So succinct, Steven, thanks. Having voted early, in person, I was pleased to see so many persons turn out for this event. I actually had to wait in line for the next available machine in order to cast my vote. I don’t recall ever having to do this. Nice…. I remain Hopeful this is a sign for positive changes to come. That more Americans are less indifferent. More committed to a better understanding of the Democracy that has been under siege and of which they are a part of. And, further enlightened to better appreciate themselves and how important they are in participating in this “Grand Experiment”.
I voted early…as did many others. At this point, my hope is that we will survive the next attempted coup that the Trump administration (and yes, I said the Trump administration) has in store for us…Jan 6 on steroids…because the Justice Department no longer serves the people of this country. Am I hopeful? Yes. Am I equally fearful? Absolutely. We’re living a nightmare that I hope will soon be over. I hope that soon our voices will actually be heard. No more golf courses, helicopter pads, triumphal arches, ballrooms, and spitting, sweating, raging, burping, lying, insulting speeches. No more grifting with a grin, no more worry over wars yet to be waged. No more silent silliness in Congress. No. More. Republican. Majority. No. More. Trump. Presidency. Long live Democracy. Long live the United States of America. Let Freedom ring!
FDR’s vision is still laudable, with one exception: a “constantly rising” standard of living is not possible or desirable. The aim should be a country where everyone has enough.
But that is not good enough for those who want even a little bit more than their brother or neighbor. If anyone seems to have a little more, or the government helps those who have needs, then it is unfair. Those same voters refuse to recognize the wealthy who have vastly more and whom the government helps with contracts and tax relief.
Thanks, Steven: Maybe this chaos was a blessing. I was one who took democracy and personal freedoms for granted for a very long time. Born just after the Second World War, the democratic process was steaming along; unions were growing, men would go to work, their wives looked after the domestic things. Raised children. One income could support a family; life was on a roll. I went to school, graduated, and found plenty of jobs; we were told never to talk politics or religion, but we broke that rule and brought those topics up with fervour. I was never very good with grammar, but it wasn't needed when I went logging. It was hard, lovely physical work that paid well. We were in a strong union, and our boss gave us bonuses at the end of the year. Things were beautiful back in the day, and I know we can get back there in the future. We just have to level the playing field, give the average Joe a shot at survival, and the Nation will be better off. I recall the Social Democrat leader of Canada, Tommy Douglas (Bernie Sanders reminds me of Douglas), pushing for Universal health care. They finally landed the Universal care in Saskatchewan Canada and it was so popular with the electorate the federal government made in nation wide. Long story short, I want that time back. I know the USA can get back to that shining city on a hill; it is just going to take a massive turnout of Blue at the ballot box. I will take the liberty of speaking for Canada; we want you to prosper and return to a democratic, healthy, happy nation. Godspeed.
Steven, thank you for this - including prior comments and now. We hope and pray the multitude of voter turnout thus far portends a return to decency, reestablishing a place of respect from other countries and just plain old-fashioned honesty. And, one more - adherence to the Constitution of our United States. If you have not voted, just do it - do it today. Your vote IS your voice. God bless the USA, please.
Oh Steven, I wish you wouldn't have used the word "precipice" as in "a very steep rock face or cliff." I'm subject to nausea at such a peak. But if you mean consequential, I'm right there with you. And I appreciate your guarded optimism. This wish "turnout large enough to override efforts to deny the voters’ will—rather than two more wasteful years of Donald Trump’s unchecked stupidity and abuse" sums up two desires. But I quibble on one word: wasteful. I'd prefer "horrific." I have a problem with "wasteful" and although I get your intent, we sure learned a hell of a lot about good governance; i.e. Democratic vs. bad/horrid/despicable system of control. To lessons, I'll add prayers, as in demands for Democrats to return to good governing of our damaged country. Healing, recuperation, and strengthing, more than soothing is required.
The American people are not anywhere as stupid as 47 believes they are. His narcissism and believing he’s smarter than everyone else is bringing about his downfall. It’s going to be a glorious comeuppance next Tuesday.
I'm cautiously optimistic. I can never go all in with enthusiastic optimism. Not when 89 million did not even vote in '24. Not while spending much of my time in Miami, where every other political TV ad is shouting "socialista!...socialista!- when referring to the moderate David Jolly.
Of course much of the U.S. is not Florida. I take solace in that.
I feel frustrated with people who say they don’t pay attention to politics, as if government policies and legislation don’t impact how everyone is able to live their lives. Railing against vaccines contributed to sick children. Firing food inspectors contributed to widespread illness. That big horrible bill cancel people’s health insurance, SNAP benefits and Medicaid, which pays for lots of adults in long term care homes. Politics matters A LOT!!!
“It’s been my deep wish that we would never have fallen this low as a nation.”
Until we find an investigative reporter who’ll investigate our corrupt schools, democracy will continue to be unstable. Our schools are our foundation that’s too sacred to suspect like the priests, and too powerful to mess with like Harvey Weinstein. Thus, they left us dumb enough to elect Trump.
We all know test scores keep falling and education reform has been impossible but not one reporter suspects that they’re purposely making reform impossible as they are.
Cover up is what a corrupt system does well, yet for thirty years I have not been able to find a reporter who’ll look into the mountains of proof I have that includes testimony from hundreds of teachers I’ve organized.
Our education leaders cleverly made us a country that would ignore its whistleblowing teachers so no one will ever find out how corrupt they are and the only solution is to never give up teaching you what’s going on in our schools.
So I made that my job and you’ll find what’s really going on in our schools at ActivistKarenHorwitz.com.
I’m a teacher. I never give up on my students even when my students are an entire nation that gave up on its teachers.
If the Blue Wave does materialize I really hope us Dems can make the most of it. All of the bipartisan work Joe Biden did seemed to make no impact on how people view Dems ability to help people. And isn't that the biggest difference between the parties? "Elitism" aside - aren't we the good guys who try to help the little guy?
I fervently hope that your optimism is borne out to be true.
So succinct, Steven, thanks. Having voted early, in person, I was pleased to see so many persons turn out for this event. I actually had to wait in line for the next available machine in order to cast my vote. I don’t recall ever having to do this. Nice…. I remain Hopeful this is a sign for positive changes to come. That more Americans are less indifferent. More committed to a better understanding of the Democracy that has been under siege and of which they are a part of. And, further enlightened to better appreciate themselves and how important they are in participating in this “Grand Experiment”.
I voted early…as did many others. At this point, my hope is that we will survive the next attempted coup that the Trump administration (and yes, I said the Trump administration) has in store for us…Jan 6 on steroids…because the Justice Department no longer serves the people of this country. Am I hopeful? Yes. Am I equally fearful? Absolutely. We’re living a nightmare that I hope will soon be over. I hope that soon our voices will actually be heard. No more golf courses, helicopter pads, triumphal arches, ballrooms, and spitting, sweating, raging, burping, lying, insulting speeches. No more grifting with a grin, no more worry over wars yet to be waged. No more silent silliness in Congress. No. More. Republican. Majority. No. More. Trump. Presidency. Long live Democracy. Long live the United States of America. Let Freedom ring!
What will we choose to be?
- Loving or hateful?
- Serving or solicitous?
- Moral or evil?
- Forgiving or vengeful?
https://albellenchia.substack.com/p/what-matters?r=7wk5d
FDR’s vision is still laudable, with one exception: a “constantly rising” standard of living is not possible or desirable. The aim should be a country where everyone has enough.
But that is not good enough for those who want even a little bit more than their brother or neighbor. If anyone seems to have a little more, or the government helps those who have needs, then it is unfair. Those same voters refuse to recognize the wealthy who have vastly more and whom the government helps with contracts and tax relief.
Thanks, Steven: Maybe this chaos was a blessing. I was one who took democracy and personal freedoms for granted for a very long time. Born just after the Second World War, the democratic process was steaming along; unions were growing, men would go to work, their wives looked after the domestic things. Raised children. One income could support a family; life was on a roll. I went to school, graduated, and found plenty of jobs; we were told never to talk politics or religion, but we broke that rule and brought those topics up with fervour. I was never very good with grammar, but it wasn't needed when I went logging. It was hard, lovely physical work that paid well. We were in a strong union, and our boss gave us bonuses at the end of the year. Things were beautiful back in the day, and I know we can get back there in the future. We just have to level the playing field, give the average Joe a shot at survival, and the Nation will be better off. I recall the Social Democrat leader of Canada, Tommy Douglas (Bernie Sanders reminds me of Douglas), pushing for Universal health care. They finally landed the Universal care in Saskatchewan Canada and it was so popular with the electorate the federal government made in nation wide. Long story short, I want that time back. I know the USA can get back to that shining city on a hill; it is just going to take a massive turnout of Blue at the ballot box. I will take the liberty of speaking for Canada; we want you to prosper and return to a democratic, healthy, happy nation. Godspeed.
Wonderful article. It was interesting hearing FDRs 1941 “Four Freedom’s” speech at the link you provided.Your optimism is contagious. Thank you.
Steven, thank you for this - including prior comments and now. We hope and pray the multitude of voter turnout thus far portends a return to decency, reestablishing a place of respect from other countries and just plain old-fashioned honesty. And, one more - adherence to the Constitution of our United States. If you have not voted, just do it - do it today. Your vote IS your voice. God bless the USA, please.
Oh Steven, I wish you wouldn't have used the word "precipice" as in "a very steep rock face or cliff." I'm subject to nausea at such a peak. But if you mean consequential, I'm right there with you. And I appreciate your guarded optimism. This wish "turnout large enough to override efforts to deny the voters’ will—rather than two more wasteful years of Donald Trump’s unchecked stupidity and abuse" sums up two desires. But I quibble on one word: wasteful. I'd prefer "horrific." I have a problem with "wasteful" and although I get your intent, we sure learned a hell of a lot about good governance; i.e. Democratic vs. bad/horrid/despicable system of control. To lessons, I'll add prayers, as in demands for Democrats to return to good governing of our damaged country. Healing, recuperation, and strengthing, more than soothing is required.
The American people are not anywhere as stupid as 47 believes they are. His narcissism and believing he’s smarter than everyone else is bringing about his downfall. It’s going to be a glorious comeuppance next Tuesday.
I'm cautiously optimistic. I can never go all in with enthusiastic optimism. Not when 89 million did not even vote in '24. Not while spending much of my time in Miami, where every other political TV ad is shouting "socialista!...socialista!- when referring to the moderate David Jolly.
Of course much of the U.S. is not Florida. I take solace in that.
I feel frustrated with people who say they don’t pay attention to politics, as if government policies and legislation don’t impact how everyone is able to live their lives. Railing against vaccines contributed to sick children. Firing food inspectors contributed to widespread illness. That big horrible bill cancel people’s health insurance, SNAP benefits and Medicaid, which pays for lots of adults in long term care homes. Politics matters A LOT!!!
“It’s been my deep wish that we would never have fallen this low as a nation.”
Until we find an investigative reporter who’ll investigate our corrupt schools, democracy will continue to be unstable. Our schools are our foundation that’s too sacred to suspect like the priests, and too powerful to mess with like Harvey Weinstein. Thus, they left us dumb enough to elect Trump.
We all know test scores keep falling and education reform has been impossible but not one reporter suspects that they’re purposely making reform impossible as they are.
Cover up is what a corrupt system does well, yet for thirty years I have not been able to find a reporter who’ll look into the mountains of proof I have that includes testimony from hundreds of teachers I’ve organized.
Our education leaders cleverly made us a country that would ignore its whistleblowing teachers so no one will ever find out how corrupt they are and the only solution is to never give up teaching you what’s going on in our schools.
So I made that my job and you’ll find what’s really going on in our schools at ActivistKarenHorwitz.com.
I’m a teacher. I never give up on my students even when my students are an entire nation that gave up on its teachers.
If the Blue Wave does materialize I really hope us Dems can make the most of it. All of the bipartisan work Joe Biden did seemed to make no impact on how people view Dems ability to help people. And isn't that the biggest difference between the parties? "Elitism" aside - aren't we the good guys who try to help the little guy?
It is possible Elon cheated - if GOP comes close to winning there must be an investigation this time!
Make it so (Jean-Luc Picard.) I love the proactivity of the statement.