Oct 25, 2023·edited Oct 25, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
Thanks, Jess, for the clear-eyed response to the Speaker debacle. Upon Mike Johnson's descent to the chair, I posted the following on Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition Newsletter (hope it's not inappropriate):
"Well, I guess today's episode of Speaker For A Day is in the can. For those who wished for a different outcome (as I did), remember: If wishes were horses, we'd all be up to our necks in horse$#!+.
"Let's get to work and give the Republican'ts the shellacking they deserve on November 7 and clear the way for 2024. We need a massive BLUE WAVE to wash away the toxic RED TIDE!"
Oct 25, 2023·edited Oct 25, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
As a Christian, I’m sensitive to attributing positions on gay rights, abortion, etc. to one’s religion. Positions on sexual orientation, abortion, and other topics are not defined by one’s Christianity, though many Christians argue they are. Just like in the early church, some said being a Christian demanded circumcision. Others disagreed. This to say that Johnson can’t blame his anti-gay and anti-abortion opinions on Christianity. They are not part of Christian doctrine.
They all use this Christianity thing as a shield. I agree with you, but they are not going to stop doing this. There are no two people who could be more un-Christian than MTG and Lauren Boebert, but they wear it like a badge of honor. It’s beyond sickening.
Agreed, and would even go further to say IMHO they, combined with mainstream Christianity’s relative silence, are driving people away from the church, and understandably so:-(
MAGA Mike Johnson is a cultural "Christian." He is a "Christian" only in the sense that he is not Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim. He voted against extending the child tax credit, so he's not interested in alleviating child poverty. He's not interested in caring for the vulnerable in our society (the widows and orphans of biblical times). He's just wants to use religion as a cudgel to beat up others he considers to be inferior to himself.
My wife and I became poll workers a couple of years ago. We thought we were volunteering but actually got paid. It's gratifying nonetheless, even in a red district. Everyone works together and does their best to be helpful and insure the integrity of the elections.
Plus, most of whatever legislation he introduces will not pass in the Senate, and President Biden is standing by with his veto pen. I keep reminding myself of that.
I have too, and it doesn't do any good. I find that connecting with like-minded folks, and then taking what ACTION I can has really helped.
I'm encouraged by Heather Cox Richardson's new book, Awakening Democracy. We've been here before - and we can overcome. It's a numbers game - there are more of us - we just need to get activated, and we are! I'm 78, recovering from open heart surgery, and I do what I can - write post cards for as many of these important local elections as I can. If you don't have a source of addresses yet, Postcards for Democracy is a really good site, founded by Markers for Democracy, a growing grassroots group focused on state and local elections, You sign up and then look at the campaigns and select which campaign and how many addresses. I take five at a time so I don't feel overwhelmed. https://postcards.markersfordemocracy.org/
I am going to contact someone in the next couple of days about postcard writing. I’m really not good over the phone and can’t do the door to door thing, but I can write postcards. I wish you a speedy recovery and send you long distance blessings and love for your heart surgery recovery. I find that so many of these good hearted folks I’ve met on Substack really help keep me from letting despair take over me. I keep thinking that it might’ve been a good idea for some Democrats to support Emmer, because he was the most reasonable choice so far. I realize they didn’t want to do that and that ship has sailed, but it would’ve prevented this hard right and very dangerous man from becoming speaker. He will be beholden to Trump every step of the way.
I think Democrats did offer to support Emmer. It was Trump who killed his bid. And Republicans who didn’t have the courage to run him anyway and let him win with Democratic support.
Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I forgot that the evil puppet master is involved in all things that go wrong in this country. Trump needs to have some time in jail for his next defiance of a judge and have his communication with his loyal flying monkeys cut off for a while.
Yes, I saved this link, which was also posted above, and I will get in touch with someone who can tell me what I need to do. I’ll get this done by Monday. I’m dealing with some chronic pain right now, so I’m not totally myself, but I can definitely write postcards. It seems like a simple yet effective way to do something.
Janet, Erica posted the link for Markers for Democracy. Here is a link to their latest newsletter. It's a lot of information - so try not to let it overwhelm you! If you scroll past the text to the first box, you'll see links for the regular Zoom meetings on Mon, Tues, Fri AM. That's how I got started. If you click on the link you'll get a registration form and then you can join the meeting - and no pressure to do anything else.
I know something about chronic pain - may you be blessed with ease and peace and moments of joy. ❤️ 🙏🏼 🍁
Thanks, I did save the link Erica posted. The next meeting I would be able to join would be on Tuesday, so I’ll look at this over the weekend and try to sign up as soon as possible.
I don't always make the meetings, but if you let me know when you're going to attend I'll try to be there, and let one of the leaders know to expect you, if you'd like. ❤️
Just to follow up, I may hold off on doing a zoom meeting until the first week in November because of medical appointments and a short-term drug I’m taking that’s making me feel a little off kilter. But I will follow up with you when I’m ready to get started.
Thanks for reminding me about Bolts, which first came to my attention on The Majority Report with Sam Seder. Daniel is an astonishingly informed tracker of local elections that matter across the entire nation. As for the Speaker, I have very dark conspiratorial thoughts about this move by R’s. Guess I will put aside my fears and go write a few postcards for VA. ❤️🤍💙
Thanks, Jessica! I was looking for some kindred spirits after I watched Bryan Tyler Cohen's live streaming of the whole event. You know what frightened me a bit? Johnson sounded like a really nice guy, someone who wants to unify the house and get work done - for much of his speech! What's scary is WHAT he wants to get done. So that's where we come in - thanks for the reminder!
You have achieved the GOAT of graphics at the lead of today's newsletter.👍👍
The MAGA GOP has been itching to bring their proto-pious, white nationalist, anti-women, anti-personal freedom, voter suppression, fascist agenda to the American people..now they can try to do it!!!
And they will be lucky to get the 25%-30% of the vote they so fully deserve.
If your state’s attorney general was one of the 40 state attorneys general who together filed suit against Meta for its toxic business practices, please contact their office to thank them!
"The surprising benefits of switching to 'lamb mowers'" is the title. It's the story of a man from Virginia who started a business renting out sheep to homeowners for them to graze on their lawn, obviating the need to use power mowers. If you read the article you will discover that there are more benefits than just getting your lawn "mowed." Also, there apparently is a group in California who is doing the same thing.
Colorado uses goats to take care of invasive weeds and to trim public areas and parks. They’ve been doing this for years. Every once in a while you’ll be driving through a rural area and see a bunch of goats in a field doing their work.
HELP! Jessica, I forwarded your link to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court races to my Indivisible group, and when one of the members clicked on the link, it came up highlighted in red with a warning from Norton that this was a suspicious, possibly malware, link. My husband is not willing to open it. Can you help me?
Oh dear it’s a Notions page. Let me move it onto a google doc so you don’t get that message anymore. Sorry. I don’t know why that happens with Notions but sometimes it does.
Thanks, Jess, for the clear-eyed response to the Speaker debacle. Upon Mike Johnson's descent to the chair, I posted the following on Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition Newsletter (hope it's not inappropriate):
"Well, I guess today's episode of Speaker For A Day is in the can. For those who wished for a different outcome (as I did), remember: If wishes were horses, we'd all be up to our necks in horse$#!+.
"Let's get to work and give the Republican'ts the shellacking they deserve on November 7 and clear the way for 2024. We need a massive BLUE WAVE to wash away the toxic RED TIDE!"
💯 agree with this!
As a Christian, I’m sensitive to attributing positions on gay rights, abortion, etc. to one’s religion. Positions on sexual orientation, abortion, and other topics are not defined by one’s Christianity, though many Christians argue they are. Just like in the early church, some said being a Christian demanded circumcision. Others disagreed. This to say that Johnson can’t blame his anti-gay and anti-abortion opinions on Christianity. They are not part of Christian doctrine.
They all use this Christianity thing as a shield. I agree with you, but they are not going to stop doing this. There are no two people who could be more un-Christian than MTG and Lauren Boebert, but they wear it like a badge of honor. It’s beyond sickening.
Absolutely! I don’t see evangelical Christians as representing true Christianity at all, quite frankly.
Agreed, and would even go further to say IMHO they, combined with mainstream Christianity’s relative silence, are driving people away from the church, and understandably so:-(
MAGA Mike Johnson is a cultural "Christian." He is a "Christian" only in the sense that he is not Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim. He voted against extending the child tax credit, so he's not interested in alleviating child poverty. He's not interested in caring for the vulnerable in our society (the widows and orphans of biblical times). He's just wants to use religion as a cudgel to beat up others he considers to be inferior to himself.
He’s a bigot who hides behind this shield of Christianity, just like all the MTG types. It’s nauseating.
I would also urge people to take even more direct action: run for school boards, volunteer as election workers.
Fear is dispelled by action. Local and state elections are creating a bulwark against autocracy.
I volunteered in my Virginia district for Election Day. Will be passing out Dem flyers!
Amazing Lynell! Thank you!
That's fantastic!
Absolutely. “Fear is dispelled by action” is 100% correct!
My wife and I became poll workers a couple of years ago. We thought we were volunteering but actually got paid. It's gratifying nonetheless, even in a red district. Everyone works together and does their best to be helpful and insure the integrity of the elections.
Terrific Bob! Thanks for doing that!
Thank you for sharing...that's brilliant!
Thank you for everything, Jessica. I literally feel sick right now. I have to try to not let fear consume me because I’ve let that happen before.
It’s a tough pill to swallow but we’ve swallowed many such before and always found a way to prevail. We will here as well.
Plus, most of whatever legislation he introduces will not pass in the Senate, and President Biden is standing by with his veto pen. I keep reminding myself of that.
I have too, and it doesn't do any good. I find that connecting with like-minded folks, and then taking what ACTION I can has really helped.
I'm encouraged by Heather Cox Richardson's new book, Awakening Democracy. We've been here before - and we can overcome. It's a numbers game - there are more of us - we just need to get activated, and we are! I'm 78, recovering from open heart surgery, and I do what I can - write post cards for as many of these important local elections as I can. If you don't have a source of addresses yet, Postcards for Democracy is a really good site, founded by Markers for Democracy, a growing grassroots group focused on state and local elections, You sign up and then look at the campaigns and select which campaign and how many addresses. I take five at a time so I don't feel overwhelmed. https://postcards.markersfordemocracy.org/
Take good care of you!
You're an inspiration, Terry!
Why thank you, kind sir! I think that is one of the reasons that I'm here on the planet so good to know it's working!!!
(I stopped being "humble" around 10 years ago!!)
Good on you, Chaplain!
Thank you, Lynell!
I am going to contact someone in the next couple of days about postcard writing. I’m really not good over the phone and can’t do the door to door thing, but I can write postcards. I wish you a speedy recovery and send you long distance blessings and love for your heart surgery recovery. I find that so many of these good hearted folks I’ve met on Substack really help keep me from letting despair take over me. I keep thinking that it might’ve been a good idea for some Democrats to support Emmer, because he was the most reasonable choice so far. I realize they didn’t want to do that and that ship has sailed, but it would’ve prevented this hard right and very dangerous man from becoming speaker. He will be beholden to Trump every step of the way.
I think Democrats did offer to support Emmer. It was Trump who killed his bid. And Republicans who didn’t have the courage to run him anyway and let him win with Democratic support.
I wondered if that might have been the case. 25 had courage for a while - I wonder what happened - how Trump got to them.
Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I forgot that the evil puppet master is involved in all things that go wrong in this country. Trump needs to have some time in jail for his next defiance of a judge and have his communication with his loyal flying monkeys cut off for a while.
I wonder how much courage it would take to make that call! Talk about a two-tiered justice system!
This Judge Engoron does not suffer fools gladly. I’m sensing he is up to his ears with Trump, and I think he’s going to be the first one to act. 🤞
Come join us at markers for democracy! You’ll love this group. https://markersfordemocracy.org/
Yes, I saved this link, which was also posted above, and I will get in touch with someone who can tell me what I need to do. I’ll get this done by Monday. I’m dealing with some chronic pain right now, so I’m not totally myself, but I can definitely write postcards. It seems like a simple yet effective way to do something.
Hey Erica! I told Janet about the postcard site but I didn't include the home base - so glad you did. I added the newsletter link in another reply. ❤️
People are based all over the country. They do amazing virtual programming and are able to get just about anyone to come speak.
Janet, Erica posted the link for Markers for Democracy. Here is a link to their latest newsletter. It's a lot of information - so try not to let it overwhelm you! If you scroll past the text to the first box, you'll see links for the regular Zoom meetings on Mon, Tues, Fri AM. That's how I got started. If you click on the link you'll get a registration form and then you can join the meeting - and no pressure to do anything else.
I know something about chronic pain - may you be blessed with ease and peace and moments of joy. ❤️ 🙏🏼 🍁
https://mailchi.mp/0fcf93b4c693/mfd-news-101-college-dems-tons-of-postcards-va-giving-circle-deadline-extension-17449248?e=e91036c2eb
Thanks, I did save the link Erica posted. The next meeting I would be able to join would be on Tuesday, so I’ll look at this over the weekend and try to sign up as soon as possible.
I don't always make the meetings, but if you let me know when you're going to attend I'll try to be there, and let one of the leaders know to expect you, if you'd like. ❤️
Okay, I will keep that in mind. Thanks!
Good to hear about the postcards! And you are so right about the good hearted folks on substack.
I had the same thought about Emmer - it was kind of a shock that all 220 went for Johnson. Some were brave for a while.
Also thanks for this link. I’ll contact them. Take care and heal.
Just to follow up, I may hold off on doing a zoom meeting until the first week in November because of medical appointments and a short-term drug I’m taking that’s making me feel a little off kilter. But I will follow up with you when I’m ready to get started.
We do what we can, whenever we can, for as long as we can. Taking good care of you is the perfect priority. Blessings,
Thanks as always Jess. Trying to block out all the noise and stay focused. Going now to mail 25 more Vote Forward letters to Virginia.
Amazing thank you!
Thanks for reminding me about Bolts, which first came to my attention on The Majority Report with Sam Seder. Daniel is an astonishingly informed tracker of local elections that matter across the entire nation. As for the Speaker, I have very dark conspiratorial thoughts about this move by R’s. Guess I will put aside my fears and go write a few postcards for VA. ❤️🤍💙
Yeah it’s frightening but I have faith in the American people. I do. And I agree Bolts is an exceptional publication.
Thanks, Jessica! I was looking for some kindred spirits after I watched Bryan Tyler Cohen's live streaming of the whole event. You know what frightened me a bit? Johnson sounded like a really nice guy, someone who wants to unify the house and get work done - for much of his speech! What's scary is WHAT he wants to get done. So that's where we come in - thanks for the reminder!
That’s where we come in, indeed.
You have achieved the GOAT of graphics at the lead of today's newsletter.👍👍
The MAGA GOP has been itching to bring their proto-pious, white nationalist, anti-women, anti-personal freedom, voter suppression, fascist agenda to the American people..now they can try to do it!!!
And they will be lucky to get the 25%-30% of the vote they so fully deserve.
If your state’s attorney general was one of the 40 state attorneys general who together filed suit against Meta for its toxic business practices, please contact their office to thank them!
Yes yes yes!
“He is an extremist in every sense of the word. An evangelical Christian...”
That’s redundant. All you needed to say was he’s an “evangelical Christian”. It’s synonymous with extremist.
Religious extremist as he wants to take away my civil rights. Evangelical Christians are like the taliban shoving their religion over the land.
Yep. Evangelical Christians are like the KKK.
(Together they make almost perfectly circular Venn diagram.)
Yeah...
Hey, Jess. Boy. 2024 can't come fast enough for me!
I know we're all dismayed over today's news regarding the House. So, forgive me for this article that I hope you will post in Sunday's Extra! Extra!
https://wapo.st/3rWM01b
"The surprising benefits of switching to 'lamb mowers'" is the title. It's the story of a man from Virginia who started a business renting out sheep to homeowners for them to graze on their lawn, obviating the need to use power mowers. If you read the article you will discover that there are more benefits than just getting your lawn "mowed." Also, there apparently is a group in California who is doing the same thing.
Oh it’s already in there! I’m obsessed! 🤩
Colorado uses goats to take care of invasive weeds and to trim public areas and parks. They’ve been doing this for years. Every once in a while you’ll be driving through a rural area and see a bunch of goats in a field doing their work.
Hey, Janet. I really don't see a down side to this!
Yes, I agree. Let these animals do what is best for them and us. 😊
HELP! Jessica, I forwarded your link to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court races to my Indivisible group, and when one of the members clicked on the link, it came up highlighted in red with a warning from Norton that this was a suspicious, possibly malware, link. My husband is not willing to open it. Can you help me?
Here's the google doc link. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hu7aR9hesmHRrVRXH-UhSsSXATL324tL742k9laSvu0/edit
Oh dear it’s a Notions page. Let me move it onto a google doc so you don’t get that message anymore. Sorry. I don’t know why that happens with Notions but sometimes it does.
Re the fundraiser for the Civics Center on Thursday 10/26, there is a Zoom option! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ymbMatPqTcyw5R5gioSpLQ#/registration
It will begin at 7pm PT/ 10pm ET
How did I not know that? Thank you!
Great—sort of like the melting witch in the Wizard of Oz😂