Again, we are losing everything that makes America respected around the world. Are we to take up arms? Do we have leaders who can pull together an army to retake our country? It seems that a great number of folks are happy to have a dictator. I for one am not. At 81, I want to fight against that idea, and willing to join an army of like-minded individuals.
What can we do?? There’s plenty. I write, either postcards or emails, to my three former US representatives/senators in TN because I’m still a property owner there on a daily basis and do the same for my three US Congresspeople here in CA where I now live, though I write less often to the CA ones, as it’s preaching to the choir, really. I have also now attended two rallies/demonstrations in San Rafael, one on 5 April, the other today, 19 April. It’s important to show up for these rallies. I’ve had hand surgery so have a brace and a sling and can’t easily carry a sign, but I have a folding paper fan on the sides of which I’ve written the Congressman John Lewis quote about “good trouble,” and Senator Corey Booker’s quote, “It’s not a matter of right or left but of right and wrong,” from his now famous filibuster speech. The rallies here have been well attended and peaceful. I have to DO something, and this is what I do. I communicate and I show up.
As always, thanks Keel for injecting thoughtful, sane and clear perspective. One thing I would like to see for our state is to have all previous Governors, Congressional and State Reps speak up and out about the crisis we are facing and challenge those who have dragged the GOP into an authoritarian ditch. And If Former Governor Bill Haslam, Senators Bill Frist, Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander spoke out vehemently opposed to what is happening with the far right leaning hateful GOP legislation that resembles the MAGA policies and makes it clear they (Tennessees wealthiest donors) are not supportive of these extreme MAGA policies, the threats to Universities, the hateful anti immigrant, anti women legislation. Or are they? Their silence makes it difficult to believer. If they step up, It might very well help shift the landscape and tone down the extremism. And we are indeed at a crucial moment and balancing the power in this state should be a priority before it’s too late.. or is it already?
We need to identify and publish the contact information for those local and national groups that are actively resisting, through lawful and nonviolent means, the dangerous ineptness of the Trump Administration. Then we need to support these groups to the extent of our individual ability to do so, financially and otherwise. Also, we need to “take a stand” with our family members, friends, church or other faith-based communities, refusing to be intimidated by ignorance and fear mongering. We also need to pray for Trump and his minions - and those who voted for him - to wake up to the reality of the harm he and they are imposing on vulnerable people throughout the world.
Once again, Keel, you have framed a substantive context for a badly needed serious discussion of a pivotal time in our nation’s history. As you strongly and correctly state, it’s time to think big, different, and outside-the-box. Perhaps it is time to consider realignment of our political party system. Having worked for both Republican and Democratic leaders over a four decade period, I know that the mainstream players in both parties now share more in common than they do with the emerging “third” party MAGA. Why not reshape the party alignment. I also agree with you that more than one strategy is needed NOW.
It is futile to talk facts to people who enjoy moral superiority in their ignorance...Thomas Sowell.
My wife and I attended Easter service Sunday in McEwen, Tn. The small church was packed including standing room. The ladies did not wear hats or white gloves...many of the children worn tennis shoes or boots...the men mainly wore jeans or khakis and not one man wore a coat and tie...the young families worked very hard to control the youngsters from interrupting the service. On the way home, my experience drew me to your article and Mr. Sowell's comment. Mr Sowell was not referring to those parishioners.
Keel- Mr Sowell described you. As you prove, you are a big hat no cattle relic from the 20th century politics. For the second article, you support one of the worst behaviors of a man. You advocate the advancement of the world order which is strongly opposite of the American way of life. To achieve world order, you call for a global initiative to organize a resistance movement. You are grabbing at straws to stay current. Your moral superiority blinds you from reality and your ideas are obsolete to 21st century politics.
Currently, the American spirit is alive. Withdraw from your ignorance and enjoy it. I saw it today at the small church in McEwen.
Again, we are losing everything that makes America respected around the world. Are we to take up arms? Do we have leaders who can pull together an army to retake our country? It seems that a great number of folks are happy to have a dictator. I for one am not. At 81, I want to fight against that idea, and willing to join an army of like-minded individuals.
No way you’re 81.
Thank you for your insights. I completely agree. How very sad that Tennessee's senators are so hopelessly complicit.
I never thought that I would be missing the Republicans of the past so much.
I agree. We remember Baker, McCain, and so many others.
What can we do?? There’s plenty. I write, either postcards or emails, to my three former US representatives/senators in TN because I’m still a property owner there on a daily basis and do the same for my three US Congresspeople here in CA where I now live, though I write less often to the CA ones, as it’s preaching to the choir, really. I have also now attended two rallies/demonstrations in San Rafael, one on 5 April, the other today, 19 April. It’s important to show up for these rallies. I’ve had hand surgery so have a brace and a sling and can’t easily carry a sign, but I have a folding paper fan on the sides of which I’ve written the Congressman John Lewis quote about “good trouble,” and Senator Corey Booker’s quote, “It’s not a matter of right or left but of right and wrong,” from his now famous filibuster speech. The rallies here have been well attended and peaceful. I have to DO something, and this is what I do. I communicate and I show up.
Thanks for sharing.
Blackburn & Hagerty are both drunk on the First Felon’s Kool-aid. Sadly, she’s running for TN Governor! 🤦♀️
As always, thanks Keel for injecting thoughtful, sane and clear perspective. One thing I would like to see for our state is to have all previous Governors, Congressional and State Reps speak up and out about the crisis we are facing and challenge those who have dragged the GOP into an authoritarian ditch. And If Former Governor Bill Haslam, Senators Bill Frist, Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander spoke out vehemently opposed to what is happening with the far right leaning hateful GOP legislation that resembles the MAGA policies and makes it clear they (Tennessees wealthiest donors) are not supportive of these extreme MAGA policies, the threats to Universities, the hateful anti immigrant, anti women legislation. Or are they? Their silence makes it difficult to believer. If they step up, It might very well help shift the landscape and tone down the extremism. And we are indeed at a crucial moment and balancing the power in this state should be a priority before it’s too late.. or is it already?
Good thoughts, Molly. Thanks for sharing.
We need to identify and publish the contact information for those local and national groups that are actively resisting, through lawful and nonviolent means, the dangerous ineptness of the Trump Administration. Then we need to support these groups to the extent of our individual ability to do so, financially and otherwise. Also, we need to “take a stand” with our family members, friends, church or other faith-based communities, refusing to be intimidated by ignorance and fear mongering. We also need to pray for Trump and his minions - and those who voted for him - to wake up to the reality of the harm he and they are imposing on vulnerable people throughout the world.
Good ideas, John! Thank you.
Once again, Keel, you have framed a substantive context for a badly needed serious discussion of a pivotal time in our nation’s history. As you strongly and correctly state, it’s time to think big, different, and outside-the-box. Perhaps it is time to consider realignment of our political party system. Having worked for both Republican and Democratic leaders over a four decade period, I know that the mainstream players in both parties now share more in common than they do with the emerging “third” party MAGA. Why not reshape the party alignment. I also agree with you that more than one strategy is needed NOW.
I think I created this line:
Democracy is a sitting duck for a would-be dictator.
If not, I don’t know who did, but applies now.
I like your idea of oodles of conversations to begin to counteract the overwhelming degradation of our way of life (the sitting duck).
Helen R. Barrett
Your ‘line’ is a good one! Thanks, Helen.
I think I created this line:
Democracy is a sitting duck for a would-be dictator.
If not, I don’t know who did. It applies now.
I like your idea of oodles of conversations to begin to counteract the overwhelming degradation of our way of life (the sitting duck).
Helen R. Barrett
It is futile to talk facts to people who enjoy moral superiority in their ignorance...Thomas Sowell.
My wife and I attended Easter service Sunday in McEwen, Tn. The small church was packed including standing room. The ladies did not wear hats or white gloves...many of the children worn tennis shoes or boots...the men mainly wore jeans or khakis and not one man wore a coat and tie...the young families worked very hard to control the youngsters from interrupting the service. On the way home, my experience drew me to your article and Mr. Sowell's comment. Mr Sowell was not referring to those parishioners.
Keel- Mr Sowell described you. As you prove, you are a big hat no cattle relic from the 20th century politics. For the second article, you support one of the worst behaviors of a man. You advocate the advancement of the world order which is strongly opposite of the American way of life. To achieve world order, you call for a global initiative to organize a resistance movement. You are grabbing at straws to stay current. Your moral superiority blinds you from reality and your ideas are obsolete to 21st century politics.
Currently, the American spirit is alive. Withdraw from your ignorance and enjoy it. I saw it today at the small church in McEwen.