Sadly the people with a soul can't run today. They can't subject their families to the abuse and threats. The Republican party is losing any member that may have integrity and are gaining those that want power. They don't care how they get it, they just want it. This is beyond anything I ever expected to see in my lifetime in the United States. I can't say I'm shocked any longer. I see no middle ground in the future, no compromise. I pray I'm wrong.
The Minority will continue to rule the majority for decades. We had a small window to change the trajectory and a few Senators from small states held us hostage. The Senate is undemocratic, the Supreme Court is in the hands of conservatives put in by Presidents who didn't win the popular/majority and the efforts by these power hungry people will continue to suppress our rights, control the narrative and destroy our lives.
I think back to John Sweeney who was also a rising star after his participation in the Brooks brothers riot in Florida. I think he was at least close to the level of “stardom” that Elise Stefanik has reached. Not to say I think she’s going to fall as precipitously as he did because who knows.
On the soul thing, I can only speak for myself, but a lot of what I did in my late teens and 20’s I still feel a lot of guilt over. By the time I reached 37 I like to think I’d developed some moral center even if I don’t always do as Jesus would. I often wonder if there’s going to come a point in our congresswoman’s life where she will look back with guilt over her actions. Not sure which way I’m rooting.
I suspect that Sweeney is a happier person now that he’s no longer in Congress. I hope so and wish the best for him. John Katko has decided he’d be happier “spending more time with his family.” Snark aside, I’m sorry to see someone go who’s standing for what makes the country great and not for a cult leader.
I would not hold your breath on a call to Jesus from our congresswoman, and if you look at some of Sweeney’s most recent clients, I’m not sure he is as reformed as we think either, although he hasn’t been caught driving with strippers on his lap either - See the Sweeney chapter in the upcoming “The Last American Newspaper.”
It may but it seems to me that most of those National politicians that are quitting this year is what they say are threats from Trump. I haven’t heard of any Republicans leaving in response to threats, harassment, etc. from Biden.
Thanks for a thoughtful piece. I must admit I don't have much faith in our existing two-party system anymore because power so clearly corrupts. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about having agency. We the people do have agency; but our entire society is arranged to expect others to consider the big picture and tell us how to feel, what to think, what to do in our lives. For centuries, maybe millenia, we've accepted being led by the (perhaps elected) leaders, the clergy, those in authority. It never occurs to many people that they have any choices or power in the way our lives progress. But I firmly believe it's our individual responsibility to have our fingers on the pulse of the communities around us and find ways to be of service to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers; to connect hearts and strengthen ties among us, start healing the ills and injustices we see close to home. We need to develop a collective service/collaboration mindset instead of a sense of entitlement to be served. It would change everything.
Sadly the people with a soul can't run today. They can't subject their families to the abuse and threats. The Republican party is losing any member that may have integrity and are gaining those that want power. They don't care how they get it, they just want it. This is beyond anything I ever expected to see in my lifetime in the United States. I can't say I'm shocked any longer. I see no middle ground in the future, no compromise. I pray I'm wrong.
The Minority will continue to rule the majority for decades. We had a small window to change the trajectory and a few Senators from small states held us hostage. The Senate is undemocratic, the Supreme Court is in the hands of conservatives put in by Presidents who didn't win the popular/majority and the efforts by these power hungry people will continue to suppress our rights, control the narrative and destroy our lives.
I think back to John Sweeney who was also a rising star after his participation in the Brooks brothers riot in Florida. I think he was at least close to the level of “stardom” that Elise Stefanik has reached. Not to say I think she’s going to fall as precipitously as he did because who knows.
On the soul thing, I can only speak for myself, but a lot of what I did in my late teens and 20’s I still feel a lot of guilt over. By the time I reached 37 I like to think I’d developed some moral center even if I don’t always do as Jesus would. I often wonder if there’s going to come a point in our congresswoman’s life where she will look back with guilt over her actions. Not sure which way I’m rooting.
I suspect that Sweeney is a happier person now that he’s no longer in Congress. I hope so and wish the best for him. John Katko has decided he’d be happier “spending more time with his family.” Snark aside, I’m sorry to see someone go who’s standing for what makes the country great and not for a cult leader.
I would not hold your breath on a call to Jesus from our congresswoman, and if you look at some of Sweeney’s most recent clients, I’m not sure he is as reformed as we think either, although he hasn’t been caught driving with strippers on his lap either - See the Sweeney chapter in the upcoming “The Last American Newspaper.”
Lynne Boecher (Warren Co. Dem. Chair), was quoted in the Post Star saying Dems are afraid to run any more. This is scary and horrible.
I had not seen that, but that may apply to anyone thinking of running for office in either party.
It may but it seems to me that most of those National politicians that are quitting this year is what they say are threats from Trump. I haven’t heard of any Republicans leaving in response to threats, harassment, etc. from Biden.
Good point.
I am wretching just looking at her disgusting face!
Thoughtful piece, Ken. It's what we are all thinking, but just can't put into words.
Thanks for a thoughtful piece. I must admit I don't have much faith in our existing two-party system anymore because power so clearly corrupts. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about having agency. We the people do have agency; but our entire society is arranged to expect others to consider the big picture and tell us how to feel, what to think, what to do in our lives. For centuries, maybe millenia, we've accepted being led by the (perhaps elected) leaders, the clergy, those in authority. It never occurs to many people that they have any choices or power in the way our lives progress. But I firmly believe it's our individual responsibility to have our fingers on the pulse of the communities around us and find ways to be of service to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers; to connect hearts and strengthen ties among us, start healing the ills and injustices we see close to home. We need to develop a collective service/collaboration mindset instead of a sense of entitlement to be served. It would change everything.