#1196 – Dick Bernard: Before the Electoral College in Minnesota

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Rep John Lesch on National Popular Vote Bill Dec. 19, 2016


(click on photos to enlarge)
I took seriously the notice: “Join us as we support Representative John Lesch at 11 am on Monday, December 19, in State Office Building Room 181 for a press conference announcing a National Popular Vote bill for Minnesota,” getting there not long after 10:30. Had to ask the guard where Room 181 was, and got there and found it dark and empty. Had I received the wrong memo? Well, at least I had the best seat in the house…but not for long.
By 11 a.m. the room was packed like sardines and Rep. Lesch and four or five legislators and four news cameras and at least one newsman, Pat Kessler of WCCO-TV. Rep. Lesch gave a brief statement; there were a few questions; the meeting adjourned. Those in the Twin Cities will see it on the news tonight, and read about it in the papers tomorrow. A main point made by the Rep. was the map he was holding (see above photo): that campaigns concentrate on just a few states in the battle for an electoral win. Of course, Trump garnered immense free and daily publicity from the national media – another issue for another time.

At the MN State Office Building news conference Dec. 19.


Stripped to its essence, the proposed bill simply mandates that the states abide by the national popular vote. It is not an amendment to Article II of the Constitution of the U.S. (u-s-constitution-art-ii001) Once enough states, totaling over half of the electoral vote (261 currently), agree, the popular vote would control the election outcome.
The Minnesota proposal is one of many proposals through the U.S., and is bipartisan. Of course, the road to approval is a long one, but worth the effort and worthy of watching. Also, there are other proposals of other sorts.
Meanwhile, a block or so away Minnesota’s electors were, I am sure, preparing to vote for Hillary Clinton as per the Nov. 8 election, as other electors in other states more than likely were voting by their electoral vote rules, electing Donald J. Trump.
News Conference over the legislators departed. As I say, the room was packed with advocates. Good friend, Barbara Gerten, Network Representative for Minnesota Move to Amend, was there. Bundled up such as to be almost unrecognizable, she said hers was one of many organizations represented at todays demonstration at the Elector convening nearby at noon. Her organization, here, is worth getting to know. As I say, hers was one of a number of different groups represented. It is an important part of a large national coalition, here.
The temptation is to say it won’t make any difference.
I disagree. An energized citizenry can make a great deal of difference. It is necessary, however, to keep after the goal; too often we defeat ourselves. One demonstration, one news conference, is not enough.
Learn the issue, and get in action. More in a later post. I have opinions about Donald J. Trump and the nature of his “revolutionaries”. Not nice people….

Pat Kessler, WCCO-TV, covering the story. He was one of few newspeople there, it appears.


COMMENTS
from Madeline:
Hi Dick,
Looked for you. I never went to the 11 am press conference. There were a lot of people rallying near the building where the Electors were to meet. Most were there around 11 and definitely at 12–I wanted to make sure the biggest crowd got video taped. About 12, some started entering the building for the EC Assembly. I waited til things thinned out (lots went in; some may have left; a few stayed outside). Inside I ended up being in second over-flow room. We had video screen of the proceedings with standing room at the back.
Outside from time to time were news cameras from channels 11, 5 and perhaps 9 that I was aware of. Inside, Fox 9 video streamed the entire proceeding. There was one “faithless elector” from CD 5, Ellison’s district. Because MN is a winner take all state according to the MN Constitution, he was dismissed after voting and replaced by the Alternate. So, Hillary got all 10 from MN. (Took the Sec. of State a few minutes to shuffle through papers to see exactly how to process the faithless elector’s vote)
Will try to send photos of the detailed ritual printed program and some pictures a little later. Meanwhile, I’m setting up to record news 5-6 on 11, 5, and 9. Don’t know if 4 was represented–perhaps they were too.
I’m glad I went too–got to keep the pressure on–never know in this extremely different and outrageous election. Thanks for covering the other event!

The Electoral College December 19, 2016

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POSTNOTES:
Of course, there have already been questions about what, why, etc. I don’t know the specific answers myself – this is basically without a precedent, going back almost to the founding of our country.
Here are some links, provided by readers:
from Madeline:
Ask the Electors
December 19, U.S.
from Carol:
Make Hillary Clinton President
Vote for a Republican Who Is Not Donald Trump
from Carol: I was unaware of the protests planned for Dec. 19. I see that you plan to attend – however, what exactly is the goal here in MN since our Electors aren’t voting for Trump?
from Dick: I do not know specifics. At this moment, just flag the date. I’ll add more details here as I know them.
*
One week from today, Monday, December 19, the Electors for President of the United States will meet in their respective states, cast their ballots and go home, wherever that happens to be.
There are 538 of them. Here is the list.
Electors have been part of every election. The 2016 election is the first one I know of where there is legitimate concern about the election of one candidate in preference to the other.
The problem is obvious and crucial.
Hillary Clinton tallied about 3,000,000 more votes than Donald Trump. (Data here).
Donald Trump has an electoral advantage of 305-232 if the Electoral College votes strictly on in-state election results (not required under the U.S. Constitution Article II). u-s-constitution-art-ii001.
The nearest recent analogy might be the Bush-Gore election of 2000, when the Supreme Court had to call the election in the crucial state of Florida. (I still have all of the newspapers from that crazy month in 2000.)
There are gatherings in all states at the time of the vote next Monday. Here are locations by state. I hope to attend in my area.
This is not a frivolous matter. Take the time to learn more about the Electoral College. About a three million vote difference between the two candidates is extraordinary. At the very least we need to witness to the imperative for a just resolution to this. There is no do over after Dec. 19.

Dick Bernard: One month after November 8, 2016

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Post-Election, here is my personal “favorite” political statement about us, as I saw in Rochester MN five days before the 2016 election. It says so much…. Click to enlarge.

Rochester MN Nov. 3, 2016

Rochester MN Nov. 3, 2016


* * * * *
On the morning of Nov. 10, a good friend of mine, who rarely ventures into politics, sent a brief e-mail which began “Once again, Bernie Sanders knows just what to say“, and then added Sen. Sanders “Statement on Trump” which began “Donald Trump tapped into the anger of a declining middle class…” (continued below, including the complete statement).
* * * * *
Some pertinent items as we move forward.
The 2016 Election Results
Presidency
When I first wrote about the actual 2016 election, I was basing assessments on what I knew at the time, including how many voted, and for whom.
Here is the best data I have been able to find as of Dec. 7, 2016:
231,556,622 Voting Eligible population in 2016: (voting age population: 251,107,404)
136,015,661 Total Ballots counted (est.) (59.1% of eligible)
As of December 7, 2016, national vote totals by candidate (source of data here):
65,525,364 (48.2%) Hillary Clinton 232 Electoral*
62,850,329 (46.2%) Donald Trump 306 Electoral*
7,639,968 (5.6%) Others
United States Congress (here note tabs at top of page.)
239-194 Republican: U.S. House of Representatives (Democrats gained 6)
51-46 Republican: U.S. Senate (Democrats gained 2)
* About the Electoral Vote
Of course, Donald Trump has won the Electoral Vote, but this final election is not until December 19 when the Electoral College casts its votes. This anomaly comes from Article II of the U.S. Constitution: u-s-constitution-art-ii001.
Odds are that the Electoral Vote will support Donald Trump’s election, but nonetheless there will be demonstrations around the country, including in Minnesota. I support the idea of demonstrations, as laid forth here by my friend, Madeline:
Alexander Hamilton’s original reason for creating the Electoral College was to prevent the election of an unqualified person or tyrant to the Presidency. That’s where we are. Trump is unqualified by any measure and continues to prove it every day. We need to encourage the Electoral College members to do their Constitutional duty, and genuine moral and patriotic obligation, to elect a qualified person for President. They should seriously consider voting for the winner of the Popular Vote for President, who so far has 2.7 million more votes than Trump, or elect another qualified candidate.
Besides various actions already being taken by members of the Electoral College, including at least one resigning, and lawsuits in some states, the following events are planned at the Minnesota state capitol, and hopefully and likely others will occur at state capitols across the country, regardless of party.
March against President Elect, Dec. 17 2-5 p.m. State Capitol, St. Paul (These two links are to Facebook pages)
Fight for the Popular Vote 2016, Dec. 18, noon; Dec. 19 8 a.m. State Capitol St. Paul.
These actions to urge the Electoral College to change the outcome of the election may indeed be a long shot, but if possible would be far superior to trying to fight each and every wrong individually after the fact. For example: on December 6, Bill Moyers and Michael Winship said this: “Here’s what we’d like to hear her [Hillary Clinton] say before Donald Trump takes office — a call for a shadow government that will watchdog everything he and Congress do. Link to their website.”
Personally, I don’t expect large turnouts at these demonstrations, but I think they are important nonetheless and I plan to participate.
* * * * * *
Continued, briefly…
Bernie Sanders complete statement here: Bernie Nov 9, 2016001
I commented back to my friend: in my opinion, there are different kinds of anger. There is destructive anger – prisons are full of people who acted on their anger – apparently it feels good to kill someone, at least for awhile.
There is also passive anger, where someone gives up – “I don’t give a damn any more”; an attitude that guarantees no success. This is a close relative of destructive anger.
Then there is constructive anger, where finding scapegoats is replaced by a personal commitment to be part of the solution. This approach is messy and difficult and requires participation. But it gives potential for a positive outcome.
My opinion: destructive anger won on November 8. All of us, including Donald Trump, received at least a two year sentence without parole.
I want to continue to try to be in the constructive category.
* * * * *
There are endless opinions. Three….
1. A number of years ago I read, then wrote about, some good political advice from then U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey. He was commenting on “Compassion” as a part of “Politics”. His brief comments can be found here. Simply note the first paragraph.
2. A good friend, very active in politics, recommends this article from the August, 2016 Atlantic. Bear in mind that this was published three months before the election.
3. I continue to highly recommend subscribing to Just Above Sunset, a free contribution to the conversation by Los Angeles blogger Alan Pavlik. Here’s today’s offering, on “Obamacare”. It arrives at my home about 2 a.m. each day except Sunday, and just sits quietly there till I choose to read or delete. It is always excellent.

#1190 – Dick Bernard: My Brush with Fidel and Cuba.

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A few mornings ago a friend at a neighboring table asked “out of the blue”, “so, are you going to Cuba?”
This was a head-scratcher. At the time, I hadn’t learned that Fidel Castro had just died in Cuba. At any rate, while I have an interest in Cuba, generally, my life doesn’t revolve around it or its politics. But no question, the Revolution in Cuba in 1959 has certainly impacted American politics for many years, and it long pre-dates the Castro brothers and Che Guevara…and they were not the villains.
My major “brush” with Cuba came in an Infantry barracks at Ft. Carson CO in late October, 1962. We GI’s were alerted that President Kennedy would be speaking to the citizens in the evening. A few of us gathered around the 9″ television owned by the Mess Sergeant, and watched the Presidents speech. Outside our barracks, perhaps a half dozen miles to the west, was Cheyenne Mountain, then and still the headquarters of NORAD* and, we were advised, one of many Colorado targets within range of the Soviet missiles being taken to Cuba.
The next morning, Tuesday, October 23, Denver’s Rocky Mountain News filled in the blanks, as known. Many years later I spent the time in a Denver library to find the specific issue that came to our Company office that morning. Here are a few pages: cuba002.
Here is part of page one:
(click to enlarge)
cuba001
The rest of the story is anti-climactic. By the time Pres. Kennedy spoke to us, the crisis was nearly over. Extraordinarily tense diplomacy saved the day. Other than a few days of putting up with more intensive preparation, life went on as normal at the base.
And for the 54 years since then, Cuba has been a constant enemy, and Fidel Castro outlasted 11 U.S. Presidents.
Actually, Cuba is a fascinating place, and deserves much more of a fair shake than it has gotten these last many years.
Out at the ND family farm I found a “History of Latin America” published about the time of 1959 coup. In the chapter on Cuba, the final paragraph says this: “Reflecting on the sorry state of Cuba in 1960, the onlooker could say that two things are reasonably clear: Cuba was indeed overdue for a revolution, and revolutions are never mild and gentlemanly.” Here is the entire chapter from which that quote is taken, with apologies to the author, Hubert Herring: Cuba to 1963001.
For those interested, I have had several posts about Cuba. They can be accessed here; here; here; here; and here.
That’s more links than I thought I’d find.
Personally, I prefer we work at racheting up the friendship, rather than making sacred the enmity. The Cuban people deserve a break, too.
* – I linked, here, the Norad Santa website. It seems fitting for the season. Here is the other NORAD link.
POSTNOTE: My favorite Revolution story comes from my Dad’s cousin, Marvin, then a very prominent banker in a Minnesota city. We were visiting sometime in the 1990s. For some reason the topic of Cuba came up, and Marvin said that at the time Castro came to power he made a $5 bet with a friend that Castro wouldn’t last six months. “Guess I lost that one”, he said.

#1186 – Dick Bernard: The Road to Serfdom

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Wednesday’s e-mail brought a most interesting commentary by the English commentator George Monbiot on Fredick Hayek, Margaret Thatcher and “The Deep History Behind Trump’s Rise”. The column is well worth your time to read. I offer it and what follows as grist for conversation as we try to make sense out of November 8, 2016.
Most readers would recognize Margaret Thatcher; fewer, perhaps, Frederick Hayek, 1974 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics.
I first learned about Hayek in the summer of 2003, when a Connecticut member of an education listserv, a corporate middle manager, and neocon policy supporter, recommended Hayek’s book, written about 1943, “The Road to Serfdom”. The Iraq War had begun not long before; the “Mission Accomplished” banner had already been hoisted; and in those days long before Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, I got the book and read it cover to cover.
Labor Day of 2003, thirteen years ago, I commented on what I had just read. You can read my comments (three pages) here: hayek-serfdom001. The comments speak for themselves. Note especially Hayek’s Group One, Group Two and Group Three.
To Jeff, who shared Monbiot’s column, I wrote in part as follows:
“My copy [of The Road to Serfdom] included an adoring forward written by Milton Friedman, who you might remember. I wrote a long response to my friend in Connecticut. He didn’t like the response….
I especially like Monbiot’s concluding comments.
*
I am led to repeat my favorite quote from WWII, by Hermann Goring, as he was nearing his time to die at Nuremberg (ultimately he committed suicide first). Goring was second only to Hitler in power in the Third Reich. I found it impossible to believe that the below quote attributed to him was real, until I read the entirety of Nuremberg Diary, and at p. 278 found the actual quote. Goring said this to Gustave Gilbert: “Why, of course the people don’t want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece?
Naturally, the common people don’t want war, neither in Russia, nor England, nor for that matter, Germany. That is understood, but after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simpler matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.”
Quoted in the book Nuremberg Diary, p. 278, Gustave Gilbert, Farrar, Straus & Co., 1947. Gilbert was psychologist assigned to the Nazi prisoners on trial at Nuremberg.
I am reminded of another quote I saw at the entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau 16 years ago: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana
*
Today’s Just Above Sunset talks more about mass communication in America: “A Well Informed Public”
The Newspaper; Government by Twitter, by myself, August 3, 2016
“The Pencil“, compassion in politics, as described by Hubert Humphrey., written by myself, 2004.
* Agree or disagree with my observations, I think Trump is only the most recent in a long succession of leaders who have organizing figured out. Granted, the leadership is not positive, and it never lasts, but it does real damage.
Some personal thoughts on the future as I see it, perhaps in early December.
Happy Thanksgiving.

P&J #1** – Dick Bernard: Post 11-8-16; "a house divided…."

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As of Nov. 16, Hillary Clinton is up 671,246 votes over Donald Trump in the U.S. popular vote, tallying over 60,000,000 votes in all; but Donald Trump has won the electoral 290-232. About 95,000,000 didn’t vote.
It’s time to read carefully Article Two of the U.S. Constitution: u-s-constitution-art-II001*. Perhaps the hated “Obamacare” will be dead. (I comment on this one at it’s end.). Slated to be over is attention to this nonsense called Climate Change, and other things. As we have all been told over, and over, and over, the last eight years were a “disaster”, “believe me”.
The word count at the end of the last paragraph is much too long for Twitter. For the brave who open the above links, there’s much more, and I hope a few of you do. The content behind the links are worth the time to read and think about, seriously.

A respectful conversation Nov. 10 in Minneapolis: Rev Chris Antal and Col. Lawrence Wilkerson (ret) discuss American foreign policy

A respectful conversation Nov. 10 in Minneapolis: Rev Chris Antal and Col. Lawrence Wilkerson (ret) discuss American foreign policy


In an earlier post I noted a personal post-election shock response akin to post-9-11-01. Back in those days – it was Sep. 24, 2001 – I opened an e-mail platform for those who wanted to share feelings. The first couple I wrote are here: Post 9-11-01001.
Pretty soon came P&J** (Peace and Justice) #1, and there was a lot of conversation on-line for a long time. Perhaps 150 people on the listserv. About a year ago I delivered two boxes, perhaps 1,000 pages, of e-mails from that post-9-11-01 series to the Minnesota Historical Society for archive. In some later day, maybe somebody will take a look at those boxes, which are a history – as I recall – of about the first year after 9-11. We on that list were on the losing side of the majority opinion, then. War on a credit card won. We were set to “Make America Great Again.” Afghanistan Oct 7 2001001
2001-09 is not remembered fondly.
After September 11, 2001, our nation took the course we seem to know best: beat the hell out of ’em, whoever ’em was, then (in Afghanistan, initially; Iraq a short while later).
It didn’t work well, as those of us remember the next 8 years know especially well; and it carries forward to today.
But memories are short. We can very well be beginning a repeat performance of post 9-11-01, only this time we simply escalate a long-standing internal civil war within our own country.
Nowadays, of course, communications have changed. E-mails are for old duffers like me. Blogs like this are too long for most readers. Already this is too long for most of todays readers (newspaper columns for commoners like me are limited to about 600-700 words.)
Now, things like Facebook (founded 2004), YouTube (2005), Twitter (2006) are still current, but almost old hat. iPhone (2007) and its variants are the rage. We have more ways to communicate less; we can pretend other opinions don’t exist. Fantasy can trump reality.
But we need to connect, far beyond headlines, and much more personally including with people of differing points of view. We need to take the time to understand what has happened, and why it happened, and mostly to be accountable for what happened, and will happen from today forward. The accountability piece is important, and difficult. It is so very easy to blame somebody or something else.
There are many issues. We avoid respectful talking and listening.
Today’s Trump (and Republican) “style” of winners and losers terrifies me. The polarization is dangerous in the communities which we call the United States, and Planet Earth. Raw anger has overwhelmed basic reason.
We are at another fork-in-the-road moment for our nation, and for those of us who don’t like what just happened, this is no time to sit on our rear ends and blame whomever.
It is time to get to work.
* – If interested, look here. Personally, I have signed on to this, at least to make my feelings known.
** – I’ve done this blog for a half dozen years. It has always been open to constructive commentary from individuals who wish to post. I almost never have someone “take the bait”. How about you? It must be constructive and fairly short (this one is about 500 words in total, for perspective.)
Related post and links here.
COMMENTS:
from David: Lots of things to think about as we contemplate the presidency of someone so clearly unqualified to do the job. Not the least of which is what the Democrats need to do to field candidates and policies that connect with the angst felt by many in this country.
During the final debate, Trump floated the idea that should he lose the election, he might not accept the results as legitimate. Criticism rightly came from thoughtful folks on both sides. I fear that supporting the idea of trying to persuade Electors to vote against the results of their respective states would only confirm the fears of those who felt that the election would be “rigged.” Clinton won the popular vote but lost the election due to the arcane Electoral College system. We don’t have to like the man, but Trump, according to the rules of the game, won, and is now President. If the results were reversed, Trump winning the popular vote, Clinton winning the election via winning the most electoral votes, would those now signing the Change.org petition support a call to overturn the results of the Electoral College? I doubt it.
I was amazed that there wasn’t a popular uprising against the Electoral College system when Gore won the popular vote but lost the election to Bush. It appears that the general public is pretty much satisfied with the system. If not, we should change it via a Constitutional amendment. But, just because we’re deeply disappointed in the results, let’s not support a movement that calls on us to change the rules of the game after the final whistle blows.
Response to David: It is good for as many people as possible to understand what is in Article II of the Constitution of the United States. In our current system as it is, it is a pipe dream to imagine a major amendment to the existing Constitution or Bill of Rights passing muster, regardless how necessary. It would take a cataclysmic event, and speaking for myself, I don’t want to see that to get change. This is a good time, however, to call attention to the problems with the Electoral College as it pertains to an election for President of the entire United States of America. Just my opinion.
from Jeff: For all the angst about rural vs urban, about angry white working class, etc…. it really gets down to the enthusiasm gap, Clinton did not inspire enthusiasm like Obama did for the Dems. As a result in places like Detroit, ‘Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and I assume in Miami and other place, the number of votes for Clinton were nowhere near what Obama got, and in the outstate areas people who voted for Obama as “change” particularly in 08, voted for Trump as change in 16.
As for me, I am historically trained and keep up with history in my reading, from many eras. To me I have to reach to the past to reconcile the present and consider the future, (though I know that every time is different), I am seeing a Trump presidency to follow 3 possible previous outcomes.
Hitler 1933+
Nixon 1968+ (hubris, racism, white rural backlash, protests)
Reagan 1980+ (tax cuts, increased spending, deficits, except this time Russia is not the enemy)
We can survive the last 2, I hope. I don’t want to think about the first one.
from Jane: BIG fork in the road! Plus it’s starting to be even more of a swamp than ever as people object to Trump stealing the election — but it was okay for Clinton to steal it. Plus Trump is now consulting with John Bolton, psychopath extraordinaire. America is in big trouble now.
Fr. Joe in a message to his parishioners Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016: gillespie-nov-13-2016001

Dick Bernard: After the Shock: Moving Forward After November 8, 2016

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POSTNOTE Nov. 11, 2016: Comments at the end of this post. In addition, I highly recommend “Broken Glass“, posted overnight, with lots of reflective long term thinking. We are in the first days at the fork in our national road – which fork do we choose? Each of us bear part of the burden.
* * * * *
I have added comments from several individuals and some additional data to yesterdays post. I will continue to add if/as others are received.
The last most recent e-mails:
1. from friends of many years: “My word! [we] are shocked. I like what Time magazine said heading one of their articles before the election: “This election is about what a woman can do and what a man can get away with”.” From another: “I’ve been in tears most of the day.”
2. Just Above Sunset, very long, but very worth reading in its entirety, “Waking up to Trump”. #
This is the most recent data on the election (and its context):
Donald Trump, 59,611,678 votes (279 electoral, 270 required for election)
Hillary Clinton, 59,814,018 votes (228 electoral)
In our country of 325,000,000 people there were 216,000,000 potential voters on Tuesday.
Roughly 100,000,000 people didn’t vote….
More data, including links, at yesterdays post.
In a very real sense, we are at the shock stage – two days after our electoral 9-11-01.
I doubt that the results Tuesday were expected by anyone, including those who won.
THE “FORK” IN OUR NATIONAL “ROAD”
9-11-01 brought us years of war and near financial bankruptcy because of our societies choice of which fork in the road to take 15 years ago. We were quite okay with war, then. Afghanistan Oct 7 2001001
Now, 11-8-16 presents its same fork in the road, but now it is among ourselves, in our own families and towns.
Everyone has to decide, which fork to take. There is no “on the other hand” in the coming days….
Here’s an old graphic from some workshop about 1972 that I always find useful for reflection at a time like this.
(click to enlarge)

Handout from a circa 1972 workshop.

Handout from a circa 1972 workshop.


* * * * *
# Just Above Sunset is a six-days per week digest on the national/international scene, free, is worth your subscription. Its compiler is a retired guy in Los Angeles. (his bio is at the blog). It just quietly comes to your mailbox, easy to access, or delete.)
NOTES
Today, note the next nine people you see (you are the tenth).
Three of them voted for Donald Trump
Three of them voted for Hillary Clinton
Four of them did not vote at all.
In January 2016 the Republican Party controls the Presidency, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Who will they, and their supporters, blame?
COMMENTS:
From Audrey: Thank you Dick.
from Bob: My thoughts are simply this — “never discount the combination of anger and ignorance.”
from Bernie Sanders via Steve: NOTE: in my space, I tend to not insert comments from prominent people, like Bernie. At the same time, he was the messenger for a large number of progressives in the year preceding Hillary Clintons nomination.
Bernie Sanders: “Donald Trump tapped into the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media. People are tired of working longer hours for lower wages, of seeing decent paying jobs go to China and other low-wage countries, of billionaires not paying any federal income taxes and of not being able to afford a college education for their kids – all while the very rich become much richer.
To the degree that Mr. Trump is serious about pursuing policies that improve the lives of working families in this country, I and other progressives are prepared to work with him. To the degree that he pursues racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-environment politics, we will vigorously oppose him.”
Dick, responding to Bernie’s comment via Steve: Personally, I’ve never had much confidence in always angry people, generally….
I am often motivated by anger, but I try to channel it into (I hope) constructive action. Too often I see people stuck in just being angry, but never doing anything constructive with it. There were plenty of these in Bernie’s camp. Of course, there’s also the poster child for destructive anger: the prisons are full of these, who take out their anger on someone else, with a gun, or whatever!
from Don: Thanks, Dick, for the excellent link to the “Sunset” article.
The wisdom and experience of people like you will guide us through the next few years, but it’s going to be tough.
You have my total support. We are, in fact, united together.
from Frank: Today I’m starting to feel a bit like our Native brothers must surely feel. We have a government that is supposed to be for the people, but functions for the bottom line of companies, and makes power something to be bought and sold. (Think oil pipe line) Common Good???? No such thing. We want the government out of our lives, and yet demand more aid for the military, the farmers, and every southern state that has a disaster.
We have socialism in a hundred ways, and yet the 3.2 beer joint philosophers don’t want to hear the term. They admire the bully, the Putin-type, that in their mind dictates the way, and takes no shit from anyone. They feel we can go back to an island mentality, and we don’t need the rest of the world. (Check anything with a plug-in to see this as fallacy) They will hate those with darker skins or a different heritage, and plot to destroy them on their way to their faux-Christian churches. They will talk about being pro-life and want the death penalty, and a halt to welfare. If you stand in the way of what they want, you will be destroyed. Ask any Native American.
This could be a very scary time in our history, but, am I currently disillusioned? Yup.
from Annelee, who grew up in Nazi Germany and was 7 years old when Hitler came to power in 1933. The other comment comes from a 19-year old who voted for the first time on Nov. 8.
Dick, here is a refreshing outlook of a young man I call my friend —I think he is nineteen, the first time he could vote.
I wish those protesters would go home. Hillary earned my respect with her concession speech. If her supporters would only listen to what she said. Or don’t they hear?
from her young friend, Jerry: Wow.. what a crazy election! I cannot believe the outcome of last night. I am neither sad or happy, but shocked. I am sort of excited to see what new changes will come when Mr. Trump gets into office. Who knows, maybe he will be the best president the United States has ever had. I am not a supporter of him, but I cannot dislike him right away, because he has done nothing to damage the country as of now. Maybe he will bring lots of good to the United States much like Hitler did in his early reign.
I cannot believe you have lived during the time of two very powerful leaders, Hitler and Trump, it is crazy to think that you have experienced both of them! You have seen a lot of powerful things in life, and have survived some of the hardest times, another reason why I look up to you with great respect. I may not agree with Mr. Trump on all issues, but I will never hate him. I learned from your books that it is not okay to hate anything or anyone, people may not agree or like the actions or beliefs of someone, but you said to never hate.
Hopefully the next 4 years will bring lots of good to America!

Dick Bernard: The U.S. Election 2016

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I write at 12:09 a.m. Central Standard time Nov. 9, 2016, and it appears it will be President Trump, and continuing Senate and House Majorities of Republicans – it appears to be virtually a sweep for the Republicans. [UPDATED below]
Here is a map of updated results. Of course, it will have changed by morning. It shows only AZ, MN, WI, MI, PA, NH, ME in play. Neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton have yet to appear at their respective campaign headquarters.
trump-11-9-16001
It appears Americans are going to have the opportunity to find out what Trumps mantra, “Make America Great Again”, means.
From time to time I’ll update this post. You can comment directly to this post if you wish; or to me at dick_bernardATmsnDOTcom. Keep it serious and respectful, because this is a serious matter with huge long term implications for not only ourselves but for the world at large.
Earlier last night, a friend sent a graphic that somehow already seems out of date, a few hours later. Here it is. Take a look. What will this 2016 election really mean?
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.
Some Basic Data:
325 million – present population
226 million – potential eligible voters 2016
59,333,439 Hillary Clinton popular vote 2016
59,165,778 Donald Trump popular vote 2016
131 million voters 2008
69 million Barack Obama popular vote 2008
60 million John McCain popular vote 2008
Yesterdays post is here.
Minnesota Up-to-date results here.
Presidential election up to date, here.
2016-ballot-pres001
1:49 a.m. Nov. 9: Here’s the first commentary, very brief, from my favorite blogger, Just Above Sunset.
COMMENTS:
PERSONAL, from Dick: Personally, I think most of us will rue the results of Nov. 8, 2016. The biggest victims will most likely be Trumps most avid supporters, the economically disadvantaged who think nobody cares….As best I can tell, the Republican policy has been to encourage people to distrust Government itself, and to offer itself as more trustworthy than the opposition.
Some highly generalized data which is sourced above:
A. Of the U.S. 325 million citizens, about 225 million were potentially eligible voters on Tuesday.
B. Of these 225 M, about 120 million, about 60%, voted essentially in equal numbers for either Trump or Clinton (these were almost all of the votes cast). This was, in turn, about 12 million fewer votes than cast in the 2008 Obama/McCain race.
C. About 100 million potential voters didn’t vote at all; about 30% of the potential eligible voters voted for Trump, who received slightly fewer votes than Clinton, but won the electoral contest.
Unfortunately, I have noticed that we Americans are generally very sloppy about our civic responsibility. For some of those who actually voted, casting a single ballot every four years for President is seen as fulfilling their obligation. Sad but true, we get exactly what we deserve. And now we have to hope that there will be some semblance of fairness in our government the next two, and four, years.
*
More Comments.
1. from Bruce: Dick, Clinton just wasn’t the candidate to run. If they were really serious about stopping Trump, any other candidate would have won, especially Bernie. This has to be on them & nobody else. I worked & voted for Jill hoping to get a real progressive party up & running. It looks like that was lost too.
2. from Jeff: The question to be answered… why did millions of voters in Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa and Minnesota for starters….. who voted for Barack Obama 4 years ago, vote for his exact opposite yesterday?
I think the by word from here on out is, be careful what you ask for, you might get it.
My main fear is for our institutions and the rule of law. A President who is riding with the alt right and is an authoritarian populist now has a Congress on his side, now you must watch people like McCain, John Roberts, etc. in order to find out if integrity and the Constitution really can prevail.
3. from Madeline: Bernie would not have fared better–this was white backlash! Racism et al. And it wasn’t likely the same people who voted for Obama. I and many friends are wearing BLACK today–funeral for all that was decent in our society. What I’m hoping for is change in count or Electoral College mutiny, or DRUMPF being prosecuted by FBI over Tuesday’s disclosure of their investigation.
4. from Maryam: Two thoughtful quotes reflect how I feel today.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
“What I do know for certain is this: The Republican Party and Donald Trump will have control of all the levers of government, from the courts to the Congress to …the White House. That is an awesome responsibility, and it is all going to be on them. Do they understand that? Personally, I will not wish them ill. Too much is at stake for my country and my children. Unlike the Republican Party for the last eight years, I am not going to try to make my president fail. If he fails, we all fail. So yes, I will hope that a better man emerges than we saw in this campaign. But at the moment I am in anguish, frightened for my country and for our unity. And for the first time, I feel homeless in America.” -Thomas Friedman
5. strong>from Rebecca: This is a response to one of my dear friends who is distraught over the election results.
What a surprise election! It was learned that people told the pollsters that they were voting for Hillary when they planned on voting for Trump all along. They didn’t want to admit they were voting for Trump. What does that say about many in our culture who we’re reluctant to speak about what’s really on our minds? Even more reason to focus on the latest research that shows that dialogue, rather than other educational approaches, as to what makes a difference. Dialogue, not debate, is a tool showing promising breakthroughs in learning how to collectively live together.
Those who voted for Trump just can’t stomach another 4 years of their voices and circumstances not being heard for many years. Just like the acting out kid in the classroom seeking attention, no matter what the price, he/she finally does get attention. However what will be done with this new-found-attention? It’s one thing to get it and quite another to come up with workable solutions. The devil is always in the details. However, sometimes the kid who was rebelling the most has something valuable to contribute when a genuine effort is made in “listening to understand.”
Just like the classroom circle process you and I developed, as peace educators, where everyone’s voice was heard and ideas explored, the same is needed at at the adult level. There obviously are things to discuss, not hide, when a whole bunch of people rise up and say, “Let the change begin” when they get a leader who is willing to challenge the status quo when certain aspects of it are not serving groups of people well. There’s no force like the force of unmet needs. Even Democrat leaders were saying this morning, “We need to find a way to reach out to the working class.” The working class used be the base! What happened that the Democrats strayed away from their base?
I voted for Hillary too and yet paid close attention to Trump out of curiosity. He first comes out of the gate with “emotions” combined with a few morsels of reason/logic. As humans most of us (bell curve) tend to react with our emotions first and then engage in reason and logic. He begins most conversations with what many people are already emotionally experiencing but too hesitant to express. He has well crafted the technique leading with emotions first.
However, it is interesting to note that more than one person has reported that Trump is flexible…if he hears more and more reasons/logic he’s willing to change his tune. It has been said that this is one of his most redeeming traits.
I’ve begun to see people forming and ready to reach out to his unusual leadership style in case he became President. I believe there is going to be a lot of “quiet” work by good people who will never receive any credit, but will be his daily influencers. If he casts them aside others will be ready in the wings to serve in this way. He is “teachable” and deep down has a good heart. (Point being – dig down deep.) There will be those who can reach these two aspects of his being.
In the meantime, in our own circle of friends and families, it’s important not to use our energy to bash Trump but take our conversations deeper and look for inclusive solutions. This may ultimately be one of Trump’s greatest gift – He calls it like he sees it and it is up to the rest of us to deal with what has been there all along – hiding under a rock or right in front of our noses, causing temporary blindness. It hurts to live in a society where some need to hide their true voting intentions. What’s the lesson to be learned here? What would that dialogue look like?
6. from Jim: In Blaine, a lower middle class (heavily blue color) suburb, a snotty young Republican, big fan of Trump’s, repeatedly posted on his Facebook page that the Confederacy was an outstanding government and that Abraham Lincoln was the worst president in U.S. history. He quite easily won a seat in the Minnesota Legislature.
I’ve seen two or three similar stories just in Minnesota — which voted Clinton — in the first few hours since the election returns have been available.
Another one is a terrible ex-shock radio blabbermouth who at various times has said nobody has the right to tell others they can’t own slaves and that men have a native right to use force to keep their wives in line. He got a House seat, although it was fairly close.
And that, again, is Minnesota. Dig a little and you’ll find worse in Mississippi or North Dakota or….
They’re feeling untouchable.
7. A friend in France: I was watching television all night and saw the shock of the world about Trump’s election. What are your feelings?
8. from Barbara: Today is a day for mourning because this is a national tragedy.
I am crying for all the little girls in America. For all the little girls who are being told it is ok to be sexually assaulted because that is just something guys do.
I am crying for all the little girls who are being told that misogyny is not only ok, it is rewarded with the highest prize.
I am crying for all the little girls who are being told “no, you can’t be anything you want to be in America.”
I am crying for all the little girls who will kill themselves because they cannot be a “ten”.
I am crying for all the little girls who are being told once again that your value is in how you look, not in who you are.
I am crying for all the little girls who are being told men do not have to respect you. They can call you every vile name and you just have to tolerate that emotional abuse.
I am crying for my granddaughter who has to grow up in a hate trumps love world.

Dick Bernard: Election Day in the U.S. November 8, 2016

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First, the New York Times offers free subscription for today and tomorrow: check here.
Those who follow this blog know that when it comes to elections, it is my habit to publish before the polls close. In this case, the polls are about to open, and I simply want to reflect on observations here and there, mostly in the very recent past.
First, a photo from Rochester MN last Thursday, Nov 3. (click to enlarge)
I think the sign says a lot about the current state of our country’s fractured political conversation (disclosure: I’m a long time member of the American Legion.)

Rochester MN Nov. 3, 2016

Rochester MN Nov. 3, 2016


Some things I saw/experienced the last few days.
Saturday evening we took our older-than-ourselves neighbor, Don, to the Minnesota Orchestra to hear Dvorak’s “From The New World”, which was magnificent, of course. Leading off the concert, unexpected, was Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” featuring five very short quotations of Abraham Lincoln between 1858 and 1863.
It was intensely moving, in a great part because the reader was Alan C. Page, retired Minnesota Viking, and Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Justice Page read from the heart, as well he would.
You can read the quotations here, from the Orchestra program: lincoln-portrait001.
Earlier Saturday, the local group of Evangelical ministers met the next table over, as always, to discuss some text or other in the Bible. This particular Saturday there were five, one still wearing his “Make America Great Again” hat. At the end, the person I’ve come to see as the leader of the group, said “vote twice on Tuesday”…there was no need to explain…I’ll see what they have to say, if anything, a few days from now.
Sunday morning, at the Basilica, I wondered how my Catholic Church would handle the issue. The Priest who gave the homily – retired, an outstanding homilist – did not touch the issue of the election. On the other hand, the Church petitions, a regular feature at Catholic Mass everywhere, following the Homily, was perfect (in my opinion). In effect, we were urged to take our responsibility as citizens very seriously.
Whatever happens today, it is pretty clear to me that more so than in most other elections in my adult life, people are attending to voting as more than a perfunctory and optional act. If nothing else – I say this as a positive – this election has seemed to get people’s attention, finally, that this is their country, and ours is a troubled place.
Of course, in the short term, there is a big downside for whomever perceives they “lose” – or “wins” – today. But maybe a few more will come to the conclusion that this country is every one of us, together, not just somebody who is President, or a faction that dominates, or, as I heard some disgruntled old guy say to his wife at the polls some years ago: “There, I voted. Now I have the right to complain.” But at least he was there, and he voted with passion, for or against somebody unknown to me.
Complaining, of course, isn’t enough.
Friday, I stopped in at an excellent conversation on the issue of peace and war in our world. Leader of the conversation was Paul K. Chapelle, a former Army Captain in Iraq War, a graduate of West Point. I’ve heard him before, he is always outstanding.
We were not there about politics, but in his quiet sort of way Mr. Chapelle took a moment to recall Homer’s Iliad, and two of the characters, Ajax and Odysseus. Mr. Chapelle, wise beyond his years, observed that Ajax had been magnificent in battle, of great strength. At the end of the battle, though, the people voted for the more eloquent Odysseus.
There was no discussion nor definition, of the meaning as seen by Mr. Chapelle. It was left for each of us to consider.
I looked up Ajax when I got home. The story is linked above.
As people who study war know, Warriors often prevail but only in the short term. In the long term, we need wisdom and we desperately need peace…and it has to come from within and among all of us, every day, in every way.
Do vote, but voting is only a tiny beginning.
I wish us wisdom.
POSTNOTE: My personal position on this election is here.
COMMENTS:
from Jeff: I have to admit, the sign at the American Legion sure made me chuckle.
I am not sure what they were thinking, but the sign did ring true… a bunch of old white guys who instead of doing something to change things are sitting in a bar…. ? Speaks volumes…
I know they meant it differently… but that’s how I saw it.
The race is to the swift.
When will the Baby Boomers cease to be at the top of the pile? Its time to tackle the real problems… instead of fighting the old culture wars isn’t it?
from Larry: Your “Election Day in the U. S. November 8, 2016” is probably your best essay yet. They’re all good, Dick, but this one was exceptional. I love the inclusion of the Lincoln quotes.
You are fortunate your Catholic priest did not push Republican candidates. As I listen to the Roman Church’s “Eternal Word Television Network” (both the radio and tv versions) and the Catholic “Real Presence Radio Network” station in our area, I cannot believe how they subtly and not-so subtly promote an extreme right-wing agenda along with encouraging votes for the most despicable Republican Presidential candidate in my lifetime. To that denomination denying a woman’s right to choose “trumps” everything. Everything! And to the “charismatic evangelicals” protecting their “religious rights” (read: 501(c)3 tax deduction) is everything, despite the character of the Republican Presidential candidate.
As I said, Dick, you were fortunate you attended a Catholic church with a priest who refrained from pushing a political agenda.
from David: Regarding the sign outside the Rochester American Legion Post: What is it with the electorate that so many feel that the way to solve the complex problems facing our country is to elect “outsiders” or “ordinary folks”? Having experience in government or governing is seen as something to vote AGAINST. Would these same people take their car to someone who advertised that they hadn’t done much work on cars? Or, seek out a surgeon who bragged that all she needed was common sense to cut you open and do that bypass operation? When did ignorance become a virtue?
from western Wisconsin, thanks to David.

from western Wisconsin, thanks to David.


There are so many campaign lawn signs out there that I can’t believe anyone pays attention to any of them. However, a long-time Democrat just down the road from us has a creative bent to his urgings. Note the actual donkey on the trailer. When I stopped to take the picture, the donkey perked up and came over to the side of the trailer to get petted and fed some green grass. I think the two of us have a lot in common; politically, that is.

Dick Bernard: One Week to Election Day: #33 "What I Sent on Hillary"; the E-mails, etc.

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Yes, you’re tired of “politics”, and “government” is the problem, not the solution. Of course, every one of us IS “politics”; we are “government”. Both reflect us. I surprises me that this is my 33rd commentary on politics in America (the first was June 6, 2015, when Bernie Sanders came to town). So it goes.
1. Does your vote matter? 90 seconds, Here. Your well-informed vote matters even more.
2. My strong endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President continues, as it has been since February, 2008. She has earned and deserves respect for her public service for ordinary people for her entire career. Donald Trump, to my knowledge, has zero experience in public service, and runs on a “none of your business” position about his personal financial and other affairs, such as his tax returns. In recent years, his party, the Republican party, which dominates the Congress and Senate, and many states, and wishes to continue that domination, consistently runs on a platform against government itself, and does its best to sabotage government, except on its own terms. This is not how democracy is supposed to work. This was the dream of Grover Norquist and his allies…to make people disgusted with their government, thereby facilitating a takeover.
3. E-MAILS: Amid the furor over the latest e-mail revelations, comes an interesting article from the New Yorker, about the George W. Bush administrations 22 million missing e-mails. This, apparently, is the “tip of the iceberg” of a much bigger story (wikileaks, and the like) which is yet to be told, but won’t be till after November 8.
4. WHAT HILLARY CLINTON STANDS FOR:
(Florence is my sister; Judi is our long-time friend.)
“My friend, Judi, did research and shared the following with her family and acquaintances, including those who still wonder if Hillary deserves their vote for President. Among all of the candidates on ballot, none are more qualified or deserving of their support.
Thanks, Judi!”
HILLARY CLINTON
Over her decades-long career in public service, Hillary has taken on her share of tough fights. Here are just a few of the biggest things she’s accomplished.
1. Fought for children and families for 40 years and counting.
After law school, Hillary could have gone to work for a prestigious law firm, but took a job at the Children’s Defense Fund. She worked with teenagers incarcerated in adult prisons in South Carolina and families with disabled children in Massachusetts. It sparked a lifelong passion for helping children live up to their potential.
2. Helped provide millions of children with health care.
As first lady of the United States, Hillary fought to help pass health care reform. When that effort failed, she didn’t give up: Hillary worked with Republicans and Democrats to help create the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP cut the uninsured rate of American children by half, and today it provides health care to more than 8 million kids.
3. Helped get 9/11 first responders the health care they needed.
When terrorists attacked just months after Hillary became U.S. senator from New York, she worked to make sure the 9/11 first responders who suffered lasting health effects from their time at Ground Zero got the care they needed.
4. Told the world that “women’s rights are human rights.”
Standing in front of a U.N. conference and declaring that “women’s rights are human rights” was more controversial than it sounds today. Many within the U.S. government didn’t want Hillary to go to Beijing. Others wanted her to pick a less polarizing topic (you say polarizing, we say half the population). But Hillary was determined to speak out about human rights abuses, and her message became a rallying cry for a generation.
5. Stood up for LGBT rights at home and abroad.
As secretary of state, Hillary made LGBT rights a focus of U.S. foreign policy. She lobbied for the first-ever U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on human rights and declared that “gay rights are human rights.” And here at home, she made the State Department a better, fairer place for LGBT employees to work.
6. Helped expand health care and family leave for military families.
Hillary worked across the aisle to expand health care access for members of the National Guard and reservists—making sure those who served and their families had access to health care when they returned home. And she worked to expand the Family Medical Leave Act, allowing families of those wounded in service to their country to take leave in order to care for their loved ones.
7. Negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
As our nation’s chief diplomat, Hillary didn’t back down when the stakes were high. As Hamas rockets rained down on Israel, Hillary went to the region immediately. Twenty-four hours after she landed, a ceasefire went into effect—and that year became Israel’s quietest in a decade.
8. Instrumental in the creation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act and the Foster Care Independence Act
9. Successfully fought to increase research funding for prostate cancer and asthma at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
10. Spearheaded investigations into mental illness plaguing veterans of the Gulf War; we now have a term for it – Gulf War Syndrome.
11. At the Department of Justice, she helped create the office on Violence Against Women.
12. Was instrumental in working out a bi-partisan compromise to address civil liberty abuses for the renewal of the U.S. Patriot Act.
13. The Clinton Foundation, founded by her and her husband, has improved the living conditions for nearly 400 million people in over 180 countries through its Initiative program. 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.here
1-7 are from the Hilary Clinton website
8-13 are from here
For 112 reasons to support Hilary go here.