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.
For your brazen bravery! Congratulations again! I’ve read your share the day it appeared & again late this evening for quiet strengthening meditation in my own struggles. Peace. And Gratitude.
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.'
I'm learning only MAGAs say we shouldn't lose relationships over politics. I have finally realized, you don't love me if you will vote for someone who will harm me. Take care. Find support. Just like Jess learned, there are like-minded folks nearby.
Pam, you are so brave and so strong. I have a feeling you may be an inspiration to someone else. You just never know. You aren't alone, WE aren't alone.
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, you are doing something. You are here sharing your story, and there are many who are benefiting from hearing it. Thank you. You will find ways to contribute= or they will find you. That happened to me.
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.
Still here a night or more later…,getting uplifting energy from others struggles and successes! I’m discouraged by reading about Musk who I consider to be much worse than Trump because he’s exceedingly wealthy and BORED with his “toys”… our politics are his newest PlayGround.
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."
Truly.. we are all afraid sometimes and we hide behind words that make no sense… ..the Devil is right in front of us on the ‘news’ … in the guise of Trump .
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??
Pam, try your local Episcopal Church, should you have one nearby. It is a ‘big tent’ church and welcomes all people as children of God. Church musicians are a very loved, important part of ministry, and, your talents can be given to the Glory of God in a loving, welcoming place.
Do let us know how things go. I have found both Episcopal and UU churches easy to work with and very accepting. (I'm a Quaker, kind of loosey-goosey but deeply committed. I do miss the music, though...)
My little “progressive” congregation where we have an all female pastoral team and try to sing a cappella 2 Sundays per month desperate for a pianist!!! You will find a new spiritual home.
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.
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.
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.
We were born in the same year. 1948 ? Right? I was raised a Catholic Democrat in the Midwest. We have different backgrounds but similar concerns. I was married to s man who seemed liberal when we dated, but became increasingly Republican (sited business as the excuse) as the years passed. It took a divorce to make me realize I did not have the same values or ethics as the man I married. My daughter is healthier for this and I am in a more self evident place. Your story helps affirm the choices I made. Thank you! 🩷
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.
Jimmy also had a huge argument with the church over the denigration of women! The Carter Center that he and Rosalyn founded has a world wide emphasis on empowering women and addressing human suffering worldwide. Saintly!
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.
BD, thank you for your message! I am not on Facebook. Found myself scrolling too much, so had to back off. We all need friends during times like these. Come to think of it, I don't think there has been another time like this. At least, not in my lifetime.
Nor mine. My town is highly dysfunctional and has been since I moved here. I warned the Dem party here that they needed to create strategies to head off right-wing action, but they brushed me off. I ended up resigning as chair of Dem town committee because of the negative feedback- for my health and well-being. To my dismay, they ended up losing a dedicated and skilled Dem leg rep to a recently arrived right wing carpetbagger who was somehow well-funded. And yet, VT was the first to declare for Harris. We are a mixed bag. I don't think the carpet bagger will last.
I became very active with several of the grassroots groups doing GOTV work, which I found enormously productive and supportive (4 of 5 of my candidates won). Now many of the groups are turning to support and passive resistance to help us all get through the next 4 years and try to head off some of the fall out.
I still have a FB presence, but am rarely on, mostly to watch Heather Cox Richardson's video talks. I love history, and she is brilliant at weaving history into current events so they make sense= and she's a terrific cheerleader on the videos (the Letters are ostensibly for future historians, but they are also great for just seeing through the clutter for folks in the here and now.
My community is mostly here, on various substacks, and though I found Jess fairly recently, her page has quickly become my go-to. I am so glad you are here too.
Pam, I am sorry for how lonely you must feel. I share those feelings. I have friends and family that I just can’t “play” nice with anymore. How a person votes is indicative of their values. What I’ve seen since Ronald Reagan is people voting based on selfishness.
Jess, as you describe Missouri, you already live in a kleptocracy. My big concern now is for women and girls. I have a daughter and two granddaughters in Florida with the stupid 6 week abortion ban. If I were a young woman today, I’d get my tubes tied. As much as I love my kids, who are all grown now, I wouldn’t want to risk pregnancy now, too dangerous.
You're right. How people vote is indicative of their values.
Those who aren't concerned with women's health don't have a clue what Donald Trump is about.
It remains to be seen if all his supporters are ever disappointed with his policies, and maybe the "price of eggs and bacon" will be to their liking and approval.
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.
This morning was the first time in 40 years that I have not gotten dressed up, gathered my music, and headed out to a church to offer a message in music.
It's a sad feeling, but I must accept my choice and carry on as I can. It gives me strength and courage when I receive positive messages like yours.😘
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".
Kathryn, I heard Jesse Waters of FOX "news" say that if he found out his wife secretly voted for Kamala, it would be as bad if she were having an affair.😛 He is one disgusting man.
It’s a story as old as the hills: many girls/women will support the boys/men before standing up for the females in their lives. Patriarchy is so deeply rooted in our culture but…
I'm very sad and disheartened that we are going backwards in our quest for fairness, kindness, acceptance, recognition, and respect. Not just for women, but all Americans of different ethnicities.
We cannot back down from the truth, and we must try with all our might to challenge the lies.
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
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!!???
I started getting fake "donate to Harris" and "support the dems" texts the last few weeks before the election. Scams, taking advantage of people who care about this country. My security software is very good at catching stuff like that, and I reported the posts. But I also started double-checking the addresses on all the stuff coming into my inbox (looking at the full header to make sure the email address was kosher). So it isn't just Trump people: scammers jump on any way to exploit vulnerabilities to get our money.
I’m from Wisconsin, which was a very progressive when I was growing up. We were purple for a time and now, Ugh! I could not believe that over 1/2 of our citizens voted for a racist felon. Resist! Tides turn. We will overcome misogyny, racism, tyranny, oligarchy, theocracy and autocracy. Women are strong!
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.
Unfortunately, when a Fed law is enacted, it preempts state law on the same issue, eg, when AZ tried to pass a law making local police able to arrest people solely for being paperless immigrants … was preempted by Fed law on immigration. National abortion ban would knock out contrary law in all states and territories….even if the protections are in the state constitution, even if the Federal law itself is grossly unconstitutional and unfair to women and girls.
And the courts can’t protect us from the Fed law because of the Dobbs decision. The rule of law has been corrupted thoroughly with no prospect of correction in the foreseeable future with the Supreme Court packed with Trump appointees.
If Mitch McConnell walked up to me right now, I would give him a sound kick in the nuts and laugh while he writhed in pain. I wish on Clarence Thomas, Alito, Roberts, the Handmaiden, and Kavanagh that they would come down with a mysterious disease that EXACTLY mimics the pain a woman goes through when she is dying of sepsis due to a Trump abortion ban. I don’t want them to die, I just want them to suffer and then live with severe consequences.
Almost every decision made by the SC that wrote the Dred Scott decision was overturned before the end of the 19th century. I don't think it will take that long with the Robert's court. Some of the decisions are so flawed that they will simply be abandoned or rewritten, and there is much more precedent now than there was at the time of Dred Scott. And more cultural awareness. The problem lies in the minds of men whose aging minds are stuck in the 19th century and who have personal agendas that will not stand the test. We just have to get through the next four years, and build on existing legal foundations.
If there is any "fortunately" in the SC recent decisions, it is that they made very clear that in their minds, abortion is a states issue. So that could well protect state laws regarding abortion in the immediate future. Many consider that legal position wrong because of the part of the Constitution's original wording that reserves certain inalienable rights to the people- and surely the right of a person to make decisions concerning their own body is one of those rights. Legal scholars are pretty much in agreement on this, and I think that is where we'll eventually end up. Assuming we work hard to ensure that we do not become an autocracy. Despite the very rational concerns on that question, we are not yet. And we will resist with all our might.
Thank you, Annie! Exactly - to the extent of States Rights, they are hoist by their own (“conservative”, right wing) petard, because they (the 5th Circuit and the rightwing nuts who bring cases before them) love States Rights when they oppress…. But I’ll bet they love them less when they protect and expand rights (eg, California). I think the SC rejected the States Rights doctrine this past term, I could be wrong.
And I hope you are right about the crappy decisions being overturned or abandoned as precedent, because this court is piling them up! If Trump forces Scalia and Thomas into retirement and replaces them with youngsters like Beery Kavanagh and The Handmaid Coney Barrett, then it will be years of corruption and rights ripped away (to be granted to billionaires and large greedy corporations) before the court can lean liberal again.
And they totally disregard and disrespect stare decisis … which may make the decisions easier to ignore later, but in the meanwhile, it has enabled them to do institutional and systemic damage that we won’t see the results of for awhile.
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?
Besides Indivisible, I would also recommend your local Democratic committee, if you have one. (If you haven't, it's easy to start one, with assistance by your state Democratic Party. Where I live, we are already working on some of the steps that Jess has recommended. We will be sharing all 5 steps with our core town and county groups. The resistance and growth work for the next cycle has started. We are NOT going back!
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.
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,
All true, and I have little to add to this. What I do know is this is bad, very, very bad.
You said.
"If you can safely make fun of the oppressors, do so."
As a political cartoonist and a satirical writer - I'm not sure how much longer I can do it safely. I will continue to do it. But doing it safely is an unknown. All of trumps heroes have shut down any and all forms of criticism - I suspect trump will do the same somehow. Jack Smith has started closing down criminal charges against the biggest criminal in our country - that tells you reams about how protected we will be.
Our local humorist mentioned safety in his latest article, too. I think it’s something a lot of outspoken people are rightly concerned about. I am going to be working on printing my old blog posts. I’ll be leaving Twitter in January.
Our first amendment rights have been stripped right in front of us and not enough people have spoken up about it.
A large faction have been too busy believing their 2A right is more important.
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."🗣
For your brazen bravery! Congratulations again! I’ve read your share the day it appeared & again late this evening for quiet strengthening meditation in my own struggles. Peace. And Gratitude.
Carol, I'm so appreciative that you find my story meaningful and helpful.
May your struggles ease and may we all find gratitude and peace.❤️
Sending you hugs, Pam!!!!
Rukshan, thanks!!🙋♀️
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!
I'm learning only MAGAs say we shouldn't lose relationships over politics. I have finally realized, you don't love me if you will vote for someone who will harm me. Take care. Find support. Just like Jess learned, there are like-minded folks nearby.
Katie, what a powerful statement. "You don't love me if you will vote for someone who will harm me."
Thank you!
Pam, you are so brave and so strong. I have a feeling you may be an inspiration to someone else. You just never know. You aren't alone, WE aren't alone.
Julie, thank you!. It's great to be reminded that we're not alone in our feelings of betrayal and disbelief.
You didn’t lose it. You put it down and walked away.
Good on you.
Shawna, thanks for your insight!
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
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!
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.
Pam, you are doing something. You are here sharing your story, and there are many who are benefiting from hearing it. Thank you. You will find ways to contribute= or they will find you. That happened to me.
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.
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.
Still here a night or more later…,getting uplifting energy from others struggles and successes! I’m discouraged by reading about Musk who I consider to be much worse than Trump because he’s exceedingly wealthy and BORED with his “toys”… our politics are his newest PlayGround.
Musk is so much more dangerous than Trump. That's hard to believe.
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."
Finding your voice. Good for you!!
Keep speaking your truth. Many are listening now that Trump has added his billionaire boyfriend to his ruling group of bored sycophants..
Truly.. we are all afraid sometimes and we hide behind words that make no sense… ..the Devil is right in front of us on the ‘news’ … in the guise of Trump .
Carol. so true! It's just inconceivable that so many people think Trump was "sent by God" to save our country.
One Sunday at my church, a guy stood up and said we need to pray that Kamala doesn't win, because we wouldn't have a country anymore.
I was at the piano and so wanted to get up and leave. I'm so "nice" that i sat there seething while playing "Bind Us Together"
Couldn't seeth anymore. It was affecting my health.
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.🙂
Play those hymns for yourself! Loudly!
Katie, I will !! 🎹 🎶
You are not alone!
Bernadette, thank you !
You are not ALONE on this path. Keep your heart open and you will sense many, many who may be looking for you right now!
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.
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!
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??
For sure you can ! Be a church musician in a place that nurtures you as you bring your gifts to them !
Pam, try your local Episcopal Church, should you have one nearby. It is a ‘big tent’ church and welcomes all people as children of God. Church musicians are a very loved, important part of ministry, and, your talents can be given to the Glory of God in a loving, welcoming place.
LJ, there is an Episcopal church in the next town that I will visit this Sunday. Thanks!
Do let us know how things go. I have found both Episcopal and UU churches easy to work with and very accepting. (I'm a Quaker, kind of loosey-goosey but deeply committed. I do miss the music, though...)
There are also progressive Lutheran churches that you may find a very warm welcome in.
Google ELCA to find a truly welcoming church near you. Lutherans love to sing and appreciate good music!
Susan, thanks for the suggestions!!
My little “progressive” congregation where we have an all female pastoral team and try to sing a cappella 2 Sundays per month desperate for a pianist!!! You will find a new spiritual home.
I’m 79. Know what you mean!
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.
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 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!
We were born in the same year. 1948 ? Right? I was raised a Catholic Democrat in the Midwest. We have different backgrounds but similar concerns. I was married to s man who seemed liberal when we dated, but became increasingly Republican (sited business as the excuse) as the years passed. It took a divorce to make me realize I did not have the same values or ethics as the man I married. My daughter is healthier for this and I am in a more self evident place. Your story helps affirm the choices I made. Thank you! 🩷
Bernadette, I'm having the same problem. When you have no support in your own home, it can get very stressful and depressing.
I'm happy that you and your daughter are doing well.
May we all get and stay well.
Thank you!
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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.
Jimmy also had a huge argument with the church over the denigration of women! The Carter Center that he and Rosalyn founded has a world wide emphasis on empowering women and addressing human suffering worldwide. Saintly!
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.
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.
I would love to be part of a safe haven. Hard to find around here.
Thank you!
Pam, can we be friends? My heart resonated with your finding your voice and not being appreciated by your audience! I am BJ Curtis on Facebook.🌲
BD, thank you for your message! I am not on Facebook. Found myself scrolling too much, so had to back off. We all need friends during times like these. Come to think of it, I don't think there has been another time like this. At least, not in my lifetime.
Nor mine. My town is highly dysfunctional and has been since I moved here. I warned the Dem party here that they needed to create strategies to head off right-wing action, but they brushed me off. I ended up resigning as chair of Dem town committee because of the negative feedback- for my health and well-being. To my dismay, they ended up losing a dedicated and skilled Dem leg rep to a recently arrived right wing carpetbagger who was somehow well-funded. And yet, VT was the first to declare for Harris. We are a mixed bag. I don't think the carpet bagger will last.
I became very active with several of the grassroots groups doing GOTV work, which I found enormously productive and supportive (4 of 5 of my candidates won). Now many of the groups are turning to support and passive resistance to help us all get through the next 4 years and try to head off some of the fall out.
I still have a FB presence, but am rarely on, mostly to watch Heather Cox Richardson's video talks. I love history, and she is brilliant at weaving history into current events so they make sense= and she's a terrific cheerleader on the videos (the Letters are ostensibly for future historians, but they are also great for just seeing through the clutter for folks in the here and now.
My community is mostly here, on various substacks, and though I found Jess fairly recently, her page has quickly become my go-to. I am so glad you are here too.
Pam, I am sorry for how lonely you must feel. I share those feelings. I have friends and family that I just can’t “play” nice with anymore. How a person votes is indicative of their values. What I’ve seen since Ronald Reagan is people voting based on selfishness.
Jess, as you describe Missouri, you already live in a kleptocracy. My big concern now is for women and girls. I have a daughter and two granddaughters in Florida with the stupid 6 week abortion ban. If I were a young woman today, I’d get my tubes tied. As much as I love my kids, who are all grown now, I wouldn’t want to risk pregnancy now, too dangerous.
JennSH, I'm also from NC- southeastern part.
You're right. How people vote is indicative of their values.
Those who aren't concerned with women's health don't have a clue what Donald Trump is about.
It remains to be seen if all his supporters are ever disappointed with his policies, and maybe the "price of eggs and bacon" will be to their liking and approval.
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.
Hey Pam, just checking in to say hi and see how you are doing. Hope you are ok. Wanted to remind you that you NOT alone. ❤
Julie, thank you so much!!
This morning was the first time in 40 years that I have not gotten dressed up, gathered my music, and headed out to a church to offer a message in music.
It's a sad feeling, but I must accept my choice and carry on as I can. It gives me strength and courage when I receive positive messages like yours.😘
I will think of you next Sunday. You are strong and brave and you are right! Thank you for being such an inspiration.
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
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".
Kathryn, I heard Jesse Waters of FOX "news" say that if he found out his wife secretly voted for Kamala, it would be as bad if she were having an affair.😛 He is one disgusting man.
A majority of white women voted for Trump. It defies reason.
It’s a story as old as the hills: many girls/women will support the boys/men before standing up for the females in their lives. Patriarchy is so deeply rooted in our culture but…
We must resist and support our sisters better.
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.
I remember the 1960s. Who knew we would be fighting again for the same freedoms? STILL fighting misogyny?
I'm very sad and disheartened that we are going backwards in our quest for fairness, kindness, acceptance, recognition, and respect. Not just for women, but all Americans of different ethnicities.
We cannot back down from the truth, and we must try with all our might to challenge the lies.
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
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!
Is that a group? How can one access it?
There are Indivisible chapters in many many towns/cities and counties.
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!!???
I started getting fake "donate to Harris" and "support the dems" texts the last few weeks before the election. Scams, taking advantage of people who care about this country. My security software is very good at catching stuff like that, and I reported the posts. But I also started double-checking the addresses on all the stuff coming into my inbox (looking at the full header to make sure the email address was kosher). So it isn't just Trump people: scammers jump on any way to exploit vulnerabilities to get our money.
I’m from Wisconsin, which was a very progressive when I was growing up. We were purple for a time and now, Ugh! I could not believe that over 1/2 of our citizens voted for a racist felon. Resist! Tides turn. We will overcome misogyny, racism, tyranny, oligarchy, theocracy and autocracy. Women are strong!
Yikes!
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.
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.
Unfortunately, when a Fed law is enacted, it preempts state law on the same issue, eg, when AZ tried to pass a law making local police able to arrest people solely for being paperless immigrants … was preempted by Fed law on immigration. National abortion ban would knock out contrary law in all states and territories….even if the protections are in the state constitution, even if the Federal law itself is grossly unconstitutional and unfair to women and girls.
And the courts can’t protect us from the Fed law because of the Dobbs decision. The rule of law has been corrupted thoroughly with no prospect of correction in the foreseeable future with the Supreme Court packed with Trump appointees.
If Mitch McConnell walked up to me right now, I would give him a sound kick in the nuts and laugh while he writhed in pain. I wish on Clarence Thomas, Alito, Roberts, the Handmaiden, and Kavanagh that they would come down with a mysterious disease that EXACTLY mimics the pain a woman goes through when she is dying of sepsis due to a Trump abortion ban. I don’t want them to die, I just want them to suffer and then live with severe consequences.
Almost every decision made by the SC that wrote the Dred Scott decision was overturned before the end of the 19th century. I don't think it will take that long with the Robert's court. Some of the decisions are so flawed that they will simply be abandoned or rewritten, and there is much more precedent now than there was at the time of Dred Scott. And more cultural awareness. The problem lies in the minds of men whose aging minds are stuck in the 19th century and who have personal agendas that will not stand the test. We just have to get through the next four years, and build on existing legal foundations.
If there is any "fortunately" in the SC recent decisions, it is that they made very clear that in their minds, abortion is a states issue. So that could well protect state laws regarding abortion in the immediate future. Many consider that legal position wrong because of the part of the Constitution's original wording that reserves certain inalienable rights to the people- and surely the right of a person to make decisions concerning their own body is one of those rights. Legal scholars are pretty much in agreement on this, and I think that is where we'll eventually end up. Assuming we work hard to ensure that we do not become an autocracy. Despite the very rational concerns on that question, we are not yet. And we will resist with all our might.
Thank you, Annie! Exactly - to the extent of States Rights, they are hoist by their own (“conservative”, right wing) petard, because they (the 5th Circuit and the rightwing nuts who bring cases before them) love States Rights when they oppress…. But I’ll bet they love them less when they protect and expand rights (eg, California). I think the SC rejected the States Rights doctrine this past term, I could be wrong.
And I hope you are right about the crappy decisions being overturned or abandoned as precedent, because this court is piling them up! If Trump forces Scalia and Thomas into retirement and replaces them with youngsters like Beery Kavanagh and The Handmaid Coney Barrett, then it will be years of corruption and rights ripped away (to be granted to billionaires and large greedy corporations) before the court can lean liberal again.
And they totally disregard and disrespect stare decisis … which may make the decisions easier to ignore later, but in the meanwhile, it has enabled them to do institutional and systemic damage that we won’t see the results of for awhile.
Anyway, I babble. Thanks for your insights!
So sorry to hear that
YES, a great thing!!!
I will not comply! I will however, resist with love and compassion and continue to speak truth to power wherever I go.
Thank you Jess. Ready to stand up. Even though my knees are shaking.🫨
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!!:)
Biden enabled it he could have prosecuted
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!
Besides Indivisible, I would also recommend your local Democratic committee, if you have one. (If you haven't, it's easy to start one, with assistance by your state Democratic Party. Where I live, we are already working on some of the steps that Jess has recommended. We will be sharing all 5 steps with our core town and county groups. The resistance and growth work for the next cycle has started. We are NOT going back!
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.
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,
Well said. Thank you.
All true, and I have little to add to this. What I do know is this is bad, very, very bad.
You said.
"If you can safely make fun of the oppressors, do so."
As a political cartoonist and a satirical writer - I'm not sure how much longer I can do it safely. I will continue to do it. But doing it safely is an unknown. All of trumps heroes have shut down any and all forms of criticism - I suspect trump will do the same somehow. Jack Smith has started closing down criminal charges against the biggest criminal in our country - that tells you reams about how protected we will be.
Agreed. As long as you can safely do it.
Our local humorist mentioned safety in his latest article, too. I think it’s something a lot of outspoken people are rightly concerned about. I am going to be working on printing my old blog posts. I’ll be leaving Twitter in January.
Our first amendment rights have been stripped right in front of us and not enough people have spoken up about it.
A large faction have been too busy believing their 2A right is more important.
https://open.substack.com/pub/fxbgadvance/p/drews-corner?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web