Jess- I just wanted to send you some love and thank you for leaving it all on the field. Your energy and drive has been empowering and I value so much the work you have done and inspired me to do. No effort in fighting for progress is in vain. Here's to building communities of love and connection in joy. We are in this together ❤️
I made just this kind of list in 1986 when I was getting ready leave a marriage I. Which I was a battered woman. I was terrified of supporting two small children in my own. Well I did it and found a richer more filling life than I’d been able to imagine. The “what won’t I lose” helped.
So jealous of those of you who are already Democrats. This event has been equal to the most profound loss I have ever experienced, but it is not ended. In fact the worst may be yet to come. I suspect this is a hard time for many rural people who are educated. There's nowhere to go for comiseration or support, like minded people are few and far between in the hinterlands, and there's no way to know who they are.
You know, Don, 'Democrat' is just a box we check on our Voter Registration form. We are all so much more than that, and so are you. We are people who care about others, not only in our communities but around the country. And we want everyone, Democrat, Republican, Green, etc., to have a good life with a good job, a safe place to live, medical care, good food, good education for our children, safe communities, enough money to make it during our retirement years, if we are religious to celebrate our religion as we see fit, to have the freedom to vote for who we want without harassment or manipulation by someone trying to keep us from voting, and freedom from fear, whether real or imagined by some group trying to control us. So no need for you to be jealous. Just go online to Vote.gov and change your registration to Democrat and you are one of us. No need to be jealous. Or nervous. We will welcome you with open arms. And if you aren't quite ready to do that then just come on over anyway and we will still welcome you with open arms.
No, I'm from the old Goldwater/McCain wing of the Republican party, or was. I can see now that there will never be a Republican party that is the party of Lincoln again, that's as gone as steam locomotives. Unfortunately, I found out wearing my Kamala - Removes Stubborn Orange Stains shirt during October that apparently just having a rural/conservative appearance means Democrats won't talk to you and now it's ruined with Republicans (including family). I keep thinking of Kamala Harris' speech at Howard University where she says don't ever give up. Getting emotional just thinking about the holidays with nowhere to go. We (people on the side of the truth) lost to the folks who are angry and ill-informed.
I understand. Sadly, the most prejudiced and least literate of our extended family voted for Trump and are gloating. This will be a difficult holiday season and a bit lonely for many, even if you're in a crowd. Take heart and keep writing. This is a fun and accepting community. Glad to have you aboard
You're not alone Don. Check out Every State Blue or, depending on where you live, Blue Missouri, Blue Ohio, or Blue Tennessee. Not everyone there is a Democrat because you don't need a party mark to be a democrat opposed to authoritarian rule. The first campaign I worked on was in 1964 and it wasn't for Lyndon. This group too offers a lot of support and, despite the still to be completed results from Tuesday last, it is growing. You can also check out Feathers of Hope and Tangle on Substack. Jerry and Isaac both offer interesting perspectives on where we are and how we can proceed.
There are plenty of Democrats who welcome you. And remember all those Republicans for Harris? Our family/friends who are Trumpers are sad, and we have to leave them to find out for themselves down the line. In the meantime, hang in there and find what community you can, both in person and online.
Don, check out Simon Rosenberg. Simon's is a community like this with additional action steps and a dynamic community, as well. Indivisible is actively instructing how to form a chapter, if there isn't one, in your area. You will find your local tribe, don't give up! There is always the ACLU, as well.
Don, if you can make your way out to Los Angeles, you are invited to my house for Thanksgiving. It will likely be a very small gathering, but the food will be good!
Don, this is just a suggestion but if you are going to watch mainstream media like MSNBC, stay up to watch Lawrence O’Donnell who appears right after Alex. He is the only person I watch now. Trump despises him and the feeling is mutual. His delivery is usually one that gets me laughing. My best to you because we are a community here.
And on the holidays I wish you lived near us in MA as friends host gatherings where everyone is welcomed. Also sometimes being alone is better than being with people who you don’t like or trust. If you live in the country maybe let the birds and squirrels be your companions for now.
could you see if there is a hostel or something similar in the closest city to you and go for one or two nights to stay over and go work to serve those dinners. I think, if you can afford it, that doing that service work might really help you to feel less lonely.
And, if you feel ok with it, you might let us know what state you live in as the people in this group have the most amazing resources and knowledge about so many things.
Finally, go to the "evergreen links" that are posted before the heading on the CWCW page. Jessica has some links there, and some are to individual states where you can do election work. Yes, the election is over, but the people in those groups are still around. Maybe there is one nearby you that you can go be a part of, and then make some friends with some of them. And if nothing else, sign up with them so they can notify you when there is work to be done.
Thank you for reminding us of the most important things in life. I really do feel sorry for all those who are filled with hate and greed. They probably never experience the many blessings we already have that you list here.
Sending love along with so many of your other followers and fans. Thank you for the fortifying and encouraging messages as we all find our sea legs in this storm.
You're absolutely right. Remember how the non-violent demonstrations in South Africa ended apartheid. The whites in power didn't know what to make of these peaceful people. The same with Gandhi in India. It will be difficult but we have inner resources they can't begin to comprehend .
Thank you for all you have done over the past months, the action, the comfort, the hope. And now, especially for this. I've printed it and put it on my wall.
Thank you Jessica. I was so happy to see your post today. You always give me hope. Are you going to run for something? I would love to support you in whatever you choose to do. You are part of my community. Sending hugs
You stated that beautifully. Thank you. I'm spending some time making new art. It's therapeutic for my soul, which has been badly bruised. But I'm not giving up. I'm not giving in. and I'm not going back. I think some lessons will have to be learned the hard way by Trump voters. My friend just told me a friend of hers who voted for Trump, had his social security taken away. Brought here as a child, he had no papers. Now, he's in his sixties or seventies without social security. Love to you and hugs.
Jess- I just wanted to send you some love and thank you for leaving it all on the field. Your energy and drive has been empowering and I value so much the work you have done and inspired me to do. No effort in fighting for progress is in vain. Here's to building communities of love and connection in joy. We are in this together ❤️
Thank you, Christine.
Thank you 🫂
I made just this kind of list in 1986 when I was getting ready leave a marriage I. Which I was a battered woman. I was terrified of supporting two small children in my own. Well I did it and found a richer more filling life than I’d been able to imagine. The “what won’t I lose” helped.
That's a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it.
Envision linked arms.
So jealous of those of you who are already Democrats. This event has been equal to the most profound loss I have ever experienced, but it is not ended. In fact the worst may be yet to come. I suspect this is a hard time for many rural people who are educated. There's nowhere to go for comiseration or support, like minded people are few and far between in the hinterlands, and there's no way to know who they are.
You know, Don, 'Democrat' is just a box we check on our Voter Registration form. We are all so much more than that, and so are you. We are people who care about others, not only in our communities but around the country. And we want everyone, Democrat, Republican, Green, etc., to have a good life with a good job, a safe place to live, medical care, good food, good education for our children, safe communities, enough money to make it during our retirement years, if we are religious to celebrate our religion as we see fit, to have the freedom to vote for who we want without harassment or manipulation by someone trying to keep us from voting, and freedom from fear, whether real or imagined by some group trying to control us. So no need for you to be jealous. Just go online to Vote.gov and change your registration to Democrat and you are one of us. No need to be jealous. Or nervous. We will welcome you with open arms. And if you aren't quite ready to do that then just come on over anyway and we will still welcome you with open arms.
Right on! Catheen!
Are you not a Democrat?
No, I'm from the old Goldwater/McCain wing of the Republican party, or was. I can see now that there will never be a Republican party that is the party of Lincoln again, that's as gone as steam locomotives. Unfortunately, I found out wearing my Kamala - Removes Stubborn Orange Stains shirt during October that apparently just having a rural/conservative appearance means Democrats won't talk to you and now it's ruined with Republicans (including family). I keep thinking of Kamala Harris' speech at Howard University where she says don't ever give up. Getting emotional just thinking about the holidays with nowhere to go. We (people on the side of the truth) lost to the folks who are angry and ill-informed.
I'm so sorry, Don. Can you join an Indivisible group in your area?
I understand. Sadly, the most prejudiced and least literate of our extended family voted for Trump and are gloating. This will be a difficult holiday season and a bit lonely for many, even if you're in a crowd. Take heart and keep writing. This is a fun and accepting community. Glad to have you aboard
You're not alone Don. Check out Every State Blue or, depending on where you live, Blue Missouri, Blue Ohio, or Blue Tennessee. Not everyone there is a Democrat because you don't need a party mark to be a democrat opposed to authoritarian rule. The first campaign I worked on was in 1964 and it wasn't for Lyndon. This group too offers a lot of support and, despite the still to be completed results from Tuesday last, it is growing. You can also check out Feathers of Hope and Tangle on Substack. Jerry and Isaac both offer interesting perspectives on where we are and how we can proceed.
Thanks, Dave!
Always a pleasure Don, and good luck.
You have us, Don. I don't know if that helps but lean on us if it does. Please.
Jess Piper is a great resource for rural community:
https://substack.com/@jesspiper
There are plenty of Democrats who welcome you. And remember all those Republicans for Harris? Our family/friends who are Trumpers are sad, and we have to leave them to find out for themselves down the line. In the meantime, hang in there and find what community you can, both in person and online.
I love Jess Piper with a passion, Ellie! She has so much moxie and made enormous change in Missouri.
Don, check out Simon Rosenberg. Simon's is a community like this with additional action steps and a dynamic community, as well. Indivisible is actively instructing how to form a chapter, if there isn't one, in your area. You will find your local tribe, don't give up! There is always the ACLU, as well.
You are always welcome here!
Don, if you can make your way out to Los Angeles, you are invited to my house for Thanksgiving. It will likely be a very small gathering, but the food will be good!
Thank you! That made me feel better. Just watched Alex Wagner and was thinking about his cabinet picks. Reading your reply helped me stop that .
Don, this is just a suggestion but if you are going to watch mainstream media like MSNBC, stay up to watch Lawrence O’Donnell who appears right after Alex. He is the only person I watch now. Trump despises him and the feeling is mutual. His delivery is usually one that gets me laughing. My best to you because we are a community here.
And on the holidays I wish you lived near us in MA as friends host gatherings where everyone is welcomed. Also sometimes being alone is better than being with people who you don’t like or trust. If you live in the country maybe let the birds and squirrels be your companions for now.
Do you think there is some way of finding and connecting with them? That must be lonely indeed.
I don't know, wish I lived in a city right now. At least I could go dish out turkey dinner at the Gospel Rescue Mission or Salvation Army.
could you see if there is a hostel or something similar in the closest city to you and go for one or two nights to stay over and go work to serve those dinners. I think, if you can afford it, that doing that service work might really help you to feel less lonely.
And, if you feel ok with it, you might let us know what state you live in as the people in this group have the most amazing resources and knowledge about so many things.
Finally, go to the "evergreen links" that are posted before the heading on the CWCW page. Jessica has some links there, and some are to individual states where you can do election work. Yes, the election is over, but the people in those groups are still around. Maybe there is one nearby you that you can go be a part of, and then make some friends with some of them. And if nothing else, sign up with them so they can notify you when there is work to be done.
Thank you for reminding us of the most important things in life. I really do feel sorry for all those who are filled with hate and greed. They probably never experience the many blessings we already have that you list here.
I've often thought of that. They are like the Buddhist hungry ghosts who never have enough.
Sending you hugs, Jess. You really did leave it all on the field. And I know you'll be with us in the fight to come. We will have each other's backs.
This aggression will not stand, man. The resistance abides!
Indeed!
Sending love along with so many of your other followers and fans. Thank you for the fortifying and encouraging messages as we all find our sea legs in this storm.
You're absolutely right. Remember how the non-violent demonstrations in South Africa ended apartheid. The whites in power didn't know what to make of these peaceful people. The same with Gandhi in India. It will be difficult but we have inner resources they can't begin to comprehend .
Thank you for all you do and especially today for this thought provoking and encouraging message! ❤️
Always.
Thank you for all you have done over the past months, the action, the comfort, the hope. And now, especially for this. I've printed it and put it on my wall.
Thank you Jessica. I was so happy to see your post today. You always give me hope. Are you going to run for something? I would love to support you in whatever you choose to do. You are part of my community. Sending hugs
You have such a wonderful job....I appreciate you and all the valuable information you share. And inspiring messages too. THANK YOU. 💙💙
For the first time you have said something I can hang on to. Nothing else has worked. Thank you.
I'm glad.
Thanks for sharing. I'll be "there." We won't give up!
I’m so discouraged and heartbroken. I’m definitely joining the call today, thank you for doing it.
Glad you'll be there.
You stated that beautifully. Thank you. I'm spending some time making new art. It's therapeutic for my soul, which has been badly bruised. But I'm not giving up. I'm not giving in. and I'm not going back. I think some lessons will have to be learned the hard way by Trump voters. My friend just told me a friend of hers who voted for Trump, had his social security taken away. Brought here as a child, he had no papers. Now, he's in his sixties or seventies without social security. Love to you and hugs.
He had his Social Security taken away? How did that happen?