October 1st
A new month holds promise, right? Mark directed me to this excellent discussion of the proper way to conduct a hearing of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. The proposal, which is a worthy read, is to query this reportedly brilliant legal scholar about the law, particularly as it relates to the Emoluments Clause, the Hatch Act, and the separation of children from their parents at the border. Among my favorite suggestions was for all Democrats to yield their time to Senator Kamala Harris. I invite you to join me in writing to our Senators to ask them to do just that! Contact Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer to forward the suggestion. Here is a sample message which you can copy or adapt.
After last night’s debacle, the Commission on Presidential Debates is considering changes to the debate rules in response to the president’s “aggressive and abusive behavior.” This misses the point, as the president has no respect for rules of any kind. When I looked at the Commission’s website, I was horrified to realize that someone has the task of transcribing last night’s shouting match. I am aware of not having recovered from the spectacle, which I abandoned early. Please contact the Commission (media@debates.org) to ask them to cancel the two remaining presidential debates on the schedule. There is nothing to be learned from them and the people of this nation have endured more than enough. You can also, or alternatively, sign this petition.
I’m keeping it short today, on the advice of a dear friend.