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Michael Rossmaessler's avatar

Bill glad you found some peace in the synagogue away from politics for awhile.

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Erika Dreifus's avatar

Very much appreciate your reflections on the prayer for our country.

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Craig Tonjes's avatar

I would love to see indictments flying forth from a Justice Department freed from the politics of the White House. Every member of Trump's Cabinet has violated our Constitution, treating many laws as "suggestions" rather the law of the land. They all need to pay for their transgressions.

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Zenka's avatar

I hope the Bulwark has a plan for when Apple no longer allows the Substack app on its App Store, and/or for when Google no longer allows the Bulwark to post videos to YouTube.

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Aviva Patt's avatar

Bill, your shul's prayer for our country is an improvement over the older one reeking of fear and submission. But I recommend the one in Mishkan T'filah. I started attending Zoom shul during the pandemic and since the Reform were the first to Zoom on Shabbat, that's where I landed. I prefer the prayer that asks God to give our leaders wisdom and forbearance rather than blessing them no matter how undeserving.

"O GUARDIAN of life and liberty, may our nation always merit Your protection. Teach us to give thanks for what we have by sharing it with those who are in need. Keep our eyes open to the wonders of creation, and alert to the care of the earth. May we never be lazy in the work of peace; may we honor those who have died in defense of our ideals. Grant our leaders wisdom and forbearance. May they govern with justice and compassion. Help us all to appreciate one another, and to respect the many ways that we may serve You. May our homes be safe from affliction and strife, and our country be sound in body and spirit."

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Kim Bart's avatar

Did BOC respond to the use of their song? Did he get permission?

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Will G's avatar

That prayer kind of implies it's especially "for all who exercise just and rightful authority."

Oh well.

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Elliott Rosengarten's avatar

Bill, we, too, use the same Siddur. I'm conflicted when I read the Prayer for Our Country, and wonder what a comparable JVL prayer would look like. I think we both know how it would look, with the words, "Touch the stove" in there somewhere. It's difficult to ignore the Siddur, but wanting the Trump voters to give a high five to the stove to hope they change their ways is soooo tempting. I hope our country is sealed in The Book of Life (and Democracy).

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Krista Allen's avatar

Thune's comments and the spin coming from the WH about the government shutdown sound like terrorists issuing demands to release hostages. Not a great look, guys.

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James Kirkland's avatar

Thoughts and prayers keep the Devil at bay perhaps, but not the T. Rump criminal enterprise which will require a concrete and effective opposition which does not exist at the moment.

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James Borden's avatar

And I see in Political Wire that Cori Bush is going to run again. Jews probably cannot swing that race by themselves even with the turnout they had last time but the danger of getting caught in the middle seems real.

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benedict ives's avatar

Oy vey, mishugas!

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Mark Epping-Jordan's avatar

"Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon said in a statement. “By law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must approve an application if it demonstrates that the generic drug is identical to the brand-name drug.”

Sen. Josh Hawley called the approval “shocking.”"

Didn't think I'd ever agree with Josh Hawley on anything. The Trump administration following the law certainly is "shocking."

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PapaG's avatar

If right wing media and lobbying explodes, we go into the "we can just do it" mode", it's a plan that covers all situations. Maybe we claim the media language is "anti-democratic", and a threat to America security and the lobbyists supporting their terrorist cause. Just a thought.

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Linda Albert's avatar

Will Sommer's last 'False Flag'? Please say that's not right.

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Marvin Brooklyn's avatar

Bill, Amen and Yishar Koach - May you be strengthened in all you do to try and save this country and preserve its democratic heritage.

Power, as Robert Caro argues, reveals. The government shutdown again reveals the stark differences between what Trump and the Republicans DO and what the Democrats (warts and all) DO when they have power.

During the first Trump term "Infrastructure week" became a running joke because the glorious leader kept promising that he would address our nation's crumbling infrastructure, and DID NOTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE. Biden and Congressional Democrats passed massive and comprehensive bills (WITHOUT GOP SUPPORT) to fix and improve our nation's infrastructure and create good paying jobs. Most of their investments (including expanding broadband service to rural areas) would aid Americans in areas that needed assistance the most, EVEN THOUGH THAT MEANT ENORMOUS SPENDING TO BENEFIT PEOPLE IN "RED" STATES!

One of His Highness's first steps when the government shut down was to pause and/or cancel funding for urgently needed infrastructure projects in Blue States. Trump also immediately held back funding for agencies that he believes support "Democrats" policies. He clearly does not care about the thousands of workers who will lose job and pay as long as he can "get even with" elected Democrats and those who vote for them.

It is time for the media, pundits and voters to stop obbsessing about stupid things some Democrats say and focus on the enormous differences between what the two Parties do when they have power.

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