It will take decades to recover for another reason - and that is the loss of trust. A loss that is emphasised by the destruction of the very checks and balances that might have provided some hope that the next president will not be able to convince most of the world that what he commits to will be respected by future incumbents. America has fallen behind in more than economic strength - it has undermined education, research and its allies, it has fallen behind so far in education that more than half of its population probably don't know the difference between England and the United Kingdom, let alone where it is - and think that Europe still works with a cart and horse
As a retired US Federal Worker, I am aghast at my own loss of trust in the federal government. It doesn’t help that establishment democratic representatives are tainted by the many ways they have sold out their constituents for money. That have taken advantage of their power to provide A+++ health Insurance for themselves while ignoring their constituents. Playing the stock market with privileged information acquired through their positions. Vote themselves pay raise without having even COLA increases to the minimum wage. It is utterly disgraceful that they helped pass a law to silence pro-Palestinian speech while they support funding and weapons for a country that is committing war crimes, including genocide, in order to receive a piece of the AIPAC bribe money.
Such a good article. I think there will be intimidation, confrontation, and instances of overt conflict, at the ballot boxes in November. Whether ICE, paramilitias, GOP lawsuits/operatives, and/or vigilantes, I have no doubt there will be widespread intimidation. It is time for courage and determination to stare down those who would prevent this election. Who will law enforcement back? How about National Guard? To me, all of Trump's cards are on this. He wants allegiance above all. And the only way he will win is to prevent it from happening.
Thanks Greg, I’m with you, I think it will prove a very fraught time. I still believe international election monitors should be brought in. My friend who is one agrees too. - Martin
This is a great piece. I love the fact you grounded it with suggestions from people who are well-versed in counter tactics to combat the dirty tricks IQ47 will definitely implement. My fellow fans have also suggested some good advice. While I can neither vote nor help in a volunteer role, trust that I, and pretty much the world, will be praying every American does their part for the midterms. And not just to vote, but to help neighbours to get to the polling station and ensure they get to vote too. To do whatever they can do to make sure the midterms are fair, safe and available to every eligible voter. As for us on the outside - we’ll be cheering you on. Count on it.
A suggestion from a Canadian: I'm sure you are well aware, but for disabled, rural voters and other voters where voting is discouraged or even dangerous: get a bus or neighbours' cars to get voters to the polls, and ensure people are registered. Very scary times in your country. We are watching - we have separatists in Alberta and Quebec who are trying to shake things up, but most of us respect our federal leadership - so far!
There are needs in Virginia; not sure how active you can be in contested area like District 2 (VA Beach/Chesapeake), but you could look into it. Also check these orgs out: https://vafairelections.org/become-a-poll-watcher/
It will take decades to recover for another reason - and that is the loss of trust. A loss that is emphasised by the destruction of the very checks and balances that might have provided some hope that the next president will not be able to convince most of the world that what he commits to will be respected by future incumbents. America has fallen behind in more than economic strength - it has undermined education, research and its allies, it has fallen behind so far in education that more than half of its population probably don't know the difference between England and the United Kingdom, let alone where it is - and think that Europe still works with a cart and horse
As a retired US Federal Worker, I am aghast at my own loss of trust in the federal government. It doesn’t help that establishment democratic representatives are tainted by the many ways they have sold out their constituents for money. That have taken advantage of their power to provide A+++ health Insurance for themselves while ignoring their constituents. Playing the stock market with privileged information acquired through their positions. Vote themselves pay raise without having even COLA increases to the minimum wage. It is utterly disgraceful that they helped pass a law to silence pro-Palestinian speech while they support funding and weapons for a country that is committing war crimes, including genocide, in order to receive a piece of the AIPAC bribe money.
Such a good article. I think there will be intimidation, confrontation, and instances of overt conflict, at the ballot boxes in November. Whether ICE, paramilitias, GOP lawsuits/operatives, and/or vigilantes, I have no doubt there will be widespread intimidation. It is time for courage and determination to stare down those who would prevent this election. Who will law enforcement back? How about National Guard? To me, all of Trump's cards are on this. He wants allegiance above all. And the only way he will win is to prevent it from happening.
Thanks Greg, I’m with you, I think it will prove a very fraught time. I still believe international election monitors should be brought in. My friend who is one agrees too. - Martin
Agreed. Can you BELIEVE it has come to that...in the U.S.A.?!
This is a great piece. I love the fact you grounded it with suggestions from people who are well-versed in counter tactics to combat the dirty tricks IQ47 will definitely implement. My fellow fans have also suggested some good advice. While I can neither vote nor help in a volunteer role, trust that I, and pretty much the world, will be praying every American does their part for the midterms. And not just to vote, but to help neighbours to get to the polling station and ensure they get to vote too. To do whatever they can do to make sure the midterms are fair, safe and available to every eligible voter. As for us on the outside - we’ll be cheering you on. Count on it.
Thank you Barb, you and I are on the same page- Martin
Same!!
REAL COURAGE is about being afraid of something but doing it anyway!!
WE ALL NEED REAL COURAGE NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE...
And so do our politicians!!!!
WE ARE NOT INTIMIDATED!!
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!!
WE SHALL and MUST OVERCOME!!!
We cannot wait 2 more years. We will be speaking Russian. This Administration must be held accountable for Constitutional Violations of Law!
Not sure I’m suggesting you do that?
Donnie Dope believed his lies. Now he needs to hide!
Seniors, those in rural areas, and disabled voters absolutely rely on the USPS to vote. I know I do.
Disenfranchisers R US!
A suggestion from a Canadian: I'm sure you are well aware, but for disabled, rural voters and other voters where voting is discouraged or even dangerous: get a bus or neighbours' cars to get voters to the polls, and ensure people are registered. Very scary times in your country. We are watching - we have separatists in Alberta and Quebec who are trying to shake things up, but most of us respect our federal leadership - so far!
There are needs in Virginia; not sure how active you can be in contested area like District 2 (VA Beach/Chesapeake), but you could look into it. Also check these orgs out: https://vafairelections.org/become-a-poll-watcher/
https://volunteerblue.org/
https://www.spreadthevote.org/virginia (email contact if interested -- working on registering voters across the state)