225 Comments

Did anyone ever tell you that you are delightful? I think YOU are one of my favorite things, Michael. This is such a lovely post. I will be watching via ZOOM, an LATimes Book Club event on January 25th with Stephanie Land, the author of "Maid"! I, like you, thoroughly enjoyed the series and look forward to reading the book. Another favorite thing...Trees! Nothing quite stirs my soul than looking at their beauty, majesty and simple being! Thanks for all you have us ponder on each day!

Expand full comment

Delightful! That's the word for Michael. He's def one of my favorite things, too.

Expand full comment

Favorite things...words. -Example: (1) My married name Hug-Hart. When people ask me to spell "Hughart" I spell "Hug" and then "Hart". People respond "Aww..." (2) Inadvertently making people laugh: Example: Today when I talked to the plumber's receptionist, she expressed to me how her calendar for appointment requests was making her go crazy. I answered "We're all going crazy at once so Who Cares!" She began laughing uncontrollably, and that made me start laughing uncontrollably so that the two of us laughed uncontrollably for a while until I made more remarks that made both of us laugh even harder. I can't remember the next remarks because I have short term memory loss.

Expand full comment

Hugs to you, Kathleen! I take comedy improv classes and making people laugh is just the best.

Expand full comment

I applaud your optimism, but you're a generation or two too early. There are too many broken parts to this "so-called minority-run democracy" that can't be fixed given the current political and governance situation. The constitution is outdated, the electoral college is a mockery, the senate "broken rules" are impediments to progress, the campaign financing system is corrupt, voting rights are laughable, and on and on (not including cultural, economic, labor, education, social, etc. issues)! I'm 82 and don't expect to see any changes. My kids are X-generation and won't see any changes. My grandkids are Z-generation and may begin to see some changes. But it's really going to be a generation or two after the Z's that may be able to bring about the necessary changes. In the meantime, hang one tight, keep your airsick bags handy, and try not to weep as the country sinks to new lows. bob resseguie

Expand full comment

Sadly I have come to the same conclusion (I am 74). Michael has been speaking Truth to Power for decades yet so little has changed. The one hope is that it seems the majority agree with him, finally. He was marginalized as fringe, now he is listened to. Now we must overcome an excruciatingly unfair system of elections that allows a minority to rule by blocking legislation without offering alternatives. The dumbing down of Americans that Carl Sagan saw and wrote about in the 80's. This is not sustainable and will lead to further degradation of our Nation. Shocking that industry does not see where this will lead us and continue to dump money into preserving the status quo. An amazingly productive propaganda machine keeps people in line. Love you Mike.....

Expand full comment

Truth I'm 79 - I can't see these changes happening in my lifetime. I've not given u but focusing on dance yoga doing what I love. I'm 79 it's my only way to stay sane. I love you too Mike with you all the way ❤️

Expand full comment

Industry does not care; their only reason to exist is to make money; more and more; and they continue to make money until they collapse the entire world. I just read a great book, titled 'The End Of The Megamachine.' Dr. Wolff had him on Economic Update, and I was able to obtain the book through the library. It outlines 5000 years of history, how wars and 'military industrial complexes' of previous years, the history of metal mining and weapon making, the limitations then, and how it is violence against a populace propped up by state sanctioning of the elite and the powerful (in our case, mega-corporations) , to include the fact that we must work or face starvation, are evicted for non-payment of rents to those who buy up properties to extract wealth, on and on, and the solutions - small - that must be done to being to undo the megamachine. I never thought of our entire system as systemic violence against the majority in servitude to 'the machine' - the capitalist continued need to expand, more and more, and the crushing it does to humans, as well as other living beings, and our earth. An excellent read. Any person concerned about our current system, and wondering 'what comes next' may want to read this.

Expand full comment

Now read Doughnut Economics:7 Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist. by Kate Raworth. The doughnut is the sustainable model.

Amsterdam is using it. You can read news reports. A plan has been created for Portland and I think Austin.

We still have the power of the consumer

If you can’t get the book at your library, I will send you a copy if you promise to pass it on.

Expand full comment

My library has it; but I see that Amazon Kindle has a digest of the book I can read through my prime, so I downloaded it to preview! Thanks! Have been studying Marxist Economics with Dr. Wolff, and now through another series via moralmarkets.org.

Expand full comment

The problem with the power of the consumer is that you have to buy something

Expand full comment

Or NOT buying. Changing service providers. Divestment.

Expand full comment

Like to read I can pass on want you other ne too

Expand full comment

Megamachine not available at library even digital too expensive over $20 - neither Portland library or clackamas has it

Expand full comment

See if you can download the 'Hoopla' app, and then sign up via your library, which did have the book (that is how I got a copy; our Pima County local public library did not have it; the Phoenix Public Library did, but I don't live in Phoenix). Do try Hoopla....

Expand full comment

Thank you

Expand full comment

I hope t find it at my library. I'm not surprised. I worked until the pandemic - age 77. The office closed. We are income based housing or we'd be homeless. This really is a death culture - slaves to the machine as in The Matrix movies. I feel strongly we are in the end times.

Expand full comment

I loved the Matrix movies. It is probably the only movie i had ever watched more than once. After watching it I remember thinking - well, that makes about as much sense as belief in god. And how DO we know we are not just software programs? I remember that black cat, and the de jevu and wow that hit me. I can't say how many times I have had moments where i thought, "I have said that exact same thing in the exact same place at some time in my life somewhere..." Someone else commented that their library does not have the book. I suggested downloading an app called HOOPLA, which is a new digital library lending platform. Our local library didn't have an e-book, but they now participate in Hoopla e-books, and through my library, and Hoopla, is how I got the book. Check it out. And if your library does not have it, contact them to ask them to have one sent to you via the interlibrary loan or to request a copy be purchased there. I have borrowed many a book through the "Interlibrary Loan" programs.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Absolutely Chris Hedges my guru also

Expand full comment

Hi class of '69 - me too; although I had a high school where my class was 100 students. I certainly wasn't as brainy as you sounded. I was just a jerk who liked boys back then. I didn't really grow up until about the age of 50. Sad, I know....I was an A-B student and had I applied myself, might have actually been in the top 10 percentile - can't claim I'd be at the top. Besides, in college I learned that it is the C students who go on to make the most money. Go figure; I guess it's the A and B students who are the most anal-retentive, perfectionist, and inflexible (yup, I turned out to be 3.95 in masters program) - and must figure that top earning potential must have a grain of truth to it, for sure!

Expand full comment

Why not wake industry up and make them pay a price for funding those who are destroying democracy? We have to raise awareness of those who are funding seditious conspiracy and organize boycotts. We are the majority and have more buying power.

Remember when conventions and projects were cancelled in North Carolina the “bathroom bill” was reversed.

Because of extreme voter suppression in Texas, corporations located there must be pressured. Finally their focus on short term profit will help us.

Expand full comment

Yes! It's the only hope for quick change. Industry bought the system and they are the ones who must fix our democracy. They need to understand that their profits are not sustainable in a deeply divided, unequal system which is turning American cities into homeless camps. Nobody gains. Nobody gains from a civil war or an unhealthy population. We need to wake them up. Street protests don't work, but withholding cash will put pressure on them.

Expand full comment

I think peaceful street protests that expose corporations will also work and recruit more people to join the boycotts.

Expand full comment

The problem is, who's going to take to the streets? There's a serious problem of apathy.

Expand full comment

Also a fear of unwanted crowds

Expand full comment

They are very much aware. They don't care we are collateral damage- expendable for the sake of the system

Expand full comment

Industry will never save us. Complicated, but I recommend the book, The End Of the Megamachine. It explains history, the various systems throughout the last 5000 years, heightened in the last 500 years, and why industry will not save us, even to save itself. It cannot. Only we can, and of course, when I say 'we' I don't mean us, per se, but collective action and resistance to 'the machine' by people, over time, in small wins. I do a terrible job of book reviewing, but I pretty much can assure you if you can get hold of that book, you will not regret it!

Expand full comment

Boycotts are the only way we can protest and make our presence felt.

Expand full comment

About the propaganda machine…DirecTV has dropped One America News (OAN). Common Cause had pressured DirecTV and now Common Cause has a petition for AT&T, who funds 90% of OAN, to stop. See October news reports about AT&T basically creating OAN.

I changed from AT&T years ago when I learned about the $ they made from pornography that exploited and degraded women.

You can sign the Common Cause petition now.

Expand full comment

I survived a situational major depression with the help of short term antidepressants and the decision NOT TO BE A VICTIM. After I made that decision I realized I WAS COMPLICIT. Did you notice that neon orange 4x6 card behind Michael that said, " I'M COMPLICIT"?

We are complicit because we weren't paying attention the last fifty years when Then New Deal, The Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, unions, the EPA, all the gains of the sixties that made us complacent, were destroyed. Read "Evil Geniuses" by Kurt Anderson. Knowledge is power. We let it happen so we are responsible for doing what we can to fix it. The evil geniuses may have more money but there are more of us- IF we don't give up and become victims.

Solidarity and eternal vigilance.

When we are drawing our last breaths and our lives are passing before us, let's make sure the last thing we see isn't that orange "I'M COMPLICIT card."

Expand full comment

Or, as is said in recovery: There are NO victims, only volunteers!

Expand full comment

Yes. The far right are victimizing themselves by believing the lies and becoming addicted to hate.

The truth will set you free.

Expand full comment

The older you get the more observant you are--the more observant you are the more cynical you become--'cynicism is but the smoke rising from the embers of unrealized dreams'.

Expand full comment

Were they dreams or expectations?

At some point I realized that people kept saying to me, “What did you expect?” I then realized that I expected things to be fair.

Now I try to stay aware of expectations.

Stay in awareness and dream a new dream.

Expand full comment

Let go of expectations and outcomes just do what's right for the good of ALL.

Expand full comment

Exactly! Thanks for the clarity.

Nil desperandum.

Expand full comment

One of my favorite things is reading your thoughts or hearing them. If I could choose any person in the world to spend the day with, it would be you.

Expand full comment

Thank you for your comforting thoughts. How lucky the world is to have you and all of the people who truly admire you. ❤️

Expand full comment

One of the little things that is very underrated, is. A breath of fresh air, that sudden slight breeze, sometimes is a little bit chill, but feels bracing. It fills your lungs with refreshment, and gives you that instantaneous lift that while only for a fraction of a second, cleanses your soul.

Expand full comment

So true, Howard.....& I appreciate every breath of FRESH air I can find!!

Expand full comment

It does pretty good for the people who don't believe in 'souls' as well.

Expand full comment

Loved the series Maid also. So much that we’re looking to help a single mom and have her live with us for awhile to help her get on her feet. Thanks for sharing and giving us hope in the world of fears

Expand full comment

That's so wonderful! I was a single mom and it was very hard on my son. I struggled with working more than one job, hard to pay for child care. One time, when I finally had a better paying job working in a car factory, I had to sneak him in to work and had him hide in cardboard parts boxes, due to not being able to find safe child care for the second shift.

Expand full comment

Vernor’s ginger ale. My favorite pop in Ohio. Did you have that in Michigan?

Expand full comment

When I was growing up, my grandfather always had a case of Vernor’s when we visited. First thing I asked him was if he had any Vernor’s. He’d smile and say sure do. Best ginger ale ever.

Expand full comment

It was invented and produced in Michigan.

Expand full comment

A trip to Michigan isn’t complete without at least one Vernors.

Expand full comment

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin or their background or their religion ...

People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love ...

For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."   

Expand full comment

you Michael my favorite human your heart a billion dollar bit coin as shiny as the sun 🌞

Expand full comment

Your podcast and your writing are 2 of my favorite things. Another is my milk frothier that I use w/oat milk on top of my morning coffee. I take this delicious beverage into a room in my house that faces the east every morning and watch the sunrise while I meditate, lift in prayer those who come to my mind each morning and express gratitude for my blessings.

This ritual has grounded me, given me measures of peace and been my sanity’s lifeline during the Trump regime and continues as we head into our 3rd year of this pandemic.

Expand full comment

1.My favorite colors blue, red and yellow. I have deep golden walls in my livingroom.

2. They smell of salt air. You can take the girl out of Gloucester, MA but you can't take Gloucester out of the girl.

3. The warmth of the sun at the beach.

4. Gardening, planting, playing in the dirt.

5. My little house in the woods with no mortgage.

6. Social Security and Medicare. They've saved me when I lost my veterinary technician job of 31 years.

7. My pets that have kept me company during the pandemic.

8. And of course you Michael Moore/Rumble for giving me hope. Keep up the good fight. Thank you for doing this list today.

My dogs don't bite but I'm feeling sad.

(I've had a sad day my Cairn Terrier woke me up at 12:30am collapsed and was gone at 3:30.

My French Bulldog has an appointment this afternoon for labored breathing. Not looking good). 3 dogs and 3 cats 10-15 years old. 😢

Expand full comment

Thanks for your list and kind words. So sorry about your pups.

Expand full comment

Thank you. My Frenchie is doing much better on antibiotics and prednisone. He has pneumonia. Be safe and well. We are hunkered down waiting for the Nor'eastah.

Expand full comment

We do not grieve without having loved first! So while you grieve hold on to the blessing of your little terrier. We lost our Boston, Buttercup, last week. She would have been 16 this week! What a little trooper...Three others age 12 hanging in there...our families are so blessed with these deeply satisfying relationships...but oh how it hurts...only the gratitude of all those shared years of love makes it almost ok. I am so sorry!

Expand full comment

So sorry for the loss of your Boston. Thank you for your kind words. I have a Frenchie, a small Terrier mix and 3 cats. Ages 10-16. The Frenchie is recovering from pneumonia.

We both are in for some rocky times with all these seniors. Remembering all the good memories is what helps. Best of luck with your seniors.

Expand full comment

...you too! learning a lot helping them with as much dignity as we can muster

Expand full comment

So many caring people on this site. ❤

Expand full comment

Oh gosh, I’m so sorry about your Terrier, that is heart breaking. It’s so tough losing a beloved pet. I hope your Frenchie is doing ok. I have a cat with renal failure and I treasure every day that I have with him. We lost our two beloved dogs, one in 2020 and the other 5 months later in 2021. Those losses have been difficult, so my heart goes out to you.

Expand full comment

Morning Pam.

Been thinking of you these past few days and wanted to reach out.

Words do little justice to soothe affairs of the heart.

Still, as Jackson Browne sings "In our hearts we turn to each others' hearts for refuge".

Please know that you are remembered as you miss your Cairn Terrier buddy.

And please know soft and caring thoughts are sent, from me to you, for all your loved pets, and for your unfolding life.

We've got a blizzard coming today, you and I. Stay warm. Keep it Simple.

Love picturing you in your little home in the woods, mortgage free, and digging in the dirt-- Spring will be here soon enough!

Many good memories of my earlier life with hubby and our many day trips to Gloucester-- before we went to Texas for 16 years. Glad we got out in time for us-- life on Cape Cod and 30mph driving always suited us anyway! Hope your life in NH is lovely now, a day at a time.

Expand full comment

Connie,

Thank you for your kind words. I am doing ok and my French Bulldog, Louis is recovering from pneumonia.

I am prepared and hunkered down for the Nor'easter. I'm more inland, won't get the brunt of it. I lived in Gloucester during the Blizzard of 78. I hope you'll be safe on Cape Cod.

My cousin is leaving Austin, TX after 34 years and moving back to New England. He's had enough of it. He is a master luthier at Collings Guitars. He was the first employee there.

Be well and be safe.

Take care..

Expand full comment

Thanks for sharing Louis name and health recovery/update.

Again, thinking of you and all these past days (and years) have brought to you.

My loved and loving husband left the planet suddenly and it's taken me time to absorb and move through all the trauma. So I can understand.

Please be gentle with yourself going forward-- a day/a moment at a time.

Trust yourself to know what's best for you. Makes all the difference.

Glad you are inland. I was in Holliston for '78's blizzard. Feels like yesterday.

Also lived in South Austin, near your cousin's place of work. Listening as I write this to "Before the Deluge" -- Jackson and David Lindley-- magical. Always!

Peace to your cousin as he heads north. Grateful he brought music to the world. And peace to you, Pam. Thanks for your kind thoughts as Mother Nature arrives.

Expand full comment

So sorry for the loss of your husband. Losing someone is never easy. I lost my parents in 2005. 48 days apart. My mom from Leukemia and my dad from a broken heart. I miss them every day.

I love Jackson Brown too.

Expand full comment

Powerful sharing with me, Pam.

Thank you.

I miss John every day, too, even as I feel his love around me.

Now, I may lose power -- the storm is ramping up.

My phone is a landline and I use John's HP desktop computer. I am living in the 60's and 70's pretty much. Suits me! John was the tech guy.

Wanted to write back though-- let you know I'm glad we've connected and I'm glad to know you love Jackson, too.

Music for me has always been life-giving and life-sustaining.

Born in 1955, for me, it's all been the best bunch of music, and musicians ever. Kept me afloat. Stay safe.

Expand full comment

Thanks for your list! Add Canada Dry Ginger Ale for an upset stomach! ❤️

Expand full comment

No more carpets for me

Expand full comment

Newly discovered favorite thing… this forum where I can read comments by sane, thoughtful, freedom loving individuals, and be reassured that there is intelligent life on This Planet.

Expand full comment

Lionel trains ….Classic Movies….1957 Chevy Belair ……..50’s music 60’s music and classic records that our parents listened too ………popular hits …….Snow faking on the ground …..a fire place and a glass of wine

Expand full comment