Dave, I agree with your conclusion that we should not ignore the actions of those in Congress. I would add that I tell my relatives and friends to subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson's blog - she brings a great historical perspective.
And not to mention Menendez’ hiding thousands of dollars in his clothes, with gold bullions and a Mercedes in his garage. I don’t blame particularly young people expressing cynicism and tuning out. But your advice is good, and I agree with John re Cox Richardson’s excellent blog.
Agree, Dennis. I mentioned Menendez in last week’s column, to point out that when people complain about the so-called weaponization of the Justice Department, we should bring up the Menendez case. Seems to me Justice is indicting people for corruption, regardless of party.
Sometimes I just have to tag team with my like- minded friends and family when it gets too overwhelming. ( But I refuse to watch the mindless crap of most television as a sedative. ) Frankly it’s necessary to tag out for awhile unless I want to totally lose my shit. That said , it’s never ok to stay out for long and consider one’s self a citizen. This is an ugly horrifying haul. Fascism. We need all the strength and resilience we can muster. If a short respite helps make me less nuts ( and anyone else who cares about losing democracy ) for the long haul battle, then so be it.
Democracy can be hard work in best of times and right now the challenges before us are incredibly daunting.
People who value constitutional rights as they are witnessing the dismantling of the rule of law simply have stand up and participate fully. Vote and throw the Charlatans and False Prophets out of the temple.
Violent retaliations are will increase and are being encouraged. There will be blood in streets if our resolve is too weak and too late.
I hope a former Iowan can enter the discussion. Dave, you are reminding us how imperative it is that we all enter the conversation with rebuttals to the lies that are attacking our democracy from every angle. I was in Iowa recently visiting family and friends, all nice people who just want to enjoy their families and for some, retirement, although that is an ongoing financial challenge. They quoted incredible loads of hog manure, enough to destroy any Iowa stream that is not already polluted. Not one of them was interested in a discussion on any of the dozen topics we touched on in an effort to find something to chat about. One even said that they might be quoting alternative facts, but they preferred them to the other facts, whatever that means. We need voices like yours to give us the vocabulary and perspective to end this nightmare.
Sadly, yes. It was Fox. Did you know that you can walk into any store in California with a gun, steal less than $1,000 in merchandise and no one can do anything about it? That was the craziest. When I asked how it is that I have lived in California for 17 years and never seen the kind of incident they described, they said I probably had not noticed. How do you not notice a theft in a public place with other people in it? It leaves me speaking gibberish. After I pursued a couple of paths like that, they got annoyed with me! It was on the news, they said, how could I challenge it? It was strange to be with people I have known since I was born and hear such nonsense coming from them. It became one of the days I could have argued against universal suffrage.
Sometimes we just have to vent like I did with my neighbor today. We are surrounded by conservative neighbors running for school school board all of the sudden. Why? But we know why and why we can’t just give up, no matter how tiring.
The concerted effort by Moms for Liberty and MAGA types to take over public school boards.....while at the same time Governor Kim ( I Love Vouchers) is bleeding the public schools ......makes me sick. Get to know who is running and consider their backers and their true agendas. It isn’t all about pronouns and a bathroom or a mask or a book. That’s the smokescreen.
School board races have become highly politicized with Reynolds sticking her nose into Ankeny last year, Moms for Liberty, voucher supporters, book bans, trans deniers and the list goes on. People need to make sure friends and relatives are informed and vote in school board races. The turnout is usually abysmally low. A few votes can make a difference.
Nice piece, Dave. I found it optimistic in that it's already too late to return to the America that we once believed in--the one of Eisenhower and Obama. Unless a magic leader emerges, we need to prepare ourselves to fight in the streets or somehow to escape from the crazies too many of us have become. Perhaps the climate change disaster that's emerging more quickly than believed possible is the lesser of the horrors.
Yes, you summed it all up nicely. I just wanted to add that some "local" media like to publish pieces like how many Iowans have been on reality TV instead of in-depth articles on things we really need to know. And you're right, we do tend to tune-out things after a while, oh, and we're too busy, like you said. Thanks for reminding me to pay attention.
I agree and will add the reporting of unnecessary “breaking news” (in all caps) of a comment from the huckster declaring only he can avoid WWIII. But it obviously plays well in our deep red state and apparently provides plenty of “click bait” income.
There IS only one side in America who benefits when Americans tune out. Democracy, as Dave wrote, loses, when Americans stop reading the news and participating. The choir needs to hear and to be prodded to act. I am going to figure out the best ways to share on my social media accounts which may reach beyond Dave's choir.
The mutual disgust in politics runs parallel to high levels of distrust in all 3 branches of govt. Our political leaders could remind Americans of what govt has done and continues to do well. Earlier this year Biden attended a ribbon cutting in KY with McConnell, for example. The opposite occurs in Iowa. Our Gov and her administration routinely take credit for many Biden funded programs, from helping the homeless to economic development.
I believe that as a Democrat in Iowa, the time for tact is over. For the past few years I have mostly tried to avoid the subject of politics with friends and acquaintances who I know have vastly different political leanings than myself. I dislike confrontation and if it were up to me would avoid it if I could, but no more. I can no longer tolerate the level of head turning going on with Iowa Republicans in my circle of acquaintance who have convinced themselves that fantasy is reality or are burying their heads in the sand like ostriches. This week I startled one such friend by stating my real feelings about the former president in no uncertain terms and she looked at me in shock. Too many of us, I believe, have been erring on the side of politeness to which I believe has been an ineffective strategy for reaching people mired in the depths of political brainwashing. No more...my friend isn't sure if she is comfortable with me now, but it's a choice I am willing to make if it helps even a little to keep our country from sliding into a place we'll not be able to turn around... time to make good trouble and it starts with our everyday interactions with friends and neighbors...the emperor is walking naked down the street and the more of us that point it out, the better...
We all dislike confrontation, Sue. There are times when it’s probably inappropriate and times where it makes sense to speak up. I don’t ever hold out hope that I can change the mind of someone who passionately believes they’re right, but perhaps I can give them something to think about. And maybe they will give ME something to think about. I always aim for a civil discussion, even if we disagree. I don’t always achieve a civil discussion but I try!
I agree with you that in general, we should speak up, stand up to things we see and hear that are wrong. The stakes are too high.
I had an extended visit this summer from a German friend who lives in Berlin. He told me that in Germany they have a saying that if there is one Nazi sitting at a dinner party table of ten people, that you actually have ten Nazis sitting there. I have been thinking about that a lot since he went back home. Are we now in the position that Germans were in back in the day? In Iowa, it's a hard choice because so many people we have known and interacted with for years and thought of as "Iowa nice" people are espousing radical and inhumane policies because of their political party. We are still conflicted over this issue, while my German friends who have seen what it did to their country appear to have a much clearer perspective of the dangers we currently face.
I was back visiting family and friends in Iowa (I live out of state) last week. Three overnight households and not one of them listens to news. Not one! I avoided the familiar arguments about Trump but how can you tell someone that is almost totally disconnected from factual news that the blip they see on social media is either disinformation, propaganda or lacks context without seemingly belittling them? It's no wonder Trump leads Iowa polling. Matt Gaetz's basic strategy (by his own 2018 quote) is to "remain interesting". He has a easy, ripe civilian target from what I can see. Yikes!
Such an excellent piece, Dave. And so, so true.
Dave, I agree with your conclusion that we should not ignore the actions of those in Congress. I would add that I tell my relatives and friends to subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson's blog - she brings a great historical perspective.
I’ll second that, John. Richardson brings common sense in addition to her historical perspective.
And not to mention Menendez’ hiding thousands of dollars in his clothes, with gold bullions and a Mercedes in his garage. I don’t blame particularly young people expressing cynicism and tuning out. But your advice is good, and I agree with John re Cox Richardson’s excellent blog.
Agree, Dennis. I mentioned Menendez in last week’s column, to point out that when people complain about the so-called weaponization of the Justice Department, we should bring up the Menendez case. Seems to me Justice is indicting people for corruption, regardless of party.
Sometimes I just have to tag team with my like- minded friends and family when it gets too overwhelming. ( But I refuse to watch the mindless crap of most television as a sedative. ) Frankly it’s necessary to tag out for awhile unless I want to totally lose my shit. That said , it’s never ok to stay out for long and consider one’s self a citizen. This is an ugly horrifying haul. Fascism. We need all the strength and resilience we can muster. If a short respite helps make me less nuts ( and anyone else who cares about losing democracy ) for the long haul battle, then so be it.
A vacation from the insanity can work wonders, so long as we plug back in. A mental health break is good for all of us.
Democracy can be hard work in best of times and right now the challenges before us are incredibly daunting.
People who value constitutional rights as they are witnessing the dismantling of the rule of law simply have stand up and participate fully. Vote and throw the Charlatans and False Prophets out of the temple.
Violent retaliations are will increase and are being encouraged. There will be blood in streets if our resolve is too weak and too late.
I hope a former Iowan can enter the discussion. Dave, you are reminding us how imperative it is that we all enter the conversation with rebuttals to the lies that are attacking our democracy from every angle. I was in Iowa recently visiting family and friends, all nice people who just want to enjoy their families and for some, retirement, although that is an ongoing financial challenge. They quoted incredible loads of hog manure, enough to destroy any Iowa stream that is not already polluted. Not one of them was interested in a discussion on any of the dozen topics we touched on in an effort to find something to chat about. One even said that they might be quoting alternative facts, but they preferred them to the other facts, whatever that means. We need voices like yours to give us the vocabulary and perspective to end this nightmare.
Most welcome, indeed! Could you tell where they were getting their preferred set of facts? Fox, I assume.
Sadly, yes. It was Fox. Did you know that you can walk into any store in California with a gun, steal less than $1,000 in merchandise and no one can do anything about it? That was the craziest. When I asked how it is that I have lived in California for 17 years and never seen the kind of incident they described, they said I probably had not noticed. How do you not notice a theft in a public place with other people in it? It leaves me speaking gibberish. After I pursued a couple of paths like that, they got annoyed with me! It was on the news, they said, how could I challenge it? It was strange to be with people I have known since I was born and hear such nonsense coming from them. It became one of the days I could have argued against universal suffrage.
Sometimes we just have to vent like I did with my neighbor today. We are surrounded by conservative neighbors running for school school board all of the sudden. Why? But we know why and why we can’t just give up, no matter how tiring.
The concerted effort by Moms for Liberty and MAGA types to take over public school boards.....while at the same time Governor Kim ( I Love Vouchers) is bleeding the public schools ......makes me sick. Get to know who is running and consider their backers and their true agendas. It isn’t all about pronouns and a bathroom or a mask or a book. That’s the smokescreen.
School board races have become highly politicized with Reynolds sticking her nose into Ankeny last year, Moms for Liberty, voucher supporters, book bans, trans deniers and the list goes on. People need to make sure friends and relatives are informed and vote in school board races. The turnout is usually abysmally low. A few votes can make a difference.
Nice piece, Dave. I found it optimistic in that it's already too late to return to the America that we once believed in--the one of Eisenhower and Obama. Unless a magic leader emerges, we need to prepare ourselves to fight in the streets or somehow to escape from the crazies too many of us have become. Perhaps the climate change disaster that's emerging more quickly than believed possible is the lesser of the horrors.
Yes, you summed it all up nicely. I just wanted to add that some "local" media like to publish pieces like how many Iowans have been on reality TV instead of in-depth articles on things we really need to know. And you're right, we do tend to tune-out things after a while, oh, and we're too busy, like you said. Thanks for reminding me to pay attention.
I agree and will add the reporting of unnecessary “breaking news” (in all caps) of a comment from the huckster declaring only he can avoid WWIII. But it obviously plays well in our deep red state and apparently provides plenty of “click bait” income.
Andrea, it’s such a stupid thing for any candidate to say. But I don’t know, in this case, whether media should repeat it or ignore it.
Great job, Dave. I couldn't have said it better myself.
There IS only one side in America who benefits when Americans tune out. Democracy, as Dave wrote, loses, when Americans stop reading the news and participating. The choir needs to hear and to be prodded to act. I am going to figure out the best ways to share on my social media accounts which may reach beyond Dave's choir.
The mutual disgust in politics runs parallel to high levels of distrust in all 3 branches of govt. Our political leaders could remind Americans of what govt has done and continues to do well. Earlier this year Biden attended a ribbon cutting in KY with McConnell, for example. The opposite occurs in Iowa. Our Gov and her administration routinely take credit for many Biden funded programs, from helping the homeless to economic development.
Right, Ralph. And all the time she’s complaining about Biden, the deficit, etc.
👍
I believe that as a Democrat in Iowa, the time for tact is over. For the past few years I have mostly tried to avoid the subject of politics with friends and acquaintances who I know have vastly different political leanings than myself. I dislike confrontation and if it were up to me would avoid it if I could, but no more. I can no longer tolerate the level of head turning going on with Iowa Republicans in my circle of acquaintance who have convinced themselves that fantasy is reality or are burying their heads in the sand like ostriches. This week I startled one such friend by stating my real feelings about the former president in no uncertain terms and she looked at me in shock. Too many of us, I believe, have been erring on the side of politeness to which I believe has been an ineffective strategy for reaching people mired in the depths of political brainwashing. No more...my friend isn't sure if she is comfortable with me now, but it's a choice I am willing to make if it helps even a little to keep our country from sliding into a place we'll not be able to turn around... time to make good trouble and it starts with our everyday interactions with friends and neighbors...the emperor is walking naked down the street and the more of us that point it out, the better...
We all dislike confrontation, Sue. There are times when it’s probably inappropriate and times where it makes sense to speak up. I don’t ever hold out hope that I can change the mind of someone who passionately believes they’re right, but perhaps I can give them something to think about. And maybe they will give ME something to think about. I always aim for a civil discussion, even if we disagree. I don’t always achieve a civil discussion but I try!
I agree with you that in general, we should speak up, stand up to things we see and hear that are wrong. The stakes are too high.
I had an extended visit this summer from a German friend who lives in Berlin. He told me that in Germany they have a saying that if there is one Nazi sitting at a dinner party table of ten people, that you actually have ten Nazis sitting there. I have been thinking about that a lot since he went back home. Are we now in the position that Germans were in back in the day? In Iowa, it's a hard choice because so many people we have known and interacted with for years and thought of as "Iowa nice" people are espousing radical and inhumane policies because of their political party. We are still conflicted over this issue, while my German friends who have seen what it did to their country appear to have a much clearer perspective of the dangers we currently face.
Excellent! thank you!
I was back visiting family and friends in Iowa (I live out of state) last week. Three overnight households and not one of them listens to news. Not one! I avoided the familiar arguments about Trump but how can you tell someone that is almost totally disconnected from factual news that the blip they see on social media is either disinformation, propaganda or lacks context without seemingly belittling them? It's no wonder Trump leads Iowa polling. Matt Gaetz's basic strategy (by his own 2018 quote) is to "remain interesting". He has a easy, ripe civilian target from what I can see. Yikes!