Just take care of yourself and do what you can, when you can. I really enjoy reading your substacks since I'm still a Yankee who doesn't drink iced tea even after 27 years of living in NC (military transplant.) You give me insight into the state I live in, and I appreciate it. But the most important thing is to take care of yourself.
Thomas, I also have an eye problem, myastenia gravis in my left eye. I have just started taking medication to control it that hopefully will work without side effects. Write when you are able to I enjoy your viewpoint. Of note: I covered the Tennessee General Assembly from 1978 through 1980 and reported from Nashville in 1978. Did you hear what the now rabid Republican general assembly majority did to Shelby County (Memphis)? Split the city up into three US House district to wipe of the state's remaining Democrat in the House.
The way Donald Trump treats the very people who support him — dismissing them when they’re no longer useful and showing open contempt when they fail to serve his purposes — is not just wrong, it’s a warning sign. It reflects a pattern of leadership that sees citizens not as participants in a democracy, but as tools to be used and discarded.
Dear Thomas, sorry to hear about physical vision problems. Rest assured you are still politically visionary!
I agree with your points. Here in NC, progressives have no room for intolerance of Democrats who sometimes veer from progressive orthodoxy. Nationally, we need the big tent. I wouldn't be surprised if KY Gov. Andy Beshear does well in the 2028 Democratic primaries, at least in the South. He would have a better chance of winning NC than CA's Gavin Newsom or Kamala Harris.
Good luck with the new treatment. As a screwed up vision person myself, there's not much worse than not being able to really focus - either with our eyes, or our brains! Keep us posted.
Hated hearing about your eye issue. Sounds like you are getting and following treatment, a good thing. Please know that all of your bullet points were spot-on and aligned with mine. For sure, it is difficult to remain positive and encouraged, but I force myself to be -- every morning, even after reading what Trump 2.0 has done the previous night and day. Keep writing and sharing your insights; they are of great value to many of us!
Good luck with your treatment. I am one of many who really appreciates your thoughtful, historically grounded voice and analysis.
I think the point about the unintended consequences of the gerrymandering is important. Hopefully, abolishing gerrymandering becomes part of the national/state democracy reform agenda, as "End Citizens United" or "make it easier to vote" have become.
Thomas, I'm sorry to hear about your eye issue. I hope you get it resolved.
I agree with the you about Fetterman. Pennsylvania won't vote for him a second time, but we need every Democrat we can keep right now. The same can be said about Don Davis, but we really need him to win District 1.
To me, this is the problem with the Progressive wing of the Democrats. Quite often they are so far to the left that they have no tolerance for anyone else. They're promoting antisemitism, not just anti Netanyahu. And for the most part, I lean quite left.
Just take care of yourself and do what you can, when you can. I really enjoy reading your substacks since I'm still a Yankee who doesn't drink iced tea even after 27 years of living in NC (military transplant.) You give me insight into the state I live in, and I appreciate it. But the most important thing is to take care of yourself.
Thomas, I also have an eye problem, myastenia gravis in my left eye. I have just started taking medication to control it that hopefully will work without side effects. Write when you are able to I enjoy your viewpoint. Of note: I covered the Tennessee General Assembly from 1978 through 1980 and reported from Nashville in 1978. Did you hear what the now rabid Republican general assembly majority did to Shelby County (Memphis)? Split the city up into three US House district to wipe of the state's remaining Democrat in the House.
Thomas
Get better and quickly. Have always needed you as a friend and your opinions. Adam.
Sorry to hear this is getting worse, Tom. I really appreciate your insights, even if they are delivered in shorter, reflective bites like these today.
Best of luck with your eye issues. I greatly appreciate your insights.
Thank you for your thoughts. I always welcome the insights you share. I hope your health issues resolve soon.
I like your snippets of insight! ☮️ Glad your upcoming vision treatment can resolve your problem.
Best wishes for successful resolution of your eye issues.
The way Donald Trump treats the very people who support him — dismissing them when they’re no longer useful and showing open contempt when they fail to serve his purposes — is not just wrong, it’s a warning sign. It reflects a pattern of leadership that sees citizens not as participants in a democracy, but as tools to be used and discarded.
Dear Thomas, sorry to hear about physical vision problems. Rest assured you are still politically visionary!
I agree with your points. Here in NC, progressives have no room for intolerance of Democrats who sometimes veer from progressive orthodoxy. Nationally, we need the big tent. I wouldn't be surprised if KY Gov. Andy Beshear does well in the 2028 Democratic primaries, at least in the South. He would have a better chance of winning NC than CA's Gavin Newsom or Kamala Harris.
Good luck with the new treatment. As a screwed up vision person myself, there's not much worse than not being able to really focus - either with our eyes, or our brains! Keep us posted.
Feel better!
You've always seen things clearly. Hope this works ok.
I agree that we are in precarious times. America is a house of cards, ready to tumble when the next gust blows through. I've lost hope.
https://protzman.substack.com/p/house-of-cards?r=3hfz5&utm_medium=ios
Hated hearing about your eye issue. Sounds like you are getting and following treatment, a good thing. Please know that all of your bullet points were spot-on and aligned with mine. For sure, it is difficult to remain positive and encouraged, but I force myself to be -- every morning, even after reading what Trump 2.0 has done the previous night and day. Keep writing and sharing your insights; they are of great value to many of us!
Good luck with your treatment. I am one of many who really appreciates your thoughtful, historically grounded voice and analysis.
I think the point about the unintended consequences of the gerrymandering is important. Hopefully, abolishing gerrymandering becomes part of the national/state democracy reform agenda, as "End Citizens United" or "make it easier to vote" have become.
Thomas, I'm sorry to hear about your eye issue. I hope you get it resolved.
I agree with the you about Fetterman. Pennsylvania won't vote for him a second time, but we need every Democrat we can keep right now. The same can be said about Don Davis, but we really need him to win District 1.
To me, this is the problem with the Progressive wing of the Democrats. Quite often they are so far to the left that they have no tolerance for anyone else. They're promoting antisemitism, not just anti Netanyahu. And for the most part, I lean quite left.