Thank you Mark. Knowing I have more yesterdays than tomorrows, it's important to me to leave what I hope will be a better, more secure future for all people through my writing, speaking, and work.
You’re welcome. Decades ago, I adopted a biracial, multiply disabled person. I thought to make myself a model for how people can demonstrate how a multiracial family can be seen as love beyond skin color. Given the resources he requires, we do what we can for the Democratic Party, but it is a relief to see someone such as yourself leading the charge for democracy and equality. 😀
Dear George, I love your decision to post your position on LinkedIn. I admire your decision to be involved in this process. Sad to hear about the stroke and the divorce. With Musk sending TFG $50,000,000 a month for 3 months, it is obvious he is lining up for more TFG tax cuts. Putin remains the bag man for NRA/GOP. We must legislate to protect voters rights. Our SCOTUS is so rotten it smells around the world now. We have many reasons to vote blue, not red. I applaud your dedication.
Thank you Rob. There are so many people committed to a better future for all. I'd rather be on the side of Greta, Heather, Rachel, and Noam than the wealth concentrating climate denying corrupt extremists (although Musk and Thiel certainly prove the pay can be better on the other side).
Good friends in England keep recommending Portugal to me. My wife and I have traveled to UK and Europe 57 times, but we have never managed to hit Portugal. I'd be interested in learning more from you on this subject.
Portugal continues to be a wonderful experience Rob. At the behest of family and friends I've started to provide occasional virtual meetings to provide guidance on what my residency/expat experience has been like. If you haven't been -the best guidance I can give is, if you have the time and resources, take an extended trip and see Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Nazare, Lisbon, Cascais, and then the Algarve. It's been far better than I expected after some deep research.
I have friends who live in Loulé, and we’re looking at moving there. I have to ask, where in Oregon? My mom lived in Yachats for 10 years after my Dad died, returning to her beloved ocean for 10 years after living inland her entire married life.
I was in the Coronado Shores development, supposedly in Lincoln City, however really nestled between Gleneden Beach and Depoe Bay. I had the honor of running the very first virtual fundraising house party for Senator Merkeley at my former home, and was proud to introduce Governor Brown at a fundraising event in Lincoln City. The entire Lincoln County areas was very progressive, wonderful people, and breathtaking views.
That is beautiful country, and Lincoln county continues to be full of progressive and wonderful people.
Where in Portugal? We've visited Coimbra, Nazare, and Lisbon that you mentioned above. We're in the planning stages of a trip with our friends, who are currently vacationing in the Azores.
Indeed Derrick. If we hadn't take a societal deep breath after electing President Obama to his first term, we might have had a vastly different Supreme Court and a public option for healthcare by now.
George - you have been through radical life changes. I understand that only too well. Unfortunately for most of us - we don’t have the resources to flee the country and become expats. If Trump is elected Europe will be forced to stand without America. The press here is backing Trump and attempting to convince the people that his election is inevitable. The cowardly Democratic elite are trying to snatch defeat from a successful Presidency because they fear for their jobs
Thanks Kay -and yes, I definitely understand my infamous public resignation would have been far more challenging if it had been at or near the beginning of my career. Without America as a stable partner, I suspect there will be significant shifts in the EU. LePen has demonstrated the potential rise of right-wing extremists isn't exclusive to the United States.
Your last point is painfully true. I remember Allison Lundergan Grimes as a compelling Democratic candidate who ran against McConnell, and I remember her running away from the Affordable Care Act in her campaign. While it ultimately may not have made a difference, she should have asserted that while imperfect, the ACA was helping many Americans and families gain access to healthcare and preventative services.
The perception of leadership requires, well, leadership. It's why ideas like affordable healthcare for all Americans is now decried as a radical leftist communist plot instead of moderate/center decent policy.
Running from the ACA was foolish then and foolish now. I have auto industry background. I compared attempting to discard the ACA without a replacement to management telling the auto workers that they would no longer be getting healthcare from the company but instead have to find and buy their own - but they would not receive an increase in pay to purchase that insurance. The workers would walk out and shut down the plants. I voted Democrat in 2020 in 2016 and 2020 because of the ACA. I am a cancer survivor. Without the ACA just about all my monthly budget went to health insurance. There are few families in America who haven’t been touched by cancer or heart disease or stroke.
Thank you Kay. Healthcare is another artificially politicized part of the United States. The solutions are simple, however there is far too much money opposed to implementing them. And the solution requires a systemic change -beginning with agriculture, through the pharmaceutical industry, and then into healthcare delivery itself. The solution is blocked at every key point by the pursuit of profit.
I've spent over half of my life in service to this country. 4.5 years in the Marine Corps and over 30 years as a math professor. Giving up, simply isn't in my nature.
I will continue to encourage people to vote. I will continue trying to raise the public's awareness to the contents of Project 2025.
Threats of retribution be damned. I'm too old to die young. I refuse to sit idly by while they steal this election.
Thank you so much Laura. Everyone who takes the time to subscribe (it's free and will remain so), and share helps to defeat the algorithms that cause me to toil in obscurity.
George, very few would have taken your stance when you resigned! Your intestinal fortitude is to be admired! I wish some top Democrats had the same solidarity! I saw that Russian support for J.D. Vance’s position on Ukraine went public this morning! What does that tell us?
We the people will defeat the elites. There are more of us. We are sick and tired of the corruption and cronyism and we are not going to take it anymore!
Thank you, George, for expressing so wisely what we all need to be doing. Forget, this stupid infighting over who should run for the Presidency (Biden of course, he's done a great job) We need to be all on the same page to save our democracy or we all will be overrun by fascists. I realize some of younger generation do not fear fascism as we in our 80's and 90's do. We lived through it, they didn't. They think we exaggerate, or it only happened to the Jews. WRONG. It happened to everyone. 40 to 50 million people died worldwide to satisfy the needs of the elite crop of ruling fascists. Hitler didn't just hate Jews, oh no, he was more than willing to expand his hatred to persons of color, homosexuals of either gender, women in general, persons who were mentallly deficient. Anyone he considered NOT to be Aryan especially Slavic.
You think trump will be better than that? bullshit.
George, I commend your decision to post your resignation and position on LinkedIn. I do vaguely remember the splash it made at the time. I now only rarely visit my LinkedIn account since retiring and those I do follow and communicate with are now for more personal beliefs and not career and professional reasons. The platform is heavily business oriented and I was in a field and industry that tends conservative, so I did much tongue biting and think before clicking to post.
Since my wife and I have retired, my wife is deep in to Portugal ex-pat research.
Thank you Michael. I remember getting an array of comments and reactions to my resignation on Linked In. Most were supportive, but I do remember a few that were "keep politics off of Linked In -it's a business networking platform. I replied to some saying something like ... "Really? Because politics has no impact upon economics and career opportunities?"
Portugal has been and continues to be a terrific experience.
Do you speak Portuguese? My wife was initially researching countries that issue Golden Passports as a way to stay abroad longer, but all leads and suggestions kept turning towards Portugal.
Thus far I have gotten by on thank you (obrigado) and sorry (desculpe). I intend to gain conversational proficiency. I have found that in Lisbon and Porto most people are bilingual.
Thank you for dedicating yourself and your resources to the cause of democracy and equality.
Thank you Mark. Knowing I have more yesterdays than tomorrows, it's important to me to leave what I hope will be a better, more secure future for all people through my writing, speaking, and work.
You’re welcome. Decades ago, I adopted a biracial, multiply disabled person. I thought to make myself a model for how people can demonstrate how a multiracial family can be seen as love beyond skin color. Given the resources he requires, we do what we can for the Democratic Party, but it is a relief to see someone such as yourself leading the charge for democracy and equality. 😀
Thank you Mark -and grateful for your care and energy directed at making this world a better place for your adoptee.
Dear George, I love your decision to post your position on LinkedIn. I admire your decision to be involved in this process. Sad to hear about the stroke and the divorce. With Musk sending TFG $50,000,000 a month for 3 months, it is obvious he is lining up for more TFG tax cuts. Putin remains the bag man for NRA/GOP. We must legislate to protect voters rights. Our SCOTUS is so rotten it smells around the world now. We have many reasons to vote blue, not red. I applaud your dedication.
Thank you Rob. There are so many people committed to a better future for all. I'd rather be on the side of Greta, Heather, Rachel, and Noam than the wealth concentrating climate denying corrupt extremists (although Musk and Thiel certainly prove the pay can be better on the other side).
Good friends in England keep recommending Portugal to me. My wife and I have traveled to UK and Europe 57 times, but we have never managed to hit Portugal. I'd be interested in learning more from you on this subject.
Portugal continues to be a wonderful experience Rob. At the behest of family and friends I've started to provide occasional virtual meetings to provide guidance on what my residency/expat experience has been like. If you haven't been -the best guidance I can give is, if you have the time and resources, take an extended trip and see Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Nazare, Lisbon, Cascais, and then the Algarve. It's been far better than I expected after some deep research.
I have friends who live in Loulé, and we’re looking at moving there. I have to ask, where in Oregon? My mom lived in Yachats for 10 years after my Dad died, returning to her beloved ocean for 10 years after living inland her entire married life.
I was in the Coronado Shores development, supposedly in Lincoln City, however really nestled between Gleneden Beach and Depoe Bay. I had the honor of running the very first virtual fundraising house party for Senator Merkeley at my former home, and was proud to introduce Governor Brown at a fundraising event in Lincoln City. The entire Lincoln County areas was very progressive, wonderful people, and breathtaking views.
That is beautiful country, and Lincoln county continues to be full of progressive and wonderful people.
Where in Portugal? We've visited Coimbra, Nazare, and Lisbon that you mentioned above. We're in the planning stages of a trip with our friends, who are currently vacationing in the Azores.
Excellent feedback. Greatly appreciated. We’re off for a month is Australia 🇦🇺 for Santa 🧑🎄 and New Years. Our youngest son lives in Melbourne.
Are we approaching the tipping point where radical change is inevitable?
I do think it is coming Gloria. Wealth inequality, the collapse of the justice system, global conflict, and climate are creating significant pressure.
There is no time for relaxation, for the game is afoot. Thank you, I can feel it also and we will continue to fight until the end.
Indeed Derrick. If we hadn't take a societal deep breath after electing President Obama to his first term, we might have had a vastly different Supreme Court and a public option for healthcare by now.
George - you have been through radical life changes. I understand that only too well. Unfortunately for most of us - we don’t have the resources to flee the country and become expats. If Trump is elected Europe will be forced to stand without America. The press here is backing Trump and attempting to convince the people that his election is inevitable. The cowardly Democratic elite are trying to snatch defeat from a successful Presidency because they fear for their jobs
Thanks Kay -and yes, I definitely understand my infamous public resignation would have been far more challenging if it had been at or near the beginning of my career. Without America as a stable partner, I suspect there will be significant shifts in the EU. LePen has demonstrated the potential rise of right-wing extremists isn't exclusive to the United States.
Your last point is painfully true. I remember Allison Lundergan Grimes as a compelling Democratic candidate who ran against McConnell, and I remember her running away from the Affordable Care Act in her campaign. While it ultimately may not have made a difference, she should have asserted that while imperfect, the ACA was helping many Americans and families gain access to healthcare and preventative services.
The perception of leadership requires, well, leadership. It's why ideas like affordable healthcare for all Americans is now decried as a radical leftist communist plot instead of moderate/center decent policy.
Running from the ACA was foolish then and foolish now. I have auto industry background. I compared attempting to discard the ACA without a replacement to management telling the auto workers that they would no longer be getting healthcare from the company but instead have to find and buy their own - but they would not receive an increase in pay to purchase that insurance. The workers would walk out and shut down the plants. I voted Democrat in 2020 in 2016 and 2020 because of the ACA. I am a cancer survivor. Without the ACA just about all my monthly budget went to health insurance. There are few families in America who haven’t been touched by cancer or heart disease or stroke.
Thank you Kay. Healthcare is another artificially politicized part of the United States. The solutions are simple, however there is far too much money opposed to implementing them. And the solution requires a systemic change -beginning with agriculture, through the pharmaceutical industry, and then into healthcare delivery itself. The solution is blocked at every key point by the pursuit of profit.
Thanks for all you do, George. We all must do what we can in these fraught times to save our democracy.
Thank you Mim!
George you nailed it with this piece.
I won't stop, I won't be silenced.
I've spent over half of my life in service to this country. 4.5 years in the Marine Corps and over 30 years as a math professor. Giving up, simply isn't in my nature.
I will continue to encourage people to vote. I will continue trying to raise the public's awareness to the contents of Project 2025.
Threats of retribution be damned. I'm too old to die young. I refuse to sit idly by while they steal this election.
Thank you Bob. And I do understand the frustration others have -I feel it too.
I'm frustrated as well. I'm stubborn.
Great column! Will share widely!
Thank you so much Laura. Everyone who takes the time to subscribe (it's free and will remain so), and share helps to defeat the algorithms that cause me to toil in obscurity.
Much appreciated!
George, very few would have taken your stance when you resigned! Your intestinal fortitude is to be admired! I wish some top Democrats had the same solidarity! I saw that Russian support for J.D. Vance’s position on Ukraine went public this morning! What does that tell us?
One In The Struggle
Written 1985 during Willie Nelson's Farm Aid projects
I am a farmer, I’m trying to grow some food
Locked in a system that don’t do me no good
They think I’m beneath them, like the dirt under my nails
I am a farmer, but my farm is up for sale
I am a worker making money for my boss
When times are good he profits, when they’re bad we take the loss
We’re treated like children: supervised all day
I’d quit in a minute, if I didn’t need the pay
And the bottom line is greed and the
Bottom line is ignorance
and the bottom line is fear and the
Bottom line is power
And the bottom line is here and now
I have to realize
We’re all in this together
In the struggle to survive
We are one in the fight
To take control of our lives
We are one in the struggle,
We are one
I’m unemployed now
My job has taken flight
To some far country,
Where the workers have no rights
I’m deep in debt now
My insurance has expired
My wife is pregnant,
Some days I feel so tired
I am a refugee,
My country is at war
It’s the same old story,
The rich against the poor
And the rich get fatter on the
Lies the poor are fed
When I speak the truth,
They put a price upon my head
And the bottom line is greed and the
Bottom line is ignorance
and the bottom line is fear and the
Bottom line is power
And the bottom line is here and now
I have to realize
We’re all in this together
In the struggle to survive
We are one in the fight
To take control of our lives
We are one in the struggle,
We are one
I am a senior, living the golden years–
The pride of the drug firms, they’re playing on my fears–
And they’re mining my pockets to line their own with gold–
I am a senior, some days I feel so old
I am an Indian
I am an African
I am a woman
I am a homeless one
And the bottom line is greed and the
Bottom line is ignorance
and the bottom line is fear and the
Bottom line is power
And the bottom line is here and now
I have to realize
We’re all in this together
In the struggle to survive
We are one in the fight
To take control of our lives
We are one in the struggle,
We are one
https://youtu.be/GkPuwO_5cyQ
Thank you for sharing Malcolm.
Your voice is still needed! Thank you for beginning again to speak the truth.
Thank you Jay.
Your choice of photos tells the story, underscores your points!
Thanks Sue. I figure each picture is worth 5,000 keystrokes and hopefully makes my content compelling, accessible, and engaging.
Thank you, George.
We the people will defeat the elites. There are more of us. We are sick and tired of the corruption and cronyism and we are not going to take it anymore!
Are you still in Portugal, George? My sister-in-law and her husband live there in a town about 45 miles north of Lisbon.
Yes. I’m in the Southeast.
Thank you, George, for expressing so wisely what we all need to be doing. Forget, this stupid infighting over who should run for the Presidency (Biden of course, he's done a great job) We need to be all on the same page to save our democracy or we all will be overrun by fascists. I realize some of younger generation do not fear fascism as we in our 80's and 90's do. We lived through it, they didn't. They think we exaggerate, or it only happened to the Jews. WRONG. It happened to everyone. 40 to 50 million people died worldwide to satisfy the needs of the elite crop of ruling fascists. Hitler didn't just hate Jews, oh no, he was more than willing to expand his hatred to persons of color, homosexuals of either gender, women in general, persons who were mentallly deficient. Anyone he considered NOT to be Aryan especially Slavic.
You think trump will be better than that? bullshit.
George, I commend your decision to post your resignation and position on LinkedIn. I do vaguely remember the splash it made at the time. I now only rarely visit my LinkedIn account since retiring and those I do follow and communicate with are now for more personal beliefs and not career and professional reasons. The platform is heavily business oriented and I was in a field and industry that tends conservative, so I did much tongue biting and think before clicking to post.
Since my wife and I have retired, my wife is deep in to Portugal ex-pat research.
Thank you Michael. I remember getting an array of comments and reactions to my resignation on Linked In. Most were supportive, but I do remember a few that were "keep politics off of Linked In -it's a business networking platform. I replied to some saying something like ... "Really? Because politics has no impact upon economics and career opportunities?"
Portugal has been and continues to be a terrific experience.
Do you speak Portuguese? My wife was initially researching countries that issue Golden Passports as a way to stay abroad longer, but all leads and suggestions kept turning towards Portugal.
Thus far I have gotten by on thank you (obrigado) and sorry (desculpe). I intend to gain conversational proficiency. I have found that in Lisbon and Porto most people are bilingual.
Damn, you have been through it over the last 8 years. When you lay it all out that is quite a story. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Pete. Miss you and the York Street days. Hope you and family are doing well in spite of the challenges before us.