I am so glad you addressed the elephant in the room, or the rock in the shoe. I was sceptical of Kamala Harris initially, but like every woman who has reach the top her career, she is full of surprises. I think she is more than capable. May the force be with her. Finally there is some hope for US now. And the whole world.
Wise insight, Neera. The US does have a disproportionate impact on other countries. I hope her momentum continues and she wins by a landslide. It's time.
So you choose to ignore the vile rhetoric of the Democrats? If there is now hope for the US where has that hope been the past four years? Dems have been in power while everything has gone pear shaped. What is the difference now?
I appreciate your point of view, even though I disagree with it, and I will always fight for the right of both sides to express their opinions. Likewise, I will fight for you as another woman, as well as my daughters and granddaughter to have equal rights, equal pay and opportunities to their male counterparts, and bodily autonomy also equal to that of men. Even if you won't do this for yourself.
I would like to keep the people in power, not the man who espouses that Christians only need to vote one more time, before he has taken control of our government.
I'm sorry I don't have the time to write more, nor the desire. Internet discussions rarely reach resolution or change opinions. For now, we will have to respectful agree to disagree.
Ilona Goanos: You stated it exactly right. "Vote in 2024 and you will never have to vote again, because I will fix it" . . . those are creepy words in view of dictatorial powers given to a President-Tyrant-Trump by CJ Roberts and his Associates.
Yes all we can do is respectfully disagree only I feel a little hurt that you think I am not fighting for myself and you graciously are willing to fight for me.
Your comments induced me to look at your own Substack Platform, and I think you write quite well, and I enjoyed reading half a dozen of your writings.
I respectfully disagree with what you just said here, but please note that this is friendly, happy debate on the part of Armando, an old lawyer and amateur philosopher who never misses an opportunity to share in pro and contra.
As one who follows politics closely, I am sure you will appreciate the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in counterbalancing the power of the Executive.
Alexander Hamilton wanted a strong Executive and the Government to centralize to promote transportation, export, sound finance, and an ordered free market.
So the Presidency is powerful.
But others, notably James Madison, wanted a strong House of Representatives, to represent the otherwise disorderly people, and a Senate, as Elders to represent their sundry states.
Now, President Biden, in putting into practice his Executive Powers, issued sundry Executive Orders, for example, to relieve the border, or to forgive student debt.
These were powerful moves.
But the selfsame Supreme Court who excused potential Presidential CRIMINAL CONDUCT under plenary powers, decided that, while a President could commit crimes with impunity, he could not issue certain executive powers that benefited the security and welfare of the country.
So, the President formed a grand coalition among Republicans and Democrats to craft the most comprehensive border-control measure in Congress passed in a score of years.
Then former President Trump decided he wanted the Border as a festering wound in the coming election, issued a "ukase" to quash the bipartisan measure that had been supported by the National Border Patrol Council itself!
Oh, despite Senate rules that mean that a bill won't be debated on the floor unless it is filibuster-proof, means that the U.S. Senate is largely a Country Club for royal Elders, who, instead of passing legislation, get to spend 80% of their time doing what they like best: Raising hell in public hearings, so Old Men can pontificate on what bothers their dyspeptic tummies, or, far, far better: Cultivating lucrative ties with lobbyists, which has the double-benefit of luxury and re-election, which the Sinecures especially love.
Against this backdrop, although President Joseph Biden really pushed for the much needed John Lewis Civil Rights Act, the Act tanked against Republican House opposition and against the filibuster-proof barrier in the Senate.
Aid to Ukraine is vital to protect Western Democracy, yet the would-be Mad-Magazine "What-me-Worry?!" - Alfred E. Neuman -- that is, ahem, Speaker Michael Johnson (just read it in the Bible) BLOCKED UKRAINE AID FOR A CRITICAL SIX MONTHS, which lost Ukraine critical time in on the ground tactical considerations, until a Security Briefing and a new look in his Bible convinced Alfred E. Newman ("What-me-Worry?!") -- oh, excuse me -- er -- Speaker Johnson decided his version of the Bible WOULD let him release aid to Ukraine.
Despite of this, President Biden got the cooperation of the Honorable Mitch McConnell and supported bipartisan Infrastructure measures that support innovation and jobs, jobs, jobs, and boost local economies in Red and Blue States.
The measure is so popular, that Red State Senators or Congressmen who OPPOSED the measure, show up with shovel-in-hand at breaking-ground ceremonies for prosperous projects among their home constituencies supported by the Infrastructure Act.
And President Biden takes this political hypocrisy in good stride and humor, because this old-fashioned tactical opposition characterizes traditional, homespun politics, and it is harmless. President Biden will tease the Republican who opposed his infrastructure measure, laugh good-naturedly with him, and join the Congressman in taking the shovel to break-ground.
Old-fashioned political opposition is benign and a necessary part of democracy, and Biden takes it in good humor.
Despite the to-and-fro, Joe Biden has lifted the American economy from the doldrums of the Pandemic to unprecedented prosperity and low unemployment.
Joe Biden has secured our National safety by tightening the NATO alliance to the point where it encompasses almost all of Continental Europe and chokes Russia from the seas.
After Emmanuelle Macron, during Trump, had pronounced NATO "brain dead," Emmanuel Macron and his Army Chief of Staff, Pierre Schill, promise up to 60,000 of their own troops to Ukraine if Volodymyr Zelensky were to ask.
The FED had been worried about inflation or hyperinflation, and threatened countermeasures, but the FED checked its own spartan instincts in the face of the Biden super-economy and low to normal yearly inflation.
No, the Democrats have NOT been in "Power while . . . pear-shaped" -- that statement is false on two grounds: (1) No political party remains long "in power" because America's "power" is divided among the House (currently GOP), the Senate (essentially TIED between the two parties) AS WELL AS, BUT CLEARLY NOT SOLELY RULED BY . . . the President.
And, the Fed certainly doesn't think our economy is "pear shaped."
Nor should you.
But, make no mistake: Your comments are thoughtful, and I enjoy discussing ideas with you very much. You are obviously a thoughtful, good person, and I am an old lawyer that likes to argue.
Please know: My arguments are NOT personal. I enjoy your and my dialogue. My wife could tell you, "Yeah, Armando is an argumentative type, the old lawyer!"
So, let me thank you for bringing useful, substantive dialogue. I appreciate you.
Wow. I was going to respond to to Kim. But no need. Yours was eloquent and well documented. I am not sure what vile rhetoric she is referring to. Maybe the truth hurts so it becomes "vile".
President Biden is widely acclaimed as one of the most accomplished presidents of my long life. And he has now cemented his legacy.
If calling Trump and Project 2025 the instruments of fascism, hate and intolerance - if that is "vile" color me VERY vile.
And it is indeed not "personal". But most Americans are deeply offended by a con man top secrets thief liar sexual assaulting psychopathic wife cheating self declared wanna be dictator- who is praised by fake "Christians"!
I'm offended by almost everything that comes out of that man's mouth. I'm truly grateful for the air of hope and positive energy that's come to the surface this past week. Oh and the $200 million raised and 170,000 new volunteers are pretty awesome, too.
I think it might be to our advantage that Kamala is arriving so close to the election. This way, people are more likely to stay engaged and excited. Besides being a woman, this human has actual experience! Wow!
Yes, I like the short timeframe, too. The Repbulicans were caught off-guard and without a Plan B, and they're scrambling right now. Less time to create havoc with a new candidate is better news for us. I hope to keep the momentum going!
I could easily just write, "Ditto," but I also want to say, "thank you for that fabulous looking recipe!" I once grilled peaches and put them on a fried flour tortilla w/ a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. To die for. I'm going to make yours. Thanks for writing this entire post.
I hear you, Ilona! It's going to be a rough ride the next few months. We all need to show up from now till voting day in the ways we best can support electing the first woman President. I agree with Neera, Kamala may not be the perfect candidate for everyone, yet she is more than capable. I'm in!
I am so glad you addressed the elephant in the room, or the rock in the shoe. I was sceptical of Kamala Harris initially, but like every woman who has reach the top her career, she is full of surprises. I think she is more than capable. May the force be with her. Finally there is some hope for US now. And the whole world.
Wise insight, Neera. The US does have a disproportionate impact on other countries. I hope her momentum continues and she wins by a landslide. It's time.
So you choose to ignore the vile rhetoric of the Democrats? If there is now hope for the US where has that hope been the past four years? Dems have been in power while everything has gone pear shaped. What is the difference now?
I appreciate your point of view, even though I disagree with it, and I will always fight for the right of both sides to express their opinions. Likewise, I will fight for you as another woman, as well as my daughters and granddaughter to have equal rights, equal pay and opportunities to their male counterparts, and bodily autonomy also equal to that of men. Even if you won't do this for yourself.
I would like to keep the people in power, not the man who espouses that Christians only need to vote one more time, before he has taken control of our government.
I'm sorry I don't have the time to write more, nor the desire. Internet discussions rarely reach resolution or change opinions. For now, we will have to respectful agree to disagree.
Ilona Goanos: You stated it exactly right. "Vote in 2024 and you will never have to vote again, because I will fix it" . . . those are creepy words in view of dictatorial powers given to a President-Tyrant-Trump by CJ Roberts and his Associates.
Yes all we can do is respectfully disagree only I feel a little hurt that you think I am not fighting for myself and you graciously are willing to fight for me.
Kim Adams: Very good.
Your comments induced me to look at your own Substack Platform, and I think you write quite well, and I enjoyed reading half a dozen of your writings.
I respectfully disagree with what you just said here, but please note that this is friendly, happy debate on the part of Armando, an old lawyer and amateur philosopher who never misses an opportunity to share in pro and contra.
As one who follows politics closely, I am sure you will appreciate the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in counterbalancing the power of the Executive.
Alexander Hamilton wanted a strong Executive and the Government to centralize to promote transportation, export, sound finance, and an ordered free market.
So the Presidency is powerful.
But others, notably James Madison, wanted a strong House of Representatives, to represent the otherwise disorderly people, and a Senate, as Elders to represent their sundry states.
Now, President Biden, in putting into practice his Executive Powers, issued sundry Executive Orders, for example, to relieve the border, or to forgive student debt.
These were powerful moves.
But the selfsame Supreme Court who excused potential Presidential CRIMINAL CONDUCT under plenary powers, decided that, while a President could commit crimes with impunity, he could not issue certain executive powers that benefited the security and welfare of the country.
So, the President formed a grand coalition among Republicans and Democrats to craft the most comprehensive border-control measure in Congress passed in a score of years.
Then former President Trump decided he wanted the Border as a festering wound in the coming election, issued a "ukase" to quash the bipartisan measure that had been supported by the National Border Patrol Council itself!
See:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/new-immigration-bill-senate-bipartisan-border-patrol-endorsement-rcna137354
Let's see.
Oh, despite Senate rules that mean that a bill won't be debated on the floor unless it is filibuster-proof, means that the U.S. Senate is largely a Country Club for royal Elders, who, instead of passing legislation, get to spend 80% of their time doing what they like best: Raising hell in public hearings, so Old Men can pontificate on what bothers their dyspeptic tummies, or, far, far better: Cultivating lucrative ties with lobbyists, which has the double-benefit of luxury and re-election, which the Sinecures especially love.
Against this backdrop, although President Joseph Biden really pushed for the much needed John Lewis Civil Rights Act, the Act tanked against Republican House opposition and against the filibuster-proof barrier in the Senate.
Aid to Ukraine is vital to protect Western Democracy, yet the would-be Mad-Magazine "What-me-Worry?!" - Alfred E. Neuman -- that is, ahem, Speaker Michael Johnson (just read it in the Bible) BLOCKED UKRAINE AID FOR A CRITICAL SIX MONTHS, which lost Ukraine critical time in on the ground tactical considerations, until a Security Briefing and a new look in his Bible convinced Alfred E. Newman ("What-me-Worry?!") -- oh, excuse me -- er -- Speaker Johnson decided his version of the Bible WOULD let him release aid to Ukraine.
Despite of this, President Biden got the cooperation of the Honorable Mitch McConnell and supported bipartisan Infrastructure measures that support innovation and jobs, jobs, jobs, and boost local economies in Red and Blue States.
The measure is so popular, that Red State Senators or Congressmen who OPPOSED the measure, show up with shovel-in-hand at breaking-ground ceremonies for prosperous projects among their home constituencies supported by the Infrastructure Act.
And President Biden takes this political hypocrisy in good stride and humor, because this old-fashioned tactical opposition characterizes traditional, homespun politics, and it is harmless. President Biden will tease the Republican who opposed his infrastructure measure, laugh good-naturedly with him, and join the Congressman in taking the shovel to break-ground.
Old-fashioned political opposition is benign and a necessary part of democracy, and Biden takes it in good humor.
Despite the to-and-fro, Joe Biden has lifted the American economy from the doldrums of the Pandemic to unprecedented prosperity and low unemployment.
Joe Biden has secured our National safety by tightening the NATO alliance to the point where it encompasses almost all of Continental Europe and chokes Russia from the seas.
After Emmanuelle Macron, during Trump, had pronounced NATO "brain dead," Emmanuel Macron and his Army Chief of Staff, Pierre Schill, promise up to 60,000 of their own troops to Ukraine if Volodymyr Zelensky were to ask.
The FED had been worried about inflation or hyperinflation, and threatened countermeasures, but the FED checked its own spartan instincts in the face of the Biden super-economy and low to normal yearly inflation.
No, the Democrats have NOT been in "Power while . . . pear-shaped" -- that statement is false on two grounds: (1) No political party remains long "in power" because America's "power" is divided among the House (currently GOP), the Senate (essentially TIED between the two parties) AS WELL AS, BUT CLEARLY NOT SOLELY RULED BY . . . the President.
And, the Fed certainly doesn't think our economy is "pear shaped."
Nor should you.
But, make no mistake: Your comments are thoughtful, and I enjoy discussing ideas with you very much. You are obviously a thoughtful, good person, and I am an old lawyer that likes to argue.
Please know: My arguments are NOT personal. I enjoy your and my dialogue. My wife could tell you, "Yeah, Armando is an argumentative type, the old lawyer!"
So, let me thank you for bringing useful, substantive dialogue. I appreciate you.
Wow. I was going to respond to to Kim. But no need. Yours was eloquent and well documented. I am not sure what vile rhetoric she is referring to. Maybe the truth hurts so it becomes "vile".
President Biden is widely acclaimed as one of the most accomplished presidents of my long life. And he has now cemented his legacy.
If calling Trump and Project 2025 the instruments of fascism, hate and intolerance - if that is "vile" color me VERY vile.
And it is indeed not "personal". But most Americans are deeply offended by a con man top secrets thief liar sexual assaulting psychopathic wife cheating self declared wanna be dictator- who is praised by fake "Christians"!
I'm offended by almost everything that comes out of that man's mouth. I'm truly grateful for the air of hope and positive energy that's come to the surface this past week. Oh and the $200 million raised and 170,000 new volunteers are pretty awesome, too.
I think it might be to our advantage that Kamala is arriving so close to the election. This way, people are more likely to stay engaged and excited. Besides being a woman, this human has actual experience! Wow!
Yes, I like the short timeframe, too. The Repbulicans were caught off-guard and without a Plan B, and they're scrambling right now. Less time to create havoc with a new candidate is better news for us. I hope to keep the momentum going!
I could easily just write, "Ditto," but I also want to say, "thank you for that fabulous looking recipe!" I once grilled peaches and put them on a fried flour tortilla w/ a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. To die for. I'm going to make yours. Thanks for writing this entire post.
That sounds like a tasty dessert to me. I'll share that with my daughter.
Well said! Thank you, Ilona.
I hear you, Ilona! It's going to be a rough ride the next few months. We all need to show up from now till voting day in the ways we best can support electing the first woman President. I agree with Neera, Kamala may not be the perfect candidate for everyone, yet she is more than capable. I'm in!
Love this - you are spot on!! Let's do all we can for a blue tsunami in November!
Did you hear him yesterday at the black journalist conference? Anyone with eyes who cannot see, it's willful ignorance. VOTE BLUE!
Thank you for this I am beyond excited too! I wrote about Vice PResident Kamala Harris as well. It comes out tomorrow morning! I hope you enjoy it!
Agreed! She's running against the worst candidate in history, and she *should* win. We make sure to support her by getting out there and vote!