tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post6192210770869819639..comments2024-03-20T12:34:55.100-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: No Fate But What We TweetJim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-72569780061243301252020-01-24T21:42:26.179-06:002020-01-24T21:42:26.179-06:00BTW... in Polemical Judo I offer 100+ under-utiliz...BTW... in Polemical Judo I offer 100+ under-utilized tactics against the oligarchic putsch. I hope Jim W will consider promoting (or even reading) it.<br />http://davidbrin.com/polemicaljudo.html<br /><br />David Brin, author of EARTH, EXISTENCE and The Postman.David Brinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14465315130418506525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-15449464600648829972020-01-24T21:40:50.083-06:002020-01-24T21:40:50.083-06:00The odds aren't against us because of "in...The odds aren't against us because of "inherent self-destruction," nor apocalypse hunger... though there are large, insane minorities of both kinds. What no one does is look at 6000 years of human history. What were the repeating patterns and failure modes? Above all was feudalism, the state of 99% of agricultural societies. It gave palpable rewards - including genetic - to big men with swords who passed power to sons who never earned it. It became THE attractor state... and provided nations with cosmically STOOPID governance.<br /><br />There has been another model that rises on rare occasion. Periclean Athens, Florence, and our 250 Enlightenment Experiment. And it has used markets and science and democracy and accountable law to provide humanity with its very best era, ever. And YOU cannot help to defend the Experiment unless you put our current struggles in the context of those 60 centuries. What we are fighting against is a RETURN TO NORMAL, when "strongmen" crush those below, so they can own us all and rule stupidly.<br /><br />We are the heirs of revolutionaries who stumbled into and designed a better way. And we can defend this revolution - humanity's only hope at achieving the stars - only by being RADICALLY AND MILITANTLY MODERATE. By pushing a fanatical dedication to calm reasonableness. By intolerantly crushing intolerance... and laughing at ourselves for the ironies.<br /><br />This week is the 275th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Paine. We must make ourselves worthy of him... and Adam Smith and Lincoln and all three Roosevelts. They proved we can overcome human nature with another model that uses human nature to our advantage. Overcoming Trump and Putin and Murdoch calls from us a farther gaze.<br />David Brinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14465315130418506525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-74148730074111322682019-10-01T14:46:36.448-05:002019-10-01T14:46:36.448-05:00It's like you were inside my head when you wro...It's like you were inside my head when you wrote this. All the things I've screamed at the TV screen, at the twitter feeds, at the media coverage are contained in this blog entry. Thank you for saying them so clearly. I've got a pitchfork ready if the actions now started seem to stall out. The actions of this administration are completely unacceptable. There are dozens of charges that could be used for impeachment. Someone needs to start writing them on the White House walls for all to see. The citizens are fed up, let the impeachment begin.<br />Vicki (vicki.combs@gmail.com)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-89781006569267360562019-09-28T03:22:49.251-05:002019-09-28T03:22:49.251-05:00I'm glad I didn't have time to read this t...I'm glad I didn't have time to read this till now (first day off from work), because last weekend it would have been too depressing. Today, I'm a little more hopeful. We can thank Trump for creating a much better case for his impeachment than any previous attempt. The Senate may still not convict, but the cravenness of any vote to acquit will be glaring. <br /><br />But even though the ship may be turning, the fight is far from over. The Trumpists in my family are already posting about Biden's corruption and about Rep. Schiff lying to Congress. The false narratives will fly fast and furious. We must still be our own heroes if we expect to drive the Republican despots from power. They will not go quietly, but at least the battle has been joined. Bill Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05912897300742235588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-62154173703082064712019-09-26T13:33:54.877-05:002019-09-26T13:33:54.877-05:00When I think of my grandparents journey from Jim C...When I think of my grandparents journey from Jim Crow Virginia to Iowa in the 1890's I wonder at their resilience to survive and instill those who came after with the courage, and emotional compass to navigate this "American dream machine."<br />They couldn't afford to get tired and give up and neither will we. <br />You give many of us hope and, dare I say, inspiration. I hope this link can return some of that life-affirming energy to you.<br /> <br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuLvVd8eFyw <br /><br />It's Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCIaction.org) Presidential Forum. The midwest currently seems like the problem but the seeds of solution are blooming. <br />Thanks for the affirmation space. soundrangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03088682626524996748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-47395479461424125142019-09-26T10:17:57.753-05:002019-09-26T10:17:57.753-05:00Very thoughtful rejoinder. You have said much of w...Very thoughtful rejoinder. You have said much of what I'm feeling. I don't even have hopes for this new impeachment proceeding. Nobody really wants to upset their own status quo. "The devil you know" seems easier to deal with. <br />But my mantra (at 71 years old) is NEVER GIVE UP! I will show up, I will vote. I may even be able to help transport people to polls. Labgrammahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14987356352528725224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-75393714349356970672019-09-24T13:47:21.749-05:002019-09-24T13:47:21.749-05:00Thank you Jim! This is THE best summation I’ve rea...Thank you Jim! This is THE best summation I’ve read yet! Blunt and sad and furious and terrifying and absolutely spot on, unfortunately. We have GOT to stop the -45 crazy train! Our lives and the whole world depend on our stopping him! No matter what Moscow Mitch may or may not do in the Senate, “our” House must do its job and go on the record - so we all know *exactly* who is protecting -45 and who is representing all of US, instead of worrying about their own re-election prospects if they vote to impeach the bastard. Then we ALL have to vote like all our lives depend on it, because they DO! I’ve also shared your essay on my page with all my friends and family, hoping the like-minded ones will also share it forward. My 45-induced headache seems permanent. Thanks again Jim, for cutting through it all so eloquently, every damn day! I honestly don’t know how you do it!Cathy Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12923772305357576486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-5957485451926182262019-09-24T07:00:03.663-05:002019-09-24T07:00:03.663-05:00Might I offer Pete Buttigieg as one to check out? ...Might I offer Pete Buttigieg as one to check out? His policies aren't too bad overall, but more importantly, he has the temperament and thoughtfulness a job as serious as the Presidency requires, and he listens, actually listens, to people - part of where the Dems have not done so well is in soothing people's fears, however founded or unfounded, that their particular concerns will be addressed in a satisfactory manner. Just the act of listening alone helps people to feel some sort of connection and makes it less likely they'll give in to those fears. Buttigieg even pointed out on the most recent debate that the reality show mentality is what's turned off so many people from politics and government in general.<br /><br />I really feel he is the one candidate best poised to be an example of the new, healthier leadership we will need for the long recovery ahead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-33256134207385869842019-09-24T02:58:11.149-05:002019-09-24T02:58:11.149-05:00I tweeted a question to Madame Speaker yesterday. ...I tweeted a question to Madame Speaker yesterday. I asked what Republicans have on her. I don't expect an answer, but that's the only reason I can come up with for her refusal to act.Mikki L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00918390765921942866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-15894082512596807262019-09-23T19:58:49.078-05:002019-09-23T19:58:49.078-05:00"Cowardice was undoubtedly one of the most te..."Cowardice was undoubtedly one of the most terrible vices - thus spoke Yeshua Ha-Nozri. 'No, philosopher, I disagree with you: it is the most terrible vice!'" -- Mikhail Bulgakov Molloyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04533564649302710254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-28873875063537970292019-09-23T18:57:56.965-05:002019-09-23T18:57:56.965-05:00Spot on as usual Chief!
The optimist in me still ...Spot on as usual Chief!<br /><br />The optimist in me still hopes that we can create the best of all possible worlds.<br /><br />My pessimistic side fears that perhaps we already have...skyriverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04844531274835922620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-17980487845340456312019-09-23T15:31:51.395-05:002019-09-23T15:31:51.395-05:00Politics takes time. This was my observation throu...Politics takes time. This was my observation through eight years of Obama. Politics takes time. It's too bad that the average citizen doesn't have the attention span to handle this basic fact of life. The Republican party is wholly corrupt. If it wasn't wholly corrupt the Republican congressional leadership would have started an impeachment inquiry on January 20, 2017. Because they didn't do that, and because the citizenry did not bring life to a standstill in revolt over Trump's blatant abuses of power, we were forced to wait until 2018 when a new congress could be seated in order to get things to change. The impeachment inquiry has finally started now that Robert Mueller has said in no uncertain terms "Congress must act to remove the President." (paraphrasing) One thing is certain. Trump cannot be allowed to stand for election again. Even allowing him to stand would be to concede that the laws do not apply to him and through him the presidency. The next president will go even farther than he has unless we punish him to the fullest extent of the law, which I don't see happening. Maybe it will happen. I don't know. The country that existed before Trump is dead. I mourn its loss, but it is well and truly gone now. What comes after Trump will be something that we have to make for ourselves. Here's hoping that we are up to the task. R. Anthony Steelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02360569752081330836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-30371612109211157072019-09-23T02:47:47.498-05:002019-09-23T02:47:47.498-05:00Jim....... this is the third essay i have read thi...Jim....... this is the third essay i have read this week and just like the other two from different people i have been touched deeply.at 52 most people would be settling down and living out their lives but i have been moved so deeply that changes are coming.I salute and thank you for this essay.Erikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152388583902122416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-6378940222337814842019-09-22T11:45:15.748-05:002019-09-22T11:45:15.748-05:00Well said Jim!
To all of those who are doubting ...Well said Jim! <br /><br />To all of those who are doubting whether they should vote, never doubt, just go do it! <br /><br />Next year will be the first election I will be able to vote in. And I will, there is no question about it. I was born in the States, but lived in Germany for 15 years growing up and am now living in the Netherlands. <br /><br />I have never lived in the States in my adult life and I will still vote. Why? Because I can and I have to! If I do not, I am ignoring my responsibility as a member of the democratic world. I might not live in the States, and I probably never will, but American politics affect me even here in Europe! If Trump starts a war with Iran it will have consequences that will ripple throughout the rest of the world and yes, even to you in the United States! <br /><br />So go and vote! I will! <br /><br />I will vote in the United States Presidential Elections! <br /><br />I will vote in the German Federal and State Elections! <br /><br />I will vote in the Dutch Local Elections! <br /><br />I will vote in the European Elections! <br /><br />Why? Because I can! Because it is my right and my responsibility as a member and believer in freedom and democracy!<br /><br />If you believe in either, then you must vote, because otherwise you give up your right to said freedom and democracy!<br /><br />So go vote!<br /><br />I live in the Netherlands. I grew up in Germany. I was born in the United States and I will use that birthright!Sky Balennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-87260416955559086902019-09-22T09:08:14.036-05:002019-09-22T09:08:14.036-05:00Creeping nihilism. Shudder.
Creeping nihilism. Shudder.<br />Laura Phillipsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-85637514391152452282019-09-22T08:52:05.695-05:002019-09-22T08:52:05.695-05:00I'm glad you took time off. I am also glad th...I'm glad you took time off. I am also glad that you're back, and writing the good stuff that you do. In music, there is a concept called "stagger breathing" (to define: when confronted with about 2 minutes of a sustained note, the entire section will breathe at different times, always with a very quiet entrance). The perception of the audience is one long sustained note. To the ensemble, it is the ultimate of teamwork. I view this as "stagger fighting". You fight until you're exhausted, take a break, and come back in so someone else can take a break. We ALL need to take breaks. We must defeat these defilers of government (be they a corrupt president or a power hungry senator, or a do-nothing Speaker of the House). Xena Tubahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03417809805691967652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-15233234775152961032019-09-22T08:46:45.175-05:002019-09-22T08:46:45.175-05:00I had music as my escape from the evil that men do...I had music as my escape from the evil that men do. I still play, and sometimes that is all that keeps me sane. "When I play my tuba i am in my own little world. When I ride my motorcycle, I am out IN the world." A friend put that on a t-shirt for me. <br />Xena Tubahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03417809805691967652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-24473779875530465102019-09-22T07:29:51.394-05:002019-09-22T07:29:51.394-05:00No. That's not what happened at all and you kn...No. That's not what happened at all and you know it. <br /><br />You got booted from the Stonekettle Station group for violation of the rules, i.e. you were an asshole to the other members. You said a deliberately provocative thing and then began insulting the people you provoked. <i>Then</i> you started abusing the reporting function in an attempt to have the very people you deliberately provoked penalized for responding. This behavior is a violation of the rules. <br />The rules are clearly posted, every new member is advised to read them and I periodically remind group members to adhere. You didn't. You were removed. It's as simple as that. <br /><br />This isn't about others. I'll deal with them as appropriate. This was about you and your behavior. And your passive-aggressive comment here confirms to me that I made the correct decision. <br /><br />// Jim Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-12742070410462674162019-09-22T06:28:54.386-05:002019-09-22T06:28:54.386-05:00Well said.
I’m commenting from Australia, but we ...Well said. <br />I’m commenting from Australia, but we have similar issues vis a vis representative democracy morphing into representative plutocracy. <br />I literally weep for my children, but I don’t know what I can do when the forces arrayed against their future are so rich and powerful. disfocushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16796891003909838882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-33742275743023278782019-09-22T00:40:13.100-05:002019-09-22T00:40:13.100-05:00When is violence finally the answer?When is violence finally the answer?Alexis Smolenskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10539170107563075967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-69687914202538356092019-09-21T23:58:02.951-05:002019-09-21T23:58:02.951-05:00And I wonder if even something "blatant"...And I wonder if even something "blatant" would be enough to get most of us moving in the right direction. Have we become so acclimated to this "new normal" and desensitized to each new episode of the orange ogre's flamboyant disregard for the rule of law that we'd be shocked enough to do anything? With his constant deflection and misdirection, along with our constantly being assaulted by a myriad of other serious issues, I do wonder. Most people who are working and raising families are too busy, too tired, and too stressed to devote much time or energy to anything outside their own relatively small world. And some of us who are no longer working and whose kids are adults may have the time and the interest, but at 75 years of age and in declining health, I'm rather limited in what I can do. I can still carry a torch and/or a pitchfork - just tell me where and when!Sandy Buckleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00586979699987711587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-11065940707999892602019-09-21T23:54:06.825-05:002019-09-21T23:54:06.825-05:00How can we forward this essay to Nancy Pelosi?How can we forward this essay to Nancy Pelosi?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12225763375613927395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-40784715191976825742019-09-21T22:41:51.143-05:002019-09-21T22:41:51.143-05:00Someone who liked your article made a comment that...Someone who liked your article made a comment that reflected your opinion, got trolled for not being American, and then was kicked from your group. I think you need to do a bigger house-cleaning, because you're protecting the people who insult your values. Go ahead and mock this all you want, because all it will do is prove that girl right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-79456931220633522712019-09-21T21:31:07.059-05:002019-09-21T21:31:07.059-05:00I enjoyed this essay and I can empathize. As I'...I enjoyed this essay and I can empathize. As I've noted before, I don't know how you do it (and I appreciate the service that you provide in wading into the shit field that is the internet). I once had a job where I saw the worst of human kind - beating loved ones, hurting kids, you name it. I used to go to the Smithsonian for my vacation just to look at all of the wonderful things that human beings have created in their time on earth. The internet is worse.<br /><br />I terminated my Twitter and Facebook accounts because they were wasteful of my time and harmful to my sanity. Full of inane, ignorant, half-baked rhetoric and a source for the ginning up up hate. All while adding to the coffers of Mark and Jack (who are already richer than Croesus). I concluded that my time was better spent engaging in the political process in a thoughtful (adult) manner, studying policy proposals, spending more "being present" time with friends and family, and making music and furniture. I am much happier. As I told a friend, I am well informed but decided that I didn't need to be "informed" every waking minute of every day.<br /><br />Thanks again for a thoughtful perspective - I hope that you will make at least a few more people "be better citizens." <br />ArtLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03226709164404997478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-80392730130967904112019-09-21T21:13:09.541-05:002019-09-21T21:13:09.541-05:00One of my friends asked me if I watched the "...One of my friends asked me if I watched the "debates" and I told him that, were they actual debates rather than dog and pony shows to make the network more money, I might watch. As that is not the case, they are not worth my time - I have better things to do.<br />When the the field is reduced, I'll spend time reading their policy ideas in detail and make a decision about which one to support. The "Reality TVization" of the political process has turned it into a giant cesspool of ignorance, spite, and naked greed (but that's the form, isn't it?) - not really the best condition for a healthy democracy.ArtLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03226709164404997478noreply@blogger.com