The only thing the Democrats can do at this point is to push for a way to win more Senate seats so as to make Manchin (and Sinema) irrelevant, or at least less relevant. That really should have happened in 2020, but Cal Cunningham's idiocy prevented the Democrats from winning another Senate seat.
Good piece Mary, and so agree with you on the media vs Biden. I have written letters to two editors of opinion pieces for this very reason. With all the unprecedented issues facing the Biden administration, for me, they have done well for America, yes mistakes have been made but we are surely better off. The press has done its best ignoring the accomplishments, and focusing on the mistakes; I believe they have done their best to reduce Biden in the polls, a travesty!
I love cats too Mary so thank you for the photo of your kitty, very sweet, and we need all the sweetness we can get today!
I will not criticize Joe Biden either. The stakes are too high. He has done some amazing things in his first year. I cannot stomach Joe Manchin. I approve of all the heat placed on him and on Krystin Sinema. That said though, why are the media not really sitting on the 50 Republican senators who are refusing to do what they are paid to do? I rarely hear or read about interviews or stories in which they are asked the difficult questions like why they oppose paid family leave and universal pre-K etc. How can we get the media to focus on them too? Ask them embarrassing questions. Put BBB to a vote and force them to explain their no vote.
I disagree with you on never criticizing Biden or his administration. If we the people do not hold him to the promises he made to get into office then we are treating him with total support and no accountability. I can support him but also criticize his choices and actions - like not getting 100% behind securing voting rights. He still supports keeping the filibuster for Pete’s sake. He hasn’t yet come out with clear, urgent intent - in actions - for voting rights. Pretty speeches don’t make policies or law. So, I will disagree with him and his administration where I think they need to be disagreed with and/or called out on.
As a veteran who felt the militaries were constantly underpaid - and still are - I am furious about the Defense budget just passed. Most of that money will end up in politician’s and corporation’s pockets. Equipment won’t be upgraded with common sense adjustments, servicemember’s and their families will still need food stamps and social supports, base housing will still be contaminated with mold and other problems and I guarantee you the Dept of Defense will ask for more next year. Hell, the Pentagon has never had a thorough, complete audit of the money they get every year and politicians keep shoveling more at them. It is corrupt and wrong. Pisses me off because as usual the rich get richer, corruption flows unabated and the actual servicemembers continue to suffer and be left out. And that’s without thinking about what that kind of money could do for the citizens of this country. I’m all for a common sense budget for the military and defense but I am 100% against this spectacle of financial obscenity with no accountability.
We have to remember, Biden inherited the pandemic, for which the previous administration did NOTHING! He's had to undo so much of the damage done, plus he has NO support--no debate, no negotiations, no compromises--from the opposite party. Is he perfect? no; but I believe he's trying to do his best. The one exception is the Defense budget, where somebody should be able to ENSURE that a great part of it goes toward well-deserved salaries of the military and to provide much more-needed help to Vets.
I am aware of the particulars you mention but I still think we need to be objective and criticize and protest when it is warranted.
I would add that the previous administration did worse than nothing; they deliberately and methodically did all they could to downplay the pandemic - a huge public health crisis - and thwarted efforts to do the right things. In addition they made a virus political, stoking fear & hatred instead of cooperation. People died as a result of their corrupt and craven actions. Others are permanently disabled. For these actions every last one of them, from donald trump to redfield should be tried for crimes against humanity.
Well said, thanks for saying this. I agree that Biden should be doing much more to push voting rights protections. He’s been get more active on it lately, but still needs greater urgency. Outside of that, however, I do think criticism of him should be cautious and minimal, for the reasons Mary stated. We are not in a normal political state, and Democrats have a penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, especially due to fractures in the coalition over issue disagreements. Your comments and insight re the military spending is much appreciated! It has long seemed sacrilegious to criticize or even question the military spending, because doing so is equated with disrespect for/unsupportive of the military. Need more members of Congress beyond house progressives to speak up on this.
Thank you for your reply. I still disagree about criticizing President Biden. If it is objective and warranted then it should be done.
Our democracy (oligarchy really) is in a very fragile state. I agree. Wholeheartedly & 100% agree. I’m worried about it enough that the stress never leaves me and occasionally causes nightmares.
But, we should not give any politician (celebrity, doctor, athlete, pastor, etc) 100% support without basic examination of what they say, do and stand for and then criticizing and protesting if it is warranted and needed. In our country it is our right and obligation to hold those in positions of authority and power accountable. When we don’t we end up with arrogance & ego run amuck (see Sinema), power used for corruption and self-interest (see Manchin & Sinema, just for starters) and ultimately, demagogues in charge (donald trump, mitch mcconnell, with just about the entire Republican Party as demogogue wannabes - boebert, greene, cawthorn, etc).
I grew up in an extremely rigid culture - a violent, abusive white supremacy home and a hate, fear & misogyny based religious cult. Both demanded absolute obedience and submission to the rules. Any objection, hell, even the tiniest sigh at being verbally berated & “educated” would earn you a physical beating with whatever could be used - shoes, a broom, a board, fists. I learned early on that those who demand silent obedience are the ones who need examination the most. And while Biden himself is not demanding silent obedience, no one in any position of authority should go unexamined and held to account.
I don’t disagree with you, I’m just not articulating my point very well 😉. I am not advocating for unquestioning support of everything Biden does or does not do, and I agree that it is imperative and foundational to a healthy democracy to criticize our elected leaders, including those for whom we voted - where warranted, like you said. And this is the critical distinction, to me. So much of the media criticism and, frankly, criticism from within the Dem party, is skewed and devoid of context or nuance. And that type of criticism- “whataboutism” or criticism just for the sake of criticism/conflict - risks dividing the coalition of voters that are critical to keeping/building on the very slim Dem majority that we need to keep our democracy alive. Thank you for sharing about your experiences growing up - I am so sorry that you went through that. While not anything like what you endured, I grew up in a very conservative, rural area. Strict expectations in terms of values, beliefs, religious doctrine, behavior, etc. Little to no room for questioning status quo. My brother endured physical abuse from our father, which my sisters and I were spared simply for being female. We did get corporal punishment from time to time, but it was very systematic and muted in comparison. Those experiences, of course, continue to shape my perspective on a variety of things. Thanks so much for the engaging conversation, as well as for your service.
I don’t think you weren’t articulating your point. I made the assumption you thought Biden should not be criticized. That’s on me, not you. Sorry about that.
I agree with you about the failings of most of our media. It’s a real problem.
I’m sorry you had to grow up like that. It stays with you. Well, me, I mean. Even when I’ve done the work to move past it all, that kind of abuse and ugliness causes wounds that can still hurt and at times, bog us down. Again, I mean me. That’s what happens to me. But I’m still sorry you had to grow up like that. It is terrible to watch a sibling be abused.
Thanks for the thanks on my service. Except for the constant sexual harassment and occasional sexual assaults I liked serving in the Army. It was a good fit for me after such a chaotic childhood. Plus, bonus! no discrimination on gender for pay. Your pay was based on your rank. That was great.
Execrable is right! How do people like this continue to be reelected, despite the fact that they do NOTHING for the constituents in their state?!?! At this point, it's all about voting rights, to ensure that the American people get all the help they need from their government!
People often vote against their own interests because of the fear and hatred of others and they will easily go without if it means those others suffer more. Or, it can be because of being brainwashed by skewed political rhetoric (ex. socialism = communism). These techniques work quite well.
Mary, you nailed it. The "good" senator is playing both sides of the coin and that is, kick backs from the rich and a "screw you" to the poor...money in my pocket baby.
Thank you, Mary, for sending the first email, "The execrable Joe Manchin", last night. It was much easier to read at that time. I agree with your thoughts on the Democratic party.
I ABSOLUTELY agree about everything said Re: Joe Manchin. And, I heard an excellent point being made on MSNBC last night by former Senator John Kerry - the BBBA ALSO hinges and teeters on the fact that ALL 50 Republican (if we can even rightfully assign them that party of democracy) members of the Senate refuse to even HAVE A DISCUSSION about BBB. They are washing their hands of the entire ‘let’s make things better for our country and our grandchildren’s grandchildren’ matter and stonewalling. Therefore media would have us believe and focus upon Joe Manchin alone. When there are 50 smart, educated (for the most part) public servants who are the most obstructionist members of this body. Let us also pressure THEM to answer for a total concrete blockade around even voting on child tax credits, environmental changes to sustain our planet, lower prescription medications, elder care, student loan debt, green energy jobs and all the rest. Let’s really look at how Joe Manchin was given this power to determine our future and recognize that it is a bunch of spineless, insurrection apologists, Trump worshippers and POWER gluttons posing as one half of a two major party democracy whom are also to blame.
It's so hard to not feel crushed under all of this, Mary. But in the good news, Biden continues to work on climate change, including an increase in car mileage standards that will save Americans money on gas, reduce GHG emissions, and improve air quality. Thank you for your focus on what matters - and I hope you find joy in this season. What better reason to celebrate than that you're not spending Christmas at Marred a Lago?
Nice piece! I am with Joe, too! He is pushing a car with no wheels up a hill and still getting things done
Thank you for supporting Joe Biden. I agree he's doing the best he can under the circumstances and what he was left with. 💙
The only thing the Democrats can do at this point is to push for a way to win more Senate seats so as to make Manchin (and Sinema) irrelevant, or at least less relevant. That really should have happened in 2020, but Cal Cunningham's idiocy prevented the Democrats from winning another Senate seat.
Careful Mary, you are in danger of becoming the conscious of our country! 💖
Good piece Mary, and so agree with you on the media vs Biden. I have written letters to two editors of opinion pieces for this very reason. With all the unprecedented issues facing the Biden administration, for me, they have done well for America, yes mistakes have been made but we are surely better off. The press has done its best ignoring the accomplishments, and focusing on the mistakes; I believe they have done their best to reduce Biden in the polls, a travesty!
I love cats too Mary so thank you for the photo of your kitty, very sweet, and we need all the sweetness we can get today!
I will not criticize Joe Biden either. The stakes are too high. He has done some amazing things in his first year. I cannot stomach Joe Manchin. I approve of all the heat placed on him and on Krystin Sinema. That said though, why are the media not really sitting on the 50 Republican senators who are refusing to do what they are paid to do? I rarely hear or read about interviews or stories in which they are asked the difficult questions like why they oppose paid family leave and universal pre-K etc. How can we get the media to focus on them too? Ask them embarrassing questions. Put BBB to a vote and force them to explain their no vote.
As usual, Mary, you’re spot on. If only the execrable 50 Republican Senators were castigated as much as the execrable Manchin is, in the press!
Good recap of multiple issues. Thanks.
I disagree with you on never criticizing Biden or his administration. If we the people do not hold him to the promises he made to get into office then we are treating him with total support and no accountability. I can support him but also criticize his choices and actions - like not getting 100% behind securing voting rights. He still supports keeping the filibuster for Pete’s sake. He hasn’t yet come out with clear, urgent intent - in actions - for voting rights. Pretty speeches don’t make policies or law. So, I will disagree with him and his administration where I think they need to be disagreed with and/or called out on.
As a veteran who felt the militaries were constantly underpaid - and still are - I am furious about the Defense budget just passed. Most of that money will end up in politician’s and corporation’s pockets. Equipment won’t be upgraded with common sense adjustments, servicemember’s and their families will still need food stamps and social supports, base housing will still be contaminated with mold and other problems and I guarantee you the Dept of Defense will ask for more next year. Hell, the Pentagon has never had a thorough, complete audit of the money they get every year and politicians keep shoveling more at them. It is corrupt and wrong. Pisses me off because as usual the rich get richer, corruption flows unabated and the actual servicemembers continue to suffer and be left out. And that’s without thinking about what that kind of money could do for the citizens of this country. I’m all for a common sense budget for the military and defense but I am 100% against this spectacle of financial obscenity with no accountability.
We have to remember, Biden inherited the pandemic, for which the previous administration did NOTHING! He's had to undo so much of the damage done, plus he has NO support--no debate, no negotiations, no compromises--from the opposite party. Is he perfect? no; but I believe he's trying to do his best. The one exception is the Defense budget, where somebody should be able to ENSURE that a great part of it goes toward well-deserved salaries of the military and to provide much more-needed help to Vets.
I am aware of the particulars you mention but I still think we need to be objective and criticize and protest when it is warranted.
I would add that the previous administration did worse than nothing; they deliberately and methodically did all they could to downplay the pandemic - a huge public health crisis - and thwarted efforts to do the right things. In addition they made a virus political, stoking fear & hatred instead of cooperation. People died as a result of their corrupt and craven actions. Others are permanently disabled. For these actions every last one of them, from donald trump to redfield should be tried for crimes against humanity.
100% spot on nailed it. Thank you for your service as well.
Well said, thanks for saying this. I agree that Biden should be doing much more to push voting rights protections. He’s been get more active on it lately, but still needs greater urgency. Outside of that, however, I do think criticism of him should be cautious and minimal, for the reasons Mary stated. We are not in a normal political state, and Democrats have a penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, especially due to fractures in the coalition over issue disagreements. Your comments and insight re the military spending is much appreciated! It has long seemed sacrilegious to criticize or even question the military spending, because doing so is equated with disrespect for/unsupportive of the military. Need more members of Congress beyond house progressives to speak up on this.
Thank you for your reply. I still disagree about criticizing President Biden. If it is objective and warranted then it should be done.
Our democracy (oligarchy really) is in a very fragile state. I agree. Wholeheartedly & 100% agree. I’m worried about it enough that the stress never leaves me and occasionally causes nightmares.
But, we should not give any politician (celebrity, doctor, athlete, pastor, etc) 100% support without basic examination of what they say, do and stand for and then criticizing and protesting if it is warranted and needed. In our country it is our right and obligation to hold those in positions of authority and power accountable. When we don’t we end up with arrogance & ego run amuck (see Sinema), power used for corruption and self-interest (see Manchin & Sinema, just for starters) and ultimately, demagogues in charge (donald trump, mitch mcconnell, with just about the entire Republican Party as demogogue wannabes - boebert, greene, cawthorn, etc).
I grew up in an extremely rigid culture - a violent, abusive white supremacy home and a hate, fear & misogyny based religious cult. Both demanded absolute obedience and submission to the rules. Any objection, hell, even the tiniest sigh at being verbally berated & “educated” would earn you a physical beating with whatever could be used - shoes, a broom, a board, fists. I learned early on that those who demand silent obedience are the ones who need examination the most. And while Biden himself is not demanding silent obedience, no one in any position of authority should go unexamined and held to account.
I don’t disagree with you, I’m just not articulating my point very well 😉. I am not advocating for unquestioning support of everything Biden does or does not do, and I agree that it is imperative and foundational to a healthy democracy to criticize our elected leaders, including those for whom we voted - where warranted, like you said. And this is the critical distinction, to me. So much of the media criticism and, frankly, criticism from within the Dem party, is skewed and devoid of context or nuance. And that type of criticism- “whataboutism” or criticism just for the sake of criticism/conflict - risks dividing the coalition of voters that are critical to keeping/building on the very slim Dem majority that we need to keep our democracy alive. Thank you for sharing about your experiences growing up - I am so sorry that you went through that. While not anything like what you endured, I grew up in a very conservative, rural area. Strict expectations in terms of values, beliefs, religious doctrine, behavior, etc. Little to no room for questioning status quo. My brother endured physical abuse from our father, which my sisters and I were spared simply for being female. We did get corporal punishment from time to time, but it was very systematic and muted in comparison. Those experiences, of course, continue to shape my perspective on a variety of things. Thanks so much for the engaging conversation, as well as for your service.
I don’t think you weren’t articulating your point. I made the assumption you thought Biden should not be criticized. That’s on me, not you. Sorry about that.
I agree with you about the failings of most of our media. It’s a real problem.
I’m sorry you had to grow up like that. It stays with you. Well, me, I mean. Even when I’ve done the work to move past it all, that kind of abuse and ugliness causes wounds that can still hurt and at times, bog us down. Again, I mean me. That’s what happens to me. But I’m still sorry you had to grow up like that. It is terrible to watch a sibling be abused.
Thanks for the thanks on my service. Except for the constant sexual harassment and occasional sexual assaults I liked serving in the Army. It was a good fit for me after such a chaotic childhood. Plus, bonus! no discrimination on gender for pay. Your pay was based on your rank. That was great.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing.
Execrable is right! How do people like this continue to be reelected, despite the fact that they do NOTHING for the constituents in their state?!?! At this point, it's all about voting rights, to ensure that the American people get all the help they need from their government!
People often vote against their own interests because of the fear and hatred of others and they will easily go without if it means those others suffer more. Or, it can be because of being brainwashed by skewed political rhetoric (ex. socialism = communism). These techniques work quite well.
Mary, you nailed it. The "good" senator is playing both sides of the coin and that is, kick backs from the rich and a "screw you" to the poor...money in my pocket baby.
Thank you, Mary, for sending the first email, "The execrable Joe Manchin", last night. It was much easier to read at that time. I agree with your thoughts on the Democratic party.
Great post, Mary. It is amazing what Biden has been able to accomplish given the crap-sandwich he's been handed. Excellent analysis as always.
So helpful, thank you
I ABSOLUTELY agree about everything said Re: Joe Manchin. And, I heard an excellent point being made on MSNBC last night by former Senator John Kerry - the BBBA ALSO hinges and teeters on the fact that ALL 50 Republican (if we can even rightfully assign them that party of democracy) members of the Senate refuse to even HAVE A DISCUSSION about BBB. They are washing their hands of the entire ‘let’s make things better for our country and our grandchildren’s grandchildren’ matter and stonewalling. Therefore media would have us believe and focus upon Joe Manchin alone. When there are 50 smart, educated (for the most part) public servants who are the most obstructionist members of this body. Let us also pressure THEM to answer for a total concrete blockade around even voting on child tax credits, environmental changes to sustain our planet, lower prescription medications, elder care, student loan debt, green energy jobs and all the rest. Let’s really look at how Joe Manchin was given this power to determine our future and recognize that it is a bunch of spineless, insurrection apologists, Trump worshippers and POWER gluttons posing as one half of a two major party democracy whom are also to blame.
Completely agree with your reasoning on not criticizing President Biden. Such a relief to read someone making those points.
It's so hard to not feel crushed under all of this, Mary. But in the good news, Biden continues to work on climate change, including an increase in car mileage standards that will save Americans money on gas, reduce GHG emissions, and improve air quality. Thank you for your focus on what matters - and I hope you find joy in this season. What better reason to celebrate than that you're not spending Christmas at Marred a Lago?