Lovely reflections here, Jess. Community is something we build, it is not a passive presence.
The only thing I would add is you’re not a “nobody from nowhere” especially as a rural progressive representing us elsewhere. No, ma’am. You’re a somebody from somewhere and that has always been the point of your work. We matter, we count, and we care. Keep up the good work.
Hi Jess - I'm a producer working with the DNC and Oprah on an upcoming online rally (Sep 19th at 8 pm ET) and would love to partner with your organization/rural people for Harris to sign up some of your members to attend virtually! Please email me at harpoproducers@gmail.com so we can connect! Thanks! Erinn
I marvel at how you allow us to ride with you as you fight for democracy and push forward for a bold and worth cause. Harris/Walz 2025! Stay encouraged and beat the drum 🥁!
Jess, you are a treasure. I’m sure the work you are doing will make a difference. Wish I had your courage and devotion to get out there as much as you do. That said, we had dinner with 4 Republican friends last night here in Virginia and they are going to vote for Kamala. So, I think there are many people like them who see where Trump and the MAGAs are taking us and are fighting back by voting blue.
When I ask my friends to follow you, I describe you as a dirt road Democrat! I then add that you understand how to live with red voters as neighbors. I always feel proud of you and what you're doing, and love to get your perspective. Well done Jess :-)
The realization you were posting this essay assuaged my immediate twinge of fear when you said you pulled into the wrong driveway. Too many reports of people getting killed for that self-same mistake belike. Be careful out there.
What I love about your report is that it under scores what we all know (and some have forgotten) we are neighbors, we are gratefully part of a community, and we have more in common that differences.
When we share those common cares about family , community and life, the differences are opinion and not driving forces. We need each other and you, and others like you for example Elad Gross, remind us of the way forward.
Great post today. I'm not from a rural area and currently live in Charlotte NC. But I am 100% behind your mission not to write off rural areas for Democrats. (Fun Fact: NC is the second most rural state in the lower 48 according to Anderson Clayton, our dynamic state Democratic party chair who did grow up in rural area).
Plus, I have to share that I attended the Kamala Harris rally in Charlotte and it fired me up!!
Hi Cheryl! I’m also in Charlotte! Were you at the MeckDems meetup this afternoon? It was so refreshing to be around like-minded, community based, joyful people💙💙
You stopped me in my tracks with the fact that Missouri banned "The Handmaid's Tale." What a painful irony. Your travel-and-speak work must be exhausting and you are doing it to save our democracy. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Keep at it. You’re doing the necessary and honorable work that was overlooked or abandoned for a couple of generations. Past time but as the saying goes, it’s never the wrong time to do the right things.
Gotta say, Jess, I ALWAYS enjoy your blogs and I'm rooting for you. You bring hope to so many. I confess Missouri would not have been on my immediate radar but when the Missouri state supreme court allowed the abortion amendment to stay on the ballot, I cheered aloud. And that's because you told me about it. And I care tremendously. So, thank you.
Lovely reflections here, Jess. Community is something we build, it is not a passive presence.
The only thing I would add is you’re not a “nobody from nowhere” especially as a rural progressive representing us elsewhere. No, ma’am. You’re a somebody from somewhere and that has always been the point of your work. We matter, we count, and we care. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, friend!
I agree 💯percent!! Jess, you are certainly someone to your substack subscribers! You inspire me to do more!!
I want to share this link which is for making one time donations to Blue Missouri.
https://contribute.bluemissouri.org/join_missouri_ot_notonerep
Allen, I fully agree!
Yes! You are a somebody from somewhere and I’m excited and grateful!
Hi Jess - I'm a producer working with the DNC and Oprah on an upcoming online rally (Sep 19th at 8 pm ET) and would love to partner with your organization/rural people for Harris to sign up some of your members to attend virtually! Please email me at harpoproducers@gmail.com so we can connect! Thanks! Erinn
Erinn, that is fantastic. Please send us a link to the rally when you get finalized.
I'm just reading this post and I don't see a link to this event in the thread but I found this: https://events.democrats.org/event/693000/
Thank you for all you do Jess. You are the definition of Patriot.
I marvel at how you allow us to ride with you as you fight for democracy and push forward for a bold and worth cause. Harris/Walz 2025! Stay encouraged and beat the drum 🥁!
Jess, you are a treasure. I’m sure the work you are doing will make a difference. Wish I had your courage and devotion to get out there as much as you do. That said, we had dinner with 4 Republican friends last night here in Virginia and they are going to vote for Kamala. So, I think there are many people like them who see where Trump and the MAGAs are taking us and are fighting back by voting blue.
Yessssss!!!!
Jess: you are such a talent and Missouri is so lucky to have you. Thank you so much for all your hard work on behalf of all Americans.
When I ask my friends to follow you, I describe you as a dirt road Democrat! I then add that you understand how to live with red voters as neighbors. I always feel proud of you and what you're doing, and love to get your perspective. Well done Jess :-)
The realization you were posting this essay assuaged my immediate twinge of fear when you said you pulled into the wrong driveway. Too many reports of people getting killed for that self-same mistake belike. Be careful out there.
I SO admire the work you do!
What I love about your report is that it under scores what we all know (and some have forgotten) we are neighbors, we are gratefully part of a community, and we have more in common that differences.
When we share those common cares about family , community and life, the differences are opinion and not driving forces. We need each other and you, and others like you for example Elad Gross, remind us of the way forward.
Great post today. I'm not from a rural area and currently live in Charlotte NC. But I am 100% behind your mission not to write off rural areas for Democrats. (Fun Fact: NC is the second most rural state in the lower 48 according to Anderson Clayton, our dynamic state Democratic party chair who did grow up in rural area).
Plus, I have to share that I attended the Kamala Harris rally in Charlotte and it fired me up!!
Cheryl, that rally looked SO awesome! And, the one in Greensboro! I'm writing postcards to North Carolina voters with high hopes!💕🌊💙
Thank you!
Hi Cheryl! I’m also in Charlotte! Were you at the MeckDems meetup this afternoon? It was so refreshing to be around like-minded, community based, joyful people💙💙
Yes, I was! I was the one trying to find volunteers to write Reclaim Our Vote postcards.
Awesome!! I would’ve liked to sign up, how can I private message you to get more info?
Hi April, I just sent you a PM.
In general, just click on a commenter's name and there is an option to send a message.
You stopped me in my tracks with the fact that Missouri banned "The Handmaid's Tale." What a painful irony. Your travel-and-speak work must be exhausting and you are doing it to save our democracy. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Keep at it. You’re doing the necessary and honorable work that was overlooked or abandoned for a couple of generations. Past time but as the saying goes, it’s never the wrong time to do the right things.
Thank you so much for all that you do! Just like being a teacher, you’ll never know how far your influence goes. Janet, Golden Valley, MN
You’re staying very busy, aren’t you? Naps are at a premium!!! Great fundamental work!
Gotta say, Jess, I ALWAYS enjoy your blogs and I'm rooting for you. You bring hope to so many. I confess Missouri would not have been on my immediate radar but when the Missouri state supreme court allowed the abortion amendment to stay on the ballot, I cheered aloud. And that's because you told me about it. And I care tremendously. So, thank you.