This July 4th is important for several reasons.
One, as a (relatively) young nation, it still astounds that we persist. In comparison to the older countries on the planet, we are barely in our teens, and sometimes act accordingly. Second, we are a democracy; imperfect, and created by imperfect people, as ALL people are. In the jingoism that envelops us through our narrative, it is easy to lose sight of that; imagine the naked audacity of a declaration that all men are created equal being disseminated by a landed gentry that owned other human beings and not only didn’t consider them equal, but didn’t consider them human. A 3/5th compromise indeed. Third, and most importantly at this point in time, the republic is at greater peril than at any time since the Civil War, and that peril is being cheered on by those who would gladly re-impose the ’50s (that’s 1850s for those who are paying attention) so long as the fallacy of white supremacy is maintained.
So, on this 4th of July weekend, let us remember those who would deny freedom for ALL citizens so long as they maintain power:
On July 4, 2018, a delegation of seven Republican U.S. Senators and one Republican member of the House of Representatives spent the Independence Day holiday in Moscow.
Of the eight, six are up for re-election in 2022. They’re all pretty well entrenched in GOP strongholds, of course, but wouldn’t it be a pretty thing to dislodge even one or two of these treasonous scum? Anyone on the ground who knows whether that’s even thinkable? They celebrated America’s birthday in Russia. Voters shouldn’t be allowed to forget that.
The Moscow Eight (a refresher):Richard Shelby (AL) — 87 yrs old. In Senate since 1987 (finishing his sixth term). Will not seek re-election in 2022.
Steve Daines (MT) — 58 yrs old. In Senate since 2015 (in his second term). Not up for re-election until 2026.
John Kennedy (LA) — 69 yrs old. In senate since 2017 (completing his first term). Up for re-election in 2022.
John Hoeven (ND) — 64 yrs old. In Senate since 2011 (completing his second term). Up for re-election in 2022.
Ron Johnson (WI) — 66 yrs old. In Senate since 2011 (completing his second term). Up for re-election in 2022.
Jerry Moran (KS) — 67 yrs old. In Senate since 2011 (completing his second term). Up for re-election in 2022.
John Thune (SD) — 60 yrs old. In Senate since 2005 (completing his third term). Up for re-election in 2022.
Kay Granger (TX-12) — the only woman and only House member in the Moscow CoDel. 78 yrs old. Member of Congress since 1997 (currently in her 13th term). Up for re-election in 2022.
Here’s what they, and the Orange Menance wrought:
My Ready Room 