If that's how you see it, then you either haven't followed the election, or you quite possibly are missing points. This ain't my 1st rodeo. We ain't lost shit yet. Until next week, and we are closer than anyone thought, no one knows. You seem to like pissing people off, with your bullshit. Why don't you troll somewhere else.
"I dedicate this essay to all the election officials, workers, activists, canvassers, phone bankers, and others who made these election results possible" As an election worker (and texter and post carder and letter writer), I am grateful for your acknowledgement.
Thank you Ruth, for the calm you bring to your essays and Zoom meetings each week. I always come away feeling more hopeful. I didn't pay attention to a single poll, I didn't want to hear the negativity about the Democrats. I'm still hopeful we will win the senate.
My 2 cents. TV repeated the threat constantly the way they repeat vapid but profitable ads. Fear attracts eyeballs and sells ads. Inflation is not and was not the end of the world and Rs had no solution anyway. The media studiously ignored so much that has gone well over the psst 2 years. No wars for a change. Strong intl relationships. Promotion of democratic institutions. Self confident mature and wise Lawrence O'Donnell correctly predicted the night before, "there is no way to predict what will happen." Although Dixville Notch, as usual, was a good barometer.
The far right did not fare well in the midterms. I would be interested in your views on whether this is likely to lead to additional violence. That is an argument made by Barbara Walter in "How Civil Wars Start." Here is what she has to say:
“Likewise, Elections are potentially destabilizing events in highly factionalized anocracies—especially when a downgraded group loses. In a study of global conflict between 1960 and 2000, researchers found that ethnic groups were more likely to resort to violence after they had lost an election. . . .
“Like protests, elections per se are not dangerous. In fact, most citizens are eager to participate in elections, seeing them as a hallmark of a democracy. Elections give people hope. They focus citizens’ attention on the long game; people believe that even if they lose today, they could win tomorrow. And the more hopeful citizens are about the future, the more likely they are to try to peacefully work within the system. But if the losing side believes that it will never gain or regain power, then hope disappears. America’s 1860 election was devastating to Southern Democrats. Elections provide important information about the future and thus reduce uncertainty. First, they shed light on a group’s ability to compete. Two consecutive losses indicate that a party does not have the votes to gain control and is thus likely to be excluded from power. Elections can be particularly destabilizing in winner-take-all systems. Presidential majoritarian systems are heavily biased in favor of the majority group in a country; if one party or faction cannot gain the support of a majority of citizens, it will never gain power. Winning an election in this type of system is particularly consequential. Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Venezuela all have the same type of presidential system, and all have experienced a high degree of political violence. One study revealed that all of the democracies that experienced civil war between 1960 and 1995 had majoritarian or presidential
Barbara Walter has said that we are an anocracy, so we still have work to do, to create an egalitarian state. Eventually, this nation needs to reconsider its de facto 2 party system and broaden it choices like that of Germany. A political duopoly is a dangerous path, especially when these two parties are so influenced by corporate power. But the rise of fascism is our current battle. Our fight against the neoliberal plutocratic oligarchy will be on the horizon.
It was a good night Ruth, although, little sleep. It wasn't just polling, pundits or the big lie that was wrong, so was election history. The youth vote became loud and clear. I am very proud of their activism. Two takeaways, don't piss off women, or youth. GOP choose the wrong message. The night was about Rights. Maine, home state, broke turnout records for a midterm. The entire country broke many barriers, as you noted. Still, it's important to temper our victory, knowing full well that the insanity of Texas, Florida and others, is still out there. We have to engage in every fight, fascists only have to win once. We must concentrate on the guardrails. Final counts could be as late as next week. If we don't retain control, we'll be close enough to make it tough on the GOP. McCarthy would be smart to remember John Boehner. In the immortal actions of Chuck Grassley, it ain't ova, till I'm dead. I feel the same Chuck, cautiously.
Agree about women, tenders of all around them. And the youth vote / awareness / participation has to be stoked going forward. Good news is the newly elected Maxwell Frost, age 25, gun safety advocate (Orlando, FL). We need more youth, less old people in the Congress. Time to start passing the baton. But to your last sentence, ha ! we're counting you in, Art, all the way! ~~
Thank you, Ruth for the frequent, full-throated reminders the last 2 years, that each of us has the power to help retain democracy here, by finding a way to contribute. Voted first in 1972 (McGovern!) and this election the first ever that I did something, for an hour or two or three, most days (starting Oct’21, phone-banking mostly). First time ever ... after submitting my ballot yesterday, that I ever cried tears of gratitude for this opportunity!!
Agree. Who would have thought we'd experience such stay-awake-at-nights tremors and heartfelt, fear of God type gratitude? Grateful we've passed this marker, onward we go. Imminent storm warning has passed, outlook not yet sunny. I hope this means our country is exhausted and leaning back to boring & normal.
Thank you Ruth, and for creating the Lucid community. Where would we be without this lightning rod to calm and clear us from the turbulent storm? Onward we go.
"Democracy is who we are" -- President Biden, Nov 9, 2022
What's not to love about (mostly) good news?! Turnout among young people & women helped hold the line against the oft-predicted "red wave." Democracy is intact, for now -- with the possible exception of Florida.
Sofar so good. Democracy seems to have won important battles and lost a few less.........but war against fascism is not over...................... Overall it is too close for comfort......
Monday night I barely slept, consumed by fear and despair. But today I celebrate pretty much keeping the status quo, turning back most of the election deniers, and the turnout from women and young people. Thank you for the hope, Ruth, as we take a breath before going back to the fray.
This is for my buddy Marv, and everyone else: Thanks for the link. You can see things and so can others. Don't want to be accused of trolling ?, Stop trolling and pissing people off. I don't care what your background or credentials are. You have no idea what my league is. If you push people away, your message is useless. You're not the only smart person in this room and, quite possibly, not the smartest. Folks have feelings, stop pissing on them. Neurolinguistic Programing is not new and goes as far back as Edward Bernays, actually farther. It is where Goebbels got his theory from. The World public is as blinded as a bat, at its use, depth and destruction. Are you here for discourse, or simply to promote your site. If you preach Praxis, as your site does, try using it. Freire didn't go around attacking people. He knew that wouldn't work. The key to Praxis is, "coming together", not pushing away. "There is none more oppressed than the oppressor." Are you trying to free people, or fill their minds with shit.......................... I recommend his site folks. It incorporates many theory's and practices into a cohesive presentation. Just don't get caught up in it.
I thought my cornflakes tasted funny 🤣. It was a good night.
If that's how you see it, then you either haven't followed the election, or you quite possibly are missing points. This ain't my 1st rodeo. We ain't lost shit yet. Until next week, and we are closer than anyone thought, no one knows. You seem to like pissing people off, with your bullshit. Why don't you troll somewhere else.
Well Marycat ... not the way I would have pushed back on Marv ... but I’m still smiling!!
Troll
Yes I will be focusing on RDS. But it is important to honor the victories we have accomplished.
Josh Shapiro is NOT the first Jewish Governor of Pennsylvania. Year ago Milton Shapp (nee Shapiro) won and served 2 terms
Yes that has been updated.
"I dedicate this essay to all the election officials, workers, activists, canvassers, phone bankers, and others who made these election results possible" As an election worker (and texter and post carder and letter writer), I am grateful for your acknowledgement.
I meant years ago-1971-1979.
Love this piece and all the hope it conveys. You are the voice of We the People” Ruth, thanks again for all you do!!
Thank you Ruth, for the calm you bring to your essays and Zoom meetings each week. I always come away feeling more hopeful. I didn't pay attention to a single poll, I didn't want to hear the negativity about the Democrats. I'm still hopeful we will win the senate.
My 2 cents. TV repeated the threat constantly the way they repeat vapid but profitable ads. Fear attracts eyeballs and sells ads. Inflation is not and was not the end of the world and Rs had no solution anyway. The media studiously ignored so much that has gone well over the psst 2 years. No wars for a change. Strong intl relationships. Promotion of democratic institutions. Self confident mature and wise Lawrence O'Donnell correctly predicted the night before, "there is no way to predict what will happen." Although Dixville Notch, as usual, was a good barometer.
The far right did not fare well in the midterms. I would be interested in your views on whether this is likely to lead to additional violence. That is an argument made by Barbara Walter in "How Civil Wars Start." Here is what she has to say:
“Likewise, Elections are potentially destabilizing events in highly factionalized anocracies—especially when a downgraded group loses. In a study of global conflict between 1960 and 2000, researchers found that ethnic groups were more likely to resort to violence after they had lost an election. . . .
“Like protests, elections per se are not dangerous. In fact, most citizens are eager to participate in elections, seeing them as a hallmark of a democracy. Elections give people hope. They focus citizens’ attention on the long game; people believe that even if they lose today, they could win tomorrow. And the more hopeful citizens are about the future, the more likely they are to try to peacefully work within the system. But if the losing side believes that it will never gain or regain power, then hope disappears. America’s 1860 election was devastating to Southern Democrats. Elections provide important information about the future and thus reduce uncertainty. First, they shed light on a group’s ability to compete. Two consecutive losses indicate that a party does not have the votes to gain control and is thus likely to be excluded from power. Elections can be particularly destabilizing in winner-take-all systems. Presidential majoritarian systems are heavily biased in favor of the majority group in a country; if one party or faction cannot gain the support of a majority of citizens, it will never gain power. Winning an election in this type of system is particularly consequential. Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Venezuela all have the same type of presidential system, and all have experienced a high degree of political violence. One study revealed that all of the democracies that experienced civil war between 1960 and 1995 had majoritarian or presidential
systems. “
Barbara Walter has said that we are an anocracy, so we still have work to do, to create an egalitarian state. Eventually, this nation needs to reconsider its de facto 2 party system and broaden it choices like that of Germany. A political duopoly is a dangerous path, especially when these two parties are so influenced by corporate power. But the rise of fascism is our current battle. Our fight against the neoliberal plutocratic oligarchy will be on the horizon.
Thank you Ruth for your support, guidance and intellectual generosity.
It was a good night Ruth, although, little sleep. It wasn't just polling, pundits or the big lie that was wrong, so was election history. The youth vote became loud and clear. I am very proud of their activism. Two takeaways, don't piss off women, or youth. GOP choose the wrong message. The night was about Rights. Maine, home state, broke turnout records for a midterm. The entire country broke many barriers, as you noted. Still, it's important to temper our victory, knowing full well that the insanity of Texas, Florida and others, is still out there. We have to engage in every fight, fascists only have to win once. We must concentrate on the guardrails. Final counts could be as late as next week. If we don't retain control, we'll be close enough to make it tough on the GOP. McCarthy would be smart to remember John Boehner. In the immortal actions of Chuck Grassley, it ain't ova, till I'm dead. I feel the same Chuck, cautiously.
Agree about women, tenders of all around them. And the youth vote / awareness / participation has to be stoked going forward. Good news is the newly elected Maxwell Frost, age 25, gun safety advocate (Orlando, FL). We need more youth, less old people in the Congress. Time to start passing the baton. But to your last sentence, ha ! we're counting you in, Art, all the way! ~~
Thank you, Ruth for the frequent, full-throated reminders the last 2 years, that each of us has the power to help retain democracy here, by finding a way to contribute. Voted first in 1972 (McGovern!) and this election the first ever that I did something, for an hour or two or three, most days (starting Oct’21, phone-banking mostly). First time ever ... after submitting my ballot yesterday, that I ever cried tears of gratitude for this opportunity!!
Agree. Who would have thought we'd experience such stay-awake-at-nights tremors and heartfelt, fear of God type gratitude? Grateful we've passed this marker, onward we go. Imminent storm warning has passed, outlook not yet sunny. I hope this means our country is exhausted and leaning back to boring & normal.
I’m inclined to think, Jan, that 2022 was training for 2024 .. and we’re going to have to step it up a notch or two more
I do agree 100%. It's been a fair template.
Thank you Ruth, and for creating the Lucid community. Where would we be without this lightning rod to calm and clear us from the turbulent storm? Onward we go.
"Democracy is who we are" -- President Biden, Nov 9, 2022
What's not to love about (mostly) good news?! Turnout among young people & women helped hold the line against the oft-predicted "red wave." Democracy is intact, for now -- with the possible exception of Florida.
Sofar so good. Democracy seems to have won important battles and lost a few less.........but war against fascism is not over...................... Overall it is too close for comfort......
Monday night I barely slept, consumed by fear and despair. But today I celebrate pretty much keeping the status quo, turning back most of the election deniers, and the turnout from women and young people. Thank you for the hope, Ruth, as we take a breath before going back to the fray.
This is for my buddy Marv, and everyone else: Thanks for the link. You can see things and so can others. Don't want to be accused of trolling ?, Stop trolling and pissing people off. I don't care what your background or credentials are. You have no idea what my league is. If you push people away, your message is useless. You're not the only smart person in this room and, quite possibly, not the smartest. Folks have feelings, stop pissing on them. Neurolinguistic Programing is not new and goes as far back as Edward Bernays, actually farther. It is where Goebbels got his theory from. The World public is as blinded as a bat, at its use, depth and destruction. Are you here for discourse, or simply to promote your site. If you preach Praxis, as your site does, try using it. Freire didn't go around attacking people. He knew that wouldn't work. The key to Praxis is, "coming together", not pushing away. "There is none more oppressed than the oppressor." Are you trying to free people, or fill their minds with shit.......................... I recommend his site folks. It incorporates many theory's and practices into a cohesive presentation. Just don't get caught up in it.