Your continued knowledge Steve is remarkable. Do you even sleep? Everything you share is eye awaking for me. I’m not young and should know a lot of what you share. I hope I live long enough to continue to learn from you. Thank you!!!
Everyone needs to read the article in the Washington Post about Mark Meadows hand in all of this. And Steve Bannon appears to have a hand in the overtaking of government buildings in Brazil today. Beware of those pulling the strings in all of these situations.
Bolsonaro is the orange sadist's identical twin. EVERY action by the O.S. was committed by Bollie, including COVID denier; climate change denier, and loser of the 2022 election. I was thinking how identical the situation is in Brazil to ours in the U.S. The O.S. loses on 11/8/20; the insurrection occurs on 1/6/21. Bollie loses on 10/30/22; the insurrection of their Capitol occurs on 1/8/23.
Got it! (I didn't even notice, to tell the truth!) You can edit your posts here by clicking on the three little dots at the bottom; up pops "Edit Post"; edit and you're done. Took me a while to find it.
Thank you Steve for remembering and for caring. I remember Sam. And Ike and Lyndon. I grew up in a small rural farming community but my mom was a devotee of political watching, like a hawk. The news was on 3 times a day 6 days a week because the weather followed and no farmer wanted to miss that. She even subscribed to the Congressional minutes so she’d know who said what when. The times of my early life were filled with change. The values of Sam Rayburn were the values of my paternal grandparents, whether they knew it or not, and they valued themselves as progressive Democrats who read the newspaper daily to keep up with things. I learned to read from the sports page because I already knew my numbers and figured it would be easier to figure out the letters and words with that much already behind me. The following years brought the world of change you alluded to with enhanced transportation systems, highways & roadways linking every part of the country, and an eye to democracy for all surviving despite the fascistic leanings of a few. But the issues of freedom, fairness & equality for all saw us through the assassinations of J.F.K., Martin Luther Ling and Bobby Kennedy. And the racism &hypocrisy began to crystalize anew with the advent of Dixie rats leaning toward the new, now worse than ever, Republican Party. It was a harsh time despite the advances heralded by our first man from earth walking on the moon and all that followed. We went from rural economies with small family farms to agribusiness and the destruction of 0ur wetlands, plains & mountains with no longer soil conservation practices but huge acres of fields tilled by enormous mechanical monsters ripping up the earth, tearing down mountains in mining ventures, and on and on til today. Yes, I remember Sam. And for the past 6 years the thing that comforted me most was that Nancy Pelosi was 2nd In line to the presidency if worst came to worst. Today, there is no comfort. Only hope, thank you for remembering Sam.
I would like to see a nation of people regardless of party work together to accomplish a common goal/s for the best welfare of the People. Not Dems or Reps but Americans.
Not a "diss" but "Democrats" in Alabama back in the day were different from "Democrats" as we know the term today. Many of them (hopefully none of your relatives) became "Republicans" for the same reason they were "Democrats." From the foundation of the country, there have been three political parties (whatever their names at various times) - the national conservative party, the national progressive party and the Southern party. The two national parties are fairly evenly balanced, so the Southern party allies with whichever one will allow them to continue their "peculiar institutions." Because the South organizes itself as a one-party state, they are the "Solid South" whether Democrat or Republican. The guys like "Mister Sam" were that rare breed of Southerner who think beyond the borders of the South. I've met a few. They didn't rise as far as he did (and if he hadn't defended the Texas oil industry and the cattle industry to the death, he wouldn't have been there a third year), but they're around and they're valuable.
Blessings to you Marva & Steve for remembering Sam Rayburn for those of you who were unaware of what he decently and honestly did for our country…my prayers are for all those
Americans to read learn and stand and take time working for our freedom
Oh Marva, thank you. Your recollections enhanced the information from Steve, and my own knowledge and history. Other than here, among us, are you compiling these memories? I wish I had the stories of my parents and grandparents (all z"l) - who lived through Pogroms, immigration, and all of the changes. Your telling us this has been an added gift.
America is on a slippery slope because of an uneducated and backwards population centered in what is known as the “Bible Belt” the Republican Party has become an evil faction holding the majority hostage. It’s time to beat them at their own game.
Stereotypes like this underestimate the width and depth of this movement, both geographically and demographically. Come to Kevin's district sometime; I will.show you around. We are just a stone's throw from Los Angeles or the Indigo Blue coasts of our state. There are plenty of folks here that fit your description well, but there are also plenty of well educated, wealthy families from the corporate petroleum or agricultural industries. They fly blackened American flags at their homes too, alongside the required Gadsden. They donate, very handsomely, especially when Kevin can sneak people like Pompeo in for an exclusive donor event which includes pastors from our growing Christian Nationalism problems. And we are more than well supplied in sheer numbers of well connected and networked white supremacy groups and militias who are now just very openly strutting around. They are not the "Meal Team Six" stereotype that people unfamiliar with them think.They are solid middle class and higher, live in nice neighborhoods and have good jobs. Their wives and church friends are trying to take over every schoolboard and every county office here. A few succeeded in the midterm; we held the others at bay by a few hundred votes at best.
This is happening in conservative places all over big blue California, and all over the country. They are not the just the "rubes" of social media anymore.
It is dangerous to not understand who these people are.
Amy, my generalization was a bit broad indeed, but make no mistake - I do understand who these people are, they may be educated but many are blinded and poisoned by religion and incapable of separating opinions from truth. Christian nationalism is a scourge upon our society, and not what our founding fathers meant. We are not a Christian nation rather, we are a nation with many Christians. The problem is the Christians want everyone to fall in line under their beliefs, the arrogance of Christian nationalism, that their God is the one true God is insidious and disgusting . Oh, I understand who these people are, and that’s what scares the crap out of me.
They are also the fanatical religious right. Oh, how they want a theocracy. If it were up to these folks, women would be walking around covered from head to toe, made to marry and whom and have child after child. If they could, they would kill (publicly stone) LGBT+ people, and exterminate Muslims, people of color and Jews. This should all sound familiar, the names Hitler, Stalin, and others are mirror by modern-day Saudis, Taliban and Iranian cleric and their like.
Interesting and disparate bedfellows have been cobbled together just as Nixon courted the Evangelical vote back in the day in order to make up lost ground from Kent State (ultimately leading us to Dobbs, unfortunately).
Monied interests intersect with ragey provincialism to beget some interesting coalitions...
The underground connection, supported by the cult mentality, armed, prepped and at the ready better scare the bejezus out of all of us. We best find a way to unify
No worries. I didn't mean to come off as you were wrong, just that there is much more going on than just the Bible Belt Qhristian Republicans. I also just read your second comment above that expands your original thoughts about the issue and I fully agree and see the same here. It is disturbing at best.
How and why there? What started the community that moved so differently than other places? Who were the first? Why there?
How then do we 'understand who these people are'? We can't all visit nor move there to talk with them. Yes, the danger is great and because they appear to be .. well, just as you described v. the stereotypes many have, they can "infiltrate" places where influence is greatest.
Is it complacency that has allowed them to flourish?
Thank you, Steve. I had never seen a list of the progress made by Sam Rayburn and how much of it was during my lifetime.
McCarthy is a political pool boy. He’s truly pathetic and is going to failure spectacularly. He has nothing close to being or behaving like a statesman. Statesmanship is a requirement of the position he unfortunately holds. The Founders have been betrayed.
Heather Cox Richardson, a professor of U.S. History, also has interesting information in "Letters from an American. Reading her "Letters" is like being in a college course. Steve's letters are also informative -- and so eloquent that are a joy to read!
These are my two sponsored Substack subs...worth every penny.
Professor Cox Richardson has provided us with masters level history course that is exceptional beyond measure, and the expressive accuracy of the material here ia priceless.
I subscribe to her, as well! Also to the great Dan Rather, with his 90+ year-old's perspective on current events. Robert Reich's "Office Hours" is my fifth; he was Clinton's Labor Secretary, and a brilliant mind.
Indeed. I recognize your name. Would that I were a quick reader and retainer. I love Reich as well and Rather. So much brilliance and goodness. Surely we can survive. If not we go in stunning company. Indeed. I recognize your name. Would that I were a quick reader and retainer. I love Reich as well and Rather. So much brilliance and goodness. Surely we can survive. If not we go in stunning company.
Kevin McCarthy's "rise" (more like descent) to the office of Speaker is much like the desecration of the Capitol itself on January 6, 2020. The insurrectionist rabble have hijacked the hallowed halls of democracy, and Kevin enables and empowers them in exchange for the opportunity to take cheesy selfies in the Speaker's office. "Mr. Sam" would be horrified.
Kevin's term will be nasty, brutish, and (mercifully) short.
While sewing today, I finished listening to the audio version of Robert Caro’s The Power Broker about Robert Moses, and began listening to Path to Power which is about Lyndon Johnson. The more I learn the more astonished I am at how little I really know about our government, politics, and the influence of politicians. Thank you for contributing to my continuing education.
An amazing piece of writing. Thank you and please keep it up. We need minds like yours to help us understand this moment in our history and prepare us for what is to come. I am 75 and fear for my descendants. May the coming cohorts call these crooks to account!
Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed learning more about Sam Rayburn. What a contrast between he and McCarthy. McCarthy’s legacy will be that he was owned by everyone in order to secure the positions he held. His speakership will be a desperate time for the country as he is weak and will do whatever he has to do to sustain his speakership. It will be a difficult time for America but may demonstrate to our fellow Americans just how far our Republican brothers and sisters have fallen in the effort to retain power. We can only hope this breaks the spell. McCarthy is nothing short of pathetic.
McCarthy was elected Speaker but he will not last. Matt Gaetz will instigate a no confidence vote within months and the sh**show that is the Republican Party will resume its voting follies.
Sam was a man who could not be bought. Kevin is a man who has been bought, paid for, and will go down in history as the only un-American-insurrectionist-supporting Speaker Of The House.
Your continued knowledge Steve is remarkable. Do you even sleep? Everything you share is eye awaking for me. I’m not young and should know a lot of what you share. I hope I live long enough to continue to learn from you. Thank you!!!
My thoughts exactly Mary!
Kevin McCarthy is a cowardly, feckless weasel. Period.
He fears Donald Trump and he fears the voter that reads.
The thing is: what does Donald J. Trump, Sr. have on Kevin McCarthy. Plenty, I would bet.
Yeah, and what does Putin have on tRump? Mob stuff. Dark.
I would like to have the transcripts from Helsinki.
Grounds for life incarceration
And what does monster Mogelivich have on Putin?
Everyone needs to read the article in the Washington Post about Mark Meadows hand in all of this. And Steve Bannon appears to have a hand in the overtaking of government buildings in Brazil today. Beware of those pulling the strings in all of these situations.
Bolsonaro is the orange sadist's identical twin. EVERY action by the O.S. was committed by Bollie, including COVID denier; climate change denier, and loser of the 2022 election. I was thinking how identical the situation is in Brazil to ours in the U.S. The O.S. loses on 11/8/20; the insurrection occurs on 1/6/21. Bollie loses on 10/30/22; the insurrection of their Capitol occurs on 1/8/23.
The two also have a triplet: Victoria Orban.
Where are the assassins when you need them?
How dare you say what we all are thinking. Lol.
You're right. It's quite a gamble.
LOL
The “Victoria” was due to the often frustrating autocorrect. It should have been Viktor.
Got it! (I didn't even notice, to tell the truth!) You can edit your posts here by clicking on the three little dots at the bottom; up pops "Edit Post"; edit and you're done. Took me a while to find it.
Victoria is correct, it's what he acts like.
I'll try not to be offended that you likened an evil extremist to women by virtue of his name.
Autocorrect made a Freudian slip!
Clyde, you are right, sadly.
Steve Bannon is truly evil incarnate. The hatred he holds inside has manifested on his outward appearance as well.
It appears so....
And how many supporters does McCarthy have? Millions. Feckless! Righteous weasels chanting USA, USA,... I hope we don't get the America they deserve!
Thank you Steve for remembering and for caring. I remember Sam. And Ike and Lyndon. I grew up in a small rural farming community but my mom was a devotee of political watching, like a hawk. The news was on 3 times a day 6 days a week because the weather followed and no farmer wanted to miss that. She even subscribed to the Congressional minutes so she’d know who said what when. The times of my early life were filled with change. The values of Sam Rayburn were the values of my paternal grandparents, whether they knew it or not, and they valued themselves as progressive Democrats who read the newspaper daily to keep up with things. I learned to read from the sports page because I already knew my numbers and figured it would be easier to figure out the letters and words with that much already behind me. The following years brought the world of change you alluded to with enhanced transportation systems, highways & roadways linking every part of the country, and an eye to democracy for all surviving despite the fascistic leanings of a few. But the issues of freedom, fairness & equality for all saw us through the assassinations of J.F.K., Martin Luther Ling and Bobby Kennedy. And the racism &hypocrisy began to crystalize anew with the advent of Dixie rats leaning toward the new, now worse than ever, Republican Party. It was a harsh time despite the advances heralded by our first man from earth walking on the moon and all that followed. We went from rural economies with small family farms to agribusiness and the destruction of 0ur wetlands, plains & mountains with no longer soil conservation practices but huge acres of fields tilled by enormous mechanical monsters ripping up the earth, tearing down mountains in mining ventures, and on and on til today. Yes, I remember Sam. And for the past 6 years the thing that comforted me most was that Nancy Pelosi was 2nd In line to the presidency if worst came to worst. Today, there is no comfort. Only hope, thank you for remembering Sam.
Thanks for your wonderful comments!
You have a remarkable background because of your well informed family.
I also grew up on a farm... we were Democrats... in Alabama, believe it or not!
May we both live to see the Democrats return to lead our nation forward!!!!
I would like to see a nation of people regardless of party work together to accomplish a common goal/s for the best welfare of the People. Not Dems or Reps but Americans.
Pipe Dreams I know.
Not a "diss" but "Democrats" in Alabama back in the day were different from "Democrats" as we know the term today. Many of them (hopefully none of your relatives) became "Republicans" for the same reason they were "Democrats." From the foundation of the country, there have been three political parties (whatever their names at various times) - the national conservative party, the national progressive party and the Southern party. The two national parties are fairly evenly balanced, so the Southern party allies with whichever one will allow them to continue their "peculiar institutions." Because the South organizes itself as a one-party state, they are the "Solid South" whether Democrat or Republican. The guys like "Mister Sam" were that rare breed of Southerner who think beyond the borders of the South. I've met a few. They didn't rise as far as he did (and if he hadn't defended the Texas oil industry and the cattle industry to the death, he wouldn't have been there a third year), but they're around and they're valuable.
You’re talking about the Dixiecrats I referenced!
Well, same people but they didn't call themselves that - except in 1948 when the national Democrats first rebelled against the parasite.
Lovely! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. (Your mother was phenomenal!)
Blessings to you Marva & Steve for remembering Sam Rayburn for those of you who were unaware of what he decently and honestly did for our country…my prayers are for all those
Americans to read learn and stand and take time working for our freedom
Oh Marva, thank you. Your recollections enhanced the information from Steve, and my own knowledge and history. Other than here, among us, are you compiling these memories? I wish I had the stories of my parents and grandparents (all z"l) - who lived through Pogroms, immigration, and all of the changes. Your telling us this has been an added gift.
I couldn't agree with you more! I wish that you could have a compilation of your family memories. I'm so sorry.
Beautiful remembrance, a visual memory. So not angry, not at all.
America is on a slippery slope because of an uneducated and backwards population centered in what is known as the “Bible Belt” the Republican Party has become an evil faction holding the majority hostage. It’s time to beat them at their own game.
Stereotypes like this underestimate the width and depth of this movement, both geographically and demographically. Come to Kevin's district sometime; I will.show you around. We are just a stone's throw from Los Angeles or the Indigo Blue coasts of our state. There are plenty of folks here that fit your description well, but there are also plenty of well educated, wealthy families from the corporate petroleum or agricultural industries. They fly blackened American flags at their homes too, alongside the required Gadsden. They donate, very handsomely, especially when Kevin can sneak people like Pompeo in for an exclusive donor event which includes pastors from our growing Christian Nationalism problems. And we are more than well supplied in sheer numbers of well connected and networked white supremacy groups and militias who are now just very openly strutting around. They are not the "Meal Team Six" stereotype that people unfamiliar with them think.They are solid middle class and higher, live in nice neighborhoods and have good jobs. Their wives and church friends are trying to take over every schoolboard and every county office here. A few succeeded in the midterm; we held the others at bay by a few hundred votes at best.
This is happening in conservative places all over big blue California, and all over the country. They are not the just the "rubes" of social media anymore.
It is dangerous to not understand who these people are.
Amy, my generalization was a bit broad indeed, but make no mistake - I do understand who these people are, they may be educated but many are blinded and poisoned by religion and incapable of separating opinions from truth. Christian nationalism is a scourge upon our society, and not what our founding fathers meant. We are not a Christian nation rather, we are a nation with many Christians. The problem is the Christians want everyone to fall in line under their beliefs, the arrogance of Christian nationalism, that their God is the one true God is insidious and disgusting . Oh, I understand who these people are, and that’s what scares the crap out of me.
They are also the fanatical religious right. Oh, how they want a theocracy. If it were up to these folks, women would be walking around covered from head to toe, made to marry and whom and have child after child. If they could, they would kill (publicly stone) LGBT+ people, and exterminate Muslims, people of color and Jews. This should all sound familiar, the names Hitler, Stalin, and others are mirror by modern-day Saudis, Taliban and Iranian cleric and their like.
Interesting and disparate bedfellows have been cobbled together just as Nixon courted the Evangelical vote back in the day in order to make up lost ground from Kent State (ultimately leading us to Dobbs, unfortunately).
Monied interests intersect with ragey provincialism to beget some interesting coalitions...
"Cobbled". That is the perfect word for what's happened over the decades with the repugnicant party.
Completely agree Amy
The underground connection, supported by the cult mentality, armed, prepped and at the ready better scare the bejezus out of all of us. We best find a way to unify
Amy, thank you for explaining this -it certainly helps fill in a more complete picture.
Fascism has a coat of many colors, hates color.
Amy, Reading your comment again, you are on point, thank you for expanding on this.
No worries. I didn't mean to come off as you were wrong, just that there is much more going on than just the Bible Belt Qhristian Republicans. I also just read your second comment above that expands your original thoughts about the issue and I fully agree and see the same here. It is disturbing at best.
My area is full of the folks you talk of. It’s incomprehensible, yet there they are.
Thank you for the added insight. I fear you are correct, and your observations buttress your point.
Amy thank you for bravely giving us a true picture of the reality
We all must face the truth of what we need to face head on.blessings
How and why there? What started the community that moved so differently than other places? Who were the first? Why there?
How then do we 'understand who these people are'? We can't all visit nor move there to talk with them. Yes, the danger is great and because they appear to be .. well, just as you described v. the stereotypes many have, they can "infiltrate" places where influence is greatest.
Is it complacency that has allowed them to flourish?
Thank you, Steve. I had never seen a list of the progress made by Sam Rayburn and how much of it was during my lifetime.
McCarthy is a political pool boy. He’s truly pathetic and is going to failure spectacularly. He has nothing close to being or behaving like a statesman. Statesmanship is a requirement of the position he unfortunately holds. The Founders have been betrayed.
So interesting, Steve. Wow. Can you do more like this? You know, they things they didn’t teach us in school. ❤️
Heather Cox Richardson, a professor of U.S. History, also has interesting information in "Letters from an American. Reading her "Letters" is like being in a college course. Steve's letters are also informative -- and so eloquent that are a joy to read!
These are my two sponsored Substack subs...worth every penny.
Professor Cox Richardson has provided us with masters level history course that is exceptional beyond measure, and the expressive accuracy of the material here ia priceless.
And my third is Joyce Vance with eagle eyed legal analysis of the events.
I subscribe to her, as well! Also to the great Dan Rather, with his 90+ year-old's perspective on current events. Robert Reich's "Office Hours" is my fifth; he was Clinton's Labor Secretary, and a brilliant mind.
So many excellent read....
Indeed. I recognize your name. Would that I were a quick reader and retainer. I love Reich as well and Rather. So much brilliance and goodness. Surely we can survive. If not we go in stunning company. Indeed. I recognize your name. Would that I were a quick reader and retainer. I love Reich as well and Rather. So much brilliance and goodness. Surely we can survive. If not we go in stunning company.
Beautifully expressed! "If not, we go in STUNNING company", indeed!
Yes! You put it into words for me!
Thank you.
Kevin McCarthy's "rise" (more like descent) to the office of Speaker is much like the desecration of the Capitol itself on January 6, 2020. The insurrectionist rabble have hijacked the hallowed halls of democracy, and Kevin enables and empowers them in exchange for the opportunity to take cheesy selfies in the Speaker's office. "Mr. Sam" would be horrified.
Kevin's term will be nasty, brutish, and (mercifully) short.
While sewing today, I finished listening to the audio version of Robert Caro’s The Power Broker about Robert Moses, and began listening to Path to Power which is about Lyndon Johnson. The more I learn the more astonished I am at how little I really know about our government, politics, and the influence of politicians. Thank you for contributing to my continuing education.
Well said!
An amazing piece of writing. Thank you and please keep it up. We need minds like yours to help us understand this moment in our history and prepare us for what is to come. I am 75 and fear for my descendants. May the coming cohorts call these crooks to account!
Wonderful. I’m old enough to remember Mr Sam. Your eloquence is unmatched. Thx.
Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed learning more about Sam Rayburn. What a contrast between he and McCarthy. McCarthy’s legacy will be that he was owned by everyone in order to secure the positions he held. His speakership will be a desperate time for the country as he is weak and will do whatever he has to do to sustain his speakership. It will be a difficult time for America but may demonstrate to our fellow Americans just how far our Republican brothers and sisters have fallen in the effort to retain power. We can only hope this breaks the spell. McCarthy is nothing short of pathetic.
McCarthy was elected Speaker but he will not last. Matt Gaetz will instigate a no confidence vote within months and the sh**show that is the Republican Party will resume its voting follies.
(weeks?)
Will Quiverin' Qevin outlast Liz Truss's head of lettuce?
LOL!
We are about to embark on two years of assault on the sensibilities of Americans. Buckle up.
And get ready to push back . . . very hard.
So disappointing that McCarthy will hold the gavel and have this power. My stomach turns...
Sam was a man who could not be bought. Kevin is a man who has been bought, paid for, and will go down in history as the only un-American-insurrectionist-supporting Speaker Of The House.
Brilliant essay!