My hope for 2024, Democrats take the White House, Senate and house, as many state legislatures and Governors races as possible. A massive blue wave to make our democracy steadfast for the future of America. This may be looked on as pie in the sky, but I for one it be pie and not cake in the sky, LOL.
If the tricks of the fake electors had been successful what a mess we would be in. Why can it not be removed now? No more Electoral College! Wasn't it put in place to disenfranchise voters?
If we abolish the electoral college, states like Montana that is sparsely populated their vote won’t count. I like the e.c. for that reason. Popular vote will be decided by New York, Chicago, & LA. That is not fair.
Hi Karen, I appreciate the reply. I must beg to differ. ONE man/woman and ONE vote is ABSOLUTELY FAIR. I would ask you to consider just the name of our unique and blessed country: the UNITED STATES of America. It sometimes gets forgotten... but please let that sink in for a minute.
Yes, states do get to have the ability to "tune" their State laws to their distinctive demographic and that's fine. But when it comes to NATIONAL elections the reality is that this is ONE country with ONE Federal government over ALL - and the majority rules.
The Electoral College concept has been around over the centuries in several countries - but it was always political in nature, and never about true balance as it was always really based on the notion that there were "lessers that weren't intelligent enough to vote (concentrated in big cities)" i.e. it was assumed they had no sense of the big picture and the impact on others.
Safe to say that does not apply here present day. With the current EC scheme voters in sparsely populated states have much more voting power than those in more densely populated states. The not-too-surprising result is that there is a small number of "Swing States" that get focused on for almost all of the politically motivated $$ and manpower to get out the vote. Talk about absolutely dysfunctional - and unfair.
I don't care where you live - YOU ARE AN AMERICAN - and your vote should be equal to all others. No more, no less.
Well, since you felt the need to lecture me on this great country of MINE, what kind of evidence do you have that the vote in sparsely populated states is more powerful then that of a more populated state. I have far more knowledge than you give me. Thanks for dumbing things down. You need to stay in Canada too.
My vote in Montana DOES NOT COUNT under a popular vote as to my point in my original comment! Is the EC fair all around? No. But at least 2 electors are sent to represent just like the ones in states with 25 million people. I really don’t think any way is fair actually.
That is not true. The states you speak of had controversial problems in the 2020 election and are not problem in normal elections. 2020 was not normal. Stay in Canada.
One person, one vote, and no Electoral College takes state consideration out of the equation. States will not be awarded to any candidate; the only thing that will matter is total number of votes.
Well, yes, after the talks of War here in the states is over. Trump's call for starting a war here in the states, gives me a pause. I don't want to take weapons from anyone until also the Neo-Nazi have been band. All the White Militia have turned in their weapons. Remember, Hitler took all weapons from the people before rounding up the Jewish people. No way to fight back. I believe a deterrent is better than not having anything at all.
So, gather all assault weapons from the White hate groups, Neo-Nazi, White militia, First.
Yes, and accept the things we can not change, change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Republicans want us to believe right is wrong and wrong is right.
I remember many years ago a Top leader of one White Hate group said on National Television that they were going into politics. Well, here they are. And along with them are the Neo-Nazi.
My suggestion is for the FBI in each state monitor them to see what they are up to.
I also suggest, remove the Congress persons who participated in the attack on our Capitol and hold them accountable.
Let us follow the directions of President Carter and do a real investigation into the 2016 Election. High Law Enforcement Officers have the proof that Mrs. Clinton won the election, per President Carter.
I would like to see the real Mueller Report. I also would like to see Mr. Barr being held accountable for Obstruction of Justice by stopping the investigation and reporting fake information to the American People and keeping information from us.
We are the People! We the People decide, and not the cheaters.
All these points you raise are why I work with Simon Rosenberg’s wonderful group and substack, Hopium Chronicles. He defines “Hopium” as “Hope with a Plan” and there are plenty of opportunities to act on these good points, even if only writing postcards or making calls or donating to candidates running in swing states (and there are some GREAT ones). I find it very encouraging to focus and act on these positive strategies! Everyone has something to offer and together we can!!
https://www.congress.gov/roll-call-votes I think you can search google or another search engine for specific representatives or candidates' records and/or platforms are spelled out. I sometimes call my reps' offices about specific issues and ask and express my opinion for or against various issues. They DO listen to us. More people need to communicate with them. Check out Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles, especially his interview with Anderson, the new young head of the North Carolina Democratic Party. She will inspire you! We CAN flip N.C. and keep Georgia. Lots of boots are already on the ground. (It's a big country we live in so it takes time to tune in to all the "races"...). thanks, Susan, for asking!
When we’re optimistic, reinforcing the good things about the current administration and its really great accomplishments, people feel grateful as well as optimistic, and gratitude is powerful too.
I really miss the Nerd Avengers; but I can understand how busy you all are. I'm not an American but I have been following American politics since President Stinky-poo took office. I feel that not only is American democracy at stake but also the safety of the world. I really hope the issue of women's rights will swing the election. To all my friends known and unknown who support democracy I wish you well and that a caring President will remain in office. Thank you for all Mary.
All of this is true. But we definitely have to pair the positive message with the factual negatives for democracy, our country, and the world if donald is president again.
He will not be President again unless he cheats again like he did in 2016. We need to keep a strong Cyber Security Department to keep out the hackers. Now, we have to keep out the fake electors. It needs to be against the law to cheat on Elections.
America in the 21st century is a hotbed of progressive potential unrealized, a gigantic rainbow swirl of activism & movements, waiting to join forces. "Resistance is fertile" literally in 2024. If Dems & Indies are clever & strategic, they can counter the fascist dumbing-down & derangement of the despotic cult dedicated to to a supreme loser.
"Join together with everyone!" Social organizations, legal activists like Meidas Touch, environmentalists, Indigenous tribes & Nations, BLM & Obama Foundation, LGBTQ & pride organizations, gun violence prevention & arms control organizations, global human rights organizations & agencies, activist artists, film & image icons, every musical group who ever defended freedom, poets, writers, dancers, hackers, tiktokkers, Latino defenders, civil rights heroes, Asian cultural icons, Kpop & Taylor Swifties, comedians.....
The list of progressive potential allies is almost endless. Time to rise from our silos & join forces. Every one get everyone to register! https://vote.org 💜 💘 💚 🌊 also, obviously: "Lock him up" :V
I was thinking that every organization that is able to, deploy an emergency alliance-building committee or office, & then hundreds of alliances, even those sometimes at odds, could have a powerful, diplomatic force which could mobilize & lobby progress, for 2024 & into the future. Of course, now that nearly everyone has a powerful communications super-computer in their pocket, "governing" needs to transform pretty radically, from diplomacy to voting. Right now, we need to rescue reality from a madman & his violent cult.
Oh my goodness Bee. I just went to the vote.org. What a great link. Everyone needs to go to this link. I didn't know it existed. Mary is an angel giving us this plate form to share information and to become one. Our fearless leader Mary!!! Bless her.
Nice sentiment Mary and I’m truly ashamed of how I feel toward anyone who continues to support Republicans. When Mitt Romney and his $13 million from the IRA and Liz Cheney with her pro trump agenda until he almost killed her is the best they’ve got, I’m done with them all. Their forced birth, their trickle down economics bullshit, their love of guns, their love of criminals and idiots posing as politicians, their incredibly stupid, racist voters, the disgusting methods used to corrupt the once supreme court.......please tell even one thing to like about any of them. Either we rid this nation of all of them or start serious secession talk. Mike (the dick in both name and temperament) Johnson elected speaker of the House was the last draw. How can anyone live in a country where the opposing party seeks to cheat and steal to win every election?
I hear your frustration. Accept, everything as it is right now. Breath! What else comes up? Accept that. Breath. What else comes up? Accept that as well. Continue until you feel like a feather. Now, plan to get active with a well oiled Democratic machine. Find one that you can work with. Getting active will help.
If you ever feel frustrated again, start the Accepting Exercise again until the feather feeling comes.
Get back up and start again. We the people of the USA decide and not the evil ones.
2024 is the year of Peace, Love, and Happiness. Believe this statement.
I've lived long enough that I've seen the world as a friendly, interesting place, and my travels have proved that over and over. Unfortunately, currently, the world seems to be getting crazier and more unfriendly, to the point where some of our politics make me feel like my head will explode. Because of that, when I encounter positive things I take them in and hold them tight. That helps me remember that there are still some good people out there. In my old age I've become impressionable when it comes to the good things, and I plan to stay that way. Good things seem to have handles I can hold onto, where all the negative stuff makes me want to run away (but not from reality). Wishing you a very happy and positive 2024.
Optimism does win elections' what also wins elections is for the people that talk about defending democracy' to make a choice' 2024 strategy: ask yourself how important our democratic values, principles and in general our normal way of life is to us' then ask yourself, we're the adults with the wisdom to defend and secure the future for our children...balance and a clear strategy, 'to not falter ' when things become scary' 2024 will be a roller costa ride of emotions and feelings, we will see just how strong people are in 2024, that say they fight for Democracy' I will be on the front lines dealing with the people responsible for manipulating our political arena's' Let's hope 2024 brings a new dawn' HOPE'
Thank you so much Mary! I have had less optimistic feelings lately. Your message is inspiring and is helping me strive to be more positive and optimistic about the future. You do more good and touch more lives than you know. 🫶
My hope for 2024, Democrats take the White House, Senate and house, as many state legislatures and Governors races as possible. A massive blue wave to make our democracy steadfast for the future of America. This may be looked on as pie in the sky, but I for one it be pie and not cake in the sky, LOL.
If we get the House, Senate, and WH, one of the first orders of business should be codifying voting rights and reproductive rights.
Followed by an assault weapons ban.
Followed by recrafting and reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, abolishing the Electoral College and rescinding Citizens United.
If the tricks of the fake electors had been successful what a mess we would be in. Why can it not be removed now? No more Electoral College! Wasn't it put in place to disenfranchise voters?
If we abolish the electoral college, states like Montana that is sparsely populated their vote won’t count. I like the e.c. for that reason. Popular vote will be decided by New York, Chicago, & LA. That is not fair.
Hi Karen, I appreciate the reply. I must beg to differ. ONE man/woman and ONE vote is ABSOLUTELY FAIR. I would ask you to consider just the name of our unique and blessed country: the UNITED STATES of America. It sometimes gets forgotten... but please let that sink in for a minute.
Yes, states do get to have the ability to "tune" their State laws to their distinctive demographic and that's fine. But when it comes to NATIONAL elections the reality is that this is ONE country with ONE Federal government over ALL - and the majority rules.
The Electoral College concept has been around over the centuries in several countries - but it was always political in nature, and never about true balance as it was always really based on the notion that there were "lessers that weren't intelligent enough to vote (concentrated in big cities)" i.e. it was assumed they had no sense of the big picture and the impact on others.
Safe to say that does not apply here present day. With the current EC scheme voters in sparsely populated states have much more voting power than those in more densely populated states. The not-too-surprising result is that there is a small number of "Swing States" that get focused on for almost all of the politically motivated $$ and manpower to get out the vote. Talk about absolutely dysfunctional - and unfair.
I don't care where you live - YOU ARE AN AMERICAN - and your vote should be equal to all others. No more, no less.
Well, since you felt the need to lecture me on this great country of MINE, what kind of evidence do you have that the vote in sparsely populated states is more powerful then that of a more populated state. I have far more knowledge than you give me. Thanks for dumbing things down. You need to stay in Canada too.
I have to disagree too. One person one vote. Every vote counts!!
My vote in Montana DOES NOT COUNT under a popular vote as to my point in my original comment! Is the EC fair all around? No. But at least 2 electors are sent to represent just like the ones in states with 25 million people. I really don’t think any way is fair actually.
Montana doesn't count now even with electoral college. Only States that count are Georgia, Penn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and Fla.
Educate yourself about how the electoral college works vs if our constitution allowed a popular vote.
That is not true. The states you speak of had controversial problems in the 2020 election and are not problem in normal elections. 2020 was not normal. Stay in Canada.
One person, one vote, and no Electoral College takes state consideration out of the equation. States will not be awarded to any candidate; the only thing that will matter is total number of votes.
Well, yes, after the talks of War here in the states is over. Trump's call for starting a war here in the states, gives me a pause. I don't want to take weapons from anyone until also the Neo-Nazi have been band. All the White Militia have turned in their weapons. Remember, Hitler took all weapons from the people before rounding up the Jewish people. No way to fight back. I believe a deterrent is better than not having anything at all.
So, gather all assault weapons from the White hate groups, Neo-Nazi, White militia, First.
Without targeting any one group, an assault weapons ban plus sweeping gun legislation to protect American civilians is needed. Yesterday.
I agree.
Let's not forget getting rid of Citizens United and replacing the Trashy members of the Supreme Court. Yeah you know who you are.
It looks like a platform is developing from your comment.
Yes, and accept the things we can not change, change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Republicans want us to believe right is wrong and wrong is right.
I remember many years ago a Top leader of one White Hate group said on National Television that they were going into politics. Well, here they are. And along with them are the Neo-Nazi.
My suggestion is for the FBI in each state monitor them to see what they are up to.
I also suggest, remove the Congress persons who participated in the attack on our Capitol and hold them accountable.
Let us follow the directions of President Carter and do a real investigation into the 2016 Election. High Law Enforcement Officers have the proof that Mrs. Clinton won the election, per President Carter.
I would like to see the real Mueller Report. I also would like to see Mr. Barr being held accountable for Obstruction of Justice by stopping the investigation and reporting fake information to the American People and keeping information from us.
We are the People! We the People decide, and not the cheaters.
All these points you raise are why I work with Simon Rosenberg’s wonderful group and substack, Hopium Chronicles. He defines “Hopium” as “Hope with a Plan” and there are plenty of opportunities to act on these good points, even if only writing postcards or making calls or donating to candidates running in swing states (and there are some GREAT ones). I find it very encouraging to focus and act on these positive strategies! Everyone has something to offer and together we can!!
"Together we can."
YES!
Does the Democrats Party have a site where candidates and their voting records and platforms are published?
https://www.congress.gov/roll-call-votes I think you can search google or another search engine for specific representatives or candidates' records and/or platforms are spelled out. I sometimes call my reps' offices about specific issues and ask and express my opinion for or against various issues. They DO listen to us. More people need to communicate with them. Check out Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles, especially his interview with Anderson, the new young head of the North Carolina Democratic Party. She will inspire you! We CAN flip N.C. and keep Georgia. Lots of boots are already on the ground. (It's a big country we live in so it takes time to tune in to all the "races"...). thanks, Susan, for asking!
Just look back at the Obama campaign to bolster this point.
When we’re optimistic, reinforcing the good things about the current administration and its really great accomplishments, people feel grateful as well as optimistic, and gratitude is powerful too.
I really miss the Nerd Avengers; but I can understand how busy you all are. I'm not an American but I have been following American politics since President Stinky-poo took office. I feel that not only is American democracy at stake but also the safety of the world. I really hope the issue of women's rights will swing the election. To all my friends known and unknown who support democracy I wish you well and that a caring President will remain in office. Thank you for all Mary.
Your as much an American as anyone here we have the same concerns Democracy.
Bless you Iris. Pray for our country.
Will do xo
You are a sensational writer Mary. Happy New Year.
All of this is true. But we definitely have to pair the positive message with the factual negatives for democracy, our country, and the world if donald is president again.
He will not be President again unless he cheats again like he did in 2016. We need to keep a strong Cyber Security Department to keep out the hackers. Now, we have to keep out the fake electors. It needs to be against the law to cheat on Elections.
America in the 21st century is a hotbed of progressive potential unrealized, a gigantic rainbow swirl of activism & movements, waiting to join forces. "Resistance is fertile" literally in 2024. If Dems & Indies are clever & strategic, they can counter the fascist dumbing-down & derangement of the despotic cult dedicated to to a supreme loser.
"Join together with everyone!" Social organizations, legal activists like Meidas Touch, environmentalists, Indigenous tribes & Nations, BLM & Obama Foundation, LGBTQ & pride organizations, gun violence prevention & arms control organizations, global human rights organizations & agencies, activist artists, film & image icons, every musical group who ever defended freedom, poets, writers, dancers, hackers, tiktokkers, Latino defenders, civil rights heroes, Asian cultural icons, Kpop & Taylor Swifties, comedians.....
The list of progressive potential allies is almost endless. Time to rise from our silos & join forces. Every one get everyone to register! https://vote.org 💜 💘 💚 🌊 also, obviously: "Lock him up" :V
I am with you!
How do we get all the groups to come together as one?
This is great! I agree 1000%
I was thinking that every organization that is able to, deploy an emergency alliance-building committee or office, & then hundreds of alliances, even those sometimes at odds, could have a powerful, diplomatic force which could mobilize & lobby progress, for 2024 & into the future. Of course, now that nearly everyone has a powerful communications super-computer in their pocket, "governing" needs to transform pretty radically, from diplomacy to voting. Right now, we need to rescue reality from a madman & his violent cult.
Oh my goodness Bee. I just went to the vote.org. What a great link. Everyone needs to go to this link. I didn't know it existed. Mary is an angel giving us this plate form to share information and to become one. Our fearless leader Mary!!! Bless her.
You can report these posts via the three dots. I did.
Nice sentiment Mary and I’m truly ashamed of how I feel toward anyone who continues to support Republicans. When Mitt Romney and his $13 million from the IRA and Liz Cheney with her pro trump agenda until he almost killed her is the best they’ve got, I’m done with them all. Their forced birth, their trickle down economics bullshit, their love of guns, their love of criminals and idiots posing as politicians, their incredibly stupid, racist voters, the disgusting methods used to corrupt the once supreme court.......please tell even one thing to like about any of them. Either we rid this nation of all of them or start serious secession talk. Mike (the dick in both name and temperament) Johnson elected speaker of the House was the last draw. How can anyone live in a country where the opposing party seeks to cheat and steal to win every election?
I hear your frustration. Accept, everything as it is right now. Breath! What else comes up? Accept that. Breath. What else comes up? Accept that as well. Continue until you feel like a feather. Now, plan to get active with a well oiled Democratic machine. Find one that you can work with. Getting active will help.
If you ever feel frustrated again, start the Accepting Exercise again until the feather feeling comes.
Get back up and start again. We the people of the USA decide and not the evil ones.
2024 is the year of Peace, Love, and Happiness. Believe this statement.
I've lived long enough that I've seen the world as a friendly, interesting place, and my travels have proved that over and over. Unfortunately, currently, the world seems to be getting crazier and more unfriendly, to the point where some of our politics make me feel like my head will explode. Because of that, when I encounter positive things I take them in and hold them tight. That helps me remember that there are still some good people out there. In my old age I've become impressionable when it comes to the good things, and I plan to stay that way. Good things seem to have handles I can hold onto, where all the negative stuff makes me want to run away (but not from reality). Wishing you a very happy and positive 2024.
Optimism does win elections' what also wins elections is for the people that talk about defending democracy' to make a choice' 2024 strategy: ask yourself how important our democratic values, principles and in general our normal way of life is to us' then ask yourself, we're the adults with the wisdom to defend and secure the future for our children...balance and a clear strategy, 'to not falter ' when things become scary' 2024 will be a roller costa ride of emotions and feelings, we will see just how strong people are in 2024, that say they fight for Democracy' I will be on the front lines dealing with the people responsible for manipulating our political arena's' Let's hope 2024 brings a new dawn' HOPE'
Clear plan & strategy.
What is our plan and strategy? Details please.
2024 is our year Mary!
Absolutely 👍 There’s still time .
Thank you, Mary! I appreciate you, and needed to hear this today.
Thank you so much Mary! I have had less optimistic feelings lately. Your message is inspiring and is helping me strive to be more positive and optimistic about the future. You do more good and touch more lives than you know. 🫶
Thank you, Mary, for your inspiring column. 💙 💙 💙
I will think of your negativity bias advice often since I am dreading 2024.
Take Care. 💙
I plan on doing the same Caroline, because I'm also simultaneously dreading 2024. 🩵
We needed your message!