161 Comments
User's avatar
Janet Bates's avatar

But the US just OKed 20 billion dollars worth of weapons toward Israel. Who are now also bombing Lebanon now. I do not feel great. I feel like all of a sudden everyone has forgotten Gaza and in fact are trying to sweep the genocide under the table

Expand full comment
Thomas's avatar

Back in the 60s, things called "teach-ins" were held to educate people on the Vietnam War.

The same kind of program is needed to overcome the brainwashing the American people have endured about Zionism. Zionism has hijacked the Jewish identity, and DEPENDS on anti-Semitism. Zionism is to Judaism as Christian nationalism is to the teachings of Jesus.

The roots of the Likud Party go right back to Mussolini's Black Shirts.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4]

Expand full comment
Jazz's avatar

It’s about progress not perfection. We will get there, Janet. Most of the Israeli citizens want Netanyahu gone. That’s why he had a private one on one meeting with the self appointed king in Fla.last month.

Expand full comment
TJ's avatar
Aug 27Edited

The horrors of the Palestinian genocide and the direction Netanyahu is heading with Lebanon make the comment "it's about progress not perfection" sound more than just a little bit outdated and patronizing. Where this subject is concerned, the long run, or eventual progress, is inexcusably and terrifyingly long overdue. From the perspective of those living and trying to help (doctors, journalists, etc.) in Palestine there has been no progress in this area, it's only gotten worse, and it's a freaking horror show that needs to stop immediately. You know what progress would be to a little Palestinian child (3 yrs old?) whose entire family was murdered by our U.S. bombs and now finds herself bloodied, alone, and still alive? This: "All my family is in heaven now, and I wish I was too." The time is NOW (and even now is too late), not at the end of some unknowable eventual progress.

Expand full comment
Jazz's avatar

I agree with you & if you ask the people living in Israel, most would not agree with what this right-wing nut-job is doing to Palestinian civilians. That said, Mostly all of the conflict before any wars, have started with a first strike from, ________ ,pick your terrorist group.

It absolutely does NOT justify what is happening now. 40K+ lives lost doesn't justify the first strike at a concert where 1,200 young ppl died, plus what was done to some who survived.

Where have all the Middle Eastern nations been over the decades?

How come many did not allow ppl to flee to their nations after Israel started bombing the shit out of their land.

They have resisted involvement or support of the Palestinian ppl for years & some have funded terrorist groups who don't even live there.

The ppl living in this country are being used as a human shields so that extremist groups can achieve their ultimate goal: wiping Israel off the map.

I've known of Israeli and Palestinian groups of young people who have participated for decades in programs here in the states to open dialogue with each other in an attempt to work for a solution. Older teens and young 20 somethings are flown over here. They get to know each other..... They argue, they talk, they play, they party, they realize they want the same things, and when it is time to leave after 2 or 3 months, they know they will be risking their lives if they even try to stay in touch.

These are the types of young leaders that are needed to make the craziness stop. Middle Eastern countries must come together to eliminate these hateful groups from where ever and adopt a solution based resolve instead of living & dying in the problem.

Putting blame, pointing fingers and "other-izing" ppl is not the answer either. "It's their fault," "No it's their fault."

I've said this before and I'm pretty apolitical. In my opinion, my gut tells me whose fault it is.

MEN, Aggression, Power, Control over ppl, over land, over religion.

It's NEVER ENOUGH.

It's all about "WINNING," divide & conquer! Isn't that what we have been fed over the past 10 yrs? If you look at the ppl who crafted Project 2025,most of the architects are male. Women are 2nd class citizens and Mass Deportations will abound. How is the violence happening in Gaza any different than sending ppl back into the violence and killing they fled from?

If women were in charge of our world we would have more compromise, more willingness to talk and reason first toward a win/win resolve vs. the deaths we are seeing now among ppls in our world.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Sandy Bauer's avatar

Do you think that endlessly repeating this message will change anyones mind?

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

No,

I doubt that anyone ever changes someone else's mind.

I just don't want the people on this thread to be in denial about the consequences of their voting choices.

History repeats itself.

But don't worry, I only paid for one month and it ends today, and I don't plan on paying for another so this is probably goodbye.

Expand full comment
Sandy Bauer's avatar

I don't disagree with you concern about the likely consequence of voting for 3rd party candidates , but do you think that anyone who isn't already aware of the argument that you're making will give a damn now that you've enlightened them? And what's the point of making them aware, if it isn't in hope of convincing them to change their decision.

Besides everyone has a right, even a duty to themselves, to vote their conscience no matter how much you or I disagree with them.

Expand full comment
Kathleen White's avatar

Not a rationally thought out notion.

Expand full comment
Nora Handler's avatar

Exactly Janet! And the DNC would not allow one single Palestinian American to speak. Harris mentioned the suffering in Gaza in a very tepid way. We have just heard about more horrific torture in Israeli prisons. The protesters were discounted, the people that unfurled a banner saying stop funding Israel were blocked and one lady was hit on the head. I don’t feel the joy at all. I feel sad that Harris has no policy on her website, I see no evidence that things are going to change. I am bewildered by all the joy.

Expand full comment
Jazz's avatar

What's the alternative? 45 is in bed with Netanyahu., voting for Jill Stein or Cornell West in protest only sells our country out to the folks who have been planning /tweaking Project 2025 since the mid 70's.(also religious zealots)

Go ahead and complain, that's your/our right(s) to do so, while we still have them.

It's an atrocity what's going on over there, yes, but the constant complaining about a country that is smaller than the size of New Jersey and it's fight to save itself NOT from Palestinians, but the extremist, violent, religious, fanatic, opposition & the countries who support them( Iran, Russia) is what Israel is up against.

Do you not see that Hamas + their supporters(who could care less about the Palestinians other than to use them to cause destruction) are equally responsible for these deaths?

Many of the leaders of this terrorist organization do not live in the Palestinian community. They are wealthy, come for the poor, from afar, from their palatial mansions, pull off events like Oct. 7th, and then retreat to their palaces in Saudi Arabia, or other countries where Palestinians are not permitted to live and thrive.

If 45 wins, all of the protesting won't be happening under Project 2025,as it will be illegal to do so & the military here will be used to prevent it. So be my guest and vote for Stein or West or f-ing stay home out of protest, and we won't recognize our country.

You might end up convincing more American students here in our universities to do more hate on Jewish students and continue to physically harm or prevent them from attending class, as in last Spring. These actions taken out on ppl here is a threat to all living here & have nothing to do with the young or elderly Jew living in our country.

But you go right ahead and continue to plant seeds here of hate and stereotypic memes which haven't been this bad since the 30s.(Listen to Rachel Madow's podcast "Ultra" & you will think she is talking about NOW))

If this movement of hate continues to evolve, you and who ever else wanting to BLAME & stir more hate for Jews, Blacks,Muslims in our country can own the consequences, as more privileged white folk place "other" in the cross-hairs. IT'S NOT HELPING!

Look at the numbers of hate crimes via ADL & Southern Poverty Law Center that have unfolded over the past 8-10yrs. The numbers don't lie.

Isn't there enough anti-Jewish, anti- Muslim, anti-Black hate in our country?

Arab nations must also step up and as Michelle Obama said last week:

"DO SOMETHING." Where have they been for decades? They have the ability to take these groups out.

We are all responsible, sitting in the comforts of our own homes getting ready for the evening meal. STOP Blaming "OTHER," and "Do Something" positive to leave your footprint of peace by helping someone today in your community who has less than you.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Kathleen White's avatar

Along with the terrorist attack which was under there on day one. I do hope Netanyahu and his buddy Trump get to enjoy solitary far from each other. They seem to have cooked this up together.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
wrknight's avatar

What is painfully missing from your list of what Americans want it to end our forever wars. Not one mention of ending war, and yet, other than global warming, war is the greatest threat to our nation.

I'm sorry I don't feel as damned good as you do. Our foreign policy threatens nuclear war. Our economic policy threatens bankruptcy and all our wars exacerbate global warming. Any yet, not one word about addressing the most serious threats to our nation.

Harris' campaign is all about feel good. No policy, no real plan, no substance.

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4]

Expand full comment
Sandy Bauer's avatar

I'm wondering if Harris' campaign is deliberately designed to give voters what, sadly, so many of them seem to want...entertainment.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Which is weird, to coin a phrase, because Trump is supposed to be the "showman".

Expand full comment
Sandy Bauer's avatar

Actually, if true, I see it as cynically pragmatic. If being entertaining is what it takes to move some of Trumps votes...then entertainment is what the campaign will provide. Indeed many of Trumps rallies look more like a circus or a country fair. I don't like it, but it it helps to defeat Trump, I can't really condemn it.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Jo Ann Crouch's avatar

Really want to save those people in Gaza. The Israelis keep saying they are going after Hamas. I thought their military was one of the best in the world!! They can’t even tell the difference between a 5 year old kid and a dangerous terrorist? And they need our billions to “defend themselves?” They give THEIR citizens free universal health care when we don’t get that. I am almost more afraid of AIPAC than the pro Project 2025s! Love the idea of bringing back Teach Ins!

Expand full comment
AbbyWrites's avatar

Of course there is a difference. Did you snooze through the ceaseless evidence provided that the cowardly garbage of Hamas hide behind their hostages; keep children as shields, store their bombs-weapons in schools, churches, hospitals, and the holes dug for storage? No honor exists within this hell-bound group. There is no possibility of a 2-state solution in spite of the misguided declarations of those in power. One group exists to erase the other. The other group exists to be. And if the group that wants to exist is attacked, attacked unfairly, deviously, ceaselessly, the group being attacked must defend itself and never stop until the ones attacking it are no longer able to do so. And that has not happened yet.

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

No doubt about the overkill by Israel. But didn't Hamas expect this when they decided to go ahead with their terrorist attack of October 7?

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Maybe they knew that there would be an overreaction by Netanyahu -- killing tens of thousands of innocents -- that would bring the world down on Israel.

Expand full comment
Gloria J. Maloney's avatar

I listened to Michael's audio of the protests and heard the rhythmic "Free Palestine! instead of "Stop the bombing" or "Stop killing children!" I expected the protests to be about stopping the killing and not a political statement that makes the people killed on both sides martyrs for their leaders.

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

I agree. And the tone of those protests is not palatable to most Americans. Most of us believe in the right for Israel to exist, while dreaming of the day when Netanyahu is gone.

Expand full comment
Eva Kyle's avatar

God help you to find the answers…for starters Israel is the occupying state. They have no right to what they claim.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Thomas's avatar

Practicing mindfulness ("Thank you, pandemic.") I looked more deeply into my feelings of joy and elation. If found they were based on a tremendous sense of relief.

And what I was relieved about related to this decade-old complaint about Democratic "messaging." The convention impressed on me that messaging is NOT going to be a problem for this new ticket.

It was a lack of communications by the Biden admin that allowed Trump to continue to be a contender. Biden, inexplicably, never thought to bring back those weekly presidential addresses -- where so much messaging took place, and which were a constant for every president from FDR to Obama, until Trump dropped them.

Back in 2021, when the pandemic was taking thousands of American lives a day, we sure needed them.

Also, I have tremendous relief at realizing just how deep our Democratic "bench" is. Consider that a few weeks ago, nobody knew who Tim Walz was.

Expand full comment
Thomas's avatar

PS: I just made my appointment to get the new Covid-19 booster. Looks like free tests are going to be available again.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

So right. Joe is the victim of father time and was the ornery old guy who refused to quit. No ability to deliver a message(even his DNC address was a bit off the rails.) Obviously time to hand off the baton. Whew....!

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4]

Expand full comment
Robert's avatar

Robert - - -Well - Those of us in Minnesota know him well. I messaged his committee that, if Harris/Walz lost the election, WE WANTED HIM BACK!

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Eva Kyle's avatar

No arms embargo, no sanctions, no ceasefire, no vote from me. I’ve heard AIPAC’s mouthpiece’s talk before. I trust Harris will be a Hillary AIPAC’s and the war machine’s payroll is addictive. They don’t bite the hand that feeds them.

Just more blue Kool aid.

I can’t jump on the train yet, but I’m open to change…

I heard her stance on Israel loud and clear, twice. 🕊️🍉

And the attitude “I’m talking “ 🤢

Expand full comment
Eileen Samitz's avatar

Well it sounds like no vote from you just invites 4 more years of Trump. How do you think that would fare for Gaza. This is all on Netanyahu not the U.S, You need to aim your rage at him. The U.S. cannot control Netanyahu, but pressure him to stop his hawk actions. We all have to pray that Israel has an election to kick him out once and for all.

Expand full comment
Eva Kyle's avatar

They could stop arming him and supporting him for starters 🤷‍♀️at least I could aim my rage towards TFG. I do not feel guilty about being anti war and anti genocide. I have no intention of drinking the blue Kool aid. I vote according to my conscience and arming genocide is not one of them. No I’m not voting for TFG . I’m a lifelong liberal that had have enough of his insanity.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
TJ's avatar
Aug 27Edited

While I will vote democrat in Nov. to keep Trump out, to say that this is all on Netanyahu is simply not looking at the facts. Biden could've stopped this months ago with a simple phone call. The U.S. bombs and billions are what has kept this genocide going. Netanyahu simply could not have done it otherwise. It makes the U.S. every bit as complicit as Netanyahu. Maybe even more so since we supposedly know better and claim not to be the sick, insane war criminal Netanyahu most definitely is.

Expand full comment
Frank Morganti's avatar

I respectfully disagree. I’m with Harris all the way and if Israel vacates Gaza and all the illegally occupied areas I’m hoping to help rebuilt Israel’s mess. But first we kick Trump out and sentence him.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

I definitely am not in favor of spending US taxpayer money to clean up Israel's mess. They broke it. Yes, we sent them weapons consistent with our longstanding commitment to help them defend themselves -- and they were viciously attacked on Oct 7 -- but they were the ones who decided to use the weapons to shatter international law. This is all on Bibi.

Expand full comment
Eva Kyle's avatar

Sorry, I don’t think that will happen now, I do wish I could believe that but 70 some years of occupation, deprivation, suppression and that’s a nice way of calling it. The young new settler generation is showing its evil intent and has no intention of listening to international law. The inbreeding will become their fall. There’s no other reason why anyone would act like they are doing and posting it to their social media.

Expand full comment
Frank Morganti's avatar

Yes, I know you are probably right but on a long odds I am hoping.

Expand full comment
Eva Kyle's avatar

Keep it up , I’m more uncommitted than ever although I don’t want to be. I see the two faced comments and I cringe…this time my 68 year old mind and body is voting for peace not some circus kool aid induced mass psychosis. She said very little except when it came to her support of Israel 🤢

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Yeah,

The same old same old 2 state solution that the US has been trying to get both side to agree to forever.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Trump (or Kushner) was the one who moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem, totally ignoring history and Palestinian concerns. I don't think Trump being in the WH will be the panacea for Gaza that you think it will be.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
judith schafer's avatar

In other words, business as usual or something new and unusually nasty. The good news is that people are involved, and it's up to us to make change which in this case, is working on the lucid option.

Expand full comment
PEB's avatar

I sort of feel better than usual, but I have some queasy feelings.

The upcoming debate goofiness is kind of silly.

We all know that Trump is a master when it comes to debates, so he shouldn’t avoid the ABC debate with Kamala. If he backs out, he can go master debate in front of an audience at FOX. They’ll like that.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

I thought about this and realized that Trump has NEVER had a true debate in his life. Why would he? He's been a "businessperson" all his life until 2016. In 2016, he just insulted and talked over the other GOP candidates, and hovered over Hillary Clinton like a Dementor. In 2020, he talked over Joe Biden ("won't you shut up man?" -- best line ever). We can't really call what happened on 6/27 a debate -- his answer for everything, including the two-state solution, was "secure the southern border".

So if the debate happens on 9/10, it will be the first time he's up against somebody who has the ability and energy to fight back., and will likely call him out when he doesn't answer the question. Because the two mannequins on 6/27 certainly didn't make him answer.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Hold on Mike. Be precise here. Saying Biden "stepped down" is playing right into the hands of those who say this was a "coup". Biden did not step down. He is still president of the United States. He simply said he wasn't running for reelection, and the Democrats at the convention chose Kamala Harris. That's not a coup. That's a political party choosing who they want to run.

Expand full comment
judith schafer's avatar

Would that RBG had the grace to step aside. And who among us at any age has not known overload. I just wish he'd take the time remaining to end the Gaza calamity.

Expand full comment
David A.'s avatar

Things I didn't hear at the DNC: medicare4all, universal free public higher ed, universal free pre-K, card check, a Palestinian voice, any proposals for aggressive (or even modest?) climate action, a proposal to solve or greatly alleviate the acute housing crisis, plans to reduce the bloated defense budget.

Things I did hear at the DNC: performative chants of "USA-USA", boasts about and commitment to maintain the most LETHAL military in the world. Not to mention a "tougher" southern border policy.

No. I'm not happy. You, Michael, and the rest of us have been snookered by the "fun fascists". We are so terrified of the "grim fascists" (aka the weirdos) that we have swallowed, hook-line-and-sinker, the programme of a vicious, imperialist, genocide-supporting, cop-loving, anti-worker, anti-people capitalist party.

I live in NY State. The Democrats have a trifecta in the state govt and a super majority where they can even override the right wing Democratic governor's vetos. Does anything get done? Is there any improvement for health, housing, or public higher education? Do you realize they increased CUNY's budget by ... wait for it... 2%. That's below inflation. So in effect with Democrats in charge and not stymied by any nasty people on the other side, the people still get screwed.

ENOUGH! Vote if you feel like it but the only path forward for a better future is revolution. Real revolution. Workers power, communism, the works.

(And no. I'm not happy, Michael, and you shouldn't be either.)

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

It's all about the win first. Whatever it takes to defeat Trump, and if that includes displays of patriotism seemingly hijacked by MAGA Repubs., then so be it. You're extremely leftist solution is soooo 60's and inconsequential in today's America. Yours is a certain losing recipe, and who really has the stomach for revolution?

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Gloria J. Maloney's avatar

Well said, David! I wouldn't vote for Harris based on her platform if I didn't think Trump would be worse. I feel manipulated by the Democrats into this position AGAIN.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Marjie DeFede's avatar

Don't forget we didn't hear "publish the already ratified ERA as the 28th amendment!"

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
The Illusion of Justice's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
wrknight's avatar

Somehow, I feel like I am in the midst of a bunch of party revelers on a train rapidly approaching a washed out bridge and there's no one in the cab.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Yes, reminds me a great deal of 2016.

But in 2016, I remember that Mike was very worried about Clinton and calling out warning signs. I'm not getting that now from him, at least not yet.

Expand full comment
Chuck Briggs's avatar

Maybe because in 2016 Trump had not been indicted for causing an insurrection on the US Capitol, been ordered to pay a large settlement for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carrol, indicted for election interference in Georgia, federally indicted for stealing top secret documents, or convicted 34 times for corrupt business practices in the state of New York. But Hillary's emails, OMG, can't vote for her!

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
wrknight's avatar

The first argument by American voters against voting for a third party or independent candidate is always, "A vote for third party candidate is a vote for the candidate I don't want".. So long as American voters embrace that logic, no independent or third party will ever stand a chance and we remain condemned to a two party system.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

OK

Vote for Jill Stein

She might win

You never know right?

Expand full comment
Thomas's avatar

I have lived and voted in Georgia for 40 years. This week, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will spend a few days storming through the southern part of our state. Trump's people are now faced with spending more time and resources in states they cannot afford to lose -- Georgia being one.

That leaves less time and resources on states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Virginia. If Harris wins those four states, she'll have the 270 electoral collage votes without needing Georgia or Arizona.

Expand full comment
Jazz's avatar

I think she’ll get Arizona too.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

Yes!! I feel born again and ready to rumble. But...the skeptical Democrat in me is untrusting of my fellow man. And I literally mean man, as in middle aged and elderly white guys. In my Florida Man circles there is a quietness with an occasional outburst of derogatory remarks sent in the direction of our VP. But optimism must reign and I will volunteer and do whatever it takes to slay the beast of MAGA.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Nalinaksha Bhattacharyya's avatar

Why are you posting the same thing over and over again? Are you a bot?

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

No, but don't worry, I am not paying for another month of this substack

history repeats itself.

Expand full comment
Mike Janowski's avatar

Mike, I don't feel that good.

Expand full comment
Mike Janowski's avatar

...and then I finished your article. Thank you for your optimism, your hard work, and reminding me that pity and navel-gazing is not a strategy for success. Head up and hard work IS!

Expand full comment
Eileen Samitz's avatar

Michael,

I really find your relentless slamming of Joe Biden unnecessary and very offensive. Your rehashing of the Biden - Trump debate is cruel and incredibly disrespectful. Please knock it off or I, and others like me will just unsubscribe. Why are you doing this instead of focusing on the positives of the Harris -Biden campaign? So please cease and desist on the MAGA like insults of Joe Biden who has sacrificed so much snd served our country so well for decades. Joe Biden is the best president we have had since FDR. So stop disrespecting him.

Expand full comment
Frank Morganti's avatar

I didn’t read it that way. I agree with Mr Moore and feel very happy, almost as happy as Michael! Thank you Michael. Terrific writing!

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

I was turned off as well, especially when he said that Joe "stepped down". He didn't step down. He's still president of the United States. Mike needs to let it go and focus on what Harris needs to do. Like another commenter says, everybody is way too giddy -- a party in a speeding train heading for a washed-out bridge.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Nobody cares about Ralph Nader now. 2000 was 24 years ago. And what does this have to do with Mike's commentary on Joe Biden? Answer: nothing. You're sounding like a bot and I've reported the post.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Hi Alice K

It is too bad that nobody cares because history is about to repeat itself.

But don't worry, I don't intend to pay for another month of this substack, so you all will be rid of me very soon.

Expand full comment
Christine Heinrichs's avatar

Thanks, Mike, but I’m concerned about what happens when Trump loses. He has a team in place to challenge the election, and he has thus far proven he can beat the justice system. The media still haven’t figured out how to cover Trump, giving his lies and wild statements even-handed credence. I’ll feel good when President Harris successfully takes the oath of office and returns to the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

Expand full comment
W.J. Gallo's avatar

True. The over used term of "teflon" really applies to this Don. He is such a great manipulator that the MSN still bends over backwards to portray him as a legitimate candidate.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

When VP Harris certifies the election after she wins, the whining and gnashing of teeth from the GOP House will be enough to wake the dead. ("SHE CAN'T CERTIFY HER OWN VICTORY" -- never mind that Bush 41 did the same thing when he won). Then, the lawsuits. All frivolous, but time-consuming.

Expand full comment
Sandy Bauer's avatar

While the election challenges and lawsuits cause chaos and waste time and money,

I am far more worried about an armed rebellion that will make January 6th look like a picnic.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
Robert Graziani's avatar

Republicans in red states are working on subverting the election count certifications so that the election will not satisfy electoral college requirements. The goal is to throw the election into the House of Representatives where the Republican majority will elect Trump.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment
judith schafer's avatar

Pay attention! Georgia is ready to corrupt vote certification should Harris win. Voter suppression is and election theft is real - and not just in Georgia. As well, never underestimate the power of racism! So cautiously happy with a good dose of healthy realism although a little sad to not believe in miracles. Oh! And then there's Gaza.

Expand full comment
Alice K's avatar

Hopefully she won't need Georgia. I think the swing states that she really needs do not have corrupt practices in place.

Expand full comment
Ksandra's avatar

Ralph Nader received nearly three million votes during his 2000 candidacy, but also stirred controversy over allegations that his campaign helped Republican candidate George W. Bush win a close election against Democratic candidate Al Gore. In 2006 The Atlantic Monthly, calling Nader one of the hundred most influential Americans in history, said, "He made the cars we drive safer; thirty years later, he made George W. Bush the president."[4] Wikipedia

Expand full comment