When Governor Kathy Hochul said she'd consider redistricting in New York in response to Abbott in Texas, I thought it was a bad idea. But my husband made the same argument you did: playing nice isn't getting us anywhere. So, I'm open to it.
BTW, that eggplant parm looks amazing! It's one of my favorite dishes, when it's done right.
I hate sweeping generalizations. But here goes. Democrats seem to think that our ideas will prevail if only people understood them more clearly or they were explained more thoroughly. That sharing science, actual facts and logical conclusions would carry the day. And that DOES work.
But it just works for people who enjoy/embrace critical thinking. It works with people who are open to being wrong about a subject and willing to course correct as a result. I consider course correction interesting, healthy and a sign of growth. Others think it is akin to joining the enemy.
Republicans have become like the churches of the Middle Ages. Follow our version of "faith" or we will torture you to repent and bring you back to God (our version).
And...Republicans have worked the system using ingenuity and clever on the ground techniques like gerrymandering. They have played the long game. And they have won the last few battles. Look how they have set back women's reproductive health and freedom. They approached it from every angle. Look how they are trying to twist education into indoctrination.
Sorry for the rant, Carol. I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know. I'm just suggesting that we have no time to waste to fix the mechanics of our system so we have a shot at leading again - with science, compassion, the Constitution and working with our friends around the world again.
Gerrymandering is just one part of the effort. Another part is folks like Jess Piper. I suspect you read her as well. A wonderful, indefatigable former teacher fighting against all odds in Missouri and other neighboring red states. It's going to take a ground game.
And I am ready to be inspired by O"Rourke, Piper and yes, Mamdani. They are connecting with people about the basics. Feels like a "movement" to me. Throw in a "Colbert" and we may have a winning team.
I guess it's a question of how bad the means are vs how good is the end.
Until Nov 2024, I would have said this is a bridge too far. But with a Supreme Court supporting dictatorship and a Congress ignoring the Constitution...this would be a small sin in comparison.
The only knife most elected Democrats bring is a cheese knife to go with the chardonnay being served. I completely agree with your point and wonder when the national party will get tired of losing.
I read recently that Ken Martin at the DNC wants to broaden the game - to fight everywhere instead of just funding races where the chances are strong. If that were the case, he should bring a truck load of cash to MO and put Jess Piper in charge of it.
And did I read recently that your legislature might lose in court with its efforts to overturn the will/votes of the citizens? Is there hope?
There is a fair amount of hope. Putting Jess in charge of a pot of cash might even turn some rural legislative seats. The court case is a long shot but Respect MO Voters is working on a new amendment initiative to limit what the legislature can do to overturn what voters decide. People are pretty pissed, especially about the minimum wage and sick time. It will be interesting.
Another Democrat who says we should be on the offense.
Thanks to Robert Hubbell for sharing this video:
Gavin Newsom hits Trump on Epstein, Texas gerrymander:
https://youtu.be/cy9Qv2UiwwE?t=366
When Governor Kathy Hochul said she'd consider redistricting in New York in response to Abbott in Texas, I thought it was a bad idea. But my husband made the same argument you did: playing nice isn't getting us anywhere. So, I'm open to it.
BTW, that eggplant parm looks amazing! It's one of my favorite dishes, when it's done right.
All states should be green!
And yum!😋
I am leaning your way. It's not like kidnapping citizens or starving children.
I hate sweeping generalizations. But here goes. Democrats seem to think that our ideas will prevail if only people understood them more clearly or they were explained more thoroughly. That sharing science, actual facts and logical conclusions would carry the day. And that DOES work.
But it just works for people who enjoy/embrace critical thinking. It works with people who are open to being wrong about a subject and willing to course correct as a result. I consider course correction interesting, healthy and a sign of growth. Others think it is akin to joining the enemy.
Republicans have become like the churches of the Middle Ages. Follow our version of "faith" or we will torture you to repent and bring you back to God (our version).
And...Republicans have worked the system using ingenuity and clever on the ground techniques like gerrymandering. They have played the long game. And they have won the last few battles. Look how they have set back women's reproductive health and freedom. They approached it from every angle. Look how they are trying to twist education into indoctrination.
Sorry for the rant, Carol. I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know. I'm just suggesting that we have no time to waste to fix the mechanics of our system so we have a shot at leading again - with science, compassion, the Constitution and working with our friends around the world again.
Gerrymandering is just one part of the effort. Another part is folks like Jess Piper. I suspect you read her as well. A wonderful, indefatigable former teacher fighting against all odds in Missouri and other neighboring red states. It's going to take a ground game.
And I am ready to be inspired by O"Rourke, Piper and yes, Mamdani. They are connecting with people about the basics. Feels like a "movement" to me. Throw in a "Colbert" and we may have a winning team.
The eternal question: Does the end justify the means?
I guess it's a question of how bad the means are vs how good is the end.
Until Nov 2024, I would have said this is a bridge too far. But with a Supreme Court supporting dictatorship and a Congress ignoring the Constitution...this would be a small sin in comparison.
The only knife most elected Democrats bring is a cheese knife to go with the chardonnay being served. I completely agree with your point and wonder when the national party will get tired of losing.
I read recently that Ken Martin at the DNC wants to broaden the game - to fight everywhere instead of just funding races where the chances are strong. If that were the case, he should bring a truck load of cash to MO and put Jess Piper in charge of it.
And did I read recently that your legislature might lose in court with its efforts to overturn the will/votes of the citizens? Is there hope?
There is a fair amount of hope. Putting Jess in charge of a pot of cash might even turn some rural legislative seats. The court case is a long shot but Respect MO Voters is working on a new amendment initiative to limit what the legislature can do to overturn what voters decide. People are pretty pissed, especially about the minimum wage and sick time. It will be interesting.
Wow !!! Mahalo for sharing ! Beto is amazing !