When people say they are members of one or another party, I have always wanted to run. For many years now I’ve voted a straight blue ticket but can remember in the before times voting both sides in elections. Washington State doesn’t require voting a party except for the presidential primaries. But my anger at the Dems and Biden has been a hot fire for more than 2 years. I’m the same age as 8647 and so only slightly younger than Biden and I thought long before this last race, “they are both too old for that job”! It’s a rare person in their mid to late 70s on who is up to the demands of that office. I cannot being awakened at 3-4am with an international crisis and being able to have my wits about me! I am angry with our “politicians” who now believe they are “the only ones” who can do whatever!!! From city council right on the the President, they all begin to think they cannot be replaced! I cannot imagine how cheated people in their 30s, 40s and 50s must be feeling about the lack of representation they have! Gahhhhhh! Beyond angry…
I hear you, Mary. We need to let the younger generation take over. We have screwed up the world. Funny, huh, considering how the whole generation was idealists, then decided to be selfish and make money no matter what.
As I sit here in Ireland, after a month's respite from the debacle in DC, I am dreading Sunday when I have to get on the plane to go back to the lunacy that is my country, the one that my ancestors gave their lives for.
We've been to Westport on a past trip, we've been in Killarney for the past month and are looking forward to spending possibly three months next year. My heart belongs to Killarney. I've got some great friends here plus an amazing chiropractor and my own cab driver (Ireland has a zero tolerance for driving when drinking so we're very careful here. All I need is to get my cat here and I would be happy.
We agree Biden should not have tried to run for another term but the country was doing fine and dandy because he had a competent , experienced staff doing their jobs well. We were protected and the economy was on the “ upswing”! Harris lost because of race and misogyny.
It really did not matter how long she was on the campaign trail with Musk buying votes and manipulating ballots. Those Republicans are all going to burn in hell. Our opinions. Marcia and Lynn
I just listened to your podcast with Julie and I'm so happy your book is out and you are talking about it and all things Maura! I keep hoping you will put it in audiobook form for those of us who do a lot of driving and listen to a ton of books. You are a gifted writer and a wonderful teacher. Best wishes as you continue on your book tour. See you in Okoboji!
Loyalty in my family was a cardinal virtue. Betrayal was a cardinal sin. I'm pissed at the Democratic Party. Really. Pissed. But, it would take a whole lot more than the deceit about Joe for me to leave it. It's wrong - it was very wrong - but I suspect the thought of the evil of Trump hampered their judgment. No excuse. None. It was wrong. Very wrong. But honestly? I don't know what I would have done in that situation. I would have voted for a diminished Biden with cancer over Trump any day. Twice on Sunday, if I could. Before breakfast. So, maybe my childhood informs me differently than yours. Doesn't make me better. Or, worse. I just have a little different take on this than you do. You are absolutely entitled to your anger and your sense of betrayal. I'm just not where you are.
Let me be clear. Nothing will make me vote for republicans in national politics. The party has become a cult. On a local level in my town, I can vote for a member of the GOP for zoning board so long as they tell me correctly who won the 2020 election. But Biden erred in thinking that he was the only person who could run.- nonsense. I think Kamala kept the election from being a total bloodbath. But if Biden had stepped away the year before we would have had a primary at least.
Yup. Big error in judgement. That can happen when you think you are the only one who can effectively fight evil. He did it once. Thought he could do it again. He forgot he was 4 years older. If this doesn’t convince the Democrats that they have to grow a spine I don’t know what will.
I also remember that Ronald Reagan’s dementia was hidden, and the ‘whispers’ that Nancy was actually running things.
There were also the significant health issues of Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Wilson that were also hidden. This isn’t something new. It would be worth putting some legislative guardrails in place.
I don’t think the 25th would solve the problem, esp with the lack of spines. What I had in mind is a required annual physical by an independent physician with a complete report going to Congress. If found unfit by the independent physician for any reason, the President is dismissed… Something like the provisions in a CEO’s contract, but codified in law.
I like this idea, and I agree it is not new. William Howard Taft had an operation he kept from the public, a tumor in his mouth if I recall. Washington was struggling with hearing loss in his second term. Roosevelt’s congestive heart failure was so advanced his physician didn’t think he would last a year into his 4th term. And he didn’t.
When people say they are members of one or another party, I have always wanted to run. For many years now I’ve voted a straight blue ticket but can remember in the before times voting both sides in elections. Washington State doesn’t require voting a party except for the presidential primaries. But my anger at the Dems and Biden has been a hot fire for more than 2 years. I’m the same age as 8647 and so only slightly younger than Biden and I thought long before this last race, “they are both too old for that job”! It’s a rare person in their mid to late 70s on who is up to the demands of that office. I cannot being awakened at 3-4am with an international crisis and being able to have my wits about me! I am angry with our “politicians” who now believe they are “the only ones” who can do whatever!!! From city council right on the the President, they all begin to think they cannot be replaced! I cannot imagine how cheated people in their 30s, 40s and 50s must be feeling about the lack of representation they have! Gahhhhhh! Beyond angry…
I hear you, Mary. We need to let the younger generation take over. We have screwed up the world. Funny, huh, considering how the whole generation was idealists, then decided to be selfish and make money no matter what.
As I sit here in Ireland, after a month's respite from the debacle in DC, I am dreading Sunday when I have to get on the plane to go back to the lunacy that is my country, the one that my ancestors gave their lives for.
Ooooo, lucky you, Merrill! I hope you got to Westport, County Mayo, my ancestral town! Love Ireland! Take a job in a pub, find a way to stay!
We've been to Westport on a past trip, we've been in Killarney for the past month and are looking forward to spending possibly three months next year. My heart belongs to Killarney. I've got some great friends here plus an amazing chiropractor and my own cab driver (Ireland has a zero tolerance for driving when drinking so we're very careful here. All I need is to get my cat here and I would be happy.
Please get a suitcase large enough to pack me!
We agree Biden should not have tried to run for another term but the country was doing fine and dandy because he had a competent , experienced staff doing their jobs well. We were protected and the economy was on the “ upswing”! Harris lost because of race and misogyny.
It really did not matter how long she was on the campaign trail with Musk buying votes and manipulating ballots. Those Republicans are all going to burn in hell. Our opinions. Marcia and Lynn
Back atcha cousims!
Mow my lawn? Here in NH?
I’m tempted to sign up, although I’m not about to attend
an event clear across the country. That would be cheating, so I won’t, but I got a giggle out of the thought.
I used to live across the border from Salem, in Lawrence! Since I am in Connecticut I will let you know if I migrate north for an author reading!
I just listened to your podcast with Julie and I'm so happy your book is out and you are talking about it and all things Maura! I keep hoping you will put it in audiobook form for those of us who do a lot of driving and listen to a ton of books. You are a gifted writer and a wonderful teacher. Best wishes as you continue on your book tour. See you in Okoboji!
Wow! Great news that you will come to Okojobi! Thank you for your good wishes!
Loyalty in my family was a cardinal virtue. Betrayal was a cardinal sin. I'm pissed at the Democratic Party. Really. Pissed. But, it would take a whole lot more than the deceit about Joe for me to leave it. It's wrong - it was very wrong - but I suspect the thought of the evil of Trump hampered their judgment. No excuse. None. It was wrong. Very wrong. But honestly? I don't know what I would have done in that situation. I would have voted for a diminished Biden with cancer over Trump any day. Twice on Sunday, if I could. Before breakfast. So, maybe my childhood informs me differently than yours. Doesn't make me better. Or, worse. I just have a little different take on this than you do. You are absolutely entitled to your anger and your sense of betrayal. I'm just not where you are.
Let me be clear. Nothing will make me vote for republicans in national politics. The party has become a cult. On a local level in my town, I can vote for a member of the GOP for zoning board so long as they tell me correctly who won the 2020 election. But Biden erred in thinking that he was the only person who could run.- nonsense. I think Kamala kept the election from being a total bloodbath. But if Biden had stepped away the year before we would have had a primary at least.
Yup. Big error in judgement. That can happen when you think you are the only one who can effectively fight evil. He did it once. Thought he could do it again. He forgot he was 4 years older. If this doesn’t convince the Democrats that they have to grow a spine I don’t know what will.
I also remember that Ronald Reagan’s dementia was hidden, and the ‘whispers’ that Nancy was actually running things.
There were also the significant health issues of Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Wilson that were also hidden. This isn’t something new. It would be worth putting some legislative guardrails in place.
That’s why we have the 25th Amendment. What we lack, apparently, is the spine to actually use it.
I don’t think the 25th would solve the problem, esp with the lack of spines. What I had in mind is a required annual physical by an independent physician with a complete report going to Congress. If found unfit by the independent physician for any reason, the President is dismissed… Something like the provisions in a CEO’s contract, but codified in law.
I like this idea, and I agree it is not new. William Howard Taft had an operation he kept from the public, a tumor in his mouth if I recall. Washington was struggling with hearing loss in his second term. Roosevelt’s congestive heart failure was so advanced his physician didn’t think he would last a year into his 4th term. And he didn’t.
Maura, you captured so well my feelings about the Democratic Party. Thank you!
Writing this particular column was therapy. Thank you, Suzette!
And it was therapeutic to read!
I agree that Biden should have dropped out much earlier, but I feel he deserves compassion.