I stand for kindness, compassion, sharing resources, doing good , caring, empathy, love, peace, prosperity, and not forcing my beliefs on others instead to be an example for those have been tainted and live in fear and sadness. The good will triumph because we are willing to stand up to our oppressors
We are Americans who will not stand by as our democracy and the health of our planet depends on it.
Thanks for helping to lead us through the darkness into light.
This is perhaps the clearest indixtment of the false equivalency position I have read. Mere formalistic defenses of "both sides" perspectives raised in response to clearly stated characterizations of the MAGA madness are mostly attempts to sweep away the truth in service to a movement that is using the principles of representative democracy to defeat it. This is not new. Mussolini was handed power by the king of Italy after a populist (Black Shirt) march on Rome; Hitler was made Chancellor by the aging president von Hindenburg after the Nazi party did well (but did not "win") in the 1933 elections; while Franco staged a coup against a freely elected majority, he was supported strongly by the Catholic Church, which has always supported "throne and altar" politics. The lesson in these cases is that fuzzy-headed, historically ignorant, conflict-avoidant proponents of hopes that despotic populist idealogues will somehow respect the democratic and equitable principles of a polity once it has used those principles to gain power are groundless, reckless, and dangerous. Case in point: there are reports that certain red state legislatures are being urged by elements in the Republican Party to cloak themselves with the exclusive power to appoint their electors for US President regardless of the results of the popular votes for that office in their state. They are considering exercising their representative powers, which were entrusted to them by their own democratic election, to strip their electorate of the power to choose electors for President - an action that would stand the concept of "representative" democracy on its head - what the German Reichstag actually did in 1933 to disconnect Hitler and the Nazi Party from any accountability to or control by the populace before the consolidation of Nazi control, to disasterous effect for Germany and the world. The demand to characterize neutrally opinions encouraging such results is nothing short of a slow walk toward oblivion (see the emasculating/neutering, self-interested "tonal reflexes" reflected in the actions of some of the editors of the NYT). Oh, but we'll be the ones accused of overstating the threat by simply reporting their own words and taking them at face value. Lewis Carroll couldn't create a more topsy-turvy world.
We do not need to tolerate dehumanization and oppression. Personally, I'm tapped out on tolerance for cruel words and actions, too. I have no capacity for it any more.
Outstanding, John! I agree that there is no confusion on my part. I know who I am and where I stand on those issues you talk about. Just know there is an army of likeminded people who appreciate your words and clarity.
I've chosen; the side that values human rights, here and abroad. The side that cares and isn't afraid to be compassionate towards others. The side that wants people housed, children loved, fed, clothed and educated. The side that doesn't support abusive and predatory practices that chip away at protecting our world. The side that understands that the constitution is a living document, subject to change as society and our nation changes. The side that doesn't overlook history that's inconvenient to their beliefs. The side that's interested in facts, reality and using them for the greater good.
John, I've been reading you for years, and I do believe this is the best thing you've written to date. Thank you!
I stand for kindness, compassion, sharing resources, doing good , caring, empathy, love, peace, prosperity, and not forcing my beliefs on others instead to be an example for those have been tainted and live in fear and sadness. The good will triumph because we are willing to stand up to our oppressors
We are Americans who will not stand by as our democracy and the health of our planet depends on it.
Thanks for helping to lead us through the darkness into light.
This is perhaps the clearest indixtment of the false equivalency position I have read. Mere formalistic defenses of "both sides" perspectives raised in response to clearly stated characterizations of the MAGA madness are mostly attempts to sweep away the truth in service to a movement that is using the principles of representative democracy to defeat it. This is not new. Mussolini was handed power by the king of Italy after a populist (Black Shirt) march on Rome; Hitler was made Chancellor by the aging president von Hindenburg after the Nazi party did well (but did not "win") in the 1933 elections; while Franco staged a coup against a freely elected majority, he was supported strongly by the Catholic Church, which has always supported "throne and altar" politics. The lesson in these cases is that fuzzy-headed, historically ignorant, conflict-avoidant proponents of hopes that despotic populist idealogues will somehow respect the democratic and equitable principles of a polity once it has used those principles to gain power are groundless, reckless, and dangerous. Case in point: there are reports that certain red state legislatures are being urged by elements in the Republican Party to cloak themselves with the exclusive power to appoint their electors for US President regardless of the results of the popular votes for that office in their state. They are considering exercising their representative powers, which were entrusted to them by their own democratic election, to strip their electorate of the power to choose electors for President - an action that would stand the concept of "representative" democracy on its head - what the German Reichstag actually did in 1933 to disconnect Hitler and the Nazi Party from any accountability to or control by the populace before the consolidation of Nazi control, to disasterous effect for Germany and the world. The demand to characterize neutrally opinions encouraging such results is nothing short of a slow walk toward oblivion (see the emasculating/neutering, self-interested "tonal reflexes" reflected in the actions of some of the editors of the NYT). Oh, but we'll be the ones accused of overstating the threat by simply reporting their own words and taking them at face value. Lewis Carroll couldn't create a more topsy-turvy world.
"In the name of humanity, it's time for intolerance." is an elegant understanding our moral obligation to life and living.
We can no longer aid and abet human suffering by remaining silent.
Thank you for the reminder.
We do not need to tolerate dehumanization and oppression. Personally, I'm tapped out on tolerance for cruel words and actions, too. I have no capacity for it any more.
Outstanding, John! I agree that there is no confusion on my part. I know who I am and where I stand on those issues you talk about. Just know there is an army of likeminded people who appreciate your words and clarity.
We must be intolerant of intolerance because they are not tolerant of tolerance.
I've chosen; the side that values human rights, here and abroad. The side that cares and isn't afraid to be compassionate towards others. The side that wants people housed, children loved, fed, clothed and educated. The side that doesn't support abusive and predatory practices that chip away at protecting our world. The side that understands that the constitution is a living document, subject to change as society and our nation changes. The side that doesn't overlook history that's inconvenient to their beliefs. The side that's interested in facts, reality and using them for the greater good.
I, too, am intolerant of all the intolerance!
You are brilliant John, and must continue to remind us all of fundamental truths that can never be compromised! Ever.