We will be millions. We will be global. We will be loud. We will Fly The Flag. We will be peaceful – regardless of provocation.
We are Antifa – whether we use the name or not. Antifa has no headquarters Antifa has no leaders Antifa has no money Antifa is an idea Antifa is simply ANTI-FASCISM Antifa is the ultimate American Patriotism Antifa honors the Founders of this Nation
The People who signed the Declaration of Independence WERE ANTIFA!
1. The “Golden Rule”. 2. Leave the Earth a little better place than we found it.
That’s my spiritual “faith”. Do those two and most things fall into place nicely.
I don’t adhere to any other dogma. But I try to live a life with empathy. If I find myself anxious, I might pick up a tattered old copy of the Tao Te Ching. That’s it. It has worked for me.
We can be friends if:
If your faith incorporates those two commandments. You can believe in a “god” or worship trees. Doesn’t matter to me. Golden Rule for all.
If you believe that “freedom of religion” (faith or no faith) means that there will be a total Separation of Church and State. An impenetrable WALL between our government and any religion. In other words, I demand Freedom From Religion. That is what our Constitution requires. For very good reasons.
Part 2: What does your faith say?
I asked Google if all the major religions incorporate the Golden Rule. I found this website which gave me the answer:
Christianity
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, NIV)
— The New Testament, Christian text
Islam
“The Prophet Muhammad said, ‘None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.’”
— [Al-Bukhari], Hadith 13
Judaism
‘That which is despicable to you, do not do to your fellow, this is the whole Torah, and the rest is commentary, go and learn it.’”
— Hillel the Elder in The Babylonian Talmud
Baha’i
“Choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.”
— Baha’u’llah, Baha’i prophet
Hinduism
“One should not behave toward others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself.”
— Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva 113.8), Hindu text
Buddhism
“Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.”
— Udanavarga (5:18), Buddhist text
Daoism
“Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.”
— T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, Daoist text
Confucianism
“Tzu-kung asked, ‘Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one’s life?’ The Master said, ‘It is perhaps the word “shu.” Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.’”
— The Analects (15:24), Confucian text
Part 3 – This agnostic thinks we need more people of true “faith” in government.
Not so they can preach their version of religion. But because if they are true to their faith they will follow the “Golden Rule”. Treating us like they would like to be treated. That would also include not proselytizing or trying to force anyone to believe in their “faith”. Nobody wants that, right? Refer back to Commandment 1.
Part 4 – Example
In the Texas US Senate race, former Congressman Collin Allred leads in recent polls for the Democratic nomination. He is making a second attempt at the job. He lost in a fairly close race with Ted Cruz. Seems like a standup Democrat. Good resume. Good guy.
But I sure like what James Talarico has to say. Since his recent announcement, he has received a big influx of cash support and his campaign events are attracting big crowds. What is the appeal?
Talarico has served in the Texas legislature. He was a 6th grade teacher. He is young. And he is motivated by his faith. He is studying to become a pastor in the Presbyterian church. Normally the latter wouldn’t get me too excited. Except, when I listen to him, I hear a refreshing voice that is inclusive. I hear the “Golden Rule” values I was taught in “Sunday School”.
Here is Talarico interviewed by Heather Cox Richardson. It’s a terrific piece. Listen to the whole thing if you have the time. But I have it below picking up at the 9 minute point. And at the 14:30 point, he wins me over. At both points he makes my point.
Another glimpse:
Summary: Talarico fights for the working class. 20% of America is doing extremely well. 80% is suffering. That is THE platform that Democrats will win on. He is a unifier. He brings his faith not to dominate. He brings it to help everyone.
Perhaps we should welcome to the public square people of “authentic faith” to face off with those who use their hateful faith as a weapon to dominate and exclude.
Part 1: What are you? Some of you may remember my friend Frank from outer space. Before he left to explore, to search for a more intelligent species, he asked me some questions:
Frank: What are you? Me: I am a human being – an animal living on the Planet Earth.
Frank: But aren’t you an “American?” Me: Of course, but America is a very new experiment. And it is struggling now.
Frank: That’s tough. How are you dealing with that? Me: I do what I can to help the experiment along. It has great promise. But my identity is greater than a piece of land.
Frank: Please explain. Me: America is a chunk of the Earth. A fairly large chunk. But still only 6% of the landmass on the planet and only 4% of the Earth’s population.
Frank: As I review the digital activity of your planet using my special sensors, I measure various countries “world views”. Americans seem to think of themselves as the most important – as exceptionally special. But I recently read an interesting book (we read them all in seconds). The author compared the U.S. to other developed countries. Based on environmentalist and author James Gustave “Gus” Speth’s 2012 book America the Possible, the United States frequently ranks last among developed countries (members of OCED) in key indicators of well-being, while leading in undesirable ones.
Comparing the U.S. to 100 “peer” developed nations
Me: Yup, it is true. We tend to think we are the center of everything and that we are exceptionally special. Despite our rather continuous habit of fucking things up.
Frank: Well that’s a little embarrassing and not too helpful. How are you coping? Do you have a way to get through this without just sinking into a hole of shame and disgust? Me: Those of us who think about this stuff (we are many) just do the best we can in America to try to right the capsized ship. We are resisting the insane authoritarians and fascists who are in charge now. Hopefully, someday, they will be vanquished.
Now, I find it helpful to look into what the other 96% of us are doing. I am pleasantly surprised at what I have found.
Frank: Show me! Me: Read on 🙂
Part 2: America follows… Let’s look beyond the chaos and deliberate destruction launched by the Trump/Vought/Miller administration. While we are preoccupied with the Fascist takeover of our nation, the rest of the world is moving forward with a revolution in energy production. The tide is turning!
This is shockingly good news. Why is this happening? Improved technology and scaling. Simple economics. Solar and wind with battery backup for round the clock reliability are simpler and cheaper to install and cheaper to maintain. The world is embracing them at a breakneck speed because they are logical, sensible and cost efficient. The fact that they emit almost no carbon is our big bonus.
Eventually, Americans will realize they are being left in the dust. Sometimes we wake up and realize we are slow to catch on.
Toyota achieved sales of 50 million cars in 2021
Japan showed us how to make inexpensive, quality autos that sipped gasoline. The energy crisis and escalating gas prices sent Americans into Toyota, Honda and Datsun (Nissan) showrooms. It took some time, but Detroit woke up. But by then the Japanese (and Koreans) had gained a solid foothold in the American market. Many people were like me. For decades, the idea of buying an American made vehicle was ridiculous.
BYD Seagull – Priced under $10,000 with a 300 mile range
China is showing the world how to make inexpensive electric vehicles with great range and now…some that will fully charge in minutes. Detroit has a slew of new electric vehicles coming soon. But again, we are following.
Kamuthi Solar Park in Tamil Nadu, India provides power for 750,000 homes
From Sam’s Substack: “Growth in wind and solar generation (not capacity!) together amounted to 109% of global electricity demand growth in the first half of 2025, essentially providing all new electricity then cutting into fossil fuel incumbents. Solar alone met 83% of global electricity demand growth. Chinaadded more new solar & wind than the rest of Earth combined, and its fossil fuel generation dropped by 2%.India also decreased its fossil use, while the U.S. saw an increase. World coal generation fell by 0.6%, as renewables overtook coal as humanity’s leading energy source. WOW! The revolution advances.”
Part 3: A future America I hope that someday, we will join the nations of the world that are embracing new energy tech that make our lives more affordable and are healthier for the planet.
The “Moon Shot” speech electrified the nation
Currently: “The Trump administration has already added nearly $40 billion in new federal subsidies for oil, gas, and coal in 2025, a report released Tuesday finds, sending an additional $4 billion out the door each year for fossil fuels over the next decade. That new amount, created with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act this summer, adds to $30.8 billion a year in preexisting subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The report finds that the amount of public money the U.S. will now spend on domestic fossil fuels stands at least $34.8 billion a year.” Yale Environment 360
A wise and inspiring president, on day one, would announce a sustainable energy program that would seek to compete with other nations with green energy and lower costs. Shift Federal Fossil Fuel Subsidies to rebuilding an aging, crumbling energy grid.
This program could parallel the excitement of JFK’s “Space Race”. It would create jobs, it would unify us, it would make us proud.
In 2023, wind produced 59% of Iowa’s electricity needs. (No crazy whales here)
I look forward to being proud of American again. In the meantime, the rest of the world is getting it – and getting it done. Just something hopeful for your day. We are more than Americans. We are Earthlings.
In the comments section of today’s Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters from an American” a person named Kathy (an astute regular on that Substack) suggested the following: ”I get your point, I think mixed economies work best.”
My brain exploded with agreement. And then as the dust settled, it came to me.
Democrats are finally drawing a line in the sand and the issue is the unaffordability of healthcare. For over 20 million Americans in the health insurance market, premiums are about to become impossible to pay or at a minimum cripple spending on other items like food, rent, utilities – forget fun stuff.
My emotional yet totally logical response to Kathy: Indeed. Finland. Very high taxes. Very strong social services system. Thriving private enterprise. Happiest people on the planet.
It is not rocket science.
Capitalism is designed to develop businesses to create and distribute products and services. When regulated for concerns for the environment, workers rights and monopolies…it can perform beautifully.
Socialism is designed to do what Lincoln referenced: “Do for the people what they can’t do for themselves.” Socialism is simply thinking like a village of old (a nice one). When someone’s barn burns down, they rebuild it. When a mother is ill, other mothers help. When the main breadwinner is hurt in an accident, neighbors bring food and help pay the doc.
It’s so fracking simple and logical …. it defies reason and compassion that we won’t, we refuse to learn from the obvious successes of other older countries.
And so. Now is the time for Democrats to stake out the logical, loving, compassionate – COST EFFICIENT – effective and well tested program called Medicare for ALL.
America knows best how to leave you in the dust
Republicans went way, way, way, WAY extremely right and libertarian, “every man for himself”, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps even if you don’t have any boots, sorry, your fault, you must be lazy or non-white”. Women’s reproductive health in the waste bin. Hospitals closing. Docs and nurses burning out. ER waits escalating. Have you been to one lately? Don’t.
And we Democrats hover around in this fuzzy middle ground afraid to be too extreme. Dithering, delaying, clutching our pearls, afraid to offend the “moderates”. BTW, moderates use the ER, too.
Holy shite. What will it take?
People whine about the “extremism on both sides”. Bullcrap. Places like Finland are right down the middle, sensible and frankly a lot more efficient at taking care of each other. And why isn’t that the banner, the central platform, the MESSAGE?
Why don’t Democrats simply lay it out there. Capitalism without the balance of regulation and without worker involvement is feudalism. Socialism without democracy (like China) is slavery.
It is not rocket science. Every other major developed country provides their citizens with some form of universal health care. There are flaws in every one of those programs. We think we are smarter than every other country. Certainly we could harvest all the best aspects of those programs and create the best health plan ever imagined. Because we are exceptional, right?
Health care is a human right! Especially in the richest nation to have ever existed. To deny this is immoral and frankly stupidly inefficient. Unless, of course, we think the ER is a good health care plan.
Universal healthcare is the platform to win on. If we had the guts to adopt it. Here is a billboard:
“Please name the person you know who should die early in America because she couldn’t afford a doctor.”
or
“Thune and Schumer have healthcare – the best available. How’s yours? Are they really more valuable and important than your family?”
THE BIG LESSON: A minority of EXTREME Republicans have taken over this nation. We, the vast MAJORITY, have let it happen because we didn’t offer a clear alternative.
That alternative is sitting on a shelf. We simply won’t grab it and run with it. Bernie is testing it all across the country. Red state citizens are applauding him.
We could simply copy the following speech and put our names on it.
Bernie suggests that a single state take the lead. Interesting. How about it, Gavin?
Redwood section at the end of this post. You will like it.
A writer is a harvester of ideas. Like a farmer pulling crops. What follows are my crops for this week. Two parts. Coping and Hoping. The crisis is escalating. But the voices for democracy, decency and freedom of speech are getting louder.
The slippery slope of a slide to dictatorship has been greased and people are being thrown down it like sacrificial virgins into a volcano. “It’s God’s will”, they say. But you don’t need me to tell you how bad things are.
As I scan the world now, during this terrifying and depressing time, I’m looking for the events and ideas that are hopeful and helpful.
In my opinion, first we need to cope and then we need to find hope.
Part 1 – Coping
Dino Alonso writes a couple of Substacks. They are thoughtful and helpful. His worldview is realistic and solution based. I might not align with every bit of his spiritual philosophy but I completely mesh with his humanity and spirit of good will. He offers a coping mechanism for the onslaught of insanity and cruelty from the Trump maladministration:
”Living Beyond the Empire’s Clock:
Rejecting the urgency of the news cycle and reclaiming time for moral work that outlasts regimes”
”…..Another executive decree from a president who thrives on chaos. Another Supreme Court ruling, dropped without warning, overturning decades in a single sentence. Another scandal cooked up to fill airtime. It feels as though every morning begins in crisis and ends in exhaustion.
Maybe you know this feeling: the chest tightens, the mind races, and every headline shouts that this—right now, this hour—is the breaking point. But I’ve started to recognize the pattern. This isn’t just anxiety; it’s tempo. A deliberate, manufactured rhythm meant to keep me off-balance.
I call it the Empire’s clock. A ticking machine designed to make us shallow, reactive, and tired before we even start.”
My comment to Dino: Old clocks had pendulums. We have my grandparents “Grandfather clock”. Made of curly maple in the 18th century. It has wooden works. And it has a pendulum. I don’t run the clock much, the gears, the ticking and the bell ringing are much too loud. But I plan to get it going again when the pendulum of justice really begins its swing back.
It’s just a feeling. Not enough facts. Just intuition that is as often wrong as it is right. But a few things are giving me indicators. Maybe the return of the pendulum is about to begin…
Part 2 – Hope: section a
Trump and Hegseth once again embarrassed themselves on the international stage by displaying their stupidity and incompetence. They gathered together 800 of our top military officers – essentially the total command of our armed forces – and put them in one room. That was just plain idiotic. A terrorist enemy leveled two World Trade center buildings and a kid blew up a Federal building in Oklahoma. And/or what if there were several attacks on US assets and/or our allies – simultaneously, would our military leadership be there to respond?
Why is this event in the Hope section? 1. The generals and admirals did not applaud the Secretary of Defense or the President of the United States as they ranted their ignorant bigoted vitriol. 2. The anonymous comments from attendees were: “This was a waste of time…it could been in an email.” 3. The expressions on the faces of the men and women who had built their careers by actually being warriors were telling. No smiles, no expressions of agreement. Just stone cold stares. And a few looks that suggested amazement and disgust.
Part 2 – Hope: section b Senate and House Democrats are now vehemently and accurately making the case that the Republicons believe that the Health and Wellbeing of Americans is less important than huge tax gifts to the super wealthy. The have FINALLY shifted the blame for the rigged, punishingly poor health care system to where it belongs – in the hands of MAGA Republicans.
Schumer and Jeffries have stepped up. Jeffries in particular has found his voice. Regardless of how this government shutdown flows or is resolved, Democrats have finally found their voices and are using them. This reminds me of union members on a picket line. Despite causing themselves temporary harm, they would fight for the big picture and a fair deal. KUDOS.
Part 3 – Hope: section c Out of the blue, a Hollywood Rebel stakes out her position and gets enormous support from her colleagues. I haven’t always been a fan of everything Jane Fonda has done. But she is three things: Very talented in acting and speaking from the heart. Respected by her fellow Hollywood workers. A powerful advocate for our right to freedom of speech – just like her Dad.
Part 4 – Hope: section d “Climate Forward” Interview with one of my heroes, Senator Brian Schatz. He joins Senator Chris Murphy as they talk of economic/sensible justice. Did you know that there is a new practical way to talk about sustainable energy production? A way that ALL Americans can understand and support?
Part 4 – Hope: section e: The Spirit of Daniel Berrigan lives on… If pressed for time, fast forward to about the 3:15 spot on the video.
Part 5 – Tree stuff as promised: (posted on Substack by Tracy Chrest)
“Most people think sequoias survive because they’re massive.
But that’s not even close to the real reason.
If you’ve ever had the privilege standing beside one of these giants, you’ll find it hard NOT to think of resilience.
These trees can live through droughts, fires, storms, and climate shifts that would kill almost anything else.
But as an engineer this is what I’m fixated on:
The tallest tree in the world has roots that only go 6-12 feet deep.
That should be impossible. A 300-foot tree with shallow roots makes no sense from an engineering perspective.
But… Sequoias don’t survive alone.
Their root systems spread 50-80 feet wide and interweave with every other sequoia around them.
They share nutrients, water, and structural support. When storms come in, they support each other.
The forest is the system: Not the individual trees.
I couldn’t stop thinking about this.
Most people try to build resilience by making themselves bigger, stronger, more independent. They stockpile resources, they build higher walls, they go it alone.
But the most resilient systems in nature are interconnected.
Maybe the question isn’t “how do I become more self-sufficient?” but “how do I become more meaningfully connected to the right systems?””
Aaron Sorkin gave us “Newsroom” and “The West Wing” – creating some the best TV ever made.
Part 1 – The Truth
IMO, one of the greatest TV series is “Newsroom”. It was one of the few that deserved more seasons. Jeff Daniels (portraying a popular news anchor) delivered this impassioned speech during a college panel discussion. This clip is from 2012 but is a perfect response for right now. It brings tears to my eyes.
Part 2 – The Darkness
The Fascists are setting a course for America that is embarrassing at its best and criminal at its worst. MAGA is ignoring established science and accepted medical research. Project 2025 is a war on the people and the planet. The country that had been admired and respected is now a pariah.
How bad is bad? Read this article from the Guardian: Tipping Points. ”A climate communications expert, Genevieve Guenther, who explained why talking about tipping points is a powerful way to counteract the narrative that the climate threat is under control. She also spoke to scientists about what these moments may mean for the collapse of coral reefs, the future of the Amazon rainforest and the sudden, enormous drop in levels of polar ice. As well as sharing their scientific expertise, all the scientists talked about how it makes them feel to watch their particular area of study hurtle towards a cliff edge.
As Guenther put it: “the children we have in our homes today are threatened with a chaotic, disastrous, unliveable future.”
Makes you want to scream? I’m with you. But guess what?
Part 3 – The Chaos
Ironically, the “Fossil Fascists” are as frustrated as you and I! The chaos of the Trump policies on energy are making American oil companies crazy with confusion. They would love to drill more but Trump is making it less profitable. If this continues, would it be a surprise if we see more wind and sun farms? Read this: Oil and Gas Begins to Push Back…
Part 4 – A “Big Picture” View
I came across a video that looks at the Climate Issue from a global perspective.
If you have 20 minutes or so, it is truly worth viewing. If you are short of time, fast forward to the 9 minute point. Or jump in at the 12 minute point for some facts about what is happening around the world. I came away more hopeful.
America isn’t leading. But much the rest of the world are acting like adults. We are an important part of the planet’s future – but only about 1/8th of the carbon footprint. Other countries are making big changes for practical reasons. They are saving the planet. Largely because sustainable “green” energy sources are becoming economically more viable – they are now cheaper.
For now and sadly, we exist in our own “American Exceptionalist Bubble”. We think the Universe spins around “Mericuns”. Our isolation should embarrass us.
But on my most hopeful days, I reassure myself that economics are like water which “always finds its level”. Financial market experts frequently say “Everything always reverts to the mean.” So ultimately, regardless of political persuasion, money is money. These “American Dark Ages” will come to an end.
Wind turbine and solar technology can deliver electricity cheaper with less negative impacts. There is an explosive growth of demand for electricity from AI centers and Crypto mining – testing the limits of our electric grid. Wind and solar are the sources that can be built and brought on line fastests. Business logic will supercede ideology.
“Wall Street” 1987 – Gordon Gekko
Maybe, American “business people” will eventually reverse this insane course of embracing fossil fuels. If you believe that money is the primary driver for the Oligarchs, sustainable energy production with it’s lower costs and higher efficiency will be their choice. Not because of benevolence. Because they live the phrase made famous by Gordon Gekko: “Greed is Good”.
Part 5 – Finding Optimism
In this time of attacks on all things good, I think Mental Health is best achieved by finding the balance in our brains. For me, that includes occasional rants about the unbelievably cruel and stupid policies of this maladministration. The horrors of the Stephen Millers and Russell Voughts need to be reacted to and condemned. Here is a read that might fill that bill for you today.
But once I have vented, I open myself to other new possibilities. Every dictator has an expiration date. The pendulum swings both ways. We were an “America First” nation before and we ultimately rejected it more than once. This time will also pass.
We will rejoin the world, admit our mistakes, and once again lead with our technology, common sense, deep resources and good will. Believe.
Part 1 – A reflection I live in New England. When I hear a Southern accent, a stereotype jumps into my head. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t like it. It is just embedded. I often hear my fellow Northern residents make wiseass remarks about Southern accents. There is some form of an ingrained bigotry that I think is shared to some degree by most of us. I am also sure when some folks in the South hear a Boston or NYC accent, they have a similar reaction. It’s an automatic “othering”. What is your first reaction when you hear an Irish, British or Australian accent? Indian or Chinese? I think most of us have an image or a sweeping generalization pop into our heads based on age old stereotypes and tropes.
We KNOW that we shouldn’t judge people simply by their regional accent. But I think it is rare person who doesn’t feel that occasionally.
We must discipline ourselves to shut that down and listen. Bigotry is not our friend. Its a product of political propaganda. It’s historical sources are multiple. But that’s not a good excuse.
I am encountering wonderful and bright people with rich Southern accents. The short video that follows is an example. This Southern Guy has ethics, standards and a wonderful way with words. And guts.
Part Two – Wrecking a Region One of the great tragedies of our time is polarization. We are hardening our positions every day. The President of the United States is hammering us with Red vs Blue scenarios and sweeping generalizations about one state or another. And now we think the MAGA Oligarchs have a lock on certain states. Not true.
West Virginia is thought of as a “solid red state”. But that has only been true in the last 25 years. Until George W. Bush won the state in 2000, West Virginia had been in the hands of Democrats for generations. The West Virginia switch from Democrat to Republican was one of the most dramatic political shifts in the country. Trump won the state by a margin of 40 points.
Why? Because Democrats abandoned the state. We championed environmental regulations that decimated the coal industry and destroyed employment. Many people in the state either worked at the mines, had jobs associated with mines or served the people who were on the mine payrolls. So it wasn’t just the just miners we ignored. It was the coffee shops, the hairdressers, the auto dealers and repair shops, the insurance agencies, the small banks…getting the picture? The ripple effect of destroying an industry was more like an economic tsunami. It was the decimation of a culture and a region. It was a massive disemployment project.
Should coal mining be shut down. Yes! The environmental impact on the region and the world’s climate has to be the top priority. The damage done to the countryside of states like West Virginia is despicable and sometimes straight up deadly. Coal needs to stay in the ground. It has no future as a fuel. All other sources of electricity generation are cheaper and less harmful.
But we walked away from a lot of people who had built their lives around this industry – for several generations. The term “redneck” goes back to the early days of the The United Mine Workers fighting for their rights to safer conditions, weekends off and all manner of what we would consider basic humane employment. Union people who were Democrats. Rednecks because they wore red scarves as a sign of solidarity. Democrats!
Part 3 – More Betrayal Bill Clinton won states like West Virginia twice. A president of relatively humble beginnings with a southern accent. Did this Democrat stand up for this region and the workers that modern science and industry were about to disenfranchise? Nope. In fact, he doubled down on policies that ruined the lives of working class Americans – Democrats! He signed on to the NAFTA agreement that would encourage companies to offshore manufacturing. He helped destroy small cities and rural towns all across the country by assisting the oligarchs in moving manufacturing overseas.
I think that the people in less developed nations deserve a good life too. I am a globalist. The jobs we sent overseas pulled millions of people out of abject poverty. All humans have equal value and rights. This agnostic reminds the faithful that this concept is at the core of every major religion on the planet. Jesus didn’t care about our nationality, language, or accent…
So we could see how NAFTA and a vigorous Environmental Protection Agency is good for the greatest number of Earthlings. More jobs for the world’s poverty stricken and less damage to the planet. Great.
But what about our towns that existed only because of those industries that would be shuttered or shipped overseas? Oops. Democrats left them in the dust and created a political vacuum. And you know who filled it. As Clinton helped companies ship out jobs (while getting blow jobs), Rush Limbaugh verbalized the pain. The radical right wingers were given a gift. The tragedy of all this is Shakespearean and was so sadly quite preventable.
Democrats could have championed workers rights by demanding that the companies leaving small town America provide more in support. Money for mortgages while retraining for new work. Money for relocation to where those new jobs existed. Company money that could have been matched by Federal dollars. Seed money for new small businesses that could serve the world using the internet to market their goods or services. Money to jump start new factories, farms or other enterprises.
Instead, the companies used their escalating profits to reward their stockholders and top executives. Bigger dividends for the affluent and stock buybacks to boost the value of stocks as enormous gifts of stock options were exercised.
The abandoned workers found what work they could at dramatically lower wages or simple survived on unemployment, welfare and SNAP food assistance. The drug epidemic exploded as oligarchs flooded the towns with narcotics. A desperate and discouraged generation found solace in getting high – often dying in the process.
We spend billions helping oil companies with subsidies for drilling and billions for giant agribusinesses to not grow crops. We give billions for drug researchers so pharmaceutical companies can make many billions more – for their owners and shareholders. How about a few bucks for the people!?
Another Democrat.I admire Barack Obama for many, many reasons. But he did the same damn thing. The Great Recession of 2008 is STILL being felt by Americans who were swindled with mortgages from Hell. Who got bailed out? Was it the steel worker or the Amazon warehouse worker or the auto mechanic…? Nope. It was the giant banks and insurance companies. Remind me again why they would vote for a Democrat.
Part 3 – Hope
We can expand this lead by becoming the “Democratic Workers Party” – if not in name – in principle!
There IS a path for Democrats – a path to regaining the support and votes of the working class. The path has been lit by a psychopathic and demented president. Virtually every policy, executive order, piece of legislation, international position (tariffs) and pompous public statement by “47” has been a negative for Americans. The cost of housing is beyond belief. Hospitals are closing. People are about to lose health insurance or watch their premiums go up. The price of food is out of control. Inflation is GROWING.
Utility bills will escalate as sustainable methods of electricity generation are shut down. AI and Crypto mining are sucking up enormous amounts of electricity – and the supply of electricity is being restrained by the demented one. An almost complete wind energy project that would have served 350,000 homes was shut down because one ignorant idiot doesn’t like looking at wind turbines. People’s lives are getting WORSE.
But we can’t rely on the Extremist Cult of Project 2025 and an addled angry president to defeat themselves. Their Propaganda Plan of Othering is very effective.
How can we reconnect with the people we abandoned – the hard working, poverty stricken – yet proud people of the region decimated by national policies?
Watch how it should be done:
Now let’s ask ourselves: Why is it an Independent Senator who is touring the country supporting “Working Class Rights” and “Economic Justice” and not these guys?
Democratic Voter to Schumer and Jeffries. Get out of your DC Bubble as soon as you can. Hit the trail or step aside. Bernie has written your script. Time for you to find the people where they are living and suffering. Even Red States can now be won with some down to Earth conversations and practical policies.
Normally I post a letter only twice a week. Today just offers a midweek visual for your entertainment. I couldn’t resist sharing. And then a quick quiz.
Latest edition arrived yesterday
Why did I go to Staples yesterday and buy a bag of these in multiple colors? The answer is below if you are stumped.
And…How Democrats Must Plan for the Presidency – Now!
Today’s letter is not all about oysters. But they are one of my favorite culinary treats. As a new Englander, I prefer our cold water shellfish. But I do like them all, wherever they are from. Back to oysters in a minute.
I am excited. Two people have declared their candidacy for the U.S. Senate that inspire me. One is an old timer with a sterling reputation for worker rights. The other IS A WORKER with an interesting background.
Sherrod Brown served as a Senator from Ohio from 2007 to 2025. He is ready to do it again. Why? Listen to Heather Cox Richardson’s interview with him! Brown can attract people from all parties as well Independents. He connects with working people on subjects that really matter to them. The basics of life. Healthcare, food security, housing costs and “The Dignity of Work”. Brown is very popular in Ohio. He had been elected when Ohio also chose a Republican governor. He’s the real thing.
And that is the thread of this letter. Democrats need to shed the billionaires and connect with real people. The vast majority who are suffering.
And…of course, Heather is from Maine. Where someone less familiar has announced a run against Senator Susan Collins. Mainers are very independent and feisty. I think they will like Graham Platner. He is an oyster farmer and a veteran. Works for me!
“Maine oyster farmer wants to upend Democratic politics with Senate bid.”
“I’m not fooled by this fake charade of Collins’ deliberations and moderation,” he said in a campaign kickoff video. “The difference between Susan Collins and Ted Cruz is at least Ted Cruz is honest about selling us out and not giving a damn.”
Platner is running on several progressive tenets — though he rejects the label “liberal” — and his announcement sets up the possibility of a clash between Democratic Party factions over generational change, Israel and other issues. In an interview with POLITICO, Platner said he would not support Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader if Democrats managed to take back control in the 2026 midterm elections.
“The next leader needs to be one of vision and also somebody who is willing to fight,” he said. “And I am not seeing either of those things coming out of the current Democratic leadership in the Senate.”
And then:
Watching calmly as the Nation burns
Let’s assume the Democrats retake the House of Representatives AND the Senate – albeit by a razor thin margin. Task number one is to change out the leadership. Jeffries and Schumer have served in those roles long enough. Too long perhaps. Americans are outraged at this administration. We would like to see Congressional leaders be at least as demonstrative as Blue State governors.
With both houses of Congress under our control, Trump can be impeached. By a year from now there could be enough Republican Senators who will face major outrage in their states. People are ANGRY about the price of food, utilities, home insurance, hospitals closing, the impossibility of home ownership and troops in their cities.
This outrage will haunt MAGA senators every day wherever they go. The people will demand change. Democrats must seize the day!
Of course, JD Vance would assume the role of Dictator immediately. But he can be impeached for many of the same offenses. Out with both of them.
Next in the line of succession to the presidency is the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Democrats need to plan for this possibility. Plan for the presidency. Is Hakeem Jeffries the right choice? No. Is he a decent guy who is on the right side of most issues? Yes. But he has the charisma of a sleepy tortoise.
Who could replace Jeffries? Listen to the House Democratic Whip. Katherine Clark is not a spotlight seeker, so you may not know her well. So listen to her articulate the Democratic response to the current series of obscenities thrust upon us by MAGA.
And who should replace Schumer? A logical choice is the Senate Democratic Whip. Brian Schatz can speak speak truth to power.
”This fascist moment, this age of Trump, demands outspoken, unrelenting and fearless opposition. We all deserve better.”
But Clark and Schatz are just two possibilities. Do you have any favorites? In the House:Raskin, Swalwell or Moulton? For stirring speeches, turn to Stansbury and Crockett! For the Senate: Schiff, Murphy or Booker? The Democratic bench is deep and will only get stronger with new faces next year.
It’s time to turn the page, turn the tide and embrace leaders with fire in their bellies. Leaders who will identify with the pain across America. Who battle for the working class – meaning anyone with a job that has income as opposed to the tax avoiding, election buying oligarchs .
You’ll know if the chef understands oysters by the color. These look just right. The art is to know just when to pull them from the frier (as with calamari and clams). Any darker than this? Perhaps send them back.
OK, maybe raw seafood isn’t your thing. The second best way to enjoy oysters is fried. Notice how plump these are. Crunch and a gush ocean flavor is yours.
Bill's Focus 