Part 12: Sep 17 – Oct 8, ’20

9/20/20 — Thank you Jenifer. That is beautiful. Barbara Hartt Hise
* I agree.  Jennifer Bagster-Collins Seaver
* Love the poem.  Thanks for sharing it.  Sally
* Maya Angelou always says it best.   So much of how I feel right now is in this poem…When great trees fall….”small things recoil into silence, eroded beyond fear”,  “our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened”.     And then the entire ending that says that peace will bloom…and then we can strive to be better….just because RBG was such a “great tree” in our midst.      Wow!    I just hope the peace hurries up!     Thanks Liz for sending this!    Looking forward to “seeing” many of you reunion people on Tuesday!     Betsy   

9/20/20 — This poem was written by a friend.  He was former Poet Laureate of Connecticut.  I thought you’d be happy to have it.  Marian

For Ruth Bader Ginsberg (1933-2020)

When we heard the news we couldn’t bear to be
by ourselves – some of us gathered by the hundreds
before the Supreme Court of the land where you fought
so long for our rights, Equal Justice writ large overhead.
We broke spontaneously into Amazing Grace,
knowing you were more than we deserved and now

had lost – you brave, whimsical, richly reserved justice
with a voice like a shofar calling us to rise
to a humanity we so often denied.  Oh Notorious RBG,
you left us aptly on Rosh Hashanah, that day ensuring
special grace for all who die on it, first of a New Year
when despite the bone-pickers converging to rip apart

your legacy, your brilliant opinions and dissents ring out
above the political din.  Those who would replace you
with a merely nominal justice, one truly blind,
not blessedly blindfolded, balancing Right and Wrong,
will soon be forgotten, while you, tiny as a bird,
will sing sweetly in the echoing chambers of history.

       Rennie McQuilkin, former Poet Laureate of Connecticut

9/20/20 — Oh, that is beautiful! Thanks, Marian.  Sue W Carr

(Ed. note:  The very next day, the Republican Party began the process for her replacement, a new Supreme Court Judge.)

9/26/20 — From Freedom From Religion organization, I found much of this  article disturbing. I know you all agree, but here’s a good article from their website if you need some talking points:  FFRF WARNS BARRETT WOULD COMPLETE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST TAKEOVER OF SUPREME COURT.  Liz WF

9/26/20 — Oh my! How scary. Wouldn’t you think that a lot of Senators, including Republicans, would find her views unacceptable? I’m appalled! Barbara Hartt Hise

9/27/20 — An email today from Progressive Change Campaign Committee (Bold Progressives.org) suggests another path to preventing Barrett’s nomination from going through: pour support  -money, phone banking, texting-  into the special senatorial campaigns of Mark Kelly (AZ) and Raphael Warnock (GA).  If they win in November, they would be seated in November and thus deny McConnell the majority he needs to ram the nomination through.  Just an idea.  Frannie Blair

9/27/20 — Have already given to Mark Kelly but didn’t know about Warnock.  That would be a wonderful solution.  Do you think it would work?  Anyone from GA or AZ want to weigh in?   Like Barbara, I’m appalled too!  Kim

9/27/20 — Mitch McConnell would never let that happen. They will vote before 11/3.  Barbara HH

 

9/29/20 — I am so nervous and anxious!
Barbara Hartt Hise

9/29/20 — Think I may run out of wine
Barbara HH

 

9/29/20 — I kept yelling at Trump to STOP!    What an awful person.    Biden did well under really unusual circumstances.     He didn’t lose his temper, he was upset when Trump kept yelling on his about his son Hunter… with lots of lies, but he really kept his cool most if the rest of the time.   I think poor Chris Wallace deserves a good stiff Scotch!   Betsy 

 

 

9/29/20 — Totally agree.  The only thing I think was a missed opportunity was to say out loud that the only reason there were so many judgeships left vacant for the Republicans to fill was that the REPUBLICANS WOULDN’T LET Obama appoint any!  It was the REPUBLICANS who did that.  It wasn’t Obama’s choice.  Liz T

 

9/29/20 — Liz T,  I agree. I was very surprised and disappointed that Biden didn’t mention how Obama was denied his power to appoint Supreme Court Justices and other judges as well.  Barbara HH

9/30/20 — I’m still awake 2:30 in the morning. Feeling great relief. Contrast between bully and rational human being seems to me to be hard to miss. For 5% who still are undecided. Of course, I watched most of it muted. DT’s red face and weird facial and body poses as opposed to Joe’s pleasant reasonableness was clearer w/out sound. But Biden’s emotions got far enough into annoyance and even anger to keep him real. One of us. 
     That’s how I feel and now maybe I can go to sleep.  Dottie 

9/30/20– Exhausted! I can’t imagine watching these two ‘men’ go at it again in October. I will be curious how the vp debate is handled.  Jennifer B-C Seaver 

9/30/20 — Frankly, I think Biden did better than “just fine” as some of the talking-heads afterwards put it.   I really liked how he leaned in to the camera and spoke to those watching with empathy and passion, and his attempts at fitting in what he would do and change as President were refreshing.  I stayed up late enough to hear the CNN focus group of Ohio Undecided Voters (about 20 people) speak, and it was interesting to me that only 2-3 of them raised their hand when asked “who won the debate,” with the rest apparently thinking that this was a “no win” evening. That said it all to me.

     Equally interesting was the CNN quick poll of pre-chosen people promising to watch the debate (which the moderator openly announced ahead skewed left as a group with something like 38% registered Dems, 36% Independents, and 28% registered Republicans).  “Before” the debate they mirrored that skewing with those for Biden slightly ahead of those for Trump — but “After” the debate, it was a different story — 60% said they thought Biden did better.  As CNN analyst Van Jones summed it up, Trump has been losing ground with suburban women and with older Americans for months, and tonight will make that even worse.  They just don’t like this kind of behavior at all, and will reject it at the polls.  Even Republican analyst Rick Santorum who always tries to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear with Trump (as is his job of course) said that sadly Trump lost a great opportunity last night to show a different side.

     I have to say though that I think that the debate format is totally ridiculous, and we all should demand changes to it in the future, starting with the moderator’s ability to mute the mic and the picture of the person who is not speaking.  Secondly, each candidiate should be able to talk uninterrupted for longer than 2 minutes at a time — maybe 5 minutes and on topic, so that they can really descibe their opinion or their policy in some depth.   Chris Wallace did his best, but frankly, he just wasn’t up to this.  To see a journalist having to beg, plead, and demand  of the country’s  President and Commander-in-Chief that he behave better was demeaning to the highest office in the land and sickening to me.  Judy K

9/30/20 — I think the two moderators for the next debates should demand a way to cut off the person interrupting (i.e. Trump) or refuse to participate. Maybe those debates will have to be canceled. Someone mentioned Rick Santorum said Trump missed a chance to show a different side. Duh! He doesn’t have another side!  Barbara HH 

9/30/20 — I felt anxious, disgusted, horrified and ashamed by our country’s leader ; I really dislike him intently. I was unhappy that Biden got pulled down to Trumps childish level of ranting on a few occasions. I thought his (Biden’s) speaking directly to the camera/at-home audience was very reassuring and smart. I don’t know that I’ll watch the next 2 “debates”…  Sherry Urner

 

9/30/20 — It was mentioned in a fact-check by the NY Times this morning (online).  They pointed out the denial of confirmation of many (not all) of Obama’s nominees.  It was a missed opportunity by Biden, but I don’t think it was all that important in the context of the entire “debate” (I’m not sure I’d call it that – more like a one sided shouting match).   Have another glass of wine!   Liz T

 

9/30/20 — Very apt description – made me laugh (something we all desperately need more of).  Liz T

9/30/20 — Hi, guys.  I’m finally able to add my two cents’ worth.  Yes, I guess I kind of agree with everything that each of you has already said.  Trump was just the most disturbing obnoxious big spoiled brat.
     I disagree with feeling sorry for moderator Chris.  He KNOWS Trump well, and he should have been more prepared to nip the bad behavior in the bud.  Saying “please” to a brat doesn’t work, and he should know that.  It was his fault that the whole thing was out of control.
     No matter your arguments, I did not think Biden did a good job.  For Biden, it was good.  For the undecided voter, it was mediocre.  I know that it would be impossible to talk coherently with someone interrupting; but Biden, too, KNOWS Trump.  If he had simply ignored every comment and kept giving his response into the camera, he would have made some headway.   
     Nonetheless, Biden came out on top, and I guess that is what really matters.  I can’t imagine sitting through another one, but I’m looking forward to Harris vs Pence.  She is so cool!  Hugs to you all,  Liz Webfoot

9/30/20 — I don’t have a lot to add – my husband left the TV after 10 minutes – he couldn’t stand hearing Trump, but I saw the whole thing and listened to some of the MSNBC commentary afterwards – I was horrified, as the rest of you were, by Trump’s out of control behavior, but thought Biden did as well as he could facing that barrage.  Commentators I heard were wondering if they would even have two more debates if they’re going to be so out of control , and there was some discussion about why it was hard to change the rules so the moderator could silence the mike if people interrupted.   I also thought attacking Biden’s son was inappropriate.  Everyone in California will get a ballot in the mail, and we can take it to the polling place, mail it in, or take it to an official dropbox.  If you want to vote in person you’ll have to turn in your ballot unmarked.   We plan to walk up to our neighborhood library where there will be a ballot dropbox – it will be there for about 10 days before the election.  Our first general election with this system, and it will be interesting to see how it works, and how quickly they can count the ballots.  I sure hope the next debate is more civil, like the rest of you.  Kamala is a very good debater, as you probably saw in the primaries. Trumps Poll watchers sound pretty scary – I hope they’re not the Proud Boys. Anyone know what the rules are for that?  I don’t think you can just march into an election center and say you are a poll watcher. It will certainly be a frightening few weeks ahead!  Dee

 

9/30/20 — I do wish Biden would come up with some substantive programs or plans.  On the  other hand, maybe he could, if he could get a word in edgewise.  I do think muting Trump’s mike might work altho, he can be heard from afar!  Marian Strong Moore

 

9/30/20 — I’ve been a poll watcher, but I’m sure the rules vary from state to state — maybe even from county to county. In Maryland there are 23 counties and Baltimore City, each a voting district.   In Anne Arundel County, each party has two poll watchers (maybe less now with COVID).  They simply watch what goes on.  If they see something that they think might be a problem, they bring it to the attention of one of the judges.  Period.  I’ve been an election judge for years, and it would be next to impossible for any activity in Maryland to be fraudulent.  There are so very many checks and balances.
     I have received my ballot — in an envelope filled with all kinds of safeguards which I find a bit confusing.  There are: Official Ballot, Reply Envelope, Certification of Person Assisting Voter, List of Ballot Drop Off Box Locations, and Instructions for Mail-In Voting
     A bit worrisome.  If I were a first-time voter, I think it would be very intimidating; but I’m hoping the newspaper will explain– not that everyone reads the newspaper.
     We have early voting, election day voting, and large ballot drop boxes are being installed in many locations in the county.  There are camera(s) on them at all times, and they are emptied twice a day.  When early voting starts, there will also be a ballot drop box outside each voting place.  Liz Webfoot

10/2/20 —  Hi, friends.  I was surprised this morning to see no posts from our chat group.  Are we sick of the election, of the debate, of COVID-19, of schooling, and whether or not to reopen what?
The good news is that Donald and Melania have tested positive.  Unfortunatley he got plasma immediately and will have only a mild case.  So much for my fantasy….
     I spent yesterday afternoon text-banking for Nebraska, and in between those calls, I’ve been writing more postcards to Pennsylvania (I’m now at 300 to Florida and 300 to PA).  I am terribly upset about Trump’s interference in the Philly polls and his new legislation to try to really screw up the state — all so that HE can challenge the veracity of the election and make the decision as to who wins Pennsylvania.  I fear riots beyond riots.  I went to bed late and woke up early — feel like hell and can’t stop thinking about his interference.  Please let someone figure out how to stop him.
     You Pennsylvania people, what do you see and hear? Thank you all for being there. 
     I sincerely apologize to any Republicans in our group, but it is impossible for me not to keep rambling on.  If some of you are still for Trump, please let us hear why.  We won’t jump on you — we are interested to know why you support him.  Honestly.  Cheers —
Liz Webfoot

10/2/20 — Don’t worry. I along with many of my local friends here in PA are voting by absentee ballot. I turned mine in yesterday. There was even a woman sitting outside the building asking me if I had signed the outside envelope.  We’ll be okay.  Jennifer B-C Seaver, West Chester, Pennsylvania 

10/2/20 —  I hope you are right about PA, Jennifer.  Trump is rigging the election so he can claim the election was rigged. And what about TX where they are closing all but one ballot drop off box in each county? This is just so sickening. 
     Speaking of sick, Trump got his “just dessert”. My fear here, though, is he will have a light case and inform the world it’s no big deal, not to worry about getting it. 
     Liz, to answer your question, I am sick of it all, but I still read and listen to everything and make myself more frustrated by the hour. Unfortunately, it won’t be over on Nov. 3 either.  It helps to know there are a lot of us out there for support and venting.   Hugs to all,  Barbara Hartt Hise

10/2/20 —  Jennifer, I am afraid of what’s going to happen at the polls after Trump had a meltdown and started legislation to doubt everything that might possibly happen at the polls — at least in Philly.  What do your papers say about it?    Cheers and thanks for your support.  Cheers and thanks for your support.  Liz WF

 

10/2/20 — Liz, i read the Philadelphia Inquirer online version most days. Of course, much of the  news is about Philadelphia, but so far, the early election requests for ballots seems to be encouraging.

10/2/20 — Jennifer, Have you written/called your STATE rep about HR 1032?  The EVIL bill that would “create a “Committee on Election Integrity” that would give Republicans power to interfere with the election now in progress. This committee could subpoena election officials during the election, seize ballots and ballot boxes, and subpoena postal workers and seize mailbags on the way to the election board. These measures would put the safety and security of the election at risk and slow down the counting of votes.
     Quoted from my State rep, Leanne Krueger. Liz T

 

10/2/20 — I got mine last week (Maryland), but I’m not worried about that part of the election any longer.  Waiting to hear from Pennsylvanians!  

xxx Liz WF

 

10/2/20 — What is this? We haven’t received our ballots yet – just the samples. (California)  They’ll be mailed next week.  Dee

 

10/2/20 — Maybe it was just in Santa Barbara County (California) that the ballots were mailed out before the information pamphlet but it certainly caused a stir here!  Kim

10/2/20 –Hawaii is the “bluest” state in the union, then Vermont.  We have had mail-in only voting for a year and the primary here went very well.  Our ballots arrive 18 days before Nov. 3. Stay safe!  Aloha, Ann

 

10/8/20 – I got a great pic:

 

NPR reports that the fly which sat on Pence’s head created the most buzz last night.  J BC Seaver

 

 

(As the end of October approaches, the election is just two weeks away. It’s probably a good time to end this section.  Next Part tells it all.  We’re all keeping our fingers crossed.  LWF)

END OF PART TWELVE