Thank you, Ms. Rubin, for sharing not only the pleasures of travel with those of us who are forced to stay home, but, more importantly, to remind us that one of drumpf's great achievements is to have awakened Europe, not to mention our stalwart longtime allies Canada and Australia, to the horrors of an attempted Nazi takeover.
I agree. Spain is divine. My last trip was to Salamanca,and it was heavenly. Take that, Franco! Meanwhile, the budget that came out of the House last night is appalling. Word needs to get out that it has been designed so that worst effects on ordinary folks won’t be felt until 2029. Spread the word!
Thankyou Jen Rubin & Jim. The maggot’s budget stinketh!
But much to my surprise Spain became my favorite country to visit after my trip there starting in Bilboa ie Frank Gerry’s spectacular Museum (with Jeff Koon’s The Puppy outside; that the city adopted:-)
The roads in Spain are eerily excellent due I think to Franco’s awful reign.
But the Spanish people I met although briefly were wonderful.
I see just how weak and impotent tRump really is, but the GQP continues to prop him up.And they seem not to have a clue about what the consequences of his 'Big Beautiful Bill' are. What it will do to the Country and the Economy. And, it is not possible to just flip a switch and turn those consequences off. We won't have the means to finance the cost of the repair job.
The committee was stacked. We only need a few Congressional Republicans to have shared government.
We need to encourage Don Bacon R. NE. and other Republicans who are standing up to Trump and MAGA Mike. He and Reps. David Valadao, R-Calif., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Pa., Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Young Kim, R-Calif., Robert Wittman, R-Va., Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Jeff Hurd, R-Colo signed a letter:
“Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone,” the representatives wrote. “Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.”
Besides the Medicaid issue, Republican Reps have called out Trump/Musk on national security and tariffs.
On MSNBC Saturday, Velshi asked Bacon about tariffs. He said, in essence, any Reagan Republican would remove Trump tariff authority. To do that, they need all of the House Dems.
Plus Bacon said Trump has a "moral blindscape" re Ukraine. Retired General. Russia is not a superpower. Mexico with nuclear weapons.
Says anyone who served has to oppose Hegseth, SIGNAL.
Says we are better than any other country in agriculture. Says Trump has broken free trade. In essence, we are losing the trade war.
I certainly think it would be good to try, but I’m tempted to say ‘dream on’. These rethugs don’t stand up and stand out. They fall in line. They are cowards and tRump the schoolyard bully. I wonder if they will even hold a vote on his ‘Palace in the Sky’.
You keep posting this again and again. But you don't have a few Congressional Republicans. You have bupkiss. An entire party filled with cowardice, terror, doxing, men (mostly) with shriveled-up, dried-out souls who have done nothing, are doing nothing, will do nothing. A Senate filled with the mute, and an occasional Susan Collins to talk about how "concerned" she is.
Watch while the House nutters eventually pass the cruelest, most inane budget in history, just by getting the cruelest and craziest among them to vote "present" rather than no. It worked in Committee --- full speed ahead for the Floor.
Ms. Rubin: I look forward to your daily entries on the state of affairs in Europe. Seems that the MSM here is totally unaware of these very important changes. Thanks. As a retired modern languages teacher, I have spent summers abroad in grad studies, and more often, accompanying my high school students on travel/cultural experiences all over France and Italy. Never have been to Spain, but your accounts are so very attractive. Thanks for making them a new and wonderful addition to my days.
Yes indeed, 've always been kind of a homebody but this morning I find myself sitting here in my ratty bathrobe and imagining myself strolling that gorgeous plaza.
As a journalist you likely don't shrink from a modest correction. The Serbian demonstrations began late last year after the collapse of the roof of the railway station in Novi Sad due to shoddy construction and corrupt contacts. I only know this because I was in Novi Sad just as the demonstrations were picking up steam and went to the train station to witness them. The persistence, first of students and then much of civil society, has been a marvel to follow. I return tomorrow to the neighboring countries of Croatia and Bosnia. I am returning because they are beautiful, and their experience with authoritarians (both fascist in the late 20th century and crony capitalists in recent years) has lessons for us. I love to travel to learn. Continued safe travels to you..
I love the mix of serious political commentary and a travelogue that takes me along with you. I can walk the streets, imagine the museums, and almost taste the gelato! Thank you, Jen!
Love the op-ed contained in this travel post. Great to get more details about how Europe is aligning against the MAGA cult. Terrific writing. The Contrarian has been such a bright light in dark times. It has truly given me hope. Thanks, Jen, for creating this safe space for democracy.
Jennifer, you published too soon to record the victory of the pro-EU candidate in Romania, which was teetering on the verge of a victory by the Russian stooge and his campaign of lies and disinformation.
It's kind of a bad day when one of the only pieces of good news in the world comes from Bucharest, but we'll take it. Putin bites the dust again.
You are a travel writer extraordinaire! Thank you for sharing these enjoyable snippets to distract us from the “interminable” chaos of the President in name only.
Your tale of Spain on the up, while we are on the down, is heartbreaking
Daily OMGs and WTFs leave me,wondering how, where, and when, we shall overcome.
85 years old, I squeeze a bit of hope from the rallies I attend, at the same time, wondering who will arise with the guts and soul of Bruce Springsteen to topple Trump and his minions,inspiring and uniting we the people. Our door is thrown open. Let’s see who comes through.
Jen, love this! Thanks for your two-part report: what the U.S. looks like from the vantage point of Europe, and the delights of Valencia. I just spent almost a month in France and had the same impressions; they’re appalled AND they can carry on without the U.S. which looks weak. I’m putting Valencia on my list!
I've never been to Spain...but even I know that after Spain became "democratic'" they had a king, Juan Carlos, who stole the national treasury and now lives beyond extradition in the UAE.
Thank you, Ms. Rubin, for sharing not only the pleasures of travel with those of us who are forced to stay home, but, more importantly, to remind us that one of drumpf's great achievements is to have awakened Europe, not to mention our stalwart longtime allies Canada and Australia, to the horrors of an attempted Nazi takeover.
Jen thank you for sharing your travel with us. I am really enjoying it. Glad you are having a nice time. 🌸🌸
I agree. Spain is divine. My last trip was to Salamanca,and it was heavenly. Take that, Franco! Meanwhile, the budget that came out of the House last night is appalling. Word needs to get out that it has been designed so that worst effects on ordinary folks won’t be felt until 2029. Spread the word!
Thankyou Jen Rubin & Jim. The maggot’s budget stinketh!
But much to my surprise Spain became my favorite country to visit after my trip there starting in Bilboa ie Frank Gerry’s spectacular Museum (with Jeff Koon’s The Puppy outside; that the city adopted:-)
The roads in Spain are eerily excellent due I think to Franco’s awful reign.
But the Spanish people I met although briefly were wonderful.
I see just how weak and impotent tRump really is, but the GQP continues to prop him up.And they seem not to have a clue about what the consequences of his 'Big Beautiful Bill' are. What it will do to the Country and the Economy. And, it is not possible to just flip a switch and turn those consequences off. We won't have the means to finance the cost of the repair job.
Please read Jerry Weiss' Feathers of hope. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
The committee was stacked. We only need a few Congressional Republicans to have shared government.
We need to encourage Don Bacon R. NE. and other Republicans who are standing up to Trump and MAGA Mike. He and Reps. David Valadao, R-Calif., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Pa., Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Young Kim, R-Calif., Robert Wittman, R-Va., Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Jeff Hurd, R-Colo signed a letter:
“Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone,” the representatives wrote. “Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.”
Besides the Medicaid issue, Republican Reps have called out Trump/Musk on national security and tariffs.
On MSNBC Saturday, Velshi asked Bacon about tariffs. He said, in essence, any Reagan Republican would remove Trump tariff authority. To do that, they need all of the House Dems.
Plus Bacon said Trump has a "moral blindscape" re Ukraine. Retired General. Russia is not a superpower. Mexico with nuclear weapons.
Says anyone who served has to oppose Hegseth, SIGNAL.
Says we are better than any other country in agriculture. Says Trump has broken free trade. In essence, we are losing the trade war.
I certainly think it would be good to try, but I’m tempted to say ‘dream on’. These rethugs don’t stand up and stand out. They fall in line. They are cowards and tRump the schoolyard bully. I wonder if they will even hold a vote on his ‘Palace in the Sky’.
You keep posting this again and again. But you don't have a few Congressional Republicans. You have bupkiss. An entire party filled with cowardice, terror, doxing, men (mostly) with shriveled-up, dried-out souls who have done nothing, are doing nothing, will do nothing. A Senate filled with the mute, and an occasional Susan Collins to talk about how "concerned" she is.
Watch while the House nutters eventually pass the cruelest, most inane budget in history, just by getting the cruelest and craziest among them to vote "present" rather than no. It worked in Committee --- full speed ahead for the Floor.
The tide is still going out, not coming in.
Does Putin pay by the word? Miller/Goebbels?
Now I know you're nothing but a troll. Grow up and get over yourself.
Our good young medical researchers are getting the memo and Europe is quite happy to offer jobs. We are in a lot of trouble and Kennedy is an idiot.
Stephen, remember it's a cult.
I keep saying that they are enculted and they autopropagandize all day every day to keep their minds free of all criticism of Dear Leader.
Love the travel commentary, it offsets the horrors of our reality in America.
The U.S. used to be an example to the world. Hey wait! We now are a different type of example to the world.
Ms. Rubin: I look forward to your daily entries on the state of affairs in Europe. Seems that the MSM here is totally unaware of these very important changes. Thanks. As a retired modern languages teacher, I have spent summers abroad in grad studies, and more often, accompanying my high school students on travel/cultural experiences all over France and Italy. Never have been to Spain, but your accounts are so very attractive. Thanks for making them a new and wonderful addition to my days.
Yes indeed, 've always been kind of a homebody but this morning I find myself sitting here in my ratty bathrobe and imagining myself strolling that gorgeous plaza.
As a journalist you likely don't shrink from a modest correction. The Serbian demonstrations began late last year after the collapse of the roof of the railway station in Novi Sad due to shoddy construction and corrupt contacts. I only know this because I was in Novi Sad just as the demonstrations were picking up steam and went to the train station to witness them. The persistence, first of students and then much of civil society, has been a marvel to follow. I return tomorrow to the neighboring countries of Croatia and Bosnia. I am returning because they are beautiful, and their experience with authoritarians (both fascist in the late 20th century and crony capitalists in recent years) has lessons for us. I love to travel to learn. Continued safe travels to you..
I love the mix of serious political commentary and a travelogue that takes me along with you. I can walk the streets, imagine the museums, and almost taste the gelato! Thank you, Jen!
Love the op-ed contained in this travel post. Great to get more details about how Europe is aligning against the MAGA cult. Terrific writing. The Contrarian has been such a bright light in dark times. It has truly given me hope. Thanks, Jen, for creating this safe space for democracy.
Jennifer, you published too soon to record the victory of the pro-EU candidate in Romania, which was teetering on the verge of a victory by the Russian stooge and his campaign of lies and disinformation.
It's kind of a bad day when one of the only pieces of good news in the world comes from Bucharest, but we'll take it. Putin bites the dust again.
You are a travel writer extraordinaire! Thank you for sharing these enjoyable snippets to distract us from the “interminable” chaos of the President in name only.
Your tale of Spain on the up, while we are on the down, is heartbreaking
Daily OMGs and WTFs leave me,wondering how, where, and when, we shall overcome.
85 years old, I squeeze a bit of hope from the rallies I attend, at the same time, wondering who will arise with the guts and soul of Bruce Springsteen to topple Trump and his minions,inspiring and uniting we the people. Our door is thrown open. Let’s see who comes through.
Visiting foreign lands and cultures does wonders for clarifying perspectives about one's own country.
Jen, love this! Thanks for your two-part report: what the U.S. looks like from the vantage point of Europe, and the delights of Valencia. I just spent almost a month in France and had the same impressions; they’re appalled AND they can carry on without the U.S. which looks weak. I’m putting Valencia on my list!
I've never been to Spain...but even I know that after Spain became "democratic'" they had a king, Juan Carlos, who stole the national treasury and now lives beyond extradition in the UAE.
Indeed. As much or more is known of his ‘Corruption investigations’ than his reign as King.