I was tempted to write a blog entitled “Contra Chuck Redux.” But I'll refrain (and who likes to read Latin anyway?). I'll make a few points here instead:
1. As a tactic to derail Trump, I'd be happy to see all Iowans--even Dems--go caucus for Haley. The first priority is to defend American democracy, the rule of law, avoid war; and to promote virtue (more on this last item in a bit). We support all of these aspirations and values by opposing Trump.
2. There is a Republican Party in name only; there's been an invasion of body snatchers that are best labeled MAGA. By registering as a Republican now, you're identifying with a cult, a new ersatz religion. Religion and politics don't mix. (Faith and politics can & should mix, but that's for another time.)
3. The viral infection that has snatched the body of the Republican Party won't disappear even if its primary vector--Defendant Trump--loses or is barred from the upcoming elections. The whole edifice--the current Republican Party--needs to be torched (metaphorically speaking). That will only occur if enough folks simply refuse to support or vote for candidates who don't reject Trump & all his works.
4. Haley has refused the call to reject Trump and all his evil works.
5. As Chris Christie said on his way out the door, she's not up to it. She wants to gain the nomination and then claim she's different from Trump (and imply that she can tame his voters and acolytes). If you intend to take down the king, you have to slay him (metaphorically speaking). She refuses to pick up the sword. How will she then rule?
7. On virtue: as you know, I've been reading my way through THE FEDERALIST PAPERS and some related secondary literature. The Founders built this republic with the understanding that virtue, public virtue, must serve as a cornerstone. Their confidence in virtue--including opposition to “faction” & “party”--quickly proved untenable. Most people, even the best among us, can not always act purely out of public-spirited virtue. But that being acknowledged, we can't survive as a representative democracy (republic) without some modicum of public virtue in our political leaders and citizens. Trump is the antithesis of virtue. He has no character (or is it a “bad character,” I'm not sure which way to go with that, but you get the idea). And because of the prevalence of so much lack of character or bad character abroad within the MAGA movement, to clean house we need a truly virtuous person to stand up and stand out. Of course, courage entails risk--ask Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney and the other Republicans who refused to kiss the ring. We've every reason to believe that Haley will not speak truth to power. We require a new profile in courage.
So, I hope that Haley wins in Iowa, gains the nomination, and then loses the election. American politics more usually presents us with a series of binary choices, about which we sometimes feel too constrained, abut in this election, I see easy choices.
Read with interest your reasons for changing parties. There is so much more than the issue of abortion /pro-choice. Attended a conference in Iowa City in 1991 on global warming. All 3 models presented projected days like today of extreme cold from poler outbreaks. The climate is changing even faster than forecast. Even farmers will privately admit it. Such monstrous change will push massive movements of people worldwide. Your new party is blind and oblivious to these pressures people are experiencing. Indeed razor wire in the river is inhumane. In that light, I think I will move on. Please do not renew my subscription. Glen Jesse
I argue that addressing climate change (mitigation & adaptation) is second only in importance to the preservation of American democracy in this election. (And the two will become more and more closely related). So I agree with you about that. The Republican failure to come to terms with the reality of climate change is another deal-breaker for me. But that being said, don’t cancel your subscription! If Chuck is in error (and in some ways he is), he’s not totally in error and he’s a person of good will (and, I believe, persuadable). In other words, he’s the type of person that we should be listening to and engaging with. That’s democracy--so damned messy and at times irritating. So stay tuned and engaged; preach your gospel, your admonitions, and don’t cut the lines to others. Chuck, I predict, will come around.
People endorsing Haley are looking away from her sexist and racist comments. And she says she is going to pardon Trump. Koch Industries is sponsoring her so there goes the environment. I'm with you, Glenn.
All accurate, all reasons never to vote for Haley in a general election. But, she's better than Trump. In what is now essentially a binary choice of Iowans who want a say, it's either her or Trump. (Is anyone still supporting DeSantis?) To after Monday night, there'll be time to re-think one's position on Gov. Haley.
I remember the night you hosted Sen Alexander at your home in Storm Lake. I was home from Atlanta and was following his campaign. He had such great ideas on education. We had Moon Pies and great conversation. Stay warm, really not possible, so stay alive. I like Amb. Haley but I think she will lose SC and that will be the end. Come November I may have liver or salmon patties to choose from.......Just Yuck :)
You are defending yourself by saying you are married but you are not considering what your knowledgeble wife has to say or her feelings. Time to check to see if you've got some sexism lurking within.
Please consider that Haley may well cave and run as VP with the insurrectionist. That would likely insure a Republican victory. Is that comforting to you?
Chuck,
I was tempted to write a blog entitled “Contra Chuck Redux.” But I'll refrain (and who likes to read Latin anyway?). I'll make a few points here instead:
1. As a tactic to derail Trump, I'd be happy to see all Iowans--even Dems--go caucus for Haley. The first priority is to defend American democracy, the rule of law, avoid war; and to promote virtue (more on this last item in a bit). We support all of these aspirations and values by opposing Trump.
2. There is a Republican Party in name only; there's been an invasion of body snatchers that are best labeled MAGA. By registering as a Republican now, you're identifying with a cult, a new ersatz religion. Religion and politics don't mix. (Faith and politics can & should mix, but that's for another time.)
3. The viral infection that has snatched the body of the Republican Party won't disappear even if its primary vector--Defendant Trump--loses or is barred from the upcoming elections. The whole edifice--the current Republican Party--needs to be torched (metaphorically speaking). That will only occur if enough folks simply refuse to support or vote for candidates who don't reject Trump & all his works.
4. Haley has refused the call to reject Trump and all his evil works.
5. As Chris Christie said on his way out the door, she's not up to it. She wants to gain the nomination and then claim she's different from Trump (and imply that she can tame his voters and acolytes). If you intend to take down the king, you have to slay him (metaphorically speaking). She refuses to pick up the sword. How will she then rule?
7. On virtue: as you know, I've been reading my way through THE FEDERALIST PAPERS and some related secondary literature. The Founders built this republic with the understanding that virtue, public virtue, must serve as a cornerstone. Their confidence in virtue--including opposition to “faction” & “party”--quickly proved untenable. Most people, even the best among us, can not always act purely out of public-spirited virtue. But that being acknowledged, we can't survive as a representative democracy (republic) without some modicum of public virtue in our political leaders and citizens. Trump is the antithesis of virtue. He has no character (or is it a “bad character,” I'm not sure which way to go with that, but you get the idea). And because of the prevalence of so much lack of character or bad character abroad within the MAGA movement, to clean house we need a truly virtuous person to stand up and stand out. Of course, courage entails risk--ask Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney and the other Republicans who refused to kiss the ring. We've every reason to believe that Haley will not speak truth to power. We require a new profile in courage.
6. I commend to you this insightful article by Mark Leibovich in THE ATLANTIC (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/01/nikki-haley-2024-campaign-primary-trump/677084/) that takes a close look at Haley.
So, I hope that Haley wins in Iowa, gains the nomination, and then loses the election. American politics more usually presents us with a series of binary choices, about which we sometimes feel too constrained, abut in this election, I see easy choices.
All the best,
Steve
Chuck—You’re a braver man than I am. 😀
Smile.
Read with interest your reasons for changing parties. There is so much more than the issue of abortion /pro-choice. Attended a conference in Iowa City in 1991 on global warming. All 3 models presented projected days like today of extreme cold from poler outbreaks. The climate is changing even faster than forecast. Even farmers will privately admit it. Such monstrous change will push massive movements of people worldwide. Your new party is blind and oblivious to these pressures people are experiencing. Indeed razor wire in the river is inhumane. In that light, I think I will move on. Please do not renew my subscription. Glen Jesse
Mr. Jesse,
I argue that addressing climate change (mitigation & adaptation) is second only in importance to the preservation of American democracy in this election. (And the two will become more and more closely related). So I agree with you about that. The Republican failure to come to terms with the reality of climate change is another deal-breaker for me. But that being said, don’t cancel your subscription! If Chuck is in error (and in some ways he is), he’s not totally in error and he’s a person of good will (and, I believe, persuadable). In other words, he’s the type of person that we should be listening to and engaging with. That’s democracy--so damned messy and at times irritating. So stay tuned and engaged; preach your gospel, your admonitions, and don’t cut the lines to others. Chuck, I predict, will come around.
People endorsing Haley are looking away from her sexist and racist comments. And she says she is going to pardon Trump. Koch Industries is sponsoring her so there goes the environment. I'm with you, Glenn.
All accurate, all reasons never to vote for Haley in a general election. But, she's better than Trump. In what is now essentially a binary choice of Iowans who want a say, it's either her or Trump. (Is anyone still supporting DeSantis?) To after Monday night, there'll be time to re-think one's position on Gov. Haley.
True but you will forfeit your ability to go to the Democratic caucus, discuss the platform, and vote for Biden via a mail in ballot.
I remember the night you hosted Sen Alexander at your home in Storm Lake. I was home from Atlanta and was following his campaign. He had such great ideas on education. We had Moon Pies and great conversation. Stay warm, really not possible, so stay alive. I like Amb. Haley but I think she will lose SC and that will be the end. Come November I may have liver or salmon patties to choose from.......Just Yuck :)
Thanks, Chuck?! My head is spinning 😵💫!
Have fun at the Caucus!!
All the Democrats I know in Greene County have tremendous respect for Thomas Laehn.
Perhaps you can change Haley’s mind about Cuba; and if elected, work to get the Cuban sanctions and blockade removed.
Happy Trails!
You are defending yourself by saying you are married but you are not considering what your knowledgeble wife has to say or her feelings. Time to check to see if you've got some sexism lurking within.
Please consider that Haley may well cave and run as VP with the insurrectionist. That would likely insure a Republican victory. Is that comforting to you?
Currently reading Cheney's "Oath and Honor." The lack of integrity and courage she describes is disgraceful!