on. I believe the commission also ran short or out of funds.
Redistricting is political. Politics is, by definition, messy. ;)
Colorado created a new commission and gave it marching orders about how it must draw lines to be as equal as possible. It resulted in some changes nobody liked but accepted as fair.
Democracy is a form of government which guarantees no one is happy. It is by definition a rule by compromise. With compromise no one gets what they want thus no one is happy!
Interesting. I was taught that is the secret to a successful negotiation--no one walks away happy (but everyone gets what they need; in mediation that is the first goal: find out each one's primary need/want).
Thank the Founders for ceding all responsibility for elections to the states with only limited input from the federal government. Non-partisan commissions are a good start though the first use of them in California resulted in some weird configurations that weren't so much gerrymanders but ignored natural alignments.
Democrats seriously screwed up in 2010 by not paying attention to redistricting. The Republicans hired a wiz kid computer geek who used "big data" to create districts that were so refined that in some cases they carved out individual addresses.
Agree Dems screwed it up. Obama's AG was and maybe still is being paid to oversee an effort to eliminate the worst of gerrymandering and I keep wondering what he's doing.
Holder, with the help of Obama, formed the National Democratic Redistricting Committee but started much too late to affect the 2021 redistricting process. Now their goal is for 2031. https://democraticredistricting.com
Holder, yes. Thank you. And thank you for this update. 2031 is wayyyyyyy too late! It is either NOW or it will likely be NEVER in our lifetimes! I cannot say I am favorably impressed with any of their work. But I appreciate knowing what they think they are trying to do.
We do redistricting every 10 years, after the census. The next census will be in 2030 so the earliest redistricting can happen is 2031.
Very good question. As it stands, it seems as though states can wreck havoc with voting districts at will. Or is it only when their own state legislatures permit it? What is the permissive body, and how can it be changed? If it's state by state, then the states that are doing this must have legislatures friendly to the idea of voter suppression or certain voter uplift.
Red states work very hard to gerrymander districts so you get a congress of louie "don't cast aspersions on my asparagus" Gohmerts and Gaetzes and Gomers and Comers. And they work to stop certain districts from voting at all--no early voting, no mail voting, removing all ballot boxes so you have to drive an hour across Houston, etc etc etc. Instead of making it easier and more comprehensive. It is very uneven within and among states.
I think our hope lies with Marc Elias and his colleagues who understand the problem and are vigilant about not letting it dominate the election. I've heard his name enough now, that I think it might be OK to believe that he and others can guard against the voting issues. Maybe last time, we weren't so prepared.
I agree with you about Marc Elias. He handled most, if not all, of the 60 lawsuits Trump filed in 2020. His Elias law firm and separate nonprofit Democracy Docket have done a lot of work protecting democracy, law, process. They are in courts across the country. But I don't know that he can do it all. I'd certainly volunteer to work for him if it would help. HE is prepared! I don't know about the general population, even the voters.
Arizona was first to introduce independent redistricting. Unfortunately partisans (Republicans) found ways to manipulate the process two of the three decennial cycles. The most recent one was helped along by trump mishandling the pandemic.
Voting should be easier and inclusive! Gerrymandering should not exist. And the electoral college has outlived its always-questionable usefulness in a democracy.
I do t often get teary-eyed in politics. I was teary-eyed last evening and fell so today. Kamala Harris gave the speech of her life. It can never be exceeded. It will become one of the greatest speeches of our time. Her plate is full and we need to give her support.
Harris/Walz 2024
It was just her voir dire. You ain't seen nothin' yet.
If we get out the millions of unregistered folk who trend Democratic, and those that failed to vote in 2020, we win.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
I am signed on to be part of an effort locally in Connecticut but I also realize the importance is the swing states not solid blue Connecticut.
I am working in Ohio… very red area… but for reproductive rights amendment in Nov 2023, some areas went from red to purple and purple to blue… and Ohio had an overall vote 57-43% passing… but Ohio’s gerrymandered, low integrity leaders continue to fight for a ban of no exceptions after 6 weeks… Idk 🤷♀️ how these people, sleep at night. Let’s go - when we vote, we win!!
The senate race can lead the ticket in Ohio. John Glenn, Howard Metzenbaum.... Sherrod Brown. I still read the Vindicator online. Jobs at Lordstown. Trump promised jobs...Brown/Biden delivered them.
Ukraine should be above the fold news daily. Trump/Putin are being humiliated on the battlefield daily. The members in Congress who opposed Ukraine aid, should be ashamed, publicly called to account.
I'm surprised the Ukraine issue was not front and center at the DNC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vibaAaut7c
If I were running the campaign, Trump and Vance would have to eat their support for Putin in the Ukraine. Send a reporter to Parma, to report on the flipping of Ukrainian Americans and other Slavs on this point. 80,000 Ukrainians in Ohio alone. Enough in the other blue wall states to swing the election
The importance is everywhere Bill. With the constant watch on statistics and point spread, every additional vote for Harris-Walz and the rest of the Democratic ticket drives the narrative that the GOP as constituted under the failed insurrectionist is dying.
After working in state and federal court my entire career and reporting more than 500 jury and court trials in that time, I totally get your point! Looking forward to the opening statement, case in chief, and closing argument in the next 75 days!
First she tells you what she's gong to prove, then she presents the evidence and discredits the BS, then she closes with the oath. "Do our solemn duty! No going back!"
And attorney Kamala Harris always only represented The People.
"This was ther finest hour.."....."I have a dream"......."ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country."..........."I am prepared to die.”..........."When they go low, we go high"............................."America, we are not going back!"..............................................
The Tattoo is one of the most inspiring musical events I’ve ever experienced - but last night was one of the most inspiring of my life. We have reclaimed our patriotism, our flag, and our will to win!
Agreed, the Edinburgh Tattoo is an amazing event.
When one of my sons got involved in Drum Corps International (well, never mind it’s not very international), I came to appreciate what a great endeavor marching band is as a venue for youths to learn discipline and experience the bonding of working together to create a greater whole. And through an enterprise of turning swords into plowshares.
Enjoy your vacay and the new light in the darkness!!
Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Emily Dickinson
There’s a choral version of this poem I’ve been fortunate enough to perform.
Found one arrangement of “‘Hope’ is the Thing with Feathers”
https://youtu.be/brfiA2Nj1xo?si=JWBDtvfhwdT0vTSd
Love, love, love it!
So far, the Harris campaign has been letter perfect! Her introduction and speech hit it out of the park. She presents a humble, first generation American rising from a middle class community, following a calling to serve, and presenting an intrepid, fierce leadership, anchored in our resilient values, virtues and inter-generational legacies, ready to vanquish the demagoguery infecting our culture, and lead us back to our cherished foundations of democracy, liberty and freedom.
Now she must enter the dark forest of campaign combat. We, her people, will stand strong and have her back. We are truly in this together. Now energized and empowered, our collective chorus will harmonize beautifully with our party's messaging and Kamala Harris's campaign. Onward, Forward!!!
Well said, Ken C!
It's the dark forest that troubles me--not surprising! I worry about the extra-legal shenanigans that will happen to challenge the legal system and control the results. I understand that a fabulous attorney, Mark Elias, and his colleagues, are being ever watchful and vigilant. My hope is that they can keep a light shining in that dark forest!
Nancy, I think you can rest assured that Marc Elias will do just that. From what I've seen he's on top of all of that stuff.
And the Marc Elias team is hired by Harris.
I had heard that in the last couple of days. I'm really happy to know that because I know he and his team will work really hard for Harris/Walz.
Nancy, Marc Elias has indeed been the central legal tiller, fighting the major legal battles for Democrats and our democracy, https://www.democracydocket.com/author/marc_elias/.
As wonderful and competent Biden has been, he had been unable to project an authority to counter Trump's bloviated trash talking. Without containment, Trump's lies and slurs gained traction and credibility. Kamala now demonstrates the force and authority to offer a powerful counterattack. She will bury Trump. He will continue to spin out of control, reducing his appeal and popularity.
He compulsively swerves to the extreme, taunting racist and misogynous defamations and weaving darker and more outrageous lies and provocations. I do not believe Trump is capable of self-correction as his grandiose delusions smack headlong into the cold sober reality of a Black woman prosecutor's attacks. He will self-destruct.
Have a wonderful time in Scotland! Last night was truly magical! We are pumped up! Maybe your kids will read this, and you won’t have so many new chicks. Thank you for all you do explaining, enlightening and encouraging us to do more.
Let there be light- and it was GOOD!🥹💙💙💙💙💙💙🇺🇸
I witnessed history last night…
I thought the whole convention was historical….every speech was invigorating, the people were so happy and so fired up….the top speeches were many: Hillary, Michelle, Barack, Tim and the topper was Kamala. Touching and painful stories, emotions overflowing (Gus Walz) by so many others, including myself. I will remember these last four nights for a very long time after I cast my vote and see Kamala become the first woman president of the USA.
I loved it when Gretchen Whitmer said "She is us!". Apart from how wonderful all the speakers were, this was the thing that stood out most. After Kamala Harris' speech.
The joy and celebration of taking care of each other was strong and vibrant throughout this amazing week. Voices that were honest and decent and healing. So refreshing and grateful. I think we need to keep smiling and fighting for rights during these in the next 75 days and right through to electing completely new leadership of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Our dreams, almost forgotten, almost crushed, are coming true at last!!
welcome to Scotland - at least it's sunny! Whilst in Edinburgh, you should pop into the International Book Festival.
I love your country!
We are all gonna love it when convicted felon Trump gets down on his knees and BEGS President Kamala Harris to pardon him!
😂🤣😂😂😂
She won't.
My thought exactly! She is stupid only in his dreams.
One feeling I took away from the convention- Hope! Hope in the future, as I listened to so many younger members of the Democratic Party speak- accomplished speakers with passion, commitment, and vision. Seeing this helps me feel that the Party will continue to provide excellent leadership- and demonstrates that this party is truly a mix of all of America!
So fun Joyce we are over here too for the Tattoo tonight! We watched Gov Walz yesterday and Kamala this morning, the excitement was fantastic! Safe travels.
Enjoy. I put down my camera and just soaked it in when I was there 10 years ago.