I would to travel there to hear you speak, but since that isn't going to happen, I wish you would record or video one of your talks so we can hear you. You are terrific!
That is a terrific idea. you could post it on substack to also spread it to others..more exposure of the great hard work you do. i am amazed at what you do.
Democracy is wonderful until those democratically-elected get too big for their boots. Which is nearly always. We’re fooled into thinking we have a voice because we get to vote every few years, but between votes the voted-for do what they like.
I prefer the way things were done before universal suffrage - when the legislators ignore us we overturned their carriages, pelted them with manure and ransacked their homes. They listened then.
Why can’t we in a modern sense? Put up posts of the person being tarred and feathered (cartoons) and the action for which it is being done. They will know they are being watched.
Another moving report, Jess. I felt your disappointment when I read that the massive response of voters against gerrymandering would be ignored.
But, you stated a truth that could overcome the strategies of these despots: “The lines on a gerrymandered map are meant to divide us, but democracy still runs deep in red states.”
Regardless of the political labels “red” and “blue”, people are people….they will vote outside the lines for politicians who best represent their needs.
I’m not sure I agree that people will vote outside the lines for politicians who best represent their needs. I’m afraid there’s lots of evidence to the contrary.
Being a native of Missouri and a resident of Indiana for a number of years - I graduated from high school and college in Indiana - you hit the nail on the head. The two states are very similar in many respects, but also have a very different feel. I consider Warren County to be one of the more isolated places in a state with a lot of isolated little places. The fact that you attracted that many Democrats in Warren County it speaks to your mantra of running Democratic candidates for every office in every election no matter what.
Keep up the good work. It gives people hope. Me among them. Thank you.
You should join forces with Michelle Davis, the author of the Lonestar Left newsletter, to build a national coalition of like-minded Democrat grassroots leaders. You have the same fighting spirits and plain-spoken, logical, sincere passion for democracy. The two of you need a bigger spotlight.
@Heather Cox Richardson would be a perfect person to shine that light on you both. She understands the importance of voices like yours and the impact you both can have on our country’s sociopolitical trajectory. I’m certain only good could from that effort.
I live in Brooklyn. I am so glad to be following you and reading your work. It's been educational to spend time in spaces I normally would not and I share your wisdom with others. (Especially when you talk about education. ) I am with you in spirit. Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you Jess for another eye opening Substack about what is happening in Missouri. It must be very frustrating to live in a state where the will of the people is constantly overturned. This can’t be allowed to continue use. People like you can initiate change and can only hope more and more people join you in this effort, I will definitely contribute to blue candidates in Missouri.
You write about what IS.....what is WRONG with so many people??? How did they become so unhinged??? Who DID this to them??? You just can't be born with so much hatred in your head. Thank you, Jess....for all of your work!!!
Jess, I have followed you since you started this very smart plan of yours, to encourage every Missouri race to have a democrat on the ballot. You knew it would take time, but your experience as a teacher gave you confidence that investing for the future is worth doing. I’m so impressed!
" asked my friend and Missouri activist Jess Piper about the amazing effort in her state. Here’s what she wrote me: “You can quote me saying we kick their ass every single time. Every time we need 110k signatures, we gather over 300k. Missouri isn’t red. Missouri is uncontested.”
Because of how I spent my career and now the activities and passions I pursue in my retirement, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel widely. This travel has not been limited to the U.S., where I have visited all 50 states, but also internationally, where I have travelled to over 90 countries. That has afforded me extensive "microdosing" experiences that validate many of your observations.
What I find essential is that you take the opportunity to be uncomfortable. That is, do not seek to replicate the same experiences you would have at home. Instead, I would like you to strive to be local to that environment wherever you are. Meet and interact with the people in that location. As much as possible, live as they do. This includes culture, customs, lodging, food, and the whole experience. If you do not take advantage of those perhaps different and even sometimes uncomfortable experiences, you could just as easily have stayed at home and would learn nothing new.
The world is a remarkable and diverse place. To truly experience and immerse yourself in that diversity will enrich your life and make it and you so much better informed and more interesting.
Sorry to say it’s the same in NC. We’re so gerrymandered that this state isn’t really even a democracy anymore.
I totally agree that the only way out of this mess our states are in is to run Dem candidates in EVERY race. That’s being backed up lately with a lot of Dem wins in gerrymandered states like GA and red Miami.
I wish you could come speak at some rural events here in western NC. You would get a terrific response.
I can also testify that Jess' message inspires in remote appearances, too. If her busy schedule doesn't allow a road trip to NC, see if you can schedule an online conversation. I live in southeastern Portugal, and Jess can't road-trip here but she sure spread some fresh air at a meeting of democracy advocates here a few months ago!
Hi Jess: Your "contest every election" strategy worked in Virginia! ActBlue set up a method to donate equally to every D candidate in R districts in order to deplete their resources, and as we saw, the D's kicked R posteriors and now control 63 of 100 House of Delegates seats. Keep up the fight!
I would to travel there to hear you speak, but since that isn't going to happen, I wish you would record or video one of your talks so we can hear you. You are terrific!
I should do that
Please 🙏💙
Love that idea.
I got to hear her at a No Kings peaceful protest in Jeff City, MO. She is an amazing speaker and person!!
That sounds like wonderful event
I thought was a good talk with my state's leader of Blue Ohio, David Pepper and Jess a few weeks ago: https://davidpepper.substack.com/p/staying-resolute-at-this-fraught
I second this!
Yes please! You tube with a link would be great.
That is a terrific idea. you could post it on substack to also spread it to others..more exposure of the great hard work you do. i am amazed at what you do.
Democracy is wonderful until those democratically-elected get too big for their boots. Which is nearly always. We’re fooled into thinking we have a voice because we get to vote every few years, but between votes the voted-for do what they like.
I prefer the way things were done before universal suffrage - when the legislators ignore us we overturned their carriages, pelted them with manure and ransacked their homes. They listened then.
😂👏
Now THIS I can get behind.
Why can’t we in a modern sense? Put up posts of the person being tarred and feathered (cartoons) and the action for which it is being done. They will know they are being watched.
Heck, I want to see them in a tumbril screaming for their lives! Ça Ira!
Your comment mirrors what I was thinking while reading this piece; they wouldn’t ignore the voters if they were tarred & feathered!
Another moving report, Jess. I felt your disappointment when I read that the massive response of voters against gerrymandering would be ignored.
But, you stated a truth that could overcome the strategies of these despots: “The lines on a gerrymandered map are meant to divide us, but democracy still runs deep in red states.”
Regardless of the political labels “red” and “blue”, people are people….they will vote outside the lines for politicians who best represent their needs.
I have high hopes for your state.
Stay the course!
💙💙💙
I’m not sure I agree that people will vote outside the lines for politicians who best represent their needs. I’m afraid there’s lots of evidence to the contrary.
Being a native of Missouri and a resident of Indiana for a number of years - I graduated from high school and college in Indiana - you hit the nail on the head. The two states are very similar in many respects, but also have a very different feel. I consider Warren County to be one of the more isolated places in a state with a lot of isolated little places. The fact that you attracted that many Democrats in Warren County it speaks to your mantra of running Democratic candidates for every office in every election no matter what.
Keep up the good work. It gives people hope. Me among them. Thank you.
❤️
You should join forces with Michelle Davis, the author of the Lonestar Left newsletter, to build a national coalition of like-minded Democrat grassroots leaders. You have the same fighting spirits and plain-spoken, logical, sincere passion for democracy. The two of you need a bigger spotlight.
That’s a great idea!
@Heather Cox Richardson would be a perfect person to shine that light on you both. She understands the importance of voices like yours and the impact you both can have on our country’s sociopolitical trajectory. I’m certain only good could from that effort.
Robert Hubbell is another great amplifier. He is an indomitable voice of reason who knows we have to keep fighting, and run everywhere.
Great idea! Also pass it on to HCR:
https://bsky.app/profile/elliekona.bsky.social/post/3m7ntcxclas26
Yes, definitely agree!
I live in Brooklyn. I am so glad to be following you and reading your work. It's been educational to spend time in spaces I normally would not and I share your wisdom with others. (Especially when you talk about education. ) I am with you in spirit. Thank you for all that you do!
❤️
I live in Brooklyn NY. :)
Thank you Jess for another eye opening Substack about what is happening in Missouri. It must be very frustrating to live in a state where the will of the people is constantly overturned. This can’t be allowed to continue use. People like you can initiate change and can only hope more and more people join you in this effort, I will definitely contribute to blue candidates in Missouri.
I appreciate you
You write about what IS.....what is WRONG with so many people??? How did they become so unhinged??? Who DID this to them??? You just can't be born with so much hatred in your head. Thank you, Jess....for all of your work!!!
No, the hatred has to be carefully taught.
Jess, I have followed you since you started this very smart plan of yours, to encourage every Missouri race to have a democrat on the ballot. You knew it would take time, but your experience as a teacher gave you confidence that investing for the future is worth doing. I’m so impressed!
Thank you, friend. We are seeing impressive results across the country with the strategy.
" asked my friend and Missouri activist Jess Piper about the amazing effort in her state. Here’s what she wrote me: “You can quote me saying we kick their ass every single time. Every time we need 110k signatures, we gather over 300k. Missouri isn’t red. Missouri is uncontested.”
Thanks to all those who stood up. from David Pepper's substack today; all about Missouri's 300,000 heroes: " ...https://open.substack.com/pub/davidpepper/p/the-show-me-state-shows-up-for-democracy?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Yessss!!! I spoke to David last night
Because of how I spent my career and now the activities and passions I pursue in my retirement, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel widely. This travel has not been limited to the U.S., where I have visited all 50 states, but also internationally, where I have travelled to over 90 countries. That has afforded me extensive "microdosing" experiences that validate many of your observations.
What I find essential is that you take the opportunity to be uncomfortable. That is, do not seek to replicate the same experiences you would have at home. Instead, I would like you to strive to be local to that environment wherever you are. Meet and interact with the people in that location. As much as possible, live as they do. This includes culture, customs, lodging, food, and the whole experience. If you do not take advantage of those perhaps different and even sometimes uncomfortable experiences, you could just as easily have stayed at home and would learn nothing new.
The world is a remarkable and diverse place. To truly experience and immerse yourself in that diversity will enrich your life and make it and you so much better informed and more interesting.
Solidarity!
Thank you!!!
Yes, we definitely want to be heard! Here in Missouri, it is next to impossible, but we will persist!
Sorry to say it’s the same in NC. We’re so gerrymandered that this state isn’t really even a democracy anymore.
I totally agree that the only way out of this mess our states are in is to run Dem candidates in EVERY race. That’s being backed up lately with a lot of Dem wins in gerrymandered states like GA and red Miami.
I wish you could come speak at some rural events here in western NC. You would get a terrific response.
Keep up the good fight!
💙
I can also testify that Jess' message inspires in remote appearances, too. If her busy schedule doesn't allow a road trip to NC, see if you can schedule an online conversation. I live in southeastern Portugal, and Jess can't road-trip here but she sure spread some fresh air at a meeting of democracy advocates here a few months ago!
Bless you Jess (I don't say that often) . You are the ,ight of democracy in what seems lik3 a dark government. Let's hold on.
Thank you!
Hi Jess: Your "contest every election" strategy worked in Virginia! ActBlue set up a method to donate equally to every D candidate in R districts in order to deplete their resources, and as we saw, the D's kicked R posteriors and now control 63 of 100 House of Delegates seats. Keep up the fight!