Open Thread for Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Let’s go ahead and have one of these:

  1. Happy 9/11 — That may sound like an inappropriate tone (this is the more appropriate one, I grant you), but I do hope you are having a good day. A good, peaceful day. Just don’t let that become complacency, because too many people have little or no peace, from those in the wartorn parts of the world to the folks at home who lost their loved ones 23 years ago.
  2. The ‘debate’ last night — Please share your thoughts. Mine are fairly easy to express: I thought it was as useless an exercise as usual. Supporters of the vice president are crying out “Kamala won!” Well, she did very well. So did the folks at ABC, who I thought managed the mess as well as I’ve seen anyone do in recent years. But what did it accomplish? Her supporters are generally pleased. Good, but what did she “win?” Was a single supporter of her opponent persuaded? As for those “swing voters” — I find it obscene that there is anything such as a “swing voter” in the face of a “choice” as painfully obvious as this one. If you didn’t know before the “debate” began that it is essential that she win, then you shouldn’t be voting. This event went as well as anything can go with one such as her opponent on the stage. I’m glad it did. I thank her and congratulate her for doing a good job. But what was accomplished by this, or any other “debate” thus far in this century?
  3. I hope Joe Wilson gets better soon — That’s about all I want to say about it.
  4. More bloodshed in Gaza — Yes, it’s time to wrap this “war” up. I say that as an unshakeable supporter of Israel. The nation’s strategic interests are not being served. Note this, for instance. And in Jordan, of all places.
  5. What about that invasion of Russia? — Two weeks ago, I heard this piece about Ukraine’s bold and risky move to take the war into Russia itself. Since then, practically nothing. I could rant at this point about how news media these days simply don’t devote themselves to the most important news. But then, I’m not studying reports as closely as I once did. If anyone can send me a link with a decent, in-depth assessment of the situation, I’d appreciate it.

5 thoughts on “Open Thread for Wednesday, September 11, 2024

  1. Bob Amundson

    While Brad has emphasized the importance of focusing on the many pressing policy issues, I believe these discussions can sometimes overshadow a deeper problem: the transfer of wealth from younger generations to the elderly and disabled. The debate, much like these political distractions, pulls attention away from sustainable solutions for the future. Vice President Kamala Harris may have put Trump on the defensive, but this back-and-forth only scratches the surface of the real issues at hand. That’s why, in my humble opinion, it’s crucial that we involve more young people in politics. While we should respect the wisdom of older generations, recent failures make it clear that we need fresh, innovative solutions from those who will shape our future.

    Reply
    1. Brad Warthen Post author

      “Vice President Kamala Harris may have put Trump on the defensive, but this back-and-forth only scratches the surface of the real issues at hand.”

      Exactly. So she “won.” Whoopee. What does that have to do with being a suitable president? Which is why I have lost interest in these silly contests to see who can avoid gaffes and put others on the defensive. Such things should NOT be the basis for voters’ choices. There are many reasons why Kamala Harris should be elected. They don’t have much to do with her “performance” in such exhibitions…

      Reply
  2. Will Bradley

    I am a proud swing state voter in Nevada, ya know, the only state that defeated an incumbent Democrat governor with a Republican! (Joe Lombardo)
    I served 32 years in the Army with 3 combat tours and will gladly cast my vote for Donald J Trump for President this year. We can try to one up each other or personally insult each other but if I am smart enough to serve this country, I am smart enough to make up my own mind when I vote.
    I make well over $500k a year and even I scoff at the high prices when I shop….whenever the average person does the same, it should ensure a win for Mr Trump for needed economic change. Must be frustrating for you to live in strongly Republican SC!

    Reply
    1. Brad Warthen Post author

      Well, thanks for sharing that, cousin — which you probably are with that last name.

      But you don’t sound like a “swing voter.” You sound like you pretty much have your mind made up.

      Perhaps you took it the way I have occasionally embraced it myself — as a description of someone who votes by the candidate, not the party. In recent days, headlines have used the term interchangeably with “undecided.” So I was using it that way.

      By the way, I have no problem with Republicans. Some of my favorite people I’ve dealt with in my career have been Republicans, not to mention my many friends and loved ones who have borne that label. Unfortunately, all the real Republicans, heirs to the traditions of Lincoln — John McCain, Lamar Alexander, the Bushes and such — are gone from the scene. My hero McCain is dead, and the others have been swept aside by the madness that has infected the party since 2016.

      Finally, on an unrelated subject, thank you for your service…

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *