“Democrats need to make more noise,” Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) told Greg Sargent of the Washington Post. “We have to scream from the rooftops, because this is a battle for the free world now.” Sargent interviewed Schatz after the senator called out Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) on the floor of the Senate on April 7 for the profound disconnect between the Republican senator’s speeches and his actions. Hawley has placed a hold on President Joe Biden’s uncontroversial nominee for an assistant secretary of defense, saying that Biden’s support for Ukraine was “wavering” and that he wasn’t doing enough.
Meantime, in Oregon, we have Senators Wyden and Merkley holding town halls in every county every year, in person or via Zoom. We have glorious vote-by-mail for every election. We get voter information pamphlets in the mail printed by local and state government with details about candidates and issues on the ballot. Most Oregonians work hard to defend and keep democracy in Oregon.
Isn’t it time we confront the uncomfortable truth that the Supreme Court has been taken over by extremists who are ignoring norms, precedents, and amendments to the Constitution? Their goal is to unravel the United States by ignoring decades and in some cases more than a century of settled law.
This majority is a clear and present danger to the hard-won rights that protect people everywhere. And to what end? Creation of authoritarian white “Christian” states?
Do Texas residents know what Abbott is doing? Are Texas journalists reporting on his cynical use of government power? If people are siloed in the news they take in, how can Abbott's opponents get their message out? Most important, do Texans care?
Same questions for Missouri residents about Josh Hawley.
Same questions for Americans supporting Boebert, Gosar, Greene, Cruz, and other conspiracy promoters and demagogues in office.
I would encourage everyone in Texas and elsewhere to support Beto O'Rourke for Governor of Texas. And vote the Republicans out of the state legislature so Beto's administration can move forward and restore the rights of Texas women and LGQBTs.
"Hawley is not the only Republican these days operating in bad faith."
These days?
At least, ever since Mitch McConnell branded the GOP as the Party of No, Republicans have been operating in bad faith. One can also argue that all GOP justices embracing 'originalism' are operating in bad faith. As strange as it sounds, Richard Nixon may be the last Republican president to act in good faith regarding the functions of the executive branch.
I’m sitting in my living room reading today’s Letter filled with rage over the malevolent, baseless and deliberate sabotage of our government and society and even more anger over my sense of impotence to do anything about it!
I read articles and blogs, not the least of which is Letters from an American, where cooler heads and well-informed voices tell us all is not lost, there is a path out of the morass we are drowning in. But, every day brings to light new Republican shenanigans and with Russia seeming to push as hard as it can to start WWIII, there is no end of delight the Republican “Squad” has in using the worst news to their best advantage.
Just as the world watches in horror as Russia commits heinous genocide and feels helpless to actively engage inside Ukraine, I feel equally helpless. I can attend protest rallies. I can organize events with speakers to inform people of the danger our country is in. I can try to raise money for my Congressional candidates. But, what can I do in my small state to mitigate or, preferably, stop the evil behavior of lawmakers in other, bigger states? I have no more money to donate to worthy candidates and causes. I am not in good enough physical health to be able to march or protest or even make a significant impact at an office organization.
Here I sit in my living room enraged with my helplessness and hopelessness, fearing that in my lifetime I will watch my beloved United States be trashed and destroyed by political malcontents.
That the media is sooo easily distracted by Texas Gov. Abbott stunts to deflect attention from his failures, a ploy taken out of the Trump 'playbook', is a testament to the media's failure to report what is important as opposed to being drooling 'click bait' hounds.
"On April 6, five Supreme Court justices agreed to reinstate a Trump-era rule that limits the ability of states to block projects that pollute their rivers and streams."
Really?!
"The court did so under the so-called “shadow docket,” a form of decision previously used to address emergencies, in which the court makes a decision without arguments or written explanations."
Can someone please show us where, in the 'original' Constitution, does it say the highest court in the land can make 'decisions "without arguments or written explanations" ...?!
"Last week, Chief Justice John Roberts indicated just how far off the rails the current Supreme Court has slid when he joined the dissent against the majority’s decision out of concern for the use of this shadow docket as a way to hand down unbriefed and unexplained decisions."
Thank you Chief Justice Roberts. Now, does your title and position of Chief Justice empower you to challenge and reverse the rulings of these "activist judges legislating from the bench?" Or, is it just a meaningless title - and 'the law', another empty platitude to be used as a devise to undermine laws of common sense and decency ...?
Tonight's post demonstrates that there is not one single Republican office-holder inside the United States, from town dog catcher to US Senator, who would not improve things with their permanent departure.
Thank you for these daily overviews. I so look forward to them!
Historically, we’ve had the tendency to pull together during war time and clearly that’s not how Republicans are playing now. Are there laws that prohibit some of their more obstreperous behaviors, such as interfering with international commerce or blocking executive appointments? I’m asking because there seems no bottom to their treachery.
OMG...please help me understand how the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who should have considerable authority over the conduct of the court, has to line up with the minority against the use of the "shadow docket" in rendering decisions. No open deliberation, no written opinions sounds far more like the Supreme Court in Iran than the USA. As the behavior slowly becomes more extreme, the remedies will also have to become more extreme. The mid-terms are looking more and more critical with respect to all manner of solutions for malfunction in all 3 houses of Government. How will we get back to an honest-to-goodness actual filibuster, instead of the mere threat of one? How will we compel the highest justices in the land to steer clear of even the impression of partisan, back room tactics in adjudicating the law? How much of a congressional majority will be required to rebalance the court by growing its numbers by another 4-5 members? And, how can truth somehow become the stock-in-trade on the floor and offices of the Senate and House? What is the solution when one team AND the referees decide to ignore the rules of the game? How much can the administration accomplish without the cooperation of Congress? Can appellate courts actively avoid referral of the most consequential cases to the Supreme Court? When the pillars of democracy start shaking, the potential solutions look increasingly undemocratic. Perhaps the only solution is the most massive get-out-the vote drives the country has ever seen.
Yesterday I drove to Frankfort KY to join the protest with Planned Parenthood. The Republican held legislature overrode the Governor's veto of HB3 - which imposed Mississippi style abortion restrictions. I went for my daughter.
Here's the good news. Last fall my daughter (freshman) was part of a 3 day counter protest against group was displaying triggering signs of aborted fetuses and making false claims....
The Planned Parenthood organizer said that the counter protests in Murray were the first ~organic~ counter protest in the state. A student lead pro choice protest had never happened in Kentucky. PP joined the student protests for days 2 and 3.
It's time to take to the streets. Just need clear messaging to counter the feel good lies of Putin's GOP.
Good morning Heather. Thank you for these difficult-to-read bullet points. I will repost on LinkedIn. I also want to share how much the new letter of the 11th meant to me because of all of the dialogue between members. I am going to reread each of the posts and replies over and over as well as read the suggested books. What we need to do is turn this group into a powerful, unified voice. I am on Twitter and Instagram souly for the purpose of sharing these truths and supporting others doing the same. The opposition is armed with lies that seem to have more appeal. It's easier to hate and blame ¨liberals´ than understand that your liberties and rights will also be taken away as the right gains power.
Repubs are wasting time and funding with their high drama and theatrical opposition to Biden’s support for Ukraine, for necessary environmental regulations, nominations for key government positions, family friendly legislation. Whatever legislation that helps the people, repubs continue blocking and distorting and lying so little progress can happen. This is not about budgets, it’s about sabotage of government. Yesterday we learned more about FDR and his New Deal. With inflation and Repub opposition we continue the old deal of back room governing.
Meantime, in Oregon, we have Senators Wyden and Merkley holding town halls in every county every year, in person or via Zoom. We have glorious vote-by-mail for every election. We get voter information pamphlets in the mail printed by local and state government with details about candidates and issues on the ballot. Most Oregonians work hard to defend and keep democracy in Oregon.
Isn’t it time we confront the uncomfortable truth that the Supreme Court has been taken over by extremists who are ignoring norms, precedents, and amendments to the Constitution? Their goal is to unravel the United States by ignoring decades and in some cases more than a century of settled law.
This majority is a clear and present danger to the hard-won rights that protect people everywhere. And to what end? Creation of authoritarian white “Christian” states?
I heard Beto o’Rourke speak today. I am supporting him however I can even though I live in Oregon. He needs to replace Abbott!! Full Stop!!
Do Texas residents know what Abbott is doing? Are Texas journalists reporting on his cynical use of government power? If people are siloed in the news they take in, how can Abbott's opponents get their message out? Most important, do Texans care?
Same questions for Missouri residents about Josh Hawley.
Same questions for Americans supporting Boebert, Gosar, Greene, Cruz, and other conspiracy promoters and demagogues in office.
I would encourage everyone in Texas and elsewhere to support Beto O'Rourke for Governor of Texas. And vote the Republicans out of the state legislature so Beto's administration can move forward and restore the rights of Texas women and LGQBTs.
"Hawley is not the only Republican these days operating in bad faith."
These days?
At least, ever since Mitch McConnell branded the GOP as the Party of No, Republicans have been operating in bad faith. One can also argue that all GOP justices embracing 'originalism' are operating in bad faith. As strange as it sounds, Richard Nixon may be the last Republican president to act in good faith regarding the functions of the executive branch.
That accounts for all three branches.
I’m sitting in my living room reading today’s Letter filled with rage over the malevolent, baseless and deliberate sabotage of our government and society and even more anger over my sense of impotence to do anything about it!
I read articles and blogs, not the least of which is Letters from an American, where cooler heads and well-informed voices tell us all is not lost, there is a path out of the morass we are drowning in. But, every day brings to light new Republican shenanigans and with Russia seeming to push as hard as it can to start WWIII, there is no end of delight the Republican “Squad” has in using the worst news to their best advantage.
Just as the world watches in horror as Russia commits heinous genocide and feels helpless to actively engage inside Ukraine, I feel equally helpless. I can attend protest rallies. I can organize events with speakers to inform people of the danger our country is in. I can try to raise money for my Congressional candidates. But, what can I do in my small state to mitigate or, preferably, stop the evil behavior of lawmakers in other, bigger states? I have no more money to donate to worthy candidates and causes. I am not in good enough physical health to be able to march or protest or even make a significant impact at an office organization.
Here I sit in my living room enraged with my helplessness and hopelessness, fearing that in my lifetime I will watch my beloved United States be trashed and destroyed by political malcontents.
That the media is sooo easily distracted by Texas Gov. Abbott stunts to deflect attention from his failures, a ploy taken out of the Trump 'playbook', is a testament to the media's failure to report what is important as opposed to being drooling 'click bait' hounds.
"On April 6, five Supreme Court justices agreed to reinstate a Trump-era rule that limits the ability of states to block projects that pollute their rivers and streams."
Really?!
"The court did so under the so-called “shadow docket,” a form of decision previously used to address emergencies, in which the court makes a decision without arguments or written explanations."
Can someone please show us where, in the 'original' Constitution, does it say the highest court in the land can make 'decisions "without arguments or written explanations" ...?!
"Last week, Chief Justice John Roberts indicated just how far off the rails the current Supreme Court has slid when he joined the dissent against the majority’s decision out of concern for the use of this shadow docket as a way to hand down unbriefed and unexplained decisions."
Thank you Chief Justice Roberts. Now, does your title and position of Chief Justice empower you to challenge and reverse the rulings of these "activist judges legislating from the bench?" Or, is it just a meaningless title - and 'the law', another empty platitude to be used as a devise to undermine laws of common sense and decency ...?
Abbott has GOT to go! EVERYTHING he does now is a publicity stunt and all at the expense of hardworking Americans.
Tonight's post demonstrates that there is not one single Republican office-holder inside the United States, from town dog catcher to US Senator, who would not improve things with their permanent departure.
And not just from office.
As well their voters.
Hello Heather,
Thank you for these daily overviews. I so look forward to them!
Historically, we’ve had the tendency to pull together during war time and clearly that’s not how Republicans are playing now. Are there laws that prohibit some of their more obstreperous behaviors, such as interfering with international commerce or blocking executive appointments? I’m asking because there seems no bottom to their treachery.
Thank you again.
OMG...please help me understand how the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who should have considerable authority over the conduct of the court, has to line up with the minority against the use of the "shadow docket" in rendering decisions. No open deliberation, no written opinions sounds far more like the Supreme Court in Iran than the USA. As the behavior slowly becomes more extreme, the remedies will also have to become more extreme. The mid-terms are looking more and more critical with respect to all manner of solutions for malfunction in all 3 houses of Government. How will we get back to an honest-to-goodness actual filibuster, instead of the mere threat of one? How will we compel the highest justices in the land to steer clear of even the impression of partisan, back room tactics in adjudicating the law? How much of a congressional majority will be required to rebalance the court by growing its numbers by another 4-5 members? And, how can truth somehow become the stock-in-trade on the floor and offices of the Senate and House? What is the solution when one team AND the referees decide to ignore the rules of the game? How much can the administration accomplish without the cooperation of Congress? Can appellate courts actively avoid referral of the most consequential cases to the Supreme Court? When the pillars of democracy start shaking, the potential solutions look increasingly undemocratic. Perhaps the only solution is the most massive get-out-the vote drives the country has ever seen.
Yesterday I drove to Frankfort KY to join the protest with Planned Parenthood. The Republican held legislature overrode the Governor's veto of HB3 - which imposed Mississippi style abortion restrictions. I went for my daughter.
Here's the good news. Last fall my daughter (freshman) was part of a 3 day counter protest against group was displaying triggering signs of aborted fetuses and making false claims....
The Planned Parenthood organizer said that the counter protests in Murray were the first ~organic~ counter protest in the state. A student lead pro choice protest had never happened in Kentucky. PP joined the student protests for days 2 and 3.
It's time to take to the streets. Just need clear messaging to counter the feel good lies of Putin's GOP.
Good morning Heather. Thank you for these difficult-to-read bullet points. I will repost on LinkedIn. I also want to share how much the new letter of the 11th meant to me because of all of the dialogue between members. I am going to reread each of the posts and replies over and over as well as read the suggested books. What we need to do is turn this group into a powerful, unified voice. I am on Twitter and Instagram souly for the purpose of sharing these truths and supporting others doing the same. The opposition is armed with lies that seem to have more appeal. It's easier to hate and blame ¨liberals´ than understand that your liberties and rights will also be taken away as the right gains power.
Repubs are wasting time and funding with their high drama and theatrical opposition to Biden’s support for Ukraine, for necessary environmental regulations, nominations for key government positions, family friendly legislation. Whatever legislation that helps the people, repubs continue blocking and distorting and lying so little progress can happen. This is not about budgets, it’s about sabotage of government. Yesterday we learned more about FDR and his New Deal. With inflation and Repub opposition we continue the old deal of back room governing.