Yesterday was Sunday … which usually means a slow newsday – and this was no exception. So I don’t have a lot. But there’s always something.
Cartoon –
Short Takes –
Medium – Ken Starr, Brett Kavanaugh, Jeffrey Epstein and Me
Quote – It was a an interview I watched in 2020 with one of Baylor’s aggrieved accusers that helped me understand how I could have been blind for so long to the pattern of misogyny coursing through Starr’s career. Describing a meeting with Starr about her ordeal, she said that he shed a tear along with her, made her feel heard, but did nothing to help get justice for her or the many other female students who came forward with allegations. Unless you count what he said in one interview, “We grieve for what happened. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t say it’s a new day. That’s the biblical perspective that we try to live up to here at Baylor University.” Shamelessly and effectively, he shoved rape allegations under the carpet in the name of Christianity.
Click through for complete story (you get 2 articles free per month, so maybe “print” if you want to be able to reference it.) I always used to think a person’s sex life did not affct his abiity to govern – and I still think so provided misogyny is not a part of it.
The Guardian – Tennessee man died from heart attack after ‘Swatting’ over Twitter handle
Quote – “Emergency responders were dispatched, and when they arrived at Herring’s home, guns drawn, they called for Herring to walk toward them, keeping his hands visible. As he did so, Herring, 60, appeared to lose his balance and fell to the ground, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital; cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.”
Click through for details. We’re familiar with “Sex sells,” and “If it bleeds it leads.” Maybe weneed a new saying regarding the amount of media attention triggered by pur craziness.
Democratic Underground – “And there, people, is the story of why I hate people. And why I love people….”
Quote – “I guess I look nice. Approachable. Like I wouldn’t rip your head off. I am nice, most of the time. But not always. And I lost my temper.”
Click through. It’s not terribly long. And I figured we needed a feel-good story after those horror stories above.
Food for Thought:
6 Responses to “Open Thread for July 26, 2021”
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Cartoon: Gawd…ain’t that the truth!
Medium: WOW! What a story! So sad. Unsettling. Starr, Cavanaugh, and Epstein’s continued sexual abuses have had misogynistic behaviors for years and got away with it. With scarred victims. Ugh. ‘What goes around comes around’, shame it takes so long though. And the ‘beat’ still goes on, too.
The Guardian: o.m.g! I didn’t even know what this was till I read the story. How unbelievably tragic! Glad Sonderman was sentenced to 5 years in prison too.
DU: Compassionate, and a wonderful story! Thx!
Reminds me of the song Patti Smith sang back in 2018:
Yes, I agree Joanne. There’s always something. Enjoy your day, and Thank You!
This just in: John Lewis taught us that when we see something that is not right, not just, not fair, we have to do something. He taught us not to lose hope—that this is the struggle of many lifetimes. He taughtus to get in #GoodTrouble. One year already. We miss you. ~ Val Demings ~
2. Opening Day – “Dear @TeamUSA, your entire nation is cheering you on and we are grateful for what you’ve given us: the chance to come together in common awe and appreciation for your accomplishments and the sharedjoy of rooting for our country on the edge of our seats.” ~ Jill Biden, FLOTUS~
3. “Just have to say this. Nancy Pelosi is the smartest, strongest, most dedicated and compassionate elected official I have ever known. ~ Rob Reiner ~
4. Ted Cruz – “Joe Biden is Jimmy Carter 2.0. Senator Cancun, you aren’t qualified to tie his shoes let along speak his name disparagingly. Unlike you, President Carter has never betrayed his oath and never abandoned his people in the midst of a disaster. He has dedicated his entire life to helping people – the least of these.” ~ Jaime Harrison ~ DNC Chair. ~
5. “Ignoring Trump is not an option. Looking away is not an option. Trump is the 2024 Presumptive nominee of the GOP. His insanity, conspiracy theories, rage, grievance and lying are dangerous. His words tonight (GA rally), teemed with menace and intimations of violence. Yet, he remains.” ~ Steve Schmidt ~
TJI’s 1-4 so nice to have four quotes of beautiful praise, even though a couple are bittersweet. And #5, sadly, is absolutely true. We will only be able to ignore him when he is behind bars. And it may even be difficult tehn.
Joanne,
Thank you!
Great song and video. Thanks Pat
TJI#1: Wise and true words. Sure do miss him.
TJI#2: Encouraging words.
TJI#3: True words, Powerful woman.
TJI#4: President Biden has done so much in the 7 months, than the other guy did his entire 4 years.
TJI#5: Have to agree with Joanne’s comment, that we won’t be better off till he’s behind bars. He shouldn’t be allowed to hold these functions where he continues spreading more of his fake news/lies.
Cartoon: Sick of what these rotten R’s have done and continues to do to our Postal ServiceMedium: Sad and very disturbing story.
The Guardian: So tragic. I too am happy Sonderman got sentenced for 5 years.
DU: Touching story. Nice seeing ones who care.
Hope you had a pleasant day.
We had some rain during the night. Wish we would of had more, since we’re suffering with a major drought. It did stay cool here today. It’s suppose to get moggy and warmer starting tomorrow.
Take care. Thanks Joanne
Cartoon: During the previous guy’s era, Republicans went in overdrive.
Medium: I’d forgotten all about Starr and had to look him up. Gene Lyons in the Guardian gave me this quote from the mistress’ mouth.
I knew enough.
Guardian: I needed to read the article to understand what had happened here. It’s good that the instigator got a 5-year sentence, but it wasn’t for grievous bodily harm or anything like it but because “Shane Sonderman, of Lauderdale county in Tennessee, used swatting as part of a campaign of harassment meant to force people to hand over desirable usernames.” He was sentenced for a number of these offences. I don’t think those five years will have given the family much closure.
DU: Thanks for this very human story, Joanne, It is so wonderful to see someone lead by example and who doesn’t shy back telling the a$$hole exactly what she thinks. It was all it took to get everyone around her thinking and acting instead of fretting on the inside.
FFT: