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For continually updated, expert information about the coronavirus pandemic and our national response, check out this great blog:
https://dearpandemic.org/ *What we need to do about it  Photo by roya ann miller on Unsplash Contributor: Wy Spano
Many people ask: How can you be sure that Trump will try to declare himself elected, even if he’s behind? The Atlantic had a brilliant take on this question: all we know about Donald Trump and his extreme narcissism tells us that one thing he will never do is admit he lost or that he didn’t do something perfectly. Unfortunately for us, citizens in the country he’s now trying to rule, elections here are usually officially over only after one side concedes. Since Donald Trump simply can’t concede because he no kidding thinks he’s never wrong, someone else has to say, “The election is over. This side won. This side lost.” But there is no someone whose job it is to do that. If you follow the very murky directions in the constitution, you usually end up somewhere in a political place, like the U.S. House of Representatives, asking them to choose between options. With those directions from the Constitution, though, came a clear expectation that political actors would “do the right thing.” Concerning Trump, however, “doing the right thing” is an oxymoron. In his mind, the right thing is what he says and believes. Example: Trump lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes in 2016. He still says that’s not right, that undocumented immigrants and cheating Democrats, etc. etc. make up that 3 million. I used to think those statements were clumsy attempts at gilding a lily, but I’m now convinced that Trump actually believes it. He will actually believe he won this election no matter how many votes he loses by. And he has the office to continue to push his case. And he has, now, a highly politicized Supreme Court ready to bless whatever craziness he undertakes. How long will the conflict period last? Till at least January 20, maybe even longer. Let's remember the week before the 2016 election.  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/newsgraphics/2016/10/18/presidential-forecast-updates/newsletter.html?fbclid=IwAR2r1oHvTwBqVQkB46Peu7YPnbU5-guDcSCMIrwiePAaBo5WfnruMzVIxpM Rain Didn't Stop Minneapolis Residents Lining Up on the First Day of Early Voting, Oct. 2410/26/2020  attribution: Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty Images People Are Clearly Eager to Vote. But for Which Side?
There’s never been early voting like this in our country’s history. More than 60 million ballots in before Oct. 26. Estimates are there will be 85 million early votes cast, maybe more. People really want to get their votes counted. Which side is favored by this outburst of enthusiasm? We’re guessing Democrats are favored, but no one knows for sure. Meantime, make sure everyone in your family/group of friends has voted. Including you. To learn more, check out this Daily Kos article about the surge in early voting. *Restoring American Democracy Contributor: Tom Beer
First, a verse. They Voted for Trump… The oil baroness with tobacco stained teeth. The car salesman, well off. Gentlemen farmers, the churched, and priests. Trades men and their wives, and The stock market player. As it gets crazier every day, the Presidential election looms and one wonders if the voters who went for Trump in 2016 will hold. Rock solid over four years, might his base be crumbling. He’s become a contact spreader of the Corona virus in his own White House, now a Petri dish. He continues to mock science, but that hasn’t alienated many in his tribe. His advice in the face of two-hundred thousand plus deaths is: be not afraid. He licked it, so can we. Crowds continue to show at his rallies, mask less and unafraid, at least of the Corona virus. Contributor: Buddy Robinson All seniors know how important Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid are. But, they are at great risk, depending on the election results. You don't hear this on the news, but if Trump and the Republicans are in power, these vital programs will be harmed. Click on the articles below to find out more:
Medicare will need some changes in the future, but they could be very good or very bad for seniors, depending on who is making public policy.
Contributor: Buddy Robinson If this wasn’t such a chaotic time in America’s politics, you’d be hearing more in the news about an important struggle that is still going on quietly, in the background: The future of Medicare. You’ve heard some of this in recent years – dire warnings that Medicare is running out of money, and at an ever-faster pace. Some assert: “Medicare benefits will have to be reduced, if we are to continue having any at all.” The talk in the news is quieter for now, but there are still strong efforts behind the scenes, waiting to take center stage after the 2020 election is over. |
