Abbott and his evil cohorts --struck me that nite they were like cruel King Herod trying to kill the children on Xmas Eve. That they did it at all; that they did it on the most frigid nite in decades; that they did it on a holiday eve knowing much support might be out of pocket; that they cloak themselves in Christianity and pull this is pretty much blasphemous and the opposite of everything Christmas Eve stands for--they’re the “there’s no room at the inn” rejectors of humanity. They proved nothing but how degenerate they’ve become.
It is no less meaning-filled than Kristallnacht of November 9, 1938, when things were done and glass was broken. That event could be minimized by the sympathetic uninvolved s a triviality. It was indelibly clear to the target people. Likewise, you are right, it is a desecration and blasphemous act. Any non-Christian student of Christian beliefs sees that mercy upon the helpless is dogmatic. Mercy was refuted in Nazi dogma; it has been progressively spurned in Republican moral tenets. Kristallnacht was the time that cruelty became in a flash popular Nazi doctrine. The Christmas Eve event should be considered such an attemp in America.
Let us remember, that Nazis claim to be Christians, Catholic & Protestants according to the documentary on Netflix, "Camp Confidential, Americas Secret Nazis. Misguided individuals are all over our world. We must teach the truth. Jesus came as a peace maker. Jesus loved all mankind. Jesus was a man of bronze like color with curly wool like hair, it is written. Why was Jesus true identity/recognition/identification/color stolen?
Your choice of words is eloquent in the face of this revolting display of inhumanity when a loss for words is my state of mind. Physically I feel sick.
Moving my 93 yo mom into an assisted living facility next week. These last couple of months of 2022 have been a beeotch. Still, much to be thankful for, including like minds. I hear your voice on tv/radio or read your emails and am able to better understand, and look at things from a much more ordered perspective. And those final words, "we're in this together", give me such hope. May you have a wonderful 2023 and may we see justice all around.
Christmas came early in Arizona. The Judge hearing Kari Lakes 2 days of speculation ruled against her for, you guessed it, lack of compelling evidence. A Republican Judge, appointed by Governor Jan Brewer, the Judge clearly explained the claims, respectfully explained what the witnesses brought to the table, and then explained how none of it met the legal standard(s) for overthrowing an election. And he did it all in 10, easy to read pages. I love Judges who can do this, whether for, or against. You can read the Judge's ruling here. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23547225-lake-lawsuit-tossed
Lake says she's going to appeal it, but it's not clear the Judge left any options based on the two out of 10 claims she made.
If only these people would put their energy into a good and productive effort, instead of a quest for perverted power, just think of the things that could be accomplished for their constituents...and the country as a whole.
I keep thinking that about the money being spent in politics in general, but especially in pursuit of undermining democracy. If "Kanye.Elon.Musk" has any meaning for me, it is that we need to think hard about our policies that concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few very broken people.
Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis said 70+ years ago that we must choose between true representative government or corporate oligarchy ruled by wealth.
“We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both” — Louis D. Brandeis
Lord Acton reminded us that the capacity to accumulate power is certainly not an indicia of greatness, more the contrary. Republics flourish when power is broken up.
I wish the system could hold the fraudsters accountable and make them all pay for the entire process of their lie.
The idiots who sue don't expect to win. They do expect to lower the expectations of the followers so they all think the elections are corrupt. So, I expect the judges rejecting them but it doesn't help unbrainwash the brainwashed.
Your email about dangerous and pathetic Kari Lake brought an automatic smile to my face...and I already knew what the judge had ruled. It is so satisfying after more than seven years of lie upon lie by Republican fascists ruthlessly trying to rip apart our democracy, to witness our rule of law being applied rationally to these frivolous and dishonest lawsuits. Let's see how long "Kari Lake-Trump" continues to pollute Arizona politics and make a mockery of her reputation. So thanks again for the smile Richard! And Happy New Year to you.
After what happened to Pence, she'd have to be a masochist to spend that much time campaigning with Trump, even if he planned to run to get attention (and money) and then drop out of the primaries for some manufactured reason as some people have speculated.. But after watching politics closely for the last seven plus years, I wouldn't bet against Trump running with anyone, including a trained seal, as his VP. Oh, wait. He already did that once.
Agree. I am going to sample another Substack author who knows the R players personally & the unstated rules of the game leaking facts ["factoids"] to "breaking news" outlets
(even when it is not really breaking news), deep dive Magazine authors & book authors which are all different "markets", different commodities in the "news business". Active market now.
Everyone I know who has got the latest booster has had much less reaction than with previous boosters. I had none at all. My wife (who had moderate reactions to prior boosters) got on a plane to Singapore about 8 hours after her booster with no problems whatsoever. I prefer Moderna for my patients, but Pfizer would be fine too. Best wishes 🙏
Same here; Moderna from the start. Also sick in bed with fever for 2-4 days with every injection. Then I hosted my pal Covid who arrived Thanksgiving day. But I lived ... because I got all those dang shots!
My partner and I have received the Pfizer with no problem. When we got our last and latest booster, we also received the Flu and pneumococcal vaccines. No problems for either of us, she is in mid 70s and I am heading into 80 in six months. Lots to be thankful for this year. I know with folks like you, Joyce we will make 2023 even better.
This fifth shot of Moderna had much less of a reaction than the first four for me! So wishing you good luck and positive thoughts you won’t feel a thing! Got mine last week.
Friends who worked at J&J recommended not waiting for it to reach the public and recommended Moderna due to the higher efficacy (they rightfully suspected).
I had no reaction to this booster either and I had been laid up for several days with the other two. So here’s hoping the same for you! Any chicken stories coming? Always love them! Here is wishing you and yours a tremendous 2023! Thank you as always for your insights. I look forward to them always!
I’m all Moderna and had no trouble with the BiValent booster though had flu like residual post vaccine hangover from both regular Moderna shots and boosters. This new one was much easier on me. Good luck with yours.
Let us know how you fare with the booster. I, too, have a kicky immune system. I had no problem with my first two Covid shots. The third shot kicked my butt literally. I had bad flulike symptoms for two days. Not fun, but in the realm of normal reactions. Ten days after the booster shot, I developed severe pain in my hip area. I had trouble walking for about 6 weeks. My doctor said she won't press me to get more shots. In July, i got Covid. Go figure! Good luck!
My 42 yr old very healthy (usually) son who got the 2nd Moderna booster 5 wks ago just got Covid for the 2nd time for Christmas 😡 So, get your boosters, but don’t forget your masks!!
I have had a 2 day strong reaction to all 5 of the Pfizer BioNTech mRNA vaccines that I have gotten including the bivalent one I had in September. My husband and high school daughter have had all 5 as well and had almost no reaction other than a sore arm to each of them.
I am writing to celebrate the kindness of friends. In spite of her valiant efforts to get home to Michigan for Christmas, our daughter was stranded in the Seattle airport, as her connecting flight had departed before her plane from Portland arrived (freezing rain/icing delay). So many flights were delayed and cancelled that the airport was overflowing with passengers needing help. She learned that the first available seat to Detroit was not until Dec. 31. She, and we, were upset with the idea of her spending Christmas Eve in the airport. Enter a friend she has known since middle school (and with whom she has maintained contact) who now lives in Seattle, and who was happy to take our daughter in, and include her in the extended family Christmas celebration. Of course, we all had hoped she would be able to come home, but we are ever so grateful for the friends who graciously and kindly took her in, and warmly included her. That is the spirit which makes us all human, and, in my opinion, makes us all decent and honorable citizens of this country. Indeed, we ARE "all in this together"!
Sherry, we had a similar story. My grandson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. In late October he started his first job after college in Chandler, AZ. He was very excited about coming home and being able to buy presents with his new salary. His flight on Thursday night was cancelled. Now he’s in Chandler, not knowing anybody. The mother of a friend of his (who used to live in Phoenix) contacted some of her friends. We had a zoom meeting Christmas morning and then my grandson had a brunch with one family and in the evening had a Christmas dinner with another family. These families had never met him but included him as if they had known him forever. There is a sad footnote. The elder son of the mother who coordinated this for my grandson was on a flight to Portland from Dallas, TX, on Thursday night that got an hour from Portland and was rerouted to San Francisco. Her son had to spend the next couple of days in the air terminal in San Francisco and just got home yesterday, Christmas day. They are having their Christmas today.
Kathleen, isn’t it so heart-warming when we get to experience our fellow humans demonstrating…well, humanity!? We need these reminders, when so much goes on around us that is inhumane….and seems to be amplified by all forms of media. Thank you for sharing your family’s story, and the story of the young man temporarily stuck in San Francisco. His original plans were clearly derailed, but it sounds like he was able to reach his family, safe and sound, by Christmas Day. A delayed blessing, but a blessing, all the same! Here’s to many blessings, as we all navigate 2023!
I had a significant reaction to my other boosters, but not much from the bivalent. It was very short lived. Kind of achy and tired for a few hours then ok. Hopefully yours will not be bad. But glad you are getting it. Is there a cruelty contest going on between Abbott and DeSatan?? They are beyond cruel and apparently running for number one nazi.
Funnily enough, I had a worse reaction to the bivalent than to the others, aftereffects I hadn't experienced before. But after 24 hours, it was over, and now I am very happy to have a boosted immune system for the winter!
Joyce, a reaction to the vaccine is a good thing. I wish I had a reaction...but my immune system is weak.
Thanks for being my lifeline through the worst administration we just endured. I sure hope that self-centered fake "leader" and his inner circle get the justice they deserve with long prison times! Your voice saves me from despair, thank you and MSNBC for hiring you as a consultant.
False equivalency is why I have come to despise CNN. My husband and I scrolled through the channel guide on Sling last night, looking for news, a documentary, anything not a Christmas movie, and my conclusion after viewing 100s of choices, is maybe this is who we are, a very shallow, not very smart or well-read populace whose aspirations are tiktok videos, and fast food, and cruel “Christian” values. Since my family is all in on Trump, and the fear, and the outrage, I believe I will go to my death fighting for democracy and social justice, writing postcards, and volunteering at the polling station. I have grandchildren, and they deserve a chance to live free. I’m not sure the spell of Trumpism will be broken. I thank God for Black women, as they have continued to save our country. I look forward to Ketanji Brown Jackson. She may be on the level of Ruth Badger Ginsberg. Happy New Year.
When we talk about community we are making visible the nested world we are embedded in. Everything we do is like a wave rippling out from Me to We ) Many ) All life ) Planet ) Universe. With this framework we can then see our role as serving these higher/larger worlds. The reverse comes back this same way, wave/ripples of nourishment. This is the reciprocal maintenance cycle supporting our existence at every level. Thank you Joyce. Your essay ripples out through this community ) states ) country ) earth. We are intellectually/emotionally fed ) respond by making better decisions ) care for each other... reciprocal maintenance made visible. Does this make sense to anyone else?
I'm a sociologist turned business owner. I've been working full time and more for 43 years now in the reuse business, which is a branch of recycling. I'm 82 and norwegian, mostly, with some welsh and who knows what else in my DNA. My pet peeve is liberals and progressives like me confusing conservative with reactionary in their political speech. The english language gives us a word for people who have no vision -- no platform -- but "owning the libs." That term is reactionary. Calling reactionaries conservatives is not only incorrect, it's harmful to the liberal cause. Conservatives like Liz Chaney and many others are fighting hard to take back the Republican Party from the reactionaries who have stolen its name and purged conservatives from its ranks. The battle is going on every day, increasingly, but the reactionaries are losing. Let's get behind the conservatives and help them win. Reactionaries hate conservatives; they call them RINOS and lots worse. Conservatives, meanwhile, think reactionaries are dangerous to democracy, and they are right. Use these terms correctly and you help split the Republican reactionaries from the conservatives, and you do it with a powerful weapon, truth. Finally, as a businessperson in my industry, I can tell you that we in the recycling business are both conservative and progressive at the same time. We're conservative because we end waste by conserving resources, and progressive because we create lots of meaningful work for all sorts of people.
Isn’t it true that right wingers like Abbott and DeSantis only score points with their base voters when they abuse asylum seekers, rather than expand their base? They have to also be losing American Latinx voters
I think they see it as keeping the border and immigration in the news, both to rev up their base and to distract from other things, like Trump's legal and ethical problems, Biden's successes, and the insanity in the House.
Since most right wing voters are locked in to their viewpoints anyway, why do they need constant feeding? I think the Abbott/DeSantis crowd are simply acting out their vengeful frustration, mostly because they’re not capable of leading and participating in real policy reform.
I’m not too sure of that, and I tend to resist statements that are "all about" anything. The base is being distracted from a spending bill? I think Biden has been successful, but they sure don't think so. And never will.
I think the distraction is not the bill per se, but that Biden is enjoying success in the public eye, and this success does not fit their narrative. Therefore, move the focus to border security where Biden is perceived to be weak.
I worked Christmas eve day, at a nursing home. The whole day was unusually quiet. at first I thought it was a serine quiet, but later I realized it was somber. I talked with a gentleman who told me he has no purpose. No value. He sits in a bed with rare visits from his busy family, wondering why he cant go home. Other younger residents have no family that visits. or writes. or calls. I was sad for all of them, and their situations that put them there. As staff we have our job description to do, and it is certainly busy. I am grateful for the quiet moments when I can listen for a few minutes. share a cookie dipped in coffee, with someone who has no teeth, sing a few bars of a song, and brighten a long lonely day for some of these sweeet sad people. We are truly, in this together! Thank you Ms Vance~
Abbott and his evil cohorts --struck me that nite they were like cruel King Herod trying to kill the children on Xmas Eve. That they did it at all; that they did it on the most frigid nite in decades; that they did it on a holiday eve knowing much support might be out of pocket; that they cloak themselves in Christianity and pull this is pretty much blasphemous and the opposite of everything Christmas Eve stands for--they’re the “there’s no room at the inn” rejectors of humanity. They proved nothing but how degenerate they’ve become.
It is no less meaning-filled than Kristallnacht of November 9, 1938, when things were done and glass was broken. That event could be minimized by the sympathetic uninvolved s a triviality. It was indelibly clear to the target people. Likewise, you are right, it is a desecration and blasphemous act. Any non-Christian student of Christian beliefs sees that mercy upon the helpless is dogmatic. Mercy was refuted in Nazi dogma; it has been progressively spurned in Republican moral tenets. Kristallnacht was the time that cruelty became in a flash popular Nazi doctrine. The Christmas Eve event should be considered such an attemp in America.
Let us remember, that Nazis claim to be Christians, Catholic & Protestants according to the documentary on Netflix, "Camp Confidential, Americas Secret Nazis. Misguided individuals are all over our world. We must teach the truth. Jesus came as a peace maker. Jesus loved all mankind. Jesus was a man of bronze like color with curly wool like hair, it is written. Why was Jesus true identity/recognition/identification/color stolen?
Throughout the millennia, he has remained a useful hostage. His captors put words in his mouth.
Last night I heard a comment that I resonated for me. “Don’t worry about putting Christ back in Christmas. Put Christ back in Christian.”. YES!!!!
Your choice of words is eloquent in the face of this revolting display of inhumanity when a loss for words is my state of mind. Physically I feel sick.
Yes the Holy Innocents!
Moving my 93 yo mom into an assisted living facility next week. These last couple of months of 2022 have been a beeotch. Still, much to be thankful for, including like minds. I hear your voice on tv/radio or read your emails and am able to better understand, and look at things from a much more ordered perspective. And those final words, "we're in this together", give me such hope. May you have a wonderful 2023 and may we see justice all around.
Ginger, power and strength to you as you settle your Mom into what will hopefully be a safer environment for her. We are all in this together!
wishing you and your mom as easy a transition as possible. glad we have this community.
Christmas came early in Arizona. The Judge hearing Kari Lakes 2 days of speculation ruled against her for, you guessed it, lack of compelling evidence. A Republican Judge, appointed by Governor Jan Brewer, the Judge clearly explained the claims, respectfully explained what the witnesses brought to the table, and then explained how none of it met the legal standard(s) for overthrowing an election. And he did it all in 10, easy to read pages. I love Judges who can do this, whether for, or against. You can read the Judge's ruling here. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23547225-lake-lawsuit-tossed
Lake says she's going to appeal it, but it's not clear the Judge left any options based on the two out of 10 claims she made.
If only these people would put their energy into a good and productive effort, instead of a quest for perverted power, just think of the things that could be accomplished for their constituents...and the country as a whole.
I keep thinking that about the money being spent in politics in general, but especially in pursuit of undermining democracy. If "Kanye.Elon.Musk" has any meaning for me, it is that we need to think hard about our policies that concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few very broken people.
Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis said 70+ years ago that we must choose between true representative government or corporate oligarchy ruled by wealth.
“We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both” — Louis D. Brandeis
Lord Acton reminded us that the capacity to accumulate power is certainly not an indicia of greatness, more the contrary. Republics flourish when power is broken up.
I wish the system could hold the fraudsters accountable and make them all pay for the entire process of their lie.
The idiots who sue don't expect to win. They do expect to lower the expectations of the followers so they all think the elections are corrupt. So, I expect the judges rejecting them but it doesn't help unbrainwash the brainwashed.
Your email about dangerous and pathetic Kari Lake brought an automatic smile to my face...and I already knew what the judge had ruled. It is so satisfying after more than seven years of lie upon lie by Republican fascists ruthlessly trying to rip apart our democracy, to witness our rule of law being applied rationally to these frivolous and dishonest lawsuits. Let's see how long "Kari Lake-Trump" continues to pollute Arizona politics and make a mockery of her reputation. So thanks again for the smile Richard! And Happy New Year to you.
Anyone besides me think Kari's histrionics are intended to convince Trump that she'd be his perfect choice for V.P.? Crazy like a fox.
After what happened to Pence, she'd have to be a masochist to spend that much time campaigning with Trump, even if he planned to run to get attention (and money) and then drop out of the primaries for some manufactured reason as some people have speculated.. But after watching politics closely for the last seven plus years, I wouldn't bet against Trump running with anyone, including a trained seal, as his VP. Oh, wait. He already did that once.
This is my first week as a true subscriber - I am honored to be in your circle, Joyce.
I so appreciate your tutorials on the legalize we committed citizens navigate thru in this embattled world of 45 et al.
My mornings begin with foaming chai, Heather Cox Richardson & you!
Best wishes for you in this coming year.
I'm honored to be in that good company! I also read Heather's newsletter and love a good cup of chai.
I include Robert Hubble in that morning routine.
I do too.
For any others who, like me, tried to locate this substack, the spelling is Robert Hubbell.
roberthubbell.substack.com .... next newsletter late on 12/26/22.
Agree. I am going to sample another Substack author who knows the R players personally & the unstated rules of the game leaking facts ["factoids"] to "breaking news" outlets
(even when it is not really breaking news), deep dive Magazine authors & book authors which are all different "markets", different commodities in the "news business". Active market now.
HCR the night before , then Joyce, then a deep dive ('a little bit of clarity') with Substack's Jay Kuo connects me very well.
Everyone I know who has got the latest booster has had much less reaction than with previous boosters. I had none at all. My wife (who had moderate reactions to prior boosters) got on a plane to Singapore about 8 hours after her booster with no problems whatsoever. I prefer Moderna for my patients, but Pfizer would be fine too. Best wishes 🙏
Fingers crossed & thank you for sharing that! I've been Moderna, all along.
Same here; Moderna from the start. Also sick in bed with fever for 2-4 days with every injection. Then I hosted my pal Covid who arrived Thanksgiving day. But I lived ... because I got all those dang shots!
My partner and I have received the Pfizer with no problem. When we got our last and latest booster, we also received the Flu and pneumococcal vaccines. No problems for either of us, she is in mid 70s and I am heading into 80 in six months. Lots to be thankful for this year. I know with folks like you, Joyce we will make 2023 even better.
This fifth shot of Moderna had much less of a reaction than the first four for me! So wishing you good luck and positive thoughts you won’t feel a thing! Got mine last week.
Friends who worked at J&J recommended not waiting for it to reach the public and recommended Moderna due to the higher efficacy (they rightfully suspected).
I had no reaction to this booster either and I had been laid up for several days with the other two. So here’s hoping the same for you! Any chicken stories coming? Always love them! Here is wishing you and yours a tremendous 2023! Thank you as always for your insights. I look forward to them always!
I’m all Moderna and had no trouble with the BiValent booster though had flu like residual post vaccine hangover from both regular Moderna shots and boosters. This new one was much easier on me. Good luck with yours.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment. Happy New Year.
Let us know how you fare with the booster. I, too, have a kicky immune system. I had no problem with my first two Covid shots. The third shot kicked my butt literally. I had bad flulike symptoms for two days. Not fun, but in the realm of normal reactions. Ten days after the booster shot, I developed severe pain in my hip area. I had trouble walking for about 6 weeks. My doctor said she won't press me to get more shots. In July, i got Covid. Go figure! Good luck!
My 42 yr old very healthy (usually) son who got the 2nd Moderna booster 5 wks ago just got Covid for the 2nd time for Christmas 😡 So, get your boosters, but don’t forget your masks!!
I got the Moderna bivalent in October. I had my strongest reaction to this one. I was sick
for a week. My grandson who is 15 did not have a strong reaction and he has long term Covid.
I'm in my mid 70's
Good luck. I started feel tired & achy about 8 hours in, but at least so far, not as bad as the earlier ones & im hoping it's over more quickly.
Yes I had fever, aches(sore arm) and tired for two days with mRNA shots. With the bivalent, nothing, not even sore at the injection site.
I have had a 2 day strong reaction to all 5 of the Pfizer BioNTech mRNA vaccines that I have gotten including the bivalent one I had in September. My husband and high school daughter have had all 5 as well and had almost no reaction other than a sore arm to each of them.
I am writing to celebrate the kindness of friends. In spite of her valiant efforts to get home to Michigan for Christmas, our daughter was stranded in the Seattle airport, as her connecting flight had departed before her plane from Portland arrived (freezing rain/icing delay). So many flights were delayed and cancelled that the airport was overflowing with passengers needing help. She learned that the first available seat to Detroit was not until Dec. 31. She, and we, were upset with the idea of her spending Christmas Eve in the airport. Enter a friend she has known since middle school (and with whom she has maintained contact) who now lives in Seattle, and who was happy to take our daughter in, and include her in the extended family Christmas celebration. Of course, we all had hoped she would be able to come home, but we are ever so grateful for the friends who graciously and kindly took her in, and warmly included her. That is the spirit which makes us all human, and, in my opinion, makes us all decent and honorable citizens of this country. Indeed, we ARE "all in this together"!
Sherry, we had a similar story. My grandson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. In late October he started his first job after college in Chandler, AZ. He was very excited about coming home and being able to buy presents with his new salary. His flight on Thursday night was cancelled. Now he’s in Chandler, not knowing anybody. The mother of a friend of his (who used to live in Phoenix) contacted some of her friends. We had a zoom meeting Christmas morning and then my grandson had a brunch with one family and in the evening had a Christmas dinner with another family. These families had never met him but included him as if they had known him forever. There is a sad footnote. The elder son of the mother who coordinated this for my grandson was on a flight to Portland from Dallas, TX, on Thursday night that got an hour from Portland and was rerouted to San Francisco. Her son had to spend the next couple of days in the air terminal in San Francisco and just got home yesterday, Christmas day. They are having their Christmas today.
Kathleen, isn’t it so heart-warming when we get to experience our fellow humans demonstrating…well, humanity!? We need these reminders, when so much goes on around us that is inhumane….and seems to be amplified by all forms of media. Thank you for sharing your family’s story, and the story of the young man temporarily stuck in San Francisco. His original plans were clearly derailed, but it sounds like he was able to reach his family, safe and sound, by Christmas Day. A delayed blessing, but a blessing, all the same! Here’s to many blessings, as we all navigate 2023!
What a wonderful holiday story. Glad for your daughter - and you - that these friends opened their hearts and home to her.
Keep up your excellent work Joyce. You’re a beacon of light in these dark times.
Thank you
I had a significant reaction to my other boosters, but not much from the bivalent. It was very short lived. Kind of achy and tired for a few hours then ok. Hopefully yours will not be bad. But glad you are getting it. Is there a cruelty contest going on between Abbott and DeSatan?? They are beyond cruel and apparently running for number one nazi.
They are in a race to the end of a bottomless pit, at some point the human cost of their depravity will catch up with them.
Funnily enough, I had a worse reaction to the bivalent than to the others, aftereffects I hadn't experienced before. But after 24 hours, it was over, and now I am very happy to have a boosted immune system for the winter!
Joyce, a reaction to the vaccine is a good thing. I wish I had a reaction...but my immune system is weak.
Thanks for being my lifeline through the worst administration we just endured. I sure hope that self-centered fake "leader" and his inner circle get the justice they deserve with long prison times! Your voice saves me from despair, thank you and MSNBC for hiring you as a consultant.
Thank you Joyce. It comforts me to know we’re in this together.
Me too.
Question: Why can't DeSantis and Abbott be indicted for human trafficking? If I or any 'civilian' did what they did, we would be prosecuted.
Yes! Hubby and I are saying this also!
False equivalency is why I have come to despise CNN. My husband and I scrolled through the channel guide on Sling last night, looking for news, a documentary, anything not a Christmas movie, and my conclusion after viewing 100s of choices, is maybe this is who we are, a very shallow, not very smart or well-read populace whose aspirations are tiktok videos, and fast food, and cruel “Christian” values. Since my family is all in on Trump, and the fear, and the outrage, I believe I will go to my death fighting for democracy and social justice, writing postcards, and volunteering at the polling station. I have grandchildren, and they deserve a chance to live free. I’m not sure the spell of Trumpism will be broken. I thank God for Black women, as they have continued to save our country. I look forward to Ketanji Brown Jackson. She may be on the level of Ruth Badger Ginsberg. Happy New Year.
When we talk about community we are making visible the nested world we are embedded in. Everything we do is like a wave rippling out from Me to We ) Many ) All life ) Planet ) Universe. With this framework we can then see our role as serving these higher/larger worlds. The reverse comes back this same way, wave/ripples of nourishment. This is the reciprocal maintenance cycle supporting our existence at every level. Thank you Joyce. Your essay ripples out through this community ) states ) country ) earth. We are intellectually/emotionally fed ) respond by making better decisions ) care for each other... reciprocal maintenance made visible. Does this make sense to anyone else?
I'm a sociologist turned business owner. I've been working full time and more for 43 years now in the reuse business, which is a branch of recycling. I'm 82 and norwegian, mostly, with some welsh and who knows what else in my DNA. My pet peeve is liberals and progressives like me confusing conservative with reactionary in their political speech. The english language gives us a word for people who have no vision -- no platform -- but "owning the libs." That term is reactionary. Calling reactionaries conservatives is not only incorrect, it's harmful to the liberal cause. Conservatives like Liz Chaney and many others are fighting hard to take back the Republican Party from the reactionaries who have stolen its name and purged conservatives from its ranks. The battle is going on every day, increasingly, but the reactionaries are losing. Let's get behind the conservatives and help them win. Reactionaries hate conservatives; they call them RINOS and lots worse. Conservatives, meanwhile, think reactionaries are dangerous to democracy, and they are right. Use these terms correctly and you help split the Republican reactionaries from the conservatives, and you do it with a powerful weapon, truth. Finally, as a businessperson in my industry, I can tell you that we in the recycling business are both conservative and progressive at the same time. We're conservative because we end waste by conserving resources, and progressive because we create lots of meaningful work for all sorts of people.
Well said!
Isn’t it true that right wingers like Abbott and DeSantis only score points with their base voters when they abuse asylum seekers, rather than expand their base? They have to also be losing American Latinx voters
I think they see it as keeping the border and immigration in the news, both to rev up their base and to distract from other things, like Trump's legal and ethical problems, Biden's successes, and the insanity in the House.
I see what you mean. But it’s more like a deflection than a distraction.
Since most right wing voters are locked in to their viewpoints anyway, why do they need constant feeding? I think the Abbott/DeSantis crowd are simply acting out their vengeful frustration, mostly because they’re not capable of leading and participating in real policy reform.
For them it’s all about creating chaos and confusion. Not an ounce of empathy in either of them.
It’s all about distraction, not trying to win anyone over. Distract from the apparent success of Biden and the spending bill
I’m not too sure of that, and I tend to resist statements that are "all about" anything. The base is being distracted from a spending bill? I think Biden has been successful, but they sure don't think so. And never will.
I think the distraction is not the bill per se, but that Biden is enjoying success in the public eye, and this success does not fit their narrative. Therefore, move the focus to border security where Biden is perceived to be weak.
I worked Christmas eve day, at a nursing home. The whole day was unusually quiet. at first I thought it was a serine quiet, but later I realized it was somber. I talked with a gentleman who told me he has no purpose. No value. He sits in a bed with rare visits from his busy family, wondering why he cant go home. Other younger residents have no family that visits. or writes. or calls. I was sad for all of them, and their situations that put them there. As staff we have our job description to do, and it is certainly busy. I am grateful for the quiet moments when I can listen for a few minutes. share a cookie dipped in coffee, with someone who has no teeth, sing a few bars of a song, and brighten a long lonely day for some of these sweeet sad people. We are truly, in this together! Thank you Ms Vance~