I turned the tv on and off all week: on out of curiosity about what antics the majority party would stoop to next and how low they would go, and then off because I couldn't watch the degradation of the process any longer. However, I got curious again on that late Friday night as the 15th ballot was about to occur and pundits were talking of deals being made and the vote getting closer, maybe even to the finish line. Watching a final victory for the new Speaker was not jubilation for me, but rather a sense of relief that our government would soon to be able to function again. The MTG rush to take a selfie with the new speaker, pointing out that DT was on her phone, almost made me turn off the tv again. However, I was glad I stayed tuned in that late night/early morning. The unity of the minority party and that incredible , meaningful, forward looking, positive speech by Hakeem Jeffries, with reference to probably 1 of the greatest Speakers of all time, Nancy Pelosi, was worth staying up late. I saw so much promise in his speech. I saw visions of a government that is shaped in our highest ideals. I saw recognition of the positivity of our diversity. And then I went to sleep with hope for the future.
NIce post! One nuance that I think we sometimes forget to mention about our pluralistic society, is how well, perhaps uniquely among nations, we are able to accommodate and assimilate an unending flow of new people: immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, etc. Some of this has to do with public policy. But most of it has to do with the vast majority of Americans being willing to be helpful and welcoming, and, especially: to live and let live. The intolerant have had the largest megaphones over the years, but, despite this, millions have settled into America -- into our communities, schools, industries, and ministries. If the vast majority of our citizens simply continue being who and how they are and have been, the United States will continue to be the envy of the world: the most robustly accommodating, inclusive, and revered nation on earth.
Thank you for this uplifting and encouraging newsletter today. I love the music clip with Hakeem Jeffries speaking the words that millions of us needed so much to hear! Again, Thank you!
Humanity has almost always feared anything that was different, whether it be another religion, another skin color another language. Politicians seeking power or to keep power have always exploited that fear. It will never cease but we can dampen that fervor by those noble ones who constantly shine a light on the accomplishments of our minorities.
I lived in China for a year Japan for two - hitch- hiked around the South Pacific -back packed in Japan -six week photo-shoot in Senegal. I saw poverty, splendiferous churches, food markets where there were more flies on the meat than pieces of meat -children with no toys, children with few clothes, medical clinics with lines wrapped around the block -Americans need to get out in the world stretch themselves, physically emotionally intellectually.  Closed minds learn nothing.
I watched the entire speech and was spellbound by it passion, truthfulness, optimism, openness and in its delivery - from the heart. This is presidential timber that I saw that night. Very surprising and very refreshing, and Hakeem needs to be watched as the catalyst that will thrust our country forward regardless of the MAGA bomb throwers and hate mongers. Their days are numbered because of this new minority leader.
I just got an amazing response after forwarding this post to international friends all over the world.
 One friend from London said: “They picked the right man -Jeffries has a lot of Barack in him”!!!!!
I shared this letter with friends all around the world because I want them to know that not everyone in America acts or thinks like Marjorie Taylor Greene, McCarthy or Jim Jordan!
I get queries from friends from Japan Italy France Netherlands England Canada asking -“what the hell is going on in the USA”?  I just like to let them know it’s not total insanity here.  Always look forward to seeing you on my TV!
We absolutely need and want immigration. I believe we want it to be legal. Immigration has never been a right, it has been given by the lawful will of our people. For long periods in our history our country has pulled back on immigration as a result of war or fear driven by what was seen at the time as unwanted change that was destabilizing our nation. President Coolidge signing the Immigration Act of 1924 changed the nature of immigration for 50 years in America. Coolidge made the Statue of Liberty a National monument but his administration wanted more college or skilled immigrants for one and altered immigration into the Johnson administration. Some say the tragedy now is our immigration policy is now essentially Open Borders which leaves newly come immigrants, many times illegally, in a permanent limbo to be played by politicians from both sides. We need a legal immigration policy that we the citizens choose to expand our mosaic and not demonize those that come. Then they and we would truly all be on one ship which sadly we are not now. We can do better as a nation but what we have in place in now is designed for conflict by weak leaders of all stripes on all sides of the political spectrum with our citizenry and many striving immigrant families victims. Don’t confuse virtue signaling nor demagoguery for leadership. We need leadership.
Thank you, Steven for this beautiful letter. It is 1000% spot on about this important quality of our nation and also the nature of the people who fear it or try to use the fear of others to promote their own political aspirations. Once again, you are really a beacon of light for what is good, and must be protected, in our country. Sincerely, Andrew Kricun
If you google what percentage of immigrants have won awards, invented necessities, been entrepreneurs, created wealth, contributed to the well being of America, the number is surprising and astounding, among them, the skilled and unskilled alike. Google itself, was started by a Russian immigrant. While only 14% of Americans are immigrants, they are responsible for beer you drink,a bank with whom you entrust your money, the jeans you wear, the toothpaste you use,the cheese you eat, the department store you shop, even the hot dogs you eat. They have won many Nobels, Pulitzers,book awards, written music, poems, not to mention the contributions also, of the unskilled-landscaping, factory work, road construction, even restaurant dishwashers. All are important. All are welcomed by this greatest of nations.
A good hearted friend was a Jew with a Russian heritage. Two women who sat next to me at a job grading public school standardized tests were of African backgrounds, and we had much fun and many laughs with hugs when finished. My political science PhD at Marshall came from Iran. An always smiling, friendly work colleague is Mexican born. My cardiologist is from India. A former colleague born in the far East, was the best. Seen by a Japanese couple in an airport and recognized as Asian, they bowed to him and said ohayo., ohayo. He bowed to them and said New Jersey, New Jersey!
But...............I am also proud of my white heritage, and to be so is not to make me a Marjorie Taylor Greene racist. My ancestors were Northern European, American pioneers, protestant with a father, like President Carter, who taught men's Bible class for years and a brother who was a career Air Force chaplain.
We are a long line of teachers family, started by a grandmother in the 1800s.
But what would the consequences be if white people held protests and looted, how could I wear a white lives count without being looked at askance?A few years ago, Penn State held a Black Alumni Reunion festivity. Who would condone a white alumni get together?
Why, for everything one fills out, must one check white, non Hispanic origin, black, Asian , single,widowed, divorced, married? Why so much distinguishment? Except for government necessity with a census, why does it matter? Aren't we all just people? Does Hakeem Jeffries need to be always identified as black? Why are creative, industrious half of the country always named 1st woman to..........whatever? We all have dreams, hopes, needs, thoughts, , likes, dislikes. We all share 90% of DNA with mice, 50% with bananas !
Republicans have refused time and time and time and time again to participate in any reasonable legislation -in any legislation at all -regarding immigration. They just like to bitch and bitch and bitch!
There was a kind of poetic justice in CSPANs outstanding coverage of the Election for Speaker of the House. TV viewers were able to see first-hand, from many vantage points and camera angles, just who, and what, some of the Representatives are. There were many spellbinding moments, with Republicans divided in their opinions, moved to blasphemy and a few almost coming to blows. It is difficult to consider the GOP a strong force, when they lack cohesiveness and credibility. There was a lot of political theatre on one side, with viewers and the Democrats looking on.
It was responsible cinematography. Too bad we’re going back to the bland GOP. It’s amazing how an entire political party can lack, creativity, sensitivity, inventiveness, and ethics.
I turned the tv on and off all week: on out of curiosity about what antics the majority party would stoop to next and how low they would go, and then off because I couldn't watch the degradation of the process any longer. However, I got curious again on that late Friday night as the 15th ballot was about to occur and pundits were talking of deals being made and the vote getting closer, maybe even to the finish line. Watching a final victory for the new Speaker was not jubilation for me, but rather a sense of relief that our government would soon to be able to function again. The MTG rush to take a selfie with the new speaker, pointing out that DT was on her phone, almost made me turn off the tv again. However, I was glad I stayed tuned in that late night/early morning. The unity of the minority party and that incredible , meaningful, forward looking, positive speech by Hakeem Jeffries, with reference to probably 1 of the greatest Speakers of all time, Nancy Pelosi, was worth staying up late. I saw so much promise in his speech. I saw visions of a government that is shaped in our highest ideals. I saw recognition of the positivity of our diversity. And then I went to sleep with hope for the future.
NIce post! One nuance that I think we sometimes forget to mention about our pluralistic society, is how well, perhaps uniquely among nations, we are able to accommodate and assimilate an unending flow of new people: immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, etc. Some of this has to do with public policy. But most of it has to do with the vast majority of Americans being willing to be helpful and welcoming, and, especially: to live and let live. The intolerant have had the largest megaphones over the years, but, despite this, millions have settled into America -- into our communities, schools, industries, and ministries. If the vast majority of our citizens simply continue being who and how they are and have been, the United States will continue to be the envy of the world: the most robustly accommodating, inclusive, and revered nation on earth.
Thank you for this uplifting and encouraging newsletter today. I love the music clip with Hakeem Jeffries speaking the words that millions of us needed so much to hear! Again, Thank you!
Humanity has almost always feared anything that was different, whether it be another religion, another skin color another language. Politicians seeking power or to keep power have always exploited that fear. It will never cease but we can dampen that fervor by those noble ones who constantly shine a light on the accomplishments of our minorities.
I lived in China for a year Japan for two - hitch- hiked around the South Pacific -back packed in Japan -six week photo-shoot in Senegal. I saw poverty, splendiferous churches, food markets where there were more flies on the meat than pieces of meat -children with no toys, children with few clothes, medical clinics with lines wrapped around the block -Americans need to get out in the world stretch themselves, physically emotionally intellectually.  Closed minds learn nothing.
I watched the entire speech and was spellbound by it passion, truthfulness, optimism, openness and in its delivery - from the heart. This is presidential timber that I saw that night. Very surprising and very refreshing, and Hakeem needs to be watched as the catalyst that will thrust our country forward regardless of the MAGA bomb throwers and hate mongers. Their days are numbered because of this new minority leader.
Jeffries definitely has my support.  I dread the total hell mega folks are going to forced upon the house of representatives and all of us.
Please count me., also, as an advocate of diversity, hope, and pride in this United States of America! Your post was beautiful. Thank you!
Well said. Keep pushing and fighting. We need to make more “good trouble.” As hard as it is to see through the fog and rage, we are progressing.
I just got an amazing response after forwarding this post to international friends all over the world.
 One friend from London said: “They picked the right man -Jeffries has a lot of Barack in him”!!!!!
I shared this letter with friends all around the world because I want them to know that not everyone in America acts or thinks like Marjorie Taylor Greene, McCarthy or Jim Jordan!
Thanks for sharing it, Sharon.
I get queries from friends from Japan Italy France Netherlands England Canada asking -“what the hell is going on in the USA”?  I just like to let them know it’s not total insanity here.  Always look forward to seeing you on my TV!
We absolutely need and want immigration. I believe we want it to be legal. Immigration has never been a right, it has been given by the lawful will of our people. For long periods in our history our country has pulled back on immigration as a result of war or fear driven by what was seen at the time as unwanted change that was destabilizing our nation. President Coolidge signing the Immigration Act of 1924 changed the nature of immigration for 50 years in America. Coolidge made the Statue of Liberty a National monument but his administration wanted more college or skilled immigrants for one and altered immigration into the Johnson administration. Some say the tragedy now is our immigration policy is now essentially Open Borders which leaves newly come immigrants, many times illegally, in a permanent limbo to be played by politicians from both sides. We need a legal immigration policy that we the citizens choose to expand our mosaic and not demonize those that come. Then they and we would truly all be on one ship which sadly we are not now. We can do better as a nation but what we have in place in now is designed for conflict by weak leaders of all stripes on all sides of the political spectrum with our citizenry and many striving immigrant families victims. Don’t confuse virtue signaling nor demagoguery for leadership. We need leadership.
Heartfelt missive. Thanks!
Thank you, Steven for this beautiful letter. It is 1000% spot on about this important quality of our nation and also the nature of the people who fear it or try to use the fear of others to promote their own political aspirations. Once again, you are really a beacon of light for what is good, and must be protected, in our country. Sincerely, Andrew Kricun
Andrew, thank you for the kind comments.
Thank you for this post Steven. A thoughtful and optimistic way to start the year anew. Hakeem’s leadership restores my faith in humanity.
What an excellent analysis and summation of Hakeem Jeffries' brilliant speech (one for the ages)!
AMEN fr a heritage of white. Scotch-Irish, German descent & church of Barton-Stone movement in 17-1800s where ALLL are welcome at the Table
If you google what percentage of immigrants have won awards, invented necessities, been entrepreneurs, created wealth, contributed to the well being of America, the number is surprising and astounding, among them, the skilled and unskilled alike. Google itself, was started by a Russian immigrant. While only 14% of Americans are immigrants, they are responsible for beer you drink,a bank with whom you entrust your money, the jeans you wear, the toothpaste you use,the cheese you eat, the department store you shop, even the hot dogs you eat. They have won many Nobels, Pulitzers,book awards, written music, poems, not to mention the contributions also, of the unskilled-landscaping, factory work, road construction, even restaurant dishwashers. All are important. All are welcomed by this greatest of nations.
A good hearted friend was a Jew with a Russian heritage. Two women who sat next to me at a job grading public school standardized tests were of African backgrounds, and we had much fun and many laughs with hugs when finished. My political science PhD at Marshall came from Iran. An always smiling, friendly work colleague is Mexican born. My cardiologist is from India. A former colleague born in the far East, was the best. Seen by a Japanese couple in an airport and recognized as Asian, they bowed to him and said ohayo., ohayo. He bowed to them and said New Jersey, New Jersey!
But...............I am also proud of my white heritage, and to be so is not to make me a Marjorie Taylor Greene racist. My ancestors were Northern European, American pioneers, protestant with a father, like President Carter, who taught men's Bible class for years and a brother who was a career Air Force chaplain.
We are a long line of teachers family, started by a grandmother in the 1800s.
But what would the consequences be if white people held protests and looted, how could I wear a white lives count without being looked at askance?A few years ago, Penn State held a Black Alumni Reunion festivity. Who would condone a white alumni get together?
Why, for everything one fills out, must one check white, non Hispanic origin, black, Asian , single,widowed, divorced, married? Why so much distinguishment? Except for government necessity with a census, why does it matter? Aren't we all just people? Does Hakeem Jeffries need to be always identified as black? Why are creative, industrious half of the country always named 1st woman to..........whatever? We all have dreams, hopes, needs, thoughts, , likes, dislikes. We all share 90% of DNA with mice, 50% with bananas !
Can't we all be just people?
This is just great, Rita! Thanks.
I am forever going to think of Kevin McCarthy as a banana from this day forward!!
A ripe one to be sure.
I think he is an exception with 75 %!!
Perhaps is a plantain, rough crude, and only edible when fully cooked
Republicans have refused time and time and time and time again to participate in any reasonable legislation -in any legislation at all -regarding immigration. They just like to bitch and bitch and bitch!
There was a kind of poetic justice in CSPANs outstanding coverage of the Election for Speaker of the House. TV viewers were able to see first-hand, from many vantage points and camera angles, just who, and what, some of the Representatives are. There were many spellbinding moments, with Republicans divided in their opinions, moved to blasphemy and a few almost coming to blows. It is difficult to consider the GOP a strong force, when they lack cohesiveness and credibility. There was a lot of political theatre on one side, with viewers and the Democrats looking on.
It was responsible cinematography. Too bad we’re going back to the bland GOP. It’s amazing how an entire political party can lack, creativity, sensitivity, inventiveness, and ethics.
Too bad, the cameras will be controlled by Republicans. Reality, and truth are their kryptonite