Thank you, Jessica, for your kind, calm, and helpful newsletter. You are our cheerleader. I am very grateful for your hard work to help us retain our democracy by kindness (Happy World Kindness Day!), love and ACTION!!!
Steven Miller whose grandparents escaped from the Nazis and immigrated to America, now serving as Trump's Himmler, needs to read this message: First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. — Martin Niemöller
Jess, is there anything we as a group can do to get Chuck Schumer to change the Senate rule that Tuberville is using to sabotage our military? Also, late last week, Dick Durbin pulled the vote to authorize issuing subpoenas to Crow and Leo after hundreds of thousand of dollars were dispersed by Crow to GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We've written to their offices multiple times, but are wondering if there's something else that we're missing that could have a positive effect?
I've had calls to Schumer in here a few times now, and countless calls to Senators asking them to push him to bring the rules change to a vote. I'm hoping that slow pressure will work...eventually? The frustration is real--I share it. I saw that Joyce Vance also called for people to call Tommy Tuberville's office directly, and while I rarely support calling Senators who don't represent us in this case I may make an exception and add it as an Extra Credit item this week. It's a deplorable situation.
As for the Judiciary Committee--I have to look into what happened there and formulate an aciton. Stay tuned. I know SCOTUS just announced today that they have crafted a code of ethics for themselves so maybe Durbin knew this and agreed to withdraw the subpoena request in exchange? But even if so--and that's a big if--that's still unacceptable. There's a big SCOTUS meeting this week--I'm putting the signup link in the newsletter tomorrow but here it is now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TaAMhNhKTve0wqFLIqgPQA#/registration. I will try to ask questions there. Or maybe--hopefully--they'll bring this all up.
Tuberculosisville's voice-mail box was full today, probably in part due to Joyce Vance posting his phone number. (Autofill displayed Tuberculosis, so I thought I'd go with it...)
Remember all this chaos stems from the desperation of the forces for fascism and illiberalism. From Putin to MAGA they are losing and are in the blow it all up phase of their inevitable decline. While scary it should also embolden us. They are more scared and their actions show it.
I'm disappointed that you have a letter to senators that seem to lean against the support of Israel. If you think this request is valid, why not ask about the validity of sending funds to Ukraine? Israeli soldiers have dropped leaflets warning residents of Gaza to leave, Israeli soldiers have actually called people warning them to evacuate AND providing a safe pathway to evacuate. Why not have the international community call on Hamas to have a ceasefire. Hamas violated the ceasefire in place October 6. Hamas is launching missiles, nonstop, to Israel and has for years. I know that much of this isn't being reported. That's the problem. It's awful to see so many dead and injured in Gaza, but Israel is literally fighting for its life. Israel was always the place Jews could go to for refuge. It's imperative that they win this fight. Imperative. I encourage you to listen to Hillary Clinton on The View: https://youtu.be/czN4E-CTJ_E?si=BiwFT2K1tmlRNXHm Jennifer Rubin also had a good column worth reading today...especially the last graph: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/13/israeli-families-hostages/
Absolutely, and thank you for your comment. As you likely know, I have been trying to keep this issue out of the newsletter as it IS divisive and there is so much disagreement and pain--utterly warranted--on both sides. The reason I included this call, which I emphasized that folks could skip if they wanted to, is because there is a question of US funding that I simply can't keep ignoring. The Senatorial letter in question, as I read it, does not *in any way* ask Israel not to defend itself or to deprioritize getting the hostages back. In fact this is in the first two sentences: "Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable" and "[we] support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages." The letter goes on to say that we *should* provide Israel the funding it needs to defend itself. It simply adds that there should be some accountability for how Israel is going to do that. It asks about Israel's end goals and about how they will prevent unacceptable levels of civilian deaths. I feel that this is fair, do you not? I understand that many are angry at the calls for Israel to "cease fire" when there are no similar calls for Hamas to do so--and I get that--but unless I'm mistaken this letter doesn't mention any sort of cessation of hostilities. It simply asks for there to be parameters. This is important for many reasons; the rising death toll in Gaza is not just horrifying and sickening from a human standpoint--as were the killings of 1400 Israelis and the kidnapping of 240 more--but it is endangering our ability to keep a democratic coalition together as we head into 2024. And while this may seem like a shallow concern, it seems of earth shattering importance to me. Should Trump find his way back into office things will escalate to a hellish extent -- the global instability we're seeing now will pale in comparison. But more importantly, what is happening now feels out of control and ineffective. I think asking if Netanyahu has an end-game is fair and even necessary. I think asking him to show restraint towards civilians WHERE POSSIBLE is fair. His having no good answer for either issue is not good for anyone, least of all Israel. Do you not agree?
Jessica, first of all, I really appreciate EVERYTHING you do and that you took the time to give me such a detailed and thoughtful response. I have to say, that even though I'm no fan of Netanyahu, I do think Israel is held to a different standard here. No one knew the end game in WW2 until it was over and of course we gave blood and treasure (thankfully) there. I also don't believe we're demanding the same accountability for money and materials given to the Ukraine war effort. However, I do completely understand your point about the delicate dance that has to be done to keep more progressive voters to back Biden. But from a personal perspective, much of the rising anti-semitism has come from anti-Israel progressives, and as a Jew, it's incredibly unsettling. It's a very difficult time. Thank you again, Jessica for reading my concerns and responding so thoughtfully.
Absolutely, and I am deeply, deeply horrified by the antisemitism I'm seeing on the left as well. In fact I just read Bari Weiss's "How to Fight Antisemitism" at the recommendation of a Jewish friend, and will be attending a Zoom discussion of it tonight. The friend who recommended it told me Weiss is "controversial"--and I can see why-- but that the book has lots of good and useful information. I found that to be the case; I also found it to be a deeply sobering read. I can only imagine the deep terror the Jewish community is living in right now. I can also only imagine the horror of living in Gaza as a non-combatant. It's all sickening, scary, and deeply saddening. Anyway, I have been immersing myself in a deep dive of all things Israel and Gaza for the past six weeks, and I do think in general the Israeli government is being held to a harsher standard than Hamas. It does seem unfair. AND, if we are to keep the world community behind them they are going to have to, I think, accept that reality. I think Israel would be greatly helped by Netanyahu's stepping down--there's just no trust in him anywhere, that I can see. Anyway, I want you and my other Jewish readers to know that I didn't make that call lightly and that I do understand and believe that Israel has every right to defend itself. Hamas is a horrific organization with butchers as leaders and must be treated as such. I also found this morning's Daily podcast (New York Times) to be fascinating. The Hamas leadership apparently wanted a larger conflagration and assumed that their actions would cause one. The fact that they haven't--yet--is very likely a testament to the frantic efforts going on behind the scenes by the Biden admin and others. But the fact that that is their sole aim also tells us how very seriously Israel does need to take them. It's difficult stuff, and I promise I will continue to tread extremely, extremely carefully. I hold absolutely no truck with the progressive/antisemitic gang--I want nothing to do with them.
My sincere thanks Jessica for your willingness to read and learn and mostly to have an open discussion like we’ve had. Seems simple yet it’s rare to get responses like you’ve given me. It gives me hope. Thank you!!!
Of course! II thank you as well. It's wonderful to be able to talk these things through. 'm on my call right now, by the way, listening to a recent Jewish convert who's also a genocide expert. So devastating but also so beautiful and hopeful. The Jewish community is splendid.
Judy and Jessica, This is a model conversation and I am honored to be reading it. You both have spoken so carefully about such a sensitive and complicated matter. Thank you!
Hi! Question: The resistbot action regarding "Fiscal Year [FY] 2024 House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education [Labor-HHS-Education] Appropriations Subcommittee bill eliminates federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], Interconnection, and Ready To Learn." Is that HR.5894? I've been attempting to find it online so that I may track it, but am finding it difficult to pinpoint which bill is in reference. Thanks!
Jessica, I was so annoyed today as I watched a recap of Morning Joe. He had two pundits on who were talking about how Democrats were sleepwalking and need to wake up and get more active if we want to win in 2024. I found the video on their TwitX account and posted this:
Sleepwalking Dems? Who do you think won all the elections in '23?
Maybe check out all the grassroots groups that wrote cards, sent texts, knocked on doors, cured ballots. That's a story no one is covering. Start with Jess Craven's full newsletter. TY!
(This comment + the link to your newsletter just made it to "0" characters left!)
I should have added that Islamophobia is also on the rise. Added it to the web version.
Thank you, Jessica, for your kind, calm, and helpful newsletter. You are our cheerleader. I am very grateful for your hard work to help us retain our democracy by kindness (Happy World Kindness Day!), love and ACTION!!!
And thank you, Jayne, for being a member of our team. We need you!
Steven Miller whose grandparents escaped from the Nazis and immigrated to America, now serving as Trump's Himmler, needs to read this message: First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. — Martin Niemöller
Yeah he's a disgrace.
Jess, is there anything we as a group can do to get Chuck Schumer to change the Senate rule that Tuberville is using to sabotage our military? Also, late last week, Dick Durbin pulled the vote to authorize issuing subpoenas to Crow and Leo after hundreds of thousand of dollars were dispersed by Crow to GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We've written to their offices multiple times, but are wondering if there's something else that we're missing that could have a positive effect?
Thank you for being amazing. Truly.
I've had calls to Schumer in here a few times now, and countless calls to Senators asking them to push him to bring the rules change to a vote. I'm hoping that slow pressure will work...eventually? The frustration is real--I share it. I saw that Joyce Vance also called for people to call Tommy Tuberville's office directly, and while I rarely support calling Senators who don't represent us in this case I may make an exception and add it as an Extra Credit item this week. It's a deplorable situation.
As for the Judiciary Committee--I have to look into what happened there and formulate an aciton. Stay tuned. I know SCOTUS just announced today that they have crafted a code of ethics for themselves so maybe Durbin knew this and agreed to withdraw the subpoena request in exchange? But even if so--and that's a big if--that's still unacceptable. There's a big SCOTUS meeting this week--I'm putting the signup link in the newsletter tomorrow but here it is now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TaAMhNhKTve0wqFLIqgPQA#/registration. I will try to ask questions there. Or maybe--hopefully--they'll bring this all up.
Tuberculosisville's voice-mail box was full today, probably in part due to Joyce Vance posting his phone number. (Autofill displayed Tuberculosis, so I thought I'd go with it...)
Remember all this chaos stems from the desperation of the forces for fascism and illiberalism. From Putin to MAGA they are losing and are in the blow it all up phase of their inevitable decline. While scary it should also embolden us. They are more scared and their actions show it.
Yes! This 100 times.
Thank you for your tireless work for all of our benefit!!! You continue to amaze me
That's very kind, Shary. Thank YOU for being here.
I'm disappointed that you have a letter to senators that seem to lean against the support of Israel. If you think this request is valid, why not ask about the validity of sending funds to Ukraine? Israeli soldiers have dropped leaflets warning residents of Gaza to leave, Israeli soldiers have actually called people warning them to evacuate AND providing a safe pathway to evacuate. Why not have the international community call on Hamas to have a ceasefire. Hamas violated the ceasefire in place October 6. Hamas is launching missiles, nonstop, to Israel and has for years. I know that much of this isn't being reported. That's the problem. It's awful to see so many dead and injured in Gaza, but Israel is literally fighting for its life. Israel was always the place Jews could go to for refuge. It's imperative that they win this fight. Imperative. I encourage you to listen to Hillary Clinton on The View: https://youtu.be/czN4E-CTJ_E?si=BiwFT2K1tmlRNXHm Jennifer Rubin also had a good column worth reading today...especially the last graph: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/13/israeli-families-hostages/
Thanks for listening
Absolutely, and thank you for your comment. As you likely know, I have been trying to keep this issue out of the newsletter as it IS divisive and there is so much disagreement and pain--utterly warranted--on both sides. The reason I included this call, which I emphasized that folks could skip if they wanted to, is because there is a question of US funding that I simply can't keep ignoring. The Senatorial letter in question, as I read it, does not *in any way* ask Israel not to defend itself or to deprioritize getting the hostages back. In fact this is in the first two sentences: "Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable" and "[we] support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages." The letter goes on to say that we *should* provide Israel the funding it needs to defend itself. It simply adds that there should be some accountability for how Israel is going to do that. It asks about Israel's end goals and about how they will prevent unacceptable levels of civilian deaths. I feel that this is fair, do you not? I understand that many are angry at the calls for Israel to "cease fire" when there are no similar calls for Hamas to do so--and I get that--but unless I'm mistaken this letter doesn't mention any sort of cessation of hostilities. It simply asks for there to be parameters. This is important for many reasons; the rising death toll in Gaza is not just horrifying and sickening from a human standpoint--as were the killings of 1400 Israelis and the kidnapping of 240 more--but it is endangering our ability to keep a democratic coalition together as we head into 2024. And while this may seem like a shallow concern, it seems of earth shattering importance to me. Should Trump find his way back into office things will escalate to a hellish extent -- the global instability we're seeing now will pale in comparison. But more importantly, what is happening now feels out of control and ineffective. I think asking if Netanyahu has an end-game is fair and even necessary. I think asking him to show restraint towards civilians WHERE POSSIBLE is fair. His having no good answer for either issue is not good for anyone, least of all Israel. Do you not agree?
Jessica, first of all, I really appreciate EVERYTHING you do and that you took the time to give me such a detailed and thoughtful response. I have to say, that even though I'm no fan of Netanyahu, I do think Israel is held to a different standard here. No one knew the end game in WW2 until it was over and of course we gave blood and treasure (thankfully) there. I also don't believe we're demanding the same accountability for money and materials given to the Ukraine war effort. However, I do completely understand your point about the delicate dance that has to be done to keep more progressive voters to back Biden. But from a personal perspective, much of the rising anti-semitism has come from anti-Israel progressives, and as a Jew, it's incredibly unsettling. It's a very difficult time. Thank you again, Jessica for reading my concerns and responding so thoughtfully.
Absolutely, and I am deeply, deeply horrified by the antisemitism I'm seeing on the left as well. In fact I just read Bari Weiss's "How to Fight Antisemitism" at the recommendation of a Jewish friend, and will be attending a Zoom discussion of it tonight. The friend who recommended it told me Weiss is "controversial"--and I can see why-- but that the book has lots of good and useful information. I found that to be the case; I also found it to be a deeply sobering read. I can only imagine the deep terror the Jewish community is living in right now. I can also only imagine the horror of living in Gaza as a non-combatant. It's all sickening, scary, and deeply saddening. Anyway, I have been immersing myself in a deep dive of all things Israel and Gaza for the past six weeks, and I do think in general the Israeli government is being held to a harsher standard than Hamas. It does seem unfair. AND, if we are to keep the world community behind them they are going to have to, I think, accept that reality. I think Israel would be greatly helped by Netanyahu's stepping down--there's just no trust in him anywhere, that I can see. Anyway, I want you and my other Jewish readers to know that I didn't make that call lightly and that I do understand and believe that Israel has every right to defend itself. Hamas is a horrific organization with butchers as leaders and must be treated as such. I also found this morning's Daily podcast (New York Times) to be fascinating. The Hamas leadership apparently wanted a larger conflagration and assumed that their actions would cause one. The fact that they haven't--yet--is very likely a testament to the frantic efforts going on behind the scenes by the Biden admin and others. But the fact that that is their sole aim also tells us how very seriously Israel does need to take them. It's difficult stuff, and I promise I will continue to tread extremely, extremely carefully. I hold absolutely no truck with the progressive/antisemitic gang--I want nothing to do with them.
My sincere thanks Jessica for your willingness to read and learn and mostly to have an open discussion like we’ve had. Seems simple yet it’s rare to get responses like you’ve given me. It gives me hope. Thank you!!!
Of course! II thank you as well. It's wonderful to be able to talk these things through. 'm on my call right now, by the way, listening to a recent Jewish convert who's also a genocide expert. So devastating but also so beautiful and hopeful. The Jewish community is splendid.
Judy and Jessica, This is a model conversation and I am honored to be reading it. You both have spoken so carefully about such a sensitive and complicated matter. Thank you!
Hi! Question: The resistbot action regarding "Fiscal Year [FY] 2024 House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education [Labor-HHS-Education] Appropriations Subcommittee bill eliminates federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], Interconnection, and Ready To Learn." Is that HR.5894? I've been attempting to find it online so that I may track it, but am finding it difficult to pinpoint which bill is in reference. Thanks!
Jessica, I was so annoyed today as I watched a recap of Morning Joe. He had two pundits on who were talking about how Democrats were sleepwalking and need to wake up and get more active if we want to win in 2024. I found the video on their TwitX account and posted this:
Sleepwalking Dems? Who do you think won all the elections in '23?
Maybe check out all the grassroots groups that wrote cards, sent texts, knocked on doors, cured ballots. That's a story no one is covering. Start with Jess Craven's full newsletter. TY!
(This comment + the link to your newsletter just made it to "0" characters left!)
https://open.substack.com/pub/chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions/p/chop-wood-carry-water-1113?r=eznl2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&comments=true