I want to take your advice to be hopeful. But I’m a senior citizen and I spent the last nine years worrying about Donald Trump and now I know I must spend at least four more doing that. That is not the way I wanted the end of my life to go.
I’m feeling it too. On the other hand, the pendulum can swing rather quickly if DJT goes on a tear or as those most frustrated about their wallets feel the pinch. Surely there is an expiration date for blaming Obama for all ills. State ballot initiative results continue to tell me cracks are forming between policies maga proposes and their voters.
Question is: if enough republican voters, who come to realize that things are going badly for them under a trump prezidency, stand up and rebel, will the metal gates close upon them with a force they couldn't have imagined? I.e., could fascism take over?
It will take them a while to have more than a concept of a plan for all that.
Meanwhile, Russia’s most popular TV station did a very odd congratulatory live broadcast on the Trump election. No doubt, a not so subtle message from Putie about who is in charge with old photos of Melania. Newsweek reported on it and a few tabloids like this UK one.
My thoughts exactly Karen. I am too damned tired to keep going through this crap. I am disengaging completely. When my subscriptions run out I am done with it all. My nerves can't take anymore.
Steven: While I truly appreciate your beautiful message this morning, I too feel too old to keep the fires warm and the fight for democracy in the forefront. I haven't slept in days and I am nearly 80. I won't stop this fight of course, but the majority of this country voted Trump into office again. This was an impossible fight from the beginning, since Trump had - and still has - the entire Russian government as well as the Republican Party pushing for his win. This campaign was not just an independent Russian government election interference, this was a coordinated clandestine control effort of our political processes and government. Putin has won. He has once again maneuvered a Russian asset into the White House.
Rachel Maddow published on November 5th an informative message yet displaying the same level of ignorance exhibited by most Americans. She titled it "The question isn't whether Russia is targeting U.S. elections efforts to help Donald Trump. It's why?" She wrote "As Election Day got underway in Georgia, a handful of polling locations in Fulton County were temporarily evacuated after receiving bomb threats. The threats, fortunately, weren't credible. As for who was responsible for making the threats, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger briefed news organizations on the developments. "We identified the source, the Republican official told reporters, and 'it was from Russia." In case you forgot, Brad Raffensperger is the same person who taped a phone call from then President Trump in 2020 asking him to find 11,680 more votes. Also, Fulton County in Georgia is the site of the failed attempt to prosecute Trump for "election interference." These bomb scares via Russia is just the beginning of Trump's revenge toward those who oppose him. The fact that this threat came from Russia also verifies Russia's intimate involvement with Donald Trump- not just in planning his election win, but in orchestrating his plan for revenge against those individuals in our country attempting to uphold law and order.
To answer Maddow's question ":why" are the Russians interfering in U.S. Elections - well, I have been writing, shouting, and screaming at Americans about this threat for many, many years. I lived and worked in Russia and other dictator-led countries over a period of twenty years. I became "Russianized" enough to think, look like, speak, and behave like a Russian. Vladimir Putin blames the United States for the downfall of the Soviet Union, and he has pledged his revenge. In the 1990's, the newly formed FSB was headed by Vladimir Putin and their goal was to enlist more Americans to work for Russia. This is the same time that Trump filed six bankruptcies and U.S. banks would not loan him more money. The Russians did give him money and his sons bragged about the Trump Organization receiving $100 million from a Russian bank. (www.vanietyfair.com, www.businessinsider.com). ALL RUSSIAN BANKS ARE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE FSB AND PUTIN. Russians lure Americans by using flattery, women, and money. They also gave Marie LePen a loan of $9.8 million to overthrow the French government.
Putin has now maneuvered a man into the U.S. Presidency for a second time, that will provide him with U.S. top-secret information, that will not allow the U.S. to help Ukraine in their fight for freedom, and will JUMP THROUGH HOOPS to keep Putin happy in any way. This time around, Trump may pull the U.S. out of NATO - an alliance of democratic countries started in 1947 to protect the world from another Hitler. Unfortunately, another Hitler is now about to sleep in the White House again for not just another 4-year term but perhaps for the rest of his life. Remember Trump’s quote to Christians “that if you vote for me in November, in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote.” (Reuters, “Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election,” by Tim Reid, July 28, 2024)
Let me remind you that Putin was duly elected in Russia to be the President for a term of six years. He is still in office about 25 years later and he is planning the same thing for the U.S. President. Just watch!
The massive ignorance of “red-state” voters and others has once again allowed a criminal to rule this country. Trump is a convicted fraud (business, tax, and bank reports proved it without a doubt); he was convicted of 34 felony counts; and adjudicated and legally labeled a “sexual predator.” He instigated the insurrection to prevent the certification of the 2020 election. This, my friends, is treason. All of these criminal charges will now disappear.
What has happened to our democracy and land of the free is about to radically change. As of November 5th, Trump will have control of the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. AND, as much as it appears that Trump is the person sitting in the Oval Office, it is Vladimir Putin who is controlling Trump.
We all know that Trump is a vain, narcissistic, arrogant, and immoral person who has little to no understanding or caring about the feelings/needs of others. What the American public still does not recognize is that he was either bought by the Russians or photographed with his pants down and/or with Russian prostitutes - who all work for Putin. The reason that the public does not know the truth about Trump is that both William Barr and Merrick Garland failed to do their jobs as the Attorney Generals of the United States. This topic of course could fill a chapter in a book.
As a born and raised American, I am an eternal optimist. However, as an American who spent the majority of my career living and working in dictator-led countries - I am also a realist. From where I sit, the American public has been duped, the country is in serious trouble, and we are once again led by a man with a serious personality disorder - much like Hitler, Stalin, and now Putin.
Elizabeth, this is one of the most thorough and intelligent analyses that I have read. From someone less informed, it would surely sound like hyperbole. But you clearly know how (specifically) Russia and (more generally) anti-democratic forces work, what is at stake, and what lies ahead.
I feel like you have a valuable contribution to make, by finding venues for your writing that have a very broad reach. The Guardian, for example.
Warm wishes from a member of your generation (I'm 72), who just started the three-year slog through law school, so that I will be able to write in a more informed way.
Thank you for this excellent comment -- your observations and analysis are spot on, in my opinion. Tho' I don't have the same "front line" experience as you, as a lifelong student of history, politics, psychology and critical theory, I have drawn the same conclusions along the way (since 2015 re Trump, and since the Patriot Act foretold the rise of fascism in the US), and have often felt like the crazy old lady muttering in the corner as my friends and family accused me of at best over-reacting, or at worst being paranoid.
Here in Canada, we will soon be facing our own test of how robust our democracy is. Trudeau will not be able to win re-election, and Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, will become the next Prime Minister. For those who don't know, Poilievre is an acolyte of former PM Steven Harper, the same Steven Harper who is now the head of the IDU (and who congratulated Trump on his win, and Orban on his latest election "victory" as well). No one pays attention to the IDU -- why??? Like the Heritage Foundation, the IDU is a "think tank" for the far right Christo-fascists who want to do away with Democracy, which they see as an inefficient form of government because it grants rights to everyone; instead, they believe that a small handful of elite white "christian" men should rule. Sound familiar? Several US Congressmen and leaders of the far right christian groups attend the IDU meetings. I am quite sure if one were to look into it, one would find many links between the IDU and the folks who have brought us Project 2025. They have been working on this for many, many years, and their work is now starting to bear fruit.
Here's why I'm going to disengage. Not forever, but for now. I need some peace in my life. With the campaign Harris ran, I had hope and a feeling of peace I haven't had since Trump announced he would run again up through Biden's disastrous debate. I did not like the way I perceived he was forced out, but I love and respect my president for seeing the writing on the wall. All of us who supported Harris knew what we were fighting for, only for the rest of the country to repudiate that. It's very demoralizing. So, while I don't truly intend to give up, right now I'm taking my peace back so I can get in the fight again.
Hang in there Lisa. I’m cutting back because I was reading Substack from first cup of coffee until dinner every damn day, and writing,stamping and mailing post cards and studying P2025. Now I’m get my news from my usual Steven’s ,Jeff, JayJoyce and Heather, Oh and Earl too I know I’m forgetting sombady or two. I’m also proud of myself for not reacting to the impossibly large amount of what I see as stupidity in America, I was way off the mark thinking more people could see all the Good Kamala and Tim were going to do.
Take a break we are all supported by this guy Steven then come back when you are ready. I have got a few things done around here, it needed it!
I was a bundle of nerves since January. That ended two days before the election when I watched Rick Wilson's (and the Lincoln Projects) fantastic ad, "The White House". In a way, I think that made if harder when the election results came in. I had been hoping SO hard. For myself, I feel sad that Joe Biden didn't keep to his original plan, and remind people that he had originally said that he would be a one-term President. If he had kept true to his words, Democrats would have had the opportunity to seriously consider who had the best chance of winning in November, to have had a "real" primary. (I say that, while simultaneously LOVING Harris, and knowing that she would be a fabulous President.) I also love Joe, but feel that his actions were stubborn -- even narcissistic. Having said all that: I'm more ready than every to FIGHT to SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY!! (Almost 72 years old, here.)
Easier for some than others. I am 86. My life has held many obstacles. I am not an elitist, I am a survivor facing the end of the road. Simply stated: being a first generation American, born of Armenian immigrants, and in a same gender marriage, I am well acquainted with prejudice and ill intent. I have never been welcomed or found comfort in any club or elite system and yet, here I am dog paddling around in the same murky water we all find ourselves in. It is with great difficulty that I hang on to my faith amid the visions of what will happen to me, my partner, my daughter, even my cats. I am not asking you, Stephen, or any Substack reader to respond to this, because without knowing me personally, there can be no depth of authenticity. What I would like is just for this little while, to speak for old people like me who are largely being overlooked in all of this hang wringing. Some of us have lived a good life and are ready to move on...some of us have not yet and are hoping the moving on won't be too painful to bear.
Indeed. I learned about it entirely by accident by buying a book at a thrift store. The title drew me to it: Rise The Euphrates. But hardly anyone I know is even aware of it. We need to work hard to protect education. Ignorance is dangerous. I am only 79 (🤣) and have so much still to learn.
"What I would like is just for this little while, to speak for old people like me who are largely being overlooked in all of this hang wringing. Some of us have lived a good life and are ready to move on...some of us have not yet and are hoping the moving on won't be too painful to bear." Thank you for writing this Naomi.
This is my 3rd posting of this comment I wrote today..1st Mehdi, 2nd Robert Reich & now here:
Right now I would like answers to the vote count... then start pointing fingers after that. Blue down the ticket but tfg on top? 20 million fewer votes from 2020 & more new voters signed up possibly another 20 million.? Mail-in not counted. You've got elon and dejoy in tfg's handlers pockets and I am to agree this was a fair election? Not yet... as for economy, gas, food & rent prices did any interviewer ask the next obvious question? NO NEVER they just let it hang out there. The obvious next question: Who OWNS the petrolium companies? Who OWNS the Grocery stores? Who OWNS the rental buildings? Not once from any MSM or other interviewer did I hear the next question because if it had been asked the discussion may have become a bit more thought provoking. If the people answering are just misogynists & racists then yea we are in trouble & it's not Bernie or the dems to be blamed. One more thought : ELITES! where are the billionaires right now? All RED . If Dems are elites then I guess pro union, pro women, pro children, pro education, pro health , pro retirement is just too damn elite for these people ...
Ginger…I think you’ve hit the nail squarely on the Head. I’ve begun to believe it was our Election that may have been stolen!!!! Many of the things people are now blaming the loss on are controlled by big Business…the Corporations! Who do these people support??? Think about it…tRump’s new “friends” have The Power, Money and the overwhelming technical capability to pull it off…aka “Cyber Warfare”! Or…is it simply “Sour Grapes” on my part.
You can keep posting it but the vote count is what it is. 20M votes are not missing.
• To say “blue down the ticket but TFG on top” is misleading. If it was true Dems would have the Senate. There are examples all over the country for the past decade of more voters ‘splitting’ their votes or voting against maga policies on the ballot, while voting for maga candidates. The parties are shrinking and the unaffiliated / independent voters have grown.
• Maga beat you to the ‘it’s rigged’ story. They own it. They aren’t giving it up.
• Take a deeper dive into voter behavior. Look at the actual numbers connected to constituencies, locations & vote totals. Actual vote totals - not Wednesday morning numbers.
• I believe it is irresponsible to encourage people to behave like trump; encourage rejecting election results when we don’t like the results. We have enough real problems. This won’t improve anything.
• This is now a talking point for maga influencers who have a death grip on ‘it’s rigged’ victimhood. They’ve flipped the theory that fewer voters showing up means dems were cheated. Their version is it proves the 2020 election vote count was ‘pumped’ up. IOW, 2020 was stolen and they were right all along.
I subscribe to Popular Information. I’m not pleased to see its name/voice spreading an unsupported concept of missing votes. That is the very opposite of the reporting PI provides.
Where Did the Millions of Joe Biden Votes Go?
Published Nov 07, 2024 at 9:27 AM EST — Updated Nov 08, 2024 at 6:27 AM EST
" I believe it is irresponsible to encourage people to behave like trump; encourage rejecting election results when we don’t like the results. We have enough real problems. This won’t improve anything."
I've been saying for days that I refuse to succumb to the conspiracy nonsense about a stolen election or fraud when we lose. That is exactly what we have mocked and watched in disbelief for 4 years. It is sheer hypocrisy to ridicule the Rs and MAGA for the "Stop the Steal" irresponsibility and then jump on the bandwagon when Trump wins. He won the EC. He won the popular vote (!!). He won every swing state. He increased his coalition of support. He gained votes from 2020 and as of this morning, Kamala lost about 10 million from the total Biden had. We have to be better.
I should add that the commenter I responded to is not the Popular Information created & owned by Judd Legum which has been around longer and won awards for its reporting. It’s a ‘same name different subtitle’.
Thanks. People never say “Our guy got so many votes something must be wrong.” Same with voter turnout. They also don’t spend their free time tracking voter registration and make a note of states like PA where the Dems were losing registrations.
I agree - we need to be better. We’ve spent way too much time, energy & noise telling everyone who & what trump voters are and what they think. A lot of work to do getting the votes needed to govern. We’ve made it even more difficult. They ignored trump’s insults as not aimed at them &/or irrelevant. They have other concerns. Ours landed right where we wanted with unintended consequences. Then there are the voters who are tired of it all & stayed home. Denying they exist won’t fix that either.
Most of the headwinds her campaign faced had nothing to do with her campaign. They were the same ones Biden had faced. Despite all that she ran a great campaign. Perhaps it is confirmation bias, but I found Matthew Dowd’s analysis interesting. — “No president running for re-election in modern times or vice-president running under the incumbent party, has received a higher number than the incumbent President’s job approval number! Until this election.” — https://mdowd-97828.medium.com/harris-over-performed-while-trump-underperformed-in-this-election-3a8c6a6f3956
I appreciate your point, Steven…and agree with you that after the period of mourning, the work continues…as long as it can, and as long as there are other leaders like yourself who continue to press on.
Enjoying your writing style and dedication, I searched for your comments to appear repeatedly yesterday, and the reward for my effort is this article.—-
It’s poetic use of words and phrases coupled with a combination of acute clarity regarding our current situation and hope and inspiration “woven” together is a work of Art.——-
There are many many favorite statements you made such as this one:——
…”. I also hope you’ll find continuing solace and insight by being part of a growing community of thoughtful, caring individuals.”…——
Yes, I’m still struggling but words such as yours are opening a path to Hope.
I’m quite moved and encouraged by the words of Eugene Robinson. And Kamala’s as well. This is what leadership in the face of unpleasant news says and does. Their examples must be cherished. I am on a news diet and certainly a “47” diet as well. I will not listen nor be goaded by this person’s words or deeds. Bad ideas and actions must be countered with positivity. Just started Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “An Unfinished Love Story”. Highly recommended for its sense of history and warmth plus the author’s perspective. It’s long and soothing.
We need a resource for considering whether/when we should leave this country and details of how and where. Can’t believe I’m writing that. Don’t imagine folks in Europe felt the desire to leave their homes in the 30s either. But maybe it should be considered.
I think it is similar for most places Americans would want to live - or a substantial $$ investment / income is needed. Regardless the complications and possibility of changes around taxation, health care & social security make it something people should look at closely.
I’ve often thought about your exact point…when did they know it was time to leave? If, G-D forbid, we find ourselves in that situation, how will we know?
Jews in Europe, especially Germany and eastern Europe, most definitely did "feel the desire to leave" and many of the more privileged among them did. The U.S. and other countries benefited from the "brain drain" from Nazi-threatened Europe.
Sadly, I’ve been here before: I was born in 1950, I was witness to the ugly racism and misogyny of that ugly, ugly decade.
It slowly - agonizingly slowly - changed. Integration happened. Women’s lib, gay lib, happened. Legal abortion happened. Others fought so hard … and I a reluctant (scared? grateful?) bystander.
Will the fight ever be over? Will we ever learn? Or shall we just accept (again) the intellectually lazy “advice” of the rich and jaded?
I was born in 1951. Came of political age @ 17 in 1968. (Wasn't that a time?) So much of what's happened since then has been a reaction against the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-1960s, and against Roe v. Wade and and women's liberation movement, and against gay rights and inclusiveness in general. As Maya Angelou so famously said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." The Republicans, and Trump, and the mega-rich have shown us over and over again. It's time we realized once and for all that they're serious. Racism and misogyny are features, not bugs, not only with them but with everyone who votes to support them.
I'm sad and really angry, so taking the time I need to process and grieve. But am also considering how I can re-engage in the resistance when I'm ready. I listened to Kamala's gracious concession speech but have to disagree with this statement, "But please know it's going to be OK". I'm in my 70s and really understand the desire to disengage to preserve what's left of our peace. That's what Trump wants us to do, and if we comply, we allow him to win. But, everything is NOT going to be OK for a long time. If Trump and his enablers are successful at implementing some of his most extreme campaign promises, every American, including those who voted for him are going to suffer through the damage and chaos. My first act of resistance today was deactivating my Twitter account, which I believe many people are doing. I'm also thinking about an "open letter" to members of Congress reminding them of their Article 1 responsibilities and oath of office in the form of a letter to the editor (haven't decided which publication yet). I want to put them on notice that we will be watching. Thanks, Steven, for keeping the community together. We all do what we can.
The American people chose in this election, and whilst it may feel like a bad choice, it needs to be respected. If our criticism of Donald Trump proves to be right during his next presidency, the American people will make a better choice next time, that is how democracy works. However, we have to make sure there will be a next time by closely watching what Trump will do and resisting his likely attempts to abolish democracy and establish a dictatorship.
I want to take your advice to be hopeful. But I’m a senior citizen and I spent the last nine years worrying about Donald Trump and now I know I must spend at least four more doing that. That is not the way I wanted the end of my life to go.
I’m feeling it too. On the other hand, the pendulum can swing rather quickly if DJT goes on a tear or as those most frustrated about their wallets feel the pinch. Surely there is an expiration date for blaming Obama for all ills. State ballot initiative results continue to tell me cracks are forming between policies maga proposes and their voters.
Question is: if enough republican voters, who come to realize that things are going badly for them under a trump prezidency, stand up and rebel, will the metal gates close upon them with a force they couldn't have imagined? I.e., could fascism take over?
It will take them a while to have more than a concept of a plan for all that.
Meanwhile, Russia’s most popular TV station did a very odd congratulatory live broadcast on the Trump election. No doubt, a not so subtle message from Putie about who is in charge with old photos of Melania. Newsweek reported on it and a few tabloids like this UK one.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/12857605/melania-trumps-nude-pics-russian-tv-outrage-donald/
My thoughts exactly Karen. I am too damned tired to keep going through this crap. I am disengaging completely. When my subscriptions run out I am done with it all. My nerves can't take anymore.
Steven: While I truly appreciate your beautiful message this morning, I too feel too old to keep the fires warm and the fight for democracy in the forefront. I haven't slept in days and I am nearly 80. I won't stop this fight of course, but the majority of this country voted Trump into office again. This was an impossible fight from the beginning, since Trump had - and still has - the entire Russian government as well as the Republican Party pushing for his win. This campaign was not just an independent Russian government election interference, this was a coordinated clandestine control effort of our political processes and government. Putin has won. He has once again maneuvered a Russian asset into the White House.
Rachel Maddow published on November 5th an informative message yet displaying the same level of ignorance exhibited by most Americans. She titled it "The question isn't whether Russia is targeting U.S. elections efforts to help Donald Trump. It's why?" She wrote "As Election Day got underway in Georgia, a handful of polling locations in Fulton County were temporarily evacuated after receiving bomb threats. The threats, fortunately, weren't credible. As for who was responsible for making the threats, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger briefed news organizations on the developments. "We identified the source, the Republican official told reporters, and 'it was from Russia." In case you forgot, Brad Raffensperger is the same person who taped a phone call from then President Trump in 2020 asking him to find 11,680 more votes. Also, Fulton County in Georgia is the site of the failed attempt to prosecute Trump for "election interference." These bomb scares via Russia is just the beginning of Trump's revenge toward those who oppose him. The fact that this threat came from Russia also verifies Russia's intimate involvement with Donald Trump- not just in planning his election win, but in orchestrating his plan for revenge against those individuals in our country attempting to uphold law and order.
To answer Maddow's question ":why" are the Russians interfering in U.S. Elections - well, I have been writing, shouting, and screaming at Americans about this threat for many, many years. I lived and worked in Russia and other dictator-led countries over a period of twenty years. I became "Russianized" enough to think, look like, speak, and behave like a Russian. Vladimir Putin blames the United States for the downfall of the Soviet Union, and he has pledged his revenge. In the 1990's, the newly formed FSB was headed by Vladimir Putin and their goal was to enlist more Americans to work for Russia. This is the same time that Trump filed six bankruptcies and U.S. banks would not loan him more money. The Russians did give him money and his sons bragged about the Trump Organization receiving $100 million from a Russian bank. (www.vanietyfair.com, www.businessinsider.com). ALL RUSSIAN BANKS ARE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE FSB AND PUTIN. Russians lure Americans by using flattery, women, and money. They also gave Marie LePen a loan of $9.8 million to overthrow the French government.
Putin has now maneuvered a man into the U.S. Presidency for a second time, that will provide him with U.S. top-secret information, that will not allow the U.S. to help Ukraine in their fight for freedom, and will JUMP THROUGH HOOPS to keep Putin happy in any way. This time around, Trump may pull the U.S. out of NATO - an alliance of democratic countries started in 1947 to protect the world from another Hitler. Unfortunately, another Hitler is now about to sleep in the White House again for not just another 4-year term but perhaps for the rest of his life. Remember Trump’s quote to Christians “that if you vote for me in November, in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote.” (Reuters, “Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election,” by Tim Reid, July 28, 2024)
Let me remind you that Putin was duly elected in Russia to be the President for a term of six years. He is still in office about 25 years later and he is planning the same thing for the U.S. President. Just watch!
The massive ignorance of “red-state” voters and others has once again allowed a criminal to rule this country. Trump is a convicted fraud (business, tax, and bank reports proved it without a doubt); he was convicted of 34 felony counts; and adjudicated and legally labeled a “sexual predator.” He instigated the insurrection to prevent the certification of the 2020 election. This, my friends, is treason. All of these criminal charges will now disappear.
What has happened to our democracy and land of the free is about to radically change. As of November 5th, Trump will have control of the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. AND, as much as it appears that Trump is the person sitting in the Oval Office, it is Vladimir Putin who is controlling Trump.
We all know that Trump is a vain, narcissistic, arrogant, and immoral person who has little to no understanding or caring about the feelings/needs of others. What the American public still does not recognize is that he was either bought by the Russians or photographed with his pants down and/or with Russian prostitutes - who all work for Putin. The reason that the public does not know the truth about Trump is that both William Barr and Merrick Garland failed to do their jobs as the Attorney Generals of the United States. This topic of course could fill a chapter in a book.
As a born and raised American, I am an eternal optimist. However, as an American who spent the majority of my career living and working in dictator-led countries - I am also a realist. From where I sit, the American public has been duped, the country is in serious trouble, and we are once again led by a man with a serious personality disorder - much like Hitler, Stalin, and now Putin.
Elizabeth Graham, www.democrazy2020.org
Thank you for your insightful post, Elizabeth. Sobering and informative.
Elizabeth, this is one of the most thorough and intelligent analyses that I have read. From someone less informed, it would surely sound like hyperbole. But you clearly know how (specifically) Russia and (more generally) anti-democratic forces work, what is at stake, and what lies ahead.
I feel like you have a valuable contribution to make, by finding venues for your writing that have a very broad reach. The Guardian, for example.
Warm wishes from a member of your generation (I'm 72), who just started the three-year slog through law school, so that I will be able to write in a more informed way.
Elizabeth’s book gave great insight on living in Russia and raising a family. On Amazon ebook very affordable!
ps. I just ordered your book.
Thank you for this excellent comment -- your observations and analysis are spot on, in my opinion. Tho' I don't have the same "front line" experience as you, as a lifelong student of history, politics, psychology and critical theory, I have drawn the same conclusions along the way (since 2015 re Trump, and since the Patriot Act foretold the rise of fascism in the US), and have often felt like the crazy old lady muttering in the corner as my friends and family accused me of at best over-reacting, or at worst being paranoid.
Here in Canada, we will soon be facing our own test of how robust our democracy is. Trudeau will not be able to win re-election, and Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, will become the next Prime Minister. For those who don't know, Poilievre is an acolyte of former PM Steven Harper, the same Steven Harper who is now the head of the IDU (and who congratulated Trump on his win, and Orban on his latest election "victory" as well). No one pays attention to the IDU -- why??? Like the Heritage Foundation, the IDU is a "think tank" for the far right Christo-fascists who want to do away with Democracy, which they see as an inefficient form of government because it grants rights to everyone; instead, they believe that a small handful of elite white "christian" men should rule. Sound familiar? Several US Congressmen and leaders of the far right christian groups attend the IDU meetings. I am quite sure if one were to look into it, one would find many links between the IDU and the folks who have brought us Project 2025. They have been working on this for many, many years, and their work is now starting to bear fruit.
Grieve, heal, comfort, learn. Then resist. Persist. Do Something. ✌️🖖🏻
Here's why I'm going to disengage. Not forever, but for now. I need some peace in my life. With the campaign Harris ran, I had hope and a feeling of peace I haven't had since Trump announced he would run again up through Biden's disastrous debate. I did not like the way I perceived he was forced out, but I love and respect my president for seeing the writing on the wall. All of us who supported Harris knew what we were fighting for, only for the rest of the country to repudiate that. It's very demoralizing. So, while I don't truly intend to give up, right now I'm taking my peace back so I can get in the fight again.
Hang in there Lisa. I’m cutting back because I was reading Substack from first cup of coffee until dinner every damn day, and writing,stamping and mailing post cards and studying P2025. Now I’m get my news from my usual Steven’s ,Jeff, JayJoyce and Heather, Oh and Earl too I know I’m forgetting sombady or two. I’m also proud of myself for not reacting to the impossibly large amount of what I see as stupidity in America, I was way off the mark thinking more people could see all the Good Kamala and Tim were going to do.
Take a break we are all supported by this guy Steven then come back when you are ready. I have got a few things done around here, it needed it!
I was a bundle of nerves since January. That ended two days before the election when I watched Rick Wilson's (and the Lincoln Projects) fantastic ad, "The White House". In a way, I think that made if harder when the election results came in. I had been hoping SO hard. For myself, I feel sad that Joe Biden didn't keep to his original plan, and remind people that he had originally said that he would be a one-term President. If he had kept true to his words, Democrats would have had the opportunity to seriously consider who had the best chance of winning in November, to have had a "real" primary. (I say that, while simultaneously LOVING Harris, and knowing that she would be a fabulous President.) I also love Joe, but feel that his actions were stubborn -- even narcissistic. Having said all that: I'm more ready than every to FIGHT to SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY!! (Almost 72 years old, here.)
Easier for some than others. I am 86. My life has held many obstacles. I am not an elitist, I am a survivor facing the end of the road. Simply stated: being a first generation American, born of Armenian immigrants, and in a same gender marriage, I am well acquainted with prejudice and ill intent. I have never been welcomed or found comfort in any club or elite system and yet, here I am dog paddling around in the same murky water we all find ourselves in. It is with great difficulty that I hang on to my faith amid the visions of what will happen to me, my partner, my daughter, even my cats. I am not asking you, Stephen, or any Substack reader to respond to this, because without knowing me personally, there can be no depth of authenticity. What I would like is just for this little while, to speak for old people like me who are largely being overlooked in all of this hang wringing. Some of us have lived a good life and are ready to move on...some of us have not yet and are hoping the moving on won't be too painful to bear.
Indeed. I learned about it entirely by accident by buying a book at a thrift store. The title drew me to it: Rise The Euphrates. But hardly anyone I know is even aware of it. We need to work hard to protect education. Ignorance is dangerous. I am only 79 (🤣) and have so much still to learn.
Dear Naima, I am grateful. I will remember this.
🙏🏼🕊️🤗
🤗🙏🏼🕊I wish you well. Armenia suffered unimaginably!
Armenians were the genocidal casualties that preceded and allowed the Holocaust to unfold as it did.
"What I would like is just for this little while, to speak for old people like me who are largely being overlooked in all of this hang wringing. Some of us have lived a good life and are ready to move on...some of us have not yet and are hoping the moving on won't be too painful to bear." Thank you for writing this Naomi.
This is my 3rd posting of this comment I wrote today..1st Mehdi, 2nd Robert Reich & now here:
Right now I would like answers to the vote count... then start pointing fingers after that. Blue down the ticket but tfg on top? 20 million fewer votes from 2020 & more new voters signed up possibly another 20 million.? Mail-in not counted. You've got elon and dejoy in tfg's handlers pockets and I am to agree this was a fair election? Not yet... as for economy, gas, food & rent prices did any interviewer ask the next obvious question? NO NEVER they just let it hang out there. The obvious next question: Who OWNS the petrolium companies? Who OWNS the Grocery stores? Who OWNS the rental buildings? Not once from any MSM or other interviewer did I hear the next question because if it had been asked the discussion may have become a bit more thought provoking. If the people answering are just misogynists & racists then yea we are in trouble & it's not Bernie or the dems to be blamed. One more thought : ELITES! where are the billionaires right now? All RED . If Dems are elites then I guess pro union, pro women, pro children, pro education, pro health , pro retirement is just too damn elite for these people ...
Ginger…I think you’ve hit the nail squarely on the Head. I’ve begun to believe it was our Election that may have been stolen!!!! Many of the things people are now blaming the loss on are controlled by big Business…the Corporations! Who do these people support??? Think about it…tRump’s new “friends” have The Power, Money and the overwhelming technical capability to pull it off…aka “Cyber Warfare”! Or…is it simply “Sour Grapes” on my part.
You can keep posting it but the vote count is what it is. 20M votes are not missing.
• To say “blue down the ticket but TFG on top” is misleading. If it was true Dems would have the Senate. There are examples all over the country for the past decade of more voters ‘splitting’ their votes or voting against maga policies on the ballot, while voting for maga candidates. The parties are shrinking and the unaffiliated / independent voters have grown.
• Maga beat you to the ‘it’s rigged’ story. They own it. They aren’t giving it up.
• Take a deeper dive into voter behavior. Look at the actual numbers connected to constituencies, locations & vote totals. Actual vote totals - not Wednesday morning numbers.
• I believe it is irresponsible to encourage people to behave like trump; encourage rejecting election results when we don’t like the results. We have enough real problems. This won’t improve anything.
• This is now a talking point for maga influencers who have a death grip on ‘it’s rigged’ victimhood. They’ve flipped the theory that fewer voters showing up means dems were cheated. Their version is it proves the 2020 election vote count was ‘pumped’ up. IOW, 2020 was stolen and they were right all along.
I subscribe to Popular Information. I’m not pleased to see its name/voice spreading an unsupported concept of missing votes. That is the very opposite of the reporting PI provides.
Where Did the Millions of Joe Biden Votes Go?
Published Nov 07, 2024 at 9:27 AM EST — Updated Nov 08, 2024 at 6:27 AM EST
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-millions-voters-kamala-harris-trump-election-1981954
Could not agree more with this comment, Ann:
" I believe it is irresponsible to encourage people to behave like trump; encourage rejecting election results when we don’t like the results. We have enough real problems. This won’t improve anything."
I've been saying for days that I refuse to succumb to the conspiracy nonsense about a stolen election or fraud when we lose. That is exactly what we have mocked and watched in disbelief for 4 years. It is sheer hypocrisy to ridicule the Rs and MAGA for the "Stop the Steal" irresponsibility and then jump on the bandwagon when Trump wins. He won the EC. He won the popular vote (!!). He won every swing state. He increased his coalition of support. He gained votes from 2020 and as of this morning, Kamala lost about 10 million from the total Biden had. We have to be better.
I should add that the commenter I responded to is not the Popular Information created & owned by Judd Legum which has been around longer and won awards for its reporting. It’s a ‘same name different subtitle’.
Thanks. People never say “Our guy got so many votes something must be wrong.” Same with voter turnout. They also don’t spend their free time tracking voter registration and make a note of states like PA where the Dems were losing registrations.
I agree - we need to be better. We’ve spent way too much time, energy & noise telling everyone who & what trump voters are and what they think. A lot of work to do getting the votes needed to govern. We’ve made it even more difficult. They ignored trump’s insults as not aimed at them &/or irrelevant. They have other concerns. Ours landed right where we wanted with unintended consequences. Then there are the voters who are tired of it all & stayed home. Denying they exist won’t fix that either.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/15370/party-affiliation.aspx
Most of the headwinds her campaign faced had nothing to do with her campaign. They were the same ones Biden had faced. Despite all that she ran a great campaign. Perhaps it is confirmation bias, but I found Matthew Dowd’s analysis interesting. — “No president running for re-election in modern times or vice-president running under the incumbent party, has received a higher number than the incumbent President’s job approval number! Until this election.” — https://mdowd-97828.medium.com/harris-over-performed-while-trump-underperformed-in-this-election-3a8c6a6f3956
I appreciate your point, Steven…and agree with you that after the period of mourning, the work continues…as long as it can, and as long as there are other leaders like yourself who continue to press on.
Thank you for these reminders that self-care is our first responsibility in growing a better world.
Enjoying your writing style and dedication, I searched for your comments to appear repeatedly yesterday, and the reward for my effort is this article.—-
It’s poetic use of words and phrases coupled with a combination of acute clarity regarding our current situation and hope and inspiration “woven” together is a work of Art.——-
There are many many favorite statements you made such as this one:——
…”. I also hope you’ll find continuing solace and insight by being part of a growing community of thoughtful, caring individuals.”…——
Yes, I’m still struggling but words such as yours are opening a path to Hope.
💙💙🇺🇸💙💙
I’m quite moved and encouraged by the words of Eugene Robinson. And Kamala’s as well. This is what leadership in the face of unpleasant news says and does. Their examples must be cherished. I am on a news diet and certainly a “47” diet as well. I will not listen nor be goaded by this person’s words or deeds. Bad ideas and actions must be countered with positivity. Just started Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “An Unfinished Love Story”. Highly recommended for its sense of history and warmth plus the author’s perspective. It’s long and soothing.
We need a resource for considering whether/when we should leave this country and details of how and where. Can’t believe I’m writing that. Don’t imagine folks in Europe felt the desire to leave their homes in the 30s either. But maybe it should be considered.
Canada does not allow foreigners to own property and they want immigrants that are skilled workers, not senior citizens.
I think it is similar for most places Americans would want to live - or a substantial $$ investment / income is needed. Regardless the complications and possibility of changes around taxation, health care & social security make it something people should look at closely.
I’ve often thought about your exact point…when did they know it was time to leave? If, G-D forbid, we find ourselves in that situation, how will we know?
Jews in Europe, especially Germany and eastern Europe, most definitely did "feel the desire to leave" and many of the more privileged among them did. The U.S. and other countries benefited from the "brain drain" from Nazi-threatened Europe.
It's not Trump that makes me angry, it's the millions of people who thought "Hey, he's the guy we need". And for that, I will never be NOT angry.
With you, Steven. Let’s care for ourselves and each other.
Okay— days of despair (almost) over.
Sadly, I’ve been here before: I was born in 1950, I was witness to the ugly racism and misogyny of that ugly, ugly decade.
It slowly - agonizingly slowly - changed. Integration happened. Women’s lib, gay lib, happened. Legal abortion happened. Others fought so hard … and I a reluctant (scared? grateful?) bystander.
Will the fight ever be over? Will we ever learn? Or shall we just accept (again) the intellectually lazy “advice” of the rich and jaded?
I was born in 1951. Came of political age @ 17 in 1968. (Wasn't that a time?) So much of what's happened since then has been a reaction against the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-1960s, and against Roe v. Wade and and women's liberation movement, and against gay rights and inclusiveness in general. As Maya Angelou so famously said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." The Republicans, and Trump, and the mega-rich have shown us over and over again. It's time we realized once and for all that they're serious. Racism and misogyny are features, not bugs, not only with them but with everyone who votes to support them.
I'm sad and really angry, so taking the time I need to process and grieve. But am also considering how I can re-engage in the resistance when I'm ready. I listened to Kamala's gracious concession speech but have to disagree with this statement, "But please know it's going to be OK". I'm in my 70s and really understand the desire to disengage to preserve what's left of our peace. That's what Trump wants us to do, and if we comply, we allow him to win. But, everything is NOT going to be OK for a long time. If Trump and his enablers are successful at implementing some of his most extreme campaign promises, every American, including those who voted for him are going to suffer through the damage and chaos. My first act of resistance today was deactivating my Twitter account, which I believe many people are doing. I'm also thinking about an "open letter" to members of Congress reminding them of their Article 1 responsibilities and oath of office in the form of a letter to the editor (haven't decided which publication yet). I want to put them on notice that we will be watching. Thanks, Steven, for keeping the community together. We all do what we can.
The American people chose in this election, and whilst it may feel like a bad choice, it needs to be respected. If our criticism of Donald Trump proves to be right during his next presidency, the American people will make a better choice next time, that is how democracy works. However, we have to make sure there will be a next time by closely watching what Trump will do and resisting his likely attempts to abolish democracy and establish a dictatorship.
No, I will never get to a point of respecting people who voted for that monster.
I don't respect it or the people who consciously and stupidly voted for him. I'll nver stand for the flag again.