Wow, that Rachel Bitecofer Pivot-and-Attack method is...harsh! I am so glad I have no one in my family or friends or associates to use it on. But I can see its utility. Maybe follow up with, "I'm just so pleased that since 1989 48 million of the 50 million jobs created have been under Democratic administrations. That's 96%, which I feel good about."
In the meantime, thanks for the OPM and Schedule F action, Jess! My comment was based on yours:
As a Stanford student I lived in Germany in the 1980s and learned the history of that country, including how authoritarianism took hold in the 1930s. In the USA I see a similar danger now, with Schedule F being Trump's method of enforcing loyalty to him as a Unitary Executive. This politicization of our civil service system is harmful to democracy.
Thankfully the rule you're proposing -- protecting nonpartisan civil servants -- is good. Anyone who disagrees with this wants authoritarianism, not democracy. We already know Donald Trump is planning on using political appointees, lawyers in government, and career civil servants to attain his authoritarian ends. This rule is the way to prevent it. Please, for the sake of our freedoms, enact it. Thank you.
Great list of actions today. I just submitted a comment on the OPM rule, gave to MVP and signed the Resistbot letter. All while eating lunch!
And yes we are all scared but our movement also has hope and humor, and we care for each other. They have only fear which is motivating short term but not sustainable long term. They are humorless and at each other’s throats. I would much rather be us than them.
Dear Jessica, I deeply appreciate that you mentioned Ezra Klein’s interview with Rabbi Sharon Brous. I found it very heartfelt and important. I think one of the most important things about it was Klein’s introduction, in which he outlines the three generational differences in Americans’ understanding of Israel as a nation. The arc of history is so important to understand. Listening is indeed a revolutionary act.
Nov 17, 2023·edited Nov 17, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
Jessica, have you read Karen Walrond's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto"? It's a fantastic resource for the very act you describe in pulling away from depletion and despair for a moment to refill and reset in regards to activism. I feel like everyone who is fighting the good fight right now needs to tap into it. She was on a two-part episode via Brene Brown and I walked away from it with a gazillion notes. Highly recommend. Just like I highly recommend you! :)
Great minds think alike Anna B. I just posted a comment below before reading yours that I'm re-reading the Light Makers Manifesto!! It was life-changing for me!
Thanks so much for the link to the OPM proposed rule. Schedule F is a horrible idea for a number of reasons. Fed employees already make less than their private sector counterparts. Schedule F would make it impossible to recruit and retain quality employees! Just so people know, it looks like today is the last day for comments!!!
For a broad context of the harshly complex Israeli/Palestine war, try "Every War Is An UnCivil War" a small volume with large print and condensed history on Amazon Kindle or paperback. It also contains email from Bethlehem and outlines a practical way "out" and into a realistic two states.
Just added my comment in support of the OPM rule! Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Jessica, and thank you very much for helping us all to stay hopeful in these difficult times!
Jessica, thank you for the work you do. It is greatly appreciated! Just a cautionary note to those who think leaving the US is an answer to anything. In the words of Buckaroo Banzai, “Wherever you go, there you are”. I moved from Seattle to UK/Wales 12 years ago, not for political reasons, it was before Drumph was President. When he came into office I told people I was Canadian. I have watched from afar the disintegration of the American political system. So disheartening and now, so alarming. But in reality, being away from the fray does not improve ones mental health. The US is still the country of my birth and it is teetering in the autocratic balance. The thing is, although we maintain a bolt hole in Seattle when we go back there is never time to get involved in any political activity. And in my rural Welsh town there is no one I can talk to about these issues. So, wherever you end up, evil is still happening somewhere. I do what I can online and vote....and enjoy my life. If I stayed in the US I could do more, especially before the next election. I might come back for a few months at the end... it is pretty dire straights.
Thanks for this comment, Robin. And I agree, moving won't help a great deal--especially because if American democracy goes down the entire world will be affected in a dire way.
Ciao Jessica! Awesome TikTok brava! I just wanted to share that I'm re-reading Karen Walrond's "The Light Maker's Manifesto" and can't recommend it enough as an antidote to the despair we can fall into. Her wisdom reminds us that we're not alone in our experiences and gives us concrete steps to fuel the joy in our activism. Thank you for all that you do!!!
Thank you Jessica, your introductions have been so inspiring for keeping up the hope and the fight, particularly this week and when it's easier to just despair. Submitted my comment on Schedule F and donated to MVP, they seem to have an incredible mission/strategy!
Another useful, easily accessed and straight-on column. Jessica, I love the way you think. I just wrote to the Office of Personnel about Schedule F. My parents were both civil service and very proud of it (in a highly politicized city ilke 1960s Chicago. Thanks for the opportunity to use our story to do good!
I have to share this song "Hope" with you that was just shared with me. The last line is so perfect for this community "...see I said hope, the work begins...." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqllts-obrA Thank you for your beautiful spunky and loving spirit that brings out the best in us. Sometimes it brings me to tears.
Wow, that Rachel Bitecofer Pivot-and-Attack method is...harsh! I am so glad I have no one in my family or friends or associates to use it on. But I can see its utility. Maybe follow up with, "I'm just so pleased that since 1989 48 million of the 50 million jobs created have been under Democratic administrations. That's 96%, which I feel good about."
In the meantime, thanks for the OPM and Schedule F action, Jess! My comment was based on yours:
As a Stanford student I lived in Germany in the 1980s and learned the history of that country, including how authoritarianism took hold in the 1930s. In the USA I see a similar danger now, with Schedule F being Trump's method of enforcing loyalty to him as a Unitary Executive. This politicization of our civil service system is harmful to democracy.
Thankfully the rule you're proposing -- protecting nonpartisan civil servants -- is good. Anyone who disagrees with this wants authoritarianism, not democracy. We already know Donald Trump is planning on using political appointees, lawyers in government, and career civil servants to attain his authoritarian ends. This rule is the way to prevent it. Please, for the sake of our freedoms, enact it. Thank you.
So good! And thank you!
Great list of actions today. I just submitted a comment on the OPM rule, gave to MVP and signed the Resistbot letter. All while eating lunch!
And yes we are all scared but our movement also has hope and humor, and we care for each other. They have only fear which is motivating short term but not sustainable long term. They are humorless and at each other’s throats. I would much rather be us than them.
100% agree. Thanks for that.
Dear Jessica, I deeply appreciate that you mentioned Ezra Klein’s interview with Rabbi Sharon Brous. I found it very heartfelt and important. I think one of the most important things about it was Klein’s introduction, in which he outlines the three generational differences in Americans’ understanding of Israel as a nation. The arc of history is so important to understand. Listening is indeed a revolutionary act.
I agree--I found that part very clarifying myself. And she's so inspiring. I may have to subscribe to her on YouTube.
Jessica, have you read Karen Walrond's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto"? It's a fantastic resource for the very act you describe in pulling away from depletion and despair for a moment to refill and reset in regards to activism. I feel like everyone who is fighting the good fight right now needs to tap into it. She was on a two-part episode via Brene Brown and I walked away from it with a gazillion notes. Highly recommend. Just like I highly recommend you! :)
Oooh I will ask for it for Xmas! Thank you!
Great minds think alike Anna B. I just posted a comment below before reading yours that I'm re-reading the Light Makers Manifesto!! It was life-changing for me!
Great video now if those people that need to see, hear this only would.
Well, if we share it they might!
Thanks so much for the link to the OPM proposed rule. Schedule F is a horrible idea for a number of reasons. Fed employees already make less than their private sector counterparts. Schedule F would make it impossible to recruit and retain quality employees! Just so people know, it looks like today is the last day for comments!!!
Yes it is! Thank you!
For a broad context of the harshly complex Israeli/Palestine war, try "Every War Is An UnCivil War" a small volume with large print and condensed history on Amazon Kindle or paperback. It also contains email from Bethlehem and outlines a practical way "out" and into a realistic two states.
Excellent thank you!
Just added my comment in support of the OPM rule! Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Jessica, and thank you very much for helping us all to stay hopeful in these difficult times!
Amazing, thank you so much, Chris!
You're very welcome and thank you so much, Jessica!
Practice pivot and attack. Busy holiday. Thanks Jessica.
I like it! I would definitely try it.
Jessica, thank you for the work you do. It is greatly appreciated! Just a cautionary note to those who think leaving the US is an answer to anything. In the words of Buckaroo Banzai, “Wherever you go, there you are”. I moved from Seattle to UK/Wales 12 years ago, not for political reasons, it was before Drumph was President. When he came into office I told people I was Canadian. I have watched from afar the disintegration of the American political system. So disheartening and now, so alarming. But in reality, being away from the fray does not improve ones mental health. The US is still the country of my birth and it is teetering in the autocratic balance. The thing is, although we maintain a bolt hole in Seattle when we go back there is never time to get involved in any political activity. And in my rural Welsh town there is no one I can talk to about these issues. So, wherever you end up, evil is still happening somewhere. I do what I can online and vote....and enjoy my life. If I stayed in the US I could do more, especially before the next election. I might come back for a few months at the end... it is pretty dire straights.
Thanks for this comment, Robin. And I agree, moving won't help a great deal--especially because if American democracy goes down the entire world will be affected in a dire way.
Sorry, I tapped on the link to make the comment but I didn’t see where to comment. Just saw this long long long long summary. My bad I’m sure.
Ciao Jessica! Awesome TikTok brava! I just wanted to share that I'm re-reading Karen Walrond's "The Light Maker's Manifesto" and can't recommend it enough as an antidote to the despair we can fall into. Her wisdom reminds us that we're not alone in our experiences and gives us concrete steps to fuel the joy in our activism. Thank you for all that you do!!!
Haha seems to be in the air today.
Thank you Jessica, your introductions have been so inspiring for keeping up the hope and the fight, particularly this week and when it's easier to just despair. Submitted my comment on Schedule F and donated to MVP, they seem to have an incredible mission/strategy!
I’m so glad and grateful thank you!
Another useful, easily accessed and straight-on column. Jessica, I love the way you think. I just wrote to the Office of Personnel about Schedule F. My parents were both civil service and very proud of it (in a highly politicized city ilke 1960s Chicago. Thanks for the opportunity to use our story to do good!
Thank you so much, Mariann.
Dear Jess,
I have to share this song "Hope" with you that was just shared with me. The last line is so perfect for this community "...see I said hope, the work begins...." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqllts-obrA Thank you for your beautiful spunky and loving spirit that brings out the best in us. Sometimes it brings me to tears.
Thank you, Kate. It is all of YOU who give me hope.
Thanks for the quick link to commenting on OPM rules to reduce politicization of career federal workers. I posted my comments.
Great! Thanks so much!