Is it merely wishful thinking on my part that the majority of our people will stand together against tyranny come November?
Let's pause, on this July 4th, to give some thought to the struggles and sacrifices that our Founding Fathers had to endure to establish a free Republic. They shed their blood in pursuit of the freedoms that we enjoy today. All we have to do is to vote to ensure that their legacy continues. Is that too much to ask?
Actually, they are not Christians, IMHO. (I practice Christianity, trying to follow Jesus's teachings to the best of my ability.) They are "christians".
Word for the day: jeremiad. Laments the state of society and morals (Wikipedia). Grim indeed, but we can treat as call to continued action instead of prophecy.
I just viewed a u-tube video of the president of the Heritage Foundation. Kevin Robert’s told us what they are planning to do to our Democracy.
If the ‘left ‘ refuses to go along with their twisted ideology.
We will become victims of their ‘ Revolution’ .
The gall of these people is overwhelming . They think they get to dictate our future with their decisions . This is currently still America although Mr Robert’s joins Putin in his desire to destroy .
Putin “ America will be destroyed from within” .
I submit Mr Roberts is complicit with Putins call .
Donald Trump is complicit with Putins call.
The Supreme Court is complicit with Putins call.
The American House of Representatives is complicit with Putins call.
The Senate has elements of Maga which is complicit with Putins call.
Maga is complicit with Putins call.
Governor Abbot of Texas is complicit with Putins call.
Governor De Santis is complicit with Putins call .
All of the above and more are furthering Putins call.
The rest of us are real Americans .
We will deny Putins/ K Roberts/ the Supreme Courts / Trumps/ Maga/MikeJohnson/Jim Jordan / James Comer/ Marge T Green /
These people and more are denying Democracy and embracing Fascism .
I hope we all get the grip of Reality on this Fascism and destroy it .
I for one am ready willing and able to march for Freedoms truths and help to haul our Country back and away from the brink of fascism and King DJT and his Maga hordes!!
Well said Steven (and George)! But to get to our political “promised land” we must focus on registering younger voters, particularly young women! While we see this election from a broader perspective of saving our democracy, the raw truth is that this election will be actually determined by the zeal of women voters (and their family members) to protect reproductive rights including IVF. We proved in all nine statewide elections in 2023 that we can, and will, win majorities based on those issues who will also defeat their nemesis trump at the same time! Please go to www.TurnUp.com run by brilliant Harvard students who know how to win by registering tens of thousands of Community College students in 38 truly “competitive” congressional districts & 11 key Senate elections. It’s a C3 tax deduction based on abortion rights! Please do it today? Their (and our) future depends on their abilities to succeed.
Also look at a sleeper Senate victory in Nebraska with pro-choice Indy Dan Osborn and wisely no Dem in the race!
Thanks; please take a close look at NE senate race; very compelling possibility as rubber stamp Republican Deb Fisher has approval in the 30s and is 100% against abortion promoting massive youth turnout. Both abortion and weed are on the ballot. Indy Dan Osborn is very pro-choice (no Dem is running— wise choice) and Osborn will not caucus with either party or vote for Senate leader. He’s sending a very convincing message of prairie independence and it’s perfect because Nebraska is the only state which has an entirely nonpartisan state legislature! Very important pickup possibly to deny the Rs the 51st vote!
Ira, question: Now that Manchin will not be running, you think we will lose that Senate seat? WVA is tough for a Dem and as much as I loathed Manchin, we were lucky to have him in that seat c
It isn’t.com; it’s www.TurnUp.US thanks for looking for it as it is a terrific group of Harvard students connecting by social media with tens of thousands of high school seniors and Community College students at 348 CCs
To Steve and other writers: Valuable, original writing using 'originalist' history to educate America of George Washington's warnings of threat to democracy. I confess I am uncomfortable to give any support to originalist theory, given what the Trump Court has done. The big picture is that contributors are becoming only motivated to do more politics. I will use social media. I will write postcards. I will table and leaflet. George Washingon would have agreed with Sotomayor's dissent and would have been alarmed by Project 2025.
Having had success in my 6 legislative races as a candidate and in some state and federal campaigns as a worker, I knew it was important to cheerlead and support others. I tried to borrow from my days as a baseball coach. Early on, some of the parents of my little league team appreciated I became a positive cheerleader--of course, we did not have that many wins to cheer for.
Writing can reinforce the work of others, like what you and Mark Jacob do. I think reinforcing positive efforts remains part of my personality throughout my life. In today's highly polarized and acerbic life, with social media putting a premium on sarcasm and cheap shots, I am comfortable with my role.
Why is this merely a footnote in news being reported? It should meet the clicks for drama standards.
“… just want to encourage you with some substance that we are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”
- Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and leader Project 2025.
Bolstered by SCOTUS, an admission in time for reflection on the 4th of July.
It’s time to gather our courage, our friends & our plans to defeat fascism in America. 🗳️
First, Declaration of Idependence then Washington's farewell & finally Your last paragraph. Yes, we must preserve our Democracy. Regardless Who, we must vote in numbers so large NO ONE can question outcome. TY, Steven!
A sober note for this July 4. If democracy triumphs in November, the renegade MAGAs will still claim victory. If Trump wins the election, all is lost. Biden must either block this insane Supreme Court ruling and cheerlead non-compliance by the courts, or embrace the powers it endows him with and force an expedited legal reckoning for Trump.
I cannot stomach this ruling. Presidents are not kings and justices are not legislators.
We don't fly our flag every day, but I do put it out on days that have special meaning: Memorial Day, D-Day, Veterans Day, VE Day, VJ Day, and a few other notable days.
As you have noted, given the recent Supreme Court decisions and the current noises made by the likes of Donald Trump, Kevin Roberts, too many elected representatives and pro-theocracy fascist pundits, I found it a bit difficult to garner my usual enthusiasm for July 4th. I must confess that I had second thoughts about flying our flag today.
I served this country in uniform. I lost friends serving this country in uniform. The first of my family immigrants came to these shores in 1622. Some or the other family member has fought in every war since then. I'll be damned if I'm going to surrender this symbol of what our country strives to be to a bunch of right wing zelots.
We're fortunate to be able to give money in support of candidates who wish to continue the American democratic experiment. Although we're also a bit older, we're also fortunate to be in good enough shape to volunteer our time, physical and mental efforts in support of our preferred candidates. I refuse to hold in my anger. Instead I choose to channel it into work and determination.
Today, our flag flies proudly, right side up, in front of our house.
Beautifully said, especially when you quoted the Declaration of Independence : “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” We will celebrate today, and then, as you said, get back to work for the next 123 days to do our best to ensure that our Democracy continues to prevail. God Bless America 🇺🇸
This Fourth of July, join me in writing nine letters to the nine Supreme Court Injustices/Justices. Mine are ready to go out tomorrow. I custom-tailored each of my letters, and you may want to do the same. The official way to write the name on your letterhead is: The Honorable (first name) (last name). In the body of the letter you write: Judge (last name) or Honorable. The address is: 1 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20534. I found this the appropriate way to spend this day.
That would be wonderful! Do you know anyone who could help us do this? (The viral part.) Yes, imagining them up to their necks in angry letters is a lovely vision! Let's figure out how to make it come true.
What an absurdity that they call it making America great again and say trump will save America. They/he will destroy it. And they are not all a "basket of deplorables." There are Harvard grads !
I think I might sing all day ----- I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, a Yankee Doodle do or die. A real live niece of my Uncle Sam's, born on the Fourth of July................. and hopefully, after November, Happy Days Are Here Again.
Honestly, I just had the most unusual 4th of July ever. I spent the afternoon in a hanger at Coleman Young Int'l Airport in Detroit as a guest of the 100th birthday bash in honor of one the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen, Harry Stewart, Jr. A true celebration such as I haven't seen in a long time. People were relaxed, smiling & friendly - a reminder to me that we're all Americans. Local paper ran a story about the event and included a reminder of the struggles these young black men faced coming home from their war. I'm repeating Harry's quote “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
Such a wonderful event you got the chance to attend, Edna! Their lives were so amazing but the hardships they faced coming back home were unfair and horrendous. Thanks for sharing!
Is it merely wishful thinking on my part that the majority of our people will stand together against tyranny come November?
Let's pause, on this July 4th, to give some thought to the struggles and sacrifices that our Founding Fathers had to endure to establish a free Republic. They shed their blood in pursuit of the freedoms that we enjoy today. All we have to do is to vote to ensure that their legacy continues. Is that too much to ask?
It’s not.
No, it is not. Is it alright to call liars liars? I believe so, even if they are Christians, which I am.
You are a true Christian, Alison, for believing in love, kindness and goodwill. Those hypocrites, most certainly, are not.
Thank you.
(Forgive me for misspelling your name, Allison.)
Actually, they are not Christians, IMHO. (I practice Christianity, trying to follow Jesus's teachings to the best of my ability.) They are "christians".
Word for the day: jeremiad. Laments the state of society and morals (Wikipedia). Grim indeed, but we can treat as call to continued action instead of prophecy.
Take heed to both. WARNING!
I just viewed a u-tube video of the president of the Heritage Foundation. Kevin Robert’s told us what they are planning to do to our Democracy.
If the ‘left ‘ refuses to go along with their twisted ideology.
We will become victims of their ‘ Revolution’ .
The gall of these people is overwhelming . They think they get to dictate our future with their decisions . This is currently still America although Mr Robert’s joins Putin in his desire to destroy .
Putin “ America will be destroyed from within” .
I submit Mr Roberts is complicit with Putins call .
Donald Trump is complicit with Putins call.
The Supreme Court is complicit with Putins call.
The American House of Representatives is complicit with Putins call.
The Senate has elements of Maga which is complicit with Putins call.
Maga is complicit with Putins call.
Governor Abbot of Texas is complicit with Putins call.
Governor De Santis is complicit with Putins call .
All of the above and more are furthering Putins call.
The rest of us are real Americans .
We will deny Putins/ K Roberts/ the Supreme Courts / Trumps/ Maga/MikeJohnson/Jim Jordan / James Comer/ Marge T Green /
These people and more are denying Democracy and embracing Fascism .
I hope we all get the grip of Reality on this Fascism and destroy it .
Happy Independence Day .
Care about what matters .
Act on your Care .
Resist the Lie.
It is not up to despicable people like Kevin Roberts. It is not up to us to "comply" with his threat.
I just restocked what you said here. Hope you don’t mind. I’m asking forgiveness before permission, I suppose.
Restacked(damn autocorrect!)
It’s fine . Thank you .
Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸
Happy Fourth, everyone! Tomorrow we take the fight to those who treasure power over freedom and democracy.
David
I for one am ready willing and able to march for Freedoms truths and help to haul our Country back and away from the brink of fascism and King DJT and his Maga hordes!!
Well said Steven (and George)! But to get to our political “promised land” we must focus on registering younger voters, particularly young women! While we see this election from a broader perspective of saving our democracy, the raw truth is that this election will be actually determined by the zeal of women voters (and their family members) to protect reproductive rights including IVF. We proved in all nine statewide elections in 2023 that we can, and will, win majorities based on those issues who will also defeat their nemesis trump at the same time! Please go to www.TurnUp.com run by brilliant Harvard students who know how to win by registering tens of thousands of Community College students in 38 truly “competitive” congressional districts & 11 key Senate elections. It’s a C3 tax deduction based on abortion rights! Please do it today? Their (and our) future depends on their abilities to succeed.
Also look at a sleeper Senate victory in Nebraska with pro-choice Indy Dan Osborn and wisely no Dem in the race!
Keep up the great work, Ira!
Thanks; please take a close look at NE senate race; very compelling possibility as rubber stamp Republican Deb Fisher has approval in the 30s and is 100% against abortion promoting massive youth turnout. Both abortion and weed are on the ballot. Indy Dan Osborn is very pro-choice (no Dem is running— wise choice) and Osborn will not caucus with either party or vote for Senate leader. He’s sending a very convincing message of prairie independence and it’s perfect because Nebraska is the only state which has an entirely nonpartisan state legislature! Very important pickup possibly to deny the Rs the 51st vote!
Ira, question: Now that Manchin will not be running, you think we will lose that Senate seat? WVA is tough for a Dem and as much as I loathed Manchin, we were lucky to have him in that seat c
Link for TurnUp.com is not working?
It isn’t.com; it’s www.TurnUp.US thanks for looking for it as it is a terrific group of Harvard students connecting by social media with tens of thousands of high school seniors and Community College students at 348 CCs
To Steve and other writers: Valuable, original writing using 'originalist' history to educate America of George Washington's warnings of threat to democracy. I confess I am uncomfortable to give any support to originalist theory, given what the Trump Court has done. The big picture is that contributors are becoming only motivated to do more politics. I will use social media. I will write postcards. I will table and leaflet. George Washingon would have agreed with Sotomayor's dissent and would have been alarmed by Project 2025.
Keep up the good work!
Having had success in my 6 legislative races as a candidate and in some state and federal campaigns as a worker, I knew it was important to cheerlead and support others. I tried to borrow from my days as a baseball coach. Early on, some of the parents of my little league team appreciated I became a positive cheerleader--of course, we did not have that many wins to cheer for.
Writing can reinforce the work of others, like what you and Mark Jacob do. I think reinforcing positive efforts remains part of my personality throughout my life. In today's highly polarized and acerbic life, with social media putting a premium on sarcasm and cheap shots, I am comfortable with my role.
Why is this merely a footnote in news being reported? It should meet the clicks for drama standards.
“… just want to encourage you with some substance that we are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”
- Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and leader Project 2025.
Bolstered by SCOTUS, an admission in time for reflection on the 4th of July.
It’s time to gather our courage, our friends & our plans to defeat fascism in America. 🗳️
First, Declaration of Idependence then Washington's farewell & finally Your last paragraph. Yes, we must preserve our Democracy. Regardless Who, we must vote in numbers so large NO ONE can question outcome. TY, Steven!
A sober note for this July 4. If democracy triumphs in November, the renegade MAGAs will still claim victory. If Trump wins the election, all is lost. Biden must either block this insane Supreme Court ruling and cheerlead non-compliance by the courts, or embrace the powers it endows him with and force an expedited legal reckoning for Trump.
I cannot stomach this ruling. Presidents are not kings and justices are not legislators.
We don't fly our flag every day, but I do put it out on days that have special meaning: Memorial Day, D-Day, Veterans Day, VE Day, VJ Day, and a few other notable days.
As you have noted, given the recent Supreme Court decisions and the current noises made by the likes of Donald Trump, Kevin Roberts, too many elected representatives and pro-theocracy fascist pundits, I found it a bit difficult to garner my usual enthusiasm for July 4th. I must confess that I had second thoughts about flying our flag today.
I served this country in uniform. I lost friends serving this country in uniform. The first of my family immigrants came to these shores in 1622. Some or the other family member has fought in every war since then. I'll be damned if I'm going to surrender this symbol of what our country strives to be to a bunch of right wing zelots.
We're fortunate to be able to give money in support of candidates who wish to continue the American democratic experiment. Although we're also a bit older, we're also fortunate to be in good enough shape to volunteer our time, physical and mental efforts in support of our preferred candidates. I refuse to hold in my anger. Instead I choose to channel it into work and determination.
Today, our flag flies proudly, right side up, in front of our house.
Inspiring, thanks for sharing.
Beautifully said, especially when you quoted the Declaration of Independence : “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” We will celebrate today, and then, as you said, get back to work for the next 123 days to do our best to ensure that our Democracy continues to prevail. God Bless America 🇺🇸
This Fourth of July, join me in writing nine letters to the nine Supreme Court Injustices/Justices. Mine are ready to go out tomorrow. I custom-tailored each of my letters, and you may want to do the same. The official way to write the name on your letterhead is: The Honorable (first name) (last name). In the body of the letter you write: Judge (last name) or Honorable. The address is: 1 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20534. I found this the appropriate way to spend this day.
Thanks! I’m going to do this. I wish we could make it viral and bury that building in letters of protest.
That would be wonderful! Do you know anyone who could help us do this? (The viral part.) Yes, imagining them up to their necks in angry letters is a lovely vision! Let's figure out how to make it come true.
What an absurdity that they call it making America great again and say trump will save America. They/he will destroy it. And they are not all a "basket of deplorables." There are Harvard grads !
I think I might sing all day ----- I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, a Yankee Doodle do or die. A real live niece of my Uncle Sam's, born on the Fourth of July................. and hopefully, after November, Happy Days Are Here Again.
Excellent piece ! Happy 4th !
Happy 4th!
Honestly, I just had the most unusual 4th of July ever. I spent the afternoon in a hanger at Coleman Young Int'l Airport in Detroit as a guest of the 100th birthday bash in honor of one the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen, Harry Stewart, Jr. A true celebration such as I haven't seen in a long time. People were relaxed, smiling & friendly - a reminder to me that we're all Americans. Local paper ran a story about the event and included a reminder of the struggles these young black men faced coming home from their war. I'm repeating Harry's quote “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2024/07/04/metro-detroit-tuskegee-airman-100-birthday-coleman-a-young-municipal-airport/74304342007/
Eternal vigilance, indeed. Thanks.
Such a wonderful event you got the chance to attend, Edna! Their lives were so amazing but the hardships they faced coming back home were unfair and horrendous. Thanks for sharing!
Keep the faith. We must.
“We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” - Benjamin Franklin