If, under the canopy of our best values, we could wed Dolly's grit, heart and defiance with Mark Carney's grit, courage and defiance, we could birth a new nation that serves us a hell of a lot better.
Thank You Steven ...Two of my heroes Dolly & Mark Carney. Yes they renew my hope. As much as I hate to see Michigan, Maine and the rest of the states that trade with Canada get hurt Canada has to stand it's ground . Because how much a person, a nation, a corporation gives in to him he then moves the goal post and demands more. Please let Nov. 3rd get here ...
As long as the unstable toddler-in-chief draws a breath, he will never cease to undermine the US for his own benefit. Even out of office, he took up all the air in the room. Remember the immigration bill, Oklahoma senator, James Langford, worked on so diligently? An out of office Trump tanked it. A serious Congress should address immigration issues, rather than allow immigration to be used as a political football. The orange menace is a test of whether people can do what they know to be right, and they fail repeatedly.
I hate to say “yes, but”. However, yes, but everyone lived in fear of what he would do to them if he was elected again. He was the lead of the GOP and took over the RNC. After this stint he can’t run again; he is losing his voters and GOP legislators are disgruntled. Drumpf is going to run ads about himself to “help” them in the Midterms. 😂
There will be no reason for companies or countries to bow to him, his companies or family. No reason for gifts & money. (Last go ‘round Kushner and Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin had something they’d done and/or potential future influence. Kushner got the most $$ from the Saudis but Mnuchin got some too. I sort of doubt that is going well this term.)
I think after he is out of office he / his family / businesses will be left to suing & being sued. The courts have seen enough of them to be skeptical. I’m hoping his family is pushed to the fringes. I suspect they see change coming & it is why they are grabbing every ‘deal’ they can steal.
Thanks, Steven, for that beautiful script. Just imagine if every billionaire acted, donated and lived with the soul of Dolly Parton. Jeez. I'll keep dreaming. This beautiful, gifted woman never left her roots. Her voice was magical, and yes, Jolene, Jolene, A song I can't forget. Her songs and voice mesmerized me. Johnny Cash introduced her at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 when Dolly was only thirteen years old. Being a Canadian who happens to love my Southern neighbour, I understand the majority of American citizens don't appreciate how their present administration is operating. Well, they are not operating; they are dictating. I advise my American buddies to vote early; don't sit this one out, vote blue all the way and end this chaos. Don't get discouraged with all the slop the clown is saying. Your elections have been free and fair for a couple of centuries; the alleged voting problems have only been a figment of the despot's imagination. Make sure you cast that ballot and take four or five folks with you.
Your title reminds me of Tennyson's "Ulysses," which I once knew almost by heart and which to this day I identify with RFK, who died two days before my 17th birthday. I was devastated. "Come, my friends, / ’T is not too late to seek a newer world. . . ."
The last lines:
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
Both Dolly Parton and Mark Carney stood up to bullies. Standing up to them reveals their insecurities and lack of courage. The felon can spread insults and threats until the cows come home, but he can’t take criticism at all. Anyone who criticizes him is immediately his enemy. I’ll stick with Dolly and Mark, and the bully will eventually fade away.
People seem to have forgotten that we already had a trade agreement with Canada, one "signed" (obviously) in pencil. First he tore of NAFTA. Now he ignores the "commitments" made for the United States Mexico Canada agreement that went into effect July 20, 2020. Need anyone else seeking to trade with us, do "deals" that purport to benefit both sides, conclude that the US is not to be trusted. Deeply, sadly, Carney is right to move on as is the EU, our allies in Asia and the Middle East. trump is certainly not to be trusted; his word/signature is meaningless. No. We will have to prove to the world, once he and his lawless regime are gone, that the US stands for fair dealing, commitments that stick and yes kindness and resolve to be a benefactor not a predator nation.
Thank you for your column today which briefly reignited my optimism, which has been smothered by more than a decade of what you describe as “cruelty, vanity and stupidity that have endangered our nation.”
Not just endangered, but enveloped. Smothered. Buried.
The arsonist who lit the match to burn down our democracy is still alive. No, not him. He’s their town idiot.
It is Rupert Murdock and his henchmen and women, who were cultivated into history’s most successful liars by the evil of the not-dead-soon-enough Roger Ailes, the only person whom I’ve met and instantly disliked.
Until a nation that respects freedom of the press can find a way to throttle propagandists like Fox and its ilk — or properly educate millions on how to recognize lies and deal with them, we are doomed to repeated attempts at dictatorships.
Dolly Parton perhaps scratched the surface. Thank God for her. Canadians are demonstrating how to face down a school yard bully. But what wide passion for change do we see for November’s midterm elections? Here, in ruby red Florida, nada, the converted talking to the converted and a general sense of who gives a hoot.
A few ideas that your other readers might want to consider and improve:
1. Constitutional amendment making clear that corporations have no human rights and thus cannot contribute money, goods or services to political candidates. Very difficult do.
2. Any president violating laws would be criminally prosecuted — while in office and no namby-pamby (oh, clutch my pearls horrors! impeachment) — and if found guilty, sentenced to a mandatory prison term.
3. Perhaps Ms. Brown's idea (below) is more possible. Let the red states and their maga followers leave. Good riddance.
We must stop trumpism/authoritarianism now or forever regret it and be seen as chumps and fools by history.
Interesting take on your state’s attitude. This week I’ve seen the Cook report move the governor’s race from “solid republican” to “likely” as polling shows Jolly 1 pt ahead. Orange County & Sarasota Dems fostered a bit of rebellion in school board races.
Re: 1. Ah, yes very difficult. Might be easier to define by law what rights corporations have. I may be wrong, but I believe this began in the 1800s. At any rate, some of the rights corporations have that should continue are to conduct business, pay taxes etc.
Maybe the border governors--Michigan, Ohio, PA, NY, ME--could negotiate their own trade treaties with Mark Carney. States' Rights lives! We may soon have to choose the state we live in, and help fortify it against physical and digital attacks from the so-called federal govenment.
Thanks for the accolades to Dolly. She did so much more than we knew. Yes, she occasionally created press coverage for some of her charitable acts. Much more was done very quietly. Her glitz and her giant size presence did not hide her humility. It is suggested that she could have become a multi-billionaire but chose instead to give to others.
I hoped the Drumpf fiasco would end the American love affair with loud voices in search of substance. I fear an environment that craves the same by “one of our own”. Canadians deserve a lot of credit. They were headed in a completely different direction when Mark Carney entered the fray. They pivoted to the dignified smart guy with a plan who speaks clearly; the one who leads without bombast. Canada is the better for it.
It will take determination and persistence, but we can begin to turn the tide here in the US on Election Day. Taking the House (maybe the Senate) will not totally end the reign of Drumpf but it will begin to put the brakes on this regime.
In this world where you can choose who to be, be Dolly.
Yes, Jo. For anyone with a smidge of empathy, the only choice is to be like Dolly.
Thank you, Steven and Jo. That simple combination brings it all together.
If, under the canopy of our best values, we could wed Dolly's grit, heart and defiance with Mark Carney's grit, courage and defiance, we could birth a new nation that serves us a hell of a lot better.
Thank You Steven ...Two of my heroes Dolly & Mark Carney. Yes they renew my hope. As much as I hate to see Michigan, Maine and the rest of the states that trade with Canada get hurt Canada has to stand it's ground . Because how much a person, a nation, a corporation gives in to him he then moves the goal post and demands more. Please let Nov. 3rd get here ...
So, Lovely to read again about Dolly Parton.
And yes, “Jolene”
Excerpts:
“.. beautiful buoyancy and her remarkable ability to spread joy, laughter, love and compassion…”
“.. use her talent and resources to spread happiness and improve lives.”
“I just do what my heart tells me to do…and God’s direction.”
And your words…”Show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources.”
Inspiring
As long as the unstable toddler-in-chief draws a breath, he will never cease to undermine the US for his own benefit. Even out of office, he took up all the air in the room. Remember the immigration bill, Oklahoma senator, James Langford, worked on so diligently? An out of office Trump tanked it. A serious Congress should address immigration issues, rather than allow immigration to be used as a political football. The orange menace is a test of whether people can do what they know to be right, and they fail repeatedly.
I hate to say “yes, but”. However, yes, but everyone lived in fear of what he would do to them if he was elected again. He was the lead of the GOP and took over the RNC. After this stint he can’t run again; he is losing his voters and GOP legislators are disgruntled. Drumpf is going to run ads about himself to “help” them in the Midterms. 😂
There will be no reason for companies or countries to bow to him, his companies or family. No reason for gifts & money. (Last go ‘round Kushner and Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin had something they’d done and/or potential future influence. Kushner got the most $$ from the Saudis but Mnuchin got some too. I sort of doubt that is going well this term.)
I think after he is out of office he / his family / businesses will be left to suing & being sued. The courts have seen enough of them to be skeptical. I’m hoping his family is pushed to the fringes. I suspect they see change coming & it is why they are grabbing every ‘deal’ they can steal.
My election motto is BEAT the CHEAT!
We need far more Dollys and Carneys and fewer trump twits, bullies and ogres
Thanks, Steven, for that beautiful script. Just imagine if every billionaire acted, donated and lived with the soul of Dolly Parton. Jeez. I'll keep dreaming. This beautiful, gifted woman never left her roots. Her voice was magical, and yes, Jolene, Jolene, A song I can't forget. Her songs and voice mesmerized me. Johnny Cash introduced her at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 when Dolly was only thirteen years old. Being a Canadian who happens to love my Southern neighbour, I understand the majority of American citizens don't appreciate how their present administration is operating. Well, they are not operating; they are dictating. I advise my American buddies to vote early; don't sit this one out, vote blue all the way and end this chaos. Don't get discouraged with all the slop the clown is saying. Your elections have been free and fair for a couple of centuries; the alleged voting problems have only been a figment of the despot's imagination. Make sure you cast that ballot and take four or five folks with you.
Your title reminds me of Tennyson's "Ulysses," which I once knew almost by heart and which to this day I identify with RFK, who died two days before my 17th birthday. I was devastated. "Come, my friends, / ’T is not too late to seek a newer world. . . ."
The last lines:
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
The whole poem is at https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45392/ulysses
Both Dolly Parton and Mark Carney stood up to bullies. Standing up to them reveals their insecurities and lack of courage. The felon can spread insults and threats until the cows come home, but he can’t take criticism at all. Anyone who criticizes him is immediately his enemy. I’ll stick with Dolly and Mark, and the bully will eventually fade away.
Beautifully said.
People seem to have forgotten that we already had a trade agreement with Canada, one "signed" (obviously) in pencil. First he tore of NAFTA. Now he ignores the "commitments" made for the United States Mexico Canada agreement that went into effect July 20, 2020. Need anyone else seeking to trade with us, do "deals" that purport to benefit both sides, conclude that the US is not to be trusted. Deeply, sadly, Carney is right to move on as is the EU, our allies in Asia and the Middle East. trump is certainly not to be trusted; his word/signature is meaningless. No. We will have to prove to the world, once he and his lawless regime are gone, that the US stands for fair dealing, commitments that stick and yes kindness and resolve to be a benefactor not a predator nation.
Thank you for your column today which briefly reignited my optimism, which has been smothered by more than a decade of what you describe as “cruelty, vanity and stupidity that have endangered our nation.”
Not just endangered, but enveloped. Smothered. Buried.
The arsonist who lit the match to burn down our democracy is still alive. No, not him. He’s their town idiot.
It is Rupert Murdock and his henchmen and women, who were cultivated into history’s most successful liars by the evil of the not-dead-soon-enough Roger Ailes, the only person whom I’ve met and instantly disliked.
Until a nation that respects freedom of the press can find a way to throttle propagandists like Fox and its ilk — or properly educate millions on how to recognize lies and deal with them, we are doomed to repeated attempts at dictatorships.
Dolly Parton perhaps scratched the surface. Thank God for her. Canadians are demonstrating how to face down a school yard bully. But what wide passion for change do we see for November’s midterm elections? Here, in ruby red Florida, nada, the converted talking to the converted and a general sense of who gives a hoot.
A few ideas that your other readers might want to consider and improve:
1. Constitutional amendment making clear that corporations have no human rights and thus cannot contribute money, goods or services to political candidates. Very difficult do.
2. Any president violating laws would be criminally prosecuted — while in office and no namby-pamby (oh, clutch my pearls horrors! impeachment) — and if found guilty, sentenced to a mandatory prison term.
3. Perhaps Ms. Brown's idea (below) is more possible. Let the red states and their maga followers leave. Good riddance.
We must stop trumpism/authoritarianism now or forever regret it and be seen as chumps and fools by history.
I agree! I admire the ability to articulate thoughts so well
Interesting take on your state’s attitude. This week I’ve seen the Cook report move the governor’s race from “solid republican” to “likely” as polling shows Jolly 1 pt ahead. Orange County & Sarasota Dems fostered a bit of rebellion in school board races.
Re: 1. Ah, yes very difficult. Might be easier to define by law what rights corporations have. I may be wrong, but I believe this began in the 1800s. At any rate, some of the rights corporations have that should continue are to conduct business, pay taxes etc.
It would be something if our northern border states and southern border states bailed out of USA to switch sides😬
Maybe the border governors--Michigan, Ohio, PA, NY, ME--could negotiate their own trade treaties with Mark Carney. States' Rights lives! We may soon have to choose the state we live in, and help fortify it against physical and digital attacks from the so-called federal govenment.
Thanks for the accolades to Dolly. She did so much more than we knew. Yes, she occasionally created press coverage for some of her charitable acts. Much more was done very quietly. Her glitz and her giant size presence did not hide her humility. It is suggested that she could have become a multi-billionaire but chose instead to give to others.
I can’ resist sharing this: Will Hurricane Dolly hit Mar-a-Lago? https://www.salon.com/2026/08/28/will-hurricane-dolly-hit-mar-a-lago/
I hoped the Drumpf fiasco would end the American love affair with loud voices in search of substance. I fear an environment that craves the same by “one of our own”. Canadians deserve a lot of credit. They were headed in a completely different direction when Mark Carney entered the fray. They pivoted to the dignified smart guy with a plan who speaks clearly; the one who leads without bombast. Canada is the better for it.
It will take determination and persistence, but we can begin to turn the tide here in the US on Election Day. Taking the House (maybe the Senate) will not totally end the reign of Drumpf but it will begin to put the brakes on this regime.