As a younger voter, I often donated to the causes (policy changes) I believed in. I voted policy as well and sometimes even crossed over party lines. I never wanted to affiliate myself with a candidate. The last decade or so - as personalities started to take over the parties - I have gotten caught up in the candidate over policy discussion. I was a huge President Bill Clinton supporter and he did some great work (welfare, budget) and it's disappointing that he'll only be known for the scandal that he caused. I forgave him but it took me a minute. :) When President Obama ran, I did it again and I am still a Obama stan. If my devotion to the Obama administration (and I know it wasn't perfect) was strong, my antipathy toward Trump is just as strong. His broad acceptance from such a significant portion of our population does push me to really stand behind President Biden. But honestly, for me, it's anyone but Trump because of my fear of what he would do if he had a 2nd administration. I'd love to see us, as a country, more balanced but I don't see how we're going to get there.
Can you please tell us one more time, in your calmest and most comforting teacher-voice, how it’s gonna be okay? Because we’re moving from Project 2025 to the Atlantic article to populism and setting aside policy preferences to prioritize not letting a political party erode democracy. We are with you on all these things, bc obviously we’ve asked for you to cover them. And we listen to you for your level-headedness and “no need to panic.” But that three-point-something percent might be more alarming than the social media article. So please tell us again. (& we love you)
Yes Sharon! One issue though that I see and I’m going to be partisan here. MAGA supporters try to say that Biden is actually the authoritarian that will ruin democracy. Biden isn’t the candidate that actually has an authoritarian agenda (project 2025) ready to go day one. Biden doesn’t say “I’m going to be a dictator on day one”…
My question that I have had since… 2017? How do we handle a country where almost half of the people believe in an alternate reality and don’t believe in facts! People that still think the election was stolen. People that think J 6 was a tourist visit. This is something that I have tried to answer myself even with attempting to have conversations with some hardcore MAGA supporters. That part feels impossible.
I'm trying to remember who I just read saying this, but I think it is Simon Rosenberg. He writes a daily newsletter called Hopium. (I'd recommend!) He was saying how June is a super important month for the election.
He pointed out recently how many people are just not paying attention. There are those hard-core MAGA people, but there is also a pretty large contingent of people who are just super busy with life--young families, Dads coaching soccer, moms trying to keep life together, people who work 20 hours a day just trying to get by--who are not paying attention because they don't have the bandwidth. He says these are the people that may--just now--be starting to notice as the former president got convicted. They are the ones who will make the difference in November.
I'm not sure we're going to sway a hard-core MAGA-ite. Maybe. But to me, probably not. But the ones we need to reach are these people Simon is talking about. They may be our kids, our friends, our neighbors. They may be "swayable." To survive this, for now, we need to reach those who are reachable. Not sure wasting time trying to convince someone who is determined in what they think is the best strategy at this point. Try to find those who are distracted, but open.
May the voice of reason reach your ears, fellow countrymen! My gut churns at the thought of what could come from people not understanding what's at stake. The seriousness of it is breathtaking. The unprincipled party believers, however, see the principled party as the destroyer of our country. What could anyone possibly do or say now to change their minds? Seriously. I'd love to know.
If you support and love our country, you wouldn’t engage in doctoring videos to humiliate the current president. You would not denigrate the administration of our country on the world stage. This is an example of where the country’s division has reached such destructive levels. It’s a huge problem funded by a portion of the media that has already abandoned democracy. We have to vote not just big. It has to be huge. I am trying to spread the urgency.
I fully believe that all Americans should wish for the success of whoever the current president is. Because their success is our success. There is a difference between “I agree with you,” and “I want you to be successful in your role as president because that is better for the country as a whole.” And part of wishing for someone’s success is not dehumanizing them. (Again, this goes for any president of any stripe.)
I throw my hands up (in my head) any time I hear a both sides apologist. We need to focus on our democracy. Both sides did not invade our capital, and we need to judge accordingly. If Biden is reelected, I will be relieved in the knowledge that we can vote again in 2028.
The rub comes in defining was susccess looks like. If it is success in dismantling democracy I for one will pass on that. If success means establishing a permanent aristocratic oligarchy I will also pass on that. Being successful at that won't be our shared success. As we talk about the danger of authoritarianism on one hand it is prudent to be aware of that possibility on the other.
I remember growing up and I felt as if everyone had respect for the President (and many of our elected officials) despite their party. My dad always had a great respect for whoever was in office, even if he didn't agree with their policies. I heard criticism of policies, but never an attack on them as a person. Of course there has always been corruption and hatred, but as a child I just assumed that those in government were (mostly) respected individuals with decent morals and values who wanted the best for our country.
Maybe I was too sheltered! But now it's depressing to feel that half the country would rather throw the rest of their fellow citizens under the bus before they would vote for the opposite party.
To those people I would ask.. what exactly have these politicians done to deserve our unwavering respect and support?
I don't think you were too sheltered. I'm not sure your age, but I am older and I remember what you are saying. As you said, throughout time, there has always been corruption and there's always been debate, but I felt the same as you. I think that was a more general way of thinking. A Republican and a Democrat could debate "at the office" and then go out to dinner and be friends. We are being led to think we are fools if we think this way. That is not the case. We are principled. There is a difference.
I have always considered myself conservative, but I did not vote for Trump in 2020 ( voted for my conviction of policy for someone who didn’t win).
Can you remind us some ways that our current administration is committed to preserving democracy? I have not been impressed with the last four years and also don’t feel “hurt” by them. I am just thinking I know where Trump stands on democracy based on his words and actions ( not for it)… I think I have missed some of the other words, promises, actions that indicate a “for” democracy from the Biden admin/campaign ( feeling a little nervous to ask this, but trusting our community here).
This might help highlight the ways Biden Administration has supported principles of democracy: Here are some key examples:
1. Popular Sovereignty and Free and Fair Elections:
• Voter Rights Advocacy: President Biden has been a vocal supporter of expanding voting rights and access. He has advocated for legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act, aiming to protect and expand voting rights.
2. Rule of Law:
• Justice Department Independence: Biden has emphasized the importance of an independent Justice Department, restoring norms that aim to keep it free from political interference, thus reinforcing the rule of law.
3. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances:
• Respecting Congressional Authority: His administration has generally respected the oversight role of Congress, cooperating with investigations and inquiries in contrast to practices seen in previous administrations.
4. Federalism:
• COVID-19 Response: The Biden administration has worked in collaboration with state and local governments to address the COVID-19 pandemic, providing resources and support while respecting the roles and responsibilities of state governments.
5. Individual Rights:
• Civil Rights Enforcement: The Biden administration has taken steps to protect civil rights, including actions to combat discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. This includes reversing bans on transgender individuals serving in the military and strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
6. Political Pluralism:
• Bipartisan Efforts: President Biden has made efforts to work with members of both parties, as seen in the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This approach demonstrates a commitment to political pluralism and cooperation across party lines.
7. Citizen Participation:
• Public Engagement: The Biden administration has focused on increasing transparency and public engagement, including regular press briefings and town halls, and promoting public participation in the democratic process.
Biden also reached bipartisan agreements on the debt ceiling and the budget to avoid a government shutdown. He asked for and got a bipartisan bill out of the senate to address the border crisis.
Hi Thomas- I am at a conference for work… so my silence is mostly business. I do not perceive this platform as one where it is necessary to defend or talk but learn. I simply will say, I do not agree with all of what was listed. I have not felt represented in my democratic views in the last few years and am not sure that all of that has taken place exactly. I am an Executive Coach and professor ( and full time caregiver for my mother who has advanced dementia and lives with me) myself and am always looking and learning. I am a part of the “exhausted majority “ with strong beliefs that I have found myself afraid to express for fear of being grouped with a fringe that is louder, more radical and has less EQ. I also don’t feel like you need to agree or I need to explain. I am 100% okay with disagreement. 😁
I appreciate the information answering my questions and will
definitely do my research when I have a bit more bandwidth ( before November). Thank you all for making this a safe place to have different views and to celebrate what we agree on… I agree on democracy, choice,
Liberty and freedom for all people ( not just some).
Charlene, you might check out Heather Cox Richardson. Heather is an American historian, specializing in the Republican Party in the 1850s, and is an educator who is a professor at Boston College. She writes a daily substack that gives examples daily of things Biden is doing. She wrote a definitive history of the Republican Party, was very much a solid Republican, but cannot now support Trump. Her daily blog is free. I'd highly recommend. She gives historical examples and also tells things that Biden is doing. She is a credible source.
Has Biden used promises, words, actions that indicate that he could be anti democracy? I don’t think so, but you can correct me if you have information. I think the norm is that we assume our democracy will stand, so candidates don’t generally have to restate it as such. This election is very different from each of the preceding presidential elections.
I would think the litany of things provided above would illustrate it. Do you think there are false hoods in it? What exactly would convince you? Understanding it would help me.
Sharon, it’s not that I’m not willing to abandon my candidate, but that I’m willing to abandon BOTH candidates! Please, tell me what are my options????
I agree with this wholeheartedly! We need to ask the question of the likelihood of a third party winning. It’s not very likely, so voting third party or writing in a candidate this election is not a good option, in my opinion. So many agree that the two options are not the best but we will have one or the other!!
This reminds me of something I heard a comedian say, but can’t recall exactly who at this moment to give them credit. Our vote is not a love letter to a candidate. For me, it is a practical choice between viable candidates that will choose principle over party to protect our democracy.
Hi Sara. I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. Like them or not, those are our choices. I'd say the majority of us would prefer two different candidates, but here we are. With that said, please consider voting as Sharon is stating: PRINCIPLE over PARTY. If you would rather vote for a candidate with a high probablity of losing, but is more in line with your principles, perhaps choose something like the Green Party (just an example). When it comes down to it, we have to vote to save our democracy in this next election.
The problem is that everyone thinks the person they want to vote for is the one who is truly on the side of democracy. 🤷♀️ One has to be willing to seriously dissect the words and actions of their preferred candidate, but unfortunately so many will be unable or unwilling to do so. They choose to see what they want to see and will be unswayed.
After reading Sharon's posts about Project 2025 and all of the comments on the recent posts, I feel like an outlier here... I have ALWAYS tried to vote principle over party. My question, though - isn't having a president who regularly tries to "get around" the congress and supreme court rulings already usurping democracy? The proliferation of executive orders in the last several administrations seems to be a back-door way to getting around the process of democracy. Couldn't this be the slippery slope as well to ruining our system? I'm one who doesn't care for the principles of either candidate, and honestly don't know who to vote for, because as I see it, neither is good for our country.
great question. The increase of Executive Orders directly aligns with a Congress who is so ineffective that governing can’t get done. The rise of Obstructionist wings in both parties has rendered Executive Orders more necessary because even getting a bipartisan bill out of committee has become incredibly difficult. I think if we could remedy one we could remedy the other.
I understand your concern here - I don't like the way executive orders have taken over and seem to keep branching out. There are two things that Sharon has reiterated over and over that give me a little hope in this (although I do think we need a longer conversation about EOs). 1. The Judicial System can declare them unconstitutional (through the regular process). 2. Executive orders can be overturned by the next president (which is... also infuriating, I'm tired of whiplash, but is at least a check on their power).
I agree on the "whiplash" - it seems sometimes the executive orders are used as just a political ploy. "I tried to get your student load debt forgiven, but XXX blocked it because they don't care about you." That type of thing.
I’ll be honest, I find these comments disheartening. Sharon’s post was about principle over party. But I also read it in a way that said we should hear each other and not be so hard line about our differences. I am proudly a moderate conservative who is open to discussion and debate as long as someone doesn’t vilify the other side. Being lumped in a group with the term “MAGA-ites” doesn’t do anything to help that.
As a younger voter, I often donated to the causes (policy changes) I believed in. I voted policy as well and sometimes even crossed over party lines. I never wanted to affiliate myself with a candidate. The last decade or so - as personalities started to take over the parties - I have gotten caught up in the candidate over policy discussion. I was a huge President Bill Clinton supporter and he did some great work (welfare, budget) and it's disappointing that he'll only be known for the scandal that he caused. I forgave him but it took me a minute. :) When President Obama ran, I did it again and I am still a Obama stan. If my devotion to the Obama administration (and I know it wasn't perfect) was strong, my antipathy toward Trump is just as strong. His broad acceptance from such a significant portion of our population does push me to really stand behind President Biden. But honestly, for me, it's anyone but Trump because of my fear of what he would do if he had a 2nd administration. I'd love to see us, as a country, more balanced but I don't see how we're going to get there.
Can you please tell us one more time, in your calmest and most comforting teacher-voice, how it’s gonna be okay? Because we’re moving from Project 2025 to the Atlantic article to populism and setting aside policy preferences to prioritize not letting a political party erode democracy. We are with you on all these things, bc obviously we’ve asked for you to cover them. And we listen to you for your level-headedness and “no need to panic.” But that three-point-something percent might be more alarming than the social media article. So please tell us again. (& we love you)
I think I missed the Atlantic article commentary. Can you tell me where I can find Sharon's take on something written in the Atlantic?
Hey Jan!! I scanned through previous preambles, but couldn't find it. I'm thinking Sharon shared it in an instagram story earlier this week, related to a podcast guest... Although in my mind it's somehow tied to the writeup about shared realities? (If somebody else remembers, y'all jump in!) However, I've got the article link for ya (Sharon, if this isn't allowed here, please delete!): https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/?gift=Eb8lDTIs7gWiavIvmop4OMNAKEEed2IWYh6T8S8dAiE&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
Thank you, Mandy! I appreciate the link. I'll have a look. It's been a busy week, so I must have missed the particular instagram story.
Yes Sharon! One issue though that I see and I’m going to be partisan here. MAGA supporters try to say that Biden is actually the authoritarian that will ruin democracy. Biden isn’t the candidate that actually has an authoritarian agenda (project 2025) ready to go day one. Biden doesn’t say “I’m going to be a dictator on day one”…
My question that I have had since… 2017? How do we handle a country where almost half of the people believe in an alternate reality and don’t believe in facts! People that still think the election was stolen. People that think J 6 was a tourist visit. This is something that I have tried to answer myself even with attempting to have conversations with some hardcore MAGA supporters. That part feels impossible.
Yes!! You can’t reason with people who refuse to believe facts. I have wondered this same thing.
We need shared reality first
I'm trying to remember who I just read saying this, but I think it is Simon Rosenberg. He writes a daily newsletter called Hopium. (I'd recommend!) He was saying how June is a super important month for the election.
He pointed out recently how many people are just not paying attention. There are those hard-core MAGA people, but there is also a pretty large contingent of people who are just super busy with life--young families, Dads coaching soccer, moms trying to keep life together, people who work 20 hours a day just trying to get by--who are not paying attention because they don't have the bandwidth. He says these are the people that may--just now--be starting to notice as the former president got convicted. They are the ones who will make the difference in November.
I'm not sure we're going to sway a hard-core MAGA-ite. Maybe. But to me, probably not. But the ones we need to reach are these people Simon is talking about. They may be our kids, our friends, our neighbors. They may be "swayable." To survive this, for now, we need to reach those who are reachable. Not sure wasting time trying to convince someone who is determined in what they think is the best strategy at this point. Try to find those who are distracted, but open.
Just my opinion.
A mantra worth repeating! If the foundation is broken policies are the least of our concerns.
I love this. Thanks for passing it on to us.
Basically, Liz Cheney says this exact thing at the end of her book Oath and Honor.
If you haven't read it, I highly recommend! Thanks
May the voice of reason reach your ears, fellow countrymen! My gut churns at the thought of what could come from people not understanding what's at stake. The seriousness of it is breathtaking. The unprincipled party believers, however, see the principled party as the destroyer of our country. What could anyone possibly do or say now to change their minds? Seriously. I'd love to know.
Then vote for the principled person who will defend democracy.
I plan to 😊
🥰
If you support and love our country, you wouldn’t engage in doctoring videos to humiliate the current president. You would not denigrate the administration of our country on the world stage. This is an example of where the country’s division has reached such destructive levels. It’s a huge problem funded by a portion of the media that has already abandoned democracy. We have to vote not just big. It has to be huge. I am trying to spread the urgency.
I fully believe that all Americans should wish for the success of whoever the current president is. Because their success is our success. There is a difference between “I agree with you,” and “I want you to be successful in your role as president because that is better for the country as a whole.” And part of wishing for someone’s success is not dehumanizing them. (Again, this goes for any president of any stripe.)
That’s the hard part for me. I see both sides dehumanizing each other. And how do we really know what the facts are? Both sides are scary to me.
I throw my hands up (in my head) any time I hear a both sides apologist. We need to focus on our democracy. Both sides did not invade our capital, and we need to judge accordingly. If Biden is reelected, I will be relieved in the knowledge that we can vote again in 2028.
The rub comes in defining was susccess looks like. If it is success in dismantling democracy I for one will pass on that. If success means establishing a permanent aristocratic oligarchy I will also pass on that. Being successful at that won't be our shared success. As we talk about the danger of authoritarianism on one hand it is prudent to be aware of that possibility on the other.
You said it better! Thanks for all you do.
We are trying hard to get an open primaries iniative on our ballot this November. Fingers crossed.
I've been gathering signatures to help get an open primaries initiative on the ballot in Arizona!
I signed that one too! Thanks for collecting signatures. It’s really hot out right now!
I’ve signed that one!
I remember growing up and I felt as if everyone had respect for the President (and many of our elected officials) despite their party. My dad always had a great respect for whoever was in office, even if he didn't agree with their policies. I heard criticism of policies, but never an attack on them as a person. Of course there has always been corruption and hatred, but as a child I just assumed that those in government were (mostly) respected individuals with decent morals and values who wanted the best for our country.
Maybe I was too sheltered! But now it's depressing to feel that half the country would rather throw the rest of their fellow citizens under the bus before they would vote for the opposite party.
To those people I would ask.. what exactly have these politicians done to deserve our unwavering respect and support?
I don't think you were too sheltered. I'm not sure your age, but I am older and I remember what you are saying. As you said, throughout time, there has always been corruption and there's always been debate, but I felt the same as you. I think that was a more general way of thinking. A Republican and a Democrat could debate "at the office" and then go out to dinner and be friends. We are being led to think we are fools if we think this way. That is not the case. We are principled. There is a difference.
I have always considered myself conservative, but I did not vote for Trump in 2020 ( voted for my conviction of policy for someone who didn’t win).
Can you remind us some ways that our current administration is committed to preserving democracy? I have not been impressed with the last four years and also don’t feel “hurt” by them. I am just thinking I know where Trump stands on democracy based on his words and actions ( not for it)… I think I have missed some of the other words, promises, actions that indicate a “for” democracy from the Biden admin/campaign ( feeling a little nervous to ask this, but trusting our community here).
This might help highlight the ways Biden Administration has supported principles of democracy: Here are some key examples:
1. Popular Sovereignty and Free and Fair Elections:
• Voter Rights Advocacy: President Biden has been a vocal supporter of expanding voting rights and access. He has advocated for legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act, aiming to protect and expand voting rights.
2. Rule of Law:
• Justice Department Independence: Biden has emphasized the importance of an independent Justice Department, restoring norms that aim to keep it free from political interference, thus reinforcing the rule of law.
3. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances:
• Respecting Congressional Authority: His administration has generally respected the oversight role of Congress, cooperating with investigations and inquiries in contrast to practices seen in previous administrations.
4. Federalism:
• COVID-19 Response: The Biden administration has worked in collaboration with state and local governments to address the COVID-19 pandemic, providing resources and support while respecting the roles and responsibilities of state governments.
5. Individual Rights:
• Civil Rights Enforcement: The Biden administration has taken steps to protect civil rights, including actions to combat discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. This includes reversing bans on transgender individuals serving in the military and strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
6. Political Pluralism:
• Bipartisan Efforts: President Biden has made efforts to work with members of both parties, as seen in the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This approach demonstrates a commitment to political pluralism and cooperation across party lines.
7. Citizen Participation:
• Public Engagement: The Biden administration has focused on increasing transparency and public engagement, including regular press briefings and town halls, and promoting public participation in the democratic process.
Biden also reached bipartisan agreements on the debt ceiling and the budget to avoid a government shutdown. He asked for and got a bipartisan bill out of the senate to address the border crisis.
Hi Thomas- I am at a conference for work… so my silence is mostly business. I do not perceive this platform as one where it is necessary to defend or talk but learn. I simply will say, I do not agree with all of what was listed. I have not felt represented in my democratic views in the last few years and am not sure that all of that has taken place exactly. I am an Executive Coach and professor ( and full time caregiver for my mother who has advanced dementia and lives with me) myself and am always looking and learning. I am a part of the “exhausted majority “ with strong beliefs that I have found myself afraid to express for fear of being grouped with a fringe that is louder, more radical and has less EQ. I also don’t feel like you need to agree or I need to explain. I am 100% okay with disagreement. 😁
I appreciate the information answering my questions and will
definitely do my research when I have a bit more bandwidth ( before November). Thank you all for making this a safe place to have different views and to celebrate what we agree on… I agree on democracy, choice,
Liberty and freedom for all people ( not just some).
Thanks for your reply. You are in a tough situation. Wish you the best.
Yes- good additions to the list
Thank you. I am not certain I can see all of that in practice; but I appreciate your response.
Charlene, you might check out Heather Cox Richardson. Heather is an American historian, specializing in the Republican Party in the 1850s, and is an educator who is a professor at Boston College. She writes a daily substack that gives examples daily of things Biden is doing. She wrote a definitive history of the Republican Party, was very much a solid Republican, but cannot now support Trump. Her daily blog is free. I'd highly recommend. She gives historical examples and also tells things that Biden is doing. She is a credible source.
It’s not.
Has Biden used promises, words, actions that indicate that he could be anti democracy? I don’t think so, but you can correct me if you have information. I think the norm is that we assume our democracy will stand, so candidates don’t generally have to restate it as such. This election is very different from each of the preceding presidential elections.
I hear you, but it is all in the table for me. I appreciate the question, but my original question still stands.
I would think the litany of things provided above would illustrate it. Do you think there are false hoods in it? What exactly would convince you? Understanding it would help me.
I'm glad you asked this, because I am wondering the same.
I am a Governerd AND a Star Wars nerd. When I read the line "Governerds: Rise of the Resistance" I started bawling. 😭❤️
Sharon, it’s not that I’m not willing to abandon my candidate, but that I’m willing to abandon BOTH candidates! Please, tell me what are my options????
I’d encourage you to vote only for candidates who are committed to upholding the rule of law and the principles of democracy. ❤️
I agree with this wholeheartedly! We need to ask the question of the likelihood of a third party winning. It’s not very likely, so voting third party or writing in a candidate this election is not a good option, in my opinion. So many agree that the two options are not the best but we will have one or the other!!
Yes this! I usually vote third party, but this election is too important.
This reminds me of something I heard a comedian say, but can’t recall exactly who at this moment to give them credit. Our vote is not a love letter to a candidate. For me, it is a practical choice between viable candidates that will choose principle over party to protect our democracy.
Hi Sara. I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. Like them or not, those are our choices. I'd say the majority of us would prefer two different candidates, but here we are. With that said, please consider voting as Sharon is stating: PRINCIPLE over PARTY. If you would rather vote for a candidate with a high probablity of losing, but is more in line with your principles, perhaps choose something like the Green Party (just an example). When it comes down to it, we have to vote to save our democracy in this next election.
The problem is that everyone thinks the person they want to vote for is the one who is truly on the side of democracy. 🤷♀️ One has to be willing to seriously dissect the words and actions of their preferred candidate, but unfortunately so many will be unable or unwilling to do so. They choose to see what they want to see and will be unswayed.
I’m going to find Washington’s farewell address and read it! Sounds like good stuff!
After reading Sharon's posts about Project 2025 and all of the comments on the recent posts, I feel like an outlier here... I have ALWAYS tried to vote principle over party. My question, though - isn't having a president who regularly tries to "get around" the congress and supreme court rulings already usurping democracy? The proliferation of executive orders in the last several administrations seems to be a back-door way to getting around the process of democracy. Couldn't this be the slippery slope as well to ruining our system? I'm one who doesn't care for the principles of either candidate, and honestly don't know who to vote for, because as I see it, neither is good for our country.
great question. The increase of Executive Orders directly aligns with a Congress who is so ineffective that governing can’t get done. The rise of Obstructionist wings in both parties has rendered Executive Orders more necessary because even getting a bipartisan bill out of committee has become incredibly difficult. I think if we could remedy one we could remedy the other.
So true!
Sharon, deep dive about executive orders please!
I understand your concern here - I don't like the way executive orders have taken over and seem to keep branching out. There are two things that Sharon has reiterated over and over that give me a little hope in this (although I do think we need a longer conversation about EOs). 1. The Judicial System can declare them unconstitutional (through the regular process). 2. Executive orders can be overturned by the next president (which is... also infuriating, I'm tired of whiplash, but is at least a check on their power).
I agree on the "whiplash" - it seems sometimes the executive orders are used as just a political ploy. "I tried to get your student load debt forgiven, but XXX blocked it because they don't care about you." That type of thing.
I agree
Good question
Same 100%.
Governerds: Rise of the Resistance
This cries for some Hamilton!
Rise up
When you're living on your knees, you rise up
Tell your brother that he's gotta rise up
Tell your sister that she's gotta rise up
When are these colonies gonna rise up? (Whoa, whoa)
When are these colonies gonna rise up? (Whoa)
When are these colonies gonna rise up? (Whoa)
When are these colonies gonna rise up?
We're gonna rise up
I am not throwin' away my shot (time to take a shot)
We're gonna rise up
I am not throwin' away my shot (time to take a shot)
We're gonna, rise up, rise up
It's time to take a shot
Rise up, rise up
It's time to take a shot
Rise up, it's time to take a shot
Rise up, take a shot, shot, shot
Ay, yo, it's time to take a shot, time to take a shot
And I am not throwin' away my
Not throwin' away my shot
I’ll be honest, I find these comments disheartening. Sharon’s post was about principle over party. But I also read it in a way that said we should hear each other and not be so hard line about our differences. I am proudly a moderate conservative who is open to discussion and debate as long as someone doesn’t vilify the other side. Being lumped in a group with the term “MAGA-ites” doesn’t do anything to help that.
Agree!