That is very kind Catherine. It represents who I am. For too long I was fearful of what people might think if I expressed what I really felt. Substack has liberated me to better express myself.
I don’t profess to be a writer or a journalist, I’m just a guy who loves writing about things I’m passionate about. Doing it full time now will hopefully help me become more proficient.
Same here, English was not a favorite subject, as being raised with German grand-parents, my wordings in sentences was wrong. However History of America was, as my grandparents asked lots of questions. Everything about where I lived was exciting as well as traveling to DC to stay with an aunt. I understood the meaning of our Constitutional Laws and Rights, and the Bible from a grandmother I lived with most of the time. So I read many articles and repost, at times adding my own opinions.
In Trump's 1st address to America, to the world, he stated", he was now the voice of the People", and that was the start of my real dislike, along with his slander and defaming others, for his rallies. I plan on sharing your post with others as many are being woke, and listening. THANK YOU.
"These are the times that try men's souls. . ." Thomas Paine, and George Washington at Valley Forge, NEVER gave up on the call to action and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what's right--America and democracy. As Dem fighter Jess Piper stands up and says in rural Missouri: "Don’t look away or disengage. Give the Republicans and Trump and Musk no peace. No quarter. Talk about them and show up where they are." Amen.
I’m compelled to become a paid subscriber after that excellent post. Your analysis made me uncomfortable because I know you’re right. I was slow to acknowledge Joe Biden’s physical frailty, continuing to defend his mental acuity. He had done SO MUCH GOOD. But his refusal to end his presidency after one term, as he’d promised, was the turning point. Dems were respectful, as one would expect. But these are not normal times. Our concern for the country and the world is real, we politely claim. Meanwhile, we’re being trampled by a political idiot savant with endless funding. We need new, courageous leaders. Like Pete Buttegieg, but…
That’s very kind Cynthia, the intent is to do just that bring some discomfort, but for the right reason. I don’t just want to be the person pointing out the problems, I want to be the guy saying this is how we can fix it. I hope you will enjoy the continuation in part 2.
This may be one of the best narrative I’ve read on what happened. I was at first put off by it but as I kept reading it I realized you had truly recognized most of the parts that led us here. (I’m not saying that I recognize all the parts, heck, I didn’t recognize parts you brought up. Just saying I don’t believe any one person can identify all the parts that led us to any single point.) I have been a life long Democrat from the 1960’s and can’t decide if I’m a centrist or a progressive. I’ve had a bug up my butt when it came to Bernie and to AOC but I now believe they and some others are what we truly need at this time. This won’t be a quick turnaround but there won’t be any turnaround if the Democrats don’t get off their butts and do an honest assessment of what they need to do to gain back the trust of the voters. Your words ring true. Thank you!
You are most welcome. I know it’s not an easy read, but it’s a really honest heart on my sleeve assessment.
I don’t just want to be the one delivering the bad news. I want to walk people through a vision I have to re-engage voters in what is fast becoming the most challenging electoral landscape in America history.
Personally I'd like a brand new party to rise up out the ashes of BOTH of these dysfunctional parties we're stuck with right now. Neither party is even remotely close to meeting this particular moment in history. We need someone with a clear eyed vision. Someone with a deep passion for our country. Not just what they can pick up and turn upside down and gobble up from what falls out of America's pockets. Yes I sound very naive but it's how I honestly feel. Will it happen anytime soon? Doubtful. We will have to experience terrible things first. Only then will the neccessary fire be born out of all of that pain.
I agree with you to a point. Both parties are dysfunctional but in entirely different ways. The GOP has become the party of Fascists where the Democrats have lost touch with the voters and have lost their way. A difference between evil and incompetence with a dollop of hubris.
Oh yes most definitely an incredible difference in the dysfunction. My point was more about the obvious need for a party to emerge FOR THE PEOPLE. That was why I said unlikely to happen anytime soon. Not until we eliminate all of the greed will we see this. Ha! Not gonna happen. At least not in our lifetimes. So I guess we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and jump in feet first. After all we have a country to save...
I would also like to add that not only do Democrats need to listen to the voters. What I find so very lacking is how poorly educated voters are - ESPECIALLY when it comes to Civics. There is an adage which I think the U.S. may prove to be the best example in a negative way. Democracy demands an educated population. One reason the GOP is so good at persuading voters is because they can lie without impunity since too many voters either don’t understand how government works or lacks the skills required by critical thinking. I call those who rely on Fox News Fox zombies because they will believe without question whatever Fox News reports. So not ONLY do Democrats need to listen, they need to provide educated questions and responses. Take the time to explain why taxes are needed. What government does provide. Perfect example is that people on the most part appreciate ACA but have come to believe that Obamacare is a bad program. This information needs to be better discriminated. Why are people in countries like Norway with higher taxes have better health care and live longer? This needs to be repeated often. People are beginning to realize how much they rely on SSN now that it may be disappearing. This is GOVERNMENT that works for them. This needs to be repeated OFTEN. Explain why it is important to provide support to Ukraine. Give A FULL explanation including the history of Russia’s treatment of those it conquers. Be patient and respectful, but also demand respect of hearing you out. Provide answers to why the misinformation they are hearing is misinformation. This needs to be repeated as often as the misinformation is put out there. EDUCATE! EXPLAIN! but do so in a manner that you’ll be heard. This is a two way street.
One of the issues that really works against Americans is this notion of Rugged Individualism. I’m not sure how this can be turned around but I believe that during the Great Depression and WWII people did come together. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. This needs to be weaved back into our society. We need to relearn what it means to be part of a community.
Now that’s a whole other story Elizabeth. 21% of Americas are illiterate and 54% are at or below grade 6 level. That’s a HUGE problem.
In contrast, since 1982 China has increased its literacy rate from 66% to 97%. Today I’m told, Trump will sign an EO to shut down the Department of Education.
Yes, it is a whole new story that is intertwined in what is going on and the deterioration of our society/country. I’m gonna go back to the baseline of your thesis. I’ve rewritten this comment umpteen times and I keep coming back to understanding the genius of your thesis.
Good on you. I'm in Australia and I am also deeply invested in this fight. We have Trump lovers in our right wing party here and an election coming soon, so the fight is local too.
Once again, Martin, you nailed it! This is an exceptional post. I am so glad you have found your voice here on Substack. I was a little late to the Joe Biden shouldn’t be running bandwagon but as I have reflected on everything, I lay a large portion of the blame at his feet. He should have kept his promise to not run for a second term. Think what his legacy would have been if he had taken the time to pave the way for the younger generation. Now his legacy is tarnished by this failure.
Thank you Mary. I’m slowly getting into my stride and frankly, I’m absolutely loving it. I’m a new person now I’m doing this full time.
I am very sad for Joe Biden, he could have had an outstanding legacy, but alas, it’s certainly deeply tarnished for me.
I don’t just want to be the guy delivering the bad news, I have thoughts on how we can fix it, not that anyone at the DNC would listen to me. Part 2 starts to look at what we need to address.
I anxiously await your thoughts on how we can fix this. It will be our job as citizens here, to get the DNC to listen. They send me emails multiple times a day, begging for money. I told them they weren’t getting one penny from me until they get rid of Chuck Schumer and start looking like a party that knows what they are doing. People are mobilizing all over the country. I am going to my first grassroots meeting of the “resistance” tonight. I live in a very rural, red, small town county in Minnesota. This is a BIG deal for us.
I was reading posts from Sarah Kenzior at the time and her take that the Democratic leadership was in on the fix. I kept shaking my head, refusing to believe. But, here we are now, and I can’t help but believe she was correct. The Dem leadership’s complete lack of fortitude, outrage and grit in this fight for democracy, leads me to believe they aren’t that outraged about it. They must be ok with it. Yes, there are exceptions, but it almost feels like a game of the Traitors and who is really working towards defending democracy, and who is just playing the part for the audience, while really conspiring to get rich from the unravelling? Are the Faithfuls putting their faith in turncloaks, who are working behind the scenes with the enemy to benefit from the loss of democracy as they too benefit from the same connections with the dark money supporting this broken system? It’s maddening to watch from Canada.
putting Chuck’s recent CR decision aside, what specifically and exactly are the Dems supposed to do? Aside from stand up in town halls and listen to screaming and yelling, or scream and yell themselves? This is an honest question as someone who writes and calls her officials, but aside from voting no. What CAN they ACTUALLY do? I’m willing to start asking Chuck (who is my senator) to do X, but what is X?
The Republicans seemed to act with impunity and find every possible way to obstruct, withhold, block and reject for the last decade… why can’t the Dems throw decorum out the window and do the same? Why did they vote yes on any of the nominees for Trump’s cabinet? Why did they feebly watch as the departments they fund be taken over by DOGE who just walked in and took over without obstruction? My issue is when the other team wants it more than you, they will stand on their heads to get the win. I don’t see that happening in this Democratic party. It feels very “aw shucks, our hands are tied”. You saw this coming! You had the playbook before they took the Senate and the presidency! They told you what they were going to do and you watched them do it. Take a page from South Koreans who shot down an autocratic takeover in one evening. Stand up and fight?! Motivate your electorate to take to the streets with you… block, obstruct, withhold every single thing they try to do. Be outraged! Schumer was about to go on a book tour??? That’s his priority?
You may not like what I have to say because he is your senator but, first and foremost, the Dems need to oust Chuck as the minority leader. He is absolutely pathetic! Did you see him on The View and All in with Chris Hayes earlier this week? I was extremely disappointed when they elected him to head the caucus again. We need new, younger leadership. Neither Chuck or for that matter, Hakeem are the men for this moment. Like Martin stated in his article…..it has been FIVE months since the election and the Dems still do not have their act together. I am so angry at all of them right now. I have been calling my two senators, Klobuchar and Smith, and venting my frustration at how pathetic and weak they all look. It all starts with getting rid of Chuck.
What they did try to warn you. They did try to tell you what he was saying was the truth. People didn’t want to believe it, but yeah, let’s blame the Democrats instead of the corporations that squeeze the citizens into believing that inflation was all Joe Biden’s fault with the help of the news media so again it’s the Democrats fault that the American citizen was so stupid that they got duped. Yeah OK ,everyone needs to look at themselves first.
But TM is (accepting and) placing blame on the ineffective communication which clearly did not reach the stupid American citizens who allowed themselves to be duped. Schumer does have the ability to speak the language necessary. There HAS to be someone who can cut through the lies and chip away at the entrenched misinformation. We need communicators who can adapt quickly, who will speak in a way they WILL HEAR, and can convey what we’ll do FOR THEM. (Clearly everyone is selfish). Then we must support their outreach in every way possible. “The media” is not doing their job. That will require another fierce plan of attack.
This is brilliantly written. Thank you for your passion, insight and clarity.
That is very kind Catherine. It represents who I am. For too long I was fearful of what people might think if I expressed what I really felt. Substack has liberated me to better express myself.
I don’t profess to be a writer or a journalist, I’m just a guy who loves writing about things I’m passionate about. Doing it full time now will hopefully help me become more proficient.
Thanks again.
Same here, English was not a favorite subject, as being raised with German grand-parents, my wordings in sentences was wrong. However History of America was, as my grandparents asked lots of questions. Everything about where I lived was exciting as well as traveling to DC to stay with an aunt. I understood the meaning of our Constitutional Laws and Rights, and the Bible from a grandmother I lived with most of the time. So I read many articles and repost, at times adding my own opinions.
In Trump's 1st address to America, to the world, he stated", he was now the voice of the People", and that was the start of my real dislike, along with his slander and defaming others, for his rallies. I plan on sharing your post with others as many are being woke, and listening. THANK YOU.
"These are the times that try men's souls. . ." Thomas Paine, and George Washington at Valley Forge, NEVER gave up on the call to action and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what's right--America and democracy. As Dem fighter Jess Piper stands up and says in rural Missouri: "Don’t look away or disengage. Give the Republicans and Trump and Musk no peace. No quarter. Talk about them and show up where they are." Amen.
I’m compelled to become a paid subscriber after that excellent post. Your analysis made me uncomfortable because I know you’re right. I was slow to acknowledge Joe Biden’s physical frailty, continuing to defend his mental acuity. He had done SO MUCH GOOD. But his refusal to end his presidency after one term, as he’d promised, was the turning point. Dems were respectful, as one would expect. But these are not normal times. Our concern for the country and the world is real, we politely claim. Meanwhile, we’re being trampled by a political idiot savant with endless funding. We need new, courageous leaders. Like Pete Buttegieg, but…
That’s very kind Cynthia, the intent is to do just that bring some discomfort, but for the right reason. I don’t just want to be the person pointing out the problems, I want to be the guy saying this is how we can fix it. I hope you will enjoy the continuation in part 2.
Thank you for your support.
Martin
This may be one of the best narrative I’ve read on what happened. I was at first put off by it but as I kept reading it I realized you had truly recognized most of the parts that led us here. (I’m not saying that I recognize all the parts, heck, I didn’t recognize parts you brought up. Just saying I don’t believe any one person can identify all the parts that led us to any single point.) I have been a life long Democrat from the 1960’s and can’t decide if I’m a centrist or a progressive. I’ve had a bug up my butt when it came to Bernie and to AOC but I now believe they and some others are what we truly need at this time. This won’t be a quick turnaround but there won’t be any turnaround if the Democrats don’t get off their butts and do an honest assessment of what they need to do to gain back the trust of the voters. Your words ring true. Thank you!
You are most welcome. I know it’s not an easy read, but it’s a really honest heart on my sleeve assessment.
I don’t just want to be the one delivering the bad news. I want to walk people through a vision I have to re-engage voters in what is fast becoming the most challenging electoral landscape in America history.
I look forward to dropping that over the weekend.
Well said!!!
Personally I'd like a brand new party to rise up out the ashes of BOTH of these dysfunctional parties we're stuck with right now. Neither party is even remotely close to meeting this particular moment in history. We need someone with a clear eyed vision. Someone with a deep passion for our country. Not just what they can pick up and turn upside down and gobble up from what falls out of America's pockets. Yes I sound very naive but it's how I honestly feel. Will it happen anytime soon? Doubtful. We will have to experience terrible things first. Only then will the neccessary fire be born out of all of that pain.
In America, I think it highly unlikely. There are structural problems in the whole electoral system I fear.
I agree with you to a point. Both parties are dysfunctional but in entirely different ways. The GOP has become the party of Fascists where the Democrats have lost touch with the voters and have lost their way. A difference between evil and incompetence with a dollop of hubris.
Oh yes most definitely an incredible difference in the dysfunction. My point was more about the obvious need for a party to emerge FOR THE PEOPLE. That was why I said unlikely to happen anytime soon. Not until we eliminate all of the greed will we see this. Ha! Not gonna happen. At least not in our lifetimes. So I guess we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and jump in feet first. After all we have a country to save...
I would also like to add that not only do Democrats need to listen to the voters. What I find so very lacking is how poorly educated voters are - ESPECIALLY when it comes to Civics. There is an adage which I think the U.S. may prove to be the best example in a negative way. Democracy demands an educated population. One reason the GOP is so good at persuading voters is because they can lie without impunity since too many voters either don’t understand how government works or lacks the skills required by critical thinking. I call those who rely on Fox News Fox zombies because they will believe without question whatever Fox News reports. So not ONLY do Democrats need to listen, they need to provide educated questions and responses. Take the time to explain why taxes are needed. What government does provide. Perfect example is that people on the most part appreciate ACA but have come to believe that Obamacare is a bad program. This information needs to be better discriminated. Why are people in countries like Norway with higher taxes have better health care and live longer? This needs to be repeated often. People are beginning to realize how much they rely on SSN now that it may be disappearing. This is GOVERNMENT that works for them. This needs to be repeated OFTEN. Explain why it is important to provide support to Ukraine. Give A FULL explanation including the history of Russia’s treatment of those it conquers. Be patient and respectful, but also demand respect of hearing you out. Provide answers to why the misinformation they are hearing is misinformation. This needs to be repeated as often as the misinformation is put out there. EDUCATE! EXPLAIN! but do so in a manner that you’ll be heard. This is a two way street.
One of the issues that really works against Americans is this notion of Rugged Individualism. I’m not sure how this can be turned around but I believe that during the Great Depression and WWII people did come together. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. This needs to be weaved back into our society. We need to relearn what it means to be part of a community.
Now that’s a whole other story Elizabeth. 21% of Americas are illiterate and 54% are at or below grade 6 level. That’s a HUGE problem.
In contrast, since 1982 China has increased its literacy rate from 66% to 97%. Today I’m told, Trump will sign an EO to shut down the Department of Education.
Yes, it is a whole new story that is intertwined in what is going on and the deterioration of our society/country. I’m gonna go back to the baseline of your thesis. I’ve rewritten this comment umpteen times and I keep coming back to understanding the genius of your thesis.
Thank you for stating clearly what needs to be said.
Great insight, important calls to action. It still palls me to know that 85 million US citizens didn’t vote last November.
And therein lay the challenge Mark.
Good on you. I'm in Australia and I am also deeply invested in this fight. We have Trump lovers in our right wing party here and an election coming soon, so the fight is local too.
Once again, Martin, you nailed it! This is an exceptional post. I am so glad you have found your voice here on Substack. I was a little late to the Joe Biden shouldn’t be running bandwagon but as I have reflected on everything, I lay a large portion of the blame at his feet. He should have kept his promise to not run for a second term. Think what his legacy would have been if he had taken the time to pave the way for the younger generation. Now his legacy is tarnished by this failure.
Thank you Mary. I’m slowly getting into my stride and frankly, I’m absolutely loving it. I’m a new person now I’m doing this full time.
I am very sad for Joe Biden, he could have had an outstanding legacy, but alas, it’s certainly deeply tarnished for me.
I don’t just want to be the guy delivering the bad news, I have thoughts on how we can fix it, not that anyone at the DNC would listen to me. Part 2 starts to look at what we need to address.
I anxiously await your thoughts on how we can fix this. It will be our job as citizens here, to get the DNC to listen. They send me emails multiple times a day, begging for money. I told them they weren’t getting one penny from me until they get rid of Chuck Schumer and start looking like a party that knows what they are doing. People are mobilizing all over the country. I am going to my first grassroots meeting of the “resistance” tonight. I live in a very rural, red, small town county in Minnesota. This is a BIG deal for us.
You’re the lifeblood of the movement Mary. The problem is money has corrupted EVERY facet of politics. Keep your chin up.
I was reading posts from Sarah Kenzior at the time and her take that the Democratic leadership was in on the fix. I kept shaking my head, refusing to believe. But, here we are now, and I can’t help but believe she was correct. The Dem leadership’s complete lack of fortitude, outrage and grit in this fight for democracy, leads me to believe they aren’t that outraged about it. They must be ok with it. Yes, there are exceptions, but it almost feels like a game of the Traitors and who is really working towards defending democracy, and who is just playing the part for the audience, while really conspiring to get rich from the unravelling? Are the Faithfuls putting their faith in turncloaks, who are working behind the scenes with the enemy to benefit from the loss of democracy as they too benefit from the same connections with the dark money supporting this broken system? It’s maddening to watch from Canada.
I concur with every word Julie. Keep an eye out for the next instalment, which bravely looks to present a solution.
putting Chuck’s recent CR decision aside, what specifically and exactly are the Dems supposed to do? Aside from stand up in town halls and listen to screaming and yelling, or scream and yell themselves? This is an honest question as someone who writes and calls her officials, but aside from voting no. What CAN they ACTUALLY do? I’m willing to start asking Chuck (who is my senator) to do X, but what is X?
I get it Curtis and I hope you’ll keep an eye out for part 2 which looks towards answering some of the valid points you raise.
The Republicans seemed to act with impunity and find every possible way to obstruct, withhold, block and reject for the last decade… why can’t the Dems throw decorum out the window and do the same? Why did they vote yes on any of the nominees for Trump’s cabinet? Why did they feebly watch as the departments they fund be taken over by DOGE who just walked in and took over without obstruction? My issue is when the other team wants it more than you, they will stand on their heads to get the win. I don’t see that happening in this Democratic party. It feels very “aw shucks, our hands are tied”. You saw this coming! You had the playbook before they took the Senate and the presidency! They told you what they were going to do and you watched them do it. Take a page from South Koreans who shot down an autocratic takeover in one evening. Stand up and fight?! Motivate your electorate to take to the streets with you… block, obstruct, withhold every single thing they try to do. Be outraged! Schumer was about to go on a book tour??? That’s his priority?
You may not like what I have to say because he is your senator but, first and foremost, the Dems need to oust Chuck as the minority leader. He is absolutely pathetic! Did you see him on The View and All in with Chris Hayes earlier this week? I was extremely disappointed when they elected him to head the caucus again. We need new, younger leadership. Neither Chuck or for that matter, Hakeem are the men for this moment. Like Martin stated in his article…..it has been FIVE months since the election and the Dems still do not have their act together. I am so angry at all of them right now. I have been calling my two senators, Klobuchar and Smith, and venting my frustration at how pathetic and weak they all look. It all starts with getting rid of Chuck.
Very well said and I couldn’t agree more.
I’m with you all the way and I applaud you for your commitment.
That’s very kind. Thank you.
Couldn’t agree more. I pray this goes viral. 🔥🔥🔥
That’s very kind Angel
Thank you.
What they did try to warn you. They did try to tell you what he was saying was the truth. People didn’t want to believe it, but yeah, let’s blame the Democrats instead of the corporations that squeeze the citizens into believing that inflation was all Joe Biden’s fault with the help of the news media so again it’s the Democrats fault that the American citizen was so stupid that they got duped. Yeah OK ,everyone needs to look at themselves first.
I’m puzzled how you think this mindset helps solve the problem? Without acceptance of failure, success is a million miles away I’m afraid.
The only true failure is that people did not have enough forward thinking to realize that they were being played. That’s the failure.
But TM is (accepting and) placing blame on the ineffective communication which clearly did not reach the stupid American citizens who allowed themselves to be duped. Schumer does have the ability to speak the language necessary. There HAS to be someone who can cut through the lies and chip away at the entrenched misinformation. We need communicators who can adapt quickly, who will speak in a way they WILL HEAR, and can convey what we’ll do FOR THEM. (Clearly everyone is selfish). Then we must support their outreach in every way possible. “The media” is not doing their job. That will require another fierce plan of attack.