Hi, all, and happy Tuesday! Deep breaths. That’s what I tell myself pretty much every day now, as the news swirls around like a maelstrom and the worrying headlines pop up one after another in my phone, my Substack feed, my in-box. Biden’s age! Climate catastrophe! Ken Paxton! Abortion bans! Bad polls! MSM fails! Democracy attacks! Invasive plants! (OK, that last one is a local issue. Still.) Everything seems to be contributing to a feeling of overwhelmedness, of anxiety, of a lack of control.
Biden's age!!! I have to say that I am concerned about how many Democrats seem to be buying into the vicious, slanderous "sleepy Joe" smear that has been repeated a zillion times. I am on phone banks every day, these days to Wisconsin and Ohio, and instead of appreciating his monumental accomplishments like the bipartisan gun violence prevention bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, The CHIPS Act, actually saying "NO" to big pharma, getting out of Afghanistan albeit with some tragedy, and reducing some student debt, here and there a Democratic voter is more interested in how old he is. Really? Last week he flew to India, then to Vietnam, then to Alaska, then back home. He hits the ground running, all on camera! Biden is one of the most energetic, undaunted, accomplished and focused presidents since FDR, who, by the way, lived in a wheelchair and actually died in office. Can anyone imagine not having voted for FDR that last term! President Biden's record during this polarized, impossible era is sterling and I hope Democrats get off this rant and go out there and get President Biden reelected.
To our family with long-time CBS/PBS award-winning broadcast journalists, your decision to give a platform to a convicted rapist with 91 felony indictments is inexcusable, not to mention extremely incompetent 'journalism'. You've apparently drunk the KoolAid of Trumpist GOP corruption that is so blatantly obvious to a majority of Americans, and abandoned any semblance of fair or balanced reporting.
In the America I love, support and defend we do not give special treatment, or kid glove consideration to anyone who openly and actively works to destroy our democracy. This is not hyperbole; you know it, a majority of Americans know it, and you apparently no longer care about responsible, ethical journalism. You did not prepare adequately for the interview, you did not hold him accountable for the many crimes he has publicly committed, or the lies he told on your broadcast — you opted for clickbait instead of news.
Shame on you. We'll get our news - real news - elsewhere, and will urge others to do likewise - and we'll lobby all of your advertisers and hold them and you responsible for this gross incompetence that has real consequences in the world we live in.
Thanks for the pep talk! Perfect timing! So much is happening! Need to keep our focus on defeating trump and other MAGA Congress people in all levels of government! When it feels difficult, your words encourage me to write more postcards, give more money and encourage everyone to vote! Thank you!
"I am writing to ask that NBC please stop giving Donald Trump free airtime to spout his insane, hateful delusions and his endless threats and grievances. Although his claims are ludicrous and, frankly, insane – “I’ll beat Obama!” “Biden will start World War II!” “Democrats
are aborting babies after birth!” – there are still far too many Americans who, for whatever reason, continue to believe his endless lies and rabble-rousing calls for support and revenge. He is not a kindly, slightly off-his-rocker old fogey, but a malevolent narcissist who continues his vicious efforts to undermine the rule of law, destroy democracy, trample the Constitution, and foster disunity throughout the United States – all to return himself to unfettered power. He wants to be President to save himself from criminal prosecution, commit more crimes to enrich himself and increase his personal power without check, and to persecute his perceived enemies.
NBC, you are better than this. You are the Network of Chet Huntley and David Brinkley, who held high standards of journalism and reporting. It’s one thing to report and analyze the news, but another entirely to give a free soapbox to a criminal, maniacal thug. Thinking Americans do not need to see again what Trump is; he’s been showing us who he is from the get-go. Yet his followers are so deep in denial, cult worship, fear, anger, or just plain delight to see him repeatedly trample everyone and everything he touches that giving him airtime just cements their misplaced devotion. Trying to correct him or make him admit his lies is futile. He just steamrolls over all, so there’s no practical service to the public in giving him free airtime to spew more lies.
We don’t need more evidence of Trump’s endless malevolence. We all know what he is. Please don’t torment your viewing audience. Yes, I suppose Trump gets ratings, but giving him a podium does a disservice to us all – and to NBC’s reputation. As a retired teacher and the daughter of a career Naval officer who served with honor and courage in World War II and Korea, I’m truly pained to see this craven man’s verbal garbage being given even the slightest bit of deference or respect.
Invasive plants are an issue everywhere, just the names are changed with the locale. I'll admit to some qualms about televising Trump's trial because of his known reaction to cameras but, on reflection, since Judge Chutkan seems to have her wits firmly about her, I signed because of the possibility that one of his tantrums will do him more harm than good and any harm that comes to him legally is good as far as I'm concerned.
One of the benefits of cameras would be for his supporters to see Trump sitting meekly...NOT testifying...their glorious "fighter" looking impotent day after day.
The past two days I've tried to send a text to 50409; but instead of the usual "Text YES" if you want to send, I've received Do you want to continue on Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, etc. No, I don't want to continue, but I do want to send the original text. Which apparently didn't go through. What to do? Thanks, Pam
Biden's age!!! I have to say that I am concerned about how many Democrats seem to be buying into the vicious, slanderous "sleepy Joe" smear that has been repeated a zillion times. I am on phone banks every day, these days to Wisconsin and Ohio, and instead of appreciating his monumental accomplishments like the bipartisan gun violence prevention bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, The CHIPS Act, actually saying "NO" to big pharma, getting out of Afghanistan albeit with some tragedy, and reducing some student debt, here and there a Democratic voter is more interested in how old he is. Really? Last week he flew to India, then to Vietnam, then to Alaska, then back home. He hits the ground running, all on camera! Biden is one of the most energetic, undaunted, accomplished and focused presidents since FDR, who, by the way, lived in a wheelchair and actually died in office. Can anyone imagine not having voted for FDR that last term! President Biden's record during this polarized, impossible era is sterling and I hope Democrats get off this rant and go out there and get President Biden reelected.
God I couldn't agree more.
Thanks for NBC address. Added my rant.
Me too! LOL.
Great newsletter as always- thanks for keeping us all on-task!
I just sent the following to nbc news:
9.21.23
contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com
giving a platform to a criminal
To our family with long-time CBS/PBS award-winning broadcast journalists, your decision to give a platform to a convicted rapist with 91 felony indictments is inexcusable, not to mention extremely incompetent 'journalism'. You've apparently drunk the KoolAid of Trumpist GOP corruption that is so blatantly obvious to a majority of Americans, and abandoned any semblance of fair or balanced reporting.
In the America I love, support and defend we do not give special treatment, or kid glove consideration to anyone who openly and actively works to destroy our democracy. This is not hyperbole; you know it, a majority of Americans know it, and you apparently no longer care about responsible, ethical journalism. You did not prepare adequately for the interview, you did not hold him accountable for the many crimes he has publicly committed, or the lies he told on your broadcast — you opted for clickbait instead of news.
Shame on you. We'll get our news - real news - elsewhere, and will urge others to do likewise - and we'll lobby all of your advertisers and hold them and you responsible for this gross incompetence that has real consequences in the world we live in.
Sincerely-
Thomas F. Keefe, Architect (ret.)
West Cornwall, VT
Great one!
Spent most of the day texting for National Voter Registration Day. 🗳
YAY! Did you register anyone?
It was through NextGen which was giving info and answering questions, if any. So, I don't know for sure but had quite a few interest bites.
Amazing! Thank you for your service!
Love the Edison quote you shared “Many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
AND...this is my absolute favorite:
“We are living through a revolt against the future. The future will prevail” Anand Giridharadas
Also, LOVE Danica Roem - she will be joining our phone bank this Sunday, Sept 24 from 1-3pm PST for folks who want to hear from her directly: https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrictsanfrancisco/event/572321/
That IS good!
Thank you Jess for your writing. I needed it, as I am sure many others do as well.
Thank you for saying so, Darla. (:
I sure miss Tom Brokaw anchoring NBC Nightly News.
Or Dan Rather!
Thanks for the pep talk! Perfect timing! So much is happening! Need to keep our focus on defeating trump and other MAGA Congress people in all levels of government! When it feels difficult, your words encourage me to write more postcards, give more money and encourage everyone to vote! Thank you!
I'm so glad! Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks for the NBC address. I wrote:
"I am writing to ask that NBC please stop giving Donald Trump free airtime to spout his insane, hateful delusions and his endless threats and grievances. Although his claims are ludicrous and, frankly, insane – “I’ll beat Obama!” “Biden will start World War II!” “Democrats
are aborting babies after birth!” – there are still far too many Americans who, for whatever reason, continue to believe his endless lies and rabble-rousing calls for support and revenge. He is not a kindly, slightly off-his-rocker old fogey, but a malevolent narcissist who continues his vicious efforts to undermine the rule of law, destroy democracy, trample the Constitution, and foster disunity throughout the United States – all to return himself to unfettered power. He wants to be President to save himself from criminal prosecution, commit more crimes to enrich himself and increase his personal power without check, and to persecute his perceived enemies.
NBC, you are better than this. You are the Network of Chet Huntley and David Brinkley, who held high standards of journalism and reporting. It’s one thing to report and analyze the news, but another entirely to give a free soapbox to a criminal, maniacal thug. Thinking Americans do not need to see again what Trump is; he’s been showing us who he is from the get-go. Yet his followers are so deep in denial, cult worship, fear, anger, or just plain delight to see him repeatedly trample everyone and everything he touches that giving him airtime just cements their misplaced devotion. Trying to correct him or make him admit his lies is futile. He just steamrolls over all, so there’s no practical service to the public in giving him free airtime to spew more lies.
We don’t need more evidence of Trump’s endless malevolence. We all know what he is. Please don’t torment your viewing audience. Yes, I suppose Trump gets ratings, but giving him a podium does a disservice to us all – and to NBC’s reputation. As a retired teacher and the daughter of a career Naval officer who served with honor and courage in World War II and Korea, I’m truly pained to see this craven man’s verbal garbage being given even the slightest bit of deference or respect.
Thank you for your attention."
So good!
Invasive plants are an issue everywhere, just the names are changed with the locale. I'll admit to some qualms about televising Trump's trial because of his known reaction to cameras but, on reflection, since Judge Chutkan seems to have her wits firmly about her, I signed because of the possibility that one of his tantrums will do him more harm than good and any harm that comes to him legally is good as far as I'm concerned.
One of the benefits of cameras would be for his supporters to see Trump sitting meekly...NOT testifying...their glorious "fighter" looking impotent day after day.
That would be an upside, no doubt about it.
I agree.
The past two days I've tried to send a text to 50409; but instead of the usual "Text YES" if you want to send, I've received Do you want to continue on Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, etc. No, I don't want to continue, but I do want to send the original text. Which apparently didn't go through. What to do? Thanks, Pam
Did you just try responding with NO?