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“I can run no more

With that lawless crowd

While the killers in high places

Say their prayers out loud.

But they've summoned, they've summoned up

A thundercloud

They're gonna hear from me.

Ring ring ring ring ring

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in.”

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Mar 14, 2023Liked by Steven Beschloss

As I read through your excellent writing, Steven, it occurred to me that perhaps the Republicans seek relevance and attention by always beating the drum of chaos. They would have us believe that they can ride the waves, like motley pirates on the political seas. By choosing to function in alarmist territory, they cater to the aggrieved individuals in American society. In making his assertions, Donald Trump left out one phrase: 'I am your criminal.' If a disingenuous business man and indicted person can run for President of the United States, then you might as well tear up the Constitution. With no rules, no integrity, no holds barred; it sounds like the Wild West to me.

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It is often that I wonder how we will come out of this malaise that we are in. I have to fight my one side that begs the question of why must there be oligarchs in these United States creating vast wealth for themselves while keeping the 80% of the rest of us struggling.

How can the lower middle class (financially) continue to support the very policies that could help them gain more security like many other wealthy countries have. I have family members who though they themselves do well financially ($100-400K) absolutely fight tooth and nail any and all social welfare plans since they literally hate progressives.

I do not understand it at all. Why do we coddle the top 10%? Why? Now the Republicans are talking about refunding Social Security. Saying (falsely) that the gains will out pace the current plan. Who will guarantee that? No one or nothing.

I will stay as positive as I can be but I am seriously afraid now we the people have gone too far astray. IMHO 🤞🏻

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When was the last time the GOP had an actual platform? An actual plan? Maybe during the Bush years? Once Obama became president they became the party of opposition and outright racism, sexism and antisemitism. They have nothing to offer but revenge (for what? Being losers?) and retribution (for what? Being losers?) this is what they stand for...and anyone who votes for them is just that: racist, sexist, antisemitic, vengeful and certainly no Jude’s-Christian...I am so tired of their holier-than-thou stance ...

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Generally optimistic about the resiliency of democracy but I don't see how the "fox effect" can be countered.

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The Biden budget needs to be sold to the public. Tell the people what is at stake; meet them where they are. There’s a silent majority waiting for a way out.

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In order to sell those unaffiliated voters and to sway the more moderate republicans “to see the light” we’ve put all of our emphasis on the

advantages of a functioning Democracy. Our new strategy (a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim) should now vividly display what we gain to lose should our government be controlled by those seeking an Autocracy. If the “carrot” isn’t working, then it’s time to use a verbal “stick”

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Fitzgerald's writing & relationship with Zelda reflected this truth. It is not just in the current national situation, but also in everyday life. Many can see the futility of ever reaching a wished for life with some pleasantries and free of debt, yet goes every day, usually to a disliked job hoping to achieve these desires. We are sick of the very rich privileges yet waste money weekly buying lottery tickets to be, ourselves, rich.

The country has survived many such divisions starting with the Revolutionary War an event that

ended all relations between Franklin & his son. No need to mention the Civil War. We fear atomic obliteration yet continue to have/ increase such weaponry. We are. sensitive, compassionate to troubles,/perils/needs of the American people, otherwise called woke, yet.perhaps those who need help most, listen to DeSantis who tells them Florida is where woke goes to die.

We feared trump in 2020, yet Biden won. We have high hopes for a repeat, there are more registered Democrats than Republicans, after all. But again, uncertainty of calamity to come should they lose.

Rome influenced the known world as the US does today. Rome fell.

We hope but yet, at times, we hope against hope. Time will tell. History does repeat, both the good & the bad.

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The comments of the former occupant of the WH are so ludicrous: “And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution.” He is the one who wronged the people. He is the one who lied to them. He is the one who created sharp divisions in our country and weaken our country and eventually led to the insurrection on January 6. So, let's dismiss anything the former occupant of the WH said . Let's go to the budget debate. Biden presenting a budge that is for the people. The GOP not presenting any alternative, just stating that they will not accept and will vote down any budget Biden proposes. The GOP was elected to do the business of the people; but instead they are just spouting grievances and playing spoiler for the American people because they have no ideas of their own to help the American people. MTG, Gosar and their buddies said as much as they entered this Congress - their goal is to investigate, to take long, deep, misguided dives into areas that have shown no merit,, in an attempt to discredit the Democrat party. When are they go to get down to governing and legislating something good for the American people. I say never, because their actions show that their goal is investigate where no investigation is needed just to be divisive and disruptive. Steven, you say to hold onto optimism, values and sanity. Our collective future depends on it. All of that is true. I am just struggling now to hold onto optimism. Does anyone have any way to help me still find optimism is=n this very divisive environment where the GOP only disrupt but do not govern? Thank you.

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“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” You betcha. TDS with and insane conviction that Biden has all his marbles must pass the test ;). If a budget that explodes the deficit, creates a wealth tax on capital and gouges government spending as a percentage of GDP to record levels gets you going have at it baby. Throw in a bit of TDS syndrome and you are a picture of Fitzgerald perfect.

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