I just had the opportunity to watch Day 1 of the convention. Wow. My own thanks and gratitude to Joe Biden for an amazing speech and career, and for his humility. One of my take aways of all the speeches, especially Joe’s, was how direct everything was stated. For Joe I think even clarifying when he was serious or it was a joke - I think we need that these days. It was such clear commitment to purpose and intent while being a full human, filled with multiple emotions. But re the Democratic Party, it has seemed for so long politicians and policies hid what we were saying and fighting for, be it about the right to choose, diversity, sexuality, or so many other topics - so epitomized by the don’t ask don’t tell policy - hiding our beliefs and what we stood for. It is with such a breath of relief and pride to hear all the speakers say what we mean, directly, and without shame or apology.
As a former Washingtonian watching from my now home of New Zealand I know EXACTLY what you mean. I was also proud to see Democrats Abroad casting all of our votes for Kamala yesterday!
I have the impression the presses' “very fine” both-sides-ism pits views on democracy and autocracy as equally worthy of our consideration without contrasting the results of the outcomes. I would rather have a US media that PROMOTES democracy. It wouldn’t be a sin.
My response to Project 2925: MILLIONS of Americans are TERRIFIED of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, “…a manifesto to dismantle democratic principles and democracy as a whole. It is the reinstitution of Jim Crow laws and meant to create a system of authoritarianism as well as a means to usher in oligarchies in positions of government to control the people. If the principles of this manifesto are implemented, the American dream will be loss to all freedom loving Americans….” This manifesto reveals how the Heritage Foundation with its Project 2025 is a Terrorist Organization and should be investigated and prosecuted as such.
Not only those under 40 are feeling the way you described. I'm 74 and I've been inspired, joyful, hopeful, (hopetimistic as one person said) and, yes, I've also teared up several times during the speeches of yesterday's opening day of the convention - in a good way - like a person cries at a wedding - the beginning of a new life!
"But I believe in her personally more deeply than any political leader I have supported in more than 30 years of work in Washington DC. " I love it that you are able to feel this. I have worked 30 years in politics (CA) and felt it only once. Not Kamala, as it happens. Not that I am thinking you are misled -- this is the one who was able to fill that yearning for you. It's amazing to encounter even one.
Democracy depends on these flawed, ambitious, sometimes visionary people -- and then it also depends on the rest of us too.
You expressed my own feelings perfectly, David. I’ve been at this for decades but this time is somehow more special. The larger part of it is Biden and Kamala, but the consequences and the possibilities have creates something very much bigger than any of us. Let’s go win this sucker and end this disgraceful nightmare.
The fly in the ointment, for me as a card-carrying Catholic, is her wedded to abortion. I am not sorry for saying that, but that is a big burr under my ballot.
Also, as a serious aside, what do you hear about the yclept compromise of SS data? I am freaking out about that noise.
That’s why it’s called “choice”, not “pro-abortion. This is a democracy, and your faith tells you one thing, and other’s faith (or lack of) tell them differently. You have the right to oppose abortion. You do not have the right to enforce your belief on others. I understand that is an uncomfortable place for you to be. But that is a burden you must bear as a citizen of a democracy. Your faith also tells you that divorced people can’t remarry, so you practice that. But do you really want to impose that on others who don’t share your belief? It’s possible that I and those others are wrong about abortion. It’s also possible that you are. It’s up to us to make the best decision around our own ethics and judgement and not impose it on others.
Well, I recognize you spent some time in viewing the issue from my point of view. However, you are overlooking the premise that abortion is murder. I cannot avoid that conclusion because life begins at conception and modern, yclept progressive thinking ignores that scientific fact at its peril. My faith tells me that God is the author of all life, that there are only two genders (from the very beginning) and that He died for us all because He loves us all as our Creator. I am not enforcing my belief on others, I am merely stating what I believe in. Others are free to believe it or not, but, for their sake, I hope and wish that they realize that God loves us all and I pray for all of us every day.
Banning abortions puts women’s lives and future reproductive health at risk. That’s not a pro-life position. Kate Cox’s story epitomizes this. Her fetus had genetic abnormalities that meant it was not viable. Texas refused to allow her to get an abortion which her doctors said was necessary both for her health and her future ability to get pregnant. So she had to flee Texas to get the healthcare she needed. She just announced she’s pregnant again. Thanks to being able to access abortion care. I hope this fetus is healthy and she gives birth to her third child just in time to see Kamala sworn in as President.
I understand why you feel that way, but that is a religious belief, that is not shared by all. Freedom of religion means that we can disagree, even on one’s dearly held belief. Your religious belief does not trump (sorry for that wording!) mine or anyone else’s. That was the wisdom of our founders. To say abortion is murder as a scientifically based fact is not correct. But your faith tells you that is so, which is fine. For you. My religion tells me that abortion can be the ethical choice, which is mine to make. But I can’t ask you to agree or compel you to act on it.
As a hater of conventions also I have to say your opening hooked me. As a retired domestic flight attendant for a major airline all I could think from the comfort of my home in Atlanta is how glad I was I wasn’t working Sunday to Chicago. Being the pied piper on airplanes will do you in on crowds. Forever. That being said Chicago is such a wonderful city for this to be happening in. Chicago connects east and west. The food in Chicago is enough on it’s own but it is such a friendly city. It is big and bold. I have so many emotions about this convention since I have been in the fiercely anti Trump trenches as an activist writing postcards since David started Deep State Radio. I was like a moth to a flame when I found you David just like I wait for your essay every night so you can tell me how to feel about this moment. Thank you kind sir. I was having a hard time letting go of the hard core anger that I have at Donald Trump even as he is a failed Vegas lounge act off the Strip. Letting go of waking up every day for nine years with a knot in my stomach and getting out my American flag postcards and endlessly doom scrolling Jack Dorsey twitter is really hard. I want to feel that our girl Kamala is the one shining star come to save us when David told us day after day that we had to save ourselves. In that last dying gasp of the Biden presidency just a month ago we were delivered. Can I get an Amen? Thank you David for staying so faithful. Little did you know how we depend on you then as now. I hope you get teary reading this you big softie.
David, your post got me thinking about something that you actually supported towards the end. Coming of age in the 60’s and 70’s, we bore witness to unspeakable events. Viet Nam, assassinations, civil strife, overt racism, riots and the like. We fought hard won battles for peace, civil rights, and women’s liberation. We were motivated by moral courage and it was cemented into our constitutions as young adults. Maybe that is one of the reasons why this election is so personal to us. We want our children and grandchildren to have those same rights and opportunities. We want them protected from climate catastrophe. I’m not claiming any moral superiority and an not denigrating any other age groups but I think our perspective is unique.
I’m not taking responsibility for the hate, division, racism, misogyny homophobia , nationalism, fear mongering,and prevarication. That belongs to Trump-and the GOP.
A long held prayer has been answered. Thank you for making it so clear.
I just had the opportunity to watch Day 1 of the convention. Wow. My own thanks and gratitude to Joe Biden for an amazing speech and career, and for his humility. One of my take aways of all the speeches, especially Joe’s, was how direct everything was stated. For Joe I think even clarifying when he was serious or it was a joke - I think we need that these days. It was such clear commitment to purpose and intent while being a full human, filled with multiple emotions. But re the Democratic Party, it has seemed for so long politicians and policies hid what we were saying and fighting for, be it about the right to choose, diversity, sexuality, or so many other topics - so epitomized by the don’t ask don’t tell policy - hiding our beliefs and what we stood for. It is with such a breath of relief and pride to hear all the speakers say what we mean, directly, and without shame or apology.
The justice system cannot fix Trumpism.
As a former Washingtonian watching from my now home of New Zealand I know EXACTLY what you mean. I was also proud to see Democrats Abroad casting all of our votes for Kamala yesterday!
I have the impression the presses' “very fine” both-sides-ism pits views on democracy and autocracy as equally worthy of our consideration without contrasting the results of the outcomes. I would rather have a US media that PROMOTES democracy. It wouldn’t be a sin.
My response to Project 2925: MILLIONS of Americans are TERRIFIED of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, “…a manifesto to dismantle democratic principles and democracy as a whole. It is the reinstitution of Jim Crow laws and meant to create a system of authoritarianism as well as a means to usher in oligarchies in positions of government to control the people. If the principles of this manifesto are implemented, the American dream will be loss to all freedom loving Americans….” This manifesto reveals how the Heritage Foundation with its Project 2025 is a Terrorist Organization and should be investigated and prosecuted as such.
Not only those under 40 are feeling the way you described. I'm 74 and I've been inspired, joyful, hopeful, (hopetimistic as one person said) and, yes, I've also teared up several times during the speeches of yesterday's opening day of the convention - in a good way - like a person cries at a wedding - the beginning of a new life!
Yes, finally we are moving in the direction we have wanted for so long.
"But I believe in her personally more deeply than any political leader I have supported in more than 30 years of work in Washington DC. " I love it that you are able to feel this. I have worked 30 years in politics (CA) and felt it only once. Not Kamala, as it happens. Not that I am thinking you are misled -- this is the one who was able to fill that yearning for you. It's amazing to encounter even one.
Democracy depends on these flawed, ambitious, sometimes visionary people -- and then it also depends on the rest of us too.
Thanks for this.
OMG, this made me laugh, this made me cry, this made me do both at once. Is this what hope feels like? Not sure, but whatever it is, I'll take it.
Ditto. Another great read from David
You expressed my own feelings perfectly, David. I’ve been at this for decades but this time is somehow more special. The larger part of it is Biden and Kamala, but the consequences and the possibilities have creates something very much bigger than any of us. Let’s go win this sucker and end this disgraceful nightmare.
Nicely done. Which is why I subscribed.
The fly in the ointment, for me as a card-carrying Catholic, is her wedded to abortion. I am not sorry for saying that, but that is a big burr under my ballot.
Also, as a serious aside, what do you hear about the yclept compromise of SS data? I am freaking out about that noise.
Enjoy.
Phil Johnson
AF 11384275
That’s why it’s called “choice”, not “pro-abortion. This is a democracy, and your faith tells you one thing, and other’s faith (or lack of) tell them differently. You have the right to oppose abortion. You do not have the right to enforce your belief on others. I understand that is an uncomfortable place for you to be. But that is a burden you must bear as a citizen of a democracy. Your faith also tells you that divorced people can’t remarry, so you practice that. But do you really want to impose that on others who don’t share your belief? It’s possible that I and those others are wrong about abortion. It’s also possible that you are. It’s up to us to make the best decision around our own ethics and judgement and not impose it on others.
I should say so Margaret !! Brava.
Well, I recognize you spent some time in viewing the issue from my point of view. However, you are overlooking the premise that abortion is murder. I cannot avoid that conclusion because life begins at conception and modern, yclept progressive thinking ignores that scientific fact at its peril. My faith tells me that God is the author of all life, that there are only two genders (from the very beginning) and that He died for us all because He loves us all as our Creator. I am not enforcing my belief on others, I am merely stating what I believe in. Others are free to believe it or not, but, for their sake, I hope and wish that they realize that God loves us all and I pray for all of us every day.
Banning abortions puts women’s lives and future reproductive health at risk. That’s not a pro-life position. Kate Cox’s story epitomizes this. Her fetus had genetic abnormalities that meant it was not viable. Texas refused to allow her to get an abortion which her doctors said was necessary both for her health and her future ability to get pregnant. So she had to flee Texas to get the healthcare she needed. She just announced she’s pregnant again. Thanks to being able to access abortion care. I hope this fetus is healthy and she gives birth to her third child just in time to see Kamala sworn in as President.
I understand why you feel that way, but that is a religious belief, that is not shared by all. Freedom of religion means that we can disagree, even on one’s dearly held belief. Your religious belief does not trump (sorry for that wording!) mine or anyone else’s. That was the wisdom of our founders. To say abortion is murder as a scientifically based fact is not correct. But your faith tells you that is so, which is fine. For you. My religion tells me that abortion can be the ethical choice, which is mine to make. But I can’t ask you to agree or compel you to act on it.
As a hater of conventions also I have to say your opening hooked me. As a retired domestic flight attendant for a major airline all I could think from the comfort of my home in Atlanta is how glad I was I wasn’t working Sunday to Chicago. Being the pied piper on airplanes will do you in on crowds. Forever. That being said Chicago is such a wonderful city for this to be happening in. Chicago connects east and west. The food in Chicago is enough on it’s own but it is such a friendly city. It is big and bold. I have so many emotions about this convention since I have been in the fiercely anti Trump trenches as an activist writing postcards since David started Deep State Radio. I was like a moth to a flame when I found you David just like I wait for your essay every night so you can tell me how to feel about this moment. Thank you kind sir. I was having a hard time letting go of the hard core anger that I have at Donald Trump even as he is a failed Vegas lounge act off the Strip. Letting go of waking up every day for nine years with a knot in my stomach and getting out my American flag postcards and endlessly doom scrolling Jack Dorsey twitter is really hard. I want to feel that our girl Kamala is the one shining star come to save us when David told us day after day that we had to save ourselves. In that last dying gasp of the Biden presidency just a month ago we were delivered. Can I get an Amen? Thank you David for staying so faithful. Little did you know how we depend on you then as now. I hope you get teary reading this you big softie.
Beautifully well written!
Your penultimate paragraph says it all. How gratifying and surprising it is Your words bring tears to my 80 year old eyes.
David, your post got me thinking about something that you actually supported towards the end. Coming of age in the 60’s and 70’s, we bore witness to unspeakable events. Viet Nam, assassinations, civil strife, overt racism, riots and the like. We fought hard won battles for peace, civil rights, and women’s liberation. We were motivated by moral courage and it was cemented into our constitutions as young adults. Maybe that is one of the reasons why this election is so personal to us. We want our children and grandchildren to have those same rights and opportunities. We want them protected from climate catastrophe. I’m not claiming any moral superiority and an not denigrating any other age groups but I think our perspective is unique.
Well, we didn’t do an overly good job at that, did we?
Don’t have to, but we didn’t really manage to make all of that go away.
I’m not taking responsibility for the hate, division, racism, misogyny homophobia , nationalism, fear mongering,and prevarication. That belongs to Trump-and the GOP.