Your continued fight & the fight of those rural Democracies is an inspiration to us all! Living & voting in a blue state (Oregon - so far), it’s easy to forget the struggles on other states, so thank you for the reminder!
It is actually frightening, the seemingly complete brainwashing of the three time felon voters. I recently mentioned the J6 attack to one who said the whole thing was fabricated. SMH. Denying what their own eyes and ears tell them. Thank you for doing the hard work!
This is really encouraging to hear. I hope there are folks doing the same here in Tennessee. I am in one of the larger cities, far bluer than most of the state. It is hard to tell from here. I am feeling encouraged by what I hear of Jerri Green's campaign for governor, over here. I am doing what I can to help and crossing fingers, lighting candles and saying prayers, too. Of course the sheer dis-likeableness of Marsha Blackburn, her opponent, who is defecting from Washington where she can see the writing on the wall, should go a long way to help Ms. Green. I hope the crowds turning out to talk to her are a bellweather.
Thank you for noticing! Here in rural South Carolina, surrounded exclusively by MAGA neighbors and relatives, I started something nearly 10 years ago that now guides my life. It strengthens and empowers me each day, as it helps those on Trump's Hate List, like me, to be seen.
"Can wearing progressive messages EVERY DAY for approaching TEN YEARS (so far) make a difference? I hope so…"
It is NOT "minimally effective" nor is it childish! You are perhaps unlikely to learn the result of your efforts but I will tell you this: if I met you in public and read your messages, I would think about and remember them. And I would mentally salute you!
Thank you for your inspiration. I am also a Democrat living in a red state (North Dakota), and your writing reminds me that we're not alone. I've found my people here, and together we've created a support group that has become an important source of strength and encouragement.
For the first time in a long time, I can actually feel Democrats here uniting and growing stronger. We've filled every seat on the ballot for the upcoming midterms - a huge change from past elections when there often wasn't even a Democratic option on the ballot.
Fighting for democracy in a red state is exhausting, and there are times I truly want to give up. But reading your articles always inspires me to keep up the battle.
Love you, Jess! You give me hope for the future of everyone. When Blue wins, Red gets pulled along into the current century. After awhile, some of them discover a new perspective.
When a group like Republicans feel they are God ordained, God sanctioned, and holy righteous, then they feel like they should be in control and doing what God has instructed them to do. Most of the ones I know really feel they are right, and the rest are therefore wrong. If you feel you are in the right, and God ordained, then only your opinion matters, and the other side can not matter. I don't know if these people are truly evil, but more like a child -- innocently blundering their way to what their authoritarian parent has told them they have to do if they want eternal life and rewards. Same with all religions through the history of time.
What concerns me is the "loser mentality" Trump has instilled in tens of millions of white American males.
He tells them that the ONLY way they can earn a living is if all American jobs are essentially shut down to every demographic other than "white male".
And he tells them that the nation that celebrates CHRISTIAN "holy days" (holidays) exclusively, and is basically shut down 1/7 of the week because "Gawd said so" (and it's not on Saturdays...) also makes them victims!
Since "Victimized by all" essentially equates to "made subordinate to all and by all', isn't Trump telling every one of MAGA (especially males) just how worthless they really are? So worthless that's it's necessary to alter history and change museum exhibits to hide many such embarrassments?
Considering that these poor ignorant fools never got over the Civil War, there is gonna be a LOT of work to be done, no matter who "wins".
Wonderful read this morning. I am noticing more and more blue voices coming out and not hiding behind the red voices. People are getting so overwhelmed with what is going on, they arent afraid to state an opinion now, knowing they are gaining momentum. Some of the folks I work around, I was sure they were MAGats, are speaking out, and I was surprised to find out they think like me. I was so relieved to be able to talk openly. Thanks for your journalism and positive vibes.
Jess, I saw Fred Wellman of Missouri is running for congress and I hope he wins. I also hope that all the hard work you are doing is going to flip some of these repugs out of office. You have done so much for Missouri and I find you to be a hero for all you do.
Spot on, Jess. But it's not just rural. My St. Louis family has been stalwart Dems for 3 generations. They walk precincts, boost community groups, work elections. My life as an ex-pat in a Red state is a breeze, just like breathing our clean air. They work; they put in their time and energy. I just write checks. Through me, they've joined Blue Missouri, which I promote to everyone I meet from Missouri. I respect and admire them, which I tell them all the time.
Another St Louis Dem (MO1), and we're right next to MO2 district where Fred Wellman is fighting for those residents' voices against the Republican, Ann Wagner. Wagner has held NO town hall meetings, greets cameras only on fundraiser occasions, is generally unreachable by her constituents, and has zilch interest in discovering the issues of these MO2 voters. My friends who live three miles west of me in her district are either discouraged by her distancing, or are furious with her distancing. I try to encourage the furious ones to be even more vocal. MO1 is a planned democrat district dating to the days of Wm Clay Sr, and has remained that way, but can come under fire by the MO GenAssembly's efforts to redistrict MO1 as they did in Emanuel Cleaver's district in Kansas City MO. And, yes, these redistricting efforts are directed principally at the African-American representatives. It's almost as if the goal in Jeff City is to establish a return to the Confederacy and to become tramp mini-mes. And, if our state's economy couldn't get even worse, now the gov wants to do away with the state income tax because it's such a 'burden', though it's near the bottom of state income taxes of all the states. He'll replace that lost income with more and higher sales taxes which punish the state's less well-to-do, especially the rural residents who have already lost medical services, hospitals, school funding and such. Please, Jess, continue the messaging of Blue Missouri and your examples serve to motivate others who can see them. Thanks so much.
Your continued fight & the fight of those rural Democracies is an inspiration to us all! Living & voting in a blue state (Oregon - so far), it’s easy to forget the struggles on other states, so thank you for the reminder!
It is actually frightening, the seemingly complete brainwashing of the three time felon voters. I recently mentioned the J6 attack to one who said the whole thing was fabricated. SMH. Denying what their own eyes and ears tell them. Thank you for doing the hard work!
I don't even try to talk politics with MAGAts. I have too many in my family. MAGA is a cult, plain & simple.
Agreed. It was mentioned on tv about the slush fund. WOW , did that trigger a reaction!
This is really encouraging to hear. I hope there are folks doing the same here in Tennessee. I am in one of the larger cities, far bluer than most of the state. It is hard to tell from here. I am feeling encouraged by what I hear of Jerri Green's campaign for governor, over here. I am doing what I can to help and crossing fingers, lighting candles and saying prayers, too. Of course the sheer dis-likeableness of Marsha Blackburn, her opponent, who is defecting from Washington where she can see the writing on the wall, should go a long way to help Ms. Green. I hope the crowds turning out to talk to her are a bellweather.
There is an organization called Blue Tennessee that helps crowd source fundraising and support for Dems in your state. https://bluetennessee.org/
Jess,
Thank you for noticing! Here in rural South Carolina, surrounded exclusively by MAGA neighbors and relatives, I started something nearly 10 years ago that now guides my life. It strengthens and empowers me each day, as it helps those on Trump's Hate List, like me, to be seen.
"Can wearing progressive messages EVERY DAY for approaching TEN YEARS (so far) make a difference? I hope so…"
https://medium.com/@foofaraw/many-more-people-will-die-because-of-trump-i-hope-i-wont-be-one-of-them-41b2f1493036
It may be childish and only minimally effective, but i HAD to do something....
It is NOT "minimally effective" nor is it childish! You are perhaps unlikely to learn the result of your efforts but I will tell you this: if I met you in public and read your messages, I would think about and remember them. And I would mentally salute you!
And I would say hello; happy to meet a compadre!
Thank you, Louise.
Thank you for your inspiration. I am also a Democrat living in a red state (North Dakota), and your writing reminds me that we're not alone. I've found my people here, and together we've created a support group that has become an important source of strength and encouragement.
For the first time in a long time, I can actually feel Democrats here uniting and growing stronger. We've filled every seat on the ballot for the upcoming midterms - a huge change from past elections when there often wasn't even a Democratic option on the ballot.
Fighting for democracy in a red state is exhausting, and there are times I truly want to give up. But reading your articles always inspires me to keep up the battle.
Thank you for helping people like me keep going.
Catherine, don't give up! It is exhausting, but you are not alone.
As a "NoDak" girl who no longer lives there, I am supporting you from afar. (:
Thanks!
Love you, Jess! You give me hope for the future of everyone. When Blue wins, Red gets pulled along into the current century. After awhile, some of them discover a new perspective.
When a group like Republicans feel they are God ordained, God sanctioned, and holy righteous, then they feel like they should be in control and doing what God has instructed them to do. Most of the ones I know really feel they are right, and the rest are therefore wrong. If you feel you are in the right, and God ordained, then only your opinion matters, and the other side can not matter. I don't know if these people are truly evil, but more like a child -- innocently blundering their way to what their authoritarian parent has told them they have to do if they want eternal life and rewards. Same with all religions through the history of time.
Lynn,
What concerns me is the "loser mentality" Trump has instilled in tens of millions of white American males.
He tells them that the ONLY way they can earn a living is if all American jobs are essentially shut down to every demographic other than "white male".
And he tells them that the nation that celebrates CHRISTIAN "holy days" (holidays) exclusively, and is basically shut down 1/7 of the week because "Gawd said so" (and it's not on Saturdays...) also makes them victims!
Since "Victimized by all" essentially equates to "made subordinate to all and by all', isn't Trump telling every one of MAGA (especially males) just how worthless they really are? So worthless that's it's necessary to alter history and change museum exhibits to hide many such embarrassments?
Considering that these poor ignorant fools never got over the Civil War, there is gonna be a LOT of work to be done, no matter who "wins".
The GOP considers that we Dems "foster a system of dependency."
Yes, the word "irony" is just one more thing MAGA has destroyed.
Wonderful read this morning. I am noticing more and more blue voices coming out and not hiding behind the red voices. People are getting so overwhelmed with what is going on, they arent afraid to state an opinion now, knowing they are gaining momentum. Some of the folks I work around, I was sure they were MAGats, are speaking out, and I was surprised to find out they think like me. I was so relieved to be able to talk openly. Thanks for your journalism and positive vibes.
Any idea why blue voices feel they HAVE to hide behind red voices, and never the other way round?
Jess, you are amazing. Keep the faith. We’re trying to fight it in Iowa as well.
Jess, I saw Fred Wellman of Missouri is running for congress and I hope he wins. I also hope that all the hard work you are doing is going to flip some of these repugs out of office. You have done so much for Missouri and I find you to be a hero for all you do.
She definitely is a hero here in Missouri!
Thank you for continued work .You have the courage and speak for many of us.
It’s always a welcome jolt of hope, Jess, when you write of rural Democrats who are fighting back against the regressives. It’s invigorating.
My political and religious views are similar to yours. But I must comment that I think you are doing the Lord's work. Thank you from Ohio!
Thanks for highlighting a breath of fresh air. I think Harry (as in Harry Truman) would be very proud of you.
Spot on, Jess. But it's not just rural. My St. Louis family has been stalwart Dems for 3 generations. They walk precincts, boost community groups, work elections. My life as an ex-pat in a Red state is a breeze, just like breathing our clean air. They work; they put in their time and energy. I just write checks. Through me, they've joined Blue Missouri, which I promote to everyone I meet from Missouri. I respect and admire them, which I tell them all the time.
Another St Louis Dem (MO1), and we're right next to MO2 district where Fred Wellman is fighting for those residents' voices against the Republican, Ann Wagner. Wagner has held NO town hall meetings, greets cameras only on fundraiser occasions, is generally unreachable by her constituents, and has zilch interest in discovering the issues of these MO2 voters. My friends who live three miles west of me in her district are either discouraged by her distancing, or are furious with her distancing. I try to encourage the furious ones to be even more vocal. MO1 is a planned democrat district dating to the days of Wm Clay Sr, and has remained that way, but can come under fire by the MO GenAssembly's efforts to redistrict MO1 as they did in Emanuel Cleaver's district in Kansas City MO. And, yes, these redistricting efforts are directed principally at the African-American representatives. It's almost as if the goal in Jeff City is to establish a return to the Confederacy and to become tramp mini-mes. And, if our state's economy couldn't get even worse, now the gov wants to do away with the state income tax because it's such a 'burden', though it's near the bottom of state income taxes of all the states. He'll replace that lost income with more and higher sales taxes which punish the state's less well-to-do, especially the rural residents who have already lost medical services, hospitals, school funding and such. Please, Jess, continue the messaging of Blue Missouri and your examples serve to motivate others who can see them. Thanks so much.
You go, girl!
And drag the rest of us with.
Contribution to follow.
Thank you, friend