Dear dear Jess. This opened my heart and made my day, today. We are all in our pockets of resistance and it is important to remember that we are everywhere. Sending gratitude for you.
Sometimes our pockets of resistance are within our own families in blue states (Massachusetts). I do however have close family down south (and in Arkansas) though we were mostly born up north.
It is so hard to know how to navigate familial relationships that have such political divide. Honestly, I'm not even sure how some of my southern family voted besides maybe a niece and a nephew who are definitely blue dots. And I'm almost afraid to ask. I honestly feel like if they didn't vote at all, which is entirely possible, they too helped bring this on.
You're correct. Maybe I'm crazy (or just a wild-eyed optimist) but I've been getting a small sense of slow change in my little Virginia village. It seems that folks around here are finally recognizing the Administration's devastating plan for rural folks. They don't like it and even some of the most stalwart supporters are now asking questions.
Well, I expect this to be a slow process! Remember, many of these folks have been dedicated to Trump for years, heart and soul apparently. For those who may be doing some painful soul-searching now, we must encourage them gently. Yeah, I know. I do notice that many are still doing their best to blame the cabinet, the Republican party and pretty much ANYBODY else, rather than forsake Trump. I actually have my own doubts as to how much the President himself is involved in this awful turn of events. Frankly, I'm pretty convinced that he is no longer "there", if you understand what I'm saying.
Yet again I see a picture of a group of Progressives gathered in a rural area where the majority are civically engaged women doing the essential work of organizing. As a now older, lifetime organizer this is a picture I see often. It always makes me ask, where are the darn men, the husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers of these warrior women. Guys, get off the sidelines and get in the fight.
I was introduced to political and social justice organizing by my 83-year-old grandmother when I was five. I have been doing the work she put my feet on the path for now for over 70 years. It is always women leading the way and doing the work. And thank God, they care enough and are civically engaged. They do the hard work of making a difference.
They deserve our thanks for the difference they make in the world. Thank you, Jess. And thank you, to every woman showing the way and doing the work.
Here's something that has always, to me, shown how brave, fearless, strong, inquisitive and committed women are--the story about the 12 names on the wall just inside the exit of Fantastic Caverns in Southern Missouri:
"The first group to explore the cave extensively was a group of twelve women from the Springfield Women's Athletic Club. They explored the cave on February 27, 1867, almost two weeks after the initial discovery. Their names were inscribed on the cave walls, and their exploration is documented in a Springfield newspaper." Seems we never were the docile wilting violets most men wanted us to be....
Time and again throughout history women have shown more strength, courage, wisdom, empathy, and capability than their male contemporaries and counterparts. We need more of them in positions of leadership and power. Let’s keep working to make that happen. 🙏👏🇺🇸
This group that Jess spoke to was a women’s Progressive group called Ozark Forward. So yes it was mostly women. Some of the guys came but were vastly outnumbered. Women will be the ones to change the world!
Women have always been leaders in changing the world for the better. It is why I keep hoping and working to elect more of them. I just wish more of my male brethren would get off the sidelines and help in that effort.
Amen! to your last sentence! Think of all the work Eleanor Roosevelt did and how that woman's heart changed the nation. Most of us will never be able to do all of that, but we can bravely shine our little light everywhere we go.
B - I thought the same thing when I looked at the photo Jess posted: "Where are the men?" Hopefully they are working (ie, there are jobs in the area), and they support the women to be the activists. Hopefully.
Every time I read one of your pieces, I can't help but think you are a hero, right up there with Heather Cox Richardson, and the Indivisible folks. A true American hero. Thanks for what you do and for being such an inspiration to continue to work for a better nation.
I agree. Right up there with HCR and Rachel Maddow. Jess is doing such important work. Thanks for coming down into Arkansas. I live in Saline County. Would love to have Jess speak down here.
I LOVE her! I have read all of her books, and I heard her speak at the St. Louis Ethical Society a few years ago. Every word she wrote is right on target.
A million thanks to you. You are a national treasure and your words do more than just offer hope (which is of course invaluable), it reminds us of what can be done when we step forward with courage and honesty. Be well, Jess, we need you.
Jess, I am so inspired by your stories and your experiences. And your courage is amazing. I hope you stay safe and keep doing the good work you’re doing. I have had a few small encounters that just happened randomly with total strangers and what has turned out is that there are people who are upset and outraged, and they are not necessarily Democrats. And so I speak when I can, and always bring truth to conversations, no matter who is involved.
Jess, I can’t tell you how uplifting these stories are. You are one of the most effective speakers I’ve seen in my life. And you are one of the most effective & relatable politician I’ve ever seen without being elected for the job.
I’m glad that people are having breakthrough moments when they see horrible tragedies like Texas and are then told the truth about why the felon trump administration is responsible for firing the people we need watching and tracking storms.
It is the people like you, who bravely speak the truth, who start the wave of exponential growth toward the truth.
Yes, thank you Jess, for reminding us that we are not in this alone. It can feel so hopeless when you are battered by the news every day. I’m so glad you point out that we aren’t fighting the man “Donald Trump” ( I HATE typing that name); why bother, he isn’t worth any thought, energy or attention. We are fighting a sickness that’s infected too many people in our midst. And we are also fighting the power hungry people that use sick people to do evil things.
Your writing keeps me in touch with the power of community; a community that does care, that will stand up and be counted.
It’s so important. You are a force to be reckoned with!
Always a pleasure to start the day with a hopeful message from rural America. It's also a lesson for all of us not to paint rural folks with one big red brush. Thank you for that, Jess. Hope someone from the DNC is reading your stuff.
Oh, we are! I came from rural western Pennsylvania and I know there are blue dots everywhere. Now near Philly-came for grad school and could never go back. 👹
You are taking this 88 year old New Yorker through parts of her country previously unnamed and unexplored. A heart felt thank you for that and much else!
Jess, just wanted to say that you are a beacon of light and hope. I am in a small town in Texas and it is easy to feel alone. I have posted several of your pieces to try to educate my relatives who are democrats in more urban spaces. Rural and small town spaces have so many good, progressive people in them, and this is why we continue to fight.
Dear dear Jess. This opened my heart and made my day, today. We are all in our pockets of resistance and it is important to remember that we are everywhere. Sending gratitude for you.
Sometimes our pockets of resistance are within our own families in blue states (Massachusetts). I do however have close family down south (and in Arkansas) though we were mostly born up north.
It is so hard to know how to navigate familial relationships that have such political divide. Honestly, I'm not even sure how some of my southern family voted besides maybe a niece and a nephew who are definitely blue dots. And I'm almost afraid to ask. I honestly feel like if they didn't vote at all, which is entirely possible, they too helped bring this on.
This is exactly what I was going to say to Jess—we need you, your voice, these stories…to keep us believing that there’s hope for the future.
That people are speaking openly is a breakthrough that should not be missed.
Carl, I agree. That’s what gives others the courage to speak out…then it can spread rapidly!
You're correct. Maybe I'm crazy (or just a wild-eyed optimist) but I've been getting a small sense of slow change in my little Virginia village. It seems that folks around here are finally recognizing the Administration's devastating plan for rural folks. They don't like it and even some of the most stalwart supporters are now asking questions.
Hoping my Virginia relatives are among those beginning to see the light.
Well, I expect this to be a slow process! Remember, many of these folks have been dedicated to Trump for years, heart and soul apparently. For those who may be doing some painful soul-searching now, we must encourage them gently. Yeah, I know. I do notice that many are still doing their best to blame the cabinet, the Republican party and pretty much ANYBODY else, rather than forsake Trump. I actually have my own doubts as to how much the President himself is involved in this awful turn of events. Frankly, I'm pretty convinced that he is no longer "there", if you understand what I'm saying.
Very slow process with the people I know.
I'm glad to hear that, but the time to do actual research and ask questions is before a person votes. It's too late to do it afterward.
They are in the library! That’s why Ashcroft defunded the library.
Also, There is no Epi-Pen for Trumpism…
Jess, you are the Epi-Pen. We all are. And we’re stocked at the library.
❤️
Yet again I see a picture of a group of Progressives gathered in a rural area where the majority are civically engaged women doing the essential work of organizing. As a now older, lifetime organizer this is a picture I see often. It always makes me ask, where are the darn men, the husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers of these warrior women. Guys, get off the sidelines and get in the fight.
I was introduced to political and social justice organizing by my 83-year-old grandmother when I was five. I have been doing the work she put my feet on the path for now for over 70 years. It is always women leading the way and doing the work. And thank God, they care enough and are civically engaged. They do the hard work of making a difference.
They deserve our thanks for the difference they make in the world. Thank you, Jess. And thank you, to every woman showing the way and doing the work.
Thank you, friend
Here's something that has always, to me, shown how brave, fearless, strong, inquisitive and committed women are--the story about the 12 names on the wall just inside the exit of Fantastic Caverns in Southern Missouri:
"The first group to explore the cave extensively was a group of twelve women from the Springfield Women's Athletic Club. They explored the cave on February 27, 1867, almost two weeks after the initial discovery. Their names were inscribed on the cave walls, and their exploration is documented in a Springfield newspaper." Seems we never were the docile wilting violets most men wanted us to be....
Time and again throughout history women have shown more strength, courage, wisdom, empathy, and capability than their male contemporaries and counterparts. We need more of them in positions of leadership and power. Let’s keep working to make that happen. 🙏👏🇺🇸
Men are not cost-effective.
This moment in time requires us to be daring. We CAN do it! (Now, where have we heard that before?)
You would be surprised how many don’t want a woman like that.
That's the problem.
I didn't know that. The caverns were flooded the day we planned to tour it last year. Now I will point that out to family when we are back that way.
This group that Jess spoke to was a women’s Progressive group called Ozark Forward. So yes it was mostly women. Some of the guys came but were vastly outnumbered. Women will be the ones to change the world!
Women have always been leaders in changing the world for the better. It is why I keep hoping and working to elect more of them. I just wish more of my male brethren would get off the sidelines and help in that effort.
Amen! to your last sentence! Think of all the work Eleanor Roosevelt did and how that woman's heart changed the nation. Most of us will never be able to do all of that, but we can bravely shine our little light everywhere we go.
B - I thought the same thing when I looked at the photo Jess posted: "Where are the men?" Hopefully they are working (ie, there are jobs in the area), and they support the women to be the activists. Hopefully.
Our men do support us. This is a Progressive women’s group that brought Jess here so we far outnumbered the guys. Woman Power!
Every time I read one of your pieces, I can't help but think you are a hero, right up there with Heather Cox Richardson, and the Indivisible folks. A true American hero. Thanks for what you do and for being such an inspiration to continue to work for a better nation.
Thank you. That means a lot.
I agree. Right up there with HCR and Rachel Maddow. Jess is doing such important work. Thanks for coming down into Arkansas. I live in Saline County. Would love to have Jess speak down here.
Check out Sarah Kendzior, also!! She's a great thinker and writer from St. Louis.
I LOVE her! I have read all of her books, and I heard her speak at the St. Louis Ethical Society a few years ago. Every word she wrote is right on target.
ditto💕
Yes. As I said before, Jess is on a Hero's Journey. I can feel it, can't we all?
A million thanks to you. You are a national treasure and your words do more than just offer hope (which is of course invaluable), it reminds us of what can be done when we step forward with courage and honesty. Be well, Jess, we need you.
Jess, I am so inspired by your stories and your experiences. And your courage is amazing. I hope you stay safe and keep doing the good work you’re doing. I have had a few small encounters that just happened randomly with total strangers and what has turned out is that there are people who are upset and outraged, and they are not necessarily Democrats. And so I speak when I can, and always bring truth to conversations, no matter who is involved.
Thank you for doing the work
Thank you for this very uplifting post, and thank you for all you do, Jess!!!!!
Jess, I can’t tell you how uplifting these stories are. You are one of the most effective speakers I’ve seen in my life. And you are one of the most effective & relatable politician I’ve ever seen without being elected for the job.
I’m glad that people are having breakthrough moments when they see horrible tragedies like Texas and are then told the truth about why the felon trump administration is responsible for firing the people we need watching and tracking storms.
It is the people like you, who bravely speak the truth, who start the wave of exponential growth toward the truth.
And just wait till hurricane season. Good Gawd!
This is incredible! Thanks for sharing that it isn’t hopeless and there are more of us than it feels like.
Yes, thank you Jess, for reminding us that we are not in this alone. It can feel so hopeless when you are battered by the news every day. I’m so glad you point out that we aren’t fighting the man “Donald Trump” ( I HATE typing that name); why bother, he isn’t worth any thought, energy or attention. We are fighting a sickness that’s infected too many people in our midst. And we are also fighting the power hungry people that use sick people to do evil things.
Your writing keeps me in touch with the power of community; a community that does care, that will stand up and be counted.
It’s so important. You are a force to be reckoned with!
When I need to refer to him, I use “prisoner PO01135809” (from the Georgia case), or “the FOTUS” (felon of the US).
47.
I never want to speak his name again.
Always a pleasure to start the day with a hopeful message from rural America. It's also a lesson for all of us not to paint rural folks with one big red brush. Thank you for that, Jess. Hope someone from the DNC is reading your stuff.
Thanks SO much for what you do! I hope the big-city Dems are paying attention!
I hope the DNC is paying attention!
Oh, we are! I came from rural western Pennsylvania and I know there are blue dots everywhere. Now near Philly-came for grad school and could never go back. 👹
As the others have said... thank you for making my morning!
You are taking this 88 year old New Yorker through parts of her country previously unnamed and unexplored. A heart felt thank you for that and much else!
Jess, just wanted to say that you are a beacon of light and hope. I am in a small town in Texas and it is easy to feel alone. I have posted several of your pieces to try to educate my relatives who are democrats in more urban spaces. Rural and small town spaces have so many good, progressive people in them, and this is why we continue to fight.
Solidarity!