Moscow Mitch? I had thought that the Democrats were above resorting to Trumpian tactics, but I guess they have figured out what works. Moscow Mitch is trending and it appears the Dems have finally found a way to get McConnell’s attention.
I think this is sad. What I read online makes me both sad and angry. I spend a large portion of the last part of my career encouraging educators to take advantage of the authentic audience the Internet and social media allow to offer kids and adults a way to participate in public discussions. I don’t blame the Internet for what has been revealed about human behavior and standards. I have come to the realization that this is they way people have always been. It was just not as evident. Christian evangelicals embracing a pussy grabber, allowing children to be taken from parents and locked up at the border, and now Moscow Mitch.
Ilhan Omar is my representative. I voted for her and I voted for Hillary. My kids were more involved in her campaign. She won easily in our Minnesota district. I was aware of the conspiracy theories associated with Omar’s citizenship and admit I have no evidence to the contrary. On the other hand, the conspiracy theorists have not offered any evidence allowing the Republicans in our district to actually contest the granting of her status. Until proven otherwise, this seems very similar to claims made about Obama.
I bring Omar up because I do follow issues that bring her name to the news services. Ever make the effort to read the comments that are added to these stories? Few comments have anything to do with the issue at hand, but people assume they have the right to say all kinds of disgusting things about Omar. Who are these people? How were they brought up and how were they educated? Do they actually have any facts and even if they assume they do is this really the kind of statements they would be proud to show their mothers, fathers, or kids?
I know some of the people I read making these kinds of statements on Facebook. I follow them because I went to high school with some and I know they at least completed that level of education. I see them write on a page associated with our high school things about the teachers they admired or who made a difference in their lives. Then, I see other things they say. I wonder if their teachers would be proud.
I am more than eager to engage with people online. I will openly say when I think they are wrong and more recently when they are forwarding things to their friends and readers that are factually wrong. I don’t say anything when they say things that are disgusting, racist, etc. I try to be factually accurate in position that I take and if called on a position I want to debate the position based on facts. This is the position that I take.
Back to Moscow Mitch. The label was applied because he has failed to bring legislation to the floor addressing Russian interference in the last presidential election. If you are the majority leader, why would you fear bringing important legislation forward. These are important issues and if you are in the right (at least is the way our political system works), your majority should reject the legislation. Easy enough. I have two thoughts on this matter. The discussion of such issues is evident to the public. Talking about Russian interference is an uncomfortable topic for the President as the facts are clear that it did happen and at least some of his campaign members were interacting with Russian actors in coordination. With all of the other things going on, it could be best to not have the public reminded of the facts of just how Trump ended up as the President. Then, of course, the Republican Senators would probably not want to go on record following this public discussion of voting against a bill intended to harden U.S. defenses against cyber intrusion. Such rejection would be hard to explain and embarrassing. Or, perhaps, since the Moscow Mitch bill which happens to be bipartisan might even attract a few Republican votes.