Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jess. It’s a powerful representation of what progressives face, not just in Missouri, but in red areas everywhere. The task seems terribly daunting, but, following your example, doing nothing is not an option.
A great story; thanks for sharing. When I was a student newspaper advisor elsewhere in Missouri, , I knew the advisors at NW Missouri state and saw their students win MCMA awards regularly. Some very good journalists have graduated from that program and Andrew’s writing is superb here. And as you note, it played an important part in your story. That’s what good journalism does, and that’s why we need more storytellers. As a city dweller now with rural roots, I appreciate how you portray the challenges rural residents face. Your story is why I joined Blue Missouri.
Much of the Jess Piper story mirrors the stories of so many of us. I had no idea that on 8 November 2016 I would become a radicalized moderate! But here I am too! However, unlike Jess Piper, I don’t have the courage or the energy to put myself up front and center to lead others. But I can stand and applaud! Thank you Jess Piper!
Jess, your story resonates with me because I, too, grew up rural. I grew up a bit different than my friends because my mother taught at the base school. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was located in our community. The school was integrated. I went to school with kids of all colors and origins. In the second grade, there was an indigenous little girl from Alaska, in eastern NC! We were just all kids, who were not concerned with color.
I don't know if I am progressive today because of my growing up experiences. Being among varied types of people helped me see people based on who they are, not a preconceived idea of who they are.
Jess, you have an amazing story! Thanks for sharing with us. The political climate remains and has since the mid-1960s. I remember well when the South was solid Democrat politically and had been since the Great Depression. The civil rights movement changed all that! Everyone can draw his/her conclusions as to why! It takes a strong person, like you, to swim against the tide! Thank you for your courage!
My first thought after reading this story was that telling your story that includes a significant amount of personal pain is so inspirational to us that are joining you in the fight to save America. Many of us can not approach the level of dedication and commitment you have but by now knowing how much your personal experiences have shaped and motivated your efforts, at least for me, it will inspire us to join you in the fight.
As an aside, I appreciate you letting us non-paying subscribers post comments on your Substack acct. Having multiple subscriptions on Substack and being a retiree with fixed income, I am thankful I can still express my thoughts here. Especially on such an inspirational platform. Thank you.
Thank you, Jess. Hard realities in rural Missouri, thanks for your truth because it’s helping many understand so they can do better. You don’t know what you don’t know, and lies are easy to sell when there is no newspapers, progressive radio (we need that) or politicians who GAF. See you Saturday!✊🏼
One of the most important aspects of your work to me is your willingness to share “how”. How to engage in a political discussion, instead of a monologue followed by a slamming door. How to look at accomplishments when others are adamant about there being none. How to see clearly what is important to others and not just to you.
I always thought ill of people who told me that I needed to do something without a clue as to how.
My experience has shown me that true leaders not only have a vision, but also know how they can achieve it and how to communicate that to the people needed to make it happen.
I do not know you well, but I have a very good feeling about you.
Thanks for sharing this great background article. While far from predominant in most rural areas, your insights and perspectives are shared by many folks in the small towns, villages, and crossroads communities across the country. Your strong, courageous voice can give a dose of needed confidence to many of these other individuals to state their opinions more broadly and not be cowered by the loud proclamations of the other side. It’s no fun feeling like one is living as a “political other” within one’s own home community.
Thank you for this article. I am a teacher in Tenessee which has turned from a comfortable purple state where Democrats and Republicans worked together to a deep red state where teaching uncomfortable facts is becoming difficult.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jess. It’s a powerful representation of what progressives face, not just in Missouri, but in red areas everywhere. The task seems terribly daunting, but, following your example, doing nothing is not an option.
A great story; thanks for sharing. When I was a student newspaper advisor elsewhere in Missouri, , I knew the advisors at NW Missouri state and saw their students win MCMA awards regularly. Some very good journalists have graduated from that program and Andrew’s writing is superb here. And as you note, it played an important part in your story. That’s what good journalism does, and that’s why we need more storytellers. As a city dweller now with rural roots, I appreciate how you portray the challenges rural residents face. Your story is why I joined Blue Missouri.
Much of the Jess Piper story mirrors the stories of so many of us. I had no idea that on 8 November 2016 I would become a radicalized moderate! But here I am too! However, unlike Jess Piper, I don’t have the courage or the energy to put myself up front and center to lead others. But I can stand and applaud! Thank you Jess Piper!
You are an inspiration, Jess, thank you for sharing your story. We need your fire.
Jess, your story resonates with me because I, too, grew up rural. I grew up a bit different than my friends because my mother taught at the base school. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was located in our community. The school was integrated. I went to school with kids of all colors and origins. In the second grade, there was an indigenous little girl from Alaska, in eastern NC! We were just all kids, who were not concerned with color.
I don't know if I am progressive today because of my growing up experiences. Being among varied types of people helped me see people based on who they are, not a preconceived idea of who they are.
Jess, you have an amazing story! Thanks for sharing with us. The political climate remains and has since the mid-1960s. I remember well when the South was solid Democrat politically and had been since the Great Depression. The civil rights movement changed all that! Everyone can draw his/her conclusions as to why! It takes a strong person, like you, to swim against the tide! Thank you for your courage!
My first thought after reading this story was that telling your story that includes a significant amount of personal pain is so inspirational to us that are joining you in the fight to save America. Many of us can not approach the level of dedication and commitment you have but by now knowing how much your personal experiences have shaped and motivated your efforts, at least for me, it will inspire us to join you in the fight.
As an aside, I appreciate you letting us non-paying subscribers post comments on your Substack acct. Having multiple subscriptions on Substack and being a retiree with fixed income, I am thankful I can still express my thoughts here. Especially on such an inspirational platform. Thank you.
Me, too! This is very generous of you.
Good trouble. Karma is coming.
Excellent article of a fighter for herself and for those around her. I admire her more and more as I follow her fight.
Thank you, Jess. Hard realities in rural Missouri, thanks for your truth because it’s helping many understand so they can do better. You don’t know what you don’t know, and lies are easy to sell when there is no newspapers, progressive radio (we need that) or politicians who GAF. See you Saturday!✊🏼
“When you know better, you do better.”
You are a voice that needs to be heard, and an advocate who deserves a national platform, Jess.
Go get ‘em!
I completely agree with you and can’t wait to watch Jess’s future unfold!
Jess,
One of the most important aspects of your work to me is your willingness to share “how”. How to engage in a political discussion, instead of a monologue followed by a slamming door. How to look at accomplishments when others are adamant about there being none. How to see clearly what is important to others and not just to you.
I always thought ill of people who told me that I needed to do something without a clue as to how.
My experience has shown me that true leaders not only have a vision, but also know how they can achieve it and how to communicate that to the people needed to make it happen.
I do not know you well, but I have a very good feeling about you.
Lead on, please.
David
Thanks for all your hard work!
You keep on going girl!
Thanks for sharing this great background article. While far from predominant in most rural areas, your insights and perspectives are shared by many folks in the small towns, villages, and crossroads communities across the country. Your strong, courageous voice can give a dose of needed confidence to many of these other individuals to state their opinions more broadly and not be cowered by the loud proclamations of the other side. It’s no fun feeling like one is living as a “political other” within one’s own home community.
Thank you for this article. I am a teacher in Tenessee which has turned from a comfortable purple state where Democrats and Republicans worked together to a deep red state where teaching uncomfortable facts is becoming difficult.