Maya Wiley

[H2O Man]

Today, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of family and friends about events involving the investigation into the Trump-Russian scandal. In each case, the specific topic we focused upon was Dam Nunberg's numerous television appearances yesterday. And, by no coincidence, each person I spoke with asked me if I had watched Maya Wiley's ability to speak gently, yet firmly, to Mr. Nunberg? Indeed, I had – and not for the first time was I extremely impressed with Ms. Wiley.

So I e-mailed Ms. Wiley to express the appreciation that my family, friends, and I feel. And in a short time, I heard back from Maya! I then asked her if it would be okay if I shared her message here, as well as with my daughter. She replied, and so here goes:

“Thank you so very much for the kind words, Mr. McElligott. I believe that we all must find the humanity Trump sometimes wrongly makes us feel is lost! It's only lost if we lose it! And I feel in such wonderful company! Thank you so much for being part of that company.
Maya”

Now, if that didn't make my day! Showed my sons, and I'll show my daughters, too. The older one works on immigration at a Boston law firm, and the younger one is part of a social-political activist group at an upstate college. And Maya Wiley is exactly the type of role model that young women benefit the most from.

I know that Maya's father, George Wiley, was a civil rights activist, who inspired her to fight the Good Fight. So I was reminded of part of a chapter for a book on the power of compassion and forgiveness by a Binghamton University professor, that I assisted Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in contributing:

“Hate can only produce hate. That's why all these wars are going on, all this insanity. There's too much anger in the U.S. People are too afraid, too numbed out. We need to wipe out all of this hatred, fear, distrust, and violence. We need to understand, forgive, and love.” (2001)

Peace,
Patrick

[Me.]

1. KR

[H2O Man]

2. Thanks!

I so wish that Maya would run for office.

[cilla4progress]

3. As always...

Respect.

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks, cillia4progress!

I have enjoyed watching Ms. Wiley on MSNBC for some time now. Today, among others, a friend who is a professor of philosophy from a large university, a medical doctor, and my cousin (who was shot, as was his son who died in his arms, by a drunken, off-duty deputy in the road rage incident I've posted about here on DU) all were hugely impressed with her presentation last night. I assume that the majority of forum members here are, too!

[Skittles]

4. I posted earlier that I think she is fabulous!

very impressive indeed

[H2O Man]

7. I'll find your post!

She absolutely has the quality of character that this nation desperately needs in leadership positions today.

[Skittles]

24. WOO!

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1017&pid=483038

[spanone]

5. We watched her with Nunberg and were mesmerized...

she was exceptional

she so kindly opened his eyes to the severity of his situation...

[H2O Man]

8. Right!

I had told her that I'm a retired psychiatric social worker, and was hugely impressed with how she was able to communicate so clearly with Mr. Nunberg. That's an ability that cannot be taught in a classroom.

[Marcuse]

9. Her de facto intervention was impressively empathetic,

but it was the other guest’s observation that Susan McDougal did 18 months for blowing off Ken Starr that had the more sobering effect.

[H2O Man]

10. Respectfully disagree.

Mr. Nunberg had been told about Ms. McDougal several times on other shows earlier in the day. His brain quite literally was not able to process that. This is a common feature with people in mental states similar to Mr. Nunberg's.

In fact, he trusted Ms. Wiley. This trust, I should note, was not simply rooted in last night's show. Those who watched her communicate with him last week -- when he was relatively stable, and not under the extreme pressure he exhibited yesterday -- saw the beginnings of that trust take root.

[Marcuse]

15. Thanks. Apparently I saw only the end of the process on Melber.

[H2O Man]

22. Sure!

I'll try to find a link to their conversation from last week later today. You will be impressed, I think, by how well she caught his attention. He stated that he recognized that she knew exactly what she was talking about, while he didn't.

[cilla4progress]

11. Ive definitely taken notice of Ms Wiley previously

On MSNBC. I missed this yesterday - which show? Seemed like a gentle intervention was needed.

[H2O Man]

12. See below link:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sam-nunberg-subpoena-msnbc-maya-wiley_us_5a9f2811e4b0d4f5b66b49d9

[H2O Man]

13. One more:

https://lawandcrime.com/video/sam-nunberg-was-apparently-convinced-on-air-by-tv-legal-analyst-to-cooperate-with-mueller/

[cilla4progress]

16. So, so

Good. Thank you.

[H2O Man]

23. Thanks!

She is amazing. It is difficult to communicate with someone who is even briefly psychotic, as their brain cannot process information properly. At work, I had the opportunity to, literally hundreds of times. My co-workers, and staff at various agencies, hospitals, and other institutions recognized that I had a talent in doing that. It isn't something that comes from a text book or classroom. So I was so impressed by Maya's natural talent in doing so -- on live television, no less!

[cilla4progress]

37. Yes, I have an older sister who was diagnosed psychotic,

so I'm familiar with the experience. I was / am never good at it

[H2O Man]

41. My oldest brother

suffers from similar issues. His difficulties are rooted in brain injuries from amateur and professional boxing, followed by substance abuse, along with some hereditary dispositions. (Being Irish can be a curse!) When he was at his lower points, this made my sister very uncomfortable in public settings. I can remember at one ER, her saying, "Be quiet! People will think you're crazy!" Of course, being quiet was not an option available to him.

I consider mental illness to be a legitimate, though difficult, human experience. I try to respect everyone. And I think that was why Mr. Nunberg was able to hear Ms. Wiley: she shows respect for everyone.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. My dear Patrick...

How fortunate you were in being able to reach out and communicate with Ms. Wiley! And even better that she answered.

You have these amazing connections. I am honored to see them surrounding you, and I'm sure the folks here on DU who read your eloquent posts feel similarly.

Thank you.

[H2O Man]

19. Thanks, Peggy!

Yesterday, I got to see my youngest daughter at college. I had to drop off some things that she and a friend need for next week, when they go to Georgia on spring break, to work for Habitat for Humanity. Her friend is the daughter of an ambassador from Qatar. We got to talk for about an hour, and I was happy to learn more about how people in the Middle East view Trump. On the ride home, a friend who came with me said that his favorite thing is to listen to the young people today.

My daughter had told her buddy about how one night years ago, Rubin called me while he was in the Middle East with Nelson Mandela. They both believed, Rubin told me, that Bush and Cheney were the greatest stumbling block to progress there. The young lady said that they had had real hopes for President Obama, but felt the machine tied his hands.

I am fortunate to be able to talk to and know a variety of people -- including on this forum. And I enjoy having the opportunity to share some of the wisdom that I've been exposed to. And that definitely includes recommending that young people pay close attention to Ms. Wiley!

[50 Shades Of Blue]

17. Thanks for sharing that. She was wonderful with Nunberg.

I've seen her deal with Nunberg before on Ari Melber's show and noticed she had a real rapport with him, and Monday really bore that out on an even deeper level. Ari Melber was really good with him too. But Maya Wiley was almost motherly to Nunberg.

[H2O Man]

20. Thank you!

Maya is a powerful person. She combines brilliance and compassion. And I loved how she communicated that actions have consequences.

Ari Melber is outstanding, too. One of my friend's son used to work at the Center for Constitutional Rights, and Mr. Melber was there, too. And he brings real talents to his show. But, as you note, Maya Wiley really reached Mr. Nunberg.

[Hekate]

18. Maya Wiley did it so beautifully--it was amazing and authentic. Thank you for speaking for all of us

...as well as your family, and for bringing it here.

[H2O Man]

21. Glad to!

I told Maya that I wanted to share her message here, and she said that she would be honored if I did. I will send her the link to this thread later today. I think it is good that she know how much we all appreciate her.

[iluvtennis]

25. Maya has interesting credentials - lawyer and also has BS in Psychology..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Wiley

I've only seen her on one/twice...I gotta start taking notice now. Thanks H2O man

[H2O Man]

30. Thank you, iluvtennis!

I've been impressed since I first saw her on MSNBC. The more I listened to her, the greater my respect became. And then on Monday's show, I was blown away. You just don't see things like that very often.

[yonder]

26. Compassionate, smart and respectful.

Perhaps a future run for office?

[H2O Man]

31. I keep thinking

the same thing. I would definitely volunteer and invest in her campaign, were she to run for office. But even if that doesn't happen, I admire the contributions she makes.

[Bradshaw3]

27. She is a much, much better person than I am

She is an example of that rare someone who makes you want to to do better, but I admit it is hard these days.

If only when the aliens landed and they asked to see our leader we could take them to Maya instead of that ..... ahhh there I go.

[H2O Man]

32. Well said!

It wouldn't be saying much to say that she is a better person than me. Most people throughout human history have been.

I can't wait until later this morning, to read your last sentence to my cousin. It will make his day.

Thank you!

[democrank]

28. Love trumps hate and so does Maya.

The aura surrounding Maya Wiley seemed exceptional in its calmness. I appreciated her approach and respected her skills. From now on, when Maya Wiley speaks, I'll listen. What an outstanding human being.

[H2O Man]

33. Exactly!

You stated it perfectly. I'm hoping that she reads through all the comments, especially what you said. Thank you very much!

[dchill]

29. K&R.

[H2O Man]

34. Thank you!

[njhoneybadger]

35. Maya Wiley is bright light in dark times

There was something that seemed almost supernatural about her, Christ like if you Know what I mean. Maya is a beautiful person who I find impossible not to love. A role model for all to emulate.

[H2O Man]

38. One of my favorite

books is by Steve Wall, titled "To Become a Human Being." Steve had co-authored "The Wisdom Keepers," with Harvey Arden, and then "Wisdom's Daughters" by himself. These were both conversations with Native American Elders. The last book focused on Steve's friendship with Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah, of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy).

Leon was Onondaga Chief Paul Waterman's cousin. I knew him as "Uncle Leon." In Steve's book, Leon speaks of a level of consciousness that is available to all people -- though ignored by most. I think that Ms. Wiley inhabits that level.

[Mike Nelson]

36. She's great...

...we need more Maya Wileys, fewer Roger Stones.

[H2O Man]

39. Definitely!

I agree 100%!

[coeur_de_lion]

40. Add me to the growing list

Of Maya Wiley admirers. She was outstanding. Kind hearted but logical. Her logic is what finally got through to him, but if it hadn't been said in a kind way he wouldn't have listened.

I'm a little concerned that he felt any grand jury contact would result in Stone being railroaded. I wonder if that's the general perception on the GOP side.

I like Ari Melber too.

I'm sure Ms. Wiley appreciated hearing from you. Good job establishing that contact and letting her know she was appreciated. I bet as this investigation goes on you'll find more reasons to communicate with her. Wise woman.

[H2O Man]

43. Thank you!

I'm sending her the link to this discussion in a minute. I think that she will like the responses here!

I consider teaching as one of the most important roles a person can play. On Monday, my daughter was excited to tell me about the new worlds her favorite teacher is opening up for her. It's a great profession. But, as myself and others here have noted, if Maya were to consider running for office, she'd enjoy the support of a lot of good people.

[coeur_de_lion]

45. I would be one of them!

Good lady we need more like her.

[coeur_de_lion]

46. I can't help but admire her all the more

Knowing that Nunberg was fired for racial comments.

She had to put aside her contempt for his past conduct in order to counsel him.

Strong woman. I don't think I could have been compassionate toward Nunberg.

[H2O Man]

47. Right!

She is indeed strong! And in ways that very few people -- such as Trump -- understand. She inhabits a much higher level, which can't be accessed by greedy, power-hunger people.

I'm glad to report that Ms. Wiley has really enjoyed the OP/thread. I think that says a lot about her. I remember Rubin telling me that I should evaluate those in high places, by the quality of their interactions with common folk. "Don't trust those who forget where they came from, or who have never encountered ordinary people," he said. It is clear that both of her parents taught her well, and served as great role models.

[coeur_de_lion]

48. If she can see

What a wonderful human being you are then my respect for her just increased several notches.

I like this lady tremendously.

Out here on the fringes it's easy for us to think no one cares and no one (or very few, anyway) is willing to speak up to these guys mixed up in this criminal administration.

Maya is a reassuring presence and I'm glad I know about her.

Thanks for the OP, H. Keep up the good work.

[malaise]

42. WaterMan you're a great human being

You walk the walk

[H2O Man]

44. Oh, thank you!

I'm smart enough to know that there is nothing "great" about me -- but I appreciate your kind words. And I'm lucky enough to be able to converse with some outstanding human beings over the many, many years I've been here, and to share some of their wisdom with others.

[summer_in_TX]

49. I was deeply impressed with the entire show.

Very few times on television during live interviews, do you see the host demonstrate such compassion and make an attempt to help a guest act in their own best interests.

It seemed to me that his caring probably had a lot to do with the experts he invited on his show and the team approach they took.

And Maya Wiley was amazing. Her gentle wisdom came through in spades. Her practical suggestion about negotiating behind the scenes directly with the Mueller team to limit the scope of what they asked for was something that apparently never occurred to Nunberg.

That was my first time to watch much of Ari Melber and I don't know if I'd seen Maya Wiley before. In fact, I hadn't caught her name. So thank you, WaterMan, for making sure we knew what a treasure we have there.

It was truly exceptional. Bless the human beings who responded as human beings and didn't look at it just as an interesting news story!

[H2O Man]

54. "gentle wisdom" !

Very good description.

I've enjoyed watching her on MSNBC this evening, and hope that others have seen her tonight, too. She answered important questions on Ari's show: considering that Mr. Nunberg has a history of racism, how did that impact her responding to him on Monday? And how does she feel about his public statement crediting her with changing his mind? Her responses were basically what we've covered on this OP/thread.

And twice this evening, she's spoke about the positive public response that has been sent her way.

[Enoki33]

50. Watching her humanity shine through to someone she certainly knew

had a racist background was impressive and empowering. She reminded me of the powerful advice by Yogi Bhajan:
“If you are willing to look at another person's behavior towards you as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will over time cease to react at all”.

[H2O Man]

55. Powerful quote!

Thank you for that. It is very similar to things that Rubin told me when I was a teenager. (And that was a long time ago!)

It was amazing to see that concept play out on live television.

[Leghorn21]

51. Many thanks, Man!! I never saw her before the Nunberg spontaneous combustion on Monday

and my world was rocked forEVER!!

She is simply spectacular, in every way a human can be -

[H2O Man]

56. Thank you!

Over the years, I've tried to share insights from various intelligent, experienced people on DU. Several years ago, for example, I interviewed Mark Rudd for this forum. But nothing has pleased me more than being able to talk to this powerful lady, to have her permission to share parts of our conversation on DU, and to learn that she really appreciated the responses of forum members.

[wasupaloopa]

52. She said on Tweetys show today she heard

from the public and that she is humbled to get such praise .

[H2O Man]

57. Right!

She spoke about this on Ari's show, too. And, indeed, she told me that she felt exactly that way while reading the OP/thread here on DU.

[wasupaloopa]

60. I think I was wrong I think I saw her on Ari's show.

[pnwmom]

53. I was so impressed with her, too. What an ability she had to get through to him -- I believe him

that her words were what changed his mind. You could almost see the gears turning.

That's what happens when you are the concern of an intelligent, deeply caring person. Nunberg probably isn't around a lot of people like that.

[H2O Man]

58. Great points!

You really could see his mind was processing her words on Monday. And the same thing had happened last week, though not in the context of a crisis. Indeed, I suspect the influence from last week's discussion came to his mind when he was reviewing the e-mails with Stone and Bannon. He knew there was troubling information in them.

Trump, Stone, and Bannon ....definitely the polar opposite of Ms. Wiley. You nailed it.

[pnwmom]

59. Thanks for reaching out to her -- you spoke for so many of us!

And thanks for sharing her response, too.

[H2O Man]

61. I'm glad you like it!

I've been talking with her through the week. I hope to do an interview with her for DU soon. (But I know she is busy!)