Jess, my heartfelt gratitude to you for your tireless work on behalf of our democracy❤️
Yesterday, I was in shock. Today I am physically sick.
I have been the pianist at a Baptist church for 20 + years. When I realized 8 years ago that the members who claimed to be "Christians" supported Trump, I knew this was wrong, but to keep the peace, I kept my mouth shut.
During his recent campaign. I began speaking out, shocking many of the people.
I finally found my voice, but nobody wanted to hear what I had to say.
Yesterday, I turned in my resignation, saying that I wanted no part in a culture of hypocrisy. To overlook and excuse Trump's illegal and immoral words and acts, and at the same time spout out scripture about loving our neighbors, is to me unacceptable.
I have no support from my home or community. They're all Trump lovers.
I will miss playing the beautiful songs of Christian love. I will miss the laughter we shared, although, I was seething behind my laughter.
Some members say they wouldn't lose friends over politics. I thought I could be around friends and not be sad and angry at their nasty remarks about Kamala and their words of praise for an evil man. I can't be silent anymore.
Jess, you helped me find my voice at 76 years old. Better late than never, as they say.
I saw this comment yesterday on YouTube- "Who says crime doesn't pay?"
Not at all Pam. It sounds like you were the single sane voice left standing. They have lost a valued and incredibly patient member, patience of a saint to pass through eight years of hell. Find friends where you can. Most of us are just looking for our next circle of friends. We go through many circles in our life.
Life is full of unexpected turns. Keep your eyes wide open -- your new path might take you from a path others think of as 'losing it' to a place you'll be welcomed as 'finding it.'
Find your people. I started volunteering with a local group protesting our MAGA city council majority. We lost too on Nov 5 but I have met so many people who feel the way I do, we will
not give up the fight!! They want to ban books for our children and privatize our library. We are fighting back by getting signatures for a ballot measure in March. We have awakened our city to what is going on behind closed doors by marching down Main Street on Friday nights with posters and signs.Many have joined us on this bipartisan issue.
Lynne, I am a retired teacher and it frightens and saddens me to hear of all the banning of books, which a group of people think are worthy, by THEIR standards.
Pam, I send you both my condolences on what you have lost, and my congratulations on what you have found. I am sure the road ahead is scary, but live in the strength and nourishment of your convictions. You are far from alone, I can assure you. I think many evangelicals have “sheltered in place” the last eight years, but simply will not be able to endure another four without making a break from their faith community. I expect you will be one of many in the coming days and weeks.
Pam, we left our church after tRump and their support of him was just too difficult for us to tolerate. I certainly miss the spirituality and the hymns. 🙏 Treat yourself with kindness.
Susan, thank you and im sorry you had to go through that. I was so afraid, for eight years, to speak the truth about Trump, because I was in the minority. I've always been non-confrontational.
When Trump came into play again, the hypocrisy became too much. I started talking and they started responding.
One tried to blame my feelings on the devil. "The Devil has come to divide, steal, and kill." I said, ,"No, Trump has come to divide, steal, and kill."
Pam, I so admire you taking a stance and calling out the hypocrisy of some Christian organization and people. I pray that there is a community or new denomination nearby where you can find believers who share your astute observation! 💙🙏🏻
Maybe find a few like- minded neighbors (I found several “under the rocks”) and invite them for Happy Hour and play for them? Perhaps they have some creative projects they can share at your HH?
M van G, I would love to find some like-minded neighbors, but there are only 5 people that i know in my small town (500+) who supported Kamala.
When Trump had obe of hid rallies in NC, and commissioner who serves my county, proudly shouted," This is Trump country." I emailed him a message explaining why I was not and never would be part of his Trump Country. He took offense to my message saying people should forgive. What??
Anthony, thank you! Having courage is very frightening. Stepping out into new territory at 76 years of age is very daunting, but I will hold my head high and carry on.
Corinna, thank you! Yes, it's not like we have differences over the color of the church carpet. These differences go very deep and I will stand by my convictions.
Carol, it makes me happy to think that my actions brought you hope again. Jess's posts over the last year have kept me sane when I thought I was alone in my thoughts about Donald Trump and his party.
In 1964 Jimmy Carter quit Plains Baptist Church over racial segregation and later he founded Marinatha Baptist Church. It was thought to be death for any political aspirations Carter had and he lost a Democratic Party primary in 1966. His faith led him to a difficult path.
Howard, Jimmy Carter never lost his goodness and compassion. I didnt know that he had quit his church to stand up for his opposition to rascism. He was and still is an honorable man.
Brenda, thank you for your message! I think they will miss me at the church. Not only did I plan the music, but, when people stopped having flowers for the altar table, I started making arrangements from flowers and plants from my yard. I loved doing that and they always commented on how they enjoyed seeing the arrangements.
Pam, I hope you can find an open and affirming church where you can share your gifts. I’m music director at a UCC church, and I can openly express my feelings because there are several with like minds. In fact, the few who aren’t are the surprise, not the other way around. It’s a safe haven.
Yes, we have no choice. And it needs to start with women. Women, all women, need to get out from under the thumb of misogyny. I’m not capable of understanding how so many women, white women, could have voted for this.
But know that many women, even white women did not. Half of the country voted against him including many Republicans and Independents who were not particularly fond of Harris.
Ellen, it was so heart-warming and enlightening to see how women of all races came together in support of Kamala. I really thought her positive message would prevail.
I appreciate all the Republicans who decided that country should matter more than party. Just not enough
If you look at the voting data, it is the MEN who have betrayed democracy in record numbers. Women overwhelmingly voted for Harris, men failed us.
Anyone who sat on the sidelines and did not vote should hide. Disgusting that they thought everything would be okay. As the good church ladies used to say "the Lord helps those who help themselves".
Thank you Jess. You have shown what a good citizen is. I participated in a Indivisible Zoom last night with over 8,000 other people organizing for the resistance
I am totally charged from last night’s Indivisible meeting! Those young people are brave warriors. Starting a little community right here in our small valley. Thank You, Jess, for your inspiration and realism
However overturning the abortion ban (which I voted for) will be meaningless when the Trump administration enacts a nationwide abortion ban. Already the uncertainty about legislation regarding healthcare is impacting the Washington UniversityMedical School/Barnes Jewish hospital system and their ability to educate, train, recruit and retain healthcare providers. The BJC system is considered one of the best in the country and it is now being threatened.
John Danforth, former U.S. senator from Missouri, is responsible for Clarence Thomas on the SCOTUS as well as endorsing Josh Hawley in his race against Claire. Ironically his brother William was chancellor of Wash U when I was an undergraduate and their family (Ralston Purina) has supported St. Louis. While it is commendable that he now regrets his endorsement of Hawley the damage has been done.
Thanks for mentioning The overturn of abortion ban. That is really huge. I'm not sure if federal laws can overturn parts of a state's constitution. Maybe not.
Thank you for all of your hard work. I am so sad for all of us. I have nothing but respect and admiration for women in red states doing this essential work.
There are people in my neighborhood - Astoria, Queens which is one of the most diverse and immigrant heavy neighborhoods in the country - in MAGA hats who are antagonizing people and filming them and trying to bait them into conflict. If blue state people think they are safe, they are wrong, and that's something I have been saying for a long time.
Well, the US grifters, overcrowding the Grifters Top !00 thanks to Orangeman, see Canadians as an easier touch and a less-used market!! We will get hit by those pretending to be Harris (yup, I know, not the coldest beers in the fridge:) and asking for donations!! Are there any "nice" decent Trump followers, that can spell GOODNESS!!???
Thanks Jess! I will resist. In a little cemetery in Edinburgh, MO lies the graves of my grandparents and my great great grandfather who founded the first college west of the Mississippi River to admit women in 1850 called Grand River College who closed his school and went East to fight for the Union in the Civil War the first time the forces of evil tried to destroy the USA! Also, buried in that cemetery is my Uncle Gene who told me about liberating NAZI concentration camps at the end of WW2! I know what is coming!!!
Same here. Wed is payday for me, usually I finish work and do groceries for the 2 weeks, but yesterday I finished work, drove to Little Ceasar's pizza and spent $65 on pizza just for me and came home. Now will have to be extra careful with groceries but I'll be eating pizza for my 3 meals today :( . Very much a "fuck-it, what's the point" state of mind... I know there is a point, I know we need to keep fighting, but I think we all need a bit of shut down time from the battle up to yesterday as well
Jess, I appreciate your clear and concise information. I definitely will start working with my Local legislators however are there any good national groups that you would recommend to become involved?
Hatred and fear are powerful tools in installing fascism. Americans fell for it in mass numbers and doomed the entire nation. We must never give up and never stop fighting against this new fascist Trump administration that's coming in 2025.
Truth. Bc of Desantis, we’ve been living in a petri dish of project 2025 for some time now. My daughter survived a nonviable ectopic pregnancy where it took three months to finally expel the tissue that was making her septic. She’s a wife and mother. And the “pro-life” set thought it better for her to die than to treat her. I am so grateful she survived. But-I’m beyond angry. I’m hoping that my anger will fuel my resolve to resist. I know it will. I won’t let their hatred change me. But any suggestions offered for resistance are welcome. We can’t lay down and let them murder democracy. Our lives and the lives of those we love depend upon our resolve. 💙 peace be yours.
This is my country and I am not running. I will resist. That is my flag and I am hanging it high and proudly. Red is my favorite color and I am wearing it. Trump doesn’t own it. If I can do this at 86, so can you Laura RN. Don’t let them take your country from you.
There is a 71 year old lady in Nebraska who plans to be with you all the way - whatever that turns out to be. Slightly changing the famous Dr. Who quote "Resistance is NOT futile.". Stay strong, sister.
Jeanne, you made me laugh! I was looking sadly at my closet yesterday, thinking I would put away all my red sweaters (it's all sweaters, red is the best color for winter!). Maybe I won't now. Maybe I'll wear them with a Harris button.
Yes I'm with you. Trump+ news for the next 4 years cannot consume me and yet I will keep a close eye on what transpires. We cannot afford to duck away into a nice padded hole. Our generation was labeled 'The Silent Generation.' Not now.
Well said. We are heartsick and in shock as are our daughters and our friends. We must overcome this. They are going to get what they voted for, but sadly, so are we. I don’t think it is sustainable, but we have to keep going on,
Jess, my heartfelt gratitude to you for your tireless work on behalf of our democracy❤️
Yesterday, I was in shock. Today I am physically sick.
I have been the pianist at a Baptist church for 20 + years. When I realized 8 years ago that the members who claimed to be "Christians" supported Trump, I knew this was wrong, but to keep the peace, I kept my mouth shut.
During his recent campaign. I began speaking out, shocking many of the people.
I finally found my voice, but nobody wanted to hear what I had to say.
Yesterday, I turned in my resignation, saying that I wanted no part in a culture of hypocrisy. To overlook and excuse Trump's illegal and immoral words and acts, and at the same time spout out scripture about loving our neighbors, is to me unacceptable.
I have no support from my home or community. They're all Trump lovers.
I will miss playing the beautiful songs of Christian love. I will miss the laughter we shared, although, I was seething behind my laughter.
Some members say they wouldn't lose friends over politics. I thought I could be around friends and not be sad and angry at their nasty remarks about Kamala and their words of praise for an evil man. I can't be silent anymore.
Jess, you helped me find my voice at 76 years old. Better late than never, as they say.
I saw this comment yesterday on YouTube- "Who says crime doesn't pay?"
Pam, I love your story and I’m so proud of you. You’re an inspiration.
Thank you!! People around here think I'm "losing it."
I'm glad I lost it.
Not at all Pam. It sounds like you were the single sane voice left standing. They have lost a valued and incredibly patient member, patience of a saint to pass through eight years of hell. Find friends where you can. Most of us are just looking for our next circle of friends. We go through many circles in our life.
Thank you for your kind comments!
I'm the "talk of the town."🗣
Life is full of unexpected turns. Keep your eyes wide open -- your new path might take you from a path others think of as 'losing it' to a place you'll be welcomed as 'finding it.'
D.A., what a nice way to put it. Thank you!
Find your people. I started volunteering with a local group protesting our MAGA city council majority. We lost too on Nov 5 but I have met so many people who feel the way I do, we will
not give up the fight!! They want to ban books for our children and privatize our library. We are fighting back by getting signatures for a ballot measure in March. We have awakened our city to what is going on behind closed doors by marching down Main Street on Friday nights with posters and signs.Many have joined us on this bipartisan issue.
Lynne Deakers, Huntington Beach, CA
I love this action. To paraphrase Michelle Obama: you are “doing something!”
Char, thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I do hope I can do something other than just grieve.
Lynne, I am a retired teacher and it frightens and saddens me to hear of all the banning of books, which a group of people think are worthy, by THEIR standards.
I applaud you for fighting back!
Oh wow ! Here in California 👹😝
Pam, I send you both my condolences on what you have lost, and my congratulations on what you have found. I am sure the road ahead is scary, but live in the strength and nourishment of your convictions. You are far from alone, I can assure you. I think many evangelicals have “sheltered in place” the last eight years, but simply will not be able to endure another four without making a break from their faith community. I expect you will be one of many in the coming days and weeks.
Michael, thank you! Yes, it will be difficult making my way, by myself, through the changing times in which we find ourselves.
Pam, we left our church after tRump and their support of him was just too difficult for us to tolerate. I certainly miss the spirituality and the hymns. 🙏 Treat yourself with kindness.
Susan, thank you and im sorry you had to go through that. I was so afraid, for eight years, to speak the truth about Trump, because I was in the minority. I've always been non-confrontational.
When Trump came into play again, the hypocrisy became too much. I started talking and they started responding.
One tried to blame my feelings on the devil. "The Devil has come to divide, steal, and kill." I said, ,"No, Trump has come to divide, steal, and kill."
YOU ARE NOT ALONE ! We are right here WITH YOU !!
Keep looking and listening for others who may be looking & listening for you — and US
Carol, thank you for the encouraging words!
Others might be looking and listening for me- I love that.
I believe you will find a new circle of friends. Keep you eyes open for that.
Claire, thank you! I hope i can keep my eyes open. I have cataracts that need to be removed.🙂
Pam, I so admire you taking a stance and calling out the hypocrisy of some Christian organization and people. I pray that there is a community or new denomination nearby where you can find believers who share your astute observation! 💙🙏🏻
Jo, thank you!!
As i said, I love playing the piano and many in the church always seemed to appreciate my music.
I come from a family where my maternal grandmother, her brother, my maternal aunt, and my brother have all been church muscicians.
Maybe I can be of service somewhere.
Maybe find a few like- minded neighbors (I found several “under the rocks”) and invite them for Happy Hour and play for them? Perhaps they have some creative projects they can share at your HH?
M van G, I would love to find some like-minded neighbors, but there are only 5 people that i know in my small town (500+) who supported Kamala.
When Trump had obe of hid rallies in NC, and commissioner who serves my county, proudly shouted," This is Trump country." I emailed him a message explaining why I was not and never would be part of his Trump Country. He took offense to my message saying people should forgive. What??
There is no doubt that there is a place waiting for you, Pam. Can’t wait for what is in store for you in this new season!
For sure you can ! Be a church musician in a place that nurtures you as you bring your gifts to them !
I’m 79. Know what you mean!
An outstanding example of courage!
Anthony, thank you! Having courage is very frightening. Stepping out into new territory at 76 years of age is very daunting, but I will hold my head high and carry on.
Thank you for your story.
Bear in mind, you are not 'losing friends over politics'. You are losing supposed-friends over a fundamental difference in shared values.
#TogetherWeRise
Corinna, thank you! Yes, it's not like we have differences over the color of the church carpet. These differences go very deep and I will stand by my convictions.
Thank you PAM TAYLOR 🎶💕🍂🍁😊
I’m 80 and fraught w sadness and anger and just now, because of my guiding woman-light, Jess Piper, and your note here, I finally FEEL HOPE again .
Carol, it makes me happy to think that my actions brought you hope again. Jess's posts over the last year have kept me sane when I thought I was alone in my thoughts about Donald Trump and his party.
Thank you!
Hang in, I'm 73 and lucky to be in a blue state. I hope you find new friends that can support your moral choices. Hugs.
In 1964 Jimmy Carter quit Plains Baptist Church over racial segregation and later he founded Marinatha Baptist Church. It was thought to be death for any political aspirations Carter had and he lost a Democratic Party primary in 1966. His faith led him to a difficult path.
Howard, Jimmy Carter never lost his goodness and compassion. I didnt know that he had quit his church to stand up for his opposition to rascism. He was and still is an honorable man.
I'm hoping you can find a new church where you can share your music & spirit. Peace
Brenda, thank you for your message! I think they will miss me at the church. Not only did I plan the music, but, when people stopped having flowers for the altar table, I started making arrangements from flowers and plants from my yard. I loved doing that and they always commented on how they enjoyed seeing the arrangements.
Thank you, Pam, for your inspiration. We need more citizens like you!
Mary Jo, thank you for your vote of confidence. I had no idea I'd be an inspiration. I just did what my heart, soul, and mind told me to do.
Pam, I hope you can find an open and affirming church where you can share your gifts. I’m music director at a UCC church, and I can openly express my feelings because there are several with like minds. In fact, the few who aren’t are the surprise, not the other way around. It’s a safe haven.
It has to be done - I’m sorry
Yes. It had to be done. I'm sorry too, and thanks for your sympathy.
Yes, we have no choice. And it needs to start with women. Women, all women, need to get out from under the thumb of misogyny. I’m not capable of understanding how so many women, white women, could have voted for this.
I agree. Women need to take the initiative.
Janice, maybe, after seeing Kamala and her enthusiastic work to keep our democracy intact, women will begin taking the initiative.
She is such an inspiration to people who recognize inspirations when they see them.
But know that many women, even white women did not. Half of the country voted against him including many Republicans and Independents who were not particularly fond of Harris.
And many worked their hearts out for Kamala.
Ellen, it was so heart-warming and enlightening to see how women of all races came together in support of Kamala. I really thought her positive message would prevail.
I appreciate all the Republicans who decided that country should matter more than party. Just not enough
Erin, ain't it the truth??
I almost have disgust for women who are afraid to stand up for themselves and their rights. I know these women, because I used to be one of them.
If you look at the voting data, it is the MEN who have betrayed democracy in record numbers. Women overwhelmingly voted for Harris, men failed us.
Anyone who sat on the sidelines and did not vote should hide. Disgusting that they thought everything would be okay. As the good church ladies used to say "the Lord helps those who help themselves".
Thank you Jess. You have shown what a good citizen is. I participated in a Indivisible Zoom last night with over 8,000 other people organizing for the resistance
I am totally charged from last night’s Indivisible meeting! Those young people are brave warriors. Starting a little community right here in our small valley. Thank You, Jess, for your inspiration and realism
Is that a group? How can one access it?
There are Indivisible chapters in many many towns/cities and counties.
Oh wow! Indivisible Marin is home base, I’m sure, for IndiMarin which is just south of me a few hundred miles on northern CA
Coast !! Thank you for this NUDGE!
Y’all overturned that abortion ban. A vote for reproductive health in your state. Something to build on. 2026 is in the crosshairs. For all of us. 💙✌🏻
However overturning the abortion ban (which I voted for) will be meaningless when the Trump administration enacts a nationwide abortion ban. Already the uncertainty about legislation regarding healthcare is impacting the Washington UniversityMedical School/Barnes Jewish hospital system and their ability to educate, train, recruit and retain healthcare providers. The BJC system is considered one of the best in the country and it is now being threatened.
John Danforth, former U.S. senator from Missouri, is responsible for Clarence Thomas on the SCOTUS as well as endorsing Josh Hawley in his race against Claire. Ironically his brother William was chancellor of Wash U when I was an undergraduate and their family (Ralston Purina) has supported St. Louis. While it is commendable that he now regrets his endorsement of Hawley the damage has been done.
YES, a great thing!!!
Thanks for mentioning The overturn of abortion ban. That is really huge. I'm not sure if federal laws can overturn parts of a state's constitution. Maybe not.
Thank you for all of your hard work. I am so sad for all of us. I have nothing but respect and admiration for women in red states doing this essential work.
There are people in my neighborhood - Astoria, Queens which is one of the most diverse and immigrant heavy neighborhoods in the country - in MAGA hats who are antagonizing people and filming them and trying to bait them into conflict. If blue state people think they are safe, they are wrong, and that's something I have been saying for a long time.
Yes. That is what I have always said. There was no reason for me to move because the whole point was to roll over state like mine to get to yours.
Yes Kate, and spilling over here into Canada, albeit slowly!
True. A Canadian friend messaged yesterday that they're expecting some negative effects, too.
The whole world will be affected
Well, the US grifters, overcrowding the Grifters Top !00 thanks to Orangeman, see Canadians as an easier touch and a less-used market!! We will get hit by those pretending to be Harris (yup, I know, not the coldest beers in the fridge:) and asking for donations!! Are there any "nice" decent Trump followers, that can spell GOODNESS!!???
Yikes!
Thank you Jess. Ready to stand up. Even though my knees are shaking.🫨
I will not comply! I will however, resist with love and compassion and continue to speak truth to power wherever I go.
Thanks Jess! I will resist. In a little cemetery in Edinburgh, MO lies the graves of my grandparents and my great great grandfather who founded the first college west of the Mississippi River to admit women in 1850 called Grand River College who closed his school and went East to fight for the Union in the Civil War the first time the forces of evil tried to destroy the USA! Also, buried in that cemetery is my Uncle Gene who told me about liberating NAZI concentration camps at the end of WW2! I know what is coming!!!
Thanks for this. We will be getting the country that those who voted for him, or stayed home, deserve. God help us all.
Same here. Wed is payday for me, usually I finish work and do groceries for the 2 weeks, but yesterday I finished work, drove to Little Ceasar's pizza and spent $65 on pizza just for me and came home. Now will have to be extra careful with groceries but I'll be eating pizza for my 3 meals today :( . Very much a "fuck-it, what's the point" state of mind... I know there is a point, I know we need to keep fighting, but I think we all need a bit of shut down time from the battle up to yesterday as well
US willingly became just like Russia -that’s it
Right Laura-and with Russia's help!!
Absolutely you can’t vote out transnational mafia
Lots of room for ya' here i Canada!!:)
Jess, I appreciate your clear and concise information. I definitely will start working with my Local legislators however are there any good national groups that you would recommend to become involved?
Indivisible!
Thank you, Jess! Just signed up for monthly donations, and will get involved!
Done!
Well said. Thank you.
Hatred and fear are powerful tools in installing fascism. Americans fell for it in mass numbers and doomed the entire nation. We must never give up and never stop fighting against this new fascist Trump administration that's coming in 2025.
With you from Florida.
I have a home in FL will sell. Pretty soon every state will be red.
Truth. Bc of Desantis, we’ve been living in a petri dish of project 2025 for some time now. My daughter survived a nonviable ectopic pregnancy where it took three months to finally expel the tissue that was making her septic. She’s a wife and mother. And the “pro-life” set thought it better for her to die than to treat her. I am so grateful she survived. But-I’m beyond angry. I’m hoping that my anger will fuel my resolve to resist. I know it will. I won’t let their hatred change me. But any suggestions offered for resistance are welcome. We can’t lay down and let them murder democracy. Our lives and the lives of those we love depend upon our resolve. 💙 peace be yours.
I was labor RN and I have met women forced to give birth and your right about the tissue.
Yes dark ages
This is my country and I am not running. I will resist. That is my flag and I am hanging it high and proudly. Red is my favorite color and I am wearing it. Trump doesn’t own it. If I can do this at 86, so can you Laura RN. Don’t let them take your country from you.
There is a 71 year old lady in Nebraska who plans to be with you all the way - whatever that turns out to be. Slightly changing the famous Dr. Who quote "Resistance is NOT futile.". Stay strong, sister.
Jeanne, you made me laugh! I was looking sadly at my closet yesterday, thinking I would put away all my red sweaters (it's all sweaters, red is the best color for winter!). Maybe I won't now. Maybe I'll wear them with a Harris button.
Yes I'm with you. Trump+ news for the next 4 years cannot consume me and yet I will keep a close eye on what transpires. We cannot afford to duck away into a nice padded hole. Our generation was labeled 'The Silent Generation.' Not now.
❤️❤️❤️
Where will you go?
To a place with a functioning democracy
As a retired nurse, we can always use great nurses in Canada.
Maryland is a Blue State.
Good luck😊
Thank you I don’t want to live where mafia is the state
The whole world is buckling under to authoritarian tyranny. I just am not sure where a safe spot is.
Yes sure seems like that 🙉 and for what?
This past June, after living in Florida for 52 years, I packed up and left. House sold in September.
Get out as soon as you can.
Good luck to you.
Peace to you .
Well said. We are heartsick and in shock as are our daughters and our friends. We must overcome this. They are going to get what they voted for, but sadly, so are we. I don’t think it is sustainable, but we have to keep going on,