The pundits can say what they want about Jimmy Carter’s time in office, but I do not think you will find a better human being than him. RIP President Jimmy Carter.
Everyone should visit the Carter Center to see first hand what this great man has accomplished, interestingly, after his presidency. I've been honored to have known him personally and consider him to be one of my mentors. He hugely supported both of my books. He emulated Jesus Christ and I have pointed out to him that they shared the same initials. He is now and forever will be in his beloved Rosalynn's arms....
Though I did not know him personally, I served in his White House as a stenographer. It was an honor of a lifetime. What wonderful memories you must have about him, Sophia.
Wish I could remember more about my time there, Bryan. Though ours was not a political appointment, we lost the contract as soon as Reagan took office.
Yes and you can honor his life by protest and there will be a People’s March on Washington sponsored by the original Women’s March committee and it will take place on Jan 18 from 10 — 3 PM in Washington. There will be plenty of local marches and you can help organize one. It’s our time. May the gods in the universe give peace to President Jimmy Carter. There are but two images of presidents on the walls of my house: Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and an aged Jimmy Carter that I once wanted to get him to sign. The signature isn’t important. The image is.
The overseas press immediately and unanimously called him a great man. Even Australia's rightwing press did. Here, journalists focused on the gas lines and the hostages and other things he could not control. And nobody mentions that he was an American president who dropped no bombs. Our still current one is still giving bombs to a man who just set fire to a hospital....for contrast.
As a member of Democrats Abroad my regional leader shared a lovely letter that Carter wrote to Democrats Abroad as an Honorary Chair in 2014. He was a class act all the way to the end.
I lived in the DC area during Jimmy Carter’s administration and the Washington Post was blatantly negative to him with front page stories about things he said or did. Separating DHEW to make a department of education was a step forward whereas the incoming criminal administration wants to end it and the freedom to read and think along with it, Arkansas style, until we have an idiocracy in which lies are ignored.
The Washington Post sucks almost as much as its racist, sexist, spoiled, out-of-touch oligarchic owner does! May he blast off into space and not return!
It is possible to become so wealthy that you never have to be accountable for your worth as a human being. Elon will never know that Jimmy Carter was ten times the man he will ever become.
Elon has the gates and the burning flames of hell to look forward too..........In fact, rumour has it that Satan will be using the Musk-millions to expand Hades, that will be overflowing with false prophet...demonic Trumptard racist fake-christian nationalists.....burn baby burn maggot filth!!!
Trump has taken the side of Elon & Vivek on his favored immigration pathway because for decades Wreck has run his hotels & golf courses on H-2B Visas. Musk needs H-1B's & Wreck needs H-2B's.
Wreck is possibly the biggest abuser of this immigration pathway because of his rapacious business needs for cheap housekeepers & cooks.
On Musk's direct threats of "war ... the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend" are reportable to the Unites States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. That Division is inside the 'Patrick Henry Building' in DC no less! Musk's over staying his original entry into the United Staes is also reportable.
I will not tolerate threats of "war" the likes I "cannot comprehend".
Musk needs those visas because he can hold employees hostages that need their jobs to keep their visas. His remark about starting his businesses in the country because of the availability of beholden workers isn’t much different than advocating for slavery. Now he’s building company towns in Texas where he’ll keep those workers paying out the last penny to his housing, stores and everything else. We all know how that went in the last century.
Why not operate his businesses in the country where those workers are from? Will their government not give him billions in contracts? Will the workers be able to leave and go to other jobs?
Substack, you, Thom Hartman, Asha Rangappa, Robert Reich, Heather Cox Richardson, EJ Dionne are my only news. I have given up on "reliable" mainstream news as they are now beholden to turning a profit, which forces them to only report the days "shiny object", and report it over and over till the next distraction.
As troublesome as it is, the corporate media sometimes has articles worth reading.
In general, I avoid their articles that comment on the Biden administration, the Harris/Walz campaign, or Donald Trump. Or Donald Trump's policies (and likely policies). I strongly dislike "sane-washing." Make me feel distrustful. (Better to be *wary* and to sharpen my critical reading skills.)
What I do is follow the fine writers you mention -- writers in the reality-based world -- as well as several others like Robert Hubbell and Tim Snyder -- and when they cite corporate media I will often read those articles. With a fine awareness of likely bias!!
And, I still admire some commentators on MSNBC, primarily Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell.
Finally... I am focusing my thoughts on my own state politics and policies. Luckily, I live in NY, a largely democratic state, and its flaws give me plenty of work to do lobbying and writing LTEs and communicating with thoughtful, pro-democracy citizens.
The Front Page (https://kentingley.substack.com) is a trail-blazing substack newsletter for local/regional issues in and around Glens Falls, NY (run by Ken Tingley and Will Doolittle, editors retired from the Glens Falls Post-Star.
Here's the issue generating questions that folks would like to ask Dan Stec, who recently announced he would seek the Republican nomination to replace Elise Stefanik as Congressperson for CD-21:
It really is such a great place to read and hear truthful, competent news people - journalism has taken a dump currently (except for the ones we already mentioned).
I remember the days of early television when the news departments were NOT profit centers. The news was considered a responsibility of the networks for the good of the community...in a democracy! I miss Walter Cronkite et al. I've turned off the network and cable news, except for BBC. News is not entertainment!!!
It is a shame that the media is treating Trump and his sycophants as if he were already in office. WaPo had pictures of him and his barely there consort (Melania not Elon) making phone calls to the troops on Xmas Day. So very cringey. At least we will see what still defines decency when Joe Biden delivers the eulogy for Jimmy Carter. RIP President Carter, you were a fine, fine man.
That was obvious, except for the first part, which CBS News showed in its entirety. His post began: "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History." Always the narcissist, making _everything_ about himself, complete with his usual random capitalizations.
They can talk dirty all that they want, what really matters here is that two MAGA factions are at each other's throats. I have been praying since 2016 that the GOP self-implodes and it's finally happening....
Also, I'm hoping they really massively overstep for the next year and show their lower income MAGAs who they really are. That would put us in an excellent position to make history and take back both houses in 2026. I'm banking on trump, musk, vivek to get too far ahead of their own MAGA voters. Once they see that they're losing healthcare, workplace safety regs, consumer protection, etc. while they see increased prices at the pump and grocery stores and much less freedom in general. They certainly won't see significant tax decreases. Let trump get all this done quickly! This may be the only way to disengage his working class base from his billionaire policies.
I agree. It amazes me how crude members of our government have become. I was shocked by Musk's outrageous post which only confirms for the public how low class and out of control he can be. Money won't buy him respect, although I suspect he doesn't much care. It bought him the upcoming POTUS who is as bad.
I agree with you, Stephanie, about the coarse language becoming more prevalent and agree it's an indication of lack of control and self-respect. They think the f-bomb is a red dashboard light that when you use it, it tells the object of your ire that they need to fight or fly. I'm getting so tired of seeing and hearing it everywhere.
These are the people who are hell-bent on banning books because they're concerned about children being exposed to inappropriate content? First of all, children (which is defined as people under the age of 18) rarely go to the library or a bookstore, especially if they don't live near them or if their parents have never frequented those places. Second, most children are either on their electronic devices or watching TV where they can access as much porn, inappropriate or suggestive content, or violence as they want. They can't be bothered to read books. Once again, this is the Radical Right using on more ploy to take control of everything.
I hope, hope, hope that Donald Trump is not involved in President Carter’s funeral in any way, and is not included. Trump (as always) will make it about himself and disrupt any respectful and dignified proceedings. Melania won’t attend because she has no idea who Jimmy Carter is, and it’s probably too boring for her. I wish Trump would stay away, Jimmy Carter deserves better. I’m sure it broke his heart to hear that Trump won the election. Luckily for him, he’s in a better place and doesn’t have to witness a President who is bent on destroying everything President Carter stood for and believed in. RIP President Carter, thank you for all you have done for us.
I was thinking about this same thing. I really would love for trump and his entourage to find a catastrophe to busy themselves with that day but trump loves making people kowtow to him by going places he knows he's personally not wanted at and watching people having to accept his presence because they don't want to cause a scene at a funeral. Melania went to Mrs. Carter's funeral last November and it was sooo clear that they really didn't like her. The other First Ladies were "politely tolerant" of her. She also didn't wear black, she wore gray. Maybe her olive green jacket that says "I don't really care, do u" was in the laundry that day and the gray she decided to wear was the best disrespect she could display.
Melania attended Roslyn’s funeral while DonOLD made snide remarks about Jimmy on Truth Social. It struck me as odd that she showed up when she shunned so many, including Jill Biden and Michelle Obama.
I’m sure Jimmy said prayers for our country when Trump won. He was a good man through and through and probably never wished ill on anyone his entire life. Besides my mom, he was one of the shining examples of real Christianity.
If Trump does NOT go after the media, we'll know that they've shown enough "anticipatory obedience" that he doesn't feel the need to constrain them. That will be a far worse thing to happen than anything Trump can do. Do not accede to the Bully. Never.
I do not understand these book banners. If you don't want your children reading particular books, are you asking them what books they have gotten out of the library? Are you discussing their books, and their classwork, and their friends, at the dinner table? And maybe I don't think kids should read werewolf stories, but why should I push that out on everyone? I thought such such people did not want others telling them what to do.
And RIP President Carter. May we follow your example. And I am sort of glad you passed before DJT is back in office. He whined so much about John McCain's funeral.
I remember reading that he wanted to be able to vote in the election - for Harris, I believe! Maybe he felt he had done what he could and he could move on to a better place - with Roslyn.
Christine, those people don't want anyone telling them what to do. Them telling us what to do is what they believe is right. They have no clue that they are doing what to others what they don't want done to them.
They don’t want anyone’s children reading those books. It’s the same as not teaching sex education properly but insisting on abstinence. They don’t need tools to explore, feel and learn. But adults can’t explain facts of life to their own children for fear of letting them know these things are out there.
My mom’s words to me 50 years ago, “If you’re going to DO IT use protection.” What was I going to do? It was so effective I was pregnant at 16. I took my daughter to the store and showed my daughter condom options, took her to the doctor for birth control and always had frank discussions.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is all worried about what books are being put in front of children…what about all the criminals being paraded about from the felon-elect’s nominations. They and their lack of credentials are more “in the face” than books on a shelf! Oh pleeeease!!!
Jimmy Carter was and will remain the most decent, patriotic and remarkable human being to have served the United States so nobly, particularly in giving his assistance to those in great need of help in living life with dignity.
Regarding Trump and TikTok, do you think his flip flop has to do with one of his RepubiCON billionaire donor’s heavily invested interest in TikTok? The rot is through and through.
donthecon has no interest in being president. He wanted to be free of punishment for his crimes and to be really really rich. Mission accomplished. The adulation from the media is just a bonus for him. 🎃😕💩🤮
As I mention elsewhere here, he seems to have changed his tune about TikTok after a meeting with a hedge fund manager who has a $30bn investment in TikTok's parent company. Nothing to see here...of course.
I don't think trump has the energy, will, or stamina to be president. Business owner/opportunist/parasite, elon, is seeing that. He's staying on, whether welcomed or not, to protect his business interests and feels entitled to run the country in his own self interest - like trump did in 2016-2020. They're going to really mess up - I was shocked that Congress actually passed the funding bill ignoring trump's direct order to get rid of the debt ceiling. I hope they keep ignoring him! This'll be interesting to see...
Very happy to be a paid subscriber. This newsletter and a few others here on Substack has truly helped me cope with the past 6 months. I feel informed, energized, and while not seeing everything through rose colored glasses, I am certainly taking steps in the reality we have, not the one for which I wish. Thank you Joyce for all you do for your community! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Joyce. And hurrah for Arkansas. Wow, I never thought I would say that during these turbulent times. We continue to need to find ways, in and outside of the classrooms, to educate citizens on US and World history. Thank you for your tremendous work. (And RIP, President Carter.)
Thank you Joyce for your straightforward writing. It is not always an easy read, but is necessary to stay informed. There are still days that it is all too much and feels like a firehose of information that is unbearable to read in the moment. But I know that you can be trusted and I am grateful knowing that you are on our side and will be there as we help each other get through the next four years. I look forward to your #Sisters-in Law podcast every Saturday while at the gym. It sustains me.
I was also very saddened by President Carter’s passing today. May his memory be for a blessing and may he rest in peace.
The contrast couldn't be more stark. A man who gave of himself and one who gives only to himself. A man of a deep faith dedicated to the service of others, and a religious zealotry which seeks only that others serve it.
The pundits can say what they want about Jimmy Carter’s time in office, but I do not think you will find a better human being than him. RIP President Jimmy Carter.
Everyone should visit the Carter Center to see first hand what this great man has accomplished, interestingly, after his presidency. I've been honored to have known him personally and consider him to be one of my mentors. He hugely supported both of my books. He emulated Jesus Christ and I have pointed out to him that they shared the same initials. He is now and forever will be in his beloved Rosalynn's arms....
Though I did not know him personally, I served in his White House as a stenographer. It was an honor of a lifetime. What wonderful memories you must have about him, Sophia.
You did?? My goodness, Lynell! Will wonders ever cease!
It seems like a lifetime ago, Marlene; I guess because it is!
That is more than an honor Lynell ... literally a pen ✍🏻on history!
Wish I could remember more about my time there, Bryan. Though ours was not a political appointment, we lost the contract as soon as Reagan took office.
Reagan never said anything original enough or interesting enough to be memorialized.
Wow, Lynell!
Yes and you can honor his life by protest and there will be a People’s March on Washington sponsored by the original Women’s March committee and it will take place on Jan 18 from 10 — 3 PM in Washington. There will be plenty of local marches and you can help organize one. It’s our time. May the gods in the universe give peace to President Jimmy Carter. There are but two images of presidents on the walls of my house: Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and an aged Jimmy Carter that I once wanted to get him to sign. The signature isn’t important. The image is.
The overseas press immediately and unanimously called him a great man. Even Australia's rightwing press did. Here, journalists focused on the gas lines and the hostages and other things he could not control. And nobody mentions that he was an American president who dropped no bombs. Our still current one is still giving bombs to a man who just set fire to a hospital....for contrast.
As a member of Democrats Abroad my regional leader shared a lovely letter that Carter wrote to Democrats Abroad as an Honorary Chair in 2014. He was a class act all the way to the end.
Yes he was, and I hold out hope there will be more like him in our country's future.
I lived in the DC area during Jimmy Carter’s administration and the Washington Post was blatantly negative to him with front page stories about things he said or did. Separating DHEW to make a department of education was a step forward whereas the incoming criminal administration wants to end it and the freedom to read and think along with it, Arkansas style, until we have an idiocracy in which lies are ignored.
The Washington Post sucks almost as much as its racist, sexist, spoiled, out-of-touch oligarchic owner does! May he blast off into space and not return!
It is possible to become so wealthy that you never have to be accountable for your worth as a human being. Elon will never know that Jimmy Carter was ten times the man he will ever become.
Jimmy Carter gets the keys to heaven…Elon can keep his keys to Tesla.
Elon has the gates and the burning flames of hell to look forward too..........In fact, rumour has it that Satan will be using the Musk-millions to expand Hades, that will be overflowing with false prophet...demonic Trumptard racist fake-christian nationalists.....burn baby burn maggot filth!!!
Decaf may be a good idea for awhile.
Need a laugh emoji here. Thanks, just starting cup one.
Which is self-driving and takes him where he doesn’t want to go!
Yeah, I saw a Tesla today limp into a gas station 🤣 I guess the self driving feature is really buggy…
Love this.
Especially the Tesla ""truck"! There's a winner if there ever was one - at least appearance wise.
Yeah, you can’t shine a turd!
Have seen several of these "Tesla trucks" here in Arizona. They are the ugliest, most dangerous looking vehicles I've ever seen!
And hopefully he will burn up in that flawed Tesla.
Trump has taken the side of Elon & Vivek on his favored immigration pathway because for decades Wreck has run his hotels & golf courses on H-2B Visas. Musk needs H-1B's & Wreck needs H-2B's.
Wreck is possibly the biggest abuser of this immigration pathway because of his rapacious business needs for cheap housekeepers & cooks.
On Musk's direct threats of "war ... the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend" are reportable to the Unites States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. That Division is inside the 'Patrick Henry Building' in DC no less! Musk's over staying his original entry into the United Staes is also reportable.
I will not tolerate threats of "war" the likes I "cannot comprehend".
Musk needs those visas because he can hold employees hostages that need their jobs to keep their visas. His remark about starting his businesses in the country because of the availability of beholden workers isn’t much different than advocating for slavery. Now he’s building company towns in Texas where he’ll keep those workers paying out the last penny to his housing, stores and everything else. We all know how that went in the last century.
Why not operate his businesses in the country where those workers are from? Will their government not give him billions in contracts? Will the workers be able to leave and go to other jobs?
"It is possible to become so wealthy that you never have to be accountable for your worth as a human being."
Bibilically, NO!
But practically - in the here and now? Look at our incoming WH occupant & his cult.
Only ten times? IMO there is absolutely no comparison between the two.
At least.
Yes. At least.
Perfect... thank you
Substack, you, Thom Hartman, Asha Rangappa, Robert Reich, Heather Cox Richardson, EJ Dionne are my only news. I have given up on "reliable" mainstream news as they are now beholden to turning a profit, which forces them to only report the days "shiny object", and report it over and over till the next distraction.
Thank you for all you do.
As troublesome as it is, the corporate media sometimes has articles worth reading.
In general, I avoid their articles that comment on the Biden administration, the Harris/Walz campaign, or Donald Trump. Or Donald Trump's policies (and likely policies). I strongly dislike "sane-washing." Make me feel distrustful. (Better to be *wary* and to sharpen my critical reading skills.)
What I do is follow the fine writers you mention -- writers in the reality-based world -- as well as several others like Robert Hubbell and Tim Snyder -- and when they cite corporate media I will often read those articles. With a fine awareness of likely bias!!
And, I still admire some commentators on MSNBC, primarily Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell.
Finally... I am focusing my thoughts on my own state politics and policies. Luckily, I live in NY, a largely democratic state, and its flaws give me plenty of work to do lobbying and writing LTEs and communicating with thoughtful, pro-democracy citizens.
Jennifer Rubin of WaPo has been a lonely voice calling out the legacy media for some time now.
Also The Front Page!
The Front Page (https://kentingley.substack.com) is a trail-blazing substack newsletter for local/regional issues in and around Glens Falls, NY (run by Ken Tingley and Will Doolittle, editors retired from the Glens Falls Post-Star.
Here's the issue generating questions that folks would like to ask Dan Stec, who recently announced he would seek the Republican nomination to replace Elise Stefanik as Congressperson for CD-21:
https://kentingley.substack.com/p/please-dan-dont-let-us-down-like
It really is such a great place to read and hear truthful, competent news people - journalism has taken a dump currently (except for the ones we already mentioned).
I really enjoy reading Harry Litman's substack too
Jay Kuo, too!
Joyce Vance too.
How did I forget Joyce Vance? Excellent!!
AND Popular Information!
Also of course, Jeff Teidrich
I also read Robert Hubbell’s newsletter!
I love Hubbell's newsletter. So measured.
May I add Robert Hubble to that list of reliable sources?!!!!
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Timothy Snyder - both experts on autocracy/fascism/dictators
Only so much time in the day! Thanks though🤪
And, look, here you are communicating purposefully with other thoughtful people.
Not bad!
Stephanie Miller has been the progressive radio voice for a long time....start your mornings with her........free-speech TV
I remember the days of early television when the news departments were NOT profit centers. The news was considered a responsibility of the networks for the good of the community...in a democracy! I miss Walter Cronkite et al. I've turned off the network and cable news, except for BBC. News is not entertainment!!!
It is a shame that the media is treating Trump and his sycophants as if he were already in office. WaPo had pictures of him and his barely there consort (Melania not Elon) making phone calls to the troops on Xmas Day. So very cringey. At least we will see what still defines decency when Joe Biden delivers the eulogy for Jimmy Carter. RIP President Carter, you were a fine, fine man.
One decent man delivering the eulogy for an equally decent and kind human being, is a vision I will always remember, Marcia.
And you know t’s tribute was not written by him. Too well written.
That was obvious, except for the first part, which CBS News showed in its entirety. His post began: "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History." Always the narcissist, making _everything_ about himself, complete with his usual random capitalizations.
Yes.
She's actually his handler for Putin, who pulls his puppet strings.
I am always struck by how coarse our country's dialogue has become. It's as if Muck and Loomer think they're on The Apprentice (they're not).
Such obscene and profane language starkly illustrates their lack of self-control as well as self-respect.
If they were students in my class they would both be staying after school for a conference.
They can talk dirty all that they want, what really matters here is that two MAGA factions are at each other's throats. I have been praying since 2016 that the GOP self-implodes and it's finally happening....
Also, I'm hoping they really massively overstep for the next year and show their lower income MAGAs who they really are. That would put us in an excellent position to make history and take back both houses in 2026. I'm banking on trump, musk, vivek to get too far ahead of their own MAGA voters. Once they see that they're losing healthcare, workplace safety regs, consumer protection, etc. while they see increased prices at the pump and grocery stores and much less freedom in general. They certainly won't see significant tax decreases. Let trump get all this done quickly! This may be the only way to disengage his working class base from his billionaire policies.
I agree. It amazes me how crude members of our government have become. I was shocked by Musk's outrageous post which only confirms for the public how low class and out of control he can be. Money won't buy him respect, although I suspect he doesn't much care. It bought him the upcoming POTUS who is as bad.
Oh but wait…they profess to be Christians, right?
christians are violent
It used to be called a "lack of vocabulary" - an understatement!
I really can’t stand that kind of discourse either. Trump really opened these floodgates!
And their lack of class.
I agree with you, Stephanie, about the coarse language becoming more prevalent and agree it's an indication of lack of control and self-respect. They think the f-bomb is a red dashboard light that when you use it, it tells the object of your ire that they need to fight or fly. I'm getting so tired of seeing and hearing it everywhere.
These are the people who are hell-bent on banning books because they're concerned about children being exposed to inappropriate content? First of all, children (which is defined as people under the age of 18) rarely go to the library or a bookstore, especially if they don't live near them or if their parents have never frequented those places. Second, most children are either on their electronic devices or watching TV where they can access as much porn, inappropriate or suggestive content, or violence as they want. They can't be bothered to read books. Once again, this is the Radical Right using on more ploy to take control of everything.
Exactly. Parents want to ban books but give their kids a cell phone. Utterly disingenuous.
I hope, hope, hope that Donald Trump is not involved in President Carter’s funeral in any way, and is not included. Trump (as always) will make it about himself and disrupt any respectful and dignified proceedings. Melania won’t attend because she has no idea who Jimmy Carter is, and it’s probably too boring for her. I wish Trump would stay away, Jimmy Carter deserves better. I’m sure it broke his heart to hear that Trump won the election. Luckily for him, he’s in a better place and doesn’t have to witness a President who is bent on destroying everything President Carter stood for and believed in. RIP President Carter, thank you for all you have done for us.
I dunno --- Carter's funeral will be a major publicity event... do you really think Chump and Melodrama will pass that up?
I was thinking about this same thing. I really would love for trump and his entourage to find a catastrophe to busy themselves with that day but trump loves making people kowtow to him by going places he knows he's personally not wanted at and watching people having to accept his presence because they don't want to cause a scene at a funeral. Melania went to Mrs. Carter's funeral last November and it was sooo clear that they really didn't like her. The other First Ladies were "politely tolerant" of her. She also didn't wear black, she wore gray. Maybe her olive green jacket that says "I don't really care, do u" was in the laundry that day and the gray she decided to wear was the best disrespect she could display.
Melania attended Roslyn’s funeral while DonOLD made snide remarks about Jimmy on Truth Social. It struck me as odd that she showed up when she shunned so many, including Jill Biden and Michelle Obama.
I’m sure Jimmy said prayers for our country when Trump won. He was a good man through and through and probably never wished ill on anyone his entire life. Besides my mom, he was one of the shining examples of real Christianity.
My thoughts, too!
If Trump does NOT go after the media, we'll know that they've shown enough "anticipatory obedience" that he doesn't feel the need to constrain them. That will be a far worse thing to happen than anything Trump can do. Do not accede to the Bully. Never.
Never.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
--- Emily Dickinson, "If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking"
I do not understand these book banners. If you don't want your children reading particular books, are you asking them what books they have gotten out of the library? Are you discussing their books, and their classwork, and their friends, at the dinner table? And maybe I don't think kids should read werewolf stories, but why should I push that out on everyone? I thought such such people did not want others telling them what to do.
And RIP President Carter. May we follow your example. And I am sort of glad you passed before DJT is back in office. He whined so much about John McCain's funeral.
I feel the same way about the passing of President Carter. I didn’t want him to have to deal with any of the chaos that has already begun.
I remember reading that he wanted to be able to vote in the election - for Harris, I believe! Maybe he felt he had done what he could and he could move on to a better place - with Roslyn.
Christine, those people don't want anyone telling them what to do. Them telling us what to do is what they believe is right. They have no clue that they are doing what to others what they don't want done to them.
They don’t want anyone’s children reading those books. It’s the same as not teaching sex education properly but insisting on abstinence. They don’t need tools to explore, feel and learn. But adults can’t explain facts of life to their own children for fear of letting them know these things are out there.
My mom’s words to me 50 years ago, “If you’re going to DO IT use protection.” What was I going to do? It was so effective I was pregnant at 16. I took my daughter to the store and showed my daughter condom options, took her to the doctor for birth control and always had frank discussions.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is all worried about what books are being put in front of children…what about all the criminals being paraded about from the felon-elect’s nominations. They and their lack of credentials are more “in the face” than books on a shelf! Oh pleeeease!!!
Jimmy Carter was and will remain the most decent, patriotic and remarkable human being to have served the United States so nobly, particularly in giving his assistance to those in great need of help in living life with dignity.
"...served the United States so nobly." Just perfect, Mary.
Beautifully said, Mary.
"Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.''
― Isaac Asimov
Regarding Trump and TikTok, do you think his flip flop has to do with one of his RepubiCON billionaire donor’s heavily invested interest in TikTok? The rot is through and through.
Of course it does! It’s all about money for Trump. He has no integrity.
donthecon has no interest in being president. He wanted to be free of punishment for his crimes and to be really really rich. Mission accomplished. The adulation from the media is just a bonus for him. 🎃😕💩🤮
I think you're right.
As I mention elsewhere here, he seems to have changed his tune about TikTok after a meeting with a hedge fund manager who has a $30bn investment in TikTok's parent company. Nothing to see here...of course.
I don't think trump has the energy, will, or stamina to be president. Business owner/opportunist/parasite, elon, is seeing that. He's staying on, whether welcomed or not, to protect his business interests and feels entitled to run the country in his own self interest - like trump did in 2016-2020. They're going to really mess up - I was shocked that Congress actually passed the funding bill ignoring trump's direct order to get rid of the debt ceiling. I hope they keep ignoring him! This'll be interesting to see...
Very happy to be a paid subscriber. This newsletter and a few others here on Substack has truly helped me cope with the past 6 months. I feel informed, energized, and while not seeing everything through rose colored glasses, I am certainly taking steps in the reality we have, not the one for which I wish. Thank you Joyce for all you do for your community! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Joyce. And hurrah for Arkansas. Wow, I never thought I would say that during these turbulent times. We continue to need to find ways, in and outside of the classrooms, to educate citizens on US and World history. Thank you for your tremendous work. (And RIP, President Carter.)
Thank you Joyce for your straightforward writing. It is not always an easy read, but is necessary to stay informed. There are still days that it is all too much and feels like a firehose of information that is unbearable to read in the moment. But I know that you can be trusted and I am grateful knowing that you are on our side and will be there as we help each other get through the next four years. I look forward to your #Sisters-in Law podcast every Saturday while at the gym. It sustains me.
I was also very saddened by President Carter’s passing today. May his memory be for a blessing and may he rest in peace.
The contrast couldn't be more stark. A man who gave of himself and one who gives only to himself. A man of a deep faith dedicated to the service of others, and a religious zealotry which seeks only that others serve it.