Adam these are strong words and strong words are needed. Our country desperately needs a wake up call. Politicians that are afraid to do the right thing are now becoming the norm especially in the Republican Party. One of my greatest fears is that good people will no longer want to run for office. Adam please keep of your messaging and hopefully it will reach people capable of making needed changes.
Fear of violence from MAGA supporters is real, and politicians and government staff need protection from these thugs. This is a law enforcement problem that should be high priority. That actual, realistic fear is not the only thing silencing these Republicans. Calling out those threats would raise awareness of this issue, and banding together to fight back would make a difference. That’s not the only thing silencing them, as you say, Adam. They silence themselves because of their unprincipled ambition, their perception that by taking any position, or evading accountability, they can be re-elected and hold onto $$$ and power. It’s a misuse of political power in a time when democracy needs them to use that power for public good rather than individual gain. As Liz Cheney said, “There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
Very thoughtful. Sadly, the Republican Party, under the leadership of Donald J Trump, bears little resemblance to the once proud Party of fiscal responsibility, social moderation, and minimal government intrusion into the daily lives of Americans. It is a sad collection of angry “culture warriors”, evangelical nutbags, and self-serving autocratic wannabes. They are racists, xenophobes, homophobes, misogynists, anti-semites and anti-muslim. They are even anti-christian unless that christian is from the same denominations that they favor. The 25% or so who may retain a shred of decency but are too scared to say it out loud in the legislature, the legislature that they were elected to in order to serve their constituents, may be the worst of the lot, because they know better. I hope, Adam, that you can bring some of them around to your way of thinking and acting. Cowardice is not becoming to them. They’ll be surprised at the swell of support from voters who despise Trump and Trumpism…voters from many corners of the political spectrum.
Very true and very strong words, Adam. I was appalled at the words of Mitch McConnell, basically let’s wait and see if Trump is reelected. It’s a conundrum, NO, it is NOT. Support aide for Ukraine, and support it NOW. This is truly a disgrace of our government to do the right thing. Yes, there are some democrats and shame on them, however, the true fault is the GOP. The leaders can’t lead for the sake of our nation and the nations we support. What an absolute disgrace.
Please don't mention Moscow Mitch. He didn't have the courage to impeach that lying slimeball in the White House and was given the opportunity twice. At that time it was let the courts decide; now it is let the people decide. Just kicking the can down the road because he hasn't the first bit of leadership in his body.
Until we get real Constitutional Republicans willing to stand up to the MAGA Maggots we're stuck and the Republican base looking for leadership are the most deprived. As I've said many times, they drink Trump's poisonous Kool-aid only because no one else is carrying water.
This afternoon, I am seeing many media outlets are announcing how the GOP, per trump, not pass the bipartisan immigration deal that is on the table so that it can be the major campaign argument against Biden. If heard by the moderates and undecideds, shouldn't that be a BIG deterent for not wanting trump?! The DNC really needs to broadcast this!
Adam, what powerful words calling out the lack of courage and integrity amongst so many ELECTED officials. That’s right we sent them there to do the PEOPLES work. I’m not getting a return on my “investment”, my vote. We don’t vote people in to office to try to figure out how to make a lifetime career in “public service”. We send them to Washington to do what’s best for the majority of us and our country. With the regards to aid to Ukraine, it’s appeasement all over again. Didn’t we learn anything from the dire consequences with Hitler? Do the politicians really think that Putin will stop if he wins Ukraine? He will on to a NATO country next and then we really will be shelling out the money and TROOPS to defend his aggression. Can’t imagine many politicians will get re-elected if we have to actually go to war. These politicians are so, so short sighted. You can’t tell me that left center and right center can’t see that and that they can’t to something about it. They could if they really wanted to. That’s what is so disheartening and maddening about it. Keep speaking the truth, Adam, and I’m still anticipating a Chaney candidate or a Kinzinger candidate soon. Or a Chaney/Kinzinger ticket. Whichever is fine with me.
Thanks Joan. Its amazing the parallels to pre WW2 that so many are blind to. Courage is great in history books and near impossible to pull off in real time, hence why those that do make it in the books
I believe Trump if elected will divide up Ukraine AND leave NATO. Then ignore other countries attacked by Putin, especially if there's nothing in it for him. I personally dont think he has any geopolitical understanding at all, particularly long-term consequences.
The “in it for him” is that Putin will reward him handsomely for those actions. After all, trump is a Putin wannabe. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t have some kind of “agreement” or nefarious plan between them that was cooked up at the meeting in Iceland where no other people were allowed to attend except those two. Still don’t know how that was allowed.
The Grotesque Gold-toned Grifter™ has little understanding of anything that doesn't benefit/enrich him in any direct way. We all witnessed that during his four miserable years in office and the three increasingly erratic ones since, as he disintegrates before our eyes. Geopolitical? He doesn't understand anything about helming our nation through a pandemic, major supply chain shortages, that he's a total buffoon on the international stage, that it's not appropriate to spend 300 days golfing abysmally when he should have been working for the deplorable saps who put him in office. He'll do exactly as you say with Ukraine, Europe, NATO, and anything else he can tear asunder. We can't allow this to happen. 💙🌊 In November!
As a Christian and past republican I think it’s important for us to help the Ukrainian and their people.I don’t want to see Putin win!He’s behaving like Hitler did trying to take over other countries!There are Jews in the Ukrainian as well.I don’t know if people realize this.I’m Slovak and I hate seeing people treated this way I hope that something is done to help them I keep praying it does!
I'm about to write my Congressman, Mike Simpson, who has endorsed Trump (no big surprise). I'm going to tell him it's 1938 all over again and ask him if Ukraine aid is not passed what his plan is for when the US and Nato put boots on the ground in Poland, Moldova, the Balkans etc.
I just finished the short and pointed email to Congressman Simpson. My main question was, "What do you plan to tell your constituents when US military personnel put boots on the ground in Poland, the Balkans (or you pick the target) because the Republicans in Congress didn't pass the Ukrainian aid package. Putin is smiling a lot these days because without US and EU aid Ukraine will be fighting it's last ditch defense. I'm quite eager for his response, but not really because it will be more of the same BS!
If you don’t get a timely response, you might print out the letter and mail signed copies to each of his offices. That’ll at least force more of his staff to see it.
Also, if Donald gets back in the White House, there will be no American boots on the ground because he will not honor our commitment to NATO.
The wannabe Dictator and Mafia Don uses threats and intimidation to keep the weak in line and everyone else fearful. He lost the popular vote in 2016 and 2020 but goes around like the only important ruler of the earth. This should have been stopped a long time ago but Republicans refused to hold him accountable. The majority of Americans are not afraid of Donald Trump or his retarded supporters.
Ukraine is not the only nation in danger of the Putin design on rebuilding the "Soviet Union". America is in danger also because while American soldiers may not want to shoot innocent Americans, Russian soldiers have no such qualms.
A personal aside here: a couple months ago, I volunteered to help Ukrainian citizens living in Ukraine learn how better to speak and comprehend English, the American mother tongue. I met my "partner" shortly after. He's a regular guy, works as a civil defense coordinator in a small town near the front lines, living alone b/c his wife and family have relocated to Lviv to get out of range of constant Russian attacks. Let's call him Dmitry. Dmitry spends the better part of his day putting out fires after someone's home/farm has been destroyed by a Russian drone, but still finds time to help people of the town understand the river isn't safe for Ice-fishing at the moment or help an old lady find her dog who ran away during the shelling.
These Ukrainians are people like us, dealing with, and determined to, win out against the unthinkable. They would rather die than surrender their freedom ad humanity to Vladimir Putin's malignant dreams of conquest; they are more than willing to pay the price of resistance. If Americans love their country as much as they say they do; if they value the democratically-elected government that is their fucking birthright, they need to call their congressional treason-weasels *right now* and demand funds be supplied and munitions be released to support Ukraine's mission to save itself, the Western Alliance and eventually, us.
Ukraine is fighting a criminal authoritarian regime *now*. If they lose, it'll be up to us to save the world again. Call your congressional delegates. Flood their inboxes. Withhold regular party donations till the Ukrainian effort is funded. Be assured if American citizens don't act now, good people like Dmitry will die fighting for a global crisis most Americans couldn't be bothered to recognize as existential to individual freedom. IOW, don't think it won't happen here.
Thank you, Dr. Hall. I may have begun meeting with Dmitry favoring the Ukrainian cause, but soon became a partisan; the Ukrainian people's courage and stubborn persistence, defending freedom and democracy against almost impossible odds while maintaining their integrity and human rightness, is a powerful reminder. This is not a mere war by proxy between America and Vladimir Putin, it's *the* existential fight of our time between what's simply good and unmistakably evil. Morality rarely gets as black and white as is this struggle. I appreciate your having read my comment and your kind reply. Slava ukraini and vote Blue in November. Let's help save the world.
Outstanding post, my friend. It has been so disorienting to see Republicans appeasing, if not outright supporting, Putin, advocating the abandonment of America’s allies, etc., etc. But, you’re right, the worst part of this has been watching those who favor traditional Republican values cower in the face of the arsonists.
There is weakness on both sides of the aisle. As a Democrat, I think Progessives in my party think they are its strong arm. They aren't. The vast majority of Democrats aren't radical leftists but the moderate voice is drowned out by the very loud noise coming from the extreme left end of the party. These folks were once members of the Green Party but realized they'd have a hard time getting elected with that label.
Moderates in both parties need to unite. Abortion is an issue that polarizes us into two camps. On many other so-called polarizing issues, like immigration, we could reach a reasonable compromise platform. Our job would be more difficult because we would have to find a balanced platform that brings us all together. I don't think that can happen without a compromise on abortion rights.
The stories about the tragedies of anti-abortion laws are mounting. Candidates are rising in red states out of these tragedies. These women know first hand how callus the system can be for women in difficult positions. We can take lessons and come up with humane laws to protect unborn children and mothers. I believe it!
So true. WHile the focus is on the GOP, there are upwards of 30 Dems opposing the ukraine border compromise. Its small, but I always advise my dem friends that back in 2016, our number of extremes was small too. We just didnt fight them. I did, but i was lonely in that battle
Adam these are strong words and strong words are needed. Our country desperately needs a wake up call. Politicians that are afraid to do the right thing are now becoming the norm especially in the Republican Party. One of my greatest fears is that good people will no longer want to run for office. Adam please keep of your messaging and hopefully it will reach people capable of making needed changes.
Thanks. No more Mr. Nice guy (not that i ever was)
Adam that made me laugh.
Fear of violence from MAGA supporters is real, and politicians and government staff need protection from these thugs. This is a law enforcement problem that should be high priority. That actual, realistic fear is not the only thing silencing these Republicans. Calling out those threats would raise awareness of this issue, and banding together to fight back would make a difference. That’s not the only thing silencing them, as you say, Adam. They silence themselves because of their unprincipled ambition, their perception that by taking any position, or evading accountability, they can be re-elected and hold onto $$$ and power. It’s a misuse of political power in a time when democracy needs them to use that power for public good rather than individual gain. As Liz Cheney said, “There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
and not to mention, those leaving worry about getting a lobby job and dont want to upset the apple cart
Screw the apple cart. Have a voice. Have a spine. Cut the strings.
Cut the cord!!!!!!!!
All too true.
Very thoughtful. Sadly, the Republican Party, under the leadership of Donald J Trump, bears little resemblance to the once proud Party of fiscal responsibility, social moderation, and minimal government intrusion into the daily lives of Americans. It is a sad collection of angry “culture warriors”, evangelical nutbags, and self-serving autocratic wannabes. They are racists, xenophobes, homophobes, misogynists, anti-semites and anti-muslim. They are even anti-christian unless that christian is from the same denominations that they favor. The 25% or so who may retain a shred of decency but are too scared to say it out loud in the legislature, the legislature that they were elected to in order to serve their constituents, may be the worst of the lot, because they know better. I hope, Adam, that you can bring some of them around to your way of thinking and acting. Cowardice is not becoming to them. They’ll be surprised at the swell of support from voters who despise Trump and Trumpism…voters from many corners of the political spectrum.
Agreed. I wish they had courage, they could change the world, literally
Very true and very strong words, Adam. I was appalled at the words of Mitch McConnell, basically let’s wait and see if Trump is reelected. It’s a conundrum, NO, it is NOT. Support aide for Ukraine, and support it NOW. This is truly a disgrace of our government to do the right thing. Yes, there are some democrats and shame on them, however, the true fault is the GOP. The leaders can’t lead for the sake of our nation and the nations we support. What an absolute disgrace.
Please don't mention Moscow Mitch. He didn't have the courage to impeach that lying slimeball in the White House and was given the opportunity twice. At that time it was let the courts decide; now it is let the people decide. Just kicking the can down the road because he hasn't the first bit of leadership in his body.
Until we get real Constitutional Republicans willing to stand up to the MAGA Maggots we're stuck and the Republican base looking for leadership are the most deprived. As I've said many times, they drink Trump's poisonous Kool-aid only because no one else is carrying water.
You just said what we are all thinking !!!!!!!!
This afternoon, I am seeing many media outlets are announcing how the GOP, per trump, not pass the bipartisan immigration deal that is on the table so that it can be the major campaign argument against Biden. If heard by the moderates and undecideds, shouldn't that be a BIG deterent for not wanting trump?! The DNC really needs to broadcast this!
Absolutely!!! The GOP just makes it too easy! Everyone across the board has GOT to continue calling these people OUT
Adam, what powerful words calling out the lack of courage and integrity amongst so many ELECTED officials. That’s right we sent them there to do the PEOPLES work. I’m not getting a return on my “investment”, my vote. We don’t vote people in to office to try to figure out how to make a lifetime career in “public service”. We send them to Washington to do what’s best for the majority of us and our country. With the regards to aid to Ukraine, it’s appeasement all over again. Didn’t we learn anything from the dire consequences with Hitler? Do the politicians really think that Putin will stop if he wins Ukraine? He will on to a NATO country next and then we really will be shelling out the money and TROOPS to defend his aggression. Can’t imagine many politicians will get re-elected if we have to actually go to war. These politicians are so, so short sighted. You can’t tell me that left center and right center can’t see that and that they can’t to something about it. They could if they really wanted to. That’s what is so disheartening and maddening about it. Keep speaking the truth, Adam, and I’m still anticipating a Chaney candidate or a Kinzinger candidate soon. Or a Chaney/Kinzinger ticket. Whichever is fine with me.
Thanks Joan. Its amazing the parallels to pre WW2 that so many are blind to. Courage is great in history books and near impossible to pull off in real time, hence why those that do make it in the books
Exactly.
Read The Oppermanns if you can bear to know just how parallel.
I believe Trump if elected will divide up Ukraine AND leave NATO. Then ignore other countries attacked by Putin, especially if there's nothing in it for him. I personally dont think he has any geopolitical understanding at all, particularly long-term consequences.
The “in it for him” is that Putin will reward him handsomely for those actions. After all, trump is a Putin wannabe. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t have some kind of “agreement” or nefarious plan between them that was cooked up at the meeting in Iceland where no other people were allowed to attend except those two. Still don’t know how that was allowed.
I would be greatly surprised if they do not have an "agreement." His words and actions have indicated that for years.
The Grotesque Gold-toned Grifter™ has little understanding of anything that doesn't benefit/enrich him in any direct way. We all witnessed that during his four miserable years in office and the three increasingly erratic ones since, as he disintegrates before our eyes. Geopolitical? He doesn't understand anything about helming our nation through a pandemic, major supply chain shortages, that he's a total buffoon on the international stage, that it's not appropriate to spend 300 days golfing abysmally when he should have been working for the deplorable saps who put him in office. He'll do exactly as you say with Ukraine, Europe, NATO, and anything else he can tear asunder. We can't allow this to happen. 💙🌊 In November!
I am a 78 year old Republican and I think of today’s Republican Party as
“The Silence of the Lambs”
its really sad. homeless republicans unite!
Tell me Clarice.... Have the trumps stopped screaming?
Or we could go with another quote.. It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets indicted again!
As a Christian and past republican I think it’s important for us to help the Ukrainian and their people.I don’t want to see Putin win!He’s behaving like Hitler did trying to take over other countries!There are Jews in the Ukrainian as well.I don’t know if people realize this.I’m Slovak and I hate seeing people treated this way I hope that something is done to help them I keep praying it does!
WHOA, you sound like a REAL Christ follower. Rare:) Join the club
Amen
I admire the sentiment but your god is allowing this carnage to happen. You can't have it both ways.
I'm about to write my Congressman, Mike Simpson, who has endorsed Trump (no big surprise). I'm going to tell him it's 1938 all over again and ask him if Ukraine aid is not passed what his plan is for when the US and Nato put boots on the ground in Poland, Moldova, the Balkans etc.
I just finished the short and pointed email to Congressman Simpson. My main question was, "What do you plan to tell your constituents when US military personnel put boots on the ground in Poland, the Balkans (or you pick the target) because the Republicans in Congress didn't pass the Ukrainian aid package. Putin is smiling a lot these days because without US and EU aid Ukraine will be fighting it's last ditch defense. I'm quite eager for his response, but not really because it will be more of the same BS!
If you don’t get a timely response, you might print out the letter and mail signed copies to each of his offices. That’ll at least force more of his staff to see it.
Also, if Donald gets back in the White House, there will be no American boots on the ground because he will not honor our commitment to NATO.
That's a sobering and highly distressing point. He won't help anyone but the big three: Russia, China, and North Korea.
If he even bothers to respond.
The wannabe Dictator and Mafia Don uses threats and intimidation to keep the weak in line and everyone else fearful. He lost the popular vote in 2016 and 2020 but goes around like the only important ruler of the earth. This should have been stopped a long time ago but Republicans refused to hold him accountable. The majority of Americans are not afraid of Donald Trump or his retarded supporters.
Ukraine is not the only nation in danger of the Putin design on rebuilding the "Soviet Union". America is in danger also because while American soldiers may not want to shoot innocent Americans, Russian soldiers have no such qualms.
so true
I agree with you 100% Putin MUST be defeated and Ukraine MUST be sent aid and asap. The time is NOW
GOP has been bought by don the con. I can count on 1 hand the number of republicans I respect, you being one.
thanks. Im not sure it will take me a whole hand
Liz counts for 5
At least you aren't AI praying In church with six fingers lol
😉
Pick a finger, there are four, or you could be a thumb 🫶
Sad but true.
A personal aside here: a couple months ago, I volunteered to help Ukrainian citizens living in Ukraine learn how better to speak and comprehend English, the American mother tongue. I met my "partner" shortly after. He's a regular guy, works as a civil defense coordinator in a small town near the front lines, living alone b/c his wife and family have relocated to Lviv to get out of range of constant Russian attacks. Let's call him Dmitry. Dmitry spends the better part of his day putting out fires after someone's home/farm has been destroyed by a Russian drone, but still finds time to help people of the town understand the river isn't safe for Ice-fishing at the moment or help an old lady find her dog who ran away during the shelling.
These Ukrainians are people like us, dealing with, and determined to, win out against the unthinkable. They would rather die than surrender their freedom ad humanity to Vladimir Putin's malignant dreams of conquest; they are more than willing to pay the price of resistance. If Americans love their country as much as they say they do; if they value the democratically-elected government that is their fucking birthright, they need to call their congressional treason-weasels *right now* and demand funds be supplied and munitions be released to support Ukraine's mission to save itself, the Western Alliance and eventually, us.
Ukraine is fighting a criminal authoritarian regime *now*. If they lose, it'll be up to us to save the world again. Call your congressional delegates. Flood their inboxes. Withhold regular party donations till the Ukrainian effort is funded. Be assured if American citizens don't act now, good people like Dmitry will die fighting for a global crisis most Americans couldn't be bothered to recognize as existential to individual freedom. IOW, don't think it won't happen here.
Holly,
This is the most eloquent and powerful call to our action that I have yet heard
You are a leader
Thank you for your love of freedom
and for your love of the Ukrainian people
Thank you, Dr. Hall. I may have begun meeting with Dmitry favoring the Ukrainian cause, but soon became a partisan; the Ukrainian people's courage and stubborn persistence, defending freedom and democracy against almost impossible odds while maintaining their integrity and human rightness, is a powerful reminder. This is not a mere war by proxy between America and Vladimir Putin, it's *the* existential fight of our time between what's simply good and unmistakably evil. Morality rarely gets as black and white as is this struggle. I appreciate your having read my comment and your kind reply. Slava ukraini and vote Blue in November. Let's help save the world.
Yes we will do this together.
We will help save the world.
We will honor all who given their lives
that Ukraine may live.
Holly, I know that you do not do
what you do
in order to be admired.
But please allow me to tell you
through my tears
how much I admire you.
Preach it sister!
Amen!
There is no Republican Party at this point. It is maga. Until someone kicks them out or they leave on their own, there is no Republican Party.
The media needs to stop pretending this is politics as normal. NOTHING about this is normal.
Meanwhile, WWIII has started and unless Putin is stopped in Ukraine, he is on the move reclaiming the empire of old (that includes Alaska, btw).
Does MAGA stand for “Mothers Against Geriatric A**holes”?
should
🤣🤣🤣
Republicans and Democrats on the fence for Ukraine, grow a set or you’ll regret dearly in years to come.
US needs to stand with Ukraine against pootin like we stood against hitler.
Not on the fence here with Nazis.
Outstanding post, my friend. It has been so disorienting to see Republicans appeasing, if not outright supporting, Putin, advocating the abandonment of America’s allies, etc., etc. But, you’re right, the worst part of this has been watching those who favor traditional Republican values cower in the face of the arsonists.
I would rather be a follower of Christ than a follower of Tromps.There is a huge difference between the two!
I think you are spot on... yet again!
There is weakness on both sides of the aisle. As a Democrat, I think Progessives in my party think they are its strong arm. They aren't. The vast majority of Democrats aren't radical leftists but the moderate voice is drowned out by the very loud noise coming from the extreme left end of the party. These folks were once members of the Green Party but realized they'd have a hard time getting elected with that label.
Moderates in both parties need to unite. Abortion is an issue that polarizes us into two camps. On many other so-called polarizing issues, like immigration, we could reach a reasonable compromise platform. Our job would be more difficult because we would have to find a balanced platform that brings us all together. I don't think that can happen without a compromise on abortion rights.
The stories about the tragedies of anti-abortion laws are mounting. Candidates are rising in red states out of these tragedies. These women know first hand how callus the system can be for women in difficult positions. We can take lessons and come up with humane laws to protect unborn children and mothers. I believe it!
So true. WHile the focus is on the GOP, there are upwards of 30 Dems opposing the ukraine border compromise. Its small, but I always advise my dem friends that back in 2016, our number of extremes was small too. We just didnt fight them. I did, but i was lonely in that battle
This is wisdom!
This is how we will unite the moderates of both parties.
We can DO this.