We cannot simply be REACTING to their loudness. We also need to be in the LEAD making statements with conviction. When we are reacting, we need to be bigger and louder and more emphatic than the other.
YES YES YES I have long contended that Democrats lack any good and useful sense of righteous indignation. I thought this a long time ago with the debacle of Clarance Thomas and Anita Hill, and continue to be amazed by the Democrats on going passivity. Sadly I do believe we have aptly earned the moniker “snowflake”. We have been bulldozed. Those who voted for Trump responded to having a big loud daddy who gave them the illusion of safety. We need to stand up to that measure for measure and offer a clear concise path to a secure and just nation for all. Real leadership is needed, not reactivity. Democrats waving little comment paddle boards during his speech seemed well…. pathetic. Why didn’t every Democrat one by one stand up, shout and walk out of the State of the Union address like Al Green? We as the people need to see our leaders doing that. It will inspire us to follow. The change in attitude about the Vietnam war was brought about by determined, sustained protesters who used the power of their convictions.
Powerful comments Sarah - and I'm impressed that you made the point so powerfully without personal attacks on any individuals - and in fact including yourself, saying "We have been bulldozed." Much like the confessionals Jews chant on Yom Kippur. That is a masterclass in leadership and motivational speaking! In fact, it gave me an idea as to what to write about next time.
Rabbi Joshua, thank you for being an important voice in the wilderness. I value your thoughts and passion. This is what we need to tap: Passion! Truth+Passion=Power. A show of power will bring inspiration to others. I see it as lighting a fire.
I want to know more about the confessionals you refer to. I look forward to receiving all your thoughts in your future posts.
The key to Jewish confessionals on the High Holidays as that they all are recited in first person plural. It's all about us - not me - and that changes how we approach the whole process of soul searching. We share responsibility for the collective. Abraham Joshua Heschel said, "In a free society, some are guilty. All are responsible." I'll share more in an upcoming post. Thanks for reading and sharing.
I bow to your literary expertise, Jane! And I so appreciate your sharing (and reading). I see your point about avoiding reversibles (along with deplorables). Trump projects all his worst qualities onto his opponents as it is. We shouldn't make it easier to do so. Anyone else want to share some catch-cries?
Thank you for your comments regarding Donald Trump’s disgraceful address to Congress and the nation. Your commentary is always on point, and as I’ve stated before, should be required reading for every Democrat. I wholeheartedly agree with Tom Nichols’ assessment of Elise Slotkin’s Democratic response. While I did think that her call for action, call for participation and activism, was on point, i found myself screaming at the television during her speech. Just another example of the Democratic Party having too many Tom Suozzi ( NY- CD3 ) Representatives and not nearly enough Chris Murphys and Jasmine Crocketts, and a few others. Tom Suozzi represents my Congressional district. He is hooked on making a name for himself as the gentlemanly bipartisan advocate still trying to make nice to Trump and his fascist MAGA regime. I strongly suspect that the Republicans are enjoying a good laugh at his expense. There is NO bipartisanship under Trump’s regime. By the time he gets any bipartisanship agreement on ANYTHING our youth will be speaking Russian and saluting Heil Trump when they see pictures of Donald Trump.
I agree, but I also think that it's not totally bad to have a party where diverse perspectives are still accepted, where everyone doesn't have to fall into line. As long as the leadership leads with conviction and when the time comes, everyone can unite. That time is coming soon.
I completely agree. The more a lie is repeated, the more it’s believed. It’s infuriating that the mainstream media won’t call a spade a spade. Instead, they use soft language, calling Trump and his acolytes (Cabinet, Congress, etc.) ‘misleading’ or ‘spreading falsehoods’ instead of what they’re doing: lying.
There was a time when lying—especially from public officials—was unacceptable. Now, thanks to Trump, it’s normalized. That shift is dangerous, and we shouldn’t just accept it.
Looking forward to learning more about Jewish confessionals. Rabbi Heschel was right—‘Some are guilty. All are responsible.’ That perspective is something we could use a lot more of right now.
Interesting point. I wonder if there is a way for news organizations to report that something is mentioned without actually mentioning it. Like the comedians convention where they all know the jokes so they just call it “number 156”. Everyone cracks up. so one guy gets up and says “182!” And no one laughs.
“Must have been how you said it.”
If news organizations all decided that, say, the 2020 election is “Big Lie #123” and immigrants eating pets is “Big Lie #27” it would highlight that lies are being spread but not continue to spread them.
I like it! Numbering Trump’s lies like a running catalog is a clever concept, Rabbi. It would expose the sheer volume of deception without repeating or amplifying the lies themselves. Imagine news outlets saying, “Today, Trump repeated Big Lie #57,” instead of debunking the same falsehood for the hundredth time. It would shift the focus to the pattern of lying rather than the content of each lie.
Maybe it would influence how Trump is perceived by people who aren’t already entrenched in MAGA-world. The repetition of numbering could reinforce that he’s not just bending the truth here and there—he's built an entire political identity on dishonesty.
But yeah, the diehard MAGA crowd? I doubt they’d budge. They don’t believe fact-checkers or traditional news sources as it is. They’d probably just dismiss it as another "deep state" tactic or claim that our numbering is the lie. Still, for everyone else, it could be a powerful way to reframe the conversation.
So what phrases do you suggest beyond the few you mentioned? I think they need to be spoken before the lies, aggressively, in addition to after the lies.
I think people need to choose what they are most passionate about. For me that’s been the lies themselves - the degradation of truth and the cost to our democracy when lies become normalize. It’s a bit abstract. But that’s the warning I’ve been repeating in my posts - along with the abandonment of Ukraine and betrayal of Europe - with conviction and real concern
I just posted about this, but a key point we are missing, and it's a big one: in an environment of wall to wall lies, there's no point in even talking about facts, truth and lies - they just reverse the claims ("fake news" became a catch-cry on Fox). Focus not on what they say but on how they behave. Express disgust, rather than making judgemental accusations. Dont engage with ANY of their claims or assertions. Just refer to them as tantrums and rages. Don't call them Fascists, as it implies they have power. Call them Loons, Boobies, Crazies, Weirdos, Nutjobs.
Interesting points and assertions. I think that the Democrats have learned this and will do exactly that (if you´d been listening, they did this last election as well) - addressing daily concerns of "ordinary" Americans. The Republicans are digging their own graves with Trump and Musk distributing the shovels. The times are definitely not boring. Let´s see what happens at the mid-terms.
Please note that I agree that personal attacks are out of bounds on this Substack. It’s an unfair world, but the subjective determination as to what goes beyond the pale will be mine alone. I’m fine with conversations but personal attacks as well as the repetition of debunked “alternative facts” will be quickly taken down. Again, there will be subjectivity here, and maintaining a respectful tone will also matter. It’s hard to be civil - believe me, I know. Especially at a time like this. But I do want to cultivate the comments section as this group continues to grow.
We cannot simply be REACTING to their loudness. We also need to be in the LEAD making statements with conviction. When we are reacting, we need to be bigger and louder and more emphatic than the other.
Agreed.
YES YES YES I have long contended that Democrats lack any good and useful sense of righteous indignation. I thought this a long time ago with the debacle of Clarance Thomas and Anita Hill, and continue to be amazed by the Democrats on going passivity. Sadly I do believe we have aptly earned the moniker “snowflake”. We have been bulldozed. Those who voted for Trump responded to having a big loud daddy who gave them the illusion of safety. We need to stand up to that measure for measure and offer a clear concise path to a secure and just nation for all. Real leadership is needed, not reactivity. Democrats waving little comment paddle boards during his speech seemed well…. pathetic. Why didn’t every Democrat one by one stand up, shout and walk out of the State of the Union address like Al Green? We as the people need to see our leaders doing that. It will inspire us to follow. The change in attitude about the Vietnam war was brought about by determined, sustained protesters who used the power of their convictions.
Powerful comments Sarah - and I'm impressed that you made the point so powerfully without personal attacks on any individuals - and in fact including yourself, saying "We have been bulldozed." Much like the confessionals Jews chant on Yom Kippur. That is a masterclass in leadership and motivational speaking! In fact, it gave me an idea as to what to write about next time.
Rabbi Joshua, thank you for being an important voice in the wilderness. I value your thoughts and passion. This is what we need to tap: Passion! Truth+Passion=Power. A show of power will bring inspiration to others. I see it as lighting a fire.
I want to know more about the confessionals you refer to. I look forward to receiving all your thoughts in your future posts.
The key to Jewish confessionals on the High Holidays as that they all are recited in first person plural. It's all about us - not me - and that changes how we approach the whole process of soul searching. We share responsibility for the collective. Abraham Joshua Heschel said, "In a free society, some are guilty. All are responsible." I'll share more in an upcoming post. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Good thinking.
"Laundry lists of logic" - nice
And try "Fact checking is futile"
Keep it simple, shout it loud and often - great rules for the new 'game.'
But we need better catch-cries.
Maybe workshop some here?
'Russia - TYRANT' and 'Jan 6 - TREASON' wont work because the words are too abstract and judgemental. We have to work on the fear and the hype.
Try "Russia is coming to get you!" or "We're all Russian now." Call the White House "Trump's Kremlin" etc.
And
"MAGA Mayhem", "MAGA policies: TRASH THE JOINT. It's all they know how to do."
"CRAZies in Congress. Keep it manic! "
"BRACE for Musk's MELTDOWN - withdraw your money now."
"STARLINK surveillance - it's looking at you."
"The X Thought Police. They control what you say."
"Trump's America - make enemies of your friends"
Congress is a MAGA Moshpit.
A key point:
Avoid truth/lies calls because they just reverse them. Focus on how they behave, not what they say.
Go for their lack of dignity, their nastiness, their grossness.
I bow to your literary expertise, Jane! And I so appreciate your sharing (and reading). I see your point about avoiding reversibles (along with deplorables). Trump projects all his worst qualities onto his opponents as it is. We shouldn't make it easier to do so. Anyone else want to share some catch-cries?
Jane, these are brilliant and effective! I shall be using them, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your comments regarding Donald Trump’s disgraceful address to Congress and the nation. Your commentary is always on point, and as I’ve stated before, should be required reading for every Democrat. I wholeheartedly agree with Tom Nichols’ assessment of Elise Slotkin’s Democratic response. While I did think that her call for action, call for participation and activism, was on point, i found myself screaming at the television during her speech. Just another example of the Democratic Party having too many Tom Suozzi ( NY- CD3 ) Representatives and not nearly enough Chris Murphys and Jasmine Crocketts, and a few others. Tom Suozzi represents my Congressional district. He is hooked on making a name for himself as the gentlemanly bipartisan advocate still trying to make nice to Trump and his fascist MAGA regime. I strongly suspect that the Republicans are enjoying a good laugh at his expense. There is NO bipartisanship under Trump’s regime. By the time he gets any bipartisanship agreement on ANYTHING our youth will be speaking Russian and saluting Heil Trump when they see pictures of Donald Trump.
I agree, but I also think that it's not totally bad to have a party where diverse perspectives are still accepted, where everyone doesn't have to fall into line. As long as the leadership leads with conviction and when the time comes, everyone can unite. That time is coming soon.
I completely agree. The more a lie is repeated, the more it’s believed. It’s infuriating that the mainstream media won’t call a spade a spade. Instead, they use soft language, calling Trump and his acolytes (Cabinet, Congress, etc.) ‘misleading’ or ‘spreading falsehoods’ instead of what they’re doing: lying.
There was a time when lying—especially from public officials—was unacceptable. Now, thanks to Trump, it’s normalized. That shift is dangerous, and we shouldn’t just accept it.
Looking forward to learning more about Jewish confessionals. Rabbi Heschel was right—‘Some are guilty. All are responsible.’ That perspective is something we could use a lot more of right now.
Interesting point. I wonder if there is a way for news organizations to report that something is mentioned without actually mentioning it. Like the comedians convention where they all know the jokes so they just call it “number 156”. Everyone cracks up. so one guy gets up and says “182!” And no one laughs.
“Must have been how you said it.”
If news organizations all decided that, say, the 2020 election is “Big Lie #123” and immigrants eating pets is “Big Lie #27” it would highlight that lies are being spread but not continue to spread them.
Just a thought.
I like it! Numbering Trump’s lies like a running catalog is a clever concept, Rabbi. It would expose the sheer volume of deception without repeating or amplifying the lies themselves. Imagine news outlets saying, “Today, Trump repeated Big Lie #57,” instead of debunking the same falsehood for the hundredth time. It would shift the focus to the pattern of lying rather than the content of each lie.
Maybe it would influence how Trump is perceived by people who aren’t already entrenched in MAGA-world. The repetition of numbering could reinforce that he’s not just bending the truth here and there—he's built an entire political identity on dishonesty.
But yeah, the diehard MAGA crowd? I doubt they’d budge. They don’t believe fact-checkers or traditional news sources as it is. They’d probably just dismiss it as another "deep state" tactic or claim that our numbering is the lie. Still, for everyone else, it could be a powerful way to reframe the conversation.
So what phrases do you suggest beyond the few you mentioned? I think they need to be spoken before the lies, aggressively, in addition to after the lies.
I think people need to choose what they are most passionate about. For me that’s been the lies themselves - the degradation of truth and the cost to our democracy when lies become normalize. It’s a bit abstract. But that’s the warning I’ve been repeating in my posts - along with the abandonment of Ukraine and betrayal of Europe - with conviction and real concern
I just posted about this, but a key point we are missing, and it's a big one: in an environment of wall to wall lies, there's no point in even talking about facts, truth and lies - they just reverse the claims ("fake news" became a catch-cry on Fox). Focus not on what they say but on how they behave. Express disgust, rather than making judgemental accusations. Dont engage with ANY of their claims or assertions. Just refer to them as tantrums and rages. Don't call them Fascists, as it implies they have power. Call them Loons, Boobies, Crazies, Weirdos, Nutjobs.
Interesting points and assertions. I think that the Democrats have learned this and will do exactly that (if you´d been listening, they did this last election as well) - addressing daily concerns of "ordinary" Americans. The Republicans are digging their own graves with Trump and Musk distributing the shovels. The times are definitely not boring. Let´s see what happens at the mid-terms.
I can’t recall a midterms that will be more important.
Please note that I agree that personal attacks are out of bounds on this Substack. It’s an unfair world, but the subjective determination as to what goes beyond the pale will be mine alone. I’m fine with conversations but personal attacks as well as the repetition of debunked “alternative facts” will be quickly taken down. Again, there will be subjectivity here, and maintaining a respectful tone will also matter. It’s hard to be civil - believe me, I know. Especially at a time like this. But I do want to cultivate the comments section as this group continues to grow.