Good Day, Gnusies — Happy Wednesday!
I had a less than relaxing Tuesday (nothing serious, just home repair vexation) and that, coupled with the news from Gaza and the SCOTUS/Roe story had me feeling so downcast that I didn’t know if I could manage to write the GNR. Reading NNNE’s GNR yesterday helped lift my spirits just enough, though, that even as the plumber was banging away on the pipes and setting off the fire alarm with his blow torch, I made up my mind to just buckle down to work knowing that writing the GNR never fails to restore my hope and spirits.
I decided to return to my roots for some comfort (Great Big Sea is like comfort food, except it is comfort music 😁) while I made myself shut off the scaremongering and the awful news cycling round and round and just go through my usual sources one at a time until I had gathered some good news. I knew it was all out there, as it has been every single day since Joe Biden won the election. Some days, I just need a little boost to get past the gloom and doom brigade. Because there is always bad news happening somewhere in this crazy old world. But, there is always good news, too, and on balance the world is a better place today than it has ever been before in human history. Amazing, but true.
Anyway, it worked! Almost immediately I found stories that reminded me how far we’ve come in just over 100 days and how much farther we can go. We’ve got a wonderful President who is quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) getting stuff done. We’ve got a Democratic federal government which is energized and emboldened thanks to the strong and unexpectedly progressive leadership of our smilin’ Joe.
I’m just about to turn in and the work of gathering good news, plus the infectious joy of the music has restored my good spirits. I’m going to share some of that music along with the good news and maybe it will make you smile, too. [“She’s goin’ up” is a Newfoundland phrase for a ‘raise the roof’ energy / joyous party). It’s fun to imagine all of us gnusies there!
Come on in! Hang your jacket on the door; there’s always room for one more!
Our Joe really is very good at this!
President Joe Biden has zero f*cks left to give for Rs who have made it plain in every possible way that they will not take one step toward meeting Democrats half way in anything, ever. They are uninterested in governing — have not been interested in governing or making American life better for 40 years — and Joe is smart enough, experienced enough and out of patience enough to just go ahead and get as much done as he can while he has the power to do so. And what is more, Joe’s experience and smarts are really shining through in how he is handling both timing and the messaging — something many of us have despaired of Democrats ever learning how to do well. Judging by remarks being made by other top Democrats lately, our leadership (and rank and file Democrats) are encouraged to have an unapologetic spokesperson for average Americans in the White House and leading the party, and it seems to me that their messaging is improving, too (see other stories in today’s GNR for examples) .
Opinion: Joe Biden is turning the debate about tax cuts on its head, Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, May 18, 2021.
Joe Cool has the experience, the intelligence and the empathy to beat the Rs at their own game. President Biden, who is seeking to increase taxes on corporations and the super-rich, is not about to let Republicans claim the mantle of tax cuts. He said on Monday: “I’m announcing today that on July 15th and the 15th of every month thereafter, throughout the year, you will get deposited in your bank account, half of your tax cut, at least two $250 per child each month, a direct deposit into your account.” In essence, Biden is sending Americans a tax cut every month, thanks to a critical part of his American Rescue Plan that will expire at the end of the year unless Congress approves its extension. That money becomes part of a family’s budget and will cut child poverty in half. Thirty-nine million families — about 90 percent of all families with kids — will receive the money. Biden’s pitch is simple: “This tax cut sends a clear and powerful message to American workers, working families with children: Help is here,” he said during his Monday remarks. The policy is ingenious, as it will send a monthly reminder to families of the Democrats’ largesse. Should Republicans refuse to approve the provision of the infrastructure bill to extend the credit for four years, they will effectively be taking the money out of families’ monthly budgets. The ads write themselves: Republicans take away your money to help raise your kids! Those 39 million families will feel the difference each and every month. (And if Biden gets the four-year extension, it becomes a critical issue in 2024, when voters will decide whether they want to elect someone who would take away their monthly tax credit the following year.)
President Biden, who is seeking to increase taxes on corporations and the super-rich, is not about to let Republicans claim the mantle of tax cuts. He said on Monday: “I’m announcing today that on July 15th and the 15th of every month thereafter, throughout the year, you will get deposited in your bank account, half of your tax cut, at least two $250 per child each month, a direct deposit into your account.”
In essence, Biden is sending Americans a tax cut every month, thanks to a critical part of his American Rescue Plan that will expire at the end of the year unless Congress approves its extension. That money becomes part of a family’s budget and will cut child poverty in half. Thirty-nine million families — about 90 percent of all families with kids — will receive the money.
Biden’s pitch is simple: “This tax cut sends a clear and powerful message to American workers, working families with children: Help is here,” he said during his Monday remarks. The policy is ingenious, as it will send a monthly reminder to families of the Democrats’ largesse. Should Republicans refuse to approve the provision of the infrastructure bill to extend the credit for four years, they will effectively be taking the money out of families’ monthly budgets. The ads write themselves: Republicans take away your money to help raise your kids! Those 39 million families will feel the difference each and every month. (And if Biden gets the four-year extension, it becomes a critical issue in 2024, when voters will decide whether they want to elect someone who would take away their monthly tax credit the following year.)
We can help Democrats with this messaging by reminding our neighbors and co-workers as often as possible that the child tax credit is a tax cut for American families.
These next two stories have both economic and environmental implications!
First, Ford F-150 Lightning stars as Biden sells his EV plan for America, Sean Szymkowski, cnet.com, May 18, 2021.
Rachel Maddow covered this terrific story last night, making sure to air video of our own legit Joe Cool taking the EV Ford F-150 Lightning through its paces and interviewing the lead engineer on the EV truck project, Linda Zhang. It was a great segment, dovetailing two important stories we’ve been thinking about lately: the urgent climate crisis and the valuable contributions that immigrants make to this country. This new truck looks really impressive so far (we won’t get the full introduction until tomorrow; 9:30pm ET), and the President’s visit to Michigan Tuesday gave us a sneak peek. Hopefully, I can post video of Rachel’s segment here (if MSNBC gets it put up in time) before I finish this GNR. Meanwhile, enjoy President Joe (Cool) Biden!
President Biden test drives F-150 Lightning: "This sucker's quick!" pic.twitter.com/BoVG04Ro9M— CSPAN (@cspan) May 18, 2021
President Biden test drives F-150 Lightning: "This sucker's quick!" pic.twitter.com/BoVG04Ro9M
Second, a revival of the push to make public transit free:
Kansas City, MO started the most recent ball rolling on this issue, by offering fair-free public transportation in 2019. The pandemic highlighted the importance of essential workers, who also are among the lowest paid in society and the Black Lives Matter movement has shone a spotlight on racial disparities in every aspect of life, some of which could be mitigated by “connecting people with jobs and economic opportunity” through free public transit. Finally, if public transportation was free (and upgraded to cover more needs, more routes, etc), some of the impediments to reducing vehicular traffic would be removed. We could speed up the environmental benefit by encouraging more ridership (and fewer personal cars used for commutes) by extending pandemic experiments with street closures (which were allowed to facilitate outdoor dining so restaurants could keep doing business). Changing city downtowns making them more walking/biking/dining friendly has been well-received in many circles and if continued, refined and made easily accessible via public transport, it might also encourage public transit ridership along with a more permanent shift in the way people use public spaces. Lots to dream about, and a few cities are taking a serious look at it!
Fair use prevents me from quoting much of this excellent and interesting article. Note: There’s a sort of 3-D graphics effect in the article at the link which some readers might find annoying (I find them annoying), but others may find it enhances the article:
After showing its worth during pandemic, momentum builds for free or reduced-fare transit, Washington Post, May 17, 2021.
Imagine if city transit (and eventually rural public transit connections to cities) was free. It could really be a game changer, both socially (toward more equality) and environmentally. Transit supporters say a convergence of social justice, economic and environmental issues is giving momentum to fare-free transit. Six in 10 adults view climate change as a major threat to the well-being of the United States, up from 44 percent in 2009, according to the Pew Research Center. Getting people to abandon their cars would require an attractive alternative, transit advocates say. They also cite a more favorable political climate. As part of a $2 trillion infrastructure package, the transit-friendly Biden administration is pledging $85 billion over eight years to modernize public transit and bring more bus and rail service to underserved communities. It comes after Congress approved $75 billion for public transit in three stimulus packages. ✂️ What the pandemic has pointed out, said David Genoa, director of transit advisory services for LTK Engineering Services, a global consulting and engineering firm, was “transit is really important in the fabric of our community to get people to work, to get people to health care, to get people to jobs and also an important part of economic development.”
Transit supporters say a convergence of social justice, economic and environmental issues is giving momentum to fare-free transit.
Six in 10 adults view climate change as a major threat to the well-being of the United States, up from 44 percent in 2009, according to the Pew Research Center. Getting people to abandon their cars would require an attractive alternative, transit advocates say.
They also cite a more favorable political climate.
As part of a $2 trillion infrastructure package, the transit-friendly Biden administration is pledging $85 billion over eight years to modernize public transit and bring more bus and rail service to underserved communities. It comes after Congress approved $75 billion for public transit in three stimulus packages. ✂️
What the pandemic has pointed out, said David Genoa, director of transit advisory services for LTK Engineering Services, a global consulting and engineering firm, was “transit is really important in the fabric of our community to get people to work, to get people to health care, to get people to jobs and also an important part of economic development.”
The International Energy Agency Issues a Landmark Statement About Fossil Fuels, Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, May 18, 2021.
The statement on Tuesday from the I.E.A. is a recommendation. It reads, “There is no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply in our net zero pathway. Beyond projects already committed as of 2021, there are no new oil and gas fields approved for development in our pathway, and no new coal mines or mine extensions are required.” That emphasis is in the original—in fact, in the new report that sentence is in headline-size type, as well it should be. It says that, after two hundred and fifty years, in the view of the I.E.A., the time has come to stop exploring for oil, gas, and coal. No rational plan for getting to 1.5 degrees (or anywhere near it) can deal with any new supply. Instead, the “the focus for oil and gas producers switches entirely to output—and emissions reductions—from the operation of existing assets.” That is, we obviously can’t stop burning fossil fuel tomorrow, but we have to be headed decisively in that direction—which means stopping the development of new fields and draining what we must from existing fields to hold us over until we’ve built enough solar panels and wind turbines. ✂️ But now governments and corporations, pushed by civil society—and, perhaps, by a recognition of our climate plight—are suddenly committing to net-zero targets. Virtually all the big banks, for instance, have made this pledge. And now the I.E.A. has told them what it means. If they’re serious about it, they don’t just have to lend money to people who want to set up solar panels. (Clearly, they have to do that. “Policies need to be designed,” the report says, “to send market signals that unlock new business models and mobilise private spending, especially in emerging economies.”) Just as important, they must now stop doing what they’ve long been doing, which is pumping trillions of dollars into fossil fuels. No new pipelines. No new liquefied-natural-gas projects on the Gulf Coast. No “gas led recovery” in Australia. No TMX pipeline from Canada’s tar sands. None of it.
The statement on Tuesday from the I.E.A. is a recommendation. It reads, “There is no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply in our net zero pathway. Beyond projects already committed as of 2021, there are no new oil and gas fields approved for development in our pathway, and no new coal mines or mine extensions are required.” That emphasis is in the original—in fact, in the new report that sentence is in headline-size type, as well it should be. It says that, after two hundred and fifty years, in the view of the I.E.A., the time has come to stop exploring for oil, gas, and coal. No rational plan for getting to 1.5 degrees (or anywhere near it) can deal with any new supply. Instead, the “the focus for oil and gas producers switches entirely to output—and emissions reductions—from the operation of existing assets.” That is, we obviously can’t stop burning fossil fuel tomorrow, but we have to be headed decisively in that direction—which means stopping the development of new fields and draining what we must from existing fields to hold us over until we’ve built enough solar panels and wind turbines. ✂️
But now governments and corporations, pushed by civil society—and, perhaps, by a recognition of our climate plight—are suddenly committing to net-zero targets. Virtually all the big banks, for instance, have made this pledge. And now the I.E.A. has told them what it means. If they’re serious about it, they don’t just have to lend money to people who want to set up solar panels. (Clearly, they have to do that. “Policies need to be designed,” the report says, “to send market signals that unlock new business models and mobilise private spending, especially in emerging economies.”) Just as important, they must now stop doing what they’ve long been doing, which is pumping trillions of dollars into fossil fuels. No new pipelines. No new liquefied-natural-gas projects on the Gulf Coast. No “gas led recovery” in Australia. No TMX pipeline from Canada’s tar sands. None of it.
As the pandemic worsened last year, lots of people were musing hopefully that one potential silver lining that could come out of that vast dark cloud was that society’s understanding of what is essential work — and work in general — might be forced to undergo revision. It seems that something like that is starting to happen as the country slowly emerges from lockdown and the economy heats back up. It’s a bumpy road — and as NNNE showed us yesterday, plenty of Rs are going to try their damnedest to force people back to unhealthy, unsustainable, poorly paid labor — but it seems that our collective brush with existential danger may have swept in new ideas about work and the courage to try for change:
Changed by pandemic, many workers won’t return to old jobs, AP, May 18, 2021.
There’s a wild card in the push to return to post-pandemic life: Many workers don’t want to go back to the jobs they once had. Layoffs and lockdowns, combined with enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus checks, gave many Americans the time and the financial cushion to rethink their careers. Their former employers are hiring again — and some, like Uber and McDonald’s, are offering higher pay — but workers remain hesitant. In March, U.S. job openings rose 8% to a record 8.1 million, but overall hiring rose less than 4%, according to government data. ✂️ Some workers say the pandemic helped them prioritize their mental and physical health.
There’s a wild card in the push to return to post-pandemic life: Many workers don’t want to go back to the jobs they once had.
Layoffs and lockdowns, combined with enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus checks, gave many Americans the time and the financial cushion to rethink their careers. Their former employers are hiring again — and some, like Uber and McDonald’s, are offering higher pay — but workers remain hesitant.
In March, U.S. job openings rose 8% to a record 8.1 million, but overall hiring rose less than 4%, according to government data. ✂️
Some workers say the pandemic helped them prioritize their mental and physical health.
CDC says 600,000 kids ages 12 to 15 have received Covid vaccine shots in last week, Rick Mendez, CNBC, May 18, 2021.
More than half a million 12- to 15-year-olds have received a Covid-19 vaccine so far — less than a week since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared it for public distribution, Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices endorsed the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for adolescents ages 12 to 15. Pfizer previously said that studies showed its vaccine is 100% effective in kids ages 12 to 15. ✂️ President Joe Biden has a goal of vaccinating 70% of adult Americans by July 4. Vaccinating adolescents will bring us closer to having 70% to 85% of the total population vaccinated, which experts say is needed to achieve herd immunity. About 80% of seniors have received at least one dose. Children make up 20% of the U.S. population.
More than half a million 12- to 15-year-olds have received a Covid-19 vaccine so far — less than a week since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared it for public distribution, Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices endorsed the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for adolescents ages 12 to 15. Pfizer previously said that studies showed its vaccine is 100% effective in kids ages 12 to 15. ✂️
President Joe Biden has a goal of vaccinating 70% of adult Americans by July 4. Vaccinating adolescents will bring us closer to having 70% to 85% of the total population vaccinated, which experts say is needed to achieve herd immunity. About 80% of seniors have received at least one dose. Children make up 20% of the U.S. population.
It's Time For America's Fixation On Herd Immunity To End, Scientists Say, Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, May 18, 2021.
Bottom line: Get yer bleepin’ vaccine! The end of this pandemic sometimes gets boiled down to two words: herd immunity. But now, as an academic debate swirls over when or even if America can get to a high enough percentage of people with immunity to reach that goal, some scientists say it's time for the public to stop worrying about it. "I think we're focusing too much of our time, our effort, on quibbling over a number," says Lauren Ancel Meyers, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and head of the university's COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. Instead, Meyers and others say the public should follow one simple piece of advice: Get vaccinated. ✂️ "Our vaccine campaigns rarely reach the level that we actually have herd immunity to the flu," Mordecai points out. "And yet most years we're able to avoid major pandemics of the flu." A combination of immunity through vaccination and prior infection provides a high enough level of protection that the hospitals are never overwhelmed, she says. Even though the coronavirus is a far more serious disease, "that's the kind of thing that could happen with COVID-19."
The end of this pandemic sometimes gets boiled down to two words: herd immunity. But now, as an academic debate swirls over when or even if America can get to a high enough percentage of people with immunity to reach that goal, some scientists say it's time for the public to stop worrying about it.
"I think we're focusing too much of our time, our effort, on quibbling over a number," says Lauren Ancel Meyers, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and head of the university's COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. Instead, Meyers and others say the public should follow one simple piece of advice: Get vaccinated. ✂️
"Our vaccine campaigns rarely reach the level that we actually have herd immunity to the flu," Mordecai points out. "And yet most years we're able to avoid major pandemics of the flu." A combination of immunity through vaccination and prior infection provides a high enough level of protection that the hospitals are never overwhelmed, she says. Even though the coronavirus is a far more serious disease, "that's the kind of thing that could happen with COVID-19."
Big news yesterday in the justice arena as Democrats shine:
New York attorney general adds 'criminal capacity' to probe of Trump Organization, Sonia Moghe and Kara Scannell, CNN, May 18, 2021.
The attorney general office's investigation into the Trump Organization, which has been underway since 2019, will also continue as an ongoing civil probe, but the office recently informed Trump Organization officials of the criminal component. "We have informed the Trump Organization that our investigation into the organization is no longer purely civil in nature. We are now actively investigating the Trump Organization in a criminal capacity, along with the Manhattan DA," James' spokesman Fabien Levy told CNN. "We have no additional comment." ✂️ James' office is working with Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance's Office, whose wide-sweeping probe into the Trump Organization has looked into whether the company misled lenders and insurance companies about the value of properties and whether it paid the appropriate taxes. Vance's office is examining millions of pages of documents that include Trump's tax returns. xA long time coming, but it has come. https://t.co/ExVor3xAp1— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) May 19, 2021 xBest guess is the DA sticks with the straightforward financial charges against Trump that are already being pursued: tax fraud. mortgagee fraud, money laundering, etc. And the NY AG brings the sweeping conspiracy type charges against Trump and his family, plus Weisselberg.— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) May 19, 2021
A long time coming, but it has come. https://t.co/ExVor3xAp1— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) May 19, 2021
A long time coming, but it has come. https://t.co/ExVor3xAp1
Best guess is the DA sticks with the straightforward financial charges against Trump that are already being pursued: tax fraud. mortgagee fraud, money laundering, etc. And the NY AG brings the sweeping conspiracy type charges against Trump and his family, plus Weisselberg.— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) May 19, 2021
Best guess is the DA sticks with the straightforward financial charges against Trump that are already being pursued: tax fraud. mortgagee fraud, money laundering, etc. And the NY AG brings the sweeping conspiracy type charges against Trump and his family, plus Weisselberg.
This is a big deal that flies under the radar. Unequal access to legal advice and assistance is one of the factors that helps entrench and deepen social inequities.
Biden Champions Legal Aid in Latest Raft of Justice Reforms, Kaila Philo, Courthouse News, May 18, 2021.
WASHINGTON (CN) — Tallying up some the challenges that low-income people have historically faced while trying to get a fair trial, President Joe Biden signed a memo late Tuesday to expand access to civil legal aid and public defenders. “According to a 2017 study by the Legal Services Corportation, low-income Americans receive inadequate or no professional legal assistance with regard to over 80 percent of the civil legal problems they face in a given year,” the memo states. “At the same time, in the criminal legal system, those who cannot afford private counsel often receive a lower-quality defense because public defender caseloads are overburdened.” ✂️ Biden’s memo instructs the attorney general to expand access-to-justice initiatives, particularly criminal indigent defense, civil legal aid and pro bono legal services. After 120 days, the attorney general must submit a report to the president describing his plan, staffing, budget requirements, and a timeline for any reorganization.
WASHINGTON (CN) — Tallying up some the challenges that low-income people have historically faced while trying to get a fair trial, President Joe Biden signed a memo late Tuesday to expand access to civil legal aid and public defenders.
“According to a 2017 study by the Legal Services Corportation, low-income Americans receive inadequate or no professional legal assistance with regard to over 80 percent of the civil legal problems they face in a given year,” the memo states. “At the same time, in the criminal legal system, those who cannot afford private counsel often receive a lower-quality defense because public defender caseloads are overburdened.” ✂️
Biden’s memo instructs the attorney general to expand access-to-justice initiatives, particularly criminal indigent defense, civil legal aid and pro bono legal services. After 120 days, the attorney general must submit a report to the president describing his plan, staffing, budget requirements, and a timeline for any reorganization.
Congress OKs bill to fight hate crimes vs. Asian Americans, Brian Slodysko, AP, May 17, 2021.
2020 photo of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) The bill, which the House passed on a 364-62 vote, will expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and make grants available to help local law enforcement agencies improve their investigation, identification and reporting of incidents driven by bias, which often go underreported. It previously passed the Senate 94-1 in April after lawmakers reached a compromise. (President) Biden has said he will sign it. ✂️ To many Asian Americans, the pandemic has invigorated deep-seated biases that in some cases date back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of more than a century ago. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, as the “China Virus” or the “Kung Flu.” And as cases of the illness began to rise in the U.S., so too did the attacks, with thousands of violent incidents reported in the past year. ✂️ Speaking earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said passage of the bill sends a “powerful message of solidarity” to those who have suffered discrimination during the pandemic. “Discrimination against Asian Americans is, sadly, not a new phenomenon in our nation’s history, but the pandemic brought old biases and prejudices back to the foreground,” the New York Democrat said. “The Senate can be proud it took the lead.”
The bill, which the House passed on a 364-62 vote, will expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and make grants available to help local law enforcement agencies improve their investigation, identification and reporting of incidents driven by bias, which often go underreported. It previously passed the Senate 94-1 in April after lawmakers reached a compromise. (President) Biden has said he will sign it. ✂️
To many Asian Americans, the pandemic has invigorated deep-seated biases that in some cases date back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of more than a century ago. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, as the “China Virus” or the “Kung Flu.” And as cases of the illness began to rise in the U.S., so too did the attacks, with thousands of violent incidents reported in the past year. ✂️
Speaking earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said passage of the bill sends a “powerful message of solidarity” to those who have suffered discrimination during the pandemic.
“Discrimination against Asian Americans is, sadly, not a new phenomenon in our nation’s history, but the pandemic brought old biases and prejudices back to the foreground,” the New York Democrat said. “The Senate can be proud it took the lead.”
Chuck Schumer Dares GOP To Oppose Bill Forming Capitol Riot Commission, Igor Bobic and Arthur Delaney, HuffPost, May 18, 2021.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed Tuesday to hold a vote on legislation forming a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, daring Republicans to oppose an effort that has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. “Republicans can let their constituents know, are they on the side of truth [or] want to cover up for the insurrectionists and for Donald Trump?” Schumer asked at a weekly press conference. ✂️ Schumer’s pledge to move forward with a vote on a Jan. 6 commission puts Republicans in a difficult position. If the GOP decides to filibuster the commission, it would be their first use of the filibuster in this Congress, handing Democrats a talking point in their efforts to eliminate the chamber’s long-standing supermajority requirement. But allowing the commission to proceed carries risks for the GOP as well. For one, it would almost certainly anger Trump, who continues to lie about the 2020 election and hold the party hostage by doling out critical endorsements in primaries for the midterm elections next year.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed Tuesday to hold a vote on legislation forming a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, daring Republicans to oppose an effort that has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress.
“Republicans can let their constituents know, are they on the side of truth [or] want to cover up for the insurrectionists and for Donald Trump?” Schumer asked at a weekly press conference. ✂️
Schumer’s pledge to move forward with a vote on a Jan. 6 commission puts Republicans in a difficult position. If the GOP decides to filibuster the commission, it would be their first use of the filibuster in this Congress, handing Democrats a talking point in their efforts to eliminate the chamber’s long-standing supermajority requirement.
But allowing the commission to proceed carries risks for the GOP as well. For one, it would almost certainly anger Trump, who continues to lie about the 2020 election and hold the party hostage by doling out critical endorsements in primaries for the midterm elections next year.
Before there was Frozen, there was this song from Great Big Sea to remind us to hang on to our perspective, be mindful of the blessings even as we do battle with the curses. The Arts are gradually opening up again: give yourself the gift of taking something in if you can do it, or view/listen/experience online.
Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park, Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun✶Times, May 18, 2021.
Lollapalooza, Chicago’s premier music extravaganza, will make a triumphant return to Grant Park at “full capacity” from July 29 through Aug. 1, the mayor’s office confirmed Tuesday. One week after Variety reported Lolla’s return, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office confirmed it with no restrictions. The lineup of entertainers will be released at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Tickets will go on sale two hours later at www.lollapalooza.com. Full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results will be required to attend Lollapalooza 2021. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 24 hours of attending Lollapalooza each day, officials said.
Lollapalooza, Chicago’s premier music extravaganza, will make a triumphant return to Grant Park at “full capacity” from July 29 through Aug. 1, the mayor’s office confirmed Tuesday.
One week after Variety reported Lolla’s return, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office confirmed it with no restrictions.
The lineup of entertainers will be released at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Tickets will go on sale two hours later at www.lollapalooza.com.
Full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results will be required to attend Lollapalooza 2021. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 24 hours of attending Lollapalooza each day, officials said.
I like this story because the show sounds really interesting, highlighting the little-known experiences of a community of Irish immigrants and African American people:
‘Paradise Square,’ a Broadway-bound musical, set to open in Chicago in November, Darel Jevens, Chicago Sun✶Times, May 18, 2021.
Chicago’s job of presenting new musicals on their way to Broadway — halted last year by the pandemic — is set to resume in November with a show about a key moment in the history of Irish Americans and African Americans. “Paradise Square,” set at a saloon in the Lower Manhattan slum of Five Points in 1863, will run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre Nov. 2-Dec. 5, producers announced Tuesday. It focuses on the shared lives of African Americans — some free born, some fleeing slavery — and freshly arrived Irish immigrants in that New York neighborhood.
Chicago’s job of presenting new musicals on their way to Broadway — halted last year by the pandemic — is set to resume in November with a show about a key moment in the history of Irish Americans and African Americans.
“Paradise Square,” set at a saloon in the Lower Manhattan slum of Five Points in 1863, will run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre Nov. 2-Dec. 5, producers announced Tuesday. It focuses on the shared lives of African Americans — some free born, some fleeing slavery — and freshly arrived Irish immigrants in that New York neighborhood.
New York City’s Broadway is also set to open in the fall: Broadway theaters ready imminent ticket sales for a fall reopening.
Sistine Chapel exhibition brings heavenly Michelangelo masterpiece down to Earth, Miriam Di Nunzio, Chicago Sun✶Times, May 17, 2021.
“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” opens Wednesday in Oakbrook Center, bringing with it massive, life-sized reproductions of 33 frescoes in the iconic ceiling, the most famous being the nine scenes from the Bible’s book of Genesis, painted by the Italian artist over a four-year period in the early 16th century through a commission by Pope Julius II. Also on display will be life-sized reproductions of Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” a separate, five-year fresco project, which covers the entire altar wall of the chapel and was begun some 25 years after the ceiling was completed. Take all the photos you want at this exhibition! Before you can say “just another art exhibit,” it’s important to note the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel exhibition were crafted via special technology — hi-res prints on special fabric — to recreate the look and texture of a fresco, according to Martin Biallas, the founder and CEO of Special Entertainment Events (SEE), which created and is producing the traveling exhibition. Every brushstroke is visible, giving added depth and breadth to the scope of the paintings, he said. The exhibit puts into perspective the enormous proportions of each of the figures in the frescoes, which make them clearly discernible to Vatican visitors 44 feet below. It is a vastly different experience from the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, currently on display in Chicago, Biallas stressed. “The Van Gogh exhibit is images projected onto a screen. Our exhibit features life-sized [floor-to-ceiling] re-creations of the frescoes, making them almost look like we peeled the frescoes off the ceiling walls and are now taking them on a worldwide tour,” he said. ✂️
“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” opens Wednesday in Oakbrook Center, bringing with it massive, life-sized reproductions of 33 frescoes in the iconic ceiling, the most famous being the nine scenes from the Bible’s book of Genesis, painted by the Italian artist over a four-year period in the early 16th century through a commission by Pope Julius II. Also on display will be life-sized reproductions of Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” a separate, five-year fresco project, which covers the entire altar wall of the chapel and was begun some 25 years after the ceiling was completed.
Before you can say “just another art exhibit,” it’s important to note the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel exhibition were crafted via special technology — hi-res prints on special fabric — to recreate the look and texture of a fresco, according to Martin Biallas, the founder and CEO of Special Entertainment Events (SEE), which created and is producing the traveling exhibition. Every brushstroke is visible, giving added depth and breadth to the scope of the paintings, he said. The exhibit puts into perspective the enormous proportions of each of the figures in the frescoes, which make them clearly discernible to Vatican visitors 44 feet below. It is a vastly different experience from the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, currently on display in Chicago, Biallas stressed.
“The Van Gogh exhibit is images projected onto a screen. Our exhibit features life-sized [floor-to-ceiling] re-creations of the frescoes, making them almost look like we peeled the frescoes off the ceiling walls and are now taking them on a worldwide tour,” he said. ✂️
The line, led by Liz Cheney (R-WY), of Republicans who are breaking out of the cult of trumpism now includes Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Larry Hogan (R-MD), Alyssa Farah (R- Former WH advisor), Stephen Richer (R-AZ Maricopa county recorder) as well as the long list of never-trumper Rs:
Pushback to Trump from within his own party slowly grows louder as his 'unhinged' rantings lead to a bizarre scene, Jon Skolnik, Raw Story, May 18, 2021.
The Republican Party is finding itself increasingly fractured as more members of the GOP disavow Donald Trump despite concerns within the party that it cannot survive without him. ✂️ Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan echoed Kinzinger on Sunday when he said during a CNN "State of the Union" interview that Cheney's ouster was "kind of doubling down on failure." ✂️ Trump has also seen some defection from his inner circle. On Sunday, Trump's former White House adviser, Alyssa Farah, indicated that she would not support him in his potential 2024 presidential bid, signaling an allegiance with Cheney. ✂️ Maricopa county recorder Stephen Richer immediately demurred Trump's claim (that the election was stolen/ AZ voter database was “DELETED”) as "unhinged." "I'm literally looking at our voter registration database on my other screen," he tweeted. "Right now. We can't indulge these insane lies any longer. As a party. As a state. As a country. This is as readily falsifiable as 2+2=5."
The Republican Party is finding itself increasingly fractured as more members of the GOP disavow Donald Trump despite concerns within the party that it cannot survive without him. ✂️
Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan echoed Kinzinger on Sunday when he said during a CNN "State of the Union" interview that Cheney's ouster was "kind of doubling down on failure." ✂️
Trump has also seen some defection from his inner circle. On Sunday, Trump's former White House adviser, Alyssa Farah, indicated that she would not support him in his potential 2024 presidential bid, signaling an allegiance with Cheney. ✂️
Maricopa county recorder Stephen Richer immediately demurred Trump's claim (that the election was stolen/ AZ voter database was “DELETED”) as "unhinged."
"I'm literally looking at our voter registration database on my other screen," he tweeted. "Right now. We can't indulge these insane lies any longer. As a party. As a state. As a country. This is as readily falsifiable as 2+2=5."
More from Arizona Republicans: ‘Our democracy is imperiled’: Maricopa County officials decry 2020 recount as a sham and call on Arizona Republicans to end the process, Rosalind S Helderman, Washington Post, May 17, 2021.
AZ Secretary of State, Katie Hobbs said of the trumped up “audit”: “This seems like such a farce.” “It is time to make a choice to defend the Constitution and the Republic,” they wrote. “We stand united together to defend the Constitution and the Republic in our opposition to the Big Lie. We ask everyone to join us in standing for the truth,” they added, using a term that refers to the false claim that the election was stolen. ✂️ The pushback by Maricopa County officials amounts to their most vehement protest yet of the recount, which began in late April and is being conducted in Phoenix by a private Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, whose chief executive has previously echoed Trump’s false allegations that fraud tainted the 2020 election. Jointly, the county officials agreed that they would refuse to attend a meeting that had been called Tuesday by Fann to discuss what she had termed “serious issues” with the vote that Cyber Ninjas claims to have identified. “I will not be responding to any more requests from this sham process. Finish your audit and be ready to defend what you’re finding in a court of law,” Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers (R) said at the public meeting.
“It is time to make a choice to defend the Constitution and the Republic,” they wrote. “We stand united together to defend the Constitution and the Republic in our opposition to the Big Lie. We ask everyone to join us in standing for the truth,” they added, using a term that refers to the false claim that the election was stolen. ✂️
The pushback by Maricopa County officials amounts to their most vehement protest yet of the recount, which began in late April and is being conducted in Phoenix by a private Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, whose chief executive has previously echoed Trump’s false allegations that fraud tainted the 2020 election.
Jointly, the county officials agreed that they would refuse to attend a meeting that had been called Tuesday by Fann to discuss what she had termed “serious issues” with the vote that Cyber Ninjas claims to have identified.
“I will not be responding to any more requests from this sham process. Finish your audit and be ready to defend what you’re finding in a court of law,” Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers (R) said at the public meeting.
Rick Scott continues to plead with Donald Trump to stay out of Senate primaries, A G Gancarski, Florida Politics, May 18, 2021.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott continues to express hope that former President Donald Trump won’t engage against Senate incumbents in 2022.✂️ “What I’ve suggested to him is to let the citizens of that state pick their primary winner,” Scott said. “And then help those that win that he believes in.” ✂️ Scott also said then he advised Trump to stay out of open primaries and not work against incumbents like Sen. John Thune of South Dakota. “What I have asked is, I would like him in open primaries not to be involved,” Scott said, noting his own “very tough primary in 2010” as a reason the Senator has “elected to stay out of primaries.” “I’ve suggested that he support the incumbents, all the incumbents,” Scott said, before admitting it may have done no good.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott continues to express hope that former President Donald Trump won’t engage against Senate incumbents in 2022.✂️
“What I’ve suggested to him is to let the citizens of that state pick their primary winner,” Scott said. “And then help those that win that he believes in.” ✂️
Scott also said then he advised Trump to stay out of open primaries and not work against incumbents like Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.
“What I have asked is, I would like him in open primaries not to be involved,” Scott said, noting his own “very tough primary in 2010” as a reason the Senator has “elected to stay out of primaries.”
“I’ve suggested that he support the incumbents, all the incumbents,” Scott said, before admitting it may have done no good.
LOL, you’ve got a sick, bloated, pathetic, cornered tiger by the tail, Scotty, and it isn’t going to work out well for you if you think you can reason with him. You’d be far better off joining the stampede for the exit off the t**** train.
They are in such disarray, I needed another section!
With a bit of luck, as this next story develops, it should end up in the “Consequences” section before too long:
Liz Cheney knows something dangerous about Kevin McCarthy and Jan. 6: ex-Congressman, Sarah Burris, Raw Story, May 18, 2021.
Got our fingers crossed for you, Kevin! Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said that Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is never going to be the Speaker, former Republican Rep. David Jolly (FL) explained on MSNBC Tuesday. According to Jolly, the reason that McCarthy and other Republicans want to block any Jan. 6 Commission is that it might out their involvement or coordination. "Now Kevin does not want it to go forward it's because we know the focus will be on the culpability of Republican behavior, not just Donald Trump's behavior but Republican behavior going into Jan. 6th," Jolly explained. "The luscious irony in all of this is just as Kevin's handling of the Benghazi commission, some would argue derailed his ascension to the speakership. When he went on Fox News and said this was all about taking down Hillary Clinton, it wasn't about Benghazi. Just as that derailed his speakership, a Jan. 6th Commission could derail it at the speakership as well. It could focus on what he knows about the events. When Liz Cheney says he should testify, it's not just because she wants to get to the truth. She's said that McCarthy won't be Speaker. Which tells me that Liz Cheney knows that Kevin McCarthy knows something that is so damming it would undo his ascension to the speakership should he go under oath before a Jan. 6th Commission."
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said that Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is never going to be the Speaker, former Republican Rep. David Jolly (FL) explained on MSNBC Tuesday.
According to Jolly, the reason that McCarthy and other Republicans want to block any Jan. 6 Commission is that it might out their involvement or coordination.
"Now Kevin does not want it to go forward it's because we know the focus will be on the culpability of Republican behavior, not just Donald Trump's behavior but Republican behavior going into Jan. 6th," Jolly explained. "The luscious irony in all of this is just as Kevin's handling of the Benghazi commission, some would argue derailed his ascension to the speakership. When he went on Fox News and said this was all about taking down Hillary Clinton, it wasn't about Benghazi. Just as that derailed his speakership, a Jan. 6th Commission could derail it at the speakership as well. It could focus on what he knows about the events. When Liz Cheney says he should testify, it's not just because she wants to get to the truth. She's said that McCarthy won't be Speaker. Which tells me that Liz Cheney knows that Kevin McCarthy knows something that is so damming it would undo his ascension to the speakership should he go under oath before a Jan. 6th Commission."
'Many Republicans' think excuses for resisting the Jan. 6 Commission are 'incredibly lame', Sarah K Burris, Raw Story, May 18, 2021.
"Sure, there are some Republicans who can toe the line and say that they will oppose it because it doesn't allow for an investigation into all political violence. But many in the party are finding that excuse incredibly lame," Punchbowl reported. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) came out against the commission that he actually helped write the rules for. It was a weird moment for Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who said that he couldn't figure out why McCarthy would come out against his own rules. Republican leadership is concerned that dozens of rank-and-file members of their caucus intend to support the commission along with Rep. John Katko (R-NY). ✂️ To make matters worse, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that Republicans are "willing to listen to Democrats" for what the commission would do and why it's needed. Whether or not McConnell ever agrees to anything, he's making McCarthy look unreasonable right now.
"Sure, there are some Republicans who can toe the line and say that they will oppose it because it doesn't allow for an investigation into all political violence. But many in the party are finding that excuse incredibly lame," Punchbowl reported.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) came out against the commission that he actually helped write the rules for. It was a weird moment for Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who said that he couldn't figure out why McCarthy would come out against his own rules.
Republican leadership is concerned that dozens of rank-and-file members of their caucus intend to support the commission along with Rep. John Katko (R-NY). ✂️
To make matters worse, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that Republicans are "willing to listen to Democrats" for what the commission would do and why it's needed. Whether or not McConnell ever agrees to anything, he's making McCarthy look unreasonable right now.
Internet joins Rick Wilson in ignoring McCarthy and demanding investigation into Republicans involved in 1/6, Sarah K Burris, Raw Story, May 18, 2021. (Sarah was really on top of this story yesterday!):
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said on Monday that the reason her colleagues are afraid of the Jan. 6 Commission is that it could reveal that some GOP lawmakers were involved. Former Republican Rick Wilson noted that it's the exact reason that Democrats should move forward with investigating those officials suspected of helping attackers of the U.S. Capitol. (click on the blue bird to read the thread, if interested) x1/ Of *course* Qevin McCarthy opposes a bipartisan January 6th Commission. If the Democrats have the stones to pull it off -- an open question, TBH -- it will make Benghazi look like a sewing circle.— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) May 18, 2021
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said on Monday that the reason her colleagues are afraid of the Jan. 6 Commission is that it could reveal that some GOP lawmakers were involved. Former Republican Rick Wilson noted that it's the exact reason that Democrats should move forward with investigating those officials suspected of helping attackers of the U.S. Capitol.
(click on the blue bird to read the thread, if interested)
1/ Of *course* Qevin McCarthy opposes a bipartisan January 6th Commission. If the Democrats have the stones to pull it off -- an open question, TBH -- it will make Benghazi look like a sewing circle.— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) May 18, 2021
1/ Of *course* Qevin McCarthy opposes a bipartisan January 6th Commission. If the Democrats have the stones to pull it off -- an open question, TBH -- it will make Benghazi look like a sewing circle.
Twitter is not the real world, of course, just a corner where people who live and breathe politics gather. But the point is well-taken (albeit with WIlson’s signature contempt for Democrats — never forget, he is a Republican after all), and there was a lot of support expressed for Democrats to move quickly and decisively on this commission. With Joe “zero f*cks left for Rs” Biden leading them, I am hopeful that they will. And then there will be no hiding Rs culpability.
Apropos of nothing ..."Terry McAuliffe will be the next Governor of Virginia, it won't be close, and the only distinction that matters is whether you have the race Safe like me or just very, very Likely."https://t.co/E706u40JX8— Evan Scrimshaw (@EScrimshaw) May 19, 2021
Apropos of nothing ..."Terry McAuliffe will be the next Governor of Virginia, it won't be close, and the only distinction that matters is whether you have the race Safe like me or just very, very Likely."https://t.co/E706u40JX8
Chatty Capitol rioter gets busted after bragging about his crimes to his dentist, Ray Hartmann, Raw Story, May 18, 2021.
Daniel Warmus was arrested today by the FBI with the help of an anonymous tip from someone who overheard him at a dentist office sharing stories and a video from his day in the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Warmus, from Alden NY, was heard by the tipster telling of how he smoked a marijuana cigarette inside the Capitol, the FBI criminal complaint states. The tipster said "that he/she overheard Warmus talking about his experience" which included having refused a police officer's instructions to leave the building." ✂️ From that, agents began surveillance of Warmus at his home and at the business he runs -- Worm-A-Fix Automotive Inc. -- in Orchard Park, NY. From that agents say they were able to match photos of Warmus' and his passport and driver's license pictures with videos and footage taken inside the Capitol.
Daniel Warmus was arrested today by the FBI with the help of an anonymous tip from someone who overheard him at a dentist office sharing stories and a video from his day in the U.S. Capitol on January 6.
Warmus, from Alden NY, was heard by the tipster telling of how he smoked a marijuana cigarette inside the Capitol, the FBI criminal complaint states. The tipster said "that he/she overheard Warmus talking about his experience" which included having refused a police officer's instructions to leave the building." ✂️
From that, agents began surveillance of Warmus at his home and at the business he runs -- Worm-A-Fix Automotive Inc. -- in Orchard Park, NY. From that agents say they were able to match photos of Warmus' and his passport and driver's license pictures with videos and footage taken inside the Capitol.
'Coolest thing I've ever done in my life': Rioter who bragged about pushing female cop down Capitol stairs arrested in Florida, Ray Hartmann, Raw Story, May 18, 2021.
Daniel Paul Gray of Florida was charged today with multiple crimes of violence against police officers at the January 6 Capitol riot. Supporting photographic evidence is a video made by Gray that spells out the goal of "pushing police out the back of the Capitol." Gray is accused of having altercations with multiple police which one in which he caused a female police officer to fall down the western rotunda stairs "and become visibly injured." ✂️ Gray faces a longer list of charges than most of the 450 Capitol riot suspects. In addition to the standard charges of unlawful and violent entry, disorderly conduct and disrupting government proceedings, Gray is also charged on multiple counts of physical violence, including attacks on a person "while engaged in the performance of official duties." You can read the FBI arrest complaint here.
Daniel Paul Gray of Florida was charged today with multiple crimes of violence against police officers at the January 6 Capitol riot. Supporting photographic evidence is a video made by Gray that spells out the goal of "pushing police out the back of the Capitol."
Gray is accused of having altercations with multiple police which one in which he caused a female police officer to fall down the western rotunda stairs "and become visibly injured." ✂️
Gray faces a longer list of charges than most of the 450 Capitol riot suspects. In addition to the standard charges of unlawful and violent entry, disorderly conduct and disrupting government proceedings, Gray is also charged on multiple counts of physical violence, including attacks on a person "while engaged in the performance of official duties."
You can read the FBI arrest complaint here.
Trump Enthusiasts Are Lowering the Temperature: Poll data shows that Republicans who have been seeing themselves as Trump loyalists have not turned against the former president, but their enthusiasm for him has waned (@CharlieCookDC) https://t.co/mBFbYH5V6I— Opinion Today (@OpinionToday) May 19, 2021
Trump Enthusiasts Are Lowering the Temperature: Poll data shows that Republicans who have been seeing themselves as Trump loyalists have not turned against the former president, but their enthusiasm for him has waned (@CharlieCookDC) https://t.co/mBFbYH5V6I
(Music for the lighter side 😉 Definitely do not want criminals to go consequence free)
⚡️Helpful life hacks: A Behavioral Scientist's Advice For Changing Your Life, Elise Hu, NPR, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Preschool makes a difference, another good reason to get Biden’s plan done: The Case For Universal Pre-K Just Got Stronger, Greg Rosalsky, NPR, May 18, 2021.
⚡️This educator will warm your heart: COMIC: How A Teacher Tackled Pandemic Fears For His Students With Disabilities, La Johnson, NPR, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Fascinating research and a bit of hope (the “solution” they propose is jiust what Joe Biden does best! This is your brain on partisan politics: New scientific study reveals key cause behind polarization, Matthew Rozsa, Salon, May 18, 2021.
⚡️I’m on board! Congress? Seriously, just tax the rich, Emily Stewart, Vox, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Good explanation of the vexing Joe Manchin problem: Joe Manchin says he needs Republicans to support voting rights. He found one. Ian Milhiser, Vox, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Or, you know, here’s another approach: How Dems Can Force Manchin and Sinema to Put Up or Shut Up, Max Burns, Daily Beast, May 18, 2021.
⚡️ Time for the cover-up: There's only one reason why Republicans oppose a bipartisan Jan. 6 commission, Amanda Marcotte, Salon, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Here’s the antidote for the Politico pandering on this subject: The Inside Story of Joe Biden’s Most Fateful Decision, Edward-Isaac Dovere, The Atlantic, May 18, 2021.
⚡️Can’t decide if this was reassuring or depressing 😅: Burnout: Modern Affliction or Human Condition? Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, May 17, 2021.
Put your beautiful bleeding liberal heart into it!
Democratic litigation hero, Marc Elias was the legal eagle behind the 60 Big Lie losses after the election. Here’s his website, Democracy Docket. You can find information about current cases he is fighting to defend voting rights around the country, as well as actions you can take to help fight voter suppression at the link!
Write to voters around the country with Postcards to Voters. Progressive Muse usually posts an update on current campaigns in the comments and you can also check out the website. It’s easy, fun and it really works to GOTV!
🎩 Also, Goody posted a great list of links and I am going to borrow it because it’s great! 🎩
The only way they can win is by keeping people from voting. They are working like heck to make that happen and we need to do all we can to keep 2022 from being a year when they grab the Senate and House back from us.
How do we do that? Fight voter suppression!
What can you do?
Most important: DON'T LOSE HOPE. This is a giant and important fight for us but, win or lose, we keep fighting and voting and organizing and spreading truth and light. We never give up.
U.S. House of Representatives:* Telephone: 202-225-3121 * Website: http://www.house.gov/
U.S. Senate:* Telephone: 202-224-3121 * Website: http://www.senate.gov/
Find your member of Congress and contact him or her: Contact your Representative Contact your Senator
That’s it from me for another week! I hope my introduction conveyed the message I was trying to send: occasionally we all get down about the relentless news cycle that sensationalizes the bad news and minimizes (or worse, mischaracterizes!) the good news. It’s a natural feeling and though it sure isn’t pleasant, like all feelings it will pass. We are human, not positivity machines. Bad news should make us feel bad and good news likewise can make us feel good.
The onslaught of the worst “bleeds and leads” news can throw our ability to bounce back off kilter, especially in the midst of the trauma of a pandemic on the heels of the worst administration nightmare in memory. There’s a lot of complex PTSD being experienced by individuals and probably on a societal scale. So, be mindful of what you and everyone you know has endured and absorbed over the past several years and cut yourself (and others) some slack, while doing what you can to find your balance again.
You can help yourself regain your balance by limiting your exposure to “gloom and doomers” — people who cannot seem to break out of a negative spin/bad news cycle, which causes them to mentally turn even good news into bad news. We are well aware of the dangers we face, and we also know that the people who wish to destroy our democracy may be powerful, but they are not all-powerful. They are not more powerful than we, the majority, are when we are united and hopeful and fighting for truth, democracy and the real American dream: for a better country — a better world — for ourselves and future generations.
You can also help yourself by eating nutritious food, getting enough rest (it’s OK if it’s hard to sleep some nights; do whatever helps you to rest your body and mind and don’t worry about rigid notions about what is “proper” rest), and try to get outdoors each day if possible to breathe some outside air, see the sky and maybe some trees, flowers or birds. These simple self-care actions can lift up your spirits and give you the strength to carry on the work that we all, collectively, must do on behalf of the country, our fellow Americans and future generations.
It’s been a long road but already we are in so much better a place than we were 1 year, 2 years, 4 years ago. Think of that! And as Smilin’ Joe says, together, we will build this country back — better!
I’m so glad to be on this journey with all of you!
Happy Wednesday, Gnusies!
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