I always thought people were elected to represent their constituents. This is not being done any longer. A goodly number of electees are doing the exact thing that you have described in your article today. And, you can substitute Iowa in place of Missouri. Everytime I see an overweight gray-haired old geezer spouting off these one-sided ideas, my blood boils. When I see a woman wearing a red MAGA hat, I want to knock it right off and shout “what in the name of hell are you doing??? I want some laws that make it a crime to impregnate a woman when they do not want to start a family and a law that makes them be responsible for birth control. Can you hear the protests now? I sound very hateful. I’m sorry for that. I plan to vote democrat for the duration of my life. Anyone and I mean anyone within the Democratic party should run. Everyone has something to offer
It's not just Missouri, ignoring the wishes of the American public goes all the way up to the Federal level. If not, we would have sensible gun control, we would not have knock-down drag-out fights over supporting our allies over a war criminal, we would have a modern transportation system like every advanced country in the world, we might even have basic income and housing for the homeless. This list goes on and on.
I just joined Blue Missouri even though I live in Blue Illinois. I’m a longtime proponent of the 50 State policy and was crushed when Barack Obama abandoned the policy, with advice from Rahm Emmanuel. I’m a lifelong Democrat from a many generation long Democratic family. I really feel that 20 years ago, the practice of seeding rural communities with Democratic challengers was beginning to pay off. We had some blue senators from otherwise red states, many who have been beaten on re-elect. We have to change…
Keep fighting. Rural American deserves better. Folks here in Iowa are not stupid. They understand that their governor and the R legislators don't care. They all get boners over the idea of women staying barefoot and pregnant and losing what few rights they still have (Women folk don't need the right to VOTE, right boys?)
We each live in home states with varying levels of deterioration. As we each work toward a better future and sometimes struggle to hold hope, it helps to know we are doing this together all across our nation. Thank you, Jess; we are in this together.
Great letter Jess. Like some other writers, I wish the national Democratic party would take up the 50 state concept again and see how many "safe" seats we could take away from the Republicans if we tried.
Thank you for this perfectly written explanation of what Missouri’s legislature has been and is doing right now—there are lots of us doing what we can to restore sanity in Jefferson City and your voice is so powerful! I re-upped for Blue Missouri (was “It Starts Today” I think?) to put what $$ I can to help.
I’m so grateful that you are not going anywhere (thank your precious family for me!) and that the bullies are not scaring you away—TOO many people are giving up and causing a brain drain, that only exacerbates our situation and problems. There really are many more wonderful people here—we must reach them and give them hope. I want to become the “Show Me” state again for the greater good for all!🗽🗽
Wow, honestly, it seems rather bleak in Missouri these days. Good thing you are strong and stubborn, two necessary qualities to have when fighting the madness. Good luck, Jess.
Jess, thank you for all that you do. I feel like Ohio, the state where I was born nearly 7 decades ago, has taken the same trajectory as Missouri in all the ways you mention. I left OH after college and moved to Southern CA where I stayed for 20 years. Something called me back, but the state I returned to in 1999 has become unrecognizable over the past 25 years-especially since the 2010 census. This is thanks to illegal gerrymandering and the GOP-autocracy in our legislative, executive and judicial branches. They repeatedly ignore the will of the majority of Ohio voters. My sister, who moved to CA with me 45 years ago, is still there. My only child is here, so here I stay.
Another former Ohioan, now a Missourian, here. Left Ohio in 1980 for school. Came here in 1989. As MO sunk to the depths Jess describes sometimes I would daydream about going back to Ohio. But Ohio isn’t the place where I grew up. Not at all.
When I heard yesterday (Google Lady Android alarm) that a man had strangled his wife because he could no longer afford her hospital and medical bills, I was not surprised that it was in MO. I am working on my first substack, and it is about Senator Schmitt, who appears to be a jerk and a big Magat. You are stuck with him until 2029, but is there any possibility of getting red of Josh Hawley in Nov.?
I really like Kunce. Google him and read his Substack. He’s from a very modest family and his story is much like mine and many other working class Missourians. He ran last Senate race and I could donate to him then. Not so much now because I’m retired, but where I can, I share his story. I’m encouraged to see out-of-staters are supporting him two. 🤞
Glad to find this substack! I have been in MO 9 years but am originally from the NE. I just started a regular donation to Blue MO thanks to your suggestion. It’s important to keep fighting the good fight and make our voices heard! Your work is an important resource- thank you!
I am so sad for MO! My husband & immediate family are from MO, they are kind & generous but except for my husband, are Republican. They don’t live in MO anymore but I doubt they would object to the policies implemented by the Republican led state government. They believe Democrats are misguided at best & evil at worst. It’s hard to be around them at times, very sad.
I always thought people were elected to represent their constituents. This is not being done any longer. A goodly number of electees are doing the exact thing that you have described in your article today. And, you can substitute Iowa in place of Missouri. Everytime I see an overweight gray-haired old geezer spouting off these one-sided ideas, my blood boils. When I see a woman wearing a red MAGA hat, I want to knock it right off and shout “what in the name of hell are you doing??? I want some laws that make it a crime to impregnate a woman when they do not want to start a family and a law that makes them be responsible for birth control. Can you hear the protests now? I sound very hateful. I’m sorry for that. I plan to vote democrat for the duration of my life. Anyone and I mean anyone within the Democratic party should run. Everyone has something to offer
And I want a law that makes every sperm donor financially liable for his children!
It's not just Missouri, ignoring the wishes of the American public goes all the way up to the Federal level. If not, we would have sensible gun control, we would not have knock-down drag-out fights over supporting our allies over a war criminal, we would have a modern transportation system like every advanced country in the world, we might even have basic income and housing for the homeless. This list goes on and on.
I just joined Blue Missouri even though I live in Blue Illinois. I’m a longtime proponent of the 50 State policy and was crushed when Barack Obama abandoned the policy, with advice from Rahm Emmanuel. I’m a lifelong Democrat from a many generation long Democratic family. I really feel that 20 years ago, the practice of seeding rural communities with Democratic challengers was beginning to pay off. We had some blue senators from otherwise red states, many who have been beaten on re-elect. We have to change…
Thank you, friend! It means so much to these candidates.
Jess, is Marla M in your group?
I'm with you on this. Democrats should not be complacent when so many state legislatures are in Republican hands. It's self-defeating.
THANK YOU!!!!
You are a shining light in a sea of murky despair. 😊
Keep writing. You make a difference!
Thank you!
Keep fighting. Rural American deserves better. Folks here in Iowa are not stupid. They understand that their governor and the R legislators don't care. They all get boners over the idea of women staying barefoot and pregnant and losing what few rights they still have (Women folk don't need the right to VOTE, right boys?)
We each live in home states with varying levels of deterioration. As we each work toward a better future and sometimes struggle to hold hope, it helps to know we are doing this together all across our nation. Thank you, Jess; we are in this together.
Great letter Jess. Like some other writers, I wish the national Democratic party would take up the 50 state concept again and see how many "safe" seats we could take away from the Republicans if we tried.
That part!
You are doing good work!! Keep up the good fight😊
Thank you for this perfectly written explanation of what Missouri’s legislature has been and is doing right now—there are lots of us doing what we can to restore sanity in Jefferson City and your voice is so powerful! I re-upped for Blue Missouri (was “It Starts Today” I think?) to put what $$ I can to help.
I’m so grateful that you are not going anywhere (thank your precious family for me!) and that the bullies are not scaring you away—TOO many people are giving up and causing a brain drain, that only exacerbates our situation and problems. There really are many more wonderful people here—we must reach them and give them hope. I want to become the “Show Me” state again for the greater good for all!🗽🗽
Wow, honestly, it seems rather bleak in Missouri these days. Good thing you are strong and stubborn, two necessary qualities to have when fighting the madness. Good luck, Jess.
Solidarity!
Missouri mules are our state mascot for a reason!
Jess, thank you for all that you do. I feel like Ohio, the state where I was born nearly 7 decades ago, has taken the same trajectory as Missouri in all the ways you mention. I left OH after college and moved to Southern CA where I stayed for 20 years. Something called me back, but the state I returned to in 1999 has become unrecognizable over the past 25 years-especially since the 2010 census. This is thanks to illegal gerrymandering and the GOP-autocracy in our legislative, executive and judicial branches. They repeatedly ignore the will of the majority of Ohio voters. My sister, who moved to CA with me 45 years ago, is still there. My only child is here, so here I stay.
Another former Ohioan, now a Missourian, here. Left Ohio in 1980 for school. Came here in 1989. As MO sunk to the depths Jess describes sometimes I would daydream about going back to Ohio. But Ohio isn’t the place where I grew up. Not at all.
When I heard yesterday (Google Lady Android alarm) that a man had strangled his wife because he could no longer afford her hospital and medical bills, I was not surprised that it was in MO. I am working on my first substack, and it is about Senator Schmitt, who appears to be a jerk and a big Magat. You are stuck with him until 2029, but is there any possibility of getting red of Josh Hawley in Nov.?
Yes, Lucas Kunce (D) is running against him. According to his website, he is a 13-yr Marine veteran, born and raised in MO
Marines are trustworthy -- Usually. There are a few who are members of The Heritage Foundation, which is where Sen. Schmitt gets much of his dogma.
I sure hope this guy is trustworthy. The Heritage Foundation is bad, bad, news.
They sure are. They are completely behind Trump's Project25!!!
I really like Kunce. Google him and read his Substack. He’s from a very modest family and his story is much like mine and many other working class Missourians. He ran last Senate race and I could donate to him then. Not so much now because I’m retired, but where I can, I share his story. I’m encouraged to see out-of-staters are supporting him two. 🤞
Hawkey is a hypocritical coward! Vote him out!
Hawley
I’ll need psychological treatment to overcome autocorrect!🙄
My phone does the same thing :)
Frustrating, isn’t it?
I think Lucas Kunce has a good chance. He needs all the support he can get. Hawley the grandstander show pony needs to go.
What’s aggravating to me is that the scoundrels don’t think we’re smart enough to see through their facade! 😡
Glad to find this substack! I have been in MO 9 years but am originally from the NE. I just started a regular donation to Blue MO thanks to your suggestion. It’s important to keep fighting the good fight and make our voices heard! Your work is an important resource- thank you!
Thank you, friend!
From a Missourian and Blue Missouri donor, Thank You!!!!
Love to see you here and there, friend!
Sounds just like Texas. I’m fighting down here and will follow your lead. Thanks for writing and fighting!
Though not as important as the items you have here, please add “Show Me the worst roads in the U.S.” to your list.
That part!
I am so sad for MO! My husband & immediate family are from MO, they are kind & generous but except for my husband, are Republican. They don’t live in MO anymore but I doubt they would object to the policies implemented by the Republican led state government. They believe Democrats are misguided at best & evil at worst. It’s hard to be around them at times, very sad.