I know this week’s news cycle isn’t any worse or more crowded than any other week’s, but every once in a while one bit of news puts me over the edge. This week it was the SCOTUS ruling that blocked President Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandate for businesses with a hundred or more employees.
So, yesterday I unplugged.
Sunset, Turks and Caicos
Today I’d like to ask you about The Good in Us. Starting next week I’ll be adding more content and wanted to ask your opinion:
What do you want to see more of?
What do you want to see less of?
Are there any new features you’d like to see?
And, as always, thank you all for your amazing comments and feedback.
I’d like to hear/see more about what gives you hope. I often feel stuck and that I can’t change anything. How do you move past this feeling? I like your insight on what drives these folks. It makes me more aware of how to avoid these red flags and not get dragged into an argument. New feature…hope. How women are making things better every day!
Yes. Feeling stuck is something that was hitting me every day. Connecting and hearing truth with hope starting with Mary’s writing and photos has helped me lift myself out of the pit. Thank you, Mary.
Agreed. The messy, honest kind of hope too, not the shiny "oh it'll be fine!" Instahope with a beautiful sunset background that does well on social media for all the wrong reasons. The hard-won little triumphs and stories of good people doing good things and shining a light where it's needed. The stories of real hope in action, even in the toughest places. (Maybe *especially* in them.)
"The messy, honest kind of hope" is a great way of putting it. As for sunsets, they remind me that the world is capable of so much effortless beauty which should inspire us to do better.
(Please forgive me, I know I'm not supposed to acknowledge your existence.)
Also: oops, I didn't mean your sunset there, Mary. *facepalm* I meant the ones where they've used all the Instagram filters and there's a cocktail and a hammock in the foreground and the caption is "Another awful day at the office LOL #winningatlife"...
I wrote this (ridiculously rambling) comment on my friend Antonia's wonderful post here: https://antonia.substack.com/p/halos-and-hope Copying & pasting what I said in the hope that someone finds something useful here to think about:
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"The big obstacle to thinking about hope is that showreel of awfulness that immediately starts playing in our brainpans when we mention the word. How can anyone have hope when all that stuff is clearly ridiculously dire?
But I think there's a trick played on us here, by ourselves. The assumption is the showreel is totally accurate in two ways: (1) it knows exactly what's happening in the world and is therefore qualified to sum huge chunks of it up as "awful", and (2) it's capable of extrapolating ahead with complete confidence to paint a perfectly reliable picture of future awfulness.
So I think hope is what creeps in when you realise (1) and (2) are illusions. The first isn't real because we never see the full picture, and our news sources are riddled with negativity bias and exceptionalism bias (only the best./worst things are "news", with heavy weight towards the worse side of things). And (2) is bogus because nothing in this life is certain.
This is me being rationalist, using my brain - and my heart usually calls BS on all of it. You can't self-math your way into feeling hopeful (no matter how some scientists would like to argue, like Steven Pinker). This is part of why hope is so damn hard. You can't just Do The Numbers...
But I really love what Cal Flyn says here, about the need for a new narrative around climate change other than "if everyone just get filled with enough dread maybe something will be done" (which is terrible psychology and yet pretty much the normal approach, I'd say):
"A quotation, commonly attributed to the writer and pioneering French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, says: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” This, if I ever read one, is a manifesto for nature writing in the present day. This is our own task: to evoke the experience of being in this wild and beautiful world. To stir people to love the planet with a jealous passion, to act in a way more befitting of a custodian or even lover. Go in through the heart, and the head will follow."
Hope is about how we feel, and I've found in my own writing that encountering hitherto-unknown mysteries makes you feel like you know nothing, just *nothing* about the world, and make you long for the immensity of learning more. And if THAT starts to sink into your bones, suddenly (1) and (2) can't get a foothold on you. You lose your egotistical, cynical certainty that everything will unfold in exactly the way you most fear. You realise that nobody actually *knows* anything. Not really. Not about the big stuff. Including scientists, who (despite criticism to the contrary) are always working with theories and hypotheses. That's 100% what science is made of.
If nobody knows for sure, then other possibilities exist. And where there is possibility, there is hope - and there's everything to play for, because all the doors are still open. "
Beautiful picture :) Only suggestion for change is that I want to see updates of your lawsuit against Donald and Maryanne. SOMEBODY needs to make Donald starting paying for his crimes.....
There's usually very little to report, unfortunately. We had our first oral arguments sixteen months after I filed. It will be weeks or months before we get a ruling. Luckily the judge is excellent but it's very slow going. But I will update when I can.
I enjoy reading whatever you write about. I like observations on individuals psychology – why, what, and how they are doing what they're doing. Thoughts and suggestions on what the everyday citizen can do to make things better. And, it's always nice when moments, or stories of zen are offered. Keep up your great work, Mary.
Appreciate this discussion. I feel we have to find a way to understand the psychology of what is happening to once normal people in a way that we can create messaging on personal and media levels that will make a difference. It does nothing to just say people are stupid if we are supposedly the 'smart' ones who can't figure out how to communicate across the chasm.
Your insights about the currents that are afoot in the law, health and politics is what I enjoy. The softening with sunsets and animals helps the insights go down. Your insights personal and professionally provide good context.
I read the OSHA intention when it was created by both parties, R and D, to address health in the workplace. The current pandemic is a "dead ringer."
President Richard Nixon signed the bill surrounded by R and Dems. But that was then, and this is now. Avoiding the paradigm of us vs them by any name, is the way to move forward.
Addressing the workplaces we inhabit for a good many hours is central to moving forward as Us. 85 million people will be directly effected by the Court's action The comments from the Supreme Court demonstrates how unattached many of the justices are to the reality of everyday life in the USA.
Progressive Caucus led by Rep Pramila Jayapal of Seattle, says expand the court to 14. History shows that the number of Justices changes over time.
I had a hard time choosing between her and Dr. Fauci. I feel rather guilty for not choosing her, but I would feel the opposite had I left out Dr. Fauci.
I don’t know how you can beat that last interview, the one with Malcolm Nance. Your podcast just gets better and better. I don’t know what I would add or subtract. I just like listening to you and your guests because then I don’t feel so alone in my thoughts. For years I’ve felt like “Chicken Little” - now, not so much. Thanks, Mary!
Thanks, Susan. My guests make it easy--they're all so intelligent, knowledgeable, and kind. I have a lot of other amazing people lined up to join the podcast. As for feeling alone with your thoughts, I'm pretty sure many of us feel the same way about a lot of what's been going on.
Agree with others that whatever you want to write about is worth us reading. I do like your spot-on political observances. I also think you've created a little community of like-minded people who can find support during these uncertain and frightening times. An occasional digression about music, arts, the ocean, is always appreciated as a break from the stress of what's happening in and to our country.
Probably the last thing you want to hear, but since you are ridiculously, almost comically overqualified as the subject matter expert on thedonald, I'd like some more explanations. How the heck does he get such a hold over people? I see the post 1/6 turnarounds from Lindsey Graham, Kevin McCarthy and it feels like a sequel to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978 version). What can possibly go on in their private meetings?
Trump had his sheep in congress go along with a peaceful walk through the Capitol “protest”. Watch the whole C Span coverage on YouTube! It tells the whole story! The Republicans were in on the TOUR! This was the Ray Epps part! Go in, be peaceful, get a cupcake! But, Trump had Roger Stone send in the bad clowns. Stewart Rhodes! This is why the switch with McCarthy CRUZ Lindsey! THEY ARE UNDER THE TRUMP BLACKMAIL! When this comes out they will be BANNED sedition from EVER HOLDING OFFICE , not to mention the CRIMINAL 20 years part ! It’s begun with Rhodes being arrested yesterday! YIPPPEERRR THANK YOU DONALD. STONE. BANNON MCCARTHY and his gang ! CELEBRATE 🎉
At this point in what I think is my imaginary life, a life that thinks USA people are intelligent in this day are intelligent to vote, you , possibly an avatar, is why I try to live out my mother and take care of stuff.
Like many others have said, I enjoy your posts "as is." You do such a nice job of succinctly describing the month's worth of news that happens every single week, and strike the right balance between that and the personal/culture/pet posts. I also greatly enjoy your wit and sarcasm!
If I had to offer some suggestion, I'd be interested in more of your thoughts from a behavioral health perspective every now and then - however/whatever form you wanted that to take (anecdotal, academic, clinical, political - anything!). It seems there is more awareness and discussion around mental health than at any time I can recall, but there's still so much stigma and misinformation around it, and of course the pandemic has exacerbated it for so many.
I'm also convinced that one of these times when you post a lovely sunset pic, there will be soft acoustic guitar music playing in the background, though I completely understand if that's something you want to keep to yourself. :) At any rate, thanks for everything that you do share with us and for always leaving us with something positive (or at least trying to). I appreciate your voice and am glad it's in the mix, especially the new podcast!
I'll definitely talk more about mental health. It's continues to amaze me that it is not a prominent subject of conversation as we enter our third year of COVID. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. People are suffering and this needs to be addressed at every level of government.
Mary, I love everything you write---be it that the subject is good, bad, or ugly. Yes, love the kitties, the parrot, and beautiful vacation pics.
I am still trying to understand these times in which we are living. In high school we read the Eugene Ionesco play The Rhinoceros. I haven't been able to get it out of my head since 2015. It feels like there's a mass psychosis going on. I don't understand how so many other normal people have gotten taken in and so many leaders have become spineless. How does this cult behavior take hold and how do you break the veil? And don't get me started on the venality of Tucker Carlson, etal, who know better but spew out hate just for the ego and the $$$.
Your uncle plugged into the psyche of many Americans and used it for his egoistic ends. He unleashed a monster much bigger than he is. If America and its body politic were healthy he would have been nipped in the bud. As a student of history, not sure where this leads, but it is scary.
Thank you, Ellen. I also have a hard time wrapping my head around what's happening in this country. I try to focus on the fact that it isn't the entire country it's the Republican Party, that there are more of us than there are of them, and elected Democrats will stop trying to negotiate with the fascists on the right. Things will get worse before they get better but that might be what it's going to talk for the Democrats to wake up.
Too many people are voting against their and our country's best interest, but they do not think they are. Here is my contribution to help counter the misinformation. Check out my short video on How Bottom-Up Economics Works: www.votereducationproject.com/hbuew
Mary, Thank you for your decency and shining kindness. One hopes your uncle will get what he deserves. I just finished watching the last episode of 'Station Eleven". Brilliant writing and acting. To quote The Beatles, "Have you heard, the word is love? it's so fine, it's sunshine, it's the word love".
More Men here, I love interaction from and with women, but Im surprised at how many women outnumber men on this newsletter, however, I share all the time, so I'm doing what I can to change, being an athletic man when young, I find it amusing that men can talk to one another freely, then "frame" what they say to women Rather than interact as freely to women in similar less disgusting manner. I like balance in all things, am I asking too Much?
I don't know if there are more women subscribers or women just comment more here but I really appreciate how often you contribute. Maybe ask some of your friends (guys, obviously) to join the conversation here. I like balance, too. I don't think it's too much to ask.
Mary, > share you on Twitter and urge men that there are other men on
It too, I grew up with 2 sisters and A mom in home, dad close but not in home, Im used to being a "minority man" in woman's issues, events, etc But I see more men every week, it improves, I'll keep holding up my promotion because this site is very "therapeutic" if you will, Your Fan John
Meet the new week . . . same as the last week . . .
My bandwidth for news has diminished by at least 75%. This, from a decades long news/political junkie, is saying something.
Not gonna lie, the past 6yrs has damaged my psyche to the point where I feel the need to modify my patterns of behavior. Not a drinker, now I hit the 420 vape pen every evening & find myself binge watching series as a way to disconnect. Really glad we're in the golden age of TV :)
I know I'm not alone. The scale of this collective anxiety we as a society have been living with is unprecedented. Certainly in American history. And the effects are TBD.
So we preserve and we do the next right thing.
Walk along side each other, with kindness, and help shoulder the burden where we can. That's the good in us. And I believe, the God in us.
This week was heavy. As in HEA-VEY. While I enjoy your perspectives on events, as well as the wisdom you've gained through your life's trials, there's something I've been curious about for quite awhile. Do you just dust those guitars holding up the various walls of your abode, or do you strum and pick and possibly sing?
I do play but honestly it's been a while. Over the last couple of years it's been hard to focus or be consistent which in turn makes it harder to do things I love--like read novels or play the guitar. I love both strumming and fingerstyle. I really need to pick it up again.
Hi Mary. To answer your questions. I'd love to see more of the people behind the scenes in our fight for democracy. I know it seems that all is doom and gloom, but in reality there a thousands, if not millions of us working really hard to save what we have and the people organizing these efforts are quite amazing and their insight is tremendous! There's really nothing I'd like to see less of. You're doing great! A new feature would be related to my above comment. Maybe a democracy hero of the week with an interview? I love the way you interact with all of us! Thank you! :)
I agree with others and enjoy everything you do, Mary. Seeing behind the persona of your relative is very helpful. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if someone is wealthy and powerful their internal life is without content. They are their persona. Also how to "unfreeze" after the last two years. Many had PTSD before 2016 and Covid. Not being able to flight or flee I froze but other traumatic events happened too. What does health in a new normal look like? Sorry, that's a lot but we could shed some light on it.
Yes, Alan, we definitely need to shed some light on how the imposed isolation has affected us--whether we already had PTSD or not. Being on lockdown for so long definitely felt like paralysis.
I’ve enjoyed your sharing your fur baby pics as well as gorgeous sunset photos. Relating music and memories. How you’ve overcome challenges. Who are your spiritual, philosophical influences? It’s been a fun and provocative journey so far, and looking forward to reading and listening to your podcasts.
Thanks, Linda. I'll start to share more of the writers and thinkers who've influenced me as well as some current writers and activists whose work has motivated me and is definitely worth looking into.
I would like to see more of how the average person can help save democracy. It would be nice to know of events in each State with the primary purpose of protecting the right to vote. Also, I would like to understand how dark money got involved in our politics, and how we can make sure we vote for candidates that don't accept the bribe.
I would like to see more of the light side of life (cartoons like the far side that make you laugh!)
One more thing- a post where all of us can share random facts about ourselves. That way we can find out each other's talents outside of knowing lots about politics.
Like to see more and more federal cases won for us little (correct) guys. The crap happening
must be prosecuted for all the trouble and stoppage in the laws broken. The right to vote.......
OH MY. What's the problem? Who are the two special ( Manchin and Sinema) idiots wasting time. Seems they have become part of the Senate that will never care. I am almost at
the end of my hopes.How about the UNsuperior Court? UGGH!
This is where I'm at every single day too. It consumes my thoughts and none of us who believe in democracy should have to live like this. It's exhausting and infuriating.
I subscribed to The Good in Us because I like reading about what Mary L. Trump has to say! I haven’t been disappointed. It’s great and fun to be part of this community. Thank you!
You are doing a good job - I look forward to reading every email from you. More information about what your audience can do to protect our democracy, which is the most important thing + electing Democratic candidates to every office possible in November
We need to draw parallels in the past when America was in dire straits but pulled out a victory. FDR, JFK, Lincoln were all Presidents who were challenged mightily. Their stories could be just as inspirational in the dark path we are going through now. I love your work, Mary. You are a treasure.
Thank you, Tom. And I agree historical perspective can be very helpful. It's hard to believe sometimes but things have been worse--and they do get better.
You are welcome, Mary. One of the emerging heroes from the January 6 Commission is Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) Marlyland. His intellect and heart are united. Together they are a powerful force for seeking the truth. I hope you can post some of Representative Raskin's current thinking on the insurrection that your crazy uncle was behind.
Tom, One individual you might enjoy (besides Mary, of course!) is historian Heather Cox Richardson. She writes a daily "letter" on Facebook doing this exact thing. She may post it elsewhere also but I don't know for sure.
I would like hear from people who finally realized that Donald Trump was exploiting their loyalty, and they now grasp the truth about his nationalist (fascist) movement. Where are the World War ll history buffs? Some must have been Republicans. Why have they not seen the parallels? How does it not shake them free from the republican 🌴 tree!
Really? I have told my siblings that it all makes me physically ill but my family is better than this. I just got ‘brandoned’ twice! I agree, what makes Rs so effing angry! What does it take to reach them...naive thot, I know!
I LOVE THAT WE ALL TUNED IN TO HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS, regardless of who is in power! It’s LIGHT BULB INFORMATION! I find it QUITE ENTERTAINING! We all, until the DONALD shit show we all just lumped around like sheep! If Hillary had won, we still would be in our SHEEP 🐑 pens ! Our government does do tricky things ALL THE TIME! Wars, cheater corporate money etc! EXCEPT, DONALD showed up with a fat mouth and rats out EVERYONE. He is never on “paper” email or text! He verbally has his FIXERS do all the dirty work! When they get caught Michael Cohen he dumps them. Roger Stone and all the guys in congress are going to swing! He will double cross them all! He set them up JAN 6 planning a peaceful protest, then hired in Stewart Rhodes! Brilliant! They are not a cult, they are scared that when we find out they planned the TOUR through Ray Epps all these politicians are OUT. THEY WILL BE disqualified never to hold office, not to mention the criminal piece! SO EVERYONE, BE HAPPY ! DOJ and the committee, THEY HAVE OUR BACKS! The MJT BOBHERT CRUZ MCCARTHY GOSAR HAWLEY LINDSEY JORDAN LANGFORD ARE DONE ! Mitch McConnell will not block the vote in the Senate! He knows DONALD wants them all to get him out! THAT OLD BUZZARD WILL NEVER LEAVE! See , so, THANK YOU DONALD for destroying the Republicans! THANK YOU ! No more Republican Party !
Mary please do not let your platform turn into free therapy of this time. I stopped watching Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith because, between her mom Grammy and Willow, her daughter, that’s what happened! I just can’t listen to all the trauma, PTSD victims. I am compassionate, but I will not wallow in my own issues, and especially not other peoples issues! Let’s do critical thinking, understand there is always a solution and you CAN make up your mind to live in BLISS! It’s a choice! Keep negative people away and if you care to, suggest therapy, that I don’t have to hear about! So BEWARE , you are a shrink but keep it to yourself! Thank you!
OMG DONALD ranted for 2 hours and can stay on subject 30 seconds tops, must be ADHD! He said the line of rally attendee cars was 25 MILES! What old boomers walk 25 miles, shut the F up ! He said about abortion, They’re now letting the baby come out, then killing it ! What the hell! I had to go wash my brain out with Clorox! Wait, is that for COVID! Lol 😂 GO CHIEFS! I live in Kansas City Mo! He speaks like a rube, simple words, simple mind! His base CAN understand him!
I'd like to hear from you and others about adventures in consciousness, the evolution of the human spirit, and anything that will enlighten. I want to focus on the Light. I want us to be Light Warriors. Humans these days are either evolving their consciousness or devolving back into the animalistic "survival of the fittest, kill to eat" mentality. Lots of dark forces at work in the world and in people's minds makes me want to remind everyone that you don't FIGHT darkness - you turn on a light. Let's shine our lights! Make them powerful together! Help to dispel darkness. Bring on the Love.;
Hi Mary! I love everything that you have offered, since I joined. The reason I joined is because since the Jan6th Insurrectionist. Attack hearings will be coming up soon, I figured you would have good insight & commentary to add about your CRAZY UNCLE, the former DEFEATED pres. Trump. And, his involvement in Tax fraud, income tax evasion, guess that's redundant. I am glad you are suing him! Somebody needs to put him through some kind of Ringer. I was once in a religious cult and got myself out of it, unscathed & very aware of any one who is like your uncle, gas- lighting & cunningly tapping into people feeling like they don't belong. it took my willingness to go within my True Self & look for truth. It isn't easy to look at your own faults. But that's what it takes in my experience to choose myself over someone I falsely believe, is stronger than I am. I am sometimes a worried-optimist. And, I have a Fiction writer mind. I can't imagine what more horrific actions Trump was/is involved in. But I think we are going to be horribly shocked. And, I like having your newsletter to turn to for additional good/bad, info. And, clarification. Thank you for your courage to stand up to your uncle!
Thank you, Alamar. I am so glad you got out unscathed. It must be hard to see what's happening here now. With Donald, the most basic thing to know is that there is no bottom. I'm afraid the same is true of the Republican Party.
I enjoy the topics and straight talk from intelligent Mary and subscribers. The NYTimes used to have an excellent column on how political parties, cabals, policies and events and the pandemic affect women, who comprise over half the population. That column was suspended for reasons not clear to me. Since my 80 years of observing politics and teaching about authoritarian systems leads me to conclude that racism and misogyny are always associated with right wing extremism ( and misogyny often also associated with extreme left wing extremism), I 'd like to see some focus on this and remedies for it How do we non male/ and poc people empower ourselves to stand up together? For surely we share the goal of making our nation one day a democratic nation. It's not wise to allow ourselves to be divided.
I am still very interested in the topics of seditious conspiracy from within and how high up it is, as well as penetration of Russian intelligence into our government institutions since 2014 and earlier.
More lovely piccies, please. Like the one above. And could we have a back n forth on detachment, from the spiritual perspective? Reading some of the comments below methinks we could trade stories on how-to.
Thanks! I'm a member of a spiritual group and we have our own site in Google Groups; we exchanged all sorts of thoughts and discussions on life, the Universe and everything via that since we couldn't meet in person. It did us all heaps of good.
I need the kitties. More kitties, please! Waldo kitty says yes to that, and he'd like his photo to show you how handsome he is. It would be nice if we could share a photo of our kitties or other important-to-our-survival pets. I'd like to see less of my commenting but know that's impossible. If you have a magic wand that would keep me from having TLE seizures every time I comment and talk too much that would be very helpful. Do however keep on talking politics and government. It's critical to our survival that we not cave in or give up. How about convincing the democrats of Arizona to replace Kyrsten Sinema with a real democrat? That would be a great accomplishment. I, and a few others down here, believe she's a Republican in a Democrat costume. We need hope. Thank you. Hug.
I hear Ruben Gulego is planning to challenge Sinema in 2024 which would be a great thing. I'm sure he'd win the primary but not sure about the general. At this point Sinema couldn't win the general either and it would be nice to see her los in the primary to a real Democrat.
Good stuff. Wish I could disconnect more. Staying focused on the pertinent news items and trends is what we need. Also, if anyone has solutions to the unsolvable it would good to see…
Mary, I posted this for you to read if you've not seen it. Usually we look out on the world. This caught my attention as they're looking at us. Always look forward to your posts. Thank you.
I enjoy everything you do. Not sure how you have the time to do it all! Your rants are epic, and I love the stories about your cats and parrot. More of the same would be perfect!
I enjoy positive, warm posts on any subject that is important to you that moment. As a political scientist originally, I look forward to your insights on the last POTUS, Trumpublicans, and engagement in the public sphere as you have done. If I had one wish that could be fulfilled, it would be your review of "Remaking Democracy in America."
Mary, I feel so honored to have you ask us for our feedback. I am interested to have you continue about your life growing up, hearing about the songs you love, books you cherished, and how you became interested in psychology. Thank you ❤️
I’d like to hear/see more about what gives you hope. I often feel stuck and that I can’t change anything. How do you move past this feeling? I like your insight on what drives these folks. It makes me more aware of how to avoid these red flags and not get dragged into an argument. New feature…hope. How women are making things better every day!
This is a great idea, Laurie. Thanks!
I agree, there is so much gloom and doom and I'm often on the verge of tears; anything about ordinary people who are doing good things.
I second this. COVID isolation can make it feel like we are alone and stuck in the tough news cycles.
Yes. Feeling stuck is something that was hitting me every day. Connecting and hearing truth with hope starting with Mary’s writing and photos has helped me lift myself out of the pit. Thank you, Mary.
You are welcome, Maureen. And thank you.
Agreed. The messy, honest kind of hope too, not the shiny "oh it'll be fine!" Instahope with a beautiful sunset background that does well on social media for all the wrong reasons. The hard-won little triumphs and stories of good people doing good things and shining a light where it's needed. The stories of real hope in action, even in the toughest places. (Maybe *especially* in them.)
"The messy, honest kind of hope" is a great way of putting it. As for sunsets, they remind me that the world is capable of so much effortless beauty which should inspire us to do better.
(Please forgive me, I know I'm not supposed to acknowledge your existence.)
🤣
*spends rest of evening hyperventilating into a brown paper bag*
Also: oops, I didn't mean your sunset there, Mary. *facepalm* I meant the ones where they've used all the Instagram filters and there's a cocktail and a hammock in the foreground and the caption is "Another awful day at the office LOL #winningatlife"...
Sunsets are grand, I agree.
I wrote this (ridiculously rambling) comment on my friend Antonia's wonderful post here: https://antonia.substack.com/p/halos-and-hope Copying & pasting what I said in the hope that someone finds something useful here to think about:
****
"The big obstacle to thinking about hope is that showreel of awfulness that immediately starts playing in our brainpans when we mention the word. How can anyone have hope when all that stuff is clearly ridiculously dire?
But I think there's a trick played on us here, by ourselves. The assumption is the showreel is totally accurate in two ways: (1) it knows exactly what's happening in the world and is therefore qualified to sum huge chunks of it up as "awful", and (2) it's capable of extrapolating ahead with complete confidence to paint a perfectly reliable picture of future awfulness.
So I think hope is what creeps in when you realise (1) and (2) are illusions. The first isn't real because we never see the full picture, and our news sources are riddled with negativity bias and exceptionalism bias (only the best./worst things are "news", with heavy weight towards the worse side of things). And (2) is bogus because nothing in this life is certain.
This is me being rationalist, using my brain - and my heart usually calls BS on all of it. You can't self-math your way into feeling hopeful (no matter how some scientists would like to argue, like Steven Pinker). This is part of why hope is so damn hard. You can't just Do The Numbers...
But I really love what Cal Flyn says here, about the need for a new narrative around climate change other than "if everyone just get filled with enough dread maybe something will be done" (which is terrible psychology and yet pretty much the normal approach, I'd say):
"A quotation, commonly attributed to the writer and pioneering French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, says: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” This, if I ever read one, is a manifesto for nature writing in the present day. This is our own task: to evoke the experience of being in this wild and beautiful world. To stir people to love the planet with a jealous passion, to act in a way more befitting of a custodian or even lover. Go in through the heart, and the head will follow."
from https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/climate-change-writing-cop26-uk-cal-flyn-islands-of-abandonment-life-post-human-landscape
Hope is about how we feel, and I've found in my own writing that encountering hitherto-unknown mysteries makes you feel like you know nothing, just *nothing* about the world, and make you long for the immensity of learning more. And if THAT starts to sink into your bones, suddenly (1) and (2) can't get a foothold on you. You lose your egotistical, cynical certainty that everything will unfold in exactly the way you most fear. You realise that nobody actually *knows* anything. Not really. Not about the big stuff. Including scientists, who (despite criticism to the contrary) are always working with theories and hypotheses. That's 100% what science is made of.
If nobody knows for sure, then other possibilities exist. And where there is possibility, there is hope - and there's everything to play for, because all the doors are still open. "
****
(Yes, I'm always this longwinded. Sorry.)
Beautiful picture :) Only suggestion for change is that I want to see updates of your lawsuit against Donald and Maryanne. SOMEBODY needs to make Donald starting paying for his crimes.....
There's usually very little to report, unfortunately. We had our first oral arguments sixteen months after I filed. It will be weeks or months before we get a ruling. Luckily the judge is excellent but it's very slow going. But I will update when I can.
Yes, me too!
Anything from you is a pleasure to read and see Mary.
🙂
I enjoy reading whatever you write about. I like observations on individuals psychology – why, what, and how they are doing what they're doing. Thoughts and suggestions on what the everyday citizen can do to make things better. And, it's always nice when moments, or stories of zen are offered. Keep up your great work, Mary.
Thanks, J. I agree that some suggestions about how to be proactive would be helpful. And we can always use a moment of Zen.
Appreciate this discussion. I feel we have to find a way to understand the psychology of what is happening to once normal people in a way that we can create messaging on personal and media levels that will make a difference. It does nothing to just say people are stupid if we are supposedly the 'smart' ones who can't figure out how to communicate across the chasm.
Your insights about the currents that are afoot in the law, health and politics is what I enjoy. The softening with sunsets and animals helps the insights go down. Your insights personal and professionally provide good context.
I read the OSHA intention when it was created by both parties, R and D, to address health in the workplace. The current pandemic is a "dead ringer."
President Richard Nixon signed the bill surrounded by R and Dems. But that was then, and this is now. Avoiding the paradigm of us vs them by any name, is the way to move forward.
Addressing the workplaces we inhabit for a good many hours is central to moving forward as Us. 85 million people will be directly effected by the Court's action The comments from the Supreme Court demonstrates how unattached many of the justices are to the reality of everyday life in the USA.
Progressive Caucus led by Rep Pramila Jayapal of Seattle, says expand the court to 14. History shows that the number of Justices changes over time.
I couldn't agree with Rep. Jayapal more. She is so impressive.
I had a hard time choosing between her and Dr. Fauci. I feel rather guilty for not choosing her, but I would feel the opposite had I left out Dr. Fauci.
Mary! Mary! I'd like you to do whatever you WANT to do!
THAT'S WHEN YOU'RE AT YOUR MARY-EST BEST!!!
Right back at you--which is why everybody needs to read this: https://ejeancarroll.substack.com/p/purls-before-swine
I 2nd E Jean, it did say write a comment, lol
Thank you, John.
I look forward to anything you write. Please continue with whatever seems important to you.
Also, that podcast with the Vindman's had a positive impact on my frame of mind!
Thanks, Linda! Rachel and Alex are great. I learned so much from them.
I don’t know how you can beat that last interview, the one with Malcolm Nance. Your podcast just gets better and better. I don’t know what I would add or subtract. I just like listening to you and your guests because then I don’t feel so alone in my thoughts. For years I’ve felt like “Chicken Little” - now, not so much. Thanks, Mary!
Thanks, Susan. My guests make it easy--they're all so intelligent, knowledgeable, and kind. I have a lot of other amazing people lined up to join the podcast. As for feeling alone with your thoughts, I'm pretty sure many of us feel the same way about a lot of what's been going on.
That podcast was great!
Agree with others that whatever you want to write about is worth us reading. I do like your spot-on political observances. I also think you've created a little community of like-minded people who can find support during these uncertain and frightening times. An occasional digression about music, arts, the ocean, is always appreciated as a break from the stress of what's happening in and to our country.
Thank you, Cheryl. And I do love this little community.
Probably the last thing you want to hear, but since you are ridiculously, almost comically overqualified as the subject matter expert on thedonald, I'd like some more explanations. How the heck does he get such a hold over people? I see the post 1/6 turnarounds from Lindsey Graham, Kevin McCarthy and it feels like a sequel to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978 version). What can possibly go on in their private meetings?
Trump had his sheep in congress go along with a peaceful walk through the Capitol “protest”. Watch the whole C Span coverage on YouTube! It tells the whole story! The Republicans were in on the TOUR! This was the Ray Epps part! Go in, be peaceful, get a cupcake! But, Trump had Roger Stone send in the bad clowns. Stewart Rhodes! This is why the switch with McCarthy CRUZ Lindsey! THEY ARE UNDER THE TRUMP BLACKMAIL! When this comes out they will be BANNED sedition from EVER HOLDING OFFICE , not to mention the CRIMINAL 20 years part ! It’s begun with Rhodes being arrested yesterday! YIPPPEERRR THANK YOU DONALD. STONE. BANNON MCCARTHY and his gang ! CELEBRATE 🎉
At this point in what I think is my imaginary life, a life that thinks USA people are intelligent in this day are intelligent to vote, you , possibly an avatar, is why I try to live out my mother and take care of stuff.
Jon, I think that takes more than a caption, "More Than A Caption To Me"!
To me, what you have created, Mary, is a collection and exchange of ideas with guests that feels personal and honest and ever-so-friendly. Thank you!
Thank you, Mary. I really appreciate that.
Like many others have said, I enjoy your posts "as is." You do such a nice job of succinctly describing the month's worth of news that happens every single week, and strike the right balance between that and the personal/culture/pet posts. I also greatly enjoy your wit and sarcasm!
If I had to offer some suggestion, I'd be interested in more of your thoughts from a behavioral health perspective every now and then - however/whatever form you wanted that to take (anecdotal, academic, clinical, political - anything!). It seems there is more awareness and discussion around mental health than at any time I can recall, but there's still so much stigma and misinformation around it, and of course the pandemic has exacerbated it for so many.
I'm also convinced that one of these times when you post a lovely sunset pic, there will be soft acoustic guitar music playing in the background, though I completely understand if that's something you want to keep to yourself. :) At any rate, thanks for everything that you do share with us and for always leaving us with something positive (or at least trying to). I appreciate your voice and am glad it's in the mix, especially the new podcast!
I'll definitely talk more about mental health. It's continues to amaze me that it is not a prominent subject of conversation as we enter our third year of COVID. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. People are suffering and this needs to be addressed at every level of government.
Yes, please do. I've lost my family except for Fitbit Puppy, Waldo Kitty, and Zorro Kitty.
I like it “as is”! 🙂
Thanks, Ian!
You’re welcome! 😀
Mary, I love everything you write---be it that the subject is good, bad, or ugly. Yes, love the kitties, the parrot, and beautiful vacation pics.
I am still trying to understand these times in which we are living. In high school we read the Eugene Ionesco play The Rhinoceros. I haven't been able to get it out of my head since 2015. It feels like there's a mass psychosis going on. I don't understand how so many other normal people have gotten taken in and so many leaders have become spineless. How does this cult behavior take hold and how do you break the veil? And don't get me started on the venality of Tucker Carlson, etal, who know better but spew out hate just for the ego and the $$$.
Your uncle plugged into the psyche of many Americans and used it for his egoistic ends. He unleashed a monster much bigger than he is. If America and its body politic were healthy he would have been nipped in the bud. As a student of history, not sure where this leads, but it is scary.
Thank you, Ellen. I also have a hard time wrapping my head around what's happening in this country. I try to focus on the fact that it isn't the entire country it's the Republican Party, that there are more of us than there are of them, and elected Democrats will stop trying to negotiate with the fascists on the right. Things will get worse before they get better but that might be what it's going to talk for the Democrats to wake up.
It's hard to improve on perfection. It's awesome as it presently is; glad to be included!
You are far too kind!
How creativity, like you playing the guitar or your other creative endeavors, sustains you during this traumatic time.
Great suggestion--we can all do that.
Too many people are voting against their and our country's best interest, but they do not think they are. Here is my contribution to help counter the misinformation. Check out my short video on How Bottom-Up Economics Works: www.votereducationproject.com/hbuew
Thanks, Karl--this is cool.
Thanks for what you do! I would love to talk with you sometime. ksmith@votereducationproject.com
Sharing how we are kind and help each other every day. That reminder would help through this time.
Exactly, Bobbie.
Love the photos: of beautiful sunsets & animals; and I enjoy anything you have to say!
Thank you!
Mary, Thank you for your decency and shining kindness. One hopes your uncle will get what he deserves. I just finished watching the last episode of 'Station Eleven". Brilliant writing and acting. To quote The Beatles, "Have you heard, the word is love? it's so fine, it's sunshine, it's the word love".
Thank you, Richard.
I'm definitely going to check out Station Eleven.
Interview with Emily St. John Mandel in the Friday New York Times, titled “Art, Shakespeare and World’s End”.
More Men here, I love interaction from and with women, but Im surprised at how many women outnumber men on this newsletter, however, I share all the time, so I'm doing what I can to change, being an athletic man when young, I find it amusing that men can talk to one another freely, then "frame" what they say to women Rather than interact as freely to women in similar less disgusting manner. I like balance in all things, am I asking too Much?
I don't know if there are more women subscribers or women just comment more here but I really appreciate how often you contribute. Maybe ask some of your friends (guys, obviously) to join the conversation here. I like balance, too. I don't think it's too much to ask.
I will continued asking guys dont worry, my cat ari says hello to Linden!
And Linden says hello to Ari.
Mary, > share you on Twitter and urge men that there are other men on
It too, I grew up with 2 sisters and A mom in home, dad close but not in home, Im used to being a "minority man" in woman's issues, events, etc But I see more men every week, it improves, I'll keep holding up my promotion because this site is very "therapeutic" if you will, Your Fan John
Borrowing from Eurythmics "Dont Mess With A Minority Man"
Meet the new week . . . same as the last week . . .
My bandwidth for news has diminished by at least 75%. This, from a decades long news/political junkie, is saying something.
Not gonna lie, the past 6yrs has damaged my psyche to the point where I feel the need to modify my patterns of behavior. Not a drinker, now I hit the 420 vape pen every evening & find myself binge watching series as a way to disconnect. Really glad we're in the golden age of TV :)
I know I'm not alone. The scale of this collective anxiety we as a society have been living with is unprecedented. Certainly in American history. And the effects are TBD.
So we preserve and we do the next right thing.
Walk along side each other, with kindness, and help shoulder the burden where we can. That's the good in us. And I believe, the God in us.
And let's not forget to take care of ourselves.
Disconnecting when necessary.
What ever gets you through the night :)
This week was heavy. As in HEA-VEY. While I enjoy your perspectives on events, as well as the wisdom you've gained through your life's trials, there's something I've been curious about for quite awhile. Do you just dust those guitars holding up the various walls of your abode, or do you strum and pick and possibly sing?
I do play but honestly it's been a while. Over the last couple of years it's been hard to focus or be consistent which in turn makes it harder to do things I love--like read novels or play the guitar. I love both strumming and fingerstyle. I really need to pick it up again.
I truly understand. Like play, even one minute of playing at any ability can be restorative.
I think I recall her playing the guitar. Maybe I was just wishing?
Hi Mary. To answer your questions. I'd love to see more of the people behind the scenes in our fight for democracy. I know it seems that all is doom and gloom, but in reality there a thousands, if not millions of us working really hard to save what we have and the people organizing these efforts are quite amazing and their insight is tremendous! There's really nothing I'd like to see less of. You're doing great! A new feature would be related to my above comment. Maybe a democracy hero of the week with an interview? I love the way you interact with all of us! Thank you! :)
Very good idea, Laurie. There are so many whose good work gets unacknowledged. Thanks.
I agree with others and enjoy everything you do, Mary. Seeing behind the persona of your relative is very helpful. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if someone is wealthy and powerful their internal life is without content. They are their persona. Also how to "unfreeze" after the last two years. Many had PTSD before 2016 and Covid. Not being able to flight or flee I froze but other traumatic events happened too. What does health in a new normal look like? Sorry, that's a lot but we could shed some light on it.
Yes, Alan, we definitely need to shed some light on how the imposed isolation has affected us--whether we already had PTSD or not. Being on lockdown for so long definitely felt like paralysis.
I’ve enjoyed your sharing your fur baby pics as well as gorgeous sunset photos. Relating music and memories. How you’ve overcome challenges. Who are your spiritual, philosophical influences? It’s been a fun and provocative journey so far, and looking forward to reading and listening to your podcasts.
Thanks, Linda. I'll start to share more of the writers and thinkers who've influenced me as well as some current writers and activists whose work has motivated me and is definitely worth looking into.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
I would like to see more of how the average person can help save democracy. It would be nice to know of events in each State with the primary purpose of protecting the right to vote. Also, I would like to understand how dark money got involved in our politics, and how we can make sure we vote for candidates that don't accept the bribe.
I would like to see more of the light side of life (cartoons like the far side that make you laugh!)
Good book reviews. Positive women to support.
I'm working on a project that will help people be more informed about upcoming elections at all levels. The others are really good suggestions, too.
One more thing- a post where all of us can share random facts about ourselves. That way we can find out each other's talents outside of knowing lots about politics.
Nice idea.
Any facts the main street media is too politically correct to report
Oh, yeah.
Like to see more and more federal cases won for us little (correct) guys. The crap happening
must be prosecuted for all the trouble and stoppage in the laws broken. The right to vote.......
OH MY. What's the problem? Who are the two special ( Manchin and Sinema) idiots wasting time. Seems they have become part of the Senate that will never care. I am almost at
the end of my hopes.How about the UNsuperior Court? UGGH!
Maria Juliano
Manchin and Sinema always make me feel like I'm constantly banging my head against the wall.
The problem with the Supreme Court could be fixed if Biden would expand it. Very frustrating.
This is where I'm at every single day too. It consumes my thoughts and none of us who believe in democracy should have to live like this. It's exhausting and infuriating.
I subscribed to The Good in Us because I like reading about what Mary L. Trump has to say! I haven’t been disappointed. It’s great and fun to be part of this community. Thank you!
Thanks, William. I really appreciate it.
You are doing a good job - I look forward to reading every email from you. More information about what your audience can do to protect our democracy, which is the most important thing + electing Democratic candidates to every office possible in November
As I said to Karla, I'm working on a project that will help with this. I'll be able to say more in a couple of weeks.
We need to draw parallels in the past when America was in dire straits but pulled out a victory. FDR, JFK, Lincoln were all Presidents who were challenged mightily. Their stories could be just as inspirational in the dark path we are going through now. I love your work, Mary. You are a treasure.
Thank you, Tom. And I agree historical perspective can be very helpful. It's hard to believe sometimes but things have been worse--and they do get better.
You are welcome, Mary. One of the emerging heroes from the January 6 Commission is Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) Marlyland. His intellect and heart are united. Together they are a powerful force for seeking the truth. I hope you can post some of Representative Raskin's current thinking on the insurrection that your crazy uncle was behind.
Tom, One individual you might enjoy (besides Mary, of course!) is historian Heather Cox Richardson. She writes a daily "letter" on Facebook doing this exact thing. She may post it elsewhere also but I don't know for sure.
thanks Deb. My sister listens to Heather Cox Richardson every day. She has been recommending I listen to her.
I would like hear from people who finally realized that Donald Trump was exploiting their loyalty, and they now grasp the truth about his nationalist (fascist) movement. Where are the World War ll history buffs? Some must have been Republicans. Why have they not seen the parallels? How does it not shake them free from the republican 🌴 tree!
I think I would like to hear from Rs who have had ‘the good’ in them but now ignore speaking, living, and voting it!
I honestly don't know any.
Really? I have told my siblings that it all makes me physically ill but my family is better than this. I just got ‘brandoned’ twice! I agree, what makes Rs so effing angry! What does it take to reach them...naive thot, I know!
I have two friends and one relative who have become democrats albeit not really wanting to be.
Good work on your part!
It's extraordinary what and how much Republicans who support Donald have to ignore in order to support him.
Indeed.
Thank you for considering it. I love your insights and I look forward to more!
I LOVE THAT WE ALL TUNED IN TO HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS, regardless of who is in power! It’s LIGHT BULB INFORMATION! I find it QUITE ENTERTAINING! We all, until the DONALD shit show we all just lumped around like sheep! If Hillary had won, we still would be in our SHEEP 🐑 pens ! Our government does do tricky things ALL THE TIME! Wars, cheater corporate money etc! EXCEPT, DONALD showed up with a fat mouth and rats out EVERYONE. He is never on “paper” email or text! He verbally has his FIXERS do all the dirty work! When they get caught Michael Cohen he dumps them. Roger Stone and all the guys in congress are going to swing! He will double cross them all! He set them up JAN 6 planning a peaceful protest, then hired in Stewart Rhodes! Brilliant! They are not a cult, they are scared that when we find out they planned the TOUR through Ray Epps all these politicians are OUT. THEY WILL BE disqualified never to hold office, not to mention the criminal piece! SO EVERYONE, BE HAPPY ! DOJ and the committee, THEY HAVE OUR BACKS! The MJT BOBHERT CRUZ MCCARTHY GOSAR HAWLEY LINDSEY JORDAN LANGFORD ARE DONE ! Mitch McConnell will not block the vote in the Senate! He knows DONALD wants them all to get him out! THAT OLD BUZZARD WILL NEVER LEAVE! See , so, THANK YOU DONALD for destroying the Republicans! THANK YOU ! No more Republican Party !
Patti, I so hope you're right!
Mary please do not let your platform turn into free therapy of this time. I stopped watching Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith because, between her mom Grammy and Willow, her daughter, that’s what happened! I just can’t listen to all the trauma, PTSD victims. I am compassionate, but I will not wallow in my own issues, and especially not other peoples issues! Let’s do critical thinking, understand there is always a solution and you CAN make up your mind to live in BLISS! It’s a choice! Keep negative people away and if you care to, suggest therapy, that I don’t have to hear about! So BEWARE , you are a shrink but keep it to yourself! Thank you!
OMG DONALD ranted for 2 hours and can stay on subject 30 seconds tops, must be ADHD! He said the line of rally attendee cars was 25 MILES! What old boomers walk 25 miles, shut the F up ! He said about abortion, They’re now letting the baby come out, then killing it ! What the hell! I had to go wash my brain out with Clorox! Wait, is that for COVID! Lol 😂 GO CHIEFS! I live in Kansas City Mo! He speaks like a rube, simple words, simple mind! His base CAN understand him!
Oh like Uncle DONALD, a BOOMER ain’t never wrong! Luxury of age! I was raised by wolves 🐺!
I'd like to hear from you and others about adventures in consciousness, the evolution of the human spirit, and anything that will enlighten. I want to focus on the Light. I want us to be Light Warriors. Humans these days are either evolving their consciousness or devolving back into the animalistic "survival of the fittest, kill to eat" mentality. Lots of dark forces at work in the world and in people's minds makes me want to remind everyone that you don't FIGHT darkness - you turn on a light. Let's shine our lights! Make them powerful together! Help to dispel darkness. Bring on the Love.;
Agreed. Thank you, Diane.
I am praying that we all will see the people who have and are threatening our democracy held accountable! Justice matters 👍🙏🏻
I am right there with you, Lina.
Hi Mary! I love everything that you have offered, since I joined. The reason I joined is because since the Jan6th Insurrectionist. Attack hearings will be coming up soon, I figured you would have good insight & commentary to add about your CRAZY UNCLE, the former DEFEATED pres. Trump. And, his involvement in Tax fraud, income tax evasion, guess that's redundant. I am glad you are suing him! Somebody needs to put him through some kind of Ringer. I was once in a religious cult and got myself out of it, unscathed & very aware of any one who is like your uncle, gas- lighting & cunningly tapping into people feeling like they don't belong. it took my willingness to go within my True Self & look for truth. It isn't easy to look at your own faults. But that's what it takes in my experience to choose myself over someone I falsely believe, is stronger than I am. I am sometimes a worried-optimist. And, I have a Fiction writer mind. I can't imagine what more horrific actions Trump was/is involved in. But I think we are going to be horribly shocked. And, I like having your newsletter to turn to for additional good/bad, info. And, clarification. Thank you for your courage to stand up to your uncle!
Thank you, Alamar. I am so glad you got out unscathed. It must be hard to see what's happening here now. With Donald, the most basic thing to know is that there is no bottom. I'm afraid the same is true of the Republican Party.
I enjoy the topics and straight talk from intelligent Mary and subscribers. The NYTimes used to have an excellent column on how political parties, cabals, policies and events and the pandemic affect women, who comprise over half the population. That column was suspended for reasons not clear to me. Since my 80 years of observing politics and teaching about authoritarian systems leads me to conclude that racism and misogyny are always associated with right wing extremism ( and misogyny often also associated with extreme left wing extremism), I 'd like to see some focus on this and remedies for it How do we non male/ and poc people empower ourselves to stand up together? For surely we share the goal of making our nation one day a democratic nation. It's not wise to allow ourselves to be divided.
I am still very interested in the topics of seditious conspiracy from within and how high up it is, as well as penetration of Russian intelligence into our government institutions since 2014 and earlier.
This is all good, Hannah. Thank you for this thoughtful response.
More pet pictures! I think it’s so cool that you own a parrot.
👌🏼
More lovely piccies, please. Like the one above. And could we have a back n forth on detachment, from the spiritual perspective? Reading some of the comments below methinks we could trade stories on how-to.
Sounds good!
Thanks! I'm a member of a spiritual group and we have our own site in Google Groups; we exchanged all sorts of thoughts and discussions on life, the Universe and everything via that since we couldn't meet in person. It did us all heaps of good.
I need the kitties. More kitties, please! Waldo kitty says yes to that, and he'd like his photo to show you how handsome he is. It would be nice if we could share a photo of our kitties or other important-to-our-survival pets. I'd like to see less of my commenting but know that's impossible. If you have a magic wand that would keep me from having TLE seizures every time I comment and talk too much that would be very helpful. Do however keep on talking politics and government. It's critical to our survival that we not cave in or give up. How about convincing the democrats of Arizona to replace Kyrsten Sinema with a real democrat? That would be a great accomplishment. I, and a few others down here, believe she's a Republican in a Democrat costume. We need hope. Thank you. Hug.
I hear Ruben Gulego is planning to challenge Sinema in 2024 which would be a great thing. I'm sure he'd win the primary but not sure about the general. At this point Sinema couldn't win the general either and it would be nice to see her los in the primary to a real Democrat.
Okay! That is excellent news!
Good stuff. Wish I could disconnect more. Staying focused on the pertinent news items and trends is what we need. Also, if anyone has solutions to the unsolvable it would good to see…
Yes, solutions to the unsolvable would be much appreciated.
Maybe Canada can help us see what we can't. I found this eye-opening and helpful.
Opinion: The American polity is cracked, and might collapse. Canada must prepare.
Thomas Homer-Dixon
Special to the Globe and Mail 12/31/21, 1/2/22
(I found a link to this on Twitter at:
Thomas Homer-Dixon @TadHomerDixon
It is really important to see what the world thinks about what's going on here. Americans can be so myopic.
Thank you for posting this - everyone needs to read this!
Mary, I posted this for you to read if you've not seen it. Usually we look out on the world. This caught my attention as they're looking at us. Always look forward to your posts. Thank you.
I enjoy everything you do. Not sure how you have the time to do it all! Your rants are epic, and I love the stories about your cats and parrot. More of the same would be perfect!
I love the daily updates just as they are
Thank you!
I enjoy positive, warm posts on any subject that is important to you that moment. As a political scientist originally, I look forward to your insights on the last POTUS, Trumpublicans, and engagement in the public sphere as you have done. If I had one wish that could be fulfilled, it would be your review of "Remaking Democracy in America."
More political discussion. I have all the feel good stuff I need.
Mary, I feel so honored to have you ask us for our feedback. I am interested to have you continue about your life growing up, hearing about the songs you love, books you cherished, and how you became interested in psychology. Thank you ❤️
Thanks, Lauren. I'll do my best.