Inflation in gas and food may be coming down but inflation is not coming down in housing. So many young people and renters who might want their own home cannot afford one - not just in Boston in SF - but across this country. Part of this is interest rates but even more problematic - we have too few homes for the number of people who need them so prices stay high - even in times of lower interest rates. When I look at these polls - and there does seem to be a convergence across polls that young people are more discouraged with Biden, I have to wonder at the impact that not being able to afford your own home may play. So many young people are saddled with student loans so that even if they have a higher salary, they have less discretionary income to purchase a home. I would like to see Biden and the Democratic party come up with some policy to address the housing crisis and the impact this has on young people. Forgiving student loans was blocked by the Supreme Court and 2 out of 3 Americans do not have a college degree - so what other policy might Democrats champion that might alleviate this housing crisis for our young people? This seems like a critical issue to address some of the discouragement that young people may currently feel. There is nothing more American than the dream of owning one's own home!
There has to be something we (our government) can do to hold social media companies to account for the defamatory content that is so prevalent on their sites. A start would be for congress to eliminate the exemption from liability that social media companies have for defamatory content posted on their platforms by third parties. This exemption was granted to them by the government as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. No other media sectors have this government-granted protection from liability. If "The Artist Formerly Known as Eric" had posted his comment in the reader comments section of an online Washington Post article, the Post could get sued if its monitors did not act quickly to remove the comment. Less capitalized newspapers have removed their online reader comments sections altogether to avoid the possibility of getting sued. When Fox so-called News reported as news the comments of right-wing trolls on social media that Dominion Voting Systems was conspiring with the Venezuelan Government to rig its voting machines in 2020, Fox was rightly and heftily sued for defamation. It's time that Facebook, Twitter, etc. face these same consequences for their bad behavior. The exemption from liability is a big part of the reason these companies are so profitable. To me, this is evidence of the non-viability of their business model, where we all get to bear the cost of the negative externalities these companies dump on us.
Re the abominable Musk... why are so many important people still posting on Twitter /X??? If companies are leaving they should too! Gail There are several decent options! Simon you are still on it.... WHY?????
CIVIC INFLUENCERS! Just got off a presentation about Civic Influencer's data-driven work to increase voter participation on college campuses in carefully targeted key swing districts around the country. These efforts are winning elections! "Founded in 2008, Civic Influencers uses ongoing research, innovation and evidence-based voter engagement racial justice strategies, including organizing, advocacy and education for youth, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Disabled and Youth of Color (BIHDYoC) for a more equitable and inclusive democracy." This is a model that deserves support - and expansion. I urge everyone to learn more about their 2024 strategy. https://civicinfluencers.org/young-people-can-swing-elections/.
He writes with such wisdom and humanity about an enormously complex and difficult situation. Especially glad to see him address the critics who call for a cease-fire without acknowledging the consequences: "As long as Hamas clings to its ideology of destruction, a cease-fire is not peace. To Hamas’s members, every cease-fire is time they exploit to rebuild their stockpile of rockets, reposition fighters and restart the killing by attacking innocents again." And thankful to hear him state clearly and unequivocally to Bibi and to the world: "A two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people."
I don't envy the hand he's been dealt (just like when he first took office in 2021), but I'm beyond grateful for his leadership.
Simon, I love your confidence - it sustains me - but I think you are ignoring the enormous impact of the Gaza war, and Biden's embrace of Netanyahu, on Democrats generally and on the communities we need to be, not just supportive, but enthusiastic in '24. A bad situation is going to get worse when hard right AIPAC starts pouring huge sums into primaries against the "squad" and anyone else who supports Palestinian rights. I do not see how this can be turned around.
thanks Sheila -this is good to know. I will check them out. I donate monthly to Civic Center which is focused on registering young people but perhaps is not as strategic as civic influencers.
Much of this discussion centers on the continuing disconnect between the positive economic data and the negative view held by a majority of Americans. I’m afraid this is just one of the issues that’s plaguing the Biden administration. The growing loss of support by young voters is particularly troublesome and the divide on Israel isn’t helping. And the age issue continues to be a real problem. The problem was exacerbated by David Axelride’s tweet about Biden seriously considering what’s best for him and the country. Just as there’s a disconnect between what the administration is saying about the economy there a disconnect on the age issue. As much as democratic spokesmen brush it off people cannot help the way they feel. So the question is how does the campaign deal with these disconnections.
My question is where are the President’s well know spokesmen? Why aren’t Booker, Klobuchar, Newsome, and Whitmer out on the airwaves pounding The President’s message? Other than administration officials, why aren’t these names on the Sunday shows? The campaign seems weak right now. Why aren’t we attacking Trump? Where is the campaign? Just hoping Trump self destructs is not enough. Biden needs to be perceived as strong and fit and able to perform. “Watch me.” Is not working. He needs his surrogates out pounding away. Ads showing Biden shaking hands and touting his successes are not working. People aren’t buying it. Why aren’t we flooding the airwaves with important influencers arguing hard about the great things that we’ve done in addition to fearing a loss of democracy with a Trump win?
I know this is not a platform for complaining and criticizing the campaign and Simon encourages a positive approach and to avoid negativity. But I’m terrified. A new poll has Biden down by 2 to Trump. Trump can win. I think it’s time to go on the offensive and use every tool to spread the word. The President seems frail and weak. We can’t ignore it. Where is the campaign? The election is a year away. What are we waiting for?
Here is Tim Miller interviewing Prof Scott Galloway, with a fascinating discussion about the ‘techno elite narcissists’ like Musk, that crap post about America and yet ‘what do they have to complain about?’ Gives a thought provoking take.
Happy thanksgiving to Info Warriors. I am thankful for HC!
He was not born and raised American! He’s from South Africa. Until he landed here. Money talks BS walks, I personally cannot stand the man and his pomp! I would not trust him w a chip for my brain or an Open AI or Robots or EVs or anything he touches. Billionaires need to be constrained by heavy taxation.! And regulations! Watch what they do not what they say. I worship no man and put no one on a Pedestal!!!
Some Prices Are Coming Down, The General Election Has Begun, Elon Musk Is A White Supremacist
Are you planning to leave Twitter as well? Thoughts?
Inflation in gas and food may be coming down but inflation is not coming down in housing. So many young people and renters who might want their own home cannot afford one - not just in Boston in SF - but across this country. Part of this is interest rates but even more problematic - we have too few homes for the number of people who need them so prices stay high - even in times of lower interest rates. When I look at these polls - and there does seem to be a convergence across polls that young people are more discouraged with Biden, I have to wonder at the impact that not being able to afford your own home may play. So many young people are saddled with student loans so that even if they have a higher salary, they have less discretionary income to purchase a home. I would like to see Biden and the Democratic party come up with some policy to address the housing crisis and the impact this has on young people. Forgiving student loans was blocked by the Supreme Court and 2 out of 3 Americans do not have a college degree - so what other policy might Democrats champion that might alleviate this housing crisis for our young people? This seems like a critical issue to address some of the discouragement that young people may currently feel. There is nothing more American than the dream of owning one's own home!
There has to be something we (our government) can do to hold social media companies to account for the defamatory content that is so prevalent on their sites. A start would be for congress to eliminate the exemption from liability that social media companies have for defamatory content posted on their platforms by third parties. This exemption was granted to them by the government as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. No other media sectors have this government-granted protection from liability. If "The Artist Formerly Known as Eric" had posted his comment in the reader comments section of an online Washington Post article, the Post could get sued if its monitors did not act quickly to remove the comment. Less capitalized newspapers have removed their online reader comments sections altogether to avoid the possibility of getting sued. When Fox so-called News reported as news the comments of right-wing trolls on social media that Dominion Voting Systems was conspiring with the Venezuelan Government to rig its voting machines in 2020, Fox was rightly and heftily sued for defamation. It's time that Facebook, Twitter, etc. face these same consequences for their bad behavior. The exemption from liability is a big part of the reason these companies are so profitable. To me, this is evidence of the non-viability of their business model, where we all get to bear the cost of the negative externalities these companies dump on us.
Re the abominable Musk... why are so many important people still posting on Twitter /X??? If companies are leaving they should too! Gail There are several decent options! Simon you are still on it.... WHY?????
CIVIC INFLUENCERS! Just got off a presentation about Civic Influencer's data-driven work to increase voter participation on college campuses in carefully targeted key swing districts around the country. These efforts are winning elections! "Founded in 2008, Civic Influencers uses ongoing research, innovation and evidence-based voter engagement racial justice strategies, including organizing, advocacy and education for youth, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Disabled and Youth of Color (BIHDYoC) for a more equitable and inclusive democracy." This is a model that deserves support - and expansion. I urge everyone to learn more about their 2024 strategy. https://civicinfluencers.org/young-people-can-swing-elections/.
Very happy to see you're now posting to Threads, Simon.
I imagine you'll share President Biden's pitch-perfect op-ed in today's Washington Post, but for those who haven't yet seen it: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/18/joe-biden-gaza-hamas-putin/
He writes with such wisdom and humanity about an enormously complex and difficult situation. Especially glad to see him address the critics who call for a cease-fire without acknowledging the consequences: "As long as Hamas clings to its ideology of destruction, a cease-fire is not peace. To Hamas’s members, every cease-fire is time they exploit to rebuild their stockpile of rockets, reposition fighters and restart the killing by attacking innocents again." And thankful to hear him state clearly and unequivocally to Bibi and to the world: "A two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people."
I don't envy the hand he's been dealt (just like when he first took office in 2021), but I'm beyond grateful for his leadership.
Simon, I love your confidence - it sustains me - but I think you are ignoring the enormous impact of the Gaza war, and Biden's embrace of Netanyahu, on Democrats generally and on the communities we need to be, not just supportive, but enthusiastic in '24. A bad situation is going to get worse when hard right AIPAC starts pouring huge sums into primaries against the "squad" and anyone else who supports Palestinian rights. I do not see how this can be turned around.
Everyone have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
Joe Biden published an important op-ed in the Washington Post today on the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. Please read it here - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/18/joe-biden-gaza-hamas-putin/ and let's discuss in the coming days.
thanks Sheila -this is good to know. I will check them out. I donate monthly to Civic Center which is focused on registering young people but perhaps is not as strategic as civic influencers.
Much of this discussion centers on the continuing disconnect between the positive economic data and the negative view held by a majority of Americans. I’m afraid this is just one of the issues that’s plaguing the Biden administration. The growing loss of support by young voters is particularly troublesome and the divide on Israel isn’t helping. And the age issue continues to be a real problem. The problem was exacerbated by David Axelride’s tweet about Biden seriously considering what’s best for him and the country. Just as there’s a disconnect between what the administration is saying about the economy there a disconnect on the age issue. As much as democratic spokesmen brush it off people cannot help the way they feel. So the question is how does the campaign deal with these disconnections.
My question is where are the President’s well know spokesmen? Why aren’t Booker, Klobuchar, Newsome, and Whitmer out on the airwaves pounding The President’s message? Other than administration officials, why aren’t these names on the Sunday shows? The campaign seems weak right now. Why aren’t we attacking Trump? Where is the campaign? Just hoping Trump self destructs is not enough. Biden needs to be perceived as strong and fit and able to perform. “Watch me.” Is not working. He needs his surrogates out pounding away. Ads showing Biden shaking hands and touting his successes are not working. People aren’t buying it. Why aren’t we flooding the airwaves with important influencers arguing hard about the great things that we’ve done in addition to fearing a loss of democracy with a Trump win?
I know this is not a platform for complaining and criticizing the campaign and Simon encourages a positive approach and to avoid negativity. But I’m terrified. A new poll has Biden down by 2 to Trump. Trump can win. I think it’s time to go on the offensive and use every tool to spread the word. The President seems frail and weak. We can’t ignore it. Where is the campaign? The election is a year away. What are we waiting for?
Here is Tim Miller interviewing Prof Scott Galloway, with a fascinating discussion about the ‘techno elite narcissists’ like Musk, that crap post about America and yet ‘what do they have to complain about?’ Gives a thought provoking take.
Happy thanksgiving to Info Warriors. I am thankful for HC!
https://youtu.be/_VntTdU13RE?si=937U4a1FD71Sa0WI
Simon, thank you for recreating the BLS chart. Could not access the link, having no “X” account.
He was not born and raised American! He’s from South Africa. Until he landed here. Money talks BS walks, I personally cannot stand the man and his pomp! I would not trust him w a chip for my brain or an Open AI or Robots or EVs or anything he touches. Billionaires need to be constrained by heavy taxation.! And regulations! Watch what they do not what they say. I worship no man and put no one on a Pedestal!!!