totally agree, the party would need to prove over an extended period of time, before I could reunite with them. The fact the republicans are immoral, grifters, and totally sexist, makes it clear they can't change the verbiage--doesn' t mean they can now promote different core beliefs
maybe our society has changed around us so much that it seems we're the aliens now? ethics and principles are no longer a 'thing' with politicians (i.e. all people who want us to vote for them as a legitimate 'representative of the people' in the people's house....
DO POLITICIANS REALLY CARE WHAT YOU THINK? WHY DO THEY NEVER RESPOND TO YOU?
Politicians websites always say they ‘want to hear from constituents’ and provide a webform for communication. I take this as the form for serious communication, not just haranguing or praising short messages on BlueSky, FB, X etc. They send you an automated response saying thank you. Then they send a standard email saying thanks again and a list of all the great things they have done in congress for you…none of which relate to the topic of your email.
WTF!!!! Are they too busy to read and respond? Yeah, we all know they have to schmooze big money donors, and (hopefully) do research on some bills being presented in congress, and make travel and dinner arrangements, and have meetings with ‘lobbyists’ and hopefully a few constituents who happen to be in the city where they are…..but seriously, they and their staff are busy doing this 5 days a week, 10 months a year????? (assuming 2 months paid leave - plus government shutdown time off)
I would love to hear of all the things they do that keep them from really, earnestly, responding to their constituents (and I don’t mean responding to the crazy daily emails some people like to barrage their representatives with)…..
Has anyone really had meaningful communication with their representative of late? I’ve been communicating with my representatives for decades, and never had any decent response (that indicates they actually read and understood) and I don’t think I can be classified as a whacko (though maybe you haven’t read all my posts and notes) 😊
so the reality is we have to choose the least evil option....not the best option because we aren't offered a best option....
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (schumer any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???).
basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of who are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
I'm from the state of Kentucky and make regular phone calls and emails to Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell and Rep Thomas Massie. I have "rules of engagement" with certain parameters that they are asked to follow when responding to one of my communications.
1. First up, I remind them that they haven’t had a town hall with the public in over a decade. I demand an original response specific to my question. No form letters. I try to ask questions that would invoke a unique answer.
2. I demand that their response is 100% factual based on verifiable scientific nonpartisan evidence. If I want an opinion, I’ll ask for it.
3. Any mention of the Democratic Party or former POTUS Biden is prohibited unless I specifically ask for information.
I’ve had some success with McConnell, the other two not so much. But I keep on keeping on operating under the assumption that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
keep up the good work :) I send comms to maga mike johnson as well as maga thune… i have to fake an address in their constituencies otherwise you are not allowed to communicate with them…though both hakim jeffries and chuck schumer allow non constituent contact as well…. politicians in general all claim to want to listen to the voters, but only if we agree with what they say… most of them really suck…. :)
Adam, I follow your substack as well. I have a question for you; you may not have an answer.
Do you know, or do you believe that Republicans regret not impeaching Trump after Jan 6th? Were they all just amoral people being allowed to show their colors? I try hard not to vilify everyone, but it's hard not to when there is a very clear bad and good side in this country now.
Sometimes I hate party affiliations, and the money tied to politics. I identify as Democrat. I used to say moderate because I would vote R at times, or I if I liked a particular candidate. I used to see so many converging points within all parties.
I truly dislike the label and nastiness associated with party affiliations now. We never used to say, "well, you're not an American" if you weren't affiliated a certain way. Now it's common place. In fact, they're weaponizing it. It's why so many young people are not enamored with politics or politicians and don't feel it works.
You would be a good person to teach them. Not groom, just teach. Maybe you need to go back to school and get that credential if you don't want to make the millions in the consulting class. ;)
Oh, I forgot, Thank you for your service, both militarily and civically. Mad respect, Adam.
as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
and yes, we need ethical, principled representatives like adam kinzinger, AOC, pete buttiegieg, jasmine crockett, zohran mamdani....the old farts are on the gravy train of congress to make more and more money for themselves....ethics, principles, and morals are not their governing stars.....
I bought THE LAST REPUBLICAN on Amazon Prime. I have watched twice & it is a great "makes you think" documentary. So eye-opening to see behind the curtain of 1/6 committee + day-in-the-life of what you Adam had to handle in that time. I admire you for your honesty & willingness to share your life & opinions. Thank you for your service. Democracy needs people like you now.
I will watch 'Last Republican' on this day, 11/11. Of all days, it just seems like the right thing to do! Thanks, Adam, for your service both in the military and in civil life.
It's good, you should appreciate it. I was angry all over again, though; families should not go through what he and others have gone through to serve our country. I have the utmost respect for Adam K. Honesty seems to be a lost commodity in Washington, so he shines brightly.
Last Republican is good. Highly recommend. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Mr Kinzinger
Thank you for your service!
Loved the Last Republican!!!! Thank you for your service, Adam!
I blame Mitch McConnell for not leading the Senate to convict DJT. He could have prevented this whole scenario from ever happening.
he's a big hypocrite like 90% of republican politicians, and many on the democratic party side...
totally agree, the party would need to prove over an extended period of time, before I could reunite with them. The fact the republicans are immoral, grifters, and totally sexist, makes it clear they can't change the verbiage--doesn' t mean they can now promote different core beliefs
maybe our society has changed around us so much that it seems we're the aliens now? ethics and principles are no longer a 'thing' with politicians (i.e. all people who want us to vote for them as a legitimate 'representative of the people' in the people's house....
DO POLITICIANS REALLY CARE WHAT YOU THINK? WHY DO THEY NEVER RESPOND TO YOU?
Politicians websites always say they ‘want to hear from constituents’ and provide a webform for communication. I take this as the form for serious communication, not just haranguing or praising short messages on BlueSky, FB, X etc. They send you an automated response saying thank you. Then they send a standard email saying thanks again and a list of all the great things they have done in congress for you…none of which relate to the topic of your email.
WTF!!!! Are they too busy to read and respond? Yeah, we all know they have to schmooze big money donors, and (hopefully) do research on some bills being presented in congress, and make travel and dinner arrangements, and have meetings with ‘lobbyists’ and hopefully a few constituents who happen to be in the city where they are…..but seriously, they and their staff are busy doing this 5 days a week, 10 months a year????? (assuming 2 months paid leave - plus government shutdown time off)
I would love to hear of all the things they do that keep them from really, earnestly, responding to their constituents (and I don’t mean responding to the crazy daily emails some people like to barrage their representatives with)…..
Has anyone really had meaningful communication with their representative of late? I’ve been communicating with my representatives for decades, and never had any decent response (that indicates they actually read and understood) and I don’t think I can be classified as a whacko (though maybe you haven’t read all my posts and notes) 😊
so the reality is we have to choose the least evil option....not the best option because we aren't offered a best option....
the so-called 'changing of the guard' of pelosi (schumer any others to follow?) is too late and too little. it does seem like one is making a mountain out of a molehill at this point..... what would be classified as 'forward thinking/strategic thinking' would have been a retirement a DECADE ago...and a definite strategy in the 'old boys and old girls club' to start lifting younger people, thinkers who are more in tune with the changing times, into leadership positions, having the very experienced old farts set up a free/gratis mentorship program to impart their wealth of experience...(i mean, seriously, nanci was the only one who knew what to do and how to do it???).
basically, as with most politicians, the old guard was still busy making money on the congressional gravy train (the senate is the ultimate long term gravy train gig)...heading up or being on select committees, banding together to ensure that each other is in a good enough position of power to get a good slurp of the gravy train.... WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID....we understand that happens, it happens all over the world, being a politician and representative of the people is not about being mother teresa.....and most politicians are going to take advantage of opportunities to make extra money for themselves and their families (though trump and his gang of thieves have really set an outrageously new grifting standard). BUT THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT AS TO HOW LONG POLITICIANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRUST, OUR DONATIONS, AND OUR VOTE....
so let's get past all the outer glitz and glamor of being a representative of the people, and just make sure real things happen for real people....but keep in mind we have a budget...so don't try and be all things to all people all at the same time.... Definitely increase taxes on the wealthy, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLES THAT ENABLE THE RICH TO HIDE THEIR MONEY FROM THOSE HIGHER TAX RATES.... this is why the old guard has to go ASAP because they won't close the tax loopholes that THEY use to hide their new wealth from paying tax.
Ok, i know i'm bordering on a fantasy land with my hopes/desires of political and social fairness and honesty, but it is the reason why i cannot praise the old farts, they kept up an appearance rather than be an actual energizer bunny for the people. The 'more honest' younger ones are the future for our country, the AOC's, Jasmine Crocket's, Pete Buttigieg's and Zohran Kwame Mamdani's are a far better option. Then we'll have a more honest discussion of 'Freedom of Choice' as it applies to many different people in society, none of who are as big a threat to humanity as trump and his criminal gang of billionaires.....
OLD FARTS START HANDING IN YOUR RETIREMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTING TO FREE AND HONEST MENTORING OF THE YOUNG AND ENERGETIC FUTURE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
We have to get $$$ out of politics. Everyone gets the same amount, no self funded billionaires.
I'm from the state of Kentucky and make regular phone calls and emails to Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell and Rep Thomas Massie. I have "rules of engagement" with certain parameters that they are asked to follow when responding to one of my communications.
1. First up, I remind them that they haven’t had a town hall with the public in over a decade. I demand an original response specific to my question. No form letters. I try to ask questions that would invoke a unique answer.
2. I demand that their response is 100% factual based on verifiable scientific nonpartisan evidence. If I want an opinion, I’ll ask for it.
3. Any mention of the Democratic Party or former POTUS Biden is prohibited unless I specifically ask for information.
I’ve had some success with McConnell, the other two not so much. But I keep on keeping on operating under the assumption that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
keep up the good work :) I send comms to maga mike johnson as well as maga thune… i have to fake an address in their constituencies otherwise you are not allowed to communicate with them…though both hakim jeffries and chuck schumer allow non constituent contact as well…. politicians in general all claim to want to listen to the voters, but only if we agree with what they say… most of them really suck…. :)
Adam, I follow your substack as well. I have a question for you; you may not have an answer.
Do you know, or do you believe that Republicans regret not impeaching Trump after Jan 6th? Were they all just amoral people being allowed to show their colors? I try hard not to vilify everyone, but it's hard not to when there is a very clear bad and good side in this country now.
Sometimes I hate party affiliations, and the money tied to politics. I identify as Democrat. I used to say moderate because I would vote R at times, or I if I liked a particular candidate. I used to see so many converging points within all parties.
I truly dislike the label and nastiness associated with party affiliations now. We never used to say, "well, you're not an American" if you weren't affiliated a certain way. Now it's common place. In fact, they're weaponizing it. It's why so many young people are not enamored with politics or politicians and don't feel it works.
You would be a good person to teach them. Not groom, just teach. Maybe you need to go back to school and get that credential if you don't want to make the millions in the consulting class. ;)
Oh, I forgot, Thank you for your service, both militarily and civically. Mad respect, Adam.
as an independent thinker and voter, it is heartening to see the % of 'intelligent' voters has grown again, to the biden 2020 levels....and i guess that is all we're going to get because trump repugnicans have lobotomized themselves with trump koolaid and it appears they will still vote republican even if trump repugnicans caused bankrupt farms, bankrupt businesses, more expensive healthcare (if healthcare insurers deem it profitable enough to even offer it in certain parts of the country)....It is sad to realize that STUPID IS AS STUPID DO.
and yes, we need ethical, principled representatives like adam kinzinger, AOC, pete buttiegieg, jasmine crockett, zohran mamdani....the old farts are on the gravy train of congress to make more and more money for themselves....ethics, principles, and morals are not their governing stars.....
I Love That….😂👍 I Am Very Grateful For Those Who Serve So That I Don’t Have To….🙏
😎👍
Ohhh I watched the Last Republican on Prime Video and it was AMAZINGLY AWESOME
Thank you for your service Adam.
What we need is mothers involved in socializing their sons. No respect for women starts right there.
That McCarthy connection was the worst thing ever! He buried his chances of being anything but a traitor to democracy!
Thanks Adam. I was blaming so much on Mitch, but McCarthy kissing the ring I can now see was monumental.
I bought THE LAST REPUBLICAN on Amazon Prime. I have watched twice & it is a great "makes you think" documentary. So eye-opening to see behind the curtain of 1/6 committee + day-in-the-life of what you Adam had to handle in that time. I admire you for your honesty & willingness to share your life & opinions. Thank you for your service. Democracy needs people like you now.
I will watch 'Last Republican' on this day, 11/11. Of all days, it just seems like the right thing to do! Thanks, Adam, for your service both in the military and in civil life.
It's good, you should appreciate it. I was angry all over again, though; families should not go through what he and others have gone through to serve our country. I have the utmost respect for Adam K. Honesty seems to be a lost commodity in Washington, so he shines brightly.
So much honor and integrity - like oodles of it!
You are different Adam. You make sense!