77 Comments
User's avatar
Bob Alessi's avatar

The blatant disregard for the rule of law and the will of the voters by everyone downstream from this administration is disgusting and more importantly criminal.

Al Bellenchia's avatar

We must take the fight directly to them, for every seat and contest. We must create our own destiny.

“The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it.” - James Baldwin

Heidi L's avatar

Contact People magazine! A pair of Tennessee legislators recently proposed a similar bill adding the death penalty to our already strict abortion laws. Lots of people were sharing on social media about it and were outraged. It found its way to the magazine and they did a piece on it recently. The bill was "aborted" shortly after.

Jess Piper's avatar

Great idea

Claudia's avatar

It was also reported on by @Jessica Valenti her newsletter has got a wide range.

Holly Starley's avatar

Jess, I can’t say how much I appreciate your conviction, your commitment, and your work to inspire others to stay in this fight. You’re right, too much of it is unthinkable. But it’s happening. And we gotta stop it!

Pat's avatar

Thank goodness for you and people like you who are willing to do the work!!

Denzel's avatar

I totally get it, not only as a voter in Missouri but also as a poll worker in Missouri it's beyond frustrating to me that we vote to have these rights and then these Republicans whine because it didn't go their way and they go to the court system and it gets overturned. And then I have to explain to people at the polling place as least as possible because a lot of people don't do research that yes you did vote on this previously but The people at the Capitol didn't like the results. There's many days that I often just want to throw in the towel and not want to work an election ever again. And if I do work an election it would be in a blue state.

Doug Hiller's avatar

I’m a poll worker in Virginia, which is blue at the moment. Very glad to have Abigail Spanberger as our new Governor. That doesn’t mean we’re free of frustration.

You may have heard Virginia is on the cusp of redistricting, to go from 6(D) / 5(R) U.S. House seats to a 9/1 ratio, in a response to counter the Texas redistricting. At the moment, though, it’s on hold, because the republicans found one judge in one remote red county (we have 95 counties) to rule on a technicality to halt the redistricting referendum on 21 April. Of course, that ruling from Tazewell County will be appealed, but, it’s so obnoxious they have the point of view that the definition of “free and fair elections” means they win.

Cathy R's avatar

Oh no, I hadn't heard about the halt on the redistricting referendum

Doug Hiller's avatar

Wouldn’t call it halted. They have tried to through a monkey wrench in the works, but the wheels are still turning…. I think the redistricting will happen; There is so much momentum behind it.

Cathy R's avatar

Good to know, thanks

Tim's avatar

I can't vote/run (I'm not a citizen), but I think democracy is much healthier when every seat is contested. Back in Lancashire, where I grew up, there was always a choice and my mostly rural constituency flip-flopped as a consequence.

The Coxie's avatar

If it's something completely insane in the Missouri legislature, you can almost guarantee Mike Moon has his little mitts all over it.

Kathryn Zaremski's avatar

God bless you dear lady for fighting the good fight! Abortion is also healthcare for women…ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and other issues that threaten the life of the woman frequently require a D&C or an abortion to correct the medical emergency. These boneheaded men in government don’t seem to understand this fact, or maybe they just don’t care!

Not to mention that women deserve autonomy over their own bodies. These issues should be decided by the woman and her doctor; government does NOT belong in that mix!

Pablo's avatar
3hEdited

OB-GYN's are leaving red states to freely practice evidence-based medicine in friendlier states. With that, the teaching hospitals are getting fewer and fewer candidates & the low number of qualified practitioners already has a huge impact on infant mortality & women's heath in those states. The brain-drain in red state medical schools is a reality.

Scilla Yukich's avatar

Ohio has had much the same problems, trying to get an un-gerrymandered map.

Dan Margolies's avatar

I wrote about loons like Moon a few months ago in my Substack, "Notes from KC." I began as follows:

"I’m not sure when exactly Missouri became the nation’s epicenter of batshittery, boasting one of the most retrograde legislatures in the union and incubating a host of embarrassing figures now strutting across the national stage (Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, Ed Martin Jr., and D. John Sauer, to name a few).

"But perhaps no one better exemplifies the state’s devolution into utter lunacy than an obscure politician named Eric Burlison who represents Missouri’s 7th congressional district in the southwest corner of the state.

"You see, Burlison believes that the Smithsonian is hiding evidence that giants once roamed the earth. No, he’s not talking about dinosaurs. He’s talking about “Nephilim,” a race of giants that crops up in the Book of Genesis."

If you're interested in reading the rest, it can be found here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-171143256

Jess Piper's avatar

Thank you!!!

Jamie blair's avatar

Jess you are my hero. I will never have your energy or your tolerance which enables you to live in such a red state. The most daring I have done of late is join Braver Angels. They put me in a Texas group even though I live in blue next door. I decided it was good for me to at least attempt to listen. But you, you deserve a statue in your statehouse.

Jess Piper's avatar

Thank you!!!

Peter Stokes's avatar

I’ve left a like to show support, not because I like what you’ve written, Jess.

Jess Piper's avatar

I completely understand, friend

The Icarian's avatar

Has anyone investigated the activities of Mr. Moon? This sounds like a person who had some, uh, “interesting “ ideas about sexuality. Maybe a little too much ideation to not have put some fantasies into action.

Elizabeth's avatar

It’s always a man…..

Hendrik Gideonse's avatar

Well, not always . . . [Consider Noem, Bondi, Gabbard. Owens, Loomer . . .] /s

The Icarian's avatar

Is there a way to make a one-time donation? I can’t afford to make a recurring donation, unfortunately, but I can afford to give $10 right now. Thanks.

The Icarian's avatar

Thanks. Soon as I find my plastic it’s on the way.

I’m tired of seeing my home state in this state and I sure as heck know you are.