Yes Lord! Thank you Mr. Beschloss for in exactly 2 minutes putting the task before us. JDVance is a menace. Just for a moment, picture AlGore acting like vance.
Thank you, Steven. I’m an ardent follower of yours(not fanatic! Or, cultist) for your Truth and eloquence in voicing it, in ANY format, makes sense to me. I understand what you say. It’s that simple. I will continue to Hope you’ll help lead this respectful, mindful, discussion in all matters that ails those of us who seek civility in these troubling times.
This is incredible! Love your writings (and watching your podcasts) of any length but this is really powerful ...easy to share with folks and very meaty! Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
Very well done, Steven! The format is superb. And the length is just right. I usually don't watch podcasts since they take so much time. I regret not being able to accommodate them, but it's not possible. A couple of minutes suits me! Keep 'em coming! And thank you.
This is helpful. I would like to share an excerpt written by Jess Craven on 9.11. ". . .it is our approach that will work. Hate burns brightly and creates a large flame, but it uses fuel rapidly and eventually destroys that which it needs to survive. It’s unsustainable over the long term. It cannot, and never does, build anything of worth.
Hope, on the other hand, can. It burns more quietly, but it gathers as it goes. It increases upon itself. It can sustain itself indefinitely. Hope is an action taken resolutely, sometimes in the stark face of despair, and repeated even when evidence suggests it’s useless."
They are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks and projecting out their own hatred. Being aware of what they are doing is important but we must not get distracted by their rhetoric. I am tired of feeling outrage and I choose hope.
It is bizarre that simply pointing out that someone was engaging in hate speech is now being considered hate speech by this administration.
We are entering the upside-down world they are trying to manufacture and should not enter willingly.
We need to speak louder against all of this nonsense and against their effort to take away free speech and to vilify us.
This said, all of their power has come from dividing us and fanning resentment.
I wrote this earlier today on another site to express my views on how they have done this although it is now slightly modified to fit this context.
Sorry if it is long, but I tend to be long winded ( or long-printed) - just me.
When your opponent is much stronger, one can't match might with might.
It is at times like this when "hearts and minds" can be the main focus for change as this has always been a more powerful and enduring force. MLK Jr. and Gandhi had more success than some of others who were struggling against oppression from a powerful force.
We need to speak loudly and protest peacefully and engage in effort to promote unity as well as opposition to what this administration is doing.
While the other side is preaching division and oppression and hate, we need to preach about what binds us together as a nation, and counter what they are doing.
I think this is what people are looking for (although some may not know it yet).
We need something to unify us all.
When you think about how MAGA was born, a great deal of it was done by manufacturing resentment. They were told over and over again that the other side hates you and wants you gone, even before MAGA began. They made the left out to be a threat.
This has been told to the GOP base for decades now, and this is why when Hillary's "basket" comment was taken out of context, it was able to be used with such success (she never called them "all" deplorable racists, actually the opposite). It was so powerful it boosted Trump into office in term one even though many did not like a lot of what he had to say.
The resentment the GOP politicians fan is very old and seems to perhaps have originated out of the dust bowl era when farmers, who had lost everything, migrated to coastal areas that were not impacted to find work. They were often met with demeaning comments and referred to as backwards hicks, etc. A lot of this has lived on. Another example are terms like "trailer trash," or "fly over country," etc. I find it odd that many on the left who champion help for the poor seem to at the same time look down on the poor from red states who may live in affordable housing, a trailer or mobile home, etc. or who may not have been able to afford college and may have had to work 2 jobs if any job was even available in their area.
When my parents moved to CA from TX, mid century, they often tried to hide their origins so as to not be looked down upon, and would always talk about their degrees and careers to give themselves some cred. My dad worked on the Apollo project and had a PhD and my mom had graduated with honors, but being from the south, this other aspect of college often had to be front and center, because face it, us coastal folks can be a bit arrogant when it comes to all of that and that is simply a fact.
Thus, the far-right politicians have been exploiting these old resentments and created a scary "boogieman" to place under the beds of their voting base and in their hearts which were "evil liberals," especially coastal liberals.
Fear is what they do, and now this has morphed into extremes like "the evil from within" as this admin takes it to another level and starts to use language suggesting that we should be gotten rid of, rather "reminiscent" of Nazi Germany.
I think they want us to quit making that parallel because, in reality, it is a bit too spot on. Good grief. they have even quoted the likes of Hitler and Mussolini and they think we should not point this out?
I think there is still time to change hearts and minds, and although these MAGA politicians are trying to use the bandwagon technique to promote their propaganda on social media, and make it seem like a whole bunch of folks are "buying in," it is not true.
Non-MAGA are are still a large majority.
Trump's ratings would not be falling so much among independents, and some others, if their plan was working well enough, so there is still time.
One needs to remember that Independents are now the largest voting block at at least 43% and Trump has fallen to 30% approval = 13% of voters. The number of voters who are both MAGA and also republican is only about 24% of all voters. 28% R X 85% MAGA = 24% in some polls. Add 13 and 24 and this is only 37% of voters. This is why Trump is underwater. One can't win with the base alone. If you tease out those who like what he is doing now, I bet the approval plummets even more.
Honestly, if one of our more prominent political hopefuls, maybe Gavin Newsom, began to keep reminding people that it is not the Dems who want to control how people live and that we do not hate the other side, even if we do not agree with them, and that our goal is for people to be able to live as they see fit in a free country, maybe that would take root. Undo the resentment.
Even though we may be frustrated with those not like us who do not see things our way, we do not hate them. At least, I don't. If they hate us, I think a lot of this is because they have been told for so long by their politicians that they are despised by us or that we want to control them (not so) and so they feel threatened. However, that feeling was created intentionally, and by design, by GOP politicians, and this was and still is, a horrible thing to do.
This does not mean we do not point out very aggressively how horrible a lot of what this administration is saying and doing, as it is truly horrific, and fighting fire with fire by going after Trump on social media like Newsom does is a good idea, as well, in my view. Other than that we need to build unity where we can and undo decades of damage.
Are we allowed to share your posts and videos say, for instance on Facebook where my family and friends obtain much of their information or do you prefer your staff forward your posts?
I often would like to share these with news media across the US and abroad. Would that be acceptable?
If not I understand
Thank you for being you and trying to in effect save us.
Steven, thank you!! I really like this "got a minute or two" concept. While many I follow offer videos much long, with good information, I just don't have the hours to watch/listen to it typically. But I've got a minute or two!!!!
More of this, short and to the point. People are on overload remember
Yes Lord! Thank you Mr. Beschloss for in exactly 2 minutes putting the task before us. JDVance is a menace. Just for a moment, picture AlGore acting like vance.
Short and sweet - love it - easy to listen to and of course always makes sense - thanks Steven
Thank you, Steven. I’m an ardent follower of yours(not fanatic! Or, cultist) for your Truth and eloquence in voicing it, in ANY format, makes sense to me. I understand what you say. It’s that simple. I will continue to Hope you’ll help lead this respectful, mindful, discussion in all matters that ails those of us who seek civility in these troubling times.
That's very kind. Thanks. Will do my best.
This is incredible! Love your writings (and watching your podcasts) of any length but this is really powerful ...easy to share with folks and very meaty! Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
Thanks very much, Florence.
Very well done, Steven! The format is superb. And the length is just right. I usually don't watch podcasts since they take so much time. I regret not being able to accommodate them, but it's not possible. A couple of minutes suits me! Keep 'em coming! And thank you.
Good to hear, Peggy. Thanks.
You're welcome! I always make it a point to read what you have to say.
Yup….to borrow a quote from Paddy Chayefsky’s Network,” I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” ….
On Constitution Day, no less!
This is helpful. I would like to share an excerpt written by Jess Craven on 9.11. ". . .it is our approach that will work. Hate burns brightly and creates a large flame, but it uses fuel rapidly and eventually destroys that which it needs to survive. It’s unsustainable over the long term. It cannot, and never does, build anything of worth.
Hope, on the other hand, can. It burns more quietly, but it gathers as it goes. It increases upon itself. It can sustain itself indefinitely. Hope is an action taken resolutely, sometimes in the stark face of despair, and repeated even when evidence suggests it’s useless."
They are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks and projecting out their own hatred. Being aware of what they are doing is important but we must not get distracted by their rhetoric. I am tired of feeling outrage and I choose hope.
Optimism is contagious and there is no vaccine to stop it.😊
To be considered compassionate, empathetic and generous in spirit is a badge I’ll gladly wear. 🖖
How wonderful that we have Substack where reporters can say the truth—Reichstag reminder.
2-3 minutes is great, I look forward to hearing your views
Bravo!
Thank you!
Yes, there are far more of us.
It is bizarre that simply pointing out that someone was engaging in hate speech is now being considered hate speech by this administration.
We are entering the upside-down world they are trying to manufacture and should not enter willingly.
We need to speak louder against all of this nonsense and against their effort to take away free speech and to vilify us.
This said, all of their power has come from dividing us and fanning resentment.
I wrote this earlier today on another site to express my views on how they have done this although it is now slightly modified to fit this context.
Sorry if it is long, but I tend to be long winded ( or long-printed) - just me.
When your opponent is much stronger, one can't match might with might.
It is at times like this when "hearts and minds" can be the main focus for change as this has always been a more powerful and enduring force. MLK Jr. and Gandhi had more success than some of others who were struggling against oppression from a powerful force.
We need to speak loudly and protest peacefully and engage in effort to promote unity as well as opposition to what this administration is doing.
While the other side is preaching division and oppression and hate, we need to preach about what binds us together as a nation, and counter what they are doing.
I think this is what people are looking for (although some may not know it yet).
We need something to unify us all.
When you think about how MAGA was born, a great deal of it was done by manufacturing resentment. They were told over and over again that the other side hates you and wants you gone, even before MAGA began. They made the left out to be a threat.
This has been told to the GOP base for decades now, and this is why when Hillary's "basket" comment was taken out of context, it was able to be used with such success (she never called them "all" deplorable racists, actually the opposite). It was so powerful it boosted Trump into office in term one even though many did not like a lot of what he had to say.
The resentment the GOP politicians fan is very old and seems to perhaps have originated out of the dust bowl era when farmers, who had lost everything, migrated to coastal areas that were not impacted to find work. They were often met with demeaning comments and referred to as backwards hicks, etc. A lot of this has lived on. Another example are terms like "trailer trash," or "fly over country," etc. I find it odd that many on the left who champion help for the poor seem to at the same time look down on the poor from red states who may live in affordable housing, a trailer or mobile home, etc. or who may not have been able to afford college and may have had to work 2 jobs if any job was even available in their area.
When my parents moved to CA from TX, mid century, they often tried to hide their origins so as to not be looked down upon, and would always talk about their degrees and careers to give themselves some cred. My dad worked on the Apollo project and had a PhD and my mom had graduated with honors, but being from the south, this other aspect of college often had to be front and center, because face it, us coastal folks can be a bit arrogant when it comes to all of that and that is simply a fact.
Thus, the far-right politicians have been exploiting these old resentments and created a scary "boogieman" to place under the beds of their voting base and in their hearts which were "evil liberals," especially coastal liberals.
Fear is what they do, and now this has morphed into extremes like "the evil from within" as this admin takes it to another level and starts to use language suggesting that we should be gotten rid of, rather "reminiscent" of Nazi Germany.
I think they want us to quit making that parallel because, in reality, it is a bit too spot on. Good grief. they have even quoted the likes of Hitler and Mussolini and they think we should not point this out?
I think there is still time to change hearts and minds, and although these MAGA politicians are trying to use the bandwagon technique to promote their propaganda on social media, and make it seem like a whole bunch of folks are "buying in," it is not true.
Non-MAGA are are still a large majority.
Trump's ratings would not be falling so much among independents, and some others, if their plan was working well enough, so there is still time.
One needs to remember that Independents are now the largest voting block at at least 43% and Trump has fallen to 30% approval = 13% of voters. The number of voters who are both MAGA and also republican is only about 24% of all voters. 28% R X 85% MAGA = 24% in some polls. Add 13 and 24 and this is only 37% of voters. This is why Trump is underwater. One can't win with the base alone. If you tease out those who like what he is doing now, I bet the approval plummets even more.
Honestly, if one of our more prominent political hopefuls, maybe Gavin Newsom, began to keep reminding people that it is not the Dems who want to control how people live and that we do not hate the other side, even if we do not agree with them, and that our goal is for people to be able to live as they see fit in a free country, maybe that would take root. Undo the resentment.
Even though we may be frustrated with those not like us who do not see things our way, we do not hate them. At least, I don't. If they hate us, I think a lot of this is because they have been told for so long by their politicians that they are despised by us or that we want to control them (not so) and so they feel threatened. However, that feeling was created intentionally, and by design, by GOP politicians, and this was and still is, a horrible thing to do.
This does not mean we do not point out very aggressively how horrible a lot of what this administration is saying and doing, as it is truly horrific, and fighting fire with fire by going after Trump on social media like Newsom does is a good idea, as well, in my view. Other than that we need to build unity where we can and undo decades of damage.
The truth is the truth. Normal is still normal.
Do not keep quiet!
This is a wonderful idea Steven.
I appreciate the intensity.
Are we allowed to share your posts and videos say, for instance on Facebook where my family and friends obtain much of their information or do you prefer your staff forward your posts?
I often would like to share these with news media across the US and abroad. Would that be acceptable?
If not I understand
Thank you for being you and trying to in effect save us.
💙🇺🇸💙
Thank you. You are welcome to share.
Steven, thank you!! I really like this "got a minute or two" concept. While many I follow offer videos much long, with good information, I just don't have the hours to watch/listen to it typically. But I've got a minute or two!!!!