In 2021, a case called Brnovich v. DNC was the most important voting rights case to come out of the Supreme Court. I’m not using important in a positive sense here. You may recall that a prior case, Shelby County v. Holder, gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, permitting jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to implement new rules for voting without any prior review to ensure they didn’t have a discriminatory purpose or effect.
Every word about Republicans that I read makes them sound like an organized crime syndicate. This Brnovich practiced vote fraud, and as such he should be doing time and paying a fine. I hope that the AG goes after him.
There is no news about any member of the Republican party that is good. As such, it makes me wonder again and again why someone would vote for them. After taking my daughter to the dentist today I was discussing with her how Southern states had lower credit ratings because they had refused to expand medicaid in 2014 when it was available, and medical debt is the most devastating to credit as well as the fact that Southern States seem to have on average people who have around 4 chronic illnesses. So, with the poor being hit hard by huge medical debt they have lower credit ratings which means they pay more for credit. It seems to me that these Southern States are predominantly led by Republican governors and therefore screwing everyone even if it is racism that is driving these policies. The USA has such huge systemic problems with health care I don't want to get into, but the super wealthy don't have to worry yet, everyone else does. Of course, until the next viral pandemic. Then no one is safe. It is very concerning how many people are being raised as sociopaths and then they run and win in the Republican party. These people have no moral compass, and apparently the people that vote for them have no moral compass or are too lacking in critical thinking skills to know that they have no moral compass, which is the same thing.
I agree that being overworked is a problem with American students, workers etc.... Changing school curriculum so that it does not teach critical thinking about social issues, removing books that are controversial, and deflecting people's attention with a lot of low quality electronic content is not helping. While in Germany, a designer in a kitchen store was telling me that his son had gone to medical school and then decided to work with him in the store designing kitchens. He said, the kids these days have the right idea, to have a better work-life balance. I find that is generally true in Germany and even more so in Austria, at least Vienna, a city which is supposed to have the best quality of life. My daughter did a school exchange for half a year in 11th grade in Vienna, Austria. She would agree with that since she had a much better school-life balance there. She did not want to come back here. Of course youth there also feel less stressed because they are so much safer. That might give them more energy for activism. The crime and social safety net is much better in Austria and Germany than it is here and that allows youth to feel like they can protest.
Plug in countries into this Youth Progress Index data survey. https://youthprogressindex.org/ to compare the USA with Austria and Germany. You will notice on the USA scorecard that we score below the norm for all of the personal safety items except assaulted youth. In Austria they score above average for women safe walking alone. The USA also scores below average in several of the health and wellness, and personal freedom and choice items. It is interesting to compare to other countries. Our rank for youth standards according to this is #23, so find the 22 countries that score better.
Another thing my daughter noticed in her class in Vienna that the students did not view the police in an adversarial way. She felt that was different from here. That is not to say that the protesting youth getting removed from trees and from being superglued to the street did not feel like police were overstepping and too invasive, but not to the degree that we have complaints against police in Chicago where I live. I did not see the police showing the kind of rough handling that I see here in Chicago. Of course, on television shows in Germany they do not typically make the kind of illegal arrests that they make on television here, where they shoot to kill, and they slam people around etc... Hollywood perpetuates the idea that it okay for cops to be corrupt. In Germany the police are supposed to shoot to maim the criminal in an arm or leg, so that the perp cannot attack them or get away. If you watch German or Austrian crime dramas you are not typically going to see them shooting to kill. Scandinavian shows seem more like this too. Also, look at the interrogations. They usually record and follow the rules. Chicago has a legacy of police corruption that is awful. Here, youth activism may be more online then out on the streets.
I live in Rockford, IL so I pay attention to what happens in Chicago. The relationship between the police and citizenry appears very adversarial. Chicago is not alone in this situation. There are so many things about our country and our government that frustrate as well as embarrass me, I can understand why your daughter did not look forward to returning home after her time abroad.
Actually, those states are being led by Republican majority - And in some cases, Super Majority - Legislatures! This is a significant & alarming factor. Living in NC, I can tell you - the Republican Legislature has been a destructive and horrifying cauldron of corruption, money mongering & power mongering insanity for YEARS. I honestly do not know how they can possibly have won all these election races legitimately for years. The stench of corruption lies heavily over Raleigh, as well as the Chinese owned hog farms down east, in Hyde and surrounding counties, for example. Republican led legislatures have destroyed every semblance of fair elections and remedies for their corruption through gerrymandering as well as the 2 significant cases Joyce cites here. Right now we are waiting on outcome of a case brought before the Supreme Court by NC led legislators to consider the validity of their claim that State Legislatures should have the right to determine State Electoral College Votes IN PLACE of the actual votes cast by citizens of the state themselves! Their perfidy knows no bounds, and their ambitions for power & control,, ie money & authority, run rampant. The efforts of a Democratic Governor or AG in such States are crucial in attempts to protect the citizenry, but it’s a losing battle to improve healthcare & its outcomes for those citizens when the Legislature blocks expansion of medical care services, resulting in the cycle of more suffering, more death, more dying, more hunger, more poverty - you know the cycle, and the destruction of more lives for the greater successes of the few autocrats at the top of the heap - the irresponsible, uncaring, self serving few. Nothing to see there.
Yes. That Supreme Court case is really important and has me worried. This Supreme Court has been very inconsistent in what should be the purview of the states by overruling the state courts on voting rights but not on abortion. It boggles my mind that they would turn down Federal expansion of health care to its citizens something that should win people's approval. I guess they don't feel they need to gain approval of the people, which makes it more like Russia, and less like a Democracy.
The orange bastard in Florida was allowed to appoint partisan people to the SC. I fear there is more damage coming down the line. That is why I think President Biden needs to increase the number of Justices on the court. The impartiality is gone, and the needs of the many have taken a backseat to the needs of the wealthy. It needs to be balanced again, before more damage is done.
Trump made the appointments, but he was following Mitch McConnell's playbook. The Citizens United and Shelby County decisions came down years before Trump was elected. IOW, the problem predates Trump.
Marva, I grew up in eastern NC and returned home after my husband retired. The Republicans totally rigged elections with their gerrymandering. They are trying to take NC back to the dark times of the Gilded Age.
In rural eastern NC, big agribusinesses control production on factory farms, which have put small family farms out of business. A former legislator during his time in office worked hard to cloak such farms in secrecy. He owned such a large farming operation himself--conflict of interest. That legislator convinced the governor at the time that he was creating jobs for the rural areas of the state. He did create jobs, just jobs that no local people wanted because they were low paying and physically demanding, That legislator was not honest with the governor, and the governor heard what he wanted to hear--the word, "jobs." Now eastern NC has significantly increased environmental risks due to those factory farms.
Agricultural production is increasingly under the control of large businesses owned by out of state or foreign owners, concerned with their bottom lines. Small towns east of I-95 no longer thrive like they did. It's a difficult situation with no one answer, but you can be sure that the Republicans are not looking to help the average North Carolinian.
Democracy requires vigilance and scrutiny to maintain our precious freedoms and this undermining of our values set forth in the Constitution at this moment in our history requires us to stop tyranny at every juncture with courage and strength as the Ukrainians are doing. Giving up is not an option 🇺🇸
It's worth noting that SC's very own Nikki Haley, GOP candidate for President, was the FIRST governor to refuse Medicaid money. (For her own political gain, of course.)
I am not clear how these people gain by this? By showing how hateful and mean spirited they can be? Who admires this. Why does the press not discuss the ramifications for children and families, for people when these policies take effect?
They don’t “gain” anything, unless you mean their voters’ approval. Voter turnout is so poor that the well-off and GQP, whose priorities are their own pocketbooks, are the only ones who vote to keep these tools in office. The poor, sick and disenfranchised are too busy, downtrodden, and apathetic to vote; with good reason. Nothing will change even if they do vote. That’s what we all need to help change.
Repukkklicants admire it! Nikki gained a tremendous amount of support from repukkklicants in our state, as a result. (I am from S.C., BTW.) She proudly stated that OUR state would NEVER take tax money from the federal government, because "we" believe in low taxation rates. Taking the money would belie repukkklicant-speak. The fact that it was OUR federal taxes that she was refusing, and that OUR federal taxes were now being divvied up among payments to the other 49 states, was irrelevant. No, all that mattered is that she PROVED to any doubters that she, Nikki Haley, was a true believer in all matters repukkklicant. Sickening. Didn't matter how the rest of us Dems felt. She just wanted the power.
This is why I repeatedly say that starting in fourth grade schools should be teaching basic economic concepts. However, since they are in many cases not teaching basic math that is hard to weave in and many teachers do not know how to tie the two things together. We need the citizenry to be wise to the effects of these policies. It is unfortunate that they are not seeing that they do not reap the benefits of their tax dollars. Also, that they do not see how the rich are not paying their fare share. it is totally sickening and self perpetuating. From Briggs vs Elliot to no health care expansion.
When one looks at the reality of these decisions it is hard to see how we can have any right moralizing to Russia, and Putin knows this too. Nikki Haley is someone who is seems to be filled with immigrant self loathing and as so is bending over backwards to show that she and "her kind" do not need or want special consideration by going overboard in the other direction. She is incredibly repugnant! I am sure she has heard a lot of, if only everyone could be like you, and there is no need to help immigrants out, look at how well your family succeeded. She is clearly not able to put herself into anyone else's shoes, showing a lack of empathy so treasured by the Republican party. She certainly has not done the people of South Carolina any favors, but I suppose exploitative businesses love what she is selling.
Agree 100% with every thing you wrote. Must add that Haley shows "a lack of empathy so treasured by the Republican party." LOL! What a great way to express it!
Good grief. This Brnovich is a real piece of work. Why can't he be held to account for the damage he did in wasting AZ tax dollars? Why can't he be held accountable for then not producing the results that the AZ taxpayers spent money for? Outrageous. His name should be forever enshrined as a lying deceiver of the highest GOP kind. The Lincoln Project should do a hit piece on him. America used to stand for something better; but, today's GOP cannot win elections honestly, so they do everything they can to strip eligible voters of every color other than pure white of their constitutional rights to vote. Frankly, there ought to be a Supreme Court that should overturn such obstacles. That's the right and proper thing to do, but the current SCOTUS lacks the honesty to do so. The SCOTUS has lost its way and its purpose to protect ALL Americans. What have we become?
Exactly. Where is the DOJ in holding individuals and organizations accountable for these antics and strategies? Where is the legacy media in reporting these stories? I suppose it doesn’t sell soap (which is why my reading time is here with my Substack heroes instead).
The GOP knows no bottom. They have no productive goals for this country, only destruction. This kind of hidden information reminds me of an autocratic state that only feeds propaganda helpful to their cause, not the truth.
A nation being tested. Joyce is doing her part by bringing this particular situation to our attention. And Brnovich didn’t get re-elected either. That’s a positive superimposed upon a dark screen. We must cherish our victories at every opportunity because America IS paying attention. We are building our defenses toward 2024. Do not be fooled by the noise. It’s a fear tactic of the autocrats.
Agreed. Joyce is in place of the press, that does not do this. I have noticed that after Professors Vance and Heather Cox Richardson take topics on sometimes the mainstream press does too. I also read The Lever, The Intercept and ProPublica USA, European and Asian versions.
I know; it's a positive. But still has affected the other elections such as Kari Lake's with all the hidden info. He needs to have other consequences besides just not getting re-elected.
This clown & every other attorney that pushed the Big Lie should be disbarred. Period. And if they pushed the big lie AND withheld evidence that indicated it was a big lie, they should go to jail. Any attorney that has been disbarred for any reason should not be permitted to run for office. Any office.
I am so glad that as a resident of FL I was a recurring donor for Mark Kelly. He’s not only good for AZ he’s good for all of America.
Lordy, Lordy, now that we are socializing again I can’t tell you what a hit I am at gatherings. Joyce, I must thank you. I read your essays, do a little research & share it with everyone I encounter at parties, dinners, etc. The more they drink, the more questions I’m asked. I feel like the only thing I can do at times is spread the news that the media isn’t covering. I do give you credit, Joyce, & tell people to join substacks. We must get the word out.
He should be prosecuted if Arizona has any laws criminalizing abuse of office.
I would like to know if and when the Disgraced Roberts Court was aware of these facts. The christo-fascist six are increasing their attack on democracy demanded by their oligarch masters. Only a resounding defeat of Republicans and expansion of the court in 2024 can stem the tide.
Will The Six have the temerity to decide Moore v Harper in favor of state legislatures having plenary authority over Federal elections? If so, it’s all ready too late.
I think disbarment for Brnovich is only the beginning. He should be ordered to pay back to the state the $10,000 I n taxpayer funds he spent pursuing his personal vendetta. Also, he should be disqualified from ever again holding elected office.
Brnovich stole far, far more than $10,000 in taxpayers' money! It was 10,000 HOURS of "work" which was paid for by taxpayers, thus in the $300,000 range!! He should absolutely be accountable for that stolen money!
It surely should be. I guess that is why this blog is so important! Thank you Audrey for saying it and thank you Joyce for continuing to keep up aware🇺🇸🇺🇸
Grateful for this reminder Joyce. I recall looking up names more recently-- how is Paxton not under investigation after all these years We have to educate ourselves and communicate the truth.
That is a damn good question, re Paxton. Apparently, too many Garlands in positions to uphold the low who are not capable of doing the job. Either that or flat out corruption.
The insidiousness of the current Republican Party cannot be overstated. I fear that if factual information and truth can’t ever reach those who are staunch Fox News watchers, then we are headed as a country for a period of violence and divisiveness that will be both nationally and globally devastating. Some days it’s truly disheartening and other days, people like you, Joyce, who educate and inform and continue to highlight the truth and the needed path forward give me hope and make me determined to do all I can to fight for this democracy. The majority can not remain silent and subjected to an extremist minority.
Realy, on guard to do what? Write their Congressperson, a letter to the editor, protest at City Hall or the Governor’s Mansion?
I’m sorry to be so flip Joyce, but these people are not being dealt with in a way to stop this kind of thing..Republicans lie, cheat and steal everything they can..Mark Brnovich may be out but Sec 5 and now Sec 2 are still gone..The Country is in trouble and nothing is happening to help it..These people need to be made an offer they can’t refuse..Nothing less will be enough..Where is the will?
I, too, am in despair of what I can do to stop this massive engine which is barreling down on our nation. Is this how decent people felt when Hitler ascended to power?
I just can't understand the passivity of the Democrats. Maybe my memory is faulty, but as I remember, the Democrats in the Senate in the 1960's were LOUD and FOUGHT for things that were good. Do you remember things that way?
In 1965 I was 10 years old, so I can’t comment..However, I’m fully prepared to accept your recollection..please pardon the colloquialism, but Democrats can’t take a leak without bipartisanism.. Taking action on their own scares the hell out of them..
Thanks Joyce. Every time I read about Republicans I see the US as approaching the status of a third world country. The structure of this country is like a home with a leaky roof and when not tended to the leak causes the house to collapse. That leak, the GOP started decades ago and we are at a point of no return, evidenced by calls for secession that incurs no outrage from the GOP. Everyone who has ever fought for this country must be turning over in their graves.
You hit the nail on the head. As a Vietnam vet my heart is breaking for the damage being done by the enemy within. Any fear I felt in Vietnam pales in comparison to the ignorance and apathy that gives voice and credibility to the MAGA movement.
Joyce, my comments are not about the AZ AG. I am hoping you will take on something not akin to MSNBC’s best interest. Specifically, the interview by Kate B of the special grand jury foreperson was shocking. The young woman was exploited in her unsophistication and enjoyment of being in the national spotlight. The interviewers on this network and others used her, knowing full well, or they should have known, she would be tossed aside in coming weeks and her reputation would be forever sullied, her life dreams dashed. The constant search for the next story is a feeding monster for sure, but I believe we all have to participate in declaring a national moral compass, and that includes a liberal media.
You know... I have to read that all again. It's brilliant. I'm glad you posted it. I will now regret for the rest of my life that I didn't take the law route.
This is outrageous and should be yelled from the mountain top. Just makes me wonder how many other “investigations” showing the truth have been hidden from us. What kind of country are we leaving our kids and grandkids?! One unrecognizable to me I’m afraid. Now just holding my breath until the Tucker Carlson video version of 1/6 gets remade into an FBI/antifa plot. Thx Joyce as always.
Every word about Republicans that I read makes them sound like an organized crime syndicate. This Brnovich practiced vote fraud, and as such he should be doing time and paying a fine. I hope that the AG goes after him.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/52/20511
There is no news about any member of the Republican party that is good. As such, it makes me wonder again and again why someone would vote for them. After taking my daughter to the dentist today I was discussing with her how Southern states had lower credit ratings because they had refused to expand medicaid in 2014 when it was available, and medical debt is the most devastating to credit as well as the fact that Southern States seem to have on average people who have around 4 chronic illnesses. So, with the poor being hit hard by huge medical debt they have lower credit ratings which means they pay more for credit. It seems to me that these Southern States are predominantly led by Republican governors and therefore screwing everyone even if it is racism that is driving these policies. The USA has such huge systemic problems with health care I don't want to get into, but the super wealthy don't have to worry yet, everyone else does. Of course, until the next viral pandemic. Then no one is safe. It is very concerning how many people are being raised as sociopaths and then they run and win in the Republican party. These people have no moral compass, and apparently the people that vote for them have no moral compass or are too lacking in critical thinking skills to know that they have no moral compass, which is the same thing.
Keeping people sick and working multiple jobs keeps them from realizing what their state is doing to them, and prevents them from protesting.
I agree that being overworked is a problem with American students, workers etc.... Changing school curriculum so that it does not teach critical thinking about social issues, removing books that are controversial, and deflecting people's attention with a lot of low quality electronic content is not helping. While in Germany, a designer in a kitchen store was telling me that his son had gone to medical school and then decided to work with him in the store designing kitchens. He said, the kids these days have the right idea, to have a better work-life balance. I find that is generally true in Germany and even more so in Austria, at least Vienna, a city which is supposed to have the best quality of life. My daughter did a school exchange for half a year in 11th grade in Vienna, Austria. She would agree with that since she had a much better school-life balance there. She did not want to come back here. Of course youth there also feel less stressed because they are so much safer. That might give them more energy for activism. The crime and social safety net is much better in Austria and Germany than it is here and that allows youth to feel like they can protest.
Plug in countries into this Youth Progress Index data survey. https://youthprogressindex.org/ to compare the USA with Austria and Germany. You will notice on the USA scorecard that we score below the norm for all of the personal safety items except assaulted youth. In Austria they score above average for women safe walking alone. The USA also scores below average in several of the health and wellness, and personal freedom and choice items. It is interesting to compare to other countries. Our rank for youth standards according to this is #23, so find the 22 countries that score better.
Another thing my daughter noticed in her class in Vienna that the students did not view the police in an adversarial way. She felt that was different from here. That is not to say that the protesting youth getting removed from trees and from being superglued to the street did not feel like police were overstepping and too invasive, but not to the degree that we have complaints against police in Chicago where I live. I did not see the police showing the kind of rough handling that I see here in Chicago. Of course, on television shows in Germany they do not typically make the kind of illegal arrests that they make on television here, where they shoot to kill, and they slam people around etc... Hollywood perpetuates the idea that it okay for cops to be corrupt. In Germany the police are supposed to shoot to maim the criminal in an arm or leg, so that the perp cannot attack them or get away. If you watch German or Austrian crime dramas you are not typically going to see them shooting to kill. Scandinavian shows seem more like this too. Also, look at the interrogations. They usually record and follow the rules. Chicago has a legacy of police corruption that is awful. Here, youth activism may be more online then out on the streets.
I live in Rockford, IL so I pay attention to what happens in Chicago. The relationship between the police and citizenry appears very adversarial. Chicago is not alone in this situation. There are so many things about our country and our government that frustrate as well as embarrass me, I can understand why your daughter did not look forward to returning home after her time abroad.
Or voting.
Actually, those states are being led by Republican majority - And in some cases, Super Majority - Legislatures! This is a significant & alarming factor. Living in NC, I can tell you - the Republican Legislature has been a destructive and horrifying cauldron of corruption, money mongering & power mongering insanity for YEARS. I honestly do not know how they can possibly have won all these election races legitimately for years. The stench of corruption lies heavily over Raleigh, as well as the Chinese owned hog farms down east, in Hyde and surrounding counties, for example. Republican led legislatures have destroyed every semblance of fair elections and remedies for their corruption through gerrymandering as well as the 2 significant cases Joyce cites here. Right now we are waiting on outcome of a case brought before the Supreme Court by NC led legislators to consider the validity of their claim that State Legislatures should have the right to determine State Electoral College Votes IN PLACE of the actual votes cast by citizens of the state themselves! Their perfidy knows no bounds, and their ambitions for power & control,, ie money & authority, run rampant. The efforts of a Democratic Governor or AG in such States are crucial in attempts to protect the citizenry, but it’s a losing battle to improve healthcare & its outcomes for those citizens when the Legislature blocks expansion of medical care services, resulting in the cycle of more suffering, more death, more dying, more hunger, more poverty - you know the cycle, and the destruction of more lives for the greater successes of the few autocrats at the top of the heap - the irresponsible, uncaring, self serving few. Nothing to see there.
Yes. That Supreme Court case is really important and has me worried. This Supreme Court has been very inconsistent in what should be the purview of the states by overruling the state courts on voting rights but not on abortion. It boggles my mind that they would turn down Federal expansion of health care to its citizens something that should win people's approval. I guess they don't feel they need to gain approval of the people, which makes it more like Russia, and less like a Democracy.
The orange bastard in Florida was allowed to appoint partisan people to the SC. I fear there is more damage coming down the line. That is why I think President Biden needs to increase the number of Justices on the court. The impartiality is gone, and the needs of the many have taken a backseat to the needs of the wealthy. It needs to be balanced again, before more damage is done.
Trump made the appointments, but he was following Mitch McConnell's playbook. The Citizens United and Shelby County decisions came down years before Trump was elected. IOW, the problem predates Trump.
True.
Marva, I grew up in eastern NC and returned home after my husband retired. The Republicans totally rigged elections with their gerrymandering. They are trying to take NC back to the dark times of the Gilded Age.
In rural eastern NC, big agribusinesses control production on factory farms, which have put small family farms out of business. A former legislator during his time in office worked hard to cloak such farms in secrecy. He owned such a large farming operation himself--conflict of interest. That legislator convinced the governor at the time that he was creating jobs for the rural areas of the state. He did create jobs, just jobs that no local people wanted because they were low paying and physically demanding, That legislator was not honest with the governor, and the governor heard what he wanted to hear--the word, "jobs." Now eastern NC has significantly increased environmental risks due to those factory farms.
Agricultural production is increasingly under the control of large businesses owned by out of state or foreign owners, concerned with their bottom lines. Small towns east of I-95 no longer thrive like they did. It's a difficult situation with no one answer, but you can be sure that the Republicans are not looking to help the average North Carolinian.
Brnovich clearly abused his office. Is Arizona completely vulnerable to this malicious malfeasance, without recourse?
Democracy requires vigilance and scrutiny to maintain our precious freedoms and this undermining of our values set forth in the Constitution at this moment in our history requires us to stop tyranny at every juncture with courage and strength as the Ukrainians are doing. Giving up is not an option 🇺🇸
It's worth noting that SC's very own Nikki Haley, GOP candidate for President, was the FIRST governor to refuse Medicaid money. (For her own political gain, of course.)
I am not clear how these people gain by this? By showing how hateful and mean spirited they can be? Who admires this. Why does the press not discuss the ramifications for children and families, for people when these policies take effect?
They don’t “gain” anything, unless you mean their voters’ approval. Voter turnout is so poor that the well-off and GQP, whose priorities are their own pocketbooks, are the only ones who vote to keep these tools in office. The poor, sick and disenfranchised are too busy, downtrodden, and apathetic to vote; with good reason. Nothing will change even if they do vote. That’s what we all need to help change.
That is the answer. They gain POWER.
Repukkklicants admire it! Nikki gained a tremendous amount of support from repukkklicants in our state, as a result. (I am from S.C., BTW.) She proudly stated that OUR state would NEVER take tax money from the federal government, because "we" believe in low taxation rates. Taking the money would belie repukkklicant-speak. The fact that it was OUR federal taxes that she was refusing, and that OUR federal taxes were now being divvied up among payments to the other 49 states, was irrelevant. No, all that mattered is that she PROVED to any doubters that she, Nikki Haley, was a true believer in all matters repukkklicant. Sickening. Didn't matter how the rest of us Dems felt. She just wanted the power.
This is why I repeatedly say that starting in fourth grade schools should be teaching basic economic concepts. However, since they are in many cases not teaching basic math that is hard to weave in and many teachers do not know how to tie the two things together. We need the citizenry to be wise to the effects of these policies. It is unfortunate that they are not seeing that they do not reap the benefits of their tax dollars. Also, that they do not see how the rich are not paying their fare share. it is totally sickening and self perpetuating. From Briggs vs Elliot to no health care expansion.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/separate-but-equal-south-carolina-s-fight-over-school-segregation-teaching-with-historic-places.htm
When one looks at the reality of these decisions it is hard to see how we can have any right moralizing to Russia, and Putin knows this too. Nikki Haley is someone who is seems to be filled with immigrant self loathing and as so is bending over backwards to show that she and "her kind" do not need or want special consideration by going overboard in the other direction. She is incredibly repugnant! I am sure she has heard a lot of, if only everyone could be like you, and there is no need to help immigrants out, look at how well your family succeeded. She is clearly not able to put herself into anyone else's shoes, showing a lack of empathy so treasured by the Republican party. She certainly has not done the people of South Carolina any favors, but I suppose exploitative businesses love what she is selling.
Agree 100% with every thing you wrote. Must add that Haley shows "a lack of empathy so treasured by the Republican party." LOL! What a great way to express it!
Good grief. This Brnovich is a real piece of work. Why can't he be held to account for the damage he did in wasting AZ tax dollars? Why can't he be held accountable for then not producing the results that the AZ taxpayers spent money for? Outrageous. His name should be forever enshrined as a lying deceiver of the highest GOP kind. The Lincoln Project should do a hit piece on him. America used to stand for something better; but, today's GOP cannot win elections honestly, so they do everything they can to strip eligible voters of every color other than pure white of their constitutional rights to vote. Frankly, there ought to be a Supreme Court that should overturn such obstacles. That's the right and proper thing to do, but the current SCOTUS lacks the honesty to do so. The SCOTUS has lost its way and its purpose to protect ALL Americans. What have we become?
Again the DOJ should act
Exactly. Where is the DOJ in holding individuals and organizations accountable for these antics and strategies? Where is the legacy media in reporting these stories? I suppose it doesn’t sell soap (which is why my reading time is here with my Substack heroes instead).
The GOP knows no bottom. They have no productive goals for this country, only destruction. This kind of hidden information reminds me of an autocratic state that only feeds propaganda helpful to their cause, not the truth.
A nation being tested. Joyce is doing her part by bringing this particular situation to our attention. And Brnovich didn’t get re-elected either. That’s a positive superimposed upon a dark screen. We must cherish our victories at every opportunity because America IS paying attention. We are building our defenses toward 2024. Do not be fooled by the noise. It’s a fear tactic of the autocrats.
Agreed. Joyce is in place of the press, that does not do this. I have noticed that after Professors Vance and Heather Cox Richardson take topics on sometimes the mainstream press does too. I also read The Lever, The Intercept and ProPublica USA, European and Asian versions.
I know; it's a positive. But still has affected the other elections such as Kari Lake's with all the hidden info. He needs to have other consequences besides just not getting re-elected.
Thank you, Joyce!
This clown & every other attorney that pushed the Big Lie should be disbarred. Period. And if they pushed the big lie AND withheld evidence that indicated it was a big lie, they should go to jail. Any attorney that has been disbarred for any reason should not be permitted to run for office. Any office.
I am so glad that as a resident of FL I was a recurring donor for Mark Kelly. He’s not only good for AZ he’s good for all of America.
Lordy, Lordy, now that we are socializing again I can’t tell you what a hit I am at gatherings. Joyce, I must thank you. I read your essays, do a little research & share it with everyone I encounter at parties, dinners, etc. The more they drink, the more questions I’m asked. I feel like the only thing I can do at times is spread the news that the media isn’t covering. I do give you credit, Joyce, & tell people to join substacks. We must get the word out.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Brnovich should be disbarred.
He should be prosecuted if Arizona has any laws criminalizing abuse of office.
I would like to know if and when the Disgraced Roberts Court was aware of these facts. The christo-fascist six are increasing their attack on democracy demanded by their oligarch masters. Only a resounding defeat of Republicans and expansion of the court in 2024 can stem the tide.
Will The Six have the temerity to decide Moore v Harper in favor of state legislatures having plenary authority over Federal elections? If so, it’s all ready too late.
We need to expand SCOTUS now!
Before it's too late. If we wait, the same thing could happen to SCOTUS as it did when RBG waited too late to retire.
I think disbarment for Brnovich is only the beginning. He should be ordered to pay back to the state the $10,000 I n taxpayer funds he spent pursuing his personal vendetta. Also, he should be disqualified from ever again holding elected office.
Brnovich stole far, far more than $10,000 in taxpayers' money! It was 10,000 HOURS of "work" which was paid for by taxpayers, thus in the $300,000 range!! He should absolutely be accountable for that stolen money!
You're right. How about he be ordered restitution for all of the money wasted.
YES.
Why is this not a crime?
It surely should be. I guess that is why this blog is so important! Thank you Audrey for saying it and thank you Joyce for continuing to keep up aware🇺🇸🇺🇸
I live in Arizona. Bad choice for us moving just because it was closer, but not too close, to the kids. Unfortunate move for sure.
There are plenty of other politically corrupt places to move in the U.S. these days -- unfortunately.
Yes, but I prefer my hometown.
Grateful for this reminder Joyce. I recall looking up names more recently-- how is Paxton not under investigation after all these years We have to educate ourselves and communicate the truth.
That is a damn good question, re Paxton. Apparently, too many Garlands in positions to uphold the low who are not capable of doing the job. Either that or flat out corruption.
I wouldn’t include Garland in that mix.
Every story is one more gust of wind that makes us more disillusioned and angry/sad. The road is long
That’s why Joyce’s newsletter is critical. Avoid the noise and the emotional divide.
The insidiousness of the current Republican Party cannot be overstated. I fear that if factual information and truth can’t ever reach those who are staunch Fox News watchers, then we are headed as a country for a period of violence and divisiveness that will be both nationally and globally devastating. Some days it’s truly disheartening and other days, people like you, Joyce, who educate and inform and continue to highlight the truth and the needed path forward give me hope and make me determined to do all I can to fight for this democracy. The majority can not remain silent and subjected to an extremist minority.
Amen
“Americans should be on guard.”
Realy, on guard to do what? Write their Congressperson, a letter to the editor, protest at City Hall or the Governor’s Mansion?
I’m sorry to be so flip Joyce, but these people are not being dealt with in a way to stop this kind of thing..Republicans lie, cheat and steal everything they can..Mark Brnovich may be out but Sec 5 and now Sec 2 are still gone..The Country is in trouble and nothing is happening to help it..These people need to be made an offer they can’t refuse..Nothing less will be enough..Where is the will?
I, too, am in despair of what I can do to stop this massive engine which is barreling down on our nation. Is this how decent people felt when Hitler ascended to power?
It seem the Republicans get sent to Congress to lie, cheat and steal, and the Democrats are sent to do nothing about it..
I just can't understand the passivity of the Democrats. Maybe my memory is faulty, but as I remember, the Democrats in the Senate in the 1960's were LOUD and FOUGHT for things that were good. Do you remember things that way?
In 1965 I was 10 years old, so I can’t comment..However, I’m fully prepared to accept your recollection..please pardon the colloquialism, but Democrats can’t take a leak without bipartisanism.. Taking action on their own scares the hell out of them..
And that INFURIATES me!
Kd, get in line!
These are stories that need to be told. Im sending this around. Thank you for keeping us informed
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
-Sir Walter Scott
Thanks Joyce. Every time I read about Republicans I see the US as approaching the status of a third world country. The structure of this country is like a home with a leaky roof and when not tended to the leak causes the house to collapse. That leak, the GOP started decades ago and we are at a point of no return, evidenced by calls for secession that incurs no outrage from the GOP. Everyone who has ever fought for this country must be turning over in their graves.
You hit the nail on the head. As a Vietnam vet my heart is breaking for the damage being done by the enemy within. Any fear I felt in Vietnam pales in comparison to the ignorance and apathy that gives voice and credibility to the MAGA movement.
God bless you Pete. I’ll fight any way I can. 🇺🇸
😢 My fears (and tears) too.
That is my greatest fear: are we at a point of no return? It feels more and more like it every day that passes.
Joyce, my comments are not about the AZ AG. I am hoping you will take on something not akin to MSNBC’s best interest. Specifically, the interview by Kate B of the special grand jury foreperson was shocking. The young woman was exploited in her unsophistication and enjoyment of being in the national spotlight. The interviewers on this network and others used her, knowing full well, or they should have known, she would be tossed aside in coming weeks and her reputation would be forever sullied, her life dreams dashed. The constant search for the next story is a feeding monster for sure, but I believe we all have to participate in declaring a national moral compass, and that includes a liberal media.
You know... I have to read that all again. It's brilliant. I'm glad you posted it. I will now regret for the rest of my life that I didn't take the law route.
Stay strong Maureen 👏
This is outrageous and should be yelled from the mountain top. Just makes me wonder how many other “investigations” showing the truth have been hidden from us. What kind of country are we leaving our kids and grandkids?! One unrecognizable to me I’m afraid. Now just holding my breath until the Tucker Carlson video version of 1/6 gets remade into an FBI/antifa plot. Thx Joyce as always.