100 Comments

It really angers me when people who want the genocide in Gaza to end are called "antisemites." Am I antisemitic? I'm 99.9% Ashkenazi Jewish with a great-grandfather buried on the Mount of Olives. I have at least 100 blood relatives in Israel and 13,000 relatives by marriage living in Israel. (My great-aunt Shoshana's family arrived in late 1700s.) And I emigrated in order to perform with the Jerusalem Symphony in their 1975-76 season. It looks like Israel wants to drag us into a war with Iran, and I have friends from Iran! What's going on here? Am I weird that I don't have just one group of people to identify with? What's wrong with identifyinig with human beings?

I'm grateful that Tim Walz prevailed. Back with joy and hope n my heart.

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Thank you. Your choice of the word "identifying" gets to the heart of it. I identify with working people, regardless of language, geography, religious inclination, "nationality". If we identified based on our class rather than the artifacts the capitalists use to divide us, we'd all be better off.

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That's so interesting that you mentioned "artifacts". Yesterday I just learned about brand and how important that was to young people. Someone needs to explain this to me. Most of my clothes come from the thrift store. Yesterday I was cleaning out the hall closet and decided to give one of the few brand items away because I liked the hanger more than the sweater! B'bye.

I also glanced at the tag on one of my skirts: "made in the USA"! So I had to look up when that transition came--why most things are made in the Far East now. It came between 1990 and 2011, and because of NAFTA. Thanks, Bill Clinton.

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A thousand like!

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It’s so TRAGIC for Israel, as well as Gaza, what Netanyahu is doing to his own country and the entire region! I fear that we are going to get dragged into this whole disaster. And it is NOT antisemitism to say this! Absolutely NO ONE thinks what happened last October 7th was anything less than horrific, but Netanyahu’s response has been even worse! And look at all the university presidents and people who’ve gotten fired over all of this. It looked to me like they were trying to respect free speech. No one condones bullying of ANYONE, and people/students should not be doing that to each other

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Until you outed him brilliantly, I had no substantive knowledge about Shapiro. I don't know where or how you got your "insider" information, but it concerns me that the media generally seemed to (once again) fail to expose his soft dark underbelly. Even in such a pre-election abbreviated timeframe, surely real "journalists" could have pried up the rock. Not only do we suffer an inundation of misinformation, but a vacuum of actual information. Great way to choose our leaders.

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Our kid watches the Majority Report. Host Sam Seder, who is Jewish, laid out the case against Shapiro. Harris did the right thing and sidestepped that baggage.

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Similarly, I know very little about Josh Shapiro. His stemwinder speech today was my first impression. It seemed to my wife and me that Shapiro was eerily channeling Barack Obama right down to the gestures and words (is "y'all" really part of his standard lexicon?). It made him seem disingenuous.

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I wonder why VP Harris and team considered Shapiro in the first place~

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My name is Ted Martin. I just finished writing a book about my first hand encounters with a morbidly corrupt federal judicial system. The book is titled: The Illusion of Justice and contains documented, incontrovertible proof of widespread systemic corruption in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of United States Courts, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Supreme Court not only ignored two of the most egregious cases of judicial misconduct imaginable (my cases) but also an amicus brief by former Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Posner in which he blows the whistle on rampant corruption in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Judge Posner’s amicus brief is posted on the Supreme Court’s website at www.supremecourt.gov and can be accessed by typing in the following case number: Martin v. Living Essentials (Case No. 17-8352)

It will be painfully obvious to anyone who reads my book (or Judges Posner’s amicus brief) that the Supreme Court denies certiorari without even bothering to read the petitions submitted by the citizens of the United States. This obscene betrayal of the public trust is a clear-cut violation of every Justice’s judicial oath and a crime under federal law that is commonly referred to as honest services fraud.

In short, my book proves that the leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to pack the courts with corrupt corporate judges who will never side with the American people. This was abundantly clear when Senator Chuck Schumer and the other Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee repeatedly refused to use irrefutable evidence of judicial misconduct by Amy Coney Barrett (a Republican nominee) at her Supreme Court confirmation hearing.

This bipartisan band of seditious conspirators also refused to address the underlying corruption in clear violation of their oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

The only difference between the two major political parties is the rhetoric. The special interest groups running this country don’t give a damn which bribe taking stooge you vote for or even if you vote at all. They have already successfully rigged every election by controlling “our” choices.

The leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties have been caught red-handed conspiring to pack the courts with corrupt judges who will never side with you. If there was ever a reason to be a one issue voter, this is it. Besides, any politician caught lying about their fidelity to the Constitution and laws of the United States is obviously lying about everything—particularly their agenda.

Republicans push the corrupt corporate agenda. Democrats pretend to be opposed. Together, they sell their offices to the highest bidders. They foment war for the military industrial complex, promote racism for the prison industrial complex, refuse to restrict access to assault weapons for the gun manufactures, permit large quantities of toxic cancer causing chemicals to be dumped into our air, land, and water for the chemical manufactures, deny needed medical care to our country’s citizens for the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries, and turn a willful blind eye to the catastrophic effects of global warming for the fossil fuel industries. The list of their greed fueled crimes against humanity goes on and on.

Voting your current elected representatives out of office should be a no brainer. But, to make sure that they are not replaced with another batch of equally corrupt corporate stooges, we’re also going to have to take back both the Republican and Democratic parties and get the money out of politics.

While this may appear to be a daunting task, all we really need is a sound plan. After giving this matter some careful consideration, I have the following proposal: We agree to put aside all of our ideological differences and unite as Americans in support of the Constitution of the United States.

If you read my book, it really won’t be that difficult. You will know who the real enemy is and it certainly isn’t your fellow citizens. We just need to become one issue voters. Ignore their contrived wedge issues, bullshit talking points, and cringe worthy campaign ads. If they are not fighting tooth and nail to get the money out of politics—don’t legitimize them with your vote.

Seriously, if in doubt—throw them out. Besides, any government official who is not forcefully calling for the resignations of the corrupt leaders of their own political party is, by definition, violating their oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Whether Republican or Democrat, a treasonous corporate criminal is a treasonous corporate criminal, they serve the same master and nothing is going to change until we get the money out of politics.

*You get the money out of politics by publicly funding elections, banning all campaign contributions, and, in exchange for their broadcasting/operating licenses, requiring news organizations to give every candidate for public office an equal amount of free advertising space.

In the future, I may write a book titled: The Illusion of Journalism. But for now, I’m just going to say that the media is not going to help anyone blow the whistle on their partners in crime. In the past four years, I couldn’t find a single news organization that hadn’t sold us out.

All an honest journalist would have to do is read Judge Posner’s amicus brief to know that the courts are irretrievably corrupt. Reading my book will conclusively show that the courts are corrupt by design.

If you want a government that actually acts in your best interests, I urge you and everyone you know to read my book as soon as possible. You can get a digital copy of my book free of charge at the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_vaMH1riLodzOfQn0kI7ow0RDrPM0NqE/view?usp=sharing

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Walz is my Governor and he is AMAZING. MInnesota is, I’d argue, one of the best places to live and raise a family. And I’m thrilled for the country to get to know our Gov. The FIRST to codify reproductive health care in the state constitution. The first.

I was so furious with Morning Joe today. Actually most days lately. They were so mad that Shapiro wasn’t chosen they just trashed her decision. After that rally I hope they eat their words. Though I won’t be holding my breath.

When we fight. We win!!!

“We can sleep when we’re dead “

Governor Walz

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Another zinger was his response to anti-choice republicans who want to invade the privacy of the doctor's office. "We (Minnesotans) follow this commandment: mind your own damn business!"

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Nice to hear from someone from Minnesota. I agree with all you said. I am from Illinois, but your Gov. Walz was my first choice, especially after hearing Amy Klobuchar talk about him - she is one of my VERY favorite senators along with my Senator Tammy Duckworth.

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We are very fortunate with some excellent representatives and politicians who truly work to make our state better for everyone. Raising all boats. We loved Al Franken when he was our 2nd Senator as well.

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Dear Michael,

You are truly exemplary! I forwarded your first article about Shapiro to Kamala and every official who was in touch with her! I reiterated how she would lose the Muslim vote in Michigan and as a result both Michigan and the election!

Thanks to your article and your efforts you succeeded to convince Kamala not to choose Shapiro!! Kudos to you and all those organizations who advised Kamala. And Kamala showed her genius by picking Walz!

Keep writing Michael and on to victory over the American Hitter

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Aug 7Edited

Mike, it's completely unnecessary to spend any time taking down Shapiro. Let's move on and be happy Walz is Harris' running mate. He's the real deal–a plain-talking, inspiring guy who adds to Harris' passion and joy. At his speech at the rally in Philadelphia, the dude hit all the right points and he’s FUNNY!

Classic line?

“I can’t WAIT to debate Vance…that is, if he’s willing to get off the COUCH…” That one even took Harris by surprise. I loved the expression on her face as he was speaking. She looked like she knew she made the right choice.

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Hi Michael,

we Minnesotans are dancing in the streets tonight! Tim Walz is a genuine DFLer in the style of Fritz Mondale, only funnier! (He actually reminds me of Al Franken :)) This is going to be a much more enjoyable fight than I'd anticipated. Tim brought down the house in Philadelphia today with his offhand "couch" remark about JD Vance :) I am so glad that Kamala followed her instincts and didn't listen to the "experts." That augurs well.

I love your Harris/Tim Walz campaign sign-- it's better than the official one. I'd like to make my own lawn signs, so can I use that image, or is it copyrighted?

Thanks for all of your good work. When is your next film coming out??

Marian Parker

Petaluma, CA

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Thanks, Minnesotans for sharing your governor. He’ll be hard to replace.

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I found it interesting that in all the discussion of Josh Shapiro being the best choice his horrible position on education was so completely ignored. Walz, a teacher is an excellent choice. I couldn't have voted for Kamala if she had chosen Shapiro due to his position on Gaza, BUT his views on education were also concerning. The vetting for Kamala might have been on a quick time frame but it looks like she came up with a winner!!!

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It great that Harris did not pick the worst white guy but this is still a very low bar. How about now we push her to demand a cease fire and stop sending money and weapons to fund genocide.

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How about, we get her across the finish line BEFORE we ask her to commit political suicide by changing the decades long foreign policy America has had with Israel.

Kamala's husband is Jewish and they accused her of being an anti-semite just because she didn't choose Shapiro?

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I was tempted to agree with the comment you're replying to. But thanks for your helpful & realistic realistic response.

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It was a great evening in Philadelphia today, and Josh Shapiro was a class act in his support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I think this piece is unnecessary at the moment. Shapiro's support can help the ticket win Pennsylvania. I also think there is more nuance to the issues Shapiro is being criticized on than you put forth.

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It would be interesting if you would elaborate re the nuance you mention. I think that many of Michael's readers want to hear all sides of the issues...I know that I do. Thanks.

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It would be too long for a comment, and I won't say Shapiro is above criticism. As I live in PA, I read many articles to try to get the whole picture. Here are just a couple:

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/07/josh-shapiro-vice-president-school-choice-voucher/

https://www.vox.com/politics/364677/tim-walz-harris-vp-josh-shapiro

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Thank you for providing the links. You are correct, it would take way too much time and space to respond to these two pieces. I have read both, & can only say that, to my mind, overall they don't weaken the case against Shapiro. Walz is not perfect either (including on the issue of support for the Israeli governments actions) but I believe that he remains the better choice for VP ....both in view of hard political realities and in terms of actions and history.

Having said that, I hope that others take the time read your offerings and add the differing opinions and thoughts to their consideration.

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I like Tim Walz and Kamala Harris as a team, and I will be working hard to get them elected. I just think it is time to lay off Shapiro after he wasn't chosen, and since he is throwing his support behind Harris and Walz. We need unity now. Also, keep in mind that Shapiro has a divided government in PA to work with.

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Understood. And I agree that unity is extremely important now. Cheers.

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And, let's face it, we're all human - politicians, too. Thus, none are perfect. I just want my government officials to be honest, respectful of the needs/wants of their constituents and willing to listen while they fight for the American "ideal" set forth in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. And, of course, to bring back the JOY!!

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I love Tim Walz!!!! Let’s go!

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16 hours ago I didn’t know one thing about Walz. By 7pm, I knew we won the election. I’ve already signed up to canvass for the first time and have 600 postcards to mail out. I’m in deep red Florida, but there are lots of “Women for Harris” in my county that are fired up!

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Great! This is heartening to hear from Florida. Thank you!

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The Biden, now Harris campaign thought they could possibly win Florida. It seemed impossible to me, but maybe not? Wouldn't that be great!

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I canvassed for three days prior to Election Day and everyone was extremely excited!!!

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Yay Kamala!

She’s our California girl!

I was almost sure the institutional dems had convinced her to go with Shapiro and snatch defeat from the jaws of success, but she did the right thing, an avuncular white guy who has a lifetime of making solid sound choices and who will let her be the exciting one!

Now it’s time to get to work to see that the vote deniers don’t cheat us out of our votes. We may need Buden’s help to send federal marshals to see that voting rights are upheld and hanging chads, unscrupulous electors and gun-toting bullies don’t come near real registered voters and count their way to an incorrect victory!

Maybe our prosecutor president can see we get real justice!

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I, like Drew, really had no knowledge about Mr. Shapiro or Mr. Walz beyond the fact that their constituents seem very pleased with them.

(I'm in Oregon).

Thank you for this. Clarity & information is a wonderful thing and I admire so all that you've done, to disseminate facts for decades now. Thank you.

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Oh yes, thanks for the info on Josh Shapiro. Living in the SF Bay Area and listening to leftie FM radio like KPFA, I was already aware of how many people despised his support for Israeli genocide, but the other items were news to me. Wow, sounds like Kamala really dodged a bullet there. Walz is so much better!

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SPOT ON, MIKE!!

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Fabulous article! Now let's roll!

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