Hi, all, and happy Wednesday. What a time. It’s tough out there. I am holding all of you—particularly my Jewish and Palestinian-American readers—in my heart. While I can’t fix the brutality of what’s happening in the world, I can keep trying to make this newsletter a safe place. And that’s what I’ll keep endeavoring to do.
Focusing on the threat to American democracy, and the overwhelming dangers we face...loss of abortion rights, contraception (the GOP is targeting birth control pills), gay rights, trans existence, public schooling, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, freedom of religion, parity for women, the rule of law, national security, and on, and on, and on...is an enormous amount of work.
Americans, whatever their views on the Middle East, will have no ability to do anything if control is ceded to the GOP.
We owe you a debt of gratitude, not an expectation that you can solve an impossible tragedy where innocents on both sides are pawns for religious extremists in leadership on both sides.
Simply adore you and your comments - I appreciate that there is no easy answer to the terribleness of what is happening in the Middle East and i so value you stating that. As always, thank you for what you do
Dear Jess - I appreciate your candor sharing your frustration and angst about the Middle East. I think it is wise to step back from taking a public stance or suggesting avenues of support for Isreal or Palestine. Ultimately the best thing WE can do for Israel and Palestine, and Ukraine, is elect Democrats and preservev our own democracy. The catastrophic results of electing populist demagogues who are not truly interested in governing is evident. We have our own versions of Incompetent ideologues. Please keep up your incredible work and remain focused on domestic politics. Many thanks for all you do. Jan M
Thank you for your continued work on all of this. The Middle East situation is frightening and frustrating. At this point I try to keep informed and am making donations to organizations on the ground there. Not commenting does not equal not caring.
One thing that most people can agree on is that the Administration needs full diplomatic resources available at this moment, to give President Biden clear information on what is happening in the region and to meet these incredible challenges. However, partisan players in the Senate are blocking over 60 State Department appointments, including 38 Ambassadorships and the Ambassadors to Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
This is astounding and unacceptable. Press for Senate to remove these bars so State Dept has adequate resources and leadership.
Nov 1, 2023·edited Nov 2, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
The ongoing and unfolding tragedies in the Middle East don’t have easy solutions, but at least we have a capable administration trying to help all parties think beyond their immediate anger and fear toward longer-term solutions.
If we had a MAGA administration, we would have self-interested parties in charge who have no idea and many of whom could care less about America’s potential role as an arbiter of a peaceful world order. Better to make sincere efforts toward finding a better way when grappling during the fog of war with parties driven by complex motives and agendas.
All of this is just another reason to defend democracy and overcome the MAGA menace in our powerful and divided country. Jessica, you are doing more than your part, which includes displaying the wisdom of stepping back when there are no obvious solutions within your grasp.
You say "I’m wrestling pretty much constantly with how to address the situation in Israel and Gaza. It’s presenting a painful challenge to me as the author of a political actions newsletter...I’m also loathe to pull this newsletter’s focus away from saving American democracy and winning elections." But you always remind us to do what we have control over. We can control the postcards, letters, texts, phone calls, etc., that remind others of the importance of our democracy. We can control our ¢ontribution$ to various organizations for whatever cause suits us. You always have a myriad of choices we can make, but WE have to make the choice. So, please, breeeeeathe!
HW has said it all-- I hope you do not suffer any feelings of stress or inadequacy over your present thought to take a pause in addressing the Middle East. I think so many of us are struggling with how to talk about this challenging and emotionally charged quagmire. Your work is amazing and impactful. It’s ok to keep your focus-- we know you care and struggle with the horror of these events like so many of us. Thank you so much for your work.
We need no more proof that the MAGA extremists in the House are not fit to govern than their first bill; tying aid for Israel to a reduction in IRS oversight. What mania is this?? Jonathan Swift could not have come up with a more absurdist mockery of governance..
Really, as all participants in this site agree, there is only one solution; utterly drive every GOP office holder out of power, at every level of government.
Really? The IRS and Hamas are equivalent terrorists??
It’s ok to admit you don’t have the answer. In fact that shows you have humility and thoughtfulness. Too many people online with no skin in the game are mouthing off about what should be done and attacking anyone who dares disagree with them. None of the options are good and we can only hope our leaders do their best when making impossibly difficult decisions.
Jessica, Thank you for your open heart. I fully support your decision and appreciate your explanation. We are at a pivotal time where we are being asked to continue to do things the same ways with narrow views and tight boxes. Or to see any situation from a much larger viewpoint, a more inclusive viewpoint. We must create new ways for the betterment of all. The walls of division are pushing back hard right now, partly because they can not yet get past the fear of not knowing what a new way will look like. Well we know what the old way looks like, so we will eventually need to move past the fear and create the new. Until we can get to the other side the best we can do is to continue to respect each person (not necessarily their actions) no matter where they are, and personally continue to move in the direction of our highest morals with an open heart. Thank you for all you do and are!
I face the same dilemma. What Hamas did was awful. The response from Israel has been awful. No one wins when different religions are involved and this entire situation in Gaza is horrendous There is not one right answer.
Thanks for all you do. As a Jew and a Zionist I read so many hurtful things from people who aren’t historically well informed. I appreciate you stepping back from the conversations on this. Thank you!
The Israel - Palestine conflict is one of the great conundrums of our time. Perhaps removing Netanyahu and Hamas from the negotiating table would be a start. Few people trust either to represent them. Netanyahu wants power, Hamas wants blood. This conflict threatens to spin wildly out of control. Meanwhile our own moral authority has never been more in question.
No need to apologize for holding off on the Israel-Gaza conflict. It's agonizing, nuanced, gut-wrenching, emotional, and heart-breaking. It's difficult (impossible?) for most people to be objective.
Thank you for all that you do.
Focusing on the threat to American democracy, and the overwhelming dangers we face...loss of abortion rights, contraception (the GOP is targeting birth control pills), gay rights, trans existence, public schooling, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, freedom of religion, parity for women, the rule of law, national security, and on, and on, and on...is an enormous amount of work.
Americans, whatever their views on the Middle East, will have no ability to do anything if control is ceded to the GOP.
We owe you a debt of gratitude, not an expectation that you can solve an impossible tragedy where innocents on both sides are pawns for religious extremists in leadership on both sides.
Thank you, Heather. I really appreciate that.
Simply adore you and your comments - I appreciate that there is no easy answer to the terribleness of what is happening in the Middle East and i so value you stating that. As always, thank you for what you do
Thanks, Amy.
Dear Jess - I appreciate your candor sharing your frustration and angst about the Middle East. I think it is wise to step back from taking a public stance or suggesting avenues of support for Isreal or Palestine. Ultimately the best thing WE can do for Israel and Palestine, and Ukraine, is elect Democrats and preservev our own democracy. The catastrophic results of electing populist demagogues who are not truly interested in governing is evident. We have our own versions of Incompetent ideologues. Please keep up your incredible work and remain focused on domestic politics. Many thanks for all you do. Jan M
Thank you, Jan.
Thank you for your continued work on all of this. The Middle East situation is frightening and frustrating. At this point I try to keep informed and am making donations to organizations on the ground there. Not commenting does not equal not caring.
Thank you for recognizing that, Claudia.
One thing that most people can agree on is that the Administration needs full diplomatic resources available at this moment, to give President Biden clear information on what is happening in the region and to meet these incredible challenges. However, partisan players in the Senate are blocking over 60 State Department appointments, including 38 Ambassadorships and the Ambassadors to Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
This is astounding and unacceptable. Press for Senate to remove these bars so State Dept has adequate resources and leadership.
Yes. I agree and have included that action before. I will again. Good suggestion. Thanks!
Postcarding to Tommy Tuberville! 455 Russell Senate Office Building; Washington, DC 20510
But Biden is not necessarily listening to the specialists in the State Department who are registering their discontent.
The ongoing and unfolding tragedies in the Middle East don’t have easy solutions, but at least we have a capable administration trying to help all parties think beyond their immediate anger and fear toward longer-term solutions.
If we had a MAGA administration, we would have self-interested parties in charge who have no idea and many of whom could care less about America’s potential role as an arbiter of a peaceful world order. Better to make sincere efforts toward finding a better way when grappling during the fog of war with parties driven by complex motives and agendas.
All of this is just another reason to defend democracy and overcome the MAGA menace in our powerful and divided country. Jessica, you are doing more than your part, which includes displaying the wisdom of stepping back when there are no obvious solutions within your grasp.
Thanks, Gary. I'm so glad you all understand.
You say "I’m wrestling pretty much constantly with how to address the situation in Israel and Gaza. It’s presenting a painful challenge to me as the author of a political actions newsletter...I’m also loathe to pull this newsletter’s focus away from saving American democracy and winning elections." But you always remind us to do what we have control over. We can control the postcards, letters, texts, phone calls, etc., that remind others of the importance of our democracy. We can control our ¢ontribution$ to various organizations for whatever cause suits us. You always have a myriad of choices we can make, but WE have to make the choice. So, please, breeeeeathe!
Trying. Maybe I'll breathe after Tuesday. (:
HW has said it all-- I hope you do not suffer any feelings of stress or inadequacy over your present thought to take a pause in addressing the Middle East. I think so many of us are struggling with how to talk about this challenging and emotionally charged quagmire. Your work is amazing and impactful. It’s ok to keep your focus-- we know you care and struggle with the horror of these events like so many of us. Thank you so much for your work.
Thanks, Kim. It's a relief to know that readers like you understand my reasoning.
Somebody once said, "You can't be all things to all people." But thanks to you, Jess, what we do here at CWCW helps a great deal.
🥰
We need no more proof that the MAGA extremists in the House are not fit to govern than their first bill; tying aid for Israel to a reduction in IRS oversight. What mania is this?? Jonathan Swift could not have come up with a more absurdist mockery of governance..
Really, as all participants in this site agree, there is only one solution; utterly drive every GOP office holder out of power, at every level of government.
Really? The IRS and Hamas are equivalent terrorists??
It's truly jawdropping, I agree.
It’s ok to admit you don’t have the answer. In fact that shows you have humility and thoughtfulness. Too many people online with no skin in the game are mouthing off about what should be done and attacking anyone who dares disagree with them. None of the options are good and we can only hope our leaders do their best when making impossibly difficult decisions.
Thank you, Jason. Truly.
Jessica, Thank you for your open heart. I fully support your decision and appreciate your explanation. We are at a pivotal time where we are being asked to continue to do things the same ways with narrow views and tight boxes. Or to see any situation from a much larger viewpoint, a more inclusive viewpoint. We must create new ways for the betterment of all. The walls of division are pushing back hard right now, partly because they can not yet get past the fear of not knowing what a new way will look like. Well we know what the old way looks like, so we will eventually need to move past the fear and create the new. Until we can get to the other side the best we can do is to continue to respect each person (not necessarily their actions) no matter where they are, and personally continue to move in the direction of our highest morals with an open heart. Thank you for all you do and are!
❤️ thank you.
I face the same dilemma. What Hamas did was awful. The response from Israel has been awful. No one wins when different religions are involved and this entire situation in Gaza is horrendous There is not one right answer.
Agreed. Horrendous is the right word for it.
Thanks for all you do. As a Jew and a Zionist I read so many hurtful things from people who aren’t historically well informed. I appreciate you stepping back from the conversations on this. Thank you!
Thanks, Judy.
The Israel - Palestine conflict is one of the great conundrums of our time. Perhaps removing Netanyahu and Hamas from the negotiating table would be a start. Few people trust either to represent them. Netanyahu wants power, Hamas wants blood. This conflict threatens to spin wildly out of control. Meanwhile our own moral authority has never been more in question.
No need to apologize for holding off on the Israel-Gaza conflict. It's agonizing, nuanced, gut-wrenching, emotional, and heart-breaking. It's difficult (impossible?) for most people to be objective.
The more I learn about it, the more I realize this is the case.