Goddammit. Words fail me. I’m grateful Jess that they don’t fail you. We need to do everything we possibly can to take these fuckers down. And then we need to even more.
Jess, everything you write is important and needs to be said. Like this: you have to humiliate yourself and re-traumatize yourself in order to get the help you need from Republican lawmakers. Many women did not experience these kinds of traumas, but still need access to abortion services because (surprise!) birth control can fail. This does not make these women unworthy of access to abortion care. What is it about these Republicans that make them so interested in imposing pain on people? It’s a party of sadists.
They hate women, especially those who they don't control. They want women to go back to being virtual property. I've heard some of them essentially say that. "Barefoot and pregnant" sound familiar?
Oh how heavy my heart feels in the light of this important message ❤️🩹
It’s SO archaic, barbaric and disturbing that SO many white men are more driven by fear of losing power than being able to welcome in wise women!! Their fear rules!!
Thank you Jess for all you do for all Missourians! I hate these idiots that keep disobeying the will of the voters.It is infuriating to no end! I will continue to vote against every one of these sadistic sorry excuses of a human being! Keep up the good work and mind your mental health my friend.
All people should have a right to privately make medical decisions about their own bodies and receive appropriate medical care and procedures. This right would include everyone, man or woman -- a law guaranteeing a right to privacy, religious freedom, and bodily autonomy that applies to everyone.
Agreed and it is maddening. We should NOT have to be embarrassed by injustices. I love Gisèle Pelicot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gis%C3%A8le_Pelicot) who refused to be embarrassed by what her husband and others foisted on her. I think she was right that they should be shamed, not us.
You are so f'ing right Jess. As a 3 time survivor of sexual assault I'm horrified at what these women had to go through but so proud of their bravery. I don't know if I'd have the strength. I'm with you though. I have so much rage at the cretins running our Government right now that I don't know where to turn some days. So I just keep fighting. Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel. So thankful for all you do!!! Keep up the great work!! ♥️🇺🇸💙
Jess, I'm always at a loss for words. I concur with your final statement "fuck that and fuck them". I have very little use for religion anymore because too many people use it as a club to beat people, especially women, into submission. I love what you say, keep it up!
Not to diminish your excellent and poignant post Jess, but why in the hell are legislators who are getting paid to do their job allowed to even have their phones during a hearing? They should be banned during testimonies. Honestly, if I was the one telling my story, I'd call them out on it and point out how rude they were being and not doing what they were elected to do. Especially if it was a televised hearing.
Agreed! And what's more, why in the hell are legislators who are getting paid to do their job allowed to submit and vote on bills with the sole purpose of undoing the very loud and clear will of their own constituents?
These ‘christian’ men are so full of self-righteousness they’re impossible to shame. I used the small ‘c’ for Christian on purpose. They’re something else entirely.
I am almost speechless at your way to nail it, every time. I am a survivor. Once upon a time in America, the right wnig considered reproductive issues / sexuality to be no one's business but your own. Over time, they became the crotch police. Roads, schools, bridges - neglect. Crotches became the new obsession. Disgusting.
I'm 70 years old. A product of the marches in the late 60's and 70's. I had to have a DNC because abortion wasn't legal. Thank GOD for an amazing doc. I drove college friends to Iowa because Iowa used to have some sense. I'm so so so tired of this bull shit. I cannot believe we are still fighting with the patriarchy for our own rights. And worst of all? Other women are our worst enemies. Thank you Jess for caring the banner forward.
I’m 77 and have my own abortion story to tell. But what most enrages me is the backsliding on Women’s rights in this country. I remember my husband’s favorite aunt saying to me in the late ‘70’s that she had always hoped it would be her generation that finally won abortion rights, but she was so encouraged by my generation and that she would live to see it. Turns out she didn’t. And at this rate neither I nor my daughters will either. Where is that never-ending arc of justice anyway? And when do those smug ignoramuses scrolling their phones as women beg for justice finally get some of their own? I’m tired of waiting.
ME too. And the generation behind us raised a load of enabled white men who think they should have everything, with little brain dead wives who act like they could do nothing without their man. When questioned they say...Oh I don't follow politics. I told one the other day she'd better start cause it was going to bite her and her two daughters in the ass. Thank God for women like Jess who are fighting against that wave.
Or as a large banner in the large open square at our local university said years ago, "Turn Onto Politics Or It Will Turn On You!" Seems like not enough did, yet.
Incredibly powerful words that, as you point out, shouldn't have to be written. The stories shouldn't have to be told. We Missourians have to start electing legislators who will honor our votes on issues like abortion and cleaning up politics (the Clean Missouri debacle of 2018/2020), among others.
Jess, I admire your spunk. I have a different take on anti-abortion ideology by Republicans.
1. The Republican Party is an arm of Russian mafia. Trump is a Russian asset as our many of the people in his administration now. Many many Republican members of Congress if not all are either in thrall with Putin‘s crime syndicate or being extorted.
2. This is the response of Perplexity to a question about how to define human trafficking: Yes, human trafficking can indeed be considered a deprivation of fundamental rights, including the right to bodily autonomy, self-determination, and financial control. Human trafficking violates and impairs fundamental human rights[1]. It infringes on several key rights:
1. Bodily autonomy: Victims often endure physical violence, sexual abuse, and deprivation of basic needs[5].
2. Self-determination: Trafficking restricts a person's freedom of movement and ability to make choices about their future[1].
3. Financial control: Victims may be subjected to debt bondage or forced labor, depriving them of control over their earnings and financial decisions[1].
Additionally, trafficking violates other human rights, such as:
- The right to liberty and security
- The right to be free from slavery, servitude, and forced labor
- The right to freedom of movement
- The right to just and favorable working conditions
- The right to an adequate standard of living[1]
Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, effectively denying individuals their fundamental freedoms and dignity[1][4].
3. Republicans have stripped women of reproductive age of the right to control their bodies, determine their futures, and as a consequence, their financial well-being. Anti-abortion laws legalize human trafficking. The sentence could be said about the assault on labor laws.
4. The Republican Russian mob has the power to legalize human trafficking, and are only concerned about Mexican drug cartels, their competitors, doing the same thing because it cuts into their profits. Republican elected officials profit off this form of human trafficking in the form of donations to political campaigns and subsequent private sector jobs or lobbying.
5. It’s only when you see this anti-abortion ideology for what it is -legalizing human trafficking - that it all comes into focus. It just comes down to profit from exploitation.
I don’t know if you’ll even see this but thanks if you do. We need to paint the Republican party as the crime syndicate it is, and its members as unindicted criminals.
I'm currently reading "Men Who Hate Women," by Laura Bates. She describes going undercover into website chat rooms where incels often hang out and describes the different types of "cels" there are among men. What you've said about wanting to traffic women sounds a lot like what many of these "alt-right" incels and other cels want for women.
Goddammit. Words fail me. I’m grateful Jess that they don’t fail you. We need to do everything we possibly can to take these fuckers down. And then we need to even more.
Alllll of that
Yes, yes!
Jess, everything you write is important and needs to be said. Like this: you have to humiliate yourself and re-traumatize yourself in order to get the help you need from Republican lawmakers. Many women did not experience these kinds of traumas, but still need access to abortion services because (surprise!) birth control can fail. This does not make these women unworthy of access to abortion care. What is it about these Republicans that make them so interested in imposing pain on people? It’s a party of sadists.
They are the party of sadists… you hit the nail on the head
They hate women, especially those who they don't control. They want women to go back to being virtual property. I've heard some of them essentially say that. "Barefoot and pregnant" sound familiar?
Also "sewing curtains and baking lemon meringue pies"--an oldie in my family....
I think that they're afraid of capable women, and their archaic beliefs reflect that.
Terrified--as is appropriate.
Oh how heavy my heart feels in the light of this important message ❤️🩹
It’s SO archaic, barbaric and disturbing that SO many white men are more driven by fear of losing power than being able to welcome in wise women!! Their fear rules!!
Just shows how insecure and pathetic they are.
Fear seems to create insecurities 😏
Thank you Jess for all you do for all Missourians! I hate these idiots that keep disobeying the will of the voters.It is infuriating to no end! I will continue to vote against every one of these sadistic sorry excuses of a human being! Keep up the good work and mind your mental health my friend.
All people should have a right to privately make medical decisions about their own bodies and receive appropriate medical care and procedures. This right would include everyone, man or woman -- a law guaranteeing a right to privacy, religious freedom, and bodily autonomy that applies to everyone.
Horrifically, women's humiliation and re-traumatization is demanded, but does NOT avail to make GQP legislators even pause their relentless misogyny.
Every girl and woman n this country is Anita Hill. And the maga legislators think they’re all Clarence Thomas.
Agreed and it is maddening. We should NOT have to be embarrassed by injustices. I love Gisèle Pelicot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gis%C3%A8le_Pelicot) who refused to be embarrassed by what her husband and others foisted on her. I think she was right that they should be shamed, not us.
Her story gives all of us strength
You are so f'ing right Jess. As a 3 time survivor of sexual assault I'm horrified at what these women had to go through but so proud of their bravery. I don't know if I'd have the strength. I'm with you though. I have so much rage at the cretins running our Government right now that I don't know where to turn some days. So I just keep fighting. Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel. So thankful for all you do!!! Keep up the great work!! ♥️🇺🇸💙
Solidarity
Jess, I'm always at a loss for words. I concur with your final statement "fuck that and fuck them". I have very little use for religion anymore because too many people use it as a club to beat people, especially women, into submission. I love what you say, keep it up!
Not to diminish your excellent and poignant post Jess, but why in the hell are legislators who are getting paid to do their job allowed to even have their phones during a hearing? They should be banned during testimonies. Honestly, if I was the one telling my story, I'd call them out on it and point out how rude they were being and not doing what they were elected to do. Especially if it was a televised hearing.
The funny thing is, they are writing legislation to keep phones out of public schools🤷🏼♀️🫠
That is bc they want no record of their transgressions
All of this, and it's been happening year over year for the last two decades like a forced march toward feudalism.
Agreed! And what's more, why in the hell are legislators who are getting paid to do their job allowed to submit and vote on bills with the sole purpose of undoing the very loud and clear will of their own constituents?
These ‘christian’ men are so full of self-righteousness they’re impossible to shame. I used the small ‘c’ for Christian on purpose. They’re something else entirely.
I am almost speechless at your way to nail it, every time. I am a survivor. Once upon a time in America, the right wnig considered reproductive issues / sexuality to be no one's business but your own. Over time, they became the crotch police. Roads, schools, bridges - neglect. Crotches became the new obsession. Disgusting.
Solidarity and love to you
That happened after the evangelicals took over the GOP.
Missouri sucks
Indiana, Ohio suck too!
And pretty much the whole South.
So does Iowa
At this point, we all suck in the eyes of most of the world. ✌🏻
thank you for your courage and your anger - you go girl. don't ever shut up
Yes, yes and yes. Yes. Sending hugs, warrior energy and support from the abortion rights state of Connecticut.
I'm 70 years old. A product of the marches in the late 60's and 70's. I had to have a DNC because abortion wasn't legal. Thank GOD for an amazing doc. I drove college friends to Iowa because Iowa used to have some sense. I'm so so so tired of this bull shit. I cannot believe we are still fighting with the patriarchy for our own rights. And worst of all? Other women are our worst enemies. Thank you Jess for caring the banner forward.
Thank you for being in the fight for so long. You are an inspiration.
I’m 77 and have my own abortion story to tell. But what most enrages me is the backsliding on Women’s rights in this country. I remember my husband’s favorite aunt saying to me in the late ‘70’s that she had always hoped it would be her generation that finally won abortion rights, but she was so encouraged by my generation and that she would live to see it. Turns out she didn’t. And at this rate neither I nor my daughters will either. Where is that never-ending arc of justice anyway? And when do those smug ignoramuses scrolling their phones as women beg for justice finally get some of their own? I’m tired of waiting.
ME too. And the generation behind us raised a load of enabled white men who think they should have everything, with little brain dead wives who act like they could do nothing without their man. When questioned they say...Oh I don't follow politics. I told one the other day she'd better start cause it was going to bite her and her two daughters in the ass. Thank God for women like Jess who are fighting against that wave.
Or as a large banner in the large open square at our local university said years ago, "Turn Onto Politics Or It Will Turn On You!" Seems like not enough did, yet.
Incredibly powerful words that, as you point out, shouldn't have to be written. The stories shouldn't have to be told. We Missourians have to start electing legislators who will honor our votes on issues like abortion and cleaning up politics (the Clean Missouri debacle of 2018/2020), among others.
Exactly
The GOP and Christofascists suck!
christofascists! love it
Jess, I admire your spunk. I have a different take on anti-abortion ideology by Republicans.
1. The Republican Party is an arm of Russian mafia. Trump is a Russian asset as our many of the people in his administration now. Many many Republican members of Congress if not all are either in thrall with Putin‘s crime syndicate or being extorted.
2. This is the response of Perplexity to a question about how to define human trafficking: Yes, human trafficking can indeed be considered a deprivation of fundamental rights, including the right to bodily autonomy, self-determination, and financial control. Human trafficking violates and impairs fundamental human rights[1]. It infringes on several key rights:
1. Bodily autonomy: Victims often endure physical violence, sexual abuse, and deprivation of basic needs[5].
2. Self-determination: Trafficking restricts a person's freedom of movement and ability to make choices about their future[1].
3. Financial control: Victims may be subjected to debt bondage or forced labor, depriving them of control over their earnings and financial decisions[1].
Additionally, trafficking violates other human rights, such as:
- The right to liberty and security
- The right to be free from slavery, servitude, and forced labor
- The right to freedom of movement
- The right to just and favorable working conditions
- The right to an adequate standard of living[1]
Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, effectively denying individuals their fundamental freedoms and dignity[1][4].
Sources
[1] [PDF] Human Rights and Human Trafficking - ohchr https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/FS36_en.pdf
[2] [PDF] The Legal Rights and Needs of Victims of Human Trafficking in the ... https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/media/document/HT_Legal_Rights_Needs_fact_sheet-508.pdf
[3] Statutes Enforced by the Criminal Section - Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/crt/statutes-enforced-criminal-section
[4] About trafficking in persons and human rights | OHCHR https://www.ohchr.org/en/trafficking-in-persons/about-trafficking-persons-and-human-rights
[5] Human Trafficking - ICE https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/hsi/investigate/human-trafficking
[6] Human Trafficking | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission https://www.eeoc.gov/human-trafficking
[7] Understanding Human Trafficking - United States Department of State https://www.state.gov/what-is-trafficking-in-persons/
[8] Human Trafficking Legislation - American Bar Association https://www.americanbar.org/groups/human_rights/human-trafficking/trafficking-legislation/
3. Republicans have stripped women of reproductive age of the right to control their bodies, determine their futures, and as a consequence, their financial well-being. Anti-abortion laws legalize human trafficking. The sentence could be said about the assault on labor laws.
4. The Republican Russian mob has the power to legalize human trafficking, and are only concerned about Mexican drug cartels, their competitors, doing the same thing because it cuts into their profits. Republican elected officials profit off this form of human trafficking in the form of donations to political campaigns and subsequent private sector jobs or lobbying.
5. It’s only when you see this anti-abortion ideology for what it is -legalizing human trafficking - that it all comes into focus. It just comes down to profit from exploitation.
I don’t know if you’ll even see this but thanks if you do. We need to paint the Republican party as the crime syndicate it is, and its members as unindicted criminals.
crime syndicate ✅
OMG! YES, YES, YES! this.
I'm currently reading "Men Who Hate Women," by Laura Bates. She describes going undercover into website chat rooms where incels often hang out and describes the different types of "cels" there are among men. What you've said about wanting to traffic women sounds a lot like what many of these "alt-right" incels and other cels want for women.
Yes. Simply yes