The Russian airport event was stoked and fired up on social media, the flight name, landing time and where in the air port to go, all got social media boosting. I am at a loss to understand how, in an age where i get instantaneous text messages for bills, deliveries, comments, updates, that the social media companies are unable to curb this. My current view is that social media is too easy to use for un-social things.
Correct, Never Again is “again”. I am in Paris now, - had been in Berlin visiting the Sachsnhausen concentration camp and Holocaust memorial. Then, to Anne Franks house in Amsterdam. I went in Bayeux, (Normandy) visiting Omaha, Utah, and the other beaches where the allied forces fought in WWII, - and the Bayeux war cemetery, second largest in the world next to Arlington National cemetery where so many died defending Democracy. I thought my trip would be tracing historical events, but the page hasn’t really turned at all. History seems to be repeating itself. The atrocities we humans commit on each other continue on; with all of our technology and so-called education, we are as barbaric as ever, and the world has never seemed more dangerous. I’m glad I’m on the “back-nine” of my life.
"Never forget" has an expiration date if the generations that follow are not educated about history, the impacts of culture, democracy vs authoritarianism, etc. Without that knowledge and awareness, it is easy to view the world, with all of its complexities, through a narrow and limited lens. In many cases, history gets revised to support such a view. Steve, it is a scary time. I can't remember any time in my long life that I have felt this way.
After spending several days reading comments about Steve taking on the Phillips campaign I remembered why it was that I subscribed to The Warning. I first heard Steve doing commentary on MSNBC and felt that he was unafraid to articulate the truth about Trump. I was an Independent voter when Trump came along and was immediately so horrified by his behavior on the debate stage, towards women, towards that disabled reporter that every red flag and alarm bell in my instincts screamed Never Trump. In my profile here my first two short sentences say “Searching for truth. Love great writing”. That has not changed and Steve has never stopped delivering. So now Steve speaks a truth that he has come to after much examination of what people have been saying when the cameras are turned off. It is a hard and conflicting truth to hear and it has its risks. People can change on a dime as the future unfolds. Am I nervous about this whole thing ~ yes. But Steve is willing to take the flak by making a hard choice right now. I do believe he is telling the truth as he sees it and and articulating it well,which is why I came here in the first place. I love Joe Biden and all he has accomplished especially his support of Israel. Israel is for another comment there is so much to be said. But I will continue to follow Steve and read The Warning because I am still finding the truth as Steve sees it and incredible writing. I am curious to see what unfolds in the coming months of the 2024 campaign and Israel’s war. It will not be an easy ride.
And to add to my comment I must say that Trump and his trumpettes went further to the bottom than I ever imagined they would, culminating on 1/6, and now beyond. Steve saw how bad it would get way back then, and Steve continues to be well worth listening to. Including all his insights on anti-semitism and where it is all going.
I agree with you. Steve is the most intelligent, insightful, political, analyst, as well as historian, and I am sticking with the warning and giving him the benefit of the doubt.
This is a good summary, Diane, thank you. My 1st thoughts when Steve posted his support (and follow-up with his reasons for helping Dean Phillips) I too, have liked President Biden for many years and still do. He has had so many stones thrown in his path these last 3-4 years. We all here know that he has prevailed and has done a great job at it. He has a huge heart and lots of love for his/our Country.
Mr. Fleck’s statement, it is good to be exposed to others that believe in the Constitution and have thoughtful views. I have no doubt that our now President would continue to do his best. However, with all that (is on the line)we read from the media about only Biden’s age and other lying/crap statements, I think it would be good to have (at the very least, a choice for someone who believes in Democracy).
(Trump)opened the door to all that is going on, why we have him thrown in our face every hour of everyday. Weak leaders who know better, this speaker has his own agenda w/help from them all. We have to put out a better choice. This is a fight for who we really are. Writing this, my mind is spinning at all the reasons why WE CAN NOT LOSE. WE JUST CANNOT.
I have to stop here for now because all the bad things the Republicans have and continue to do, we are well aware of and are too many to list... we are living, even now “THE BIG LIE”.
THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT with all of you good people.
Dear Ladies One thing to remember and I don't doubt you have all seen it even if you haven't folded it into your intellect yet - 80 is the new 70, 70 is the new 60 and believe it, 90 is the new 80. I know this because I am 87 and my brother is nearly 93 and beating me. And I am running around making videos for charities by myself in a regular 40 hour week. That 80 is the end of the world is an old outdated idea. Joe is fine and healthy. It's Donald that's made out of Cheeseburgers and Coca-Cola. Two things work for Donald, delay, delay, delay and divide, divide and divide. We need solidarity on the Democrat-democracy side, not division. Thank you for your kind remarks. Bob
Again, I agree wholeheartedly with your reply. I turned 75 in July and I keep wondering how I got so lucky... age is a number. I have outlived my Mother, Dad, Brother (was 42) Sister (was 53). I ask myself so many times how am I supposed to feel at 75??? 🤣 well, pretty darn good.
You put a new spin in comparison of the two Biden/tfg. You are spot on. I take Biden every day. If you say that to a former guy follower... the lies are so bad you cannot have a conversation. They continue to accuse “us” of all the lying. So where do we go with that... no where...waste of time.
You inspire me with all you do. I hope you live to the new 100... + many more if you feel good... and continue telling TRUTH. The operative word in every situation for the REPUBLICANS it just isn’t there for them... let’s hope it has caught up with them. Are people really this stupid to think it is a win???? 🇺🇸🥰
For the first time in my life I’m frightened. My father was a Holocaust survivor who fled Vienna in 1938 and went to the Dominican Republic for safety. ( Trujillo took in Jews). He would be so distressed to see his beloved America falling to authoritarian rule. I’m rethinking attending synagogue and wearing any Jewish symbols. It’s so very distressing.
Whatever you do, don't be frightened. Not sure if I uphold SB Lewis in his fuck em comment but live your life. My family I suppose saw the writing on the walls so to speak and came to the US in 1900 ish. I'm Ukranian descent and Hungary Austria. I have all sorts of photos of family from Vienna prior. So sad, of course but every time in Hebrew school they said never forget they also asked me what would you do? Every time. Would we act like the broken and the beaten or fight. Go to synagogue. You need the strength of your community and they need you. And yes, I'm pretty bossy.
Steve, your message is 110% accurate. Never Again again And it’s worldwide. Queens Fascist Trump opened the door here. Fred Trump cloned. Hamas and Hezbollah backed by Iran and Putin’s Russian, Viktor Orban’s Hungary and Trump Inc., teamed up with Bibi and the Ultras... the world is watching and WWIII threatens.
The main difficulty is our inability to separate the inseparable. Sadly, Jews have been the object of hatred for millennia. Does anyone even know why? Certainly they rolled around the world, trying to set down roots and have been rejected, pilloried, defiled, murdered and subjected to the worst atrocities in our awareness. Sympathy has been hard to find and hardly even matters so long as they could have a homeland - a place to go, to call their own. Thus Israel. So effective has this been that Israel and Jews are inseparable, whether you/they like it or not. The formation of Israel, on a planet where all the real estate was taken, necessarily dislodged other people, Palestinians. Not only do they resent that and push against it, but they have found themselves subject to the will of the very people who took their place and because of inseparability are recognized as Jews, here, there and everywhere. The will of the Jews, as represented by sometimes very hostile and cruel leadership, has made hell of the lives of Palestinians who have now become the outsiders, the oppressed, the victims. So two things happen. The Palestinians lash out, sometimes in tragedies like October 7 and rile the bear and we are seeing the consequences. And others, around the world, carrying the ugly gene of Jew-hatred are looking for an excuse to make Jews lives miserable once again. Any excuse. And thugs like Netanyahu with his continual mistreatment of Palestinians has given them that excuse. Trouble is Jews are Israel and Israel are Jews no matter where the Jews are found. They are inseparable. If they finally find a way to satisfy Palestinian needs, just as theirs were once satisfied, there will be one less excuse in the world and the temperature should recede. Would that it were so.
I may be beating a dead horse but I think that every Jew is wearing the attitudes and behaviour of Bibi Netanyahu no matter where they are, like it or not, agree or not, and it just ain't fair. I think Biden needs to hold financial aid until Bibi resigns and a more benign leader takes over committed to finding a solution that is fair for all. There is no ingredient better than HOPE that can see the end of this. I care deeply about the tragic loss of life and obscene actions of Hamas but now a solution has to stand in front of retribution or this record will just keep playing and playing and...
I just clicked on a link from one of these chats to hear how unacceptable Netanyahu is to his people. Yet another layer of animosity. A big yes to withholding financial aid till we set terms. Why we aren't doing that? We are complicit in tragedy -- the link says we want the war, for war profit and political ends. This is the video, from Middle Nation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBumTNZvVvk. It has 6,000 comments!
If the thug Netanyahu says no to the U.S. then the U.S. should say no to Netanyahu. This man is costing lives in the hundreds and thousands every day because he can’t see passed next week let alone the end of this, when he is very likely going off to jail. The criticism of the Israeli government is not antisemitic though they would like to protest that it is to avoid accountability. Those days are about to end.
The only hope for "never again" is to bear witness and advocate for truth.
Steve, I continue to follow you as you have provided truth, insight and valuable information. I agree to disagree with you on supporting Phillips, but I refuse to NOT hear what you are saying.
The rise of illiberalism and authoritarianism is not just a troubling phenomenon on the right but also on the left. Extremism and intolerance know no political boundaries. I have been shocked and dismayed by what I have been reading in this forum since Mr. Schmidt announced his desire to support someone other than Joe Biden. Rather than a free, honest, intellectual, and open discussion on the merits of supporting an alternative progressive choice to the current administration , we are witnessing the intolerance and tribalism that has permeated both sides of the political divide in American politics and our historical and popular culture. Where do we go from here now that the Great Divide in American life is spreading hopelessness and despair across the land we have called the home of the free and the brave.
I find it perfectly fine for people to state views differently than yours, especially if they are paid subscribers or working on a ground campaign for the president. Some people are open thinkers but still do not like the idea of their money, time, and effort being split when not being told this may happen. This has nothing to do with being a free-thinking intellectual. People do not enjoy feeling betrayed, tricked, or manipulated. Trust is earned over time by action and deeds and working for the common good. It can not be earned by preaching down to people, by people who feel they know better. Everyone has their own spirit of goodness, I am grateful for those who brighten the days of others.
"People do not enjoy feeling betrayed, tricked, or manipulated. Trust is earned over time by action and deeds and working for the common good. It can not be earned by preaching down to people, by people who feel they know better."
Cynthia,
Thank you for this thoughtful and positive response. Many of the recent comments have been mean and angry with pointed accusations (some mistaken). A literal example that hurting people, hurt people. I appreciate you being able to express what many in this community could not articulate in the moment. I, myself, had to wait before responding and I still don't think I was able to say what I felt.
Thank you, your "spirit of goodness" has brightened my day. - Susan
Thank you so much for saying that. I'm a retired elementary principal of 35 years. Trust and asking others, "What can I do for you?" always made my school-life fuller.
I have no problem with people speaking up on their thoughts about candidates other than Biden, but I wish like hell it had been earlier in the election cycle. To me, it feels like a panicked grasp at the last minute. We cannot afford to split the Dems in this election. I do know that a primary would sort that out, but we put ourselves at risk, IMO, if we appear to be clutching at straws. Also, I'm definitely NOT worried about our VP grabbing the reins at some point if it's required.
Anti-semitism is on the rise, but so is Islamophobia, why isn't anyone talking about that? The president just announced his administration would start work on a program to make people aware of Islamophobia next week. Meanwhile, the President, AG, CIA, and FBI report on anti-semitism but not on Islamophobia. This conflict in the Middle East will cost Biden the presidency. States he can't lose that have large Muslim populations New York: 724,475 · California: 504,056 · Illinois: 473,792 · New Jersey: 321,652 · Texas: 313,209 · Michigan: 241,828 ... I think the Dems should be looking for other potential candidate to run for president in 2024. I wrote a letter to Governor Newsom asking him to run, I think he would be great.
I wasn't around in the '30s when nazism and fascism was on the rise in Europe. Nor was I around when the pogroms were ravaging Jewish communities in Russia. But I've read the books and articles and have seen the newsreels. Learned about this in history classes. What I've been seeing is frightening. The rise of TFG reminds me a lot of Hitler's rise. There is a saying I always go back to: "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." Maybe those aren't the right words, but you get the gist.
The apparent rise (was it always there?) of antisemitism in the US is very distressing. I have known many Jews in my life, and they were all perfectly fine people & good Americans. There is no reason to distrust them. I can’t understand why this evil persists today. Perhaps it would be a good sermon subject. However, the anti-Jewish riots in Russia are not a surprise. Remember why all of those Russian Jews emigrated to the US.
Martha. I too was very disappointed in Steve’s failure to support Biden but this would be a useless forum if we had no disagreements and no combative discussion. Your voice has been an asset here. We need you to object and make your points. To a greater or lessor degree we are all malleable and can be influenced by the thoughtful views of others. It is good to be exposed to them. A good argument always trumps anger.
That’s ridiculous. Democracy is all about a free and open discussion about the merits of an idea or opinion. There is no room in the American democratic tradition for cancel culture which is what we are witnessing here.
It’s not intolerance. At this point, it’s fear. I wonder what kind of world my children and grandchildren will be handed? I never never thought the US would be tumbling into authoritarianism, and slavishly following DONALD TRUMP. DONALD TRUMP??? Biden will be facing an election where he must battle RFK2, Cornell West, likely a No Labels candidate, AND a primary challenge from Steve and Dean Phillips. While handling conflagration around the world. After staggering into November 2024, what do YOU think his chances might be?
Hmmm, I tried that, but they're still antithetical to many of my values. Or, they're too wishy-washy, or too strident, on some things that matter to me. I still get, and do read, their posts as well. But they're much like Steve was when he was stridently anti-Dem. At that time, I respected his intellect and word-smithing, but disagreed on many points. It was so refreshing to see him become strongly in support of values I require, and I'll continue to read his words until, and if, a different shift surfaces.
I'm personally shocked at the rise in antisemitism, but I guess I shouldn't be. I'm a person raised in the then farm country of NJ. But our towns were moderately 'enlightened' and there were several Jewish families in my school. While young, I saw...and hated the ugliness of...racism. But, a Jewish friend explained to me the oppression of Jews. I had not been aware of that prior because all the Jews I knew where doctors, lawyers, and quite well-off. I never had negative propaganda about them from my very bigoted father, just some envy about "all the Jews were rich" and that they loved money. I was ignorant of the history, it was not taught in grammar school, and what I knew of Hitler left me with the notion that it was something that only happened in Germany, and that it was over with now. And it was the first time I understood that my father's view of Jews was also prejudice, just not the kind that Blacks experienced. I think that by the time I was 16 or 17, I had become 'enlightened'.
My own view of what's going on today in Israel and Palestine is extreme sadness, the stupidity of it all, the hate and lack of any sense of humanity of Hamas and, now to a degree, Israel. Israel has every right to go after Hamas, but I view the response attack on Palestine as not discrete in separating Hamas from civilians. Ordering civilians to leave their homes, and walk to the south of Gaza to be safe! From my view, there was no attempt to make that possible: no consideration of the elderly, ill and infirm persons, hospital patients, infants and new births. No real means of exodus once they reached the southern border. And now there is bombing in the south as well.
I'm not a fan of Netanyahu, and I see his extreme r.w. authoritarian rule to be part of the problem. He spent decades pushing the Israeli boundaries into Gaza and the West Bank. This increased tensions with the Palestinians, making them vulnerable to Hamas rule. It is clear that Hamas is a terrorist organization (I have no love for them either), and they did the Palestinians no favors at all. It was lose/lose for people of Palestine.
I have deep and abiding sympathy for the people of both Israel and Palestine, and I despise the leaders, the political ruling forces, of both.
The Russian airport event was stoked and fired up on social media, the flight name, landing time and where in the air port to go, all got social media boosting. I am at a loss to understand how, in an age where i get instantaneous text messages for bills, deliveries, comments, updates, that the social media companies are unable to curb this. My current view is that social media is too easy to use for un-social things.
Correct, Never Again is “again”. I am in Paris now, - had been in Berlin visiting the Sachsnhausen concentration camp and Holocaust memorial. Then, to Anne Franks house in Amsterdam. I went in Bayeux, (Normandy) visiting Omaha, Utah, and the other beaches where the allied forces fought in WWII, - and the Bayeux war cemetery, second largest in the world next to Arlington National cemetery where so many died defending Democracy. I thought my trip would be tracing historical events, but the page hasn’t really turned at all. History seems to be repeating itself. The atrocities we humans commit on each other continue on; with all of our technology and so-called education, we are as barbaric as ever, and the world has never seemed more dangerous. I’m glad I’m on the “back-nine” of my life.
We won’t let it happen.
"Never forget" has an expiration date if the generations that follow are not educated about history, the impacts of culture, democracy vs authoritarianism, etc. Without that knowledge and awareness, it is easy to view the world, with all of its complexities, through a narrow and limited lens. In many cases, history gets revised to support such a view. Steve, it is a scary time. I can't remember any time in my long life that I have felt this way.
Amen.
After spending several days reading comments about Steve taking on the Phillips campaign I remembered why it was that I subscribed to The Warning. I first heard Steve doing commentary on MSNBC and felt that he was unafraid to articulate the truth about Trump. I was an Independent voter when Trump came along and was immediately so horrified by his behavior on the debate stage, towards women, towards that disabled reporter that every red flag and alarm bell in my instincts screamed Never Trump. In my profile here my first two short sentences say “Searching for truth. Love great writing”. That has not changed and Steve has never stopped delivering. So now Steve speaks a truth that he has come to after much examination of what people have been saying when the cameras are turned off. It is a hard and conflicting truth to hear and it has its risks. People can change on a dime as the future unfolds. Am I nervous about this whole thing ~ yes. But Steve is willing to take the flak by making a hard choice right now. I do believe he is telling the truth as he sees it and and articulating it well,which is why I came here in the first place. I love Joe Biden and all he has accomplished especially his support of Israel. Israel is for another comment there is so much to be said. But I will continue to follow Steve and read The Warning because I am still finding the truth as Steve sees it and incredible writing. I am curious to see what unfolds in the coming months of the 2024 campaign and Israel’s war. It will not be an easy ride.
And to add to my comment I must say that Trump and his trumpettes went further to the bottom than I ever imagined they would, culminating on 1/6, and now beyond. Steve saw how bad it would get way back then, and Steve continues to be well worth listening to. Including all his insights on anti-semitism and where it is all going.
I agree with you. Steve is the most intelligent, insightful, political, analyst, as well as historian, and I am sticking with the warning and giving him the benefit of the doubt.
This is a good summary, Diane, thank you. My 1st thoughts when Steve posted his support (and follow-up with his reasons for helping Dean Phillips) I too, have liked President Biden for many years and still do. He has had so many stones thrown in his path these last 3-4 years. We all here know that he has prevailed and has done a great job at it. He has a huge heart and lots of love for his/our Country.
Mr. Fleck’s statement, it is good to be exposed to others that believe in the Constitution and have thoughtful views. I have no doubt that our now President would continue to do his best. However, with all that (is on the line)we read from the media about only Biden’s age and other lying/crap statements, I think it would be good to have (at the very least, a choice for someone who believes in Democracy).
(Trump)opened the door to all that is going on, why we have him thrown in our face every hour of everyday. Weak leaders who know better, this speaker has his own agenda w/help from them all. We have to put out a better choice. This is a fight for who we really are. Writing this, my mind is spinning at all the reasons why WE CAN NOT LOSE. WE JUST CANNOT.
I have to stop here for now because all the bad things the Republicans have and continue to do, we are well aware of and are too many to list... we are living, even now “THE BIG LIE”.
THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT with all of you good people.
Love your emphatic statements WE CANNOT LOSE. WE MUST NOT. Thank you agree with all you say and Mr. Fleck too 1000%
Dear Ladies One thing to remember and I don't doubt you have all seen it even if you haven't folded it into your intellect yet - 80 is the new 70, 70 is the new 60 and believe it, 90 is the new 80. I know this because I am 87 and my brother is nearly 93 and beating me. And I am running around making videos for charities by myself in a regular 40 hour week. That 80 is the end of the world is an old outdated idea. Joe is fine and healthy. It's Donald that's made out of Cheeseburgers and Coca-Cola. Two things work for Donald, delay, delay, delay and divide, divide and divide. We need solidarity on the Democrat-democracy side, not division. Thank you for your kind remarks. Bob
This 79y/o woman and her 83y/o husband completely agree with you. I get teased about my "aerobic gardening"
You’re just warming up. Enjoy many more!
Again, I agree wholeheartedly with your reply. I turned 75 in July and I keep wondering how I got so lucky... age is a number. I have outlived my Mother, Dad, Brother (was 42) Sister (was 53). I ask myself so many times how am I supposed to feel at 75??? 🤣 well, pretty darn good.
You put a new spin in comparison of the two Biden/tfg. You are spot on. I take Biden every day. If you say that to a former guy follower... the lies are so bad you cannot have a conversation. They continue to accuse “us” of all the lying. So where do we go with that... no where...waste of time.
You inspire me with all you do. I hope you live to the new 100... + many more if you feel good... and continue telling TRUTH. The operative word in every situation for the REPUBLICANS it just isn’t there for them... let’s hope it has caught up with them. Are people really this stupid to think it is a win???? 🇺🇸🥰
For the first time in my life I’m frightened. My father was a Holocaust survivor who fled Vienna in 1938 and went to the Dominican Republic for safety. ( Trujillo took in Jews). He would be so distressed to see his beloved America falling to authoritarian rule. I’m rethinking attending synagogue and wearing any Jewish symbols. It’s so very distressing.
Fuck ‘em. Wear the Star of David. Sandy
If you lived near me, I would be proud to walk with you and have your back.
Thank you.
Whatever you do, don't be frightened. Not sure if I uphold SB Lewis in his fuck em comment but live your life. My family I suppose saw the writing on the walls so to speak and came to the US in 1900 ish. I'm Ukranian descent and Hungary Austria. I have all sorts of photos of family from Vienna prior. So sad, of course but every time in Hebrew school they said never forget they also asked me what would you do? Every time. Would we act like the broken and the beaten or fight. Go to synagogue. You need the strength of your community and they need you. And yes, I'm pretty bossy.
I’ll walk with you. My whole family will.
You are kind.
I’m absolutely serious.
Steve, your message is 110% accurate. Never Again again And it’s worldwide. Queens Fascist Trump opened the door here. Fred Trump cloned. Hamas and Hezbollah backed by Iran and Putin’s Russian, Viktor Orban’s Hungary and Trump Inc., teamed up with Bibi and the Ultras... the world is watching and WWIII threatens.
The main difficulty is our inability to separate the inseparable. Sadly, Jews have been the object of hatred for millennia. Does anyone even know why? Certainly they rolled around the world, trying to set down roots and have been rejected, pilloried, defiled, murdered and subjected to the worst atrocities in our awareness. Sympathy has been hard to find and hardly even matters so long as they could have a homeland - a place to go, to call their own. Thus Israel. So effective has this been that Israel and Jews are inseparable, whether you/they like it or not. The formation of Israel, on a planet where all the real estate was taken, necessarily dislodged other people, Palestinians. Not only do they resent that and push against it, but they have found themselves subject to the will of the very people who took their place and because of inseparability are recognized as Jews, here, there and everywhere. The will of the Jews, as represented by sometimes very hostile and cruel leadership, has made hell of the lives of Palestinians who have now become the outsiders, the oppressed, the victims. So two things happen. The Palestinians lash out, sometimes in tragedies like October 7 and rile the bear and we are seeing the consequences. And others, around the world, carrying the ugly gene of Jew-hatred are looking for an excuse to make Jews lives miserable once again. Any excuse. And thugs like Netanyahu with his continual mistreatment of Palestinians has given them that excuse. Trouble is Jews are Israel and Israel are Jews no matter where the Jews are found. They are inseparable. If they finally find a way to satisfy Palestinian needs, just as theirs were once satisfied, there will be one less excuse in the world and the temperature should recede. Would that it were so.
I may be beating a dead horse but I think that every Jew is wearing the attitudes and behaviour of Bibi Netanyahu no matter where they are, like it or not, agree or not, and it just ain't fair. I think Biden needs to hold financial aid until Bibi resigns and a more benign leader takes over committed to finding a solution that is fair for all. There is no ingredient better than HOPE that can see the end of this. I care deeply about the tragic loss of life and obscene actions of Hamas but now a solution has to stand in front of retribution or this record will just keep playing and playing and...
I just clicked on a link from one of these chats to hear how unacceptable Netanyahu is to his people. Yet another layer of animosity. A big yes to withholding financial aid till we set terms. Why we aren't doing that? We are complicit in tragedy -- the link says we want the war, for war profit and political ends. This is the video, from Middle Nation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBumTNZvVvk. It has 6,000 comments!
If the thug Netanyahu says no to the U.S. then the U.S. should say no to Netanyahu. This man is costing lives in the hundreds and thousands every day because he can’t see passed next week let alone the end of this, when he is very likely going off to jail. The criticism of the Israeli government is not antisemitic though they would like to protest that it is to avoid accountability. Those days are about to end.
Hey Bob, I always like what you say. How about getting on my mailing list?: https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/about. I just saw yesterdays that there's an open letter signed by many artists about opposition to what Israel is doing not being antisemitic. Yesterday I wrote a letter to the L.A. Times criticizing a major piece this week that did just that: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-11-01/eric-clapton-jann-wenner-van-morrison-rogers-waters-baby-boomers-covid-conspiracy.
The only hope for "never again" is to bear witness and advocate for truth.
Steve, I continue to follow you as you have provided truth, insight and valuable information. I agree to disagree with you on supporting Phillips, but I refuse to NOT hear what you are saying.
You are helping to promote anti- semitism by disparaging Biden and helping Trump win
The rise of illiberalism and authoritarianism is not just a troubling phenomenon on the right but also on the left. Extremism and intolerance know no political boundaries. I have been shocked and dismayed by what I have been reading in this forum since Mr. Schmidt announced his desire to support someone other than Joe Biden. Rather than a free, honest, intellectual, and open discussion on the merits of supporting an alternative progressive choice to the current administration , we are witnessing the intolerance and tribalism that has permeated both sides of the political divide in American politics and our historical and popular culture. Where do we go from here now that the Great Divide in American life is spreading hopelessness and despair across the land we have called the home of the free and the brave.
I find it perfectly fine for people to state views differently than yours, especially if they are paid subscribers or working on a ground campaign for the president. Some people are open thinkers but still do not like the idea of their money, time, and effort being split when not being told this may happen. This has nothing to do with being a free-thinking intellectual. People do not enjoy feeling betrayed, tricked, or manipulated. Trust is earned over time by action and deeds and working for the common good. It can not be earned by preaching down to people, by people who feel they know better. Everyone has their own spirit of goodness, I am grateful for those who brighten the days of others.
"People do not enjoy feeling betrayed, tricked, or manipulated. Trust is earned over time by action and deeds and working for the common good. It can not be earned by preaching down to people, by people who feel they know better."
Cynthia,
Thank you for this thoughtful and positive response. Many of the recent comments have been mean and angry with pointed accusations (some mistaken). A literal example that hurting people, hurt people. I appreciate you being able to express what many in this community could not articulate in the moment. I, myself, had to wait before responding and I still don't think I was able to say what I felt.
Thank you, your "spirit of goodness" has brightened my day. - Susan
Thank you so much for saying that. I'm a retired elementary principal of 35 years. Trust and asking others, "What can I do for you?" always made my school-life fuller.
I have no problem with people speaking up on their thoughts about candidates other than Biden, but I wish like hell it had been earlier in the election cycle. To me, it feels like a panicked grasp at the last minute. We cannot afford to split the Dems in this election. I do know that a primary would sort that out, but we put ourselves at risk, IMO, if we appear to be clutching at straws. Also, I'm definitely NOT worried about our VP grabbing the reins at some point if it's required.
Anti-semitism is on the rise, but so is Islamophobia, why isn't anyone talking about that? The president just announced his administration would start work on a program to make people aware of Islamophobia next week. Meanwhile, the President, AG, CIA, and FBI report on anti-semitism but not on Islamophobia. This conflict in the Middle East will cost Biden the presidency. States he can't lose that have large Muslim populations New York: 724,475 · California: 504,056 · Illinois: 473,792 · New Jersey: 321,652 · Texas: 313,209 · Michigan: 241,828 ... I think the Dems should be looking for other potential candidate to run for president in 2024. I wrote a letter to Governor Newsom asking him to run, I think he would be great.
I like Gavin Newsom also
I do as well, Diane. Just not for 2024. His time will come, perhaps in 2028.
I wasn't around in the '30s when nazism and fascism was on the rise in Europe. Nor was I around when the pogroms were ravaging Jewish communities in Russia. But I've read the books and articles and have seen the newsreels. Learned about this in history classes. What I've been seeing is frightening. The rise of TFG reminds me a lot of Hitler's rise. There is a saying I always go back to: "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." Maybe those aren't the right words, but you get the gist.
Bottom line - Trump must be defeated and attacking Biden helps Trump and Republicans - at this point nothing else matters
The apparent rise (was it always there?) of antisemitism in the US is very distressing. I have known many Jews in my life, and they were all perfectly fine people & good Americans. There is no reason to distrust them. I can’t understand why this evil persists today. Perhaps it would be a good sermon subject. However, the anti-Jewish riots in Russia are not a surprise. Remember why all of those Russian Jews emigrated to the US.
I’m out. Steve, I’ve cancelled my subscription. You are actively harming democracy.
Martha. I too was very disappointed in Steve’s failure to support Biden but this would be a useless forum if we had no disagreements and no combative discussion. Your voice has been an asset here. We need you to object and make your points. To a greater or lessor degree we are all malleable and can be influenced by the thoughtful views of others. It is good to be exposed to them. A good argument always trumps anger.
Goodby, Martha.
Mom sticks up for son ❤️
That’s ridiculous. Democracy is all about a free and open discussion about the merits of an idea or opinion. There is no room in the American democratic tradition for cancel culture which is what we are witnessing here.
Bull shit.
Me too. I am so disappointed in Steve. W
I can’t support Steve any longer. I tried.
I also read the Bulwark. At least they’re trying to help democracy. See you over there.
So go spread your intolerance somewhere else.
It’s not intolerance. At this point, it’s fear. I wonder what kind of world my children and grandchildren will be handed? I never never thought the US would be tumbling into authoritarianism, and slavishly following DONALD TRUMP. DONALD TRUMP??? Biden will be facing an election where he must battle RFK2, Cornell West, likely a No Labels candidate, AND a primary challenge from Steve and Dean Phillips. While handling conflagration around the world. After staggering into November 2024, what do YOU think his chances might be?
Hmmm, I tried that, but they're still antithetical to many of my values. Or, they're too wishy-washy, or too strident, on some things that matter to me. I still get, and do read, their posts as well. But they're much like Steve was when he was stridently anti-Dem. At that time, I respected his intellect and word-smithing, but disagreed on many points. It was so refreshing to see him become strongly in support of values I require, and I'll continue to read his words until, and if, a different shift surfaces.
I love The Bulwark.
I'm personally shocked at the rise in antisemitism, but I guess I shouldn't be. I'm a person raised in the then farm country of NJ. But our towns were moderately 'enlightened' and there were several Jewish families in my school. While young, I saw...and hated the ugliness of...racism. But, a Jewish friend explained to me the oppression of Jews. I had not been aware of that prior because all the Jews I knew where doctors, lawyers, and quite well-off. I never had negative propaganda about them from my very bigoted father, just some envy about "all the Jews were rich" and that they loved money. I was ignorant of the history, it was not taught in grammar school, and what I knew of Hitler left me with the notion that it was something that only happened in Germany, and that it was over with now. And it was the first time I understood that my father's view of Jews was also prejudice, just not the kind that Blacks experienced. I think that by the time I was 16 or 17, I had become 'enlightened'.
My own view of what's going on today in Israel and Palestine is extreme sadness, the stupidity of it all, the hate and lack of any sense of humanity of Hamas and, now to a degree, Israel. Israel has every right to go after Hamas, but I view the response attack on Palestine as not discrete in separating Hamas from civilians. Ordering civilians to leave their homes, and walk to the south of Gaza to be safe! From my view, there was no attempt to make that possible: no consideration of the elderly, ill and infirm persons, hospital patients, infants and new births. No real means of exodus once they reached the southern border. And now there is bombing in the south as well.
I'm not a fan of Netanyahu, and I see his extreme r.w. authoritarian rule to be part of the problem. He spent decades pushing the Israeli boundaries into Gaza and the West Bank. This increased tensions with the Palestinians, making them vulnerable to Hamas rule. It is clear that Hamas is a terrorist organization (I have no love for them either), and they did the Palestinians no favors at all. It was lose/lose for people of Palestine.
I have deep and abiding sympathy for the people of both Israel and Palestine, and I despise the leaders, the political ruling forces, of both.