I follow US news closely from the standpoint of a life-long Democrat who's come to despise the party. (Not that Republicans are any better.)
Ukraine (where's our vital interest?); Covid (Why did so many submit to totalitarian lockdowns?); the economy (why don't people protest the Fed's deliberate destruction of the economy?) Wokeism (Why do people submit to these brownshirt tactics?) -- the list goes on.
I've been thinking about this too, mainly wondering if there is any way to turn things around. The internet and Generation-Z has created a very loud voice. All institutional power has now shifted in their direction. So the only way out of it is to create a successful counter culture. Trump was doing that but as you can see they destroyed him and his movement. There is no way to change culture right now. It is on its own path. But if people start building outside of it with new publishing companies, new movie studios, etc. As far as politically, I wish I had some hope. At the moment, I do not. I never thought MY side, the Democrats, would reveal themselves a hypocrites and liars. They might do it because they genuinely think they're better for this country -- some of their policies I still like -- but at the end of the day they're still losing the majority. So the way to take them out is to awaken the silent majority. Are there 100 million people who don't vote?
Over at the WSJ Peggy Noonan writes her weekly column every Friday. I've read every one before and after President Trump was in office. SINCE he was in office her column as been either about him and in some fashion has taken a stab at him. It's amazing how she ALWAYS mentions him. As if she couldn't spend her ONE weekly column on something more important. Women fighting for their rights in Iran? She's never written a WORD about. As you say it's creepy.
Peggy Noonan is a RINO and is desperate to keep in good standing with her lib friends on the Upper East Side of New York. Like Hillary, she likes her Chardonnay and does not want to be cut out of the cocktail social scene. Noonan saw what New York Society - such as it is today - did to Trump. At this point, it's completely baffling as to why the WSJ keeps publishing her babble. She's ridiculous.
She claims to be a Reagan Republican but was far more a Bushie and is one of the the "Stupid Party" that was oh so impressed by the crease of Obama's trousers, and hated Ross Perot, the Club for Growth, the Tea Party, and Trump supporters.
I was a Democrat until 2001, became Republican after that.
Most Republicans are just as corrupt as the Democrats. The 2020 election steal and the 2022 failure of the red wave would not have been possible without the complacency of Republican leadership.
And already McConnell and the rest have betrayed their base on marriage, religious freedom, the omnibus, and devoting themselves to the graft in Ukraine more than the American people.
We're all politically homeless, at the mercy of the uniparty.
"So the way to take them out is to awaken the silent majority."
Before the election of 2020, I would have concurred with this view, 100%. The silent majority was awakened in 2016 and spoke – the Democrat Party establishment heard, and responded accordingly – just not in a way that was beneficial to the country, as a whole.
"Are there 100 million people who don't vote?"
Nope. Sadly, that doesn't matter. With the advent of election season now, instead of election day, it will now come down to which side can cheat more effectively than the other. The local election machinery – the bureaucracies, oversight agencies, ballot counters, and all the other mechanisms (particularly in the largest metropolitan areas, and the most populous counties) are owned or controlled by Democrats. So it won't matter how many ballots can be harvested by Republicans, the Democrats will always be able to extend the tabulation process to manufacture the votes necessary to "win."
Going forward, if the Republicans manage to steal one or two House seats, it will only be because the Republicans' Henry Gondorff was able to cheat better than the Democrats' Doyle Lonnegan – and even then, it will likely be a seat that the Democrats couldn't have cared about any less.
Trumps 75M+ haven't gone away, well maybe from the corrupt UniParty. What is happening in Maricopa and Fulton counties cannot be unseen and is the story that should concern every American.
As a former Republican, I submit the congressional Republicans are even worse than the Democrats, whose party has been seized by the left. We expect the left to behave as it does – but we expected Republicans in congress (specifically, the US Senate) to stand up to those who would bankrupt this nation for Ukraine (where was this response when Russia annexed Crimea?), to stand against the authoritarian lockdowns, the Fed's razing of the economy (what remains of it, anyway), to take a stand against wokeism – but they didn't. I submit that because they stood by and did nothing to prevent evil from prospering, they are even worse.
Look at this latest 4,000 page 'bill' that nobody read. Republicans dont even try to make it look like they oppose it and I think they do not even care now. They still make money losing and that is all they care about.
The only way both parties change is if we quit paying taxes. Federally they will print more money, but states cannot do that. Yet.
When our society pushed God and his Word out, all the morals and ideals that came with belief in Him were thrown out. The result is what you see now--deception and destruction, because these things accompany a society literally gone to the Devil. There are only two sides--God's and the Devil's.
We all need to seek God and cry out to Him. Repentance is the catalyst for change--personally and nationally.
No question yet Sasha, I’ll work on that. But I’m really happy to see this post after I just saw a news story about a 50 car pileup on an interstate in Ohio! Was a little worried about you.
My husband and I are just north of Columbus if you run into a snag today. It’s going to be a quiet Christmas; one son is out working-salting and plowing. The other is in Cancun with his family. I’m 66 and it’s hard to believe the corruption is so pervasive they don’t even try to hide it anymore. If one more politician tells me my #1 priority is Ukraine I’m going to scream! I love pie and dogs. I’ve been obsessed with trying to understand the COVID nonsense and how they were able to instill so much fear the masses went along with it. That can’t happen again. I pray for your safety. There’s nothing worse than ice. Be well and take your time.
Love Sasha Stone’s calm voice discussing the problems we face with interest in finding solutions instead of scoring debating points in a cacophony of shouting voices.
You write concisely and allow your passion to come through without overwhelming the story. What were your biggest influences in developing those skills.
So look forward to reading when Sasha arrives in my mailbox.
The first time anyone noticed my writing was in college in 1993. A lighting teacher of all things saw my journal and said it was compelling prose! I also won a writing award that same year. But I didn't really take it to heart back then because I wanted to be a filmmaker. But then my life fell apart and I got online the following year, 1994. And that is really what taught me how to write. I was on a listserv and all we did all day long for years was write to each other. When that is your primary way of communicating with people you figure out how to get the point across. Emojis weren't really used because people in my group thought they were dumb. Even a smiley was seen as weak writing. Maybe because they were all university students. I am not sure I am a good writer but I think I have skills for writing right now online in 2022 because of my early experiences online. And thank you!
First vote was for President Eisenhower in ‘52 and have voted for every Republican since. Believe limited constitutional government is always superior to government imposed solutions to problems.
I'm curious as to why you feel as you do, in this regard – RCP seems to be much more balanced (despite its conservative bias) than is Politico.
Conservatives, in general, do not want a media that is as much a lapdog to Republicans as the corporate legacy media is to the Democrats. I'm not sure that we even want one that is necessarily fair, but we do want one that is every bit the pitbull to one as the other. We want a media that fiercely defends its independence by being independent, and not abdicating its place as a non-governmental check on administrations of either party.
Sadly, I'm not sure that there is a solution that is based in the free market – despite the layoffs that will occur at the WaPo, and likely the NYT in the new year, these publications are audience-driven, rendering independent reporting a casualty.
Hi Sasha. I have enjoyed your blog. Succinctly : regardless of political or ideological bent, we must find a way to defeat the canceling of free speech, the thwarting of a free and inquisitive press and top down collusion among the DC and Corporate elite manipulating all of the tools of communication to propagandize a public that I hope is gradually waking up. Favorite films: The Third Man, Double Indemnity, the Wild Bunch, Treasure of Sierra Madre and No Country For Old Men. These stand proudly among the best of visual art. David G
Excellent movies -- all of those. I agree. The genius of the Left is that they seem to have found a way to flip it to the Right. They say they're the censors, we stand for free speech. But they really don't. Not anymore. I just think building outside the system is the best way to make change.
Yes. I always identified as a Democrat and assumed we Ds were all in favor of equality and free speech. Now that Ds are completely dominant, I'm frightened for all the universal reasons, but also a bit sad that--I'm never going to get to enjoy being a member of the dominant party. Whatever party is dominant will always try to maintain power, not give everyone a voice. I'm going to spend my life fighting for the underdog. That's not a bad thing, but it is something I never realised until the left took control (after the right). but I do have to say that I am REALLY looking forward to being a part of the next decades upcoming cool counterculture.
I get that, but the cool counterculture of which you speak will only be allowed to exist as long as it doesn't pose a threat to the clique of ruling elites who own the current culture – as soon as the cool counterculture threatens to eclipse the current culture as we know it, the forces of the federal government and media will crush it in any way available and by any means deemed necessary. Don't think for a minute that won't happen.
This cold is once-in-a-generation. I hope you get back to warm California after family time in NYC. I am spending the holidays with my wife, son, daughter and cat and dog. Favorite movie Pulp Fiction for dialog and cool storytelling, Saving Private Ryan for tugging on my emotions(the scene where he asks his wife if he was worthy of his friend’s’ sacrifices had me bawling in the theater).
I think my dog taught me to love dogs’ dependent and loving nature (she’s 14), but my 1 year old cat has renewed my love of a cat’s inscrutable personality. My question is: Do you think the Left was planning and calculating this move to wokeness all along ? And what kind of event could break it? Keep safe on your journey. I visited NYC last summer after having been there only once in the 90’s for a David Letterman show. I really loved it and want to go back summer 23 and also to Alaska for my 50th State visit for the bucket list.
I absolutely hate the cold. It is freezing here in NY as well. Driving Saturday to spend time with my SIL and her husband and dog in NH. She’s invited 3 other friends for Christmas Eve dinner and we are Jewish lol!
I am a dog and cat person.
Love to read non fiction and spiritual books as well as any thing on the tiny house movement.
Don’t have a favorite movie as I don’t watch a lot of TV, usually fall asleep in front of it and actually got rid of cable 3 years ago.
Be careful drive safe stay warm and enjoy the holidaze!
One of my favorite books is just a short one...The Death of Ayrton Senna...written by Richard Williams...so well written about such a great and complex man and racing driver.
Well for THIS Substack, I always read out loud before I post. And even then there are mistakes. I generally write several drafts and the discard all of them and start over. I think my rule has always been: don't bore your reader. Try not to. I don't always accomplish this, I know. If my brain senses boredom I cut the paragraph.
Reading TommyV's question, I was thinking that perhaps TommyV was wondering if you subscribe to the Chicago Manual of Style, Strunk & White, or the AP standard.
Do you believe misnamed “green energy” will solve climate change by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
My take is believing that reducing one atmospheric gas, carbon dioxide, will make a significant difference in temperature is fantasy. Dr Bjorn Lomborg is a voice of reason in the screaming about imminent destruction of civilization if we don’t control carbon dioxide emissions. Listen to him and become educated in real solutions.
I think it might have once, long ago. The problem, as usual, is that the Democrats see themselves as somehow holy because they have the kind of income that allows for the green energy luxuries - hybrid cars, sustainable living. But even they suck up and produce Co2. They demand high speed internet, air conditioning, tons of gadgets, Amazon delivery, etc. They eat meat, most of them, and they buy goods that have a big footprint. So what they do is they signal their virtue instead and then lay blame at people in the middle of the country for driving trucks. I like what Michael Schellenberger writes on this subject. Have high hopes for nuclear fusion. Otherwise, I feel like we're passed the point of no return and we have to learn how to survive it rather than stop it. Even if we could stop producing it here - what about the rest of the world?
Born ‘31 and grew up in Hoover/Roosevelt Depression. Believe they were about equally responsible for Depression. Went from farm prosperity to town near poverty when markets collapsed and good crops sold for less than it took to pay taxes.
Do you believe “New Deal “ saved the nation or lengthened a recession bringing suffering to the nation?
Well I think Biden thinks he's FDR, that's for sure. I just watched a pretty decent doc called 1929 about that moment in history. I was surprised to find that the New Deal did not include Black citizens. But I don't really know much about economics, that's the sad truth. It looked to me from the doc that there was no safety net and that led to many people living on the streets and in poverty. He rescued them and made them feel safe, which is how he stayed in power for four terms, right? My grandma was a New Deal Democrat, having lived through the Depression. I go back and forth between thinking bigger government is our inevitable future - and wishing we could roll it back, especially if it goes along with 1984-level authoritarianism. It has to, right? That's the plan. I don't trust THIS government we have in power now. Anything they do to grow their power is dangerous because it is based on ideology, which the New Deal never was. Even though it didn't include the black community - Roosevelt was very much about a whole America and didn't demonize half of its citizens, like Biden.
My Favorite movie: It's a Wonderful Life, I love black and white old movies. Christmas Carol, Gone With The WInd, Musicals, Three Penny Opera, My Fair Lady. I love to read Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, The Confessions of Saint Augustine, To Heal the World, Matthew Kelly write very simple books to see our lives and examine our life.
I don't like sweets, but a dark chocolate with a cup of Pinot Noir will hit the spot.
Dogs
Just my husband and I, will go out to one of our favorite places.
I like to cook and bake, I just baked rosemary bread ( grain and gluten free). The house smells amazing!
cookies and cake will be next.
Sasha, this country is lost if we continue on this road. The elites hate what this country stands for, liberty, justice, and prosperity for all. It is very sad that they only look for power and control. We need to bring back God, yes this country was founded on Judeo Christian Principles. The laws was based on the Ten Commandments, now we have left everything. Like it or not, to govern we need to look at how and why this country was born. I am sorry but my English is not the best.
But thank you for your thoughts! Merry Christmas! (Christmas is my holiday). What Holiday are you celebrating? There is always something we need to be grateful for and that is having peace, knowledge of who I am and why I am here. Be safe and many blessings.
I grew up in Dayton - if you stop there on the way back from New York, be sure to get a Marion's Pizza! And the Bob Evans chain of restaurants has great breakfasts and coffee. (Plus the Air Force Museum north of town has every Air Force One that was ever in service, and you can tour the interiors!)
I'm a retired US citizen living in Mexico City.
I follow US news closely from the standpoint of a life-long Democrat who's come to despise the party. (Not that Republicans are any better.)
Ukraine (where's our vital interest?); Covid (Why did so many submit to totalitarian lockdowns?); the economy (why don't people protest the Fed's deliberate destruction of the economy?) Wokeism (Why do people submit to these brownshirt tactics?) -- the list goes on.
What happened to my country?
I've been thinking about this too, mainly wondering if there is any way to turn things around. The internet and Generation-Z has created a very loud voice. All institutional power has now shifted in their direction. So the only way out of it is to create a successful counter culture. Trump was doing that but as you can see they destroyed him and his movement. There is no way to change culture right now. It is on its own path. But if people start building outside of it with new publishing companies, new movie studios, etc. As far as politically, I wish I had some hope. At the moment, I do not. I never thought MY side, the Democrats, would reveal themselves a hypocrites and liars. They might do it because they genuinely think they're better for this country -- some of their policies I still like -- but at the end of the day they're still losing the majority. So the way to take them out is to awaken the silent majority. Are there 100 million people who don't vote?
I wish I had a better answer for you.
The Democrats were / are still really scared of Trump...rather interesting that...
TDS is more severe than Covid. He lives in their minds. LOL
I've never seen anything like it in my life.
Their reaction is so over the top - it's really, really creepy
Over at the WSJ Peggy Noonan writes her weekly column every Friday. I've read every one before and after President Trump was in office. SINCE he was in office her column as been either about him and in some fashion has taken a stab at him. It's amazing how she ALWAYS mentions him. As if she couldn't spend her ONE weekly column on something more important. Women fighting for their rights in Iran? She's never written a WORD about. As you say it's creepy.
Peggy Noonan is a RINO and is desperate to keep in good standing with her lib friends on the Upper East Side of New York. Like Hillary, she likes her Chardonnay and does not want to be cut out of the cocktail social scene. Noonan saw what New York Society - such as it is today - did to Trump. At this point, it's completely baffling as to why the WSJ keeps publishing her babble. She's ridiculous.
Peggy is firmly ensconced in the establishment and has spent more words on Trump than Biden since Biden was sworn in. Ridiculous!
She claims to be a Reagan Republican but was far more a Bushie and is one of the the "Stupid Party" that was oh so impressed by the crease of Obama's trousers, and hated Ross Perot, the Club for Growth, the Tea Party, and Trump supporters.
Yeah...she's a Reagan Republican, in the same way that Jack Dorsey is a free-speech absolutist.
I was a Democrat until 2001, became Republican after that.
Most Republicans are just as corrupt as the Democrats. The 2020 election steal and the 2022 failure of the red wave would not have been possible without the complacency of Republican leadership.
And already McConnell and the rest have betrayed their base on marriage, religious freedom, the omnibus, and devoting themselves to the graft in Ukraine more than the American people.
We're all politically homeless, at the mercy of the uniparty.
"So the way to take them out is to awaken the silent majority."
Before the election of 2020, I would have concurred with this view, 100%. The silent majority was awakened in 2016 and spoke – the Democrat Party establishment heard, and responded accordingly – just not in a way that was beneficial to the country, as a whole.
"Are there 100 million people who don't vote?"
Nope. Sadly, that doesn't matter. With the advent of election season now, instead of election day, it will now come down to which side can cheat more effectively than the other. The local election machinery – the bureaucracies, oversight agencies, ballot counters, and all the other mechanisms (particularly in the largest metropolitan areas, and the most populous counties) are owned or controlled by Democrats. So it won't matter how many ballots can be harvested by Republicans, the Democrats will always be able to extend the tabulation process to manufacture the votes necessary to "win."
Going forward, if the Republicans manage to steal one or two House seats, it will only be because the Republicans' Henry Gondorff was able to cheat better than the Democrats' Doyle Lonnegan – and even then, it will likely be a seat that the Democrats couldn't have cared about any less.
Trumps 75M+ haven't gone away, well maybe from the corrupt UniParty. What is happening in Maricopa and Fulton counties cannot be unseen and is the story that should concern every American.
"(Not that Republicans are any better.)"
As a former Republican, I submit the congressional Republicans are even worse than the Democrats, whose party has been seized by the left. We expect the left to behave as it does – but we expected Republicans in congress (specifically, the US Senate) to stand up to those who would bankrupt this nation for Ukraine (where was this response when Russia annexed Crimea?), to stand against the authoritarian lockdowns, the Fed's razing of the economy (what remains of it, anyway), to take a stand against wokeism – but they didn't. I submit that because they stood by and did nothing to prevent evil from prospering, they are even worse.
Look at this latest 4,000 page 'bill' that nobody read. Republicans dont even try to make it look like they oppose it and I think they do not even care now. They still make money losing and that is all they care about.
The only way both parties change is if we quit paying taxes. Federally they will print more money, but states cannot do that. Yet.
💯 🎯
Agreed.
When our society pushed God and his Word out, all the morals and ideals that came with belief in Him were thrown out. The result is what you see now--deception and destruction, because these things accompany a society literally gone to the Devil. There are only two sides--God's and the Devil's.
We all need to seek God and cry out to Him. Repentance is the catalyst for change--personally and nationally.
No question yet Sasha, I’ll work on that. But I’m really happy to see this post after I just saw a news story about a 50 car pileup on an interstate in Ohio! Was a little worried about you.
Yikes. I'm really glad I wasn't involved in that!
My husband and I are just north of Columbus if you run into a snag today. It’s going to be a quiet Christmas; one son is out working-salting and plowing. The other is in Cancun with his family. I’m 66 and it’s hard to believe the corruption is so pervasive they don’t even try to hide it anymore. If one more politician tells me my #1 priority is Ukraine I’m going to scream! I love pie and dogs. I’ve been obsessed with trying to understand the COVID nonsense and how they were able to instill so much fear the masses went along with it. That can’t happen again. I pray for your safety. There’s nothing worse than ice. Be well and take your time.
Love Sasha Stone’s calm voice discussing the problems we face with interest in finding solutions instead of scoring debating points in a cacophony of shouting voices.
You write concisely and allow your passion to come through without overwhelming the story. What were your biggest influences in developing those skills.
So look forward to reading when Sasha arrives in my mailbox.
The first time anyone noticed my writing was in college in 1993. A lighting teacher of all things saw my journal and said it was compelling prose! I also won a writing award that same year. But I didn't really take it to heart back then because I wanted to be a filmmaker. But then my life fell apart and I got online the following year, 1994. And that is really what taught me how to write. I was on a listserv and all we did all day long for years was write to each other. When that is your primary way of communicating with people you figure out how to get the point across. Emojis weren't really used because people in my group thought they were dumb. Even a smiley was seen as weak writing. Maybe because they were all university students. I am not sure I am a good writer but I think I have skills for writing right now online in 2022 because of my early experiences online. And thank you!
First vote was for President Eisenhower in ‘52 and have voted for every Republican since. Believe limited constitutional government is always superior to government imposed solutions to problems.
"Believe limited constitutional government is always superior to government imposed solutions to problems."
As do I, but sadly, the Republican Party that I once knew, and that was committed to such, is no more. I believe we can thank HW, for that.
I was so excited to see you picked up by RCP. How has all that exposure changed your life? Is it opening new doors?
It was and remains incredible to me that they would link to my stuff. I still can't believe they do.
I'm curious as to why you feel as you do, in this regard – RCP seems to be much more balanced (despite its conservative bias) than is Politico.
Conservatives, in general, do not want a media that is as much a lapdog to Republicans as the corporate legacy media is to the Democrats. I'm not sure that we even want one that is necessarily fair, but we do want one that is every bit the pitbull to one as the other. We want a media that fiercely defends its independence by being independent, and not abdicating its place as a non-governmental check on administrations of either party.
Sadly, I'm not sure that there is a solution that is based in the free market – despite the layoffs that will occur at the WaPo, and likely the NYT in the new year, these publications are audience-driven, rendering independent reporting a casualty.
What is RCP?
RealClearPolitics site
Sorry didn’t see the earlier reply
I’m guessing Real Clear Politics but not entirely sure
Hi Sasha. I have enjoyed your blog. Succinctly : regardless of political or ideological bent, we must find a way to defeat the canceling of free speech, the thwarting of a free and inquisitive press and top down collusion among the DC and Corporate elite manipulating all of the tools of communication to propagandize a public that I hope is gradually waking up. Favorite films: The Third Man, Double Indemnity, the Wild Bunch, Treasure of Sierra Madre and No Country For Old Men. These stand proudly among the best of visual art. David G
Excellent movies -- all of those. I agree. The genius of the Left is that they seem to have found a way to flip it to the Right. They say they're the censors, we stand for free speech. But they really don't. Not anymore. I just think building outside the system is the best way to make change.
Yes. I always identified as a Democrat and assumed we Ds were all in favor of equality and free speech. Now that Ds are completely dominant, I'm frightened for all the universal reasons, but also a bit sad that--I'm never going to get to enjoy being a member of the dominant party. Whatever party is dominant will always try to maintain power, not give everyone a voice. I'm going to spend my life fighting for the underdog. That's not a bad thing, but it is something I never realised until the left took control (after the right). but I do have to say that I am REALLY looking forward to being a part of the next decades upcoming cool counterculture.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I get that, but the cool counterculture of which you speak will only be allowed to exist as long as it doesn't pose a threat to the clique of ruling elites who own the current culture – as soon as the cool counterculture threatens to eclipse the current culture as we know it, the forces of the federal government and media will crush it in any way available and by any means deemed necessary. Don't think for a minute that won't happen.
Hi ya Scott! I think it's probably Banshees.
This cold is once-in-a-generation. I hope you get back to warm California after family time in NYC. I am spending the holidays with my wife, son, daughter and cat and dog. Favorite movie Pulp Fiction for dialog and cool storytelling, Saving Private Ryan for tugging on my emotions(the scene where he asks his wife if he was worthy of his friend’s’ sacrifices had me bawling in the theater).
I think my dog taught me to love dogs’ dependent and loving nature (she’s 14), but my 1 year old cat has renewed my love of a cat’s inscrutable personality. My question is: Do you think the Left was planning and calculating this move to wokeness all along ? And what kind of event could break it? Keep safe on your journey. I visited NYC last summer after having been there only once in the 90’s for a David Letterman show. I really loved it and want to go back summer 23 and also to Alaska for my 50th State visit for the bucket list.
I absolutely hate the cold. It is freezing here in NY as well. Driving Saturday to spend time with my SIL and her husband and dog in NH. She’s invited 3 other friends for Christmas Eve dinner and we are Jewish lol!
I am a dog and cat person.
Love to read non fiction and spiritual books as well as any thing on the tiny house movement.
Don’t have a favorite movie as I don’t watch a lot of TV, usually fall asleep in front of it and actually got rid of cable 3 years ago.
Be careful drive safe stay warm and enjoy the holidaze!
Ah. The tiny house movement! I'm so into that too. I keep hoping to find and buy land, put one of those on there. Sounds like a nice time. :)
You tube has some great tiny house shows...I’m obsessed lol.
HI Sasha,
One of my favorite books is just a short one...The Death of Ayrton Senna...written by Richard Williams...so well written about such a great and complex man and racing driver.
Movies...Cinderella Man...Warrior..... Gold.... & Fracture.
My one question for you, since I enjoy your writing style so much. What's the writing rule or even rules you follow without fail.
Well for THIS Substack, I always read out loud before I post. And even then there are mistakes. I generally write several drafts and the discard all of them and start over. I think my rule has always been: don't bore your reader. Try not to. I don't always accomplish this, I know. If my brain senses boredom I cut the paragraph.
Reading TommyV's question, I was thinking that perhaps TommyV was wondering if you subscribe to the Chicago Manual of Style, Strunk & White, or the AP standard.
Do you believe misnamed “green energy” will solve climate change by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
My take is believing that reducing one atmospheric gas, carbon dioxide, will make a significant difference in temperature is fantasy. Dr Bjorn Lomborg is a voice of reason in the screaming about imminent destruction of civilization if we don’t control carbon dioxide emissions. Listen to him and become educated in real solutions.
I think it might have once, long ago. The problem, as usual, is that the Democrats see themselves as somehow holy because they have the kind of income that allows for the green energy luxuries - hybrid cars, sustainable living. But even they suck up and produce Co2. They demand high speed internet, air conditioning, tons of gadgets, Amazon delivery, etc. They eat meat, most of them, and they buy goods that have a big footprint. So what they do is they signal their virtue instead and then lay blame at people in the middle of the country for driving trucks. I like what Michael Schellenberger writes on this subject. Have high hopes for nuclear fusion. Otherwise, I feel like we're passed the point of no return and we have to learn how to survive it rather than stop it. Even if we could stop producing it here - what about the rest of the world?
Born ‘31 and grew up in Hoover/Roosevelt Depression. Believe they were about equally responsible for Depression. Went from farm prosperity to town near poverty when markets collapsed and good crops sold for less than it took to pay taxes.
Do you believe “New Deal “ saved the nation or lengthened a recession bringing suffering to the nation?
Well I think Biden thinks he's FDR, that's for sure. I just watched a pretty decent doc called 1929 about that moment in history. I was surprised to find that the New Deal did not include Black citizens. But I don't really know much about economics, that's the sad truth. It looked to me from the doc that there was no safety net and that led to many people living on the streets and in poverty. He rescued them and made them feel safe, which is how he stayed in power for four terms, right? My grandma was a New Deal Democrat, having lived through the Depression. I go back and forth between thinking bigger government is our inevitable future - and wishing we could roll it back, especially if it goes along with 1984-level authoritarianism. It has to, right? That's the plan. I don't trust THIS government we have in power now. Anything they do to grow their power is dangerous because it is based on ideology, which the New Deal never was. Even though it didn't include the black community - Roosevelt was very much about a whole America and didn't demonize half of its citizens, like Biden.
Yea same president who had internment camps (also stole their land outright) for Japanese and even German Americans?
My Favorite movie: It's a Wonderful Life, I love black and white old movies. Christmas Carol, Gone With The WInd, Musicals, Three Penny Opera, My Fair Lady. I love to read Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, The Confessions of Saint Augustine, To Heal the World, Matthew Kelly write very simple books to see our lives and examine our life.
I don't like sweets, but a dark chocolate with a cup of Pinot Noir will hit the spot.
Dogs
Just my husband and I, will go out to one of our favorite places.
I like to cook and bake, I just baked rosemary bread ( grain and gluten free). The house smells amazing!
cookies and cake will be next.
Sasha, this country is lost if we continue on this road. The elites hate what this country stands for, liberty, justice, and prosperity for all. It is very sad that they only look for power and control. We need to bring back God, yes this country was founded on Judeo Christian Principles. The laws was based on the Ten Commandments, now we have left everything. Like it or not, to govern we need to look at how and why this country was born. I am sorry but my English is not the best.
But thank you for your thoughts! Merry Christmas! (Christmas is my holiday). What Holiday are you celebrating? There is always something we need to be grateful for and that is having peace, knowledge of who I am and why I am here. Be safe and many blessings.
A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite books and any version of the movie if it's on TV I'll watch it.
I grew up in Dayton - if you stop there on the way back from New York, be sure to get a Marion's Pizza! And the Bob Evans chain of restaurants has great breakfasts and coffee. (Plus the Air Force Museum north of town has every Air Force One that was ever in service, and you can tour the interiors!)
Be safe!
Oh I wish! Hunker down and drive seems to be the name of the game.