Absolutely right - the Republican Party is institutionally, strategically and tactically opposed to respecting the core tenet of democracy - the people should freely choose their government. And when it comes to fair districts and equal access to voting, the SC justices appointed by the GOP do not believe that these basic things are constitutionally protected. Mike Lee's "America is not a democracy" comment should receive a lot more attention - esp as he likes to see himself as an intellectual.
Winning Georgia's runoffs is the first step, but making them hurt everywhere is the only way to stop this becoming the new normal.
What we need is the language and discipline to confront them at every level. The biggest danger is that people think it's all about Trump.
Dan, I have the sense that you guys don’t think winning the senate seats in GA is realistic. PSA commentary mostly assumes McConnell’s future obstruction. Is this bc all the organizing and mobilizing can’t penetrate the gerrymandered Republican wall? I’m still donating and writing postcards from Montclair, NJ-but wondering if you can talk more about why defeating twi people who should do more time than Martha Stewart did is such an uphill battle?
Dan -- good morning. I have to admit that when I saw your "headline", I wasn't quite sure where you were going. Now having read your article, I am all too convinced and fully understand your premise and the clear and present danger the Republican Party (certainly not the GOP anymore) poses to our democratic republic and upcoming and future elections. Thank you for helping me to be more "eyes wide open" about the depth and breadth of the threat we are facing. Let's do all we can to make sure McConnell, Graham and cohorts get a loud message from the Georgia run-off elections. Thanks, and I hope you and your loves ones have a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
The Rs are very calculating. But I am not sure that the top Dems understand the experience of the everyday Democratic supporter. We all rallied behind the Obama election (gave money and more money, canvassed, called, collected data at rallies, opened our homes to campaign workers) and after the election, we were dropped. No requests for input or our actions. Not even updates or a rallying cry for Merrick Garland. Just requests for more money ("It is Barrack's birthday, can you donate $50?").
How might Michigan in 2016 have been different if the Obamas had been vacationing in the Great Lakes EVERY year. Just for 4 days say. And maybe bring along Tom Hanks or Beyonce. They could still spend their summers in Martha's Vineyard.
What if Michelle Obama had taken her kids to ski in West Virginia instead of Vail?
What if Bruce Springsteen hosted his "Broadway" show in Philly or Florida instead of NYC?
What if Tom Hanks spent time in Louisiana or North Dakota doing community theater?
Yes - all these people have given to America but they have been rewarded many times over. It is not just about winning elections but getting out and spending time in the harder hit areas of the country. And imagine the HOPE it would give people in these communities. And the spotlight and economic activity it would bring them. And it is not a "fly-in" and spend an hour at a Girls and Boys Club but spend at least 4 days or a week somewhere. And make a connection to that community and go back to the same ice cream shop year in and year out.
W. Kamau Bell wrote an opinion piece in the NYTimes in 2017 on this topic. It is called:
ah Dan, I am assuming that you read Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. I am so sorry that I will not be alive in 2042, when whites (and I am white) are a minority in this country, but in the meantime, I will phone bank or text bank for Georgia. As an aside, pretty nice strategy from the Biden camp to 'leak' the Blinken nomination to hopefully, own the narrative today; Katie Porter decimating GSA Emily in House hearings today, will be extra fun.
Dan- I’m curious if you’ve read Democracy in Chains and if so, what you think of it? A lot of alignment with what you say here. I’m in a light debate with my brother about whether the book ascribes too much conspiratorial malevolence to the libertarian anti-democratic project ( he says yes, I’m not so sure) ... what say you? Also, I’m just a 60 year old mom-turned- activist trying to excise my anger and process some understanding through writing - my last two entries deal with the subject matter here, FWIW: https://rebeccaspenceblog.com/. I really value your voice right now. Keep it coming.
Thank you for synthesising the evil that is their party. Dan. One of the more shocking things in this email is the number of retweets and likes for T's ridiculous bar graph (362k) vs. the LG tweet spotlighting his criminal behaviour (7k). I keep coming back to how many of our fellow-country people are in the boat with the R's coupled with social media -- where lies travel further and faster than truth. Onward.
I follow an academic named Heather Cox Richardson whose entire professional career has been dedicated to tracking how the modern Republican party has, since 1997, NOT been actual Republicans, but a group of power-hungry conservatives who realized that they could harness the system to their own benefit if they gerrymandered, took up arms with the religious right, created an echo chamber media apparatus, demonized the Other, and suppressed the vote. She writes the "Letters from an American" newsletter every day, which provides a great news recap with historical analyses. That's why there will be no unity with these people. They aren't cowards who want to do the right thing. They aren't scared by the threat of Trump's twitter. They are focused on winning the GA runoffs at all costs and will subvert democracy and trust in our institutions to do so. Hence why Lindsey Graham just picked up the phone and said to the Georgia SOS, "Hey, how about throwing out those votes with mismatched signatures?" He knows there will likely be no repercussions. If Biden isn't focused on actually punishing Trump -- historical precedence indicates that presidents are reluctant to investigate former leaders -- then it will pave the way for every right-wing authoritarian to pick up the bullhorn and call in the troops. We should look to South Korea's handling of former presidents. Why? Because most of them were sent to prison.
My father taught us that "the road to the devil is paved with good intentions." I could not care less what Republicans feel or believe about their calculations re Trump's post (or, pre) election bullshit. They've made it possible by virtue of what they have and have not *done* and that's all that counts. So, yeah, I agree with you 100%. Thanks for putting it all into words.
I agree entirely with your analysis, Dan. Over decades I have observed Republican party tactics become increasingly overt. They have never diverted from their primary goals of oligarchy and raw power with complete disregard for the republic and it's citizens. Greed and white supremacy are their core values. What I find most disconcerting is how easily they are able to fool voters and intimidate Democrats. It is long past time for a reckoning.
Just like both of your books, this was a great article, Dan. I especially enjoyed reading it in your voice. You do have a few typos, though (212 isn't the year Romney ran, for example).
First, Hi Dan, what a great piece, got me to subscribe. Always watch your podcasts. An honor to be here and make your acquaintance Hello to all your friends and members.
I am bubbling with questions on the political landscape that I hope that you and/or your members can answer. For one, is Jon Lovett as funny in person as he is on the podcast :)
I am interested in figuring out how we use grassroots organizations to strengthen democracy. Rather than gearing up for every election cycle, (as PSA has mentioned) we need to have a year round strategy that keeps our voters engaged. But rather than just voting, we need to be doing Civic Ed 101 so that people are aware of how the decimation of democracy actually affects their lives. If we show then how it affects them and the people we care about, we should be able to solidify a base that consistently makes noise as our democratic norms are challenged by the Republicans, and continually takes action to prevent this subversion from taking place under the radar. (I wanna start a non-profit that does this. Anyone else in?)
Absolutely right - the Republican Party is institutionally, strategically and tactically opposed to respecting the core tenet of democracy - the people should freely choose their government. And when it comes to fair districts and equal access to voting, the SC justices appointed by the GOP do not believe that these basic things are constitutionally protected. Mike Lee's "America is not a democracy" comment should receive a lot more attention - esp as he likes to see himself as an intellectual.
Winning Georgia's runoffs is the first step, but making them hurt everywhere is the only way to stop this becoming the new normal.
What we need is the language and discipline to confront them at every level. The biggest danger is that people think it's all about Trump.
Dan, I have the sense that you guys don’t think winning the senate seats in GA is realistic. PSA commentary mostly assumes McConnell’s future obstruction. Is this bc all the organizing and mobilizing can’t penetrate the gerrymandered Republican wall? I’m still donating and writing postcards from Montclair, NJ-but wondering if you can talk more about why defeating twi people who should do more time than Martha Stewart did is such an uphill battle?
Dan -- good morning. I have to admit that when I saw your "headline", I wasn't quite sure where you were going. Now having read your article, I am all too convinced and fully understand your premise and the clear and present danger the Republican Party (certainly not the GOP anymore) poses to our democratic republic and upcoming and future elections. Thank you for helping me to be more "eyes wide open" about the depth and breadth of the threat we are facing. Let's do all we can to make sure McConnell, Graham and cohorts get a loud message from the Georgia run-off elections. Thanks, and I hope you and your loves ones have a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
The Rs are very calculating. But I am not sure that the top Dems understand the experience of the everyday Democratic supporter. We all rallied behind the Obama election (gave money and more money, canvassed, called, collected data at rallies, opened our homes to campaign workers) and after the election, we were dropped. No requests for input or our actions. Not even updates or a rallying cry for Merrick Garland. Just requests for more money ("It is Barrack's birthday, can you donate $50?").
How might Michigan in 2016 have been different if the Obamas had been vacationing in the Great Lakes EVERY year. Just for 4 days say. And maybe bring along Tom Hanks or Beyonce. They could still spend their summers in Martha's Vineyard.
What if Michelle Obama had taken her kids to ski in West Virginia instead of Vail?
What if Bruce Springsteen hosted his "Broadway" show in Philly or Florida instead of NYC?
What if Tom Hanks spent time in Louisiana or North Dakota doing community theater?
Yes - all these people have given to America but they have been rewarded many times over. It is not just about winning elections but getting out and spending time in the harder hit areas of the country. And imagine the HOPE it would give people in these communities. And the spotlight and economic activity it would bring them. And it is not a "fly-in" and spend an hour at a Girls and Boys Club but spend at least 4 days or a week somewhere. And make a connection to that community and go back to the same ice cream shop year in and year out.
W. Kamau Bell wrote an opinion piece in the NYTimes in 2017 on this topic. It is called:
"Expand Your World, Go to The Beach in Alabama".
ah Dan, I am assuming that you read Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. I am so sorry that I will not be alive in 2042, when whites (and I am white) are a minority in this country, but in the meantime, I will phone bank or text bank for Georgia. As an aside, pretty nice strategy from the Biden camp to 'leak' the Blinken nomination to hopefully, own the narrative today; Katie Porter decimating GSA Emily in House hearings today, will be extra fun.
Dan- I’m curious if you’ve read Democracy in Chains and if so, what you think of it? A lot of alignment with what you say here. I’m in a light debate with my brother about whether the book ascribes too much conspiratorial malevolence to the libertarian anti-democratic project ( he says yes, I’m not so sure) ... what say you? Also, I’m just a 60 year old mom-turned- activist trying to excise my anger and process some understanding through writing - my last two entries deal with the subject matter here, FWIW: https://rebeccaspenceblog.com/. I really value your voice right now. Keep it coming.
Thank you for synthesising the evil that is their party. Dan. One of the more shocking things in this email is the number of retweets and likes for T's ridiculous bar graph (362k) vs. the LG tweet spotlighting his criminal behaviour (7k). I keep coming back to how many of our fellow-country people are in the boat with the R's coupled with social media -- where lies travel further and faster than truth. Onward.
I follow an academic named Heather Cox Richardson whose entire professional career has been dedicated to tracking how the modern Republican party has, since 1997, NOT been actual Republicans, but a group of power-hungry conservatives who realized that they could harness the system to their own benefit if they gerrymandered, took up arms with the religious right, created an echo chamber media apparatus, demonized the Other, and suppressed the vote. She writes the "Letters from an American" newsletter every day, which provides a great news recap with historical analyses. That's why there will be no unity with these people. They aren't cowards who want to do the right thing. They aren't scared by the threat of Trump's twitter. They are focused on winning the GA runoffs at all costs and will subvert democracy and trust in our institutions to do so. Hence why Lindsey Graham just picked up the phone and said to the Georgia SOS, "Hey, how about throwing out those votes with mismatched signatures?" He knows there will likely be no repercussions. If Biden isn't focused on actually punishing Trump -- historical precedence indicates that presidents are reluctant to investigate former leaders -- then it will pave the way for every right-wing authoritarian to pick up the bullhorn and call in the troops. We should look to South Korea's handling of former presidents. Why? Because most of them were sent to prison.
My father taught us that "the road to the devil is paved with good intentions." I could not care less what Republicans feel or believe about their calculations re Trump's post (or, pre) election bullshit. They've made it possible by virtue of what they have and have not *done* and that's all that counts. So, yeah, I agree with you 100%. Thanks for putting it all into words.
I agree entirely with your analysis, Dan. Over decades I have observed Republican party tactics become increasingly overt. They have never diverted from their primary goals of oligarchy and raw power with complete disregard for the republic and it's citizens. Greed and white supremacy are their core values. What I find most disconcerting is how easily they are able to fool voters and intimidate Democrats. It is long past time for a reckoning.
Just like both of your books, this was a great article, Dan. I especially enjoyed reading it in your voice. You do have a few typos, though (212 isn't the year Romney ran, for example).
First, Hi Dan, what a great piece, got me to subscribe. Always watch your podcasts. An honor to be here and make your acquaintance Hello to all your friends and members.
I am bubbling with questions on the political landscape that I hope that you and/or your members can answer. For one, is Jon Lovett as funny in person as he is on the podcast :)
I am interested in figuring out how we use grassroots organizations to strengthen democracy. Rather than gearing up for every election cycle, (as PSA has mentioned) we need to have a year round strategy that keeps our voters engaged. But rather than just voting, we need to be doing Civic Ed 101 so that people are aware of how the decimation of democracy actually affects their lives. If we show then how it affects them and the people we care about, we should be able to solidify a base that consistently makes noise as our democratic norms are challenged by the Republicans, and continually takes action to prevent this subversion from taking place under the radar. (I wanna start a non-profit that does this. Anyone else in?)