I agree with almost everything that you say, as I often do, but think we are in need of leaders that can inspire and can reflect the anger and the energy of the millions of us that have been in the street, some of whom have paid the ultimate price and many of whom who have suffered significant injury. That's in addition to the thousands that have been wrongly kidnapped and imprisoned by ICE. If Schumer negotiates as he has done in the past, he will severely demoralize his base. Schumer has had a wonderful career, but I don't think anyone under 50 can relate to him. He may have fire in his belly, but he is unable to manifest it in the way that we so desperately need right now. There are others in the Senate that can and should move up.
I want to say Barry that I find this line of thinking - common in the family right now - to be a waste of time. What purpose does it serve? It takes us away from action, doing, changing things and creates a rationale for inaction. I understand how people may feel but as a place to go in our public discourse right now I don't think it is helpful. Schumer just got us to a place we want to be and his reward is to have people shit on him, assume the worst before it has begun. I just think we have to keep pushing, keep having higher expectations, keep letting them know what's expected of them now. He is the leader, and I want him to do better - and that is what I am focused on now.
I agree Simon. Do you have ideas how we can give Schumer the push (if that’s the right word) to move in the right direction and be more outspoken and forceful? He is not my Senator so I know you said it wouldn’t be helpful to call him directly. My Senator is Fetterman and it’s hard enough trying to get him to do the right thing, although he did vote with the Dems this time around. I’ll keep calling!
Agree, Simon, it actually aids in splitting the party when even though we're doing disparate actions to fight back, we're all pushing against the regime. And I kind of don't believe there will be a message that will wake everyone up, we are waking up and joining bit by bit. The cult members will never capitulate, and there are lots of them on social media (I don't spend that much time on SM) - young women saying liberal women are the cause of all the woes by the left. They are in a hermetically sealed information environment to protect their fragile opinions and psyches, they step out in lockstep with their BS - I say we just get bigger and bigger and outnumber them. Eventually we will prevail! Won't matter what they say, we will out-vote them. Like we already are.
Barry seems frustrated and understandably so, and I do agree with you it is a waste of time to dwell on the past. We have to deal with today. One of the most effective ways to improve solidarity would be for all elected Dem representatives to protest with us on the street on No Kings, March 28. My observation, from protesting and talking with people is that there is a big disconnect between us and them(elected representatives). It would be a simple and empowering thing for them to do to promote unity. Actions generally are more meaningful than words.
The first was in practice a "contract on America", and in effect that is what we are seeing again. So, I would avoid that contract language. How about our "promise to Americans"?
I share your hope for Schumer, and am counting on Jeffries, Warren, Schiff, Booker, Bernie, AOC, Jasmine, Raskin, and so, so many other great Dems to keep him strong and fighting. Our team has extraordinary leaders on it.
Simon’s suggestion that levels. of Dem politicos organize & act intentionally to amplify our strength seems on target. Has this idea been developed ? Is there anything available for us to circulate & use to urge our state leaders to accomplish quickly? Thank you.
If nothing else, the loosing of the abominable ICE forces upon American cities seems to - FINALLY - be generating a furious DEMAND for anti-authoritarian action to be taken. STAT! Apparently, till now, we never knew quite how inept our system would prove to be in our current sort of crisis. I didn't know about the shadow-government parliaments apparently have, but have long envied their ability to change things, when necessary, via no-confidence votes, etc. Not sure how it all works but obviously we lack such mechanisms to trigger course-correcting when clearly and desperately needed. --- Also, I'm glad you called our god-knows-how-many detention centers strewn about the country "a gulag system," something like that; I've taken to referring to "it" as a gulag, too. Which is beyond shameful. Demolition/obliteration must happen NOW if the USA is ever to be redeemed (which I hope happens but bet will take a hundred years). --- And please, don't anybody say anything about not being able to afford to fix things. Money seems to be available for everything The Creature thinks up (ginormous armies, ballrooms, rebuilding the East Wing, The Giant Arch, Kennedy Center reno, buying up continents, and on and on). But first things first. Offloading the entire executive branch would be my first move, followed by an emergency seminar presented by the country's best constitutional minds to the entire Congress. Attendance mandatory.
Simon, I vote for you to lead this council (or at least be the lead advisor) to unify Dems to build a stronger coalition. We cannot cave or play nice with this fascist regime.
For some reason I cannot access the audio on the last 2 messages from Simon. The icon indicates the volume is on and not muted, but it remains off. Is anyone else having this issue?
Listening to the two of you talking is a treat. Thank you!
Yippee -- Monday with Stuart and Simon! I'll ask you again --- don't make us wait a month. Love you two!
I agree with almost everything that you say, as I often do, but think we are in need of leaders that can inspire and can reflect the anger and the energy of the millions of us that have been in the street, some of whom have paid the ultimate price and many of whom who have suffered significant injury. That's in addition to the thousands that have been wrongly kidnapped and imprisoned by ICE. If Schumer negotiates as he has done in the past, he will severely demoralize his base. Schumer has had a wonderful career, but I don't think anyone under 50 can relate to him. He may have fire in his belly, but he is unable to manifest it in the way that we so desperately need right now. There are others in the Senate that can and should move up.
I want to say Barry that I find this line of thinking - common in the family right now - to be a waste of time. What purpose does it serve? It takes us away from action, doing, changing things and creates a rationale for inaction. I understand how people may feel but as a place to go in our public discourse right now I don't think it is helpful. Schumer just got us to a place we want to be and his reward is to have people shit on him, assume the worst before it has begun. I just think we have to keep pushing, keep having higher expectations, keep letting them know what's expected of them now. He is the leader, and I want him to do better - and that is what I am focused on now.
I agree Simon. Do you have ideas how we can give Schumer the push (if that’s the right word) to move in the right direction and be more outspoken and forceful? He is not my Senator so I know you said it wouldn’t be helpful to call him directly. My Senator is Fetterman and it’s hard enough trying to get him to do the right thing, although he did vote with the Dems this time around. I’ll keep calling!
Ps - I love your talks with Stuart!
Agree, Simon, it actually aids in splitting the party when even though we're doing disparate actions to fight back, we're all pushing against the regime. And I kind of don't believe there will be a message that will wake everyone up, we are waking up and joining bit by bit. The cult members will never capitulate, and there are lots of them on social media (I don't spend that much time on SM) - young women saying liberal women are the cause of all the woes by the left. They are in a hermetically sealed information environment to protect their fragile opinions and psyches, they step out in lockstep with their BS - I say we just get bigger and bigger and outnumber them. Eventually we will prevail! Won't matter what they say, we will out-vote them. Like we already are.
Barry Do you call Schumer? Do you make yourself heard as we all should be doing? This IS the process no matter how much you may disagree.
Barry seems frustrated and understandably so, and I do agree with you it is a waste of time to dwell on the past. We have to deal with today. One of the most effective ways to improve solidarity would be for all elected Dem representatives to protest with us on the street on No Kings, March 28. My observation, from protesting and talking with people is that there is a big disconnect between us and them(elected representatives). It would be a simple and empowering thing for them to do to promote unity. Actions generally are more meaningful than words.
Thank you for educating us on the issues. We need to work together and fight this regime. No Kings Day on March 28th, needs to be huge!!!
I am constantly disappointed by the national media. Glad I am a supporter of The Lincoln Square and Project and The Hopium Chronicles.
Excellent!
The first was in practice a "contract on America", and in effect that is what we are seeing again. So, I would avoid that contract language. How about our "promise to Americans"?
Everyone needs to go to Springfield NOW.
Listening to two intelligent men discuss the mess our country is in makes me feel hopeful and calms me somewhat.
I do pray that Schumer is strong enough to handle whats coming.
I share your hope for Schumer, and am counting on Jeffries, Warren, Schiff, Booker, Bernie, AOC, Jasmine, Raskin, and so, so many other great Dems to keep him strong and fighting. Our team has extraordinary leaders on it.
Simon’s suggestion that levels. of Dem politicos organize & act intentionally to amplify our strength seems on target. Has this idea been developed ? Is there anything available for us to circulate & use to urge our state leaders to accomplish quickly? Thank you.
Simon, Do you think that Congress members understand this enormous immigration threat at the level that you do?
We need to make elected Republicans own this terrorizing police state mess! They are the ones who have power to stop it immediately!
If nothing else, the loosing of the abominable ICE forces upon American cities seems to - FINALLY - be generating a furious DEMAND for anti-authoritarian action to be taken. STAT! Apparently, till now, we never knew quite how inept our system would prove to be in our current sort of crisis. I didn't know about the shadow-government parliaments apparently have, but have long envied their ability to change things, when necessary, via no-confidence votes, etc. Not sure how it all works but obviously we lack such mechanisms to trigger course-correcting when clearly and desperately needed. --- Also, I'm glad you called our god-knows-how-many detention centers strewn about the country "a gulag system," something like that; I've taken to referring to "it" as a gulag, too. Which is beyond shameful. Demolition/obliteration must happen NOW if the USA is ever to be redeemed (which I hope happens but bet will take a hundred years). --- And please, don't anybody say anything about not being able to afford to fix things. Money seems to be available for everything The Creature thinks up (ginormous armies, ballrooms, rebuilding the East Wing, The Giant Arch, Kennedy Center reno, buying up continents, and on and on). But first things first. Offloading the entire executive branch would be my first move, followed by an emergency seminar presented by the country's best constitutional minds to the entire Congress. Attendance mandatory.
Simon, I vote for you to lead this council (or at least be the lead advisor) to unify Dems to build a stronger coalition. We cannot cave or play nice with this fascist regime.
Apologies, Simon discusses his organization proposal more fully on Sunday’s Hopium. I missed it. We each can circulate this approach.
For some reason I cannot access the audio on the last 2 messages from Simon. The icon indicates the volume is on and not muted, but it remains off. Is anyone else having this issue?