I'm the Democratic Candidate running against Elise Stefanik in NY-21. I loved this line that you wrote, and might revise it to suit my own voice from time-to-time as I speak to voters: "I prefer a political party that permits dissent and debate—the proverbial big tent—over one where disagreement with the dear leader leads to marginalization and forced expulsion."
Thank you, Kathi. Please spread the word. I got into the race late -- just before petitioning. This is not a campaign, it's a calling. No other viable candidate was willing to run against Stefanik. I don't have the financial support of the parties (NYS Dems or DCCC) or the PACs. I desperately need to boost fundraising. But hear me out -- this race is NOT un-winnable. Stefanik is vulnerable because the voters elected a moderate and she has morphed into an Ultra MAGA. I'm on Substack, Facebook, X, and I have a website. Again -- please help spread the word. We're Democrats. We can do hard things.
Best of luck! Her doublespeak is truly scary. I can't imagine the impact if someone like her or DeSantis were to gain the Presidency, like tRump only competent.
Paula, I am sending you my very best wishes for a successful race against Stefanik. She has become a nightmare and I hope that the New Yorkers she represents see through her insanity.
Best wishes from the red state of Indiana where we're fighting like he'll to keep MAGA Sen Mike Braun from becoming our next governor!! I just donated, let's go!!! 💙
Best wishes from the redder state of OK. I wish more candidates would connect with their supports this way rather than the incessant texts. I just delete them. More candidates need to reach to those outside their voters. Some of us have no voice in our states.
Paula, this is the first I have heard of you and hope you will check out Ken Tingley, former editor of the Post Star in Glens Falls, NY. He now has a substack called Morning Page that many people read and has written many articles regarding Elise Stefanik and her rise in the GOP as well as about her deception and betrayal to her constituents. He can help you make those connections. Thus far, Elise has been unbeatable given the sway she has on her supporters here in the Adirondacks along with the millions of dollars donated by big donors, such as NRA, Trump, and other MAGA donors. A poster on this page , Ruth Sheets, has some fantastic suggestions on how to reach the voters in this region. You must get out, do town halls, knock on doors, get ads out, and support from well known and respected figures in this region. Donating to your campaign. If you need help with postcards, we are here for you. Praying that Elise who has betrayed her oath of office and constituents will lose to a person of integrity.
I live in the Adirondacks! Long Lake! Glad to hear you are familiar with Ken’s page. Do you have post cards we can send out on your behalf? Also, please come up to the mountain communities, mostly conservative Republicans here but it’s worth visiting!
Personally, I would like to know why you think that is. Why did she get voted in multiple times? It isn't just New York. We seem to do it all over the country. Has to be a reason. I made a post way down the comments that express my personal thoughts, but would love to see what your view is as a candidate for public office.
As I live in NY-21 I can tell you, Jim. I am surrounded, in this blue state, by many Republicans who have also fallen for the Trump lies. Democrats and Independents are sorely outnumbered here. The only Democrat we have elected to the House since I have lived here was Bill Owens, who was moderate and extremely competent, and he retired early because he felt he could do more good for the country in the private sector. He occasionally contributes a wise, well-articulated essay which is broadcast on Northeast Public Radio, WAMC Albany.
She is NOT a “New Yorker”—Stefanik represents an entirely different subculture—in northern, upstate NY. It’s as different from New Yorkers (NYC, Long Island) as New England is from the Old South.
Thank you, Paula, for your post. You just earned my contribution toward your campaign. I'm sure others will join me. Here's the link to make a contribution:
Thank you, Paula, and I wish you well in the coming election. We desperately need intelligent people like you in the House of Representatives instead of the head-bobbers who look to their demented orange blob before they say anything.
Stefanik knows better. She's a Harvard grad. But up in NY-21, she realized that going to Harvard wasn't necessarily a winning credential. She also observed that, starting in 2015, "Lock her Up" was a winner. So.... she sold her soul to the devil in pursuit of personal glory. And, as the number 3 House Republican, one must admit she has succeeded. But I wonder how she squares supporting a thrice married, multiple philandering, continualy lying and exaggerating, convicted felon and friend of dictators with her own upbringing?
E Sonoma, how true. We have been learning a lot about some of the folks who come from those "elite" institutions and how they have turned into predators hunting the American prey, the vulnerable, people from diverse backgrounds or beliefs all to gain power and money. One has to wonder what is going on in those places either in the selection process or in the education process that is producing so many appalling human beings. There are also some really great folks that have come from those institutions, but far too many of the other.
Swbv, what I have discovered over the past 15 years or so, one's moral compass is often allowed to be warped by the magnetism of power and money. Many people are nearly immune to the pull of them, but others are drawn almost immediately. Stefanik is not the only one; there is also Sinema of AZ and many of Trump's sycophants. Most of them are warped from the cradle, but others got drawn in. I saw that when I used to "run into" Tea Party members. Many were educated and claimed to love our country, but the things they were proposing were exactly opposite of what one would have expected a "patriot" to stand for. Maybe Paula can talk about that moral compass aspect with her potential constituents and how Stefanik is no longer the person they voted for originally and that they need to refocus on someone who does care about them and want to work for them not against them as Stefanik is doing, someone whose moral compass is pointing to doing what is right for the people of New York and her district.
Ruth, your description of Tea Party members immediately conjured up an image of Ted Cruz, who has always been on a destructive path, ever since he was elected senator. I'm hoping that Texas can finally get rid of him and elect Colin Allred, who is a civil rights attorney and good man. That said, all I have to do is look at who we Texans (not me) keep electing as governor, and I'm not sure Allred will be successful, despite all the awful things Cruz has done.
Susan, I do feel bad for Texas. In its need to prove it is bigger and badder than anyone else, it has elected some pretty horrible folks, Cruz only one of them. When pundits want to point to something appalling someone has done, alas, they often point to Texas. How in heaven's name could anyone have voted for Greg Abbott? When the word "appalling" is in the dictionary, his picture is right there. Is it a pity vote because of his disability? What about having people accused of corruption in office with charges dropped, conveniently? I hope Cruz loses, but it seems it doesn't matter what certain elected officials do: Cruz leaving people to freeze during a blizzard or Abbott going to Asia as a hurricane is about to hit, it doesn't seem to matter. Their indifference to others' suffering is astounding yet people still cling to them in their awfulness. I am sorry for those in Texas, like you, who still think and care. I wish there were a means of rescue, but I don't know what that would be. Hay, soon we may all need rescuing if Trump and Kump win this upcoming election.
Ruth, I didn't know about the trip to Asia, but it figures. I have a neighbor who is friendly, but who always has Abbott signs at election time. I have concluded from all my experiences with her is that she is two-faced, and I'm always glad when I walk by her house when she isn't outside. The weird thing is that she is a teacher, so I would tend to expect better of her, expect her to want people in office who care about children. Fortunately, the MAGAts are in a distinct minority where I live.
Although this philosophy won out in Russia and Hungary and Germany back in the 1930s, I had lived under the illusion that not falling into this abyss was one reason for our 240 year success
Patricia, that is probably true which is why when it happens, we need to get those folks out of office as quickly as possible and vote in someone who has not become addicted to power and/or money, and it is an addiction more powerful than any drug and more destructive because it harms more than just one person or family. We have a lot of people right now who are addicted, many at the top of the Republican Party, including their toddler-leader.
Ken Tingley, former editor of the newspaper “Post Star”in Glens Falls, NY has a substack called Morning Page and has written some excellent in depth articles regarding Elise Stefanik’s rise in the GOP and other concerns raised by her time in public office. Check it out!
We need strong persons who will grow the tent. Elise Stefanik in NY-21 needs to retire to whatever her profession is. As a Republican, she advocates free enterprise. Let's see how she makes out in the Free Market having been kicked out of Congress.
Paula, I am a resident of NY-21, and I am in your corner whole-heartedly. Elise has turned from a fairly reasonable moderate Republican to a Trumpie through-and-through. I thought she was fairly intelligent, but following in the MAGA crowd has diminished her IQ by at least 50 points. She is certainly NOT my representative at all. You Go, Girl!
Paula, as someone originally from Schenectady, I am appalled at how crazy that idiot is. Upstate NY was never MAGA country before. Glad you are here and running against S.
Thank you. So much. I’ve focused on economic issues of deportations because human issues seem to not mean as much. What is odd is that it’s not discussed widely - how in every sector, the economy will fail without workers. Healthcare? Gone will be those who now care for us especially those vulnerable people. Doctors who agreed to work in rural communities in exchange for medical educating. Food will be scarce with no one to harvest, produce, distribute. Hotel rooms will be uncleaned and every other segment. Where are the voices explaining?
The entire country will be completely destabilized and while I believe that most of his executive orders will get slapped with lawsuits, that will create another sector of mayhem; the already compromised and overburdened court system. Again, this is why the big Wall Street money is not going to the Felon’s campaign. His Project 2025 will tank the economy and when we get a(financial)headache, the world gets the flu. This entire plan is the right wing’s version of a dirty bomb.
Economic destabilization is certainly a concern with the deportations, but you'll note it does not specifically refer to undocumented people. It's stated broadly enough that it could apply to ANY people the president considers 'undesirable'. That could mean other groups he considers un-American, like certain people in the press, Democrats, Jews, Muslims, etc. It simply says, "Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history." Let that sink in for a moment. As an American Jew who is also a progressive/Democrat, you'd better believe I've got a bug-out plan brewing.
Exactly. It’s Hitler on steroids. Europe is small compared to our country that was built on the backs of Blacks and immigrants of all stripes. Hell, look at the felon himself. His grandfather, his mother and two of his three wives have all come from other countries. Since he had no Native Americans in his administration, every last person that worked in it has an immigrant background. Talk about massive self-hate, the felon and his ilk exemplify it.
Bob your diligent work is already circulating in Southern California along with my annotation on the acronym "DEI" --- a P25 plan to eliminate any claims of gender discrimination.
We're doing real work addressing the root of our current problem. In just over two years, we have state leaders/volunteers in 48 states and have been active in numerous campaigns to bring positive reform to the electoral process.
After reading the department of Education section, it seemed to me that the goal was to totally get rid of public education and funnel education dollars into homeschooled christians and spurious charter schools. Colleges and Universities will be unaccredited and those who are not super wealthy will get these substandard educations by borrowing money from any grifter friend that Trump decides can give out private student loans. Not paying the debt will probably end people in prison if not the military. Families like the Duggars with there umpteen children can totally support themselves off of homeschooling if they get paid at the rate that the state spends on each pupil. P2025 listed something like 22,000 which if you have 18 kids and one wife educating them comes to a good annual income. The kids can do double duty working in the family business, and the wife has to keep breeding to keep the money coming in. What happens to women after their child bearing years is not spelled out, but one can imagine that this is not a world where older women will be tolerated unless they totally go along with the status quo and have some useful skills. What those would be is beyond me. Clearly Melania has not figured it out, so she keeps a distance particularly after Trump's first wife took a tumble after she started claiming too much influence over the positives in his life.
Heather Cox Richardson spoke to thousands of Democrats Abroad today. It was very inspiring. She talked about the history of what is leading to the policies of the Trump and the Republican Party, and pointed out that Clarence Thomas has signaled that he would support overturning of Brown vs Board of Education.
Also, I would like to spread the word that there is a document on Mastadon where you can download a pdf that you can fill in, print and send to the IRS to complain about Tax Exempt status for the Heritage Foundation. Please fill this out and send it in, and share it with people.
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
Linda, there will be no guarantee of the amount per child because Education will be turned over to the states. Red states and Blue states. Pick your curriculum. Pick your format. Pick your standards. Pick the winners and losers, in others words. This is not a program, it is the no program system. Mrs. Duggar may be in an area where the state has money to fund home schools, or maybe she can apply for Christian School funding, which might be more. It is currently unknown, because each state will look at the tax base and make decisions how to fund and who to fund. Maybe an equal amount per child. Maybe an amount to a school, public or private, based on the total number of students they commit to educating. In other words, like Dobbs, no organization or plan. No understanding of how public funding works. No concern for the aftermath. In my estimation, this was the Covid disaster. We are the United States. In order to maintain unity and some equity in outcomes, we need some centralized decision making. Non of these agencies are perfect or meet the needs of every person. But this random state approach is ”Throwing the baby out with the bath water”, all across the Administration.
Judy, I agree that it is a terrible idea. I understand that this amount was random on their part and that it varies from state to state, but if you think of the idea, which is to give whatever the state has been paying, to families directly, this will destroy public schools, and will be a means of income for large families like the Duggars, which is exactly the constituency that is being targeted. Whether it is 10,000 or 25,000, if you have 18 children you are still getting an income for homeschooling, with no quality control at the taxpayers expense.
Thanks. They throw around a lot of non-acronym terms too, at least once simply misusing them. In the Homeland Security Section they say
The Biden Administration CLOSED OUT tens of thousands of immigration cases that had already been prepared and were slated for expedited removal processing or hearings before the U.S. Immigration Court. This misguided action constituted an egregious example of lawlessness that allowed thousands of illegal aliens and other immigration violators to go free in the United States (emphasis added)
Actually, administrative closure is a mere pause in a proceeding while the court allows the applicant to, for example, collect more documents and evidence of his case. It does NOT happen to criminals and it definitely isn't lawless: what has happened when a case that is already "slated for expedited removal" is "closed" is that the applicant has convinced the judge that the "slating" is premature. It is NOT dismissal or termination of the case that lets violators to rush off to Ohio to take all the "black jobs."
Bob - Thank you for taking time to collect and post these acronyms. I was reading the ED Dept. analysis and found myself having to locate several different ones. Appreciate your gift!
I really appreciate this compilation. When I started reading, all those acronyms were very confusing and made for discouragement in reading further (maybe that's one of their purposes?). I have saved the list so I can check it any time.
I was overwhelmed by chapter 3, and as a mathematician, I spend a lot of time confused while reading. Often a list of symbols used in the text will be in the front by the first page. That saves a lot of time that i'd have to spend digging them out. It was in that spirit that I created a list for publication. I've been advised that I missed a couple, the dangers of using my dog as an editor. I'm glad you find it helpful.
I'm impressed with your stamina! I read the intro, and the ending, and part of the education chapter, and was overloaded partway into the intro. Also tried chapter 1, I think, and the acronyms got me.
It’s a full blown assault on one’s senses when reading the lies and grievances of Trump as a need for change argument. It took me at least a full month to give it a critical read.
Thank you, Bob. I actually plan to keep reading as much as I can stand. My antidote is watching The Zoo (Bronx Zoo) in the evenings. That show has kept me sane over the last 4.5 years.
Joyce,I love Civil Discourse but parts of this article remind me of some of the NYT articles denigrating President Biden. I watched the debate. I’m over it. Biden is a functioning, amazing president. Trump is a liar.
President Biden performed well today at the 75th Anniversary Meeting of NATO countries in DC, the expanding number of NATO countries with the Nordic countries along with Sweden now paying more than their equitable share.
I know what you were trying to say today Brian, but words matter. I watched part of President Biden’s address to NATO. It wasn’t a “performance.” It was forceful, intelligent, and truthful. Suspect few of us could withstand the enormous pressure and nitpicking Biden so gracefully endures. I’m proud he is our President and will be voting for him again.
Marcia, Please see, as part of this thread, my reply posted a moment ago to you distinguishing between reading prepared remarks and thinking and speaking extemporaneously, a relatively low bar for a president.
"performed well today" -- It's all I hear about our President lately. Performed, performed, performed. Did he perform well? What if he doesn't perform well? He didn't perform well at the debate. How will he perform tomorrow? Perform, perform, perform -- I hate that word used in this context! Many others use it besides you Bryan. Our President is not an entry in the American Kennel Club dog show!!
Thank you Pamela; I have no problems at all with criticism of the verb "perform". or anything I post. I have leaned much from Speech Therapists during my law career as a litigator & trial attorney. Syntax & communications are more than half the job as a fiduciary in court.
Even common words are sometimes"heard" & interpreted differently for good reasons. I well not try to sell you on the verb"perform" but, President Biden
knew that would be watched carefully today perhaps by millions.
Main stream "media" likes "surprises" & clickable moments so here is CNN's report compliments of Donald Judd & Michael Williams headline 6 hours ago: "Biden surprises NATO" & got those clickable eyeballs moving by giving Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the "Presidential Medal of Honor" although Axios' Lutz called the award the "Medal of Freedom". Regardless of the award's name or words used, everyone understood it was for Norwegian Stoltenberg's leadership when Putin attacked Ukraine & the steps he started taking to expand NATO & strengthen Euro security.
I had a retired, black, Professor Emeritus from a midwestern University post me that she felt "unsafe" on the Euro "continent". Hopefully, the Labour victory in the UK when she was in London & the surprise coalition of French centrists & progressives in France have improved political conditions & her attitude.
We all have considerable work ahead in the less than 4 months to our National election. Please post your thoughts whenever. Respectfully, Bryan
I totally and completely agree Marsha. What’s up with the wishy-washy attitude, Joyce? I don’t think I’ve quite ever read an article like this from her before. If she thinks Joe is the bad choice, she should say so. Don’t dance around quoting some guy that says we’re all doomed. WTH?! if she knows something we don’t know…. say so. What a weird post from her.
For example, I love Joe Biden and I think he will go down as a GREAT president for his first term. I also think, based on the debate, and subsequent denials and dismissals of it, that it is more likely than not that he cannot finish a second term and possibly not make it to January. IOW, I think he is gaslighting us about his health because he still thinks only he can beat Trump (and I agree that the Joe of Before Debate was the best choice). I no longer think he can. I also don't think there is an alternative to him. So the world is caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (and I suspect that is how most public figures are thinking about it). So that is a quandary. And it breaks my heart. I will of course vote for him. And pack for Canada or go deeper into the woods.
Marcia, from my view, I think Joyce was simply pointing out the difference between Democrats who tend not to march in lockstep (which is admirable) and the Republicans to whom it comes more naturally. I took her pointing out this distinction as a wise overall view to say to us that in this case, this election, we Dems need to get together and support "our guy" now that the decision has been clarified who that is. If not, then this time it could be to our peril. Yes, words do matter and can so easily be interpreted differently. This is my take on what she said, which may be taken to mean something other than what I intended. But that's what is good about being able to communicate with one another in the comment sections of our substacks.
Marcia, While you might be over Biden’s meandering debate performance that failed to put to rest the doubts about his capacity to fluently think and speak extemporaneously (admittedly a low bar for a president) for much of the Party, for whom doubts not only were not allayed but were reinforced, folks are eager to see Biden in challenging campaign situations, for example, press conferences (he hasn’t held one in some 20 months, an all-time record), town halls, interviews, and the like wherein he is not reading from prepared remarks.
Frankly, I am relieved, despite the majority of Democratic leaders these past 24 hours appearing publicly to be standing by Biden or at least starting to accept the fact Biden’s not going anywhere, at least for now, that Joyce recognizes that, as much as a month before the Convention, it’s wholly appropriate to take stock as to whether staying the course is the best way to defeat Trump.
Thank you for your perspective Barbara, I appreciate it. Tbh. I guess I’m just frustrated because the simple fact that President Biden is older than other candidates isn’t news. Also, not Joyce but MSM , particularly the NYT, seems surprised cold meds would affect someone, especially one with a lifetime stutter, or that it’s difficult coping with a the virtual avalanche of lies from trump. We have seen that repeatedly with much younger interviewers. The “debate” was like a campaign rally for trump. Further, we’ve seen this hype before with “but her emails.” Despite or perhaps *because* of the wisdom and experience which comes with age, President Biden has managed to work miracles. Now the MSM has reported Harris could beat trump. Good. She’s on the ticket and can take over if Biden falters
Karine Jean-Pierre adamantly insisted that Biden was *** NOT ** taking cold medication. The discussion on the cold itself, er, came and went, but now seems to be settled that he was indeed recovering from one. [Interestingly KJ-P would not comment what other meds Biden might have been taking, so maybe there was something, but if so, then the White House is not telling us.]
Joyce, I was so excited to see that penultimate sentence! For three election cycles now I've engaged strangers in casual conversations, asking if they're registered to vote, have they checked their registration, do they have a plan, have they considered voting by mail, and then telling young people to vote for their future, because I - a 72-year-old woman- am. From medical assistants, taking my blood pressure, to grocery cashiers, to young men stocking shelves in stores, if they tell me they're not registered, I pull out my post-it pad on which I've written the address of the website where they can register, using their phones, in less than 5 minutes. And I tell them, if they're thinking of registering as an "I," they won't be able to vote in primaries, which are so important. Finally, I encourage them to register as Democrats, since the Republicans have lost their minds - have they listened to Trump's inability to speak in sentences, to go off in tangents? I've already had 2 young people this election cycle tell me that they used my post-it to register, and I was right, it was so easy, and now they've started to listen more carefully to the news. Casual conversation - it really works!
Marilyn, I love what you've said, but disagree with your statement "I tell them, if they're thinking of registering as an "I," they won't be able to vote in primaries." I've been a registered "I" for 40+ years, living in both NY and Mass. I've been able to vote in all primaries, with the only caveat that (on that election day) I need to choose whether I'd rather vote in the Republican or the Democratic primary. Then they hand the specified ballot to me. This vote never cancels my continued status as a registered Independent. Hope this helps!
Here in California, if you're registered as Independent or another party other than Republican, you receive a mailing some weeks before the mailing of primary ballots enabling you to choose to receive a ballot for national Democratic candidates. Republicans, no surprise, don't allow anyone not registered R to vote in their primary.
Because I've been a vote by mail voter for decades, I don't know about ability to choose at the polls here. One probably can but, since *every* registered voter in the state now receives a mail ballot (prepaid postage) without having to request it, there are fewer and fewer actual polling places.
Also, every library in our city and county now has a very large metal locking ballot box about the size of a free-standing ATM machine outside of each building so mail ballots can be dropped off even when the library isn't open. Voters can choose to drop the ballot in the mail or in a ballot box.
I just looked up Texas, where I live, and discovered that when people register to vote, they don't have to declare a party, and on election day can choose which party ballot they want. We are one of 17 states that have what they call open primaries. I know that when we submit our vote by mail application we have to specify which party's ballot we want to receive..
When I first registered to vote in CA (1971 when you still had to be 21 to vote) I registered as an Independent... Then I learned that I couldn't vote in primaries. I changed to Democrat. Fast forward... we now live in New Mexico. My husband changed from Democrat to Independent. He is unable to vote in the primaries... and so it goes.
It would appear the Supreme Court has anointed itself with total immunity as well as Trump. Who can do what and when to them? High time they got called to the carpet; their lady justice has no blindfold.
A Democratic president and Congress can once the fillabuster is removed. It’s called judicial reform. Senators are already working on this and have been for 3 years.
Yes, a perfect storm of bullets, right into the heart of what America is. I don't know what to say, except to post this protest/elegy to us and our struggle again. I tried to think of what I love that will be gone if President Biden does not win this election. I would love to hear what everyone will miss if our country flames into the sea.
I am a short timer, 80+ years old. My heart has been broken a few times, between the sweet breads of family and friends. We will still have those close to us to get us through the day... we will just cry a lot. Thanks Don, keep working to keep America alive.
Me too! I thought it was fun flying the state flag of Virginia (Sic semper tyrannus) in response to all the Confederate and Trump flags in my town. Now I suspect I put a bullseye right on my back!
We need to rally around Biden and get this thing done. We need both the presidency and the house and senate since the Supreme Court is gone for the foreseeable future.
There has never been a president more beset than Biden. And I'd still vote for him, even if he's in a wheelchair and Jill has to interpret for him.
Face it: those thirteen top presidents in our history above Biden’s rank did not have to contend with. . .
-a mentally ill narcissist puppet, dancing to the tune of conniving global corporations and sick manipulators like Steve Bannon;
-a corrupt Supreme Court;
-a 920-page plan in the works to destroy democracy;
-an assault on women’s rights, the rights of LGBTQIA;
-social media, swarming with conspiring foreign and domestic techheads,
-AI and ultra-sophisticated technology that can blur and distort any message;
-the threat of World War III with crises in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and with alliances building in Russia, China and North Korea;
-millions of desperate climate crisis immigrants at our southern border;
-so-called “liberal” media determined to set their own agenda;
-a deeply divided country that is one-half costumed cult of pretend-Christians;
-bumpstocks made legit and gun sales skyrocketing;
-and millions of Americans so scared and confused they can’t think straight, 60% of whom have some kind of chronic health condition*—so they’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel good. Which makes it easier to feel angry,
-not to mention the dark undercurrent of Deep Dread, as our beautiful Earth dies faster than ever with all of the bombs going off, while the uber-wealthy scramble to buy property around the globe for their backup safe spot.
And why would we want to replace the 14th best president of all time with someone untested and without Biden's experience and heart?
I agree with you and I too will vote for him in a coma before the alternative. But I suspect there are nowhere near enough voters who feel that way. Trump should never have gotten tens of millions of votes anytime anywhere and especially not after J6. There are less than a majority now who embrace democracy and understand what happens when it dies.
I hate to think that could be true. And I’m counting on women to be the voice of sanity in the fight. I also think we need to do more than urge people to vote. In August, some of my friends and I are going to start taking out full page ads in newspapers, sharing Biden‘s accomplishments and every piece of dirt we can find about Trump. We worry about Civil War, but we are already in Civil War. And we have to help Biden with more than just sending postcards about voting! I have a Substack that has a few more details if you are interested. Thank you so much for your comment.
Checking out your substack. We will have some blood in the streets either way it goes. But with Biden or any Dem, it will be short-lived. With Trump it will last forever. If Biden is reelected, he never loses control of the military (or national guard) and Mike Flynn's "patriot army" now training in CO and ID will be put down instead of elevated by Trump. IOW, "we" will still have the tanks on our side. I like your ad idea and maybe you could also consider billboards.
I live in a very progressive community and so newspaper ads are coals to Newcastle, but all the same, anyone who wants to "write to fight" should get on a keyboard and share. Educate, educate! Wish we could afford billboards, but maybe enough of us will find a way. Remember how last election Trumpers put labels on gas pumps, blaming Democrats for high prices? I think we need that level of activism. Because corporations are very busy putting the squeeze on us--will we fall for it again?
It’s amazing that some of what they list The Biden presidency has accomplished. An iron dome? To prevent daily air attacks on the USA. Like what really happens in Israel. Nuts. These people live in a fantasy world. But we must live in reality- Biden is the only choice to save this great American experiment.
Joyce, please remind us often about the perils of Project 2025. I really don’t want to move to Canada!
Canada is not a good choice if they go with their trump wanna be. I was giving it consideration, too, even though I don't want to move because I think I'm too old to adapt - or to want to adapt…
Now that 6 disgusting, detestable, disgraceful Supreme Court Justices have ignored the Constitution and the rule of law, it is time for Real Americans to IGNORE the Supreme Court.
If Trump broke a law, is tried and found guilty by a jury, and is sentenced to prison, then we should put him in prison, ignoring any actions or rulings by the MAGAt-infested Supreme Court.
I’m sure someone will do it but I’d like to see a cross indexed list of Project 2025 plans vs this “platform”. The claim of no cuts to Social Security was particularly galling given what Project 2025 plans for it.
Re benefits. They don't specifically say it in the report but as president, Trump tried and failed to cut benefits drastically. Some Republicans wanted to replace the entire SSI and disability system. See. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Trump, House Republican Cuts to SSI Would Harm Children With Disabilities, Sept. 18, 2017, Kathleen Romig and Guillermo Herrera. https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/trump-house-republican-cuts-to-ssi-would-harm-children-with-disabilities
“The Trump proposal would cut SSI by more than $8 billion over the next decade, shrinking benefits for roughly a quarter of a million children with disabilities by between 38 and 66 percent. It would also increase SSI’s administrative costs and improper payments”.
That's why we should be telling MAGATs "don't slit your own throat" by supporting any Republican.
Exactly what I was thinking . . . except I call it a "translation" like the following:
SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION
Build not the “Great Wall" but rather the “Greatest Wall" from sea to shining sea using tax increases on the middle class and poor while cutting or eliminating taxes on the rich and corporations.
If you want to learn more about Project 2025 you can also go to Marc Elias' website https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/ Marc and his firm have been relentlessly fighting state voter suppression measures.
A feel-good variation on Joyce's "We're in this together:" the PBS "American Experience" documentary, "The Boys of '36." The inspiring story of eight young men from hardscrabble backgrounds who rowed as one on the University of Washington heavyweight eight crew to win a gold medal when the chips were down in the 1936 "Nazi" Olympics. Even if you've seen "The Boys in the Boat," movie version, I think you'll enjoy this telling of the authentic American tale of perseverance in the face of great odds and the triumph of the spirit.
" I’d prefer to see Joe Biden appointing new judges and justices rather than Donald Trump."
Democrats made the same appeal to prop up Hillary Clinton after Bernie Sanders' supporters were enraged in 2016. We know how that turned out, but the aftermath of Trump landing in the White House makes it an even more compelling argument. It's a shame that this is what it has come to.
The House is up for grabs too, but most races will be decided before November in low-turnout partisan primaries. When we complain about Republicans selling their souls, we should also acknowledge the root cause and work equally hard to support electoral reforms aimed at forcing representatives to be accountable to ALL voters.
There will be initiatives in seven states and Washington, D.C. on the ballot in November to do just that. The biggest impact will be that each of these states could elect their senators using a new method creating a fulcrum to leverage the will of voters against the institutional interests of both major parties.
When we consider the support for any given issue, and wonder why we don't get the appropriate legislation, we have to believe that if the big donors aren't on board, it doesn't happen.
Okay, we can't let Trump and the Heritage Foundation wreak havoc for the next four years, but we must look beyond that. We won't get government by and for the people until we change the way we elect our representatives.
2024 has the potential be a watershed event for the electoral reform movement.
Paula, I live in NYC but just donated to your candicacy. Stefanik must be stopped. I'm supporting you for the win and hope your constituents understand the devastating ramifications of Stefanik back in Congress.
The Lincoln Project ad is unfortunate as many MAGAs will think that Trump taking all those actions is just GREAT! These are the awful things that they WANT Trump to do. Think about it -- The Trump campaign can use this ad "as is" to promote the Trumpist vision of America. I wish I were joking...
Actually TFG hates The Lincoln Project and if he even opens his mouth or posts on social media people will go look. Yeah the ride or die MAGA will love it but not moderate republicans or those that believe in the constitution.
Magats are less than 30% of the voting population. We won’t be able to convert them in any way. It’s the remaining 70% that must be persuaded that what the GOP has planned for our future is terrifying. There is no second chance to get this right.
Exactly!! MAGA is estimated to be less than 28% of the electorate. Still too many, but definitely beatable! They have outsized media presence because of their outsized lunacy. Clickbait news!!
I'm the Democratic Candidate running against Elise Stefanik in NY-21. I loved this line that you wrote, and might revise it to suit my own voice from time-to-time as I speak to voters: "I prefer a political party that permits dissent and debate—the proverbial big tent—over one where disagreement with the dear leader leads to marginalization and forced expulsion."
Thank you for the work you do.
Paula, you got to beat her. She is wacko ! Can’t believe any New Yorker would have voted for her and multiple times!
Thank you, Kathi. Please spread the word. I got into the race late -- just before petitioning. This is not a campaign, it's a calling. No other viable candidate was willing to run against Stefanik. I don't have the financial support of the parties (NYS Dems or DCCC) or the PACs. I desperately need to boost fundraising. But hear me out -- this race is NOT un-winnable. Stefanik is vulnerable because the voters elected a moderate and she has morphed into an Ultra MAGA. I'm on Substack, Facebook, X, and I have a website. Again -- please help spread the word. We're Democrats. We can do hard things.
Best of luck! Her doublespeak is truly scary. I can't imagine the impact if someone like her or DeSantis were to gain the Presidency, like tRump only competent.
Paula, I am sending you my very best wishes for a successful race against Stefanik. She has become a nightmare and I hope that the New Yorkers she represents see through her insanity.
@Paula Here's some unsolicited advice. Partner with FT6. They can find you unregistered voters who trend Democratic that you can't find yourself.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Hear, hear Paula. Good luck. Field Team 6 and Focus for Democracy are doing great work. I hope you look into them.
Will do and will check out your website too!
Best wishes from the red state of Indiana where we're fighting like he'll to keep MAGA Sen Mike Braun from becoming our next governor!! I just donated, let's go!!! 💙
Best wishes from the redder state of OK. I wish more candidates would connect with their supports this way rather than the incessant texts. I just delete them. More candidates need to reach to those outside their voters. Some of us have no voice in our states.
Thank you, Diane. Good luck with the MAGAs.
I just made a donation to your campaign from California. Wishing all the best!
https://www.paulacollinsforcongress.com
Me too!
Thank you so much, Jenn Z!
Thank you Paula! Just donated!!
Thank you, Pam Brown! Much appreciated.
Paula, this is the first I have heard of you and hope you will check out Ken Tingley, former editor of the Post Star in Glens Falls, NY. He now has a substack called Morning Page that many people read and has written many articles regarding Elise Stefanik and her rise in the GOP as well as about her deception and betrayal to her constituents. He can help you make those connections. Thus far, Elise has been unbeatable given the sway she has on her supporters here in the Adirondacks along with the millions of dollars donated by big donors, such as NRA, Trump, and other MAGA donors. A poster on this page , Ruth Sheets, has some fantastic suggestions on how to reach the voters in this region. You must get out, do town halls, knock on doors, get ads out, and support from well known and respected figures in this region. Donating to your campaign. If you need help with postcards, we are here for you. Praying that Elise who has betrayed her oath of office and constituents will lose to a person of integrity.
Thank you, Betsy. I comment fairly frequently. on Ken's page. I hope to meet you. Are you in Glens Falls?
I live in the Adirondacks! Long Lake! Glad to hear you are familiar with Ken’s page. Do you have post cards we can send out on your behalf? Also, please come up to the mountain communities, mostly conservative Republicans here but it’s worth visiting!
Paula, I wish you the best of luck; Stefanik is a terrible human being. I just donated and am glad to know you are running!
Same. My sister lives in her district and wants Stefanik gone.
Thank you so much, Ruth Sheets.
I'm going to make a donation right now.
Thank you, Mary! It makes a difference.
Personally, I would like to know why you think that is. Why did she get voted in multiple times? It isn't just New York. We seem to do it all over the country. Has to be a reason. I made a post way down the comments that express my personal thoughts, but would love to see what your view is as a candidate for public office.
As I live in NY-21 I can tell you, Jim. I am surrounded, in this blue state, by many Republicans who have also fallen for the Trump lies. Democrats and Independents are sorely outnumbered here. The only Democrat we have elected to the House since I have lived here was Bill Owens, who was moderate and extremely competent, and he retired early because he felt he could do more good for the country in the private sector. He occasionally contributes a wise, well-articulated essay which is broadcast on Northeast Public Radio, WAMC Albany.
She is NOT a “New Yorker”—Stefanik represents an entirely different subculture—in northern, upstate NY. It’s as different from New Yorkers (NYC, Long Island) as New England is from the Old South.
Thank you, Paula, for your post. You just earned my contribution toward your campaign. I'm sure others will join me. Here's the link to make a contribution:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/paulacollins?amount=100
Thank you for providing the link, Andrew. I just contributed.
Me too!
Donated $25 for Paula
Me too!
me, too! good luck Paula!
Me too. $25 from DC. I wish it were more, but my husband died recently and I have to figure out my own financial future
Donated!
Thank you for supplying the link, I just joined Paula’s contributors.
Donated — thank you!
Done. Thank you for the link
Donated, best of luck!
Andrew, thanks for the link. I too donated.
I already donated, but will add more now. Go, Paula!!
Thank you Paula (and Andrew for the link). Contributed!
Thank you, Andrew! Every contribution helps!
Thank you, Paula, and I wish you well in the coming election. We desperately need intelligent people like you in the House of Representatives instead of the head-bobbers who look to their demented orange blob before they say anything.
Stefanik knows better. She's a Harvard grad. But up in NY-21, she realized that going to Harvard wasn't necessarily a winning credential. She also observed that, starting in 2015, "Lock her Up" was a winner. So.... she sold her soul to the devil in pursuit of personal glory. And, as the number 3 House Republican, one must admit she has succeeded. But I wonder how she squares supporting a thrice married, multiple philandering, continualy lying and exaggerating, convicted felon and friend of dictators with her own upbringing?
Graduating from an Ivy doesn’t give you common sense or a moral compass …just look at the Senate. Hawley, Cruz, Vance…et al, that says it all.
E Sonoma, how true. We have been learning a lot about some of the folks who come from those "elite" institutions and how they have turned into predators hunting the American prey, the vulnerable, people from diverse backgrounds or beliefs all to gain power and money. One has to wonder what is going on in those places either in the selection process or in the education process that is producing so many appalling human beings. There are also some really great folks that have come from those institutions, but far too many of the other.
Swbv, what I have discovered over the past 15 years or so, one's moral compass is often allowed to be warped by the magnetism of power and money. Many people are nearly immune to the pull of them, but others are drawn almost immediately. Stefanik is not the only one; there is also Sinema of AZ and many of Trump's sycophants. Most of them are warped from the cradle, but others got drawn in. I saw that when I used to "run into" Tea Party members. Many were educated and claimed to love our country, but the things they were proposing were exactly opposite of what one would have expected a "patriot" to stand for. Maybe Paula can talk about that moral compass aspect with her potential constituents and how Stefanik is no longer the person they voted for originally and that they need to refocus on someone who does care about them and want to work for them not against them as Stefanik is doing, someone whose moral compass is pointing to doing what is right for the people of New York and her district.
Ruth, your description of Tea Party members immediately conjured up an image of Ted Cruz, who has always been on a destructive path, ever since he was elected senator. I'm hoping that Texas can finally get rid of him and elect Colin Allred, who is a civil rights attorney and good man. That said, all I have to do is look at who we Texans (not me) keep electing as governor, and I'm not sure Allred will be successful, despite all the awful things Cruz has done.
Susan, I do feel bad for Texas. In its need to prove it is bigger and badder than anyone else, it has elected some pretty horrible folks, Cruz only one of them. When pundits want to point to something appalling someone has done, alas, they often point to Texas. How in heaven's name could anyone have voted for Greg Abbott? When the word "appalling" is in the dictionary, his picture is right there. Is it a pity vote because of his disability? What about having people accused of corruption in office with charges dropped, conveniently? I hope Cruz loses, but it seems it doesn't matter what certain elected officials do: Cruz leaving people to freeze during a blizzard or Abbott going to Asia as a hurricane is about to hit, it doesn't seem to matter. Their indifference to others' suffering is astounding yet people still cling to them in their awfulness. I am sorry for those in Texas, like you, who still think and care. I wish there were a means of rescue, but I don't know what that would be. Hay, soon we may all need rescuing if Trump and Kump win this upcoming election.
Ruth, I didn't know about the trip to Asia, but it figures. I have a neighbor who is friendly, but who always has Abbott signs at election time. I have concluded from all my experiences with her is that she is two-faced, and I'm always glad when I walk by her house when she isn't outside. The weird thing is that she is a teacher, so I would tend to expect better of her, expect her to want people in office who care about children. Fortunately, the MAGAts are in a distinct minority where I live.
For some, pursuit of power has no conscience it's the power itself that controls.
Although this philosophy won out in Russia and Hungary and Germany back in the 1930s, I had lived under the illusion that not falling into this abyss was one reason for our 240 year success
Patricia, that is probably true which is why when it happens, we need to get those folks out of office as quickly as possible and vote in someone who has not become addicted to power and/or money, and it is an addiction more powerful than any drug and more destructive because it harms more than just one person or family. We have a lot of people right now who are addicted, many at the top of the Republican Party, including their toddler-leader.
Personal greed for both money and power
She's running but she's got her sights on being either Trump's running mate or someone in his future cabinet.
Just imagine how blinding her ambitions must be to be comfortable being a huge and vocal supporter of a serial philandering convicted rapist.
Not sure what you mean by omnivorous.
Ken Tingley, former editor of the newspaper “Post Star”in Glens Falls, NY has a substack called Morning Page and has written some excellent in depth articles regarding Elise Stefanik’s rise in the GOP and other concerns raised by her time in public office. Check it out!
Yes, Betsy. I comment fairly often. Find me on Substack as well, please!
Good Luck to you! I agree that is a great line.
I have been suggesting that Biden campaign have a slogan that says,
DEMOCRATS LIVE LONGER SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME, WORRY ABOUT THE OTHER GUY!
Beautiful example of contesting every race. May there be fresh wind for your sails and good strength to your spirit!
Paula I so hope you beat Stefanik - she is a disgrace. Do you have any postcard writing campaigns going -- if you do I'll sign up. Also a New Yorker!
Paula Collins: Win, I hope you WIN.
We need strong persons who will grow the tent. Elise Stefanik in NY-21 needs to retire to whatever her profession is. As a Republican, she advocates free enterprise. Let's see how she makes out in the Free Market having been kicked out of Congress.
All the best to you.
Paula, I am a resident of NY-21, and I am in your corner whole-heartedly. Elise has turned from a fairly reasonable moderate Republican to a Trumpie through-and-through. I thought she was fairly intelligent, but following in the MAGA crowd has diminished her IQ by at least 50 points. She is certainly NOT my representative at all. You Go, Girl!
Go for it Paula!
Just made a contribution. Thanks for letting us know about your difficutlities.
Her husband works for the gun lobby I believe. Perhaps thatʻs an issue that will resonate with voters.
Paula, as someone originally from Schenectady, I am appalled at how crazy that idiot is. Upstate NY was never MAGA country before. Glad you are here and running against S.
If you haven't already connected with Markers for Democracy please do! https://markersfordemocracy.org
Thank you for challenging Stefanik. I just donated to your campaign!
Thanks Joyce, for shining a light on Project 2025 and its radical proposals.
If you are reading P2025, i made a glossary of acronyms while I was reading the plan.
It was created for the public in an effort to raise awareness of the plan.
https://ki6mnk.substack.com/p/project-2025-glossary-of-acronyms
Please share it as widely as you can. Thanks.
Thank you. So much. I’ve focused on economic issues of deportations because human issues seem to not mean as much. What is odd is that it’s not discussed widely - how in every sector, the economy will fail without workers. Healthcare? Gone will be those who now care for us especially those vulnerable people. Doctors who agreed to work in rural communities in exchange for medical educating. Food will be scarce with no one to harvest, produce, distribute. Hotel rooms will be uncleaned and every other segment. Where are the voices explaining?
The entire country will be completely destabilized and while I believe that most of his executive orders will get slapped with lawsuits, that will create another sector of mayhem; the already compromised and overburdened court system. Again, this is why the big Wall Street money is not going to the Felon’s campaign. His Project 2025 will tank the economy and when we get a(financial)headache, the world gets the flu. This entire plan is the right wing’s version of a dirty bomb.
When then,I ask evidently naively, has this not for months been the lede?
Because, somehow, they think THEY will ALSO become richer and more powerful. They are fully complicit and as dishonest as a Republican in Congress.
Why indeed?
Economic destabilization is certainly a concern with the deportations, but you'll note it does not specifically refer to undocumented people. It's stated broadly enough that it could apply to ANY people the president considers 'undesirable'. That could mean other groups he considers un-American, like certain people in the press, Democrats, Jews, Muslims, etc. It simply says, "Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history." Let that sink in for a moment. As an American Jew who is also a progressive/Democrat, you'd better believe I've got a bug-out plan brewing.
Exactly. It’s Hitler on steroids. Europe is small compared to our country that was built on the backs of Blacks and immigrants of all stripes. Hell, look at the felon himself. His grandfather, his mother and two of his three wives have all come from other countries. Since he had no Native Americans in his administration, every last person that worked in it has an immigrant background. Talk about massive self-hate, the felon and his ilk exemplify it.
The voices are explaining how frail Biden is compared to their strongman. The voices include every MSM outlet too.
Bob your diligent work is already circulating in Southern California along with my annotation on the acronym "DEI" --- a P25 plan to eliminate any claims of gender discrimination.
or racial. the New York post has already attacked Harris as "the DEI candidate."
I saw that. Bastards!!
Great news.
I can attest to Bob’s glossary of acronyms is awesome, and there are many acronyms in the Project 2025. Thanks, Bob.
@Bob Check us out at https://www.veteransforallvoters.org/
Thanks for your support of veterans. It is an honorable, virtuous effort.
We're doing real work addressing the root of our current problem. In just over two years, we have state leaders/volunteers in 48 states and have been active in numerous campaigns to bring positive reform to the electoral process.
Well done. Awesome work.
If you live in AK, NV, ID, or D.C., you've likely heard of us. If you haven't heard of us, please check us out.
I live in Florida, and I'm anticipating big things in 2026.
@Reader/Writer Our co-founders are Navy vets. 😉
After reading the department of Education section, it seemed to me that the goal was to totally get rid of public education and funnel education dollars into homeschooled christians and spurious charter schools. Colleges and Universities will be unaccredited and those who are not super wealthy will get these substandard educations by borrowing money from any grifter friend that Trump decides can give out private student loans. Not paying the debt will probably end people in prison if not the military. Families like the Duggars with there umpteen children can totally support themselves off of homeschooling if they get paid at the rate that the state spends on each pupil. P2025 listed something like 22,000 which if you have 18 kids and one wife educating them comes to a good annual income. The kids can do double duty working in the family business, and the wife has to keep breeding to keep the money coming in. What happens to women after their child bearing years is not spelled out, but one can imagine that this is not a world where older women will be tolerated unless they totally go along with the status quo and have some useful skills. What those would be is beyond me. Clearly Melania has not figured it out, so she keeps a distance particularly after Trump's first wife took a tumble after she started claiming too much influence over the positives in his life.
Spot on Linda 🎯
The servant class don't need no stinkin' edumacation.
(Remember your history? It was ILLEGAL to teach black people to read or write.)
Heather Cox Richardson spoke to thousands of Democrats Abroad today. It was very inspiring. She talked about the history of what is leading to the policies of the Trump and the Republican Party, and pointed out that Clarence Thomas has signaled that he would support overturning of Brown vs Board of Education.
Also, I would like to spread the word that there is a document on Mastadon where you can download a pdf that you can fill in, print and send to the IRS to complain about Tax Exempt status for the Heritage Foundation. Please fill this out and send it in, and share it with people.
IRS complaint
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations
Seen on Mastodon. At this link you can download a PDF form to file a complaint to the IRS, requesting that they revoke the Heritage Foundation‘s non-profit status. Fill out the form and mail it to: eoclass@irs.gov
This is what is suggested on the sample form to fill in:
Based on the statements of Kevin Roberst, the Heritage Foundation’s president, on June 11 and July 2, the foundation’s mission is no longer solely “research and education,” but now includes preparing for a possibly bloody revolution.
Specifically, in an interview on “The War Room” on July 2, Roberts stated that the Heritage Foundation has developed a prominent series of policy plans (Project 2025) to overhaul the federal government under a Republican president, and that the country was “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be”
Sure sounds like Roberts and the other authors of Project 2025 are planning to start a bloody war as part of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
See NYTimes reporting of this incident on July 3rd: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/us/politics/heritage-foundation-2025-policy-america.html
Linda, there will be no guarantee of the amount per child because Education will be turned over to the states. Red states and Blue states. Pick your curriculum. Pick your format. Pick your standards. Pick the winners and losers, in others words. This is not a program, it is the no program system. Mrs. Duggar may be in an area where the state has money to fund home schools, or maybe she can apply for Christian School funding, which might be more. It is currently unknown, because each state will look at the tax base and make decisions how to fund and who to fund. Maybe an equal amount per child. Maybe an amount to a school, public or private, based on the total number of students they commit to educating. In other words, like Dobbs, no organization or plan. No understanding of how public funding works. No concern for the aftermath. In my estimation, this was the Covid disaster. We are the United States. In order to maintain unity and some equity in outcomes, we need some centralized decision making. Non of these agencies are perfect or meet the needs of every person. But this random state approach is ”Throwing the baby out with the bath water”, all across the Administration.
Judy, I agree that it is a terrible idea. I understand that this amount was random on their part and that it varies from state to state, but if you think of the idea, which is to give whatever the state has been paying, to families directly, this will destroy public schools, and will be a means of income for large families like the Duggars, which is exactly the constituency that is being targeted. Whether it is 10,000 or 25,000, if you have 18 children you are still getting an income for homeschooling, with no quality control at the taxpayers expense.
Thanks. They throw around a lot of non-acronym terms too, at least once simply misusing them. In the Homeland Security Section they say
The Biden Administration CLOSED OUT tens of thousands of immigration cases that had already been prepared and were slated for expedited removal processing or hearings before the U.S. Immigration Court. This misguided action constituted an egregious example of lawlessness that allowed thousands of illegal aliens and other immigration violators to go free in the United States (emphasis added)
Actually, administrative closure is a mere pause in a proceeding while the court allows the applicant to, for example, collect more documents and evidence of his case. It does NOT happen to criminals and it definitely isn't lawless: what has happened when a case that is already "slated for expedited removal" is "closed" is that the applicant has convinced the judge that the "slating" is premature. It is NOT dismissal or termination of the case that lets violators to rush off to Ohio to take all the "black jobs."
Here’s one to add to your list: DOG. That’s what the Project 2025 is… Declaration of Grievances.
There is a lot of that to slog through, mostly, as you note grievances, used in justification of the changes planned under P2025.
One more - WOW!
Thank you!
Bob - Thank you for taking time to collect and post these acronyms. I was reading the ED Dept. analysis and found myself having to locate several different ones. Appreciate your gift!
I’m glad you find it helpful.
As a former educator I believe truth and information should be available to all. Please share it however you can.
I really appreciate this compilation. When I started reading, all those acronyms were very confusing and made for discouragement in reading further (maybe that's one of their purposes?). I have saved the list so I can check it any time.
I was overwhelmed by chapter 3, and as a mathematician, I spend a lot of time confused while reading. Often a list of symbols used in the text will be in the front by the first page. That saves a lot of time that i'd have to spend digging them out. It was in that spirit that I created a list for publication. I've been advised that I missed a couple, the dangers of using my dog as an editor. I'm glad you find it helpful.
I'm thinking your dog is a pretty good editor, way better than I would have been…
Shared. Thanks!
Thank you. I hope it's helpful. I hit overload by the end of chapter 3.
I'm impressed with your stamina! I read the intro, and the ending, and part of the education chapter, and was overloaded partway into the intro. Also tried chapter 1, I think, and the acronyms got me.
It’s a full blown assault on one’s senses when reading the lies and grievances of Trump as a need for change argument. It took me at least a full month to give it a critical read.
I read a lot of Thoreau as an antidote.
I’m glad it is of service to you.
Thank you, Bob. I actually plan to keep reading as much as I can stand. My antidote is watching The Zoo (Bronx Zoo) in the evenings. That show has kept me sane over the last 4.5 years.
Joyce,I love Civil Discourse but parts of this article remind me of some of the NYT articles denigrating President Biden. I watched the debate. I’m over it. Biden is a functioning, amazing president. Trump is a liar.
President Biden performed well today at the 75th Anniversary Meeting of NATO countries in DC, the expanding number of NATO countries with the Nordic countries along with Sweden now paying more than their equitable share.
I know what you were trying to say today Brian, but words matter. I watched part of President Biden’s address to NATO. It wasn’t a “performance.” It was forceful, intelligent, and truthful. Suspect few of us could withstand the enormous pressure and nitpicking Biden so gracefully endures. I’m proud he is our President and will be voting for him again.
Yes Marcia, words matter!
Marcia, Please see, as part of this thread, my reply posted a moment ago to you distinguishing between reading prepared remarks and thinking and speaking extemporaneously, a relatively low bar for a president.
Yeah, like stuttering. Gee, really?
@Marycat2021, Perhaps had you read my full response to Marcy before replying off-the -cuff, you might have replied differently.
"performed well today" -- It's all I hear about our President lately. Performed, performed, performed. Did he perform well? What if he doesn't perform well? He didn't perform well at the debate. How will he perform tomorrow? Perform, perform, perform -- I hate that word used in this context! Many others use it besides you Bryan. Our President is not an entry in the American Kennel Club dog show!!
Thank you Pamela; I have no problems at all with criticism of the verb "perform". or anything I post. I have leaned much from Speech Therapists during my law career as a litigator & trial attorney. Syntax & communications are more than half the job as a fiduciary in court.
Even common words are sometimes"heard" & interpreted differently for good reasons. I well not try to sell you on the verb"perform" but, President Biden
knew that would be watched carefully today perhaps by millions.
Main stream "media" likes "surprises" & clickable moments so here is CNN's report compliments of Donald Judd & Michael Williams headline 6 hours ago: "Biden surprises NATO" & got those clickable eyeballs moving by giving Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the "Presidential Medal of Honor" although Axios' Lutz called the award the "Medal of Freedom". Regardless of the award's name or words used, everyone understood it was for Norwegian Stoltenberg's leadership when Putin attacked Ukraine & the steps he started taking to expand NATO & strengthen Euro security.
I had a retired, black, Professor Emeritus from a midwestern University post me that she felt "unsafe" on the Euro "continent". Hopefully, the Labour victory in the UK when she was in London & the surprise coalition of French centrists & progressives in France have improved political conditions & her attitude.
We all have considerable work ahead in the less than 4 months to our National election. Please post your thoughts whenever. Respectfully, Bryan
What matters is his record, more so than his "performance."
Thanks for the "like" Bryan, much appreciated.
I totally and completely agree Marsha. What’s up with the wishy-washy attitude, Joyce? I don’t think I’ve quite ever read an article like this from her before. If she thinks Joe is the bad choice, she should say so. Don’t dance around quoting some guy that says we’re all doomed. WTH?! if she knows something we don’t know…. say so. What a weird post from her.
One can hold two opinions at the same time.
For example, I love Joe Biden and I think he will go down as a GREAT president for his first term. I also think, based on the debate, and subsequent denials and dismissals of it, that it is more likely than not that he cannot finish a second term and possibly not make it to January. IOW, I think he is gaslighting us about his health because he still thinks only he can beat Trump (and I agree that the Joe of Before Debate was the best choice). I no longer think he can. I also don't think there is an alternative to him. So the world is caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (and I suspect that is how most public figures are thinking about it). So that is a quandary. And it breaks my heart. I will of course vote for him. And pack for Canada or go deeper into the woods.
His record will beat Trump. And if he can't finish his second term, he has a vice president, you know.
Marcia, from my view, I think Joyce was simply pointing out the difference between Democrats who tend not to march in lockstep (which is admirable) and the Republicans to whom it comes more naturally. I took her pointing out this distinction as a wise overall view to say to us that in this case, this election, we Dems need to get together and support "our guy" now that the decision has been clarified who that is. If not, then this time it could be to our peril. Yes, words do matter and can so easily be interpreted differently. This is my take on what she said, which may be taken to mean something other than what I intended. But that's what is good about being able to communicate with one another in the comment sections of our substacks.
Carol, I agree with your thinking about what Joyce was saying. That's exactly how I read it.
That's how I took it.
Marcia, While you might be over Biden’s meandering debate performance that failed to put to rest the doubts about his capacity to fluently think and speak extemporaneously (admittedly a low bar for a president) for much of the Party, for whom doubts not only were not allayed but were reinforced, folks are eager to see Biden in challenging campaign situations, for example, press conferences (he hasn’t held one in some 20 months, an all-time record), town halls, interviews, and the like wherein he is not reading from prepared remarks.
Frankly, I am relieved, despite the majority of Democratic leaders these past 24 hours appearing publicly to be standing by Biden or at least starting to accept the fact Biden’s not going anywhere, at least for now, that Joyce recognizes that, as much as a month before the Convention, it’s wholly appropriate to take stock as to whether staying the course is the best way to defeat Trump.
Thank you for your perspective Barbara, I appreciate it. Tbh. I guess I’m just frustrated because the simple fact that President Biden is older than other candidates isn’t news. Also, not Joyce but MSM , particularly the NYT, seems surprised cold meds would affect someone, especially one with a lifetime stutter, or that it’s difficult coping with a the virtual avalanche of lies from trump. We have seen that repeatedly with much younger interviewers. The “debate” was like a campaign rally for trump. Further, we’ve seen this hype before with “but her emails.” Despite or perhaps *because* of the wisdom and experience which comes with age, President Biden has managed to work miracles. Now the MSM has reported Harris could beat trump. Good. She’s on the ticket and can take over if Biden falters
Karine Jean-Pierre adamantly insisted that Biden was *** NOT ** taking cold medication. The discussion on the cold itself, er, came and went, but now seems to be settled that he was indeed recovering from one. [Interestingly KJ-P would not comment what other meds Biden might have been taking, so maybe there was something, but if so, then the White House is not telling us.]
Joyce, I was so excited to see that penultimate sentence! For three election cycles now I've engaged strangers in casual conversations, asking if they're registered to vote, have they checked their registration, do they have a plan, have they considered voting by mail, and then telling young people to vote for their future, because I - a 72-year-old woman- am. From medical assistants, taking my blood pressure, to grocery cashiers, to young men stocking shelves in stores, if they tell me they're not registered, I pull out my post-it pad on which I've written the address of the website where they can register, using their phones, in less than 5 minutes. And I tell them, if they're thinking of registering as an "I," they won't be able to vote in primaries, which are so important. Finally, I encourage them to register as Democrats, since the Republicans have lost their minds - have they listened to Trump's inability to speak in sentences, to go off in tangents? I've already had 2 young people this election cycle tell me that they used my post-it to register, and I was right, it was so easy, and now they've started to listen more carefully to the news. Casual conversation - it really works!
You're so right. This in a party where 30% of Republicans identified as liberals in the 1960's.
Marilyn, I love what you've said, but disagree with your statement "I tell them, if they're thinking of registering as an "I," they won't be able to vote in primaries." I've been a registered "I" for 40+ years, living in both NY and Mass. I've been able to vote in all primaries, with the only caveat that (on that election day) I need to choose whether I'd rather vote in the Republican or the Democratic primary. Then they hand the specified ballot to me. This vote never cancels my continued status as a registered Independent. Hope this helps!
Hi Jaz, I guess I should have qualified that statement - I live in PA, where I's can't vote in primaries.
Thanks for that info, Marilyn! -- I didn't realize that I's have different rights depending on the state :-O
Here in California, if you're registered as Independent or another party other than Republican, you receive a mailing some weeks before the mailing of primary ballots enabling you to choose to receive a ballot for national Democratic candidates. Republicans, no surprise, don't allow anyone not registered R to vote in their primary.
Because I've been a vote by mail voter for decades, I don't know about ability to choose at the polls here. One probably can but, since *every* registered voter in the state now receives a mail ballot (prepaid postage) without having to request it, there are fewer and fewer actual polling places.
Also, every library in our city and county now has a very large metal locking ballot box about the size of a free-standing ATM machine outside of each building so mail ballots can be dropped off even when the library isn't open. Voters can choose to drop the ballot in the mail or in a ballot box.
Whether Is can vote in primaries is state by state law.
Colorado just voted that in a few years ago. I now get both ballots on one sheet. If I split the vote neither counts.
I just looked up Texas, where I live, and discovered that when people register to vote, they don't have to declare a party, and on election day can choose which party ballot they want. We are one of 17 states that have what they call open primaries. I know that when we submit our vote by mail application we have to specify which party's ballot we want to receive..
When I first registered to vote in CA (1971 when you still had to be 21 to vote) I registered as an Independent... Then I learned that I couldn't vote in primaries. I changed to Democrat. Fast forward... we now live in New Mexico. My husband changed from Democrat to Independent. He is unable to vote in the primaries... and so it goes.
Love this, Marilyn!
It would appear the Supreme Court has anointed itself with total immunity as well as Trump. Who can do what and when to them? High time they got called to the carpet; their lady justice has no blindfold.
A Democratic president and Congress can once the fillabuster is removed. It’s called judicial reform. Senators are already working on this and have been for 3 years.
Judicial reform can't happen soon enough.
O
Their justice is no lady
“God almighty made the women; the Rockefeller gang of thieves made the ladies”. – Mother Jones
Yes, a perfect storm of bullets, right into the heart of what America is. I don't know what to say, except to post this protest/elegy to us and our struggle again. I tried to think of what I love that will be gone if President Biden does not win this election. I would love to hear what everyone will miss if our country flames into the sea.
I Stand by Her Grave and Weep July 2, 2024
Standing on a large rock at Cape Flattery
Backed by a million Douglas Fir trees
She sinks into the ocean supreme, grief sobs me.
A blazing setting sun screaming a red orange
Sunset of dreams she once allowed everyone.
She was the morning sun’s rise and shine…
She was the prairie wind the bison knew…
She was the wish on a silver Roosevelt dime…
She was the mountain trickle to a river grew…
She was the eagle’s majestic circling flight…
She was the mother of jazz in New Orleans…
She was the baby rocked to sleep at night…
She was the immigrant and pilgrim’s dreams…
She was the breadbasket of ripened grain…
She was the wild free wind in Kansas…
She was a gentle spring and autumn rain…
She was messy as Vermont’s fall maple forest…
She was a hamburger and chocolate malt…
She was our mother destroyed by default…
I kneel, my back rounded, my heart riven.
With a forest fire in front of me
This eighty-year-old body wizened…
We are dying at the same time. I cry
For America the Beautiful and I.
.
Wow me. I'm only 57 but feel like a part of me will die if everything previous generations of Americans worked for is torn up and thrown in the wind.
I am a short timer, 80+ years old. My heart has been broken a few times, between the sweet breads of family and friends. We will still have those close to us to get us through the day... we will just cry a lot. Thanks Don, keep working to keep America alive.
62...and Im appaled and terrified.
Me too! I thought it was fun flying the state flag of Virginia (Sic semper tyrannus) in response to all the Confederate and Trump flags in my town. Now I suspect I put a bullseye right on my back!
Keep hope...it's not over yet
We need to rally around Biden and get this thing done. We need both the presidency and the house and senate since the Supreme Court is gone for the foreseeable future.
Wow. This really got me. Thank you for sharing it.
Beautiful Lynn
Absolutely do not dump Biden.
Fight for a man whose success in office in 2024 earned him the rank of 14th best president of all time.
And Trump? Listed last. For the second time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/us/politics/biden-trump-presidential-rankings.html
There has never been a president more beset than Biden. And I'd still vote for him, even if he's in a wheelchair and Jill has to interpret for him.
Face it: those thirteen top presidents in our history above Biden’s rank did not have to contend with. . .
-a mentally ill narcissist puppet, dancing to the tune of conniving global corporations and sick manipulators like Steve Bannon;
-a corrupt Supreme Court;
-a 920-page plan in the works to destroy democracy;
-an assault on women’s rights, the rights of LGBTQIA;
-social media, swarming with conspiring foreign and domestic techheads,
-AI and ultra-sophisticated technology that can blur and distort any message;
-the threat of World War III with crises in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and with alliances building in Russia, China and North Korea;
-millions of desperate climate crisis immigrants at our southern border;
-so-called “liberal” media determined to set their own agenda;
-a deeply divided country that is one-half costumed cult of pretend-Christians;
-bumpstocks made legit and gun sales skyrocketing;
-and millions of Americans so scared and confused they can’t think straight, 60% of whom have some kind of chronic health condition*—so they’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel good. Which makes it easier to feel angry,
-not to mention the dark undercurrent of Deep Dread, as our beautiful Earth dies faster than ever with all of the bombs going off, while the uber-wealthy scramble to buy property around the globe for their backup safe spot.
And why would we want to replace the 14th best president of all time with someone untested and without Biden's experience and heart?
LightMarks.substack for more....
Perfect summary, thank you!
Thank you for expressing my thoughts better than I could ever have.
I agree with you and I too will vote for him in a coma before the alternative. But I suspect there are nowhere near enough voters who feel that way. Trump should never have gotten tens of millions of votes anytime anywhere and especially not after J6. There are less than a majority now who embrace democracy and understand what happens when it dies.
I hate to think that could be true. And I’m counting on women to be the voice of sanity in the fight. I also think we need to do more than urge people to vote. In August, some of my friends and I are going to start taking out full page ads in newspapers, sharing Biden‘s accomplishments and every piece of dirt we can find about Trump. We worry about Civil War, but we are already in Civil War. And we have to help Biden with more than just sending postcards about voting! I have a Substack that has a few more details if you are interested. Thank you so much for your comment.
Checking out your substack. We will have some blood in the streets either way it goes. But with Biden or any Dem, it will be short-lived. With Trump it will last forever. If Biden is reelected, he never loses control of the military (or national guard) and Mike Flynn's "patriot army" now training in CO and ID will be put down instead of elevated by Trump. IOW, "we" will still have the tanks on our side. I like your ad idea and maybe you could also consider billboards.
I live in a very progressive community and so newspaper ads are coals to Newcastle, but all the same, anyone who wants to "write to fight" should get on a keyboard and share. Educate, educate! Wish we could afford billboards, but maybe enough of us will find a way. Remember how last election Trumpers put labels on gas pumps, blaming Democrats for high prices? I think we need that level of activism. Because corporations are very busy putting the squeeze on us--will we fall for it again?
It’s amazing that some of what they list The Biden presidency has accomplished. An iron dome? To prevent daily air attacks on the USA. Like what really happens in Israel. Nuts. These people live in a fantasy world. But we must live in reality- Biden is the only choice to save this great American experiment.
Joyce, please remind us often about the perils of Project 2025. I really don’t want to move to Canada!
Canada is not a good choice if they go with their trump wanna be. I was giving it consideration, too, even though I don't want to move because I think I'm too old to adapt - or to want to adapt…
Now that 6 disgusting, detestable, disgraceful Supreme Court Justices have ignored the Constitution and the rule of law, it is time for Real Americans to IGNORE the Supreme Court.
If Trump broke a law, is tried and found guilty by a jury, and is sentenced to prison, then we should put him in prison, ignoring any actions or rulings by the MAGAt-infested Supreme Court.
We have no Kings or Queens in America!
In America, NO ONE is above the law!
Actually, tRump now is above the law according to the most corrupt SCROTUS in history.
I’m sure someone will do it but I’d like to see a cross indexed list of Project 2025 plans vs this “platform”. The claim of no cuts to Social Security was particularly galling given what Project 2025 plans for it.
Thank you as always for your clarity.
Re benefits. They don't specifically say it in the report but as president, Trump tried and failed to cut benefits drastically. Some Republicans wanted to replace the entire SSI and disability system. See. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Trump, House Republican Cuts to SSI Would Harm Children With Disabilities, Sept. 18, 2017, Kathleen Romig and Guillermo Herrera. https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/trump-house-republican-cuts-to-ssi-would-harm-children-with-disabilities
“The Trump proposal would cut SSI by more than $8 billion over the next decade, shrinking benefits for roughly a quarter of a million children with disabilities by between 38 and 66 percent. It would also increase SSI’s administrative costs and improper payments”.
That's why we should be telling MAGATs "don't slit your own throat" by supporting any Republican.
Exactly what I was thinking . . . except I call it a "translation" like the following:
SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION
Build not the “Great Wall" but rather the “Greatest Wall" from sea to shining sea using tax increases on the middle class and poor while cutting or eliminating taxes on the rich and corporations.
Etc. . . . (wish I had the time and energy!)
The Lincoln Project ad is chilling. Trump was a terrible president. He will become a murderous dictator is we fail to elect President Biden.
Agreed. I'd encourage all to watch the Lincoln Project video Joyce links in her post. It is truly chilling.
https://x.com/ProjectLincoln/status/1810660176699039759
Just couldn’t get through it…
If you want to learn more about Project 2025 you can also go to Marc Elias' website https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/ Marc and his firm have been relentlessly fighting state voter suppression measures.
A feel-good variation on Joyce's "We're in this together:" the PBS "American Experience" documentary, "The Boys of '36." The inspiring story of eight young men from hardscrabble backgrounds who rowed as one on the University of Washington heavyweight eight crew to win a gold medal when the chips were down in the 1936 "Nazi" Olympics. Even if you've seen "The Boys in the Boat," movie version, I think you'll enjoy this telling of the authentic American tale of perseverance in the face of great odds and the triumph of the spirit.
" I’d prefer to see Joe Biden appointing new judges and justices rather than Donald Trump."
Democrats made the same appeal to prop up Hillary Clinton after Bernie Sanders' supporters were enraged in 2016. We know how that turned out, but the aftermath of Trump landing in the White House makes it an even more compelling argument. It's a shame that this is what it has come to.
The House is up for grabs too, but most races will be decided before November in low-turnout partisan primaries. When we complain about Republicans selling their souls, we should also acknowledge the root cause and work equally hard to support electoral reforms aimed at forcing representatives to be accountable to ALL voters.
There will be initiatives in seven states and Washington, D.C. on the ballot in November to do just that. The biggest impact will be that each of these states could elect their senators using a new method creating a fulcrum to leverage the will of voters against the institutional interests of both major parties.
When we consider the support for any given issue, and wonder why we don't get the appropriate legislation, we have to believe that if the big donors aren't on board, it doesn't happen.
Okay, we can't let Trump and the Heritage Foundation wreak havoc for the next four years, but we must look beyond that. We won't get government by and for the people until we change the way we elect our representatives.
2024 has the potential be a watershed event for the electoral reform movement.
@Bob Lewis Check.us out at https://www.veteransforallvoters.org/.
Paula, I live in NYC but just donated to your candicacy. Stefanik must be stopped. I'm supporting you for the win and hope your constituents understand the devastating ramifications of Stefanik back in Congress.
The Lincoln Project ad is unfortunate as many MAGAs will think that Trump taking all those actions is just GREAT! These are the awful things that they WANT Trump to do. Think about it -- The Trump campaign can use this ad "as is" to promote the Trumpist vision of America. I wish I were joking...
Actually TFG hates The Lincoln Project and if he even opens his mouth or posts on social media people will go look. Yeah the ride or die MAGA will love it but not moderate republicans or those that believe in the constitution.
Magats are less than 30% of the voting population. We won’t be able to convert them in any way. It’s the remaining 70% that must be persuaded that what the GOP has planned for our future is terrifying. There is no second chance to get this right.
Exactly!! MAGA is estimated to be less than 28% of the electorate. Still too many, but definitely beatable! They have outsized media presence because of their outsized lunacy. Clickbait news!!
I think more people are/ will be repelled by most of it than not.
What they do doesn’t matter, it’s what the rest of us do…staying home and not voting is not an option.
The fact that people are still enamored by the Lincoln Project is amazing to me. Not a single one of their down ballot candidates won.