The Morning Sixpack - October 28, 2024

Baseball, Football, and Politics

1. America: We have some facts to face

This election is pivotal. So was the last one. And the one before that. See, here’s the thing with our long-running and thus far successful experiment with democracy: The battles never end. We can’t stop being vigilant about upholding our Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the institutions we’ve built to sustain our foundational documents and ideals.

The United States is a nation built upon our Founding Fathers’ notion of self-determination. For them, self-determination was about a people’s right to govern themselves, free from oppressive rule and undue external control. This belief stemmed from Enlightenment ideals and was rooted in the conviction that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed—a revolutionary notion at the time that directly challenged the idea of monarchy and imperial rule.

Though fascism as a political ideology didn’t formally exist in their time, the principles on which they built the American republic stand in stark opposition to the authoritarian, nationalistic, and centralized power structures that characterize fascism. Their commitment to individual liberty, separation of powers, and representative government reflects the antithesis of fascist ideology.

The Founding Fathers—figures like Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington—were products of the Enlightenment, a period that emphasized reason, individual rights, and the protection of personal freedoms. Their worldview was shaped by thinkers like John Locke, who argued for natural rights and a government accountable to the people. This philosophy directly opposed the authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent inherent in fascism. The Declaration of Independence itself was a powerful assertion against tyranny, aimed at ensuring that no government could exercise unchecked control over its citizens.

Today, we have a choice. It’s a stark, binary choice: Fascism or democracy. That’s it.

I encourage you, for the next week, to consider our choice for President of the United States.

Does one candidate lean toward fascism? Has one said he would be “dictator for a day?” Has one called some of our residents “enemies within” and then threatened to imprison or deport them? Has one said he’s all for stripping media companies that don’t agree with him of their broadcast licenses?

Yes. One candidate has said this.

On the other hand, the other candidate has said nothing of the sort.

Even if the Washington Post nor the LA Times will offer an endorsement of the “I’m not a fascist” candidate, I will.

I endorse Kamala Harris for President. It’s a very simple choice.

Read Rachel Bitecofer’s Substack about Hitler’s rise to power here. Astonishing how rapid fascism took over Germany. You’ll be stunned how fast it happened.

2. Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk and his super PAC

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed a lawsuit against America PAC, a political action committee controlled by Elon Musk, aiming to halt its plan to award $1 million to registered U.S. voters in battleground states. The PAC, which supports former President Donald Trump, recently awarded $1 million to a Michigan resident and has pledged daily giveaways until the November 5 election. The U.S. Justice Department has also expressed concerns, warning that these giveaways could violate federal law.

This legal action underscores the complex interplay between political influence and legal boundaries in the digital age. Musk's America PAC leverages substantial financial resources to engage voters, prompting questions about the legality and ethics of such practices. The Justice Department's involvement indicates the seriousness of potential violations, emphasizing the need for clear regulations governing political giveaways.

Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights the critical role of state officials in monitoring and regulating political activities to ensure electoral integrity. DA Krasner's proactive stance reflects a broader concern about the influence of big money in politics and the potential for such giveaways to undermine democratic processes.

As the November 5 election approaches, this case serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing political expression, voter engagement, and adherence to legal standards. The outcome could set important precedents for future political activities and the enforcement of election laws.

Read more.

Why these shenanigans by the world’s wealthiest person isn’t obviously against the law is beyond me.

3. Ballot Drop Box ARSON in Washington and Oregon

Early Monday morning, ballot drop boxes in both Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington (just across the state line) were targeted by arsonists. Portland police discovered an incendiary device inside a ballot box in Southeast Portland around 3:30 a.m., which was extinguished by security personnel before officers arrived. Just hours later, a ballot box at Vancouver’s Fisher’s Landing Transit Center was found smoldering, with flames damaging potentially hundreds of ballots.

This troubling incident is a reminder of the vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure. As arson investigations continue, election officials are urging affected voters to contact their local elections offices for replacement ballots. These attacks are particularly alarming given their proximity to Election Day, heightening concerns over voter access and security.

The response from local officials and law enforcement demonstrates the importance of safeguarding election processes against attempts to disrupt voting. As incidents like this draw attention, it becomes clear that maintaining secure and accessible voting options is a crucial component of upholding democratic principles, especially during election season.

Read more here.

4. Extremists inspired by conspiracy theories pose major threat to 2024 elections

U.S. intelligence agencies are warning about potential threats from domestic extremists during the 2024 election cycle, fueled by election-related conspiracy theories and grievances. A recent internal bulletin highlights risks to candidates, election workers, media, and public venues tied to voting. With violent rhetoric and threats aimed at officials, including attacks on polling sites, authorities are responding by increasing security measures in areas heavily influenced by election conspiracy theories, such as Maricopa County. The report also flags rising discussions of civil unrest on extremist forums, adding urgency to safeguarding the election process.

This intelligence warning points to a concerning trend of domestic threats tied to misinformation and conspiracy theories. The current climate underscores the dangers of politicizing the integrity of elections, which should be protected by transparency and trust, not undermined by baseless claims. Security measures, while necessary, can only address the symptoms. The root cause lies in misinformation and targeted rhetoric, which has radicalized some citizens, turning peaceful civic processes into flashpoints for potential violence.

Election security now entails not only safeguarding ballot integrity but also protecting election workers and officials, who face harassment and threats. This environment could have a chilling effect, discouraging public participation and pushing skilled workers out of roles essential to democratic governance. Efforts to address this must involve clearer communication, debunking of misinformation, and bolstering public trust in democratic institutions.

Addressing these risks effectively requires a multi-faceted approach, combining preventive security measures with strong civic education. Schools, media, and community leaders all play a role in reinforcing the importance of democratic processes, creating an informed citizenry resilient to manipulative narratives. Without this groundwork, increased security measures may become a permanent fixture, detracting from the open, participatory nature of the electoral process.

Click here to read more.

5. Sports Highlights over the weekend

Lions win by putting on a show with a stunning 52-point victory that highlighted their strong offensive play. They beat the Tennessee Titans.

The Dodgers are up two games to none over the New York Yankees. That’s the good news (for Dodger fans). The bad news? Their star player, Shohei Ohtani, was injured. Looks like he will be ready to go for Game 3.

The UFC’s 308 weekend featured wins by Ilia Topuria (third-round knockout of never-even-knocked-down Max Holloway) and Khamzat Chimaev (a broken-jaw choke submission of former champ Robert Whittaker).

6. NATO says North Korean troops already deployed to Russia’s Kursk region

Russia’s alleged cooperation with North Korea in its ongoing war with Ukraine is drawing fresh international scrutiny. Intelligence suggests North Korean troops could be aiding Russian forces, particularly near Ukraine’s border. This marks a rare instance of North Korean military involvement abroad and signals a new phase in the Kremlin's alliance-building strategy. If confirmed, this partnership could shift dynamics in the conflict and complicate diplomatic resolutions, as North Korea brings additional manpower and potential arms support to the already complex battleground.

Kursk, the region reportedly hosting North Korean assistance, has seen intensified military activity, aligning with Russia's broader strategy to secure border areas. For Pyongyang, involvement in Ukraine may provide both military experience and political leverage in its alliances with Moscow. Some experts speculate that North Korea’s participation could entail sending weapons, though the extent of material support remains uncertain.

For the West, this alliance raises questions about the increasing global fragmentation surrounding the Ukraine war. The United States and European countries are likely to monitor any North Korean activity closely, considering the risks it poses to Ukrainian forces. Moreover, diplomatic efforts may become more challenging as Russia secures allies willing to disrupt the international order.

Read more here.