If Russia continues to attack Ukraine with inadequate response from Ukraine because this Congress refuses to do their job the crisis that unfolds is on their hands.
They are preventing the U S from upholding their promised alliance to Ukraine.
All of this because of some twisted traitorous devotion to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
It’s wrong .
It’s impending disaster.
Their attachment to ridiculous investigations of innocent people has skewed reality for them .
There is strong bipartisan support for the Ukraine aid package in Congress. The National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 815), commonly known as the Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan aid package, passed in the Senate by a 70 - 29 vote 8 weeks ago. But Speaker Mike Johnson has not brought it to the floor of the House.
The only feasible path forward is to pass HR 819 as soon as possible.
Democrats are circulating a discharge petition to force it out of committee and be voted on. The petition needs 218 signatures. It currently has 191 -- only one Republican.
In addition to the link Mr. Snyder sent, which will only connect you to your own Representative, everyone reading this can help by calling any Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815.
Once the bill passes the House it would go directly to the President for his signature and immediately become law.
Call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative, and call Speaker Johnson's office (202) 225-4000 to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen specific Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
What a frightening situation. An ambitious man, with little relevant experience, is Speaker of the House. He is under attack by Trump surrogates and he will not act if his speakership is on the line. There is another methodology for getting the Ukraine bill to the House floor. Why has that not happened? There is virtually no press out there about that. Mr. Johnson, we are talking about the life of an entire country and all its people. If the Russians overrun Ukraine, they'll make what happened in Bucha look like a parlor game. We can stop it but only if we act together. If you do the courageous thing and lose your speakership over this, you'll be a hero and you'll go down in history that way. Barry Coburn
I agree that we must do everything possible to awaken the invertebrates in the House to the danger of withholding help for the Ukrainians. But, should we really be surprised when so many in Congress are dismantling our own democracy? I hope the DOJ finally gets around to prosecuting these "elected" insurrectionists-in-hiding. Bravo to you,Timothy Snyder, for your straight talk, courage and clear vision.
Done, I was passed to a staffer in Congresswoman Hayes office who was able to share that Congresswoman Hayes had signed the discharge petition, but she is getting back to me when I asked when that would be effective. I asked that Congresswoman Hayes Speak Up about this
Thank you, Tim. It's worth thanking if your Reps have signed. Let's keep trying. Deb Dingell just signed this morning, the 11th and I am making a donation to her even though not from Michigan.
Others have said Speaker Mike Johnson is difficult to reach by email or phone. I sent him a postcard urging that he bring Ukraine funding to the floor. I also encouraged him to donate to united24 to help in the Ukraine effort. Here's his address: 568 Cannon House Office Building; Washington, D.C. 20515.
The same can be said about those lawmakers who are NOT your representative. You can send them a postcard instead. We are 25 signatures away from passing a Discharge Petition which will bypass Johnson and send the bill to the floor for a vote. The link below shows a list of reps who have not signed yet, highlighting those who can be persuaded to sign the petition. Take a look.
Lynell wow thank you for that link on the reps and HR 815 I made good use of that list and called over a dozen Dems today and told MTG to go visit Ukraine on her next 2 week break and see what her policies are doing to the Ukrainians. Last week I was calling Republicans.So frustrating I will some donations too.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has delivered a blunt warning that Europe has entered a "pre-war era" and if Ukraine is defeated by Russia, nobody in Europe will be able to feel safe.
"I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past," he told European media. "It's real and it started over two years ago." 🇵🇱
His remarks came as a fresh barrage of Russian missiles targeted Ukraine.
“We will do anything we can to prevent Russia from winning”. President Macron 🗽
France sends Ukraine hundreds of armored vehicles. 🇫🇷
Meanwhile, in the USA 🇺🇸: Trump’s MAGA GQP = Government of Putin 🇷🇺
What we really need is a EU Army to #ProtectDemocracy in Europe 🇪🇺
And here, just F**King Vote GQP MAGA Traitors out of office. #BidenHarris2024 🌊
Trump is running a shadow administration, unelected, with the fealty of the GOP Congress. Trump is conducting our foreign policy. Trump is the cause of this tragedy unfolding now. The enablers of Trump, the fearful of Trump are causing this. And the Main Stream Media who are treating Trump as another candidate, albeit in legal trouble, they should be screaming about this.
I propose that Biden issue a national security emergency order to send all the equipment DOD agrees to part with. Who will have standing to sue? If it is the House, let them bring that to the floor for a vote.
Either Russian agents or Rusdian assets should not be allowed to get their way..
It is said that the Democrats are unanimous in their support of Ukraine. A small lie: There are a number (around 10%) in the House who refuse to sign the discharge petition.
It is also said that Republicans also strongly support Ukraine. A big lie: Fewer than 1% of their House delegation have signed the discharge petition.
So it is clear to me that neither party fully understands the urgency of the crisis. It also illustrates once again the weakness of the Democrats' so-called "big tent" philosophy, which allows people like Ro Khanna to stand in the way of defending Ukraine and people like Joe Manchin to block efforts to deal with climate change. It's why the Republicans are more effective as legislators (or perhaps I should say as blockers of legislation): they have a common cause, while the Democrats largely do not. With all due respect, there are existential issues facing us - like climate change and Russian aggression - that are more important than the issues on which the Democrats stand united.
Dear Dr. Snyder, Sadly, at this point in time, I believe that the Republican Congressmen care only about one thing, and it is not the well-being of another country and it’s people. They care only about remaining in office, not be forced into a primary election nor losing their election in ‘24 because they antagonized their voters. Doing nothing and voting no on everything proposed by the Biden administration are their MAGA marching orders. No amount activity from the nation’s voters who cannot be linked directly to their local constituency will be considered.
We can't make them sign, but we can contact them to urge them to sign. Those of us who have reps who have not signed the petition yet should contact/call them to urge them to sign. My rep has signed, so I will be sending the rest postcards instead of calling since I cannot get through unless I'm their constituent.
There are 23 Democrats who haven't signed the petition, just one short of what's needed. Why haven't they signed? Those Democrats are just as guilty if not more so of killing Ukrainians as the MAGA Republicans are. Look at the list. The Squad are all there along with their progressive pro-palestine cohorts. They are also traitors.
Not sure they’re “traitors.” No one I know on that list would have failed to sign without good reason. They may be thinking about the chaos that will result if MTG goes through with her threat. Better to have another go with Johnson before resorting to the totally unknown with no speaker again.
Traitor may be an exaggeration. That list is dominated by people who are pro-Palestine and who are most likely refusing to go along with aid to Ukraine in order to get Biden to stop supporting Israel. They are the flip side of the coin from the Gaetz Republicans. So what if chaos results from anything MTG does? I checked the ISW daily report on Ukraine this afternoon and we are about a thumbnail away from Russia breaking through and taking over all of Ukraine. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but definitely this summer. Without an IMMEDIATE infusion of weapons and ammunition, we will lose Ukraine this summer and worrying about political chaos in our dysfunctional Congress is no excuse for letting that happen. The fringe elements of both parties are equally at fault.
Also, tomorrow Mike Johnson is going to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump. Do you think he’s going to go back to DC afterwards and bring this aid package to a vote? Hell, no. Trump will order him to stall/kill it or face the consequences. Johnson will have his marching orders and he will obey them. It will be easier to get the 23 Democrats to sign the petition than it will be to get the Republicans to do anything. And that’s saying a lot considering who the Democrats are.
Ann, are you aware that there are many who worry about both Ukraine AND Gaza, some of whom are in Congress and doing all they can to get the complete aid package passed? Losing a speaker who MIGHT decide to do his duty and save the time it would take to get ANYTHING done if MTG takes out Johnson is what those on the list are likely thinking. After Johnson gets back from Mal-a-Lago let’s hope for passage of the bill that covers Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan, and shuts up the “groupies of Putin” as the congressman from SC called the real traitors.
Yes. Streisand and Penn are a red flag yelling "Hollywood is for it, so you vote against it". Seriously bad move if anyone thinks it was a good idea to put celebrities on the letter. That's a sure fire way to deep six the entire project.
You may be right — the positives of naming them *might* outweigh the negatives. If so there is value in naming them; but even if so their thinking and speaking do not seem to carry much weight or shed much light.
Who exactly is the “known and respected public figure” on that list? Personally, I don’t see anyone. Hollywood actors don’t count, they may be known, but are not necessarily respected. Snyder and Plokhy are Ivy League history professors that the vast majority of GOP legislators have never heard of and won’t listen to because…they’re Ivy League professors. William Kristol is a no go because he’s a never-Trumper RINO, ditto Mona Charen (they’re both at The Bulwark now). Anyone who they could influence has already signed. So who are you referring to?
Sean Penn has done mega heaps for Ukraine... Pretty sure he's been given some Ukrainian honour in recognition, but regardless he & Zelensky have met a lot to work out what needs to be done & where. Just cos the "Hollywood stars" don't thrust their good works into the headlines doesn't mean it isn't happening? Maybe look behind the prejudice as we would have others do & be grateful that "stardom" has given them the means to do more than most of us unknowns can hope to, no matter our wishes to help 🤷🏻♀️
I know what Sean Penn has done, and my comments have nothing to do with whether or not these celebrities broadcast their good works. My point is that US politicians in Congress, and the Republicans in particular, do not care one iota what Penn or anyone else in Hollywood has done, especially if it stands in opposition to what the politicians want to do, or not do. The MAGA wing of the GOP doesn’t want to support Ukraine, and nobody from Hollywood is going to convince them otherwise. It’s a purely political stance and since it’s political and not rational, no one with a good rational argument is going to change their minds. Republicans in general have never liked Hollywood or people from the entertainment industry. They’re considered left wing liberals, which most of them are, and therefore of no consequence to Republicans. I understand your point, and I’m grateful for the work that people like Penn do. But I’m a realist and that means I know Penn isn’t going to get more Republican signatures on that petition. Penn’s efforts would be better spent trying to convince the 23 Democrats who haven’t signed the petition to do so ASAP.
There are people (Charen, Jonathan Last, Tim Miller, Snyder) whose thinking and writing is so clear and penetrating that I am glad to work over and over to get them introduced to people who may see my FB posts.
Those names can *only* carry negative associations among informed and determined Trumpists; for anyone else their clarity and rightness *should* (🥺) carry the day. Where it won’t it just won’t.
Streisand and Penn are not at all the same: their names *do* carry negative impact (unserious, virtue-signaling, lib, etc.) whether or to whatever extent they deserve such disapprobation, and their thinking is not so worthwhile as to be allowed to undermine the impact that writers like Snyder, Last, Charen, … carry and distribute — to, for, and through us.
Mona Charen, Bill Kristol and Jonathan Last are from The Bulwark. The GOP representatives who haven’t signed the petition yet (and their voters) consider those guys to be neo-con never Trump RINOs. Yes, they should be listened to, but they won’t be. If you want an idea of how strong the opposition to all this is, just read the comments in The Free Press, or even the WSJ for that matter. Those people have bought the “Ukraine belongs to Russia” and “Leave NATO, let Europe defend itself” arguments 100%, they’re all in isolationist.
Between the Hollywood people and the Bulwark people and the Ivy League professors, this is not going to convince anyone on the right who isn’t already convinced.
Virtual conversations like these provide a sense of connectivity. So says an active Granny from NYC who takes in-person college classes “for the fun of it!”
Before I read this appeal (thank you Sir), I did send my message out to my Congressman. Without fail, whenever I send a letter to DC on issues such as this, it has an impact. Demand accountability and Funding for Ukraine NOW. Put this funding measure on the docket and out for a vote.
Remind congress November in America, not Russia, is a consequential month.
There is no point in me contacting my Democratic Congressman - he is entirely in favor of helping Ukraine and always has been since 2022 It's those nutcases the MAGAts we need to get rid of. Mike Johnson is showing signs of weakening, if the bill goes to the floor it will pass.
The squad doesn't surprise me, but 19 more? I'm sure Hakeem Jeffries, Joe Biden, and even my Congressman Ami Bera, will be putting pressure on top get this bill passed. It also includes humanitarian aid to Gaza. There are also a number of non-MAGAt Republicans who will sign the discharge order.
I was also surprised, but click on the link someone gave here to a site with all the names of non-signers and which party they’re with and how persuadable they are thought to be. The names are in separate boxes for Democrats and Republicans. Frankly, I was shocked at the length of the Democrat list because I naively thought they would 100% of them sign the petition. Interestingly, none of my state’s GOP representatives are on the list for not signing but call them anyway. They haven’t signed and I guess none of them are considered persuadable, so just give up on them I suppose. I do hope you’re right that Jeffries will bring pressure on those Dems to get with the program.
If Russia continues to attack Ukraine with inadequate response from Ukraine because this Congress refuses to do their job the crisis that unfolds is on their hands.
They are preventing the U S from upholding their promised alliance to Ukraine.
All of this because of some twisted traitorous devotion to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
It’s wrong .
It’s impending disaster.
Their attachment to ridiculous investigations of innocent people has skewed reality for them .
It’s time to get it right and do their damn job.
There is strong bipartisan support for the Ukraine aid package in Congress. The National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 815), commonly known as the Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan aid package, passed in the Senate by a 70 - 29 vote 8 weeks ago. But Speaker Mike Johnson has not brought it to the floor of the House.
The only feasible path forward is to pass HR 819 as soon as possible.
Democrats are circulating a discharge petition to force it out of committee and be voted on. The petition needs 218 signatures. It currently has 191 -- only one Republican.
In addition to the link Mr. Snyder sent, which will only connect you to your own Representative, everyone reading this can help by calling any Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815.
Once the bill passes the House it would go directly to the President for his signature and immediately become law.
Call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative, and call Speaker Johnson's office (202) 225-4000 to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen specific Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
https://www.FeathersOfHope.net
.
Thank you for this look at this alternative opportunity to do what’s right.
What a frightening situation. An ambitious man, with little relevant experience, is Speaker of the House. He is under attack by Trump surrogates and he will not act if his speakership is on the line. There is another methodology for getting the Ukraine bill to the House floor. Why has that not happened? There is virtually no press out there about that. Mr. Johnson, we are talking about the life of an entire country and all its people. If the Russians overrun Ukraine, they'll make what happened in Bucha look like a parlor game. We can stop it but only if we act together. If you do the courageous thing and lose your speakership over this, you'll be a hero and you'll go down in history that way. Barry Coburn
I agree that we must do everything possible to awaken the invertebrates in the House to the danger of withholding help for the Ukrainians. But, should we really be surprised when so many in Congress are dismantling our own democracy? I hope the DOJ finally gets around to prosecuting these "elected" insurrectionists-in-hiding. Bravo to you,Timothy Snyder, for your straight talk, courage and clear vision.
Done, I was passed to a staffer in Congresswoman Hayes office who was able to share that Congresswoman Hayes had signed the discharge petition, but she is getting back to me when I asked when that would be effective. I asked that Congresswoman Hayes Speak Up about this
Thank you, Tim. It's worth thanking if your Reps have signed. Let's keep trying. Deb Dingell just signed this morning, the 11th and I am making a donation to her even though not from Michigan.
A longtime reader of Timothy Snyder I have passed this appeal to several friends who may make calls. I shall.
Others have said Speaker Mike Johnson is difficult to reach by email or phone. I sent him a postcard urging that he bring Ukraine funding to the floor. I also encouraged him to donate to united24 to help in the Ukraine effort. Here's his address: 568 Cannon House Office Building; Washington, D.C. 20515.
The same can be said about those lawmakers who are NOT your representative. You can send them a postcard instead. We are 25 signatures away from passing a Discharge Petition which will bypass Johnson and send the bill to the floor for a vote. The link below shows a list of reps who have not signed yet, highlighting those who can be persuaded to sign the petition. Take a look.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTaMB3k5Z37OAM8HEMhDtwbLGzwn1wDXSNcoTmXEJbpfbacfp-m0fJGyb36lcNOhgqGO5-bArbibS5a/pubhtml?gid=614612044&single=true
Lynell wow thank you for that link on the reps and HR 815 I made good use of that list and called over a dozen Dems today and told MTG to go visit Ukraine on her next 2 week break and see what her policies are doing to the Ukrainians. Last week I was calling Republicans.So frustrating I will some donations too.
Yay for you, Nellie! You're the best.
I write monthly e-mails to my base and you’re welcome to copy and paste this email sent yesterday - - and add TS appeal.
Dear friends and family:
Lord Cameron meets Antony Blinken after 'private' talks with Donald Trump 🇬🇧
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQIMSv9Luw4
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has delivered a blunt warning that Europe has entered a "pre-war era" and if Ukraine is defeated by Russia, nobody in Europe will be able to feel safe.
"I don't want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past," he told European media. "It's real and it started over two years ago." 🇵🇱
His remarks came as a fresh barrage of Russian missiles targeted Ukraine.
“We will do anything we can to prevent Russia from winning”. President Macron 🗽
France sends Ukraine hundreds of armored vehicles. 🇫🇷
Meanwhile, in the USA 🇺🇸: Trump’s MAGA GQP = Government of Putin 🇷🇺
What we really need is a EU Army to #ProtectDemocracy in Europe 🇪🇺
And here, just F**King Vote GQP MAGA Traitors out of office. #BidenHarris2024 🌊
Peace on Earth ☮️ Kirsten
Thank you Kirsten.
Most of my base is in Europe and they need to get their act together 🇪🇺
Trump is running a shadow administration, unelected, with the fealty of the GOP Congress. Trump is conducting our foreign policy. Trump is the cause of this tragedy unfolding now. The enablers of Trump, the fearful of Trump are causing this. And the Main Stream Media who are treating Trump as another candidate, albeit in legal trouble, they should be screaming about this.
I propose that Biden issue a national security emergency order to send all the equipment DOD agrees to part with. Who will have standing to sue? If it is the House, let them bring that to the floor for a vote.
Either Russian agents or Rusdian assets should not be allowed to get their way..
It is said that the Democrats are unanimous in their support of Ukraine. A small lie: There are a number (around 10%) in the House who refuse to sign the discharge petition.
It is also said that Republicans also strongly support Ukraine. A big lie: Fewer than 1% of their House delegation have signed the discharge petition.
So it is clear to me that neither party fully understands the urgency of the crisis. It also illustrates once again the weakness of the Democrats' so-called "big tent" philosophy, which allows people like Ro Khanna to stand in the way of defending Ukraine and people like Joe Manchin to block efforts to deal with climate change. It's why the Republicans are more effective as legislators (or perhaps I should say as blockers of legislation): they have a common cause, while the Democrats largely do not. With all due respect, there are existential issues facing us - like climate change and Russian aggression - that are more important than the issues on which the Democrats stand united.
Dear Dr. Snyder, Sadly, at this point in time, I believe that the Republican Congressmen care only about one thing, and it is not the well-being of another country and it’s people. They care only about remaining in office, not be forced into a primary election nor losing their election in ‘24 because they antagonized their voters. Doing nothing and voting no on everything proposed by the Biden administration are their MAGA marching orders. No amount activity from the nation’s voters who cannot be linked directly to their local constituency will be considered.
But we can get our Democratic reps to apply pressure. Maybe some who are not traitors will see the light.
Here's the link that highlights both Democratic reps as well as Republicans, who we need to sign the Discharge Petition:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTaMB3k5Z37OAM8HEMhDtwbLGzwn1wDXSNcoTmXEJbpfbacfp-m0fJGyb36lcNOhgqGO5-bArbibS5a/pubhtml?gid=614612044&single=true
Thanks for this. The problem in part is Gaza. The bill passed by the Senate contains aid for Israel.
Understood, Martha. But I still think it is worth the effort to try to persuade reps to sign on.
You’re the best, Lynell!💓
Thank you, Marlene...Back at ya!
But how do we get the 20 Democratic votes? They’re all liberal Dems.
We can't make them sign, but we can contact them to urge them to sign. Those of us who have reps who have not signed the petition yet should contact/call them to urge them to sign. My rep has signed, so I will be sending the rest postcards instead of calling since I cannot get through unless I'm their constituent.
There are 23 Democrats who haven't signed the petition, just one short of what's needed. Why haven't they signed? Those Democrats are just as guilty if not more so of killing Ukrainians as the MAGA Republicans are. Look at the list. The Squad are all there along with their progressive pro-palestine cohorts. They are also traitors.
Not sure they’re “traitors.” No one I know on that list would have failed to sign without good reason. They may be thinking about the chaos that will result if MTG goes through with her threat. Better to have another go with Johnson before resorting to the totally unknown with no speaker again.
Traitor may be an exaggeration. That list is dominated by people who are pro-Palestine and who are most likely refusing to go along with aid to Ukraine in order to get Biden to stop supporting Israel. They are the flip side of the coin from the Gaetz Republicans. So what if chaos results from anything MTG does? I checked the ISW daily report on Ukraine this afternoon and we are about a thumbnail away from Russia breaking through and taking over all of Ukraine. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but definitely this summer. Without an IMMEDIATE infusion of weapons and ammunition, we will lose Ukraine this summer and worrying about political chaos in our dysfunctional Congress is no excuse for letting that happen. The fringe elements of both parties are equally at fault.
Also, tomorrow Mike Johnson is going to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump. Do you think he’s going to go back to DC afterwards and bring this aid package to a vote? Hell, no. Trump will order him to stall/kill it or face the consequences. Johnson will have his marching orders and he will obey them. It will be easier to get the 23 Democrats to sign the petition than it will be to get the Republicans to do anything. And that’s saying a lot considering who the Democrats are.
Ann, are you aware that there are many who worry about both Ukraine AND Gaza, some of whom are in Congress and doing all they can to get the complete aid package passed? Losing a speaker who MIGHT decide to do his duty and save the time it would take to get ANYTHING done if MTG takes out Johnson is what those on the list are likely thinking. After Johnson gets back from Mal-a-Lago let’s hope for passage of the bill that covers Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan, and shuts up the “groupies of Putin” as the congressman from SC called the real traitors.
Thank you, Lynell!
I am ashamed to say how much having Streisand and Penn in the headline is likely to weaken the appeal of this if I share it. 🥺
Yes. Streisand and Penn are a red flag yelling "Hollywood is for it, so you vote against it". Seriously bad move if anyone thinks it was a good idea to put celebrities on the letter. That's a sure fire way to deep six the entire project.
I disagree. When a known and respected public figure speaks out it helps galvanize support.
You may be right — the positives of naming them *might* outweigh the negatives. If so there is value in naming them; but even if so their thinking and speaking do not seem to carry much weight or shed much light.
Who exactly is the “known and respected public figure” on that list? Personally, I don’t see anyone. Hollywood actors don’t count, they may be known, but are not necessarily respected. Snyder and Plokhy are Ivy League history professors that the vast majority of GOP legislators have never heard of and won’t listen to because…they’re Ivy League professors. William Kristol is a no go because he’s a never-Trumper RINO, ditto Mona Charen (they’re both at The Bulwark now). Anyone who they could influence has already signed. So who are you referring to?
Sean Penn has done mega heaps for Ukraine... Pretty sure he's been given some Ukrainian honour in recognition, but regardless he & Zelensky have met a lot to work out what needs to be done & where. Just cos the "Hollywood stars" don't thrust their good works into the headlines doesn't mean it isn't happening? Maybe look behind the prejudice as we would have others do & be grateful that "stardom" has given them the means to do more than most of us unknowns can hope to, no matter our wishes to help 🤷🏻♀️
I know what Sean Penn has done, and my comments have nothing to do with whether or not these celebrities broadcast their good works. My point is that US politicians in Congress, and the Republicans in particular, do not care one iota what Penn or anyone else in Hollywood has done, especially if it stands in opposition to what the politicians want to do, or not do. The MAGA wing of the GOP doesn’t want to support Ukraine, and nobody from Hollywood is going to convince them otherwise. It’s a purely political stance and since it’s political and not rational, no one with a good rational argument is going to change their minds. Republicans in general have never liked Hollywood or people from the entertainment industry. They’re considered left wing liberals, which most of them are, and therefore of no consequence to Republicans. I understand your point, and I’m grateful for the work that people like Penn do. But I’m a realist and that means I know Penn isn’t going to get more Republican signatures on that petition. Penn’s efforts would be better spent trying to convince the 23 Democrats who haven’t signed the petition to do so ASAP.
There are people (Charen, Jonathan Last, Tim Miller, Snyder) whose thinking and writing is so clear and penetrating that I am glad to work over and over to get them introduced to people who may see my FB posts.
Those names can *only* carry negative associations among informed and determined Trumpists; for anyone else their clarity and rightness *should* (🥺) carry the day. Where it won’t it just won’t.
Streisand and Penn are not at all the same: their names *do* carry negative impact (unserious, virtue-signaling, lib, etc.) whether or to whatever extent they deserve such disapprobation, and their thinking is not so worthwhile as to be allowed to undermine the impact that writers like Snyder, Last, Charen, … carry and distribute — to, for, and through us.
Mona Charen, Bill Kristol and Jonathan Last are from The Bulwark. The GOP representatives who haven’t signed the petition yet (and their voters) consider those guys to be neo-con never Trump RINOs. Yes, they should be listened to, but they won’t be. If you want an idea of how strong the opposition to all this is, just read the comments in The Free Press, or even the WSJ for that matter. Those people have bought the “Ukraine belongs to Russia” and “Leave NATO, let Europe defend itself” arguments 100%, they’re all in isolationist.
Between the Hollywood people and the Bulwark people and the Ivy League professors, this is not going to convince anyone on the right who isn’t already convinced.
They are patriotic and care for our democracy. We need more people like them to step up and speak.
Dr Snyder.
Your analysis, as always, are absolutly at the point. Internal GOP problem is disrupting on the global arena.
Hans G Wesslau, Sweden
Virtual conversations like these provide a sense of connectivity. So says an active Granny from NYC who takes in-person college classes “for the fun of it!”
Letter sent to my congressman, who sadly toes the Trump/Johnson line in order to help Putin succeed. Perhaps, Rep Ogles will have a change of heart
Phone calls work better. They ignore letters. Or so I'm told.
Don't give up with a letter. Who reads that?
Before I read this appeal (thank you Sir), I did send my message out to my Congressman. Without fail, whenever I send a letter to DC on issues such as this, it has an impact. Demand accountability and Funding for Ukraine NOW. Put this funding measure on the docket and out for a vote.
Remind congress November in America, not Russia, is a consequential month.
There is no point in me contacting my Democratic Congressman - he is entirely in favor of helping Ukraine and always has been since 2022 It's those nutcases the MAGAts we need to get rid of. Mike Johnson is showing signs of weakening, if the bill goes to the floor it will pass.
Every little bit helps. Don’t justify apathy! We need to involve ourselves personally and not become complacent!
It's also 23 Democrats who refuse to sign, including The Squad and all their pro-palestine cohorts.
The squad doesn't surprise me, but 19 more? I'm sure Hakeem Jeffries, Joe Biden, and even my Congressman Ami Bera, will be putting pressure on top get this bill passed. It also includes humanitarian aid to Gaza. There are also a number of non-MAGAt Republicans who will sign the discharge order.
I was also surprised, but click on the link someone gave here to a site with all the names of non-signers and which party they’re with and how persuadable they are thought to be. The names are in separate boxes for Democrats and Republicans. Frankly, I was shocked at the length of the Democrat list because I naively thought they would 100% of them sign the petition. Interestingly, none of my state’s GOP representatives are on the list for not signing but call them anyway. They haven’t signed and I guess none of them are considered persuadable, so just give up on them I suppose. I do hope you’re right that Jeffries will bring pressure on those Dems to get with the program.
Me too, Ann, me too.