Once again, Jess, your writing moves me to weep, this time for the very soul of this country that I love and now barely recognize. We all need to decide what course to take, I like the obey little, resist much path because, as you say, I am a mother. My LBGTQ youngest child will be in peril in Magaland and I will not lie down quietly for that. See you on the other side.
Although I’ve never been into literature for my mind thinks like a scientist, I love reading and I love words. Thank you for sharing these today. After the past two weeks we all need reminders of the power of one.
Sometimes I feel as if I am being suffocated by all the stupidity in the world. Thanks, Jess, for providing a bit of oxygen-giving intelligence to the atmosphere.
“These are the times that try men’s souls: the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service to their country; but he who stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
WOW Jess, you've spoken to my heart and soul! I too am frightened. I also know in my heart that there are more of us who love, honor and revere our country and will not let it perish, no matter what our bank account or position of power.
I have been watching (possibly obsessively) what is happening in the US.
Many years ago I studied history on the way to my O levels (at 16). The two courses were entitled 'Constitution and Monarchy' and 'Democracy and Dictatorship'. The first was more Europe centred; the second included America. I studied the first. My teacher mistakenly offered exam papers for the second. I was one of three students who passed the exam - because my mother's pen friend sent me a textbook (I think) called 'This is America's story'. I had never seen anything like it. Cartoons rather than miles of text. I loved it. And it saved me in my exam.
I never thought I would see the prospect of dictatorship in the US. But I'm seeing it now. And it terrifies me. But it has to be fought. You are a people who resisted dictatorship and monarchy. For the sake of all of us, rise up and resist again. You can do it by voting. Don't worry about the age of the candidate for the presidency - focus on those who continue to champion democracy. All of them.
You can save American democracy and, in doing so, democracy across the world.
I am a Canadian equally obsessed and terrified on behalf of my American friends and the world at large about the upcoming election. It's starting to look like Steve Bannon will have his day if there isn't a groundswell of opposition. Democracy is worth fighting for.
Jess Piper, my heart is heavy for myself, my family, everyone who does not adhere to white supremacy. So many of us have been told we were inferior just for the way we were born and the circumstances we were born into. Enough tyranny . I hope this will unite most people to vote these bullies out and reform a new government that lives up to the dream of the Declaration of Independence. I thank you for your words of inspiration and comfort. I can’t do much right now, but send my love Jess Piper, and we must resist.
Inspirational! The fear that grips me began slowly building with the election of 2016, began to abate cautiously, and now it grows again. Your words help me realize that good people see the horror in the present moment and are moved to act. Your leadership in the resistance movement that must arise is valued. Thank you.
My heart has been crying for a few days now. Your words have helped heal my wounded heart ..making it stronger to continue fighting like hell. The unimaginable things that are being done, need to come face to face with the unthinkable things we will do to stop them!
Felt like I’d taken a gut punch all day yesterday. Didn’t want to hear what any of the pundits had to say because it seems to me they’re stuck in an awful reality TV show and are just selling tickets because they’re profiting from it in some way. Then I read your wonderful essay and feel better. No less scared and disgusting but better. You do have a gift.
Once again, Jess, your writing moves me to weep, this time for the very soul of this country that I love and now barely recognize. We all need to decide what course to take, I like the obey little, resist much path because, as you say, I am a mother. My LBGTQ youngest child will be in peril in Magaland and I will not lie down quietly for that. See you on the other side.
Although I’ve never been into literature for my mind thinks like a scientist, I love reading and I love words. Thank you for sharing these today. After the past two weeks we all need reminders of the power of one.
A wonderful and comprehensive reading list for enlightenment Jess! Thank you!
I’m not hysterical. I’m petrified. For my children and grandchildren. And all our Nations citizens.
When times get dismal and dark, I seek out reminders of beauty and grace from some of your selections, and poetry.
A poem offering from me, thanks to Joyce Kilmer.
(With apologies to, and appreciation of, beloved Joyce Kilmer. A heroic Patriot.)
I think that I shall never see
Dumb stumps as corrupt or stupid as the GOP
A party whose vapid mind is less
Intelligent than a worms, I’d have to guess
A party that speaks of God, they say
Yet rolls with Satan, every single day
Politicians that simply just don’t care
And lie and lie and lie, everywhere
Upon whose Oaths they took, so plain
And now dismiss, ignore, disdain
Silly Poems are made by fools like me
But only Satan, makes the GOP
Very clever, Papa. Thanks for a laugh during these perilous times.
Godspeed!
Of what he speaks is no laughing matter.
No doubt, Lydia. But laughter is a good medicine for many of life’s most difficult moments. Doom and gloom can be stultifying—and we need ACTION.
Sometimes I feel as if I am being suffocated by all the stupidity in the world. Thanks, Jess, for providing a bit of oxygen-giving intelligence to the atmosphere.
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"
It's time for the governed to pay attention and vote in numbers not seen in recent history.
Thomas Paine, ‘The American Crisis’.”
“These are the times that try men’s souls: the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service to their country; but he who stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Thank you!
Thank you from a grateful history teacher!💙
I was just thinking of the same quote!
💙🇺🇸!
👍👍
Resist much! Obey little!
Walt Whitman, you, I and I'm sure many others were born into that world. You are really terrific. Consider running for president?
WOW Jess, you've spoken to my heart and soul! I too am frightened. I also know in my heart that there are more of us who love, honor and revere our country and will not let it perish, no matter what our bank account or position of power.
Thank you for this. I really needed it.
Cheers and hugs,
Nancy
Kerry from Wales here.
I have been watching (possibly obsessively) what is happening in the US.
Many years ago I studied history on the way to my O levels (at 16). The two courses were entitled 'Constitution and Monarchy' and 'Democracy and Dictatorship'. The first was more Europe centred; the second included America. I studied the first. My teacher mistakenly offered exam papers for the second. I was one of three students who passed the exam - because my mother's pen friend sent me a textbook (I think) called 'This is America's story'. I had never seen anything like it. Cartoons rather than miles of text. I loved it. And it saved me in my exam.
I never thought I would see the prospect of dictatorship in the US. But I'm seeing it now. And it terrifies me. But it has to be fought. You are a people who resisted dictatorship and monarchy. For the sake of all of us, rise up and resist again. You can do it by voting. Don't worry about the age of the candidate for the presidency - focus on those who continue to champion democracy. All of them.
You can save American democracy and, in doing so, democracy across the world.
Please rise up and be your best.
My very best wishes to you democratic warriors!
My goodness — what a story. Thank you for telling it!!!
Glad to be able to do so. Hoping, with passion and sincerity
I am a Canadian equally obsessed and terrified on behalf of my American friends and the world at large about the upcoming election. It's starting to look like Steve Bannon will have his day if there isn't a groundswell of opposition. Democracy is worth fighting for.
Jess Piper, my heart is heavy for myself, my family, everyone who does not adhere to white supremacy. So many of us have been told we were inferior just for the way we were born and the circumstances we were born into. Enough tyranny . I hope this will unite most people to vote these bullies out and reform a new government that lives up to the dream of the Declaration of Independence. I thank you for your words of inspiration and comfort. I can’t do much right now, but send my love Jess Piper, and we must resist.
Resistance is plenty Linda! ❤️
Thank you. It helps - just a little. But it helps.
Inspirational! The fear that grips me began slowly building with the election of 2016, began to abate cautiously, and now it grows again. Your words help me realize that good people see the horror in the present moment and are moved to act. Your leadership in the resistance movement that must arise is valued. Thank you.
Jess, this from "Turnt" by Juliana Spahr-
"Sometimes it feels like it is over and it's not.
Sometimes it feels like it has just begun and it's over.
It's dark often at these times."
Here's what I say, me, Pam, just a somebody, "It's so baffling, this frightening idea that's being forced upon us.
Is it over, our feedom?"
Surely, it can't be!
We’ve all gone through the depression of last week! Let our flames of democracy be rekindled & fight like hell until November 5!
A beautiful piece of writing!
My heart has been crying for a few days now. Your words have helped heal my wounded heart ..making it stronger to continue fighting like hell. The unimaginable things that are being done, need to come face to face with the unthinkable things we will do to stop them!
Felt like I’d taken a gut punch all day yesterday. Didn’t want to hear what any of the pundits had to say because it seems to me they’re stuck in an awful reality TV show and are just selling tickets because they’re profiting from it in some way. Then I read your wonderful essay and feel better. No less scared and disgusting but better. You do have a gift.