Most important: "Democrats need to have Biden’s back at every turn as long as he is on the side of democracy. And they need to stop giving the Republicans talking points." Thank you, Mary!
Clearly Pence either suspected something was up or knew what was happening. That's why he needs to testify before the Committee in person--he should not be allowed to submit written answers.
Every point you make is a crisis in itself. It is so discouraging to have two Democratic senators playing games with American lives. Not to mention that Republicans have given up on our country altogether and are interested only in how much money they can squeeze out of the rest of us.
We need to make sure we make Manchin and Sinema irrelevant in 2022. Republicans are definitely interested in money but they're also interested in illegitimately seizing permanent minority power which is worse.
The thing is, though, that neither of those two Senators is actually a Democrat; both of them are using the Democratic party for their own purpose. Neither demonstrates either party loyalty or Democratic values. They’ve simply been bought, creatures of their own delusional greed for power and money. For some time now I have thought that, before being allowed to run as a Democrat, especially now that there is only one functional political party, one should be vetted, serve an internship under supervision to limit any damage they might do. At the end of the term of internship, sit down and evaluate their actual behavior for some signs that they understand and are committed to democratic and Democratic values, and are willing to stand up and be counted. If not, “Sorry and bye bye.” Not a perfect process, as people can turn another face like Lindsay and Ted, on a dime. As we know, most of today’s Republicans wouldn’t even pass the small d smell test. Methinks these two Dinosaurs wouldn’t either. But we shouldn’t bang our heads against a wall; they should bang theirs. Full disclosure: Purely because my father had a job that required him to be in the state of West Virginia, I happened to be born there, though I was two when they moved to Roanoke, I think. W.Wa. is a fairly quirky place, not exactly as most liberals see it, but definitely suspicious of outsiders and producing some feisty folks. I am thankful that I spent a large chunk of my childhood from 8 to 15 in Baltimore with Nancy Pelosi’s dad as my Mayor. A very interesting early political socialization.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I would love it if we could devise some tests for all candidates for any public office that they must pass in order to proceed. Education is one. Mental health another. Adherence to democracy (not Democratic Party platform). You can run on a Republican Party platform, but must still pass the test of adherence to democratic values. As in all people are created equal; one person, one vote; constitutional rights to justice and domestic tranquility; and much more. And most obvious, a clean police slate, as in no criminal or civil violations record.
Thanks Mary for the summary of our current political mess. My head rattles when trying to sort through the news to get the bottom line. You are ‘spot on’ as goes the saying, and best of all my head is not rattling! Also thanks to all who share their comments, I enjoy reading them too.
Cap is something else! It is just beyond the twilight zone what we witness happening in this country day in and day out. Some days it is just too much, and I want to stand on the roof and shout "I'm mad as hell and cannot take it anymore"! Thanks Mary for the night Cap.☺️
Have we gotten to the point where the outbreak of an armed, hot, Second Civil War is about to begin (as in 1860)?
Or are we in the deciding moment of a new Cold Civil War?
I think the answer is a combination of both.
In 1860, we were a country divided by geographic and economic factors. I.e., the Northern states against the Southern states, skilled labor versus enslaved labor.
Today, we are a country divided by demographics and racial identity. I.e., subrban and rural against urban and super urban, and a continuance of historical revisionism (or a new American History reappraisal commonly referred to on the right as ‘critical race theory)’.
Americans of ALL stripes should realize: all this division amongst ourselves is opening a window for China and Europe to take control of the world’s agenda.
I think Cold Civil War is the better term bc, as you point out, the divide isn't strictly demographic. We are all too intertwined.
I don't think that's what Americans want to give Europe or China an opening--I honestly think most people don't think through the consequences of what's happening to us.
I am starting to think we are at an even bigger dividing point - the point where the human race once again "decides" whether to screw up everything, destroy itself and go back to the beginning, or finally climb over the mountain of ignorance and proceed toward our real destiny. We are at the cusp of a new age of consciousness, which we can achieve IF we can get over ourselves and our ignorance this time. This is where I am putting my efforts. I'm too old to march, but I still have a voice. Third time's the charm, if in fact this is the third attempt by our species to achieve a higher manifestation of consciousness, save our home planet, and finally create the world of Light that our souls really long for. We can do it!
Thanks for this great piece Mary! Cap is so dignified! How is it that cats go from dignity to zoomy in the blink of an eye and when zoomy is exhausted they go back to gracious dignity? On to Sinema. I wonder if she and Manchin are playing take the camera tag and now it's her turn? Not only is she ridiculous, she's a profound hypocrite. Did you all catch her BS statement on Twitter yesterday? Her metamorphosis from radical to bought and paid for has been dramatic if nothing else. Has she been sharpening her acting chops the whole time in the hope that Hollywood will make her an offer she can't refuse? She was once a radical for democracy, now she's just a pathetic copycat. If these two Senators are allowed to bring voting rights to it's knees, then, to paraphrase ricky Ricardo, America, You Got some Splainin to do!
Thank you, Laurie. It's pretty terrifying that two Senators who represent so few Americans have so much power. The system needs to change, which is why Democrats need to fight harder than they ever have before.
Yes, the kitten phases are the best. We're going to be entering adolescent awkwardness soon.
Yes Mary, I too am shocked that fake election results are not splashed all over every news outlet. Washington Post and Maddow have been reporting, but have not seen much more. Where the heck is the media???!!!
What is motivating Sinema & Manchin to ruin our democracy? We need a bold and daring move by the President. Democracy is at stake here. The time is NOW.
Sinema & Manchin are ruining our democracy & I wish there was some way to get around them but our hands are tied. There is no way you can reason with either one, so are we doomed? We need more Democrats in the White House.
Most important: "Democrats need to have Biden’s back at every turn as long as he is on the side of democracy. And they need to stop giving the Republicans talking points." Thank you, Mary!
It's really important. R's don't need any help making things worse for us.
What would have happened if Pence had gotten in the Security car? Did Pence suspect Grassley would replace him if he’d gotten in that car?
Clearly Pence either suspected something was up or knew what was happening. That's why he needs to testify before the Committee in person--he should not be allowed to submit written answers.
Thank God as Grassley is unfit to be in charge of anything that is important to the people.
👌🏼
Just a huge UGH. So much to process and keep up with, which is why I'm so grateful for you, Rachel, and the other Sentinels.
Cap is extremely cute. Now I want a kitten.
Sentinels! I like that.
Cap is amazing and I highly recommend getting a kitten.
What's that line from the film "Hanna"? "Kittens grow up"?
I didn't see it; reminds me of the old expression, which is similar: "babies don't keep"!
Every point you make is a crisis in itself. It is so discouraging to have two Democratic senators playing games with American lives. Not to mention that Republicans have given up on our country altogether and are interested only in how much money they can squeeze out of the rest of us.
We need to make sure we make Manchin and Sinema irrelevant in 2022. Republicans are definitely interested in money but they're also interested in illegitimately seizing permanent minority power which is worse.
Exactly. Which is why voting rights MUST pass.
The thing is, though, that neither of those two Senators is actually a Democrat; both of them are using the Democratic party for their own purpose. Neither demonstrates either party loyalty or Democratic values. They’ve simply been bought, creatures of their own delusional greed for power and money. For some time now I have thought that, before being allowed to run as a Democrat, especially now that there is only one functional political party, one should be vetted, serve an internship under supervision to limit any damage they might do. At the end of the term of internship, sit down and evaluate their actual behavior for some signs that they understand and are committed to democratic and Democratic values, and are willing to stand up and be counted. If not, “Sorry and bye bye.” Not a perfect process, as people can turn another face like Lindsay and Ted, on a dime. As we know, most of today’s Republicans wouldn’t even pass the small d smell test. Methinks these two Dinosaurs wouldn’t either. But we shouldn’t bang our heads against a wall; they should bang theirs. Full disclosure: Purely because my father had a job that required him to be in the state of West Virginia, I happened to be born there, though I was two when they moved to Roanoke, I think. W.Wa. is a fairly quirky place, not exactly as most liberals see it, but definitely suspicious of outsiders and producing some feisty folks. I am thankful that I spent a large chunk of my childhood from 8 to 15 in Baltimore with Nancy Pelosi’s dad as my Mayor. A very interesting early political socialization.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I would love it if we could devise some tests for all candidates for any public office that they must pass in order to proceed. Education is one. Mental health another. Adherence to democracy (not Democratic Party platform). You can run on a Republican Party platform, but must still pass the test of adherence to democratic values. As in all people are created equal; one person, one vote; constitutional rights to justice and domestic tranquility; and much more. And most obvious, a clean police slate, as in no criminal or civil violations record.
Thanks Mary for the summary of our current political mess. My head rattles when trying to sort through the news to get the bottom line. You are ‘spot on’ as goes the saying, and best of all my head is not rattling! Also thanks to all who share their comments, I enjoy reading them too.
Thank you, Kim. And all of the comments are great.
Cap is something else! It is just beyond the twilight zone what we witness happening in this country day in and day out. Some days it is just too much, and I want to stand on the roof and shout "I'm mad as hell and cannot take it anymore"! Thanks Mary for the night Cap.☺️
It's really hard to be angry all the time but at least our anger is valid. Kittens help 🙂
This is my favorite The Good in Us column so far!
Have we gotten to the point where the outbreak of an armed, hot, Second Civil War is about to begin (as in 1860)?
Or are we in the deciding moment of a new Cold Civil War?
I think the answer is a combination of both.
In 1860, we were a country divided by geographic and economic factors. I.e., the Northern states against the Southern states, skilled labor versus enslaved labor.
Today, we are a country divided by demographics and racial identity. I.e., subrban and rural against urban and super urban, and a continuance of historical revisionism (or a new American History reappraisal commonly referred to on the right as ‘critical race theory)’.
Americans of ALL stripes should realize: all this division amongst ourselves is opening a window for China and Europe to take control of the world’s agenda.
Is this what Americans REALLY want?
The answer up to this point seems to be ‘yes’.
I think Cold Civil War is the better term bc, as you point out, the divide isn't strictly demographic. We are all too intertwined.
I don't think that's what Americans want to give Europe or China an opening--I honestly think most people don't think through the consequences of what's happening to us.
That's the real problem, isn't it? Not considering the effects of their actions! Even on the world, in terms of climate change.
I am starting to think we are at an even bigger dividing point - the point where the human race once again "decides" whether to screw up everything, destroy itself and go back to the beginning, or finally climb over the mountain of ignorance and proceed toward our real destiny. We are at the cusp of a new age of consciousness, which we can achieve IF we can get over ourselves and our ignorance this time. This is where I am putting my efforts. I'm too old to march, but I still have a voice. Third time's the charm, if in fact this is the third attempt by our species to achieve a higher manifestation of consciousness, save our home planet, and finally create the world of Light that our souls really long for. We can do it!
Thanks for this great piece Mary! Cap is so dignified! How is it that cats go from dignity to zoomy in the blink of an eye and when zoomy is exhausted they go back to gracious dignity? On to Sinema. I wonder if she and Manchin are playing take the camera tag and now it's her turn? Not only is she ridiculous, she's a profound hypocrite. Did you all catch her BS statement on Twitter yesterday? Her metamorphosis from radical to bought and paid for has been dramatic if nothing else. Has she been sharpening her acting chops the whole time in the hope that Hollywood will make her an offer she can't refuse? She was once a radical for democracy, now she's just a pathetic copycat. If these two Senators are allowed to bring voting rights to it's knees, then, to paraphrase ricky Ricardo, America, You Got some Splainin to do!
Thank you, Laurie. It's pretty terrifying that two Senators who represent so few Americans have so much power. The system needs to change, which is why Democrats need to fight harder than they ever have before.
Yes, the kitten phases are the best. We're going to be entering adolescent awkwardness soon.
Cap is so adorable! She is the breath of fresh air, considering all the toxic air from the lawless, feckless members of a certain cabal.
Cap is the kitten I didn't know I needed.
All kittens are the ones we didn’t know we needed. Cap is especially fetching, though.
Love me some Cap! She looks a lot like my first cat, Felix, down to the white spot on the chest. He was a gentleman and a great judge of character.
Love that kitten
Me, too! She's adorable.
Yes Mary, I too am shocked that fake election results are not splashed all over every news outlet. Washington Post and Maddow have been reporting, but have not seen much more. Where the heck is the media???!!!
It continues to mystify me.
What is motivating Sinema & Manchin to ruin our democracy? We need a bold and daring move by the President. Democracy is at stake here. The time is NOW.
They've been paid off. That's the only explanation. Ignorance is not an excuse here. We need bold and daring moves from every other elected Democrat.
Sinema & Manchin are ruining our democracy & I wish there was some way to get around them but our hands are tied. There is no way you can reason with either one, so are we doomed? We need more Democrats in the White House.
The system is deeply flawed and, in some places, broken. We need more Democrats at every level of government from school boards on up.
Yes! The local level is key.
Newspapers should check your column for headlines as you are always right on target & I sometimes wonder where are they getting their information.
Ha! Thanks, Fernie.
Mary, thank you for your clear summary of what is happening. How are you keeping your sense of humor through this?
Thank you, Helen. As for how I keep my sense of humor, I have no idea. But I'm grateful I can.