Hi Jessica - because of you I call my Republican “representative “ very often. Thank you! I just found out he will be at a dinner I’m attending Saturday to honor my friend who started a school for Spectrum children 47 years ago. I want to say something to him. But I don’t know how to be civil. Sigh.
How about “I’m very grateful that I can call your office on a daily basis to tell you my thoughts and how I would like you to vote on current legislation. I am hoping you are grateful for my input and take the time to actually consider what I have told you when it comes to your voting on these issues. And I would like you to know the way I vote at election time is precisely related to how you vote on these various issues. Thank you listening to me tonight
I think our representatives are used to having to face angry and rude people alot these days. Susan would be making a point that she is politically active and follows his votes, and with her nice attitude might just be able to have a conversation with him, instead of him wanting to flee the place. And instead of challenging him she could ask him why he feels or believes the way he does on an issue that he mentions, not something many of them get asked these days. They all have to usually brace for confrontation when in public. So if she can get him to relax a bit and have a conversation, she just might be able to suggest he look at the issue from another standpoint, and he might actually be willing to consider it. Our representatives are, after all, human beings just like us, and deserve to be treated with kindness. (MTG and a few others aside) I know for myself, if someone challenges me or threatens me, the last thing I want to do is to be nice and to listen to them and consider what they are saying. Its the ol’ catch more flies with honey method. Plus you are feeding their ego when you ask for their thoughts. And he might be willing to talk with her at a later date because she was so nice to chat with.
Wonderfully said. And I agree wholeheartedly with your approach. I talk a good game, but in the end I doubt I'd be super confrontational in person anyway. It's not really my style. (;
Dear Jessica, I can tell from your comments you learn as much from this adventure as you teach us. You are a great motivator and facilitator AND teacher. Thanks so very much. www.dykers.com
Thank you for your column, organization skills and your abundance of energy to do all you do for democracy. You are one of the reasons why I believe Trump and his fascist followers will fail eventually.
Old Farts talked today about how Republican Congresspersons fear for the lives of themselves and their families. They are "on the list" ever since those 10 Republican Senators failed to vote to convict on Trump's second impeachment for Jan 6th. Every step he violates a norm and gets away with it makes him more dangerous. Let's get him. Love, Doc
Oh good! Those EVP ones are my favorite postcarding campaigns. Short, easy script, data-backed to boost turnout, free cards, and nice heavy cardstock! Ticks all the boxes!
Subscribed today to the Chop Wood World edition to leave a plea to the President of Columbia U to call all the protestors back to campus to participate in the world's largest history class. Start with President Truman recognizing Israel AND Sec. of State George Marshall's objection. Teach forward to the present catastrophe and back to Abraham and Sarah and Hagar and Ishmael and Isaac. Big Times Square type map to follow all the border changes!!!! What an attentive audience these young people would make, and Univ Pres could draw scholars galore. Non stop history and the sloganeers would see how complex, and maybe help find a REAL way out. Use "Every War Is An UnCivil War" as an inexpensive starting textbook. Amazon kindle/paperback.
I recently read "the Israeli-Palestine conflict--what everyone needs to know" by Dov Waxman. Covered all the history. I found it really helpful. I agree, no one should really be weighing in on this until they've taken the time to learn the history. https://www.dovwaxman.org/books/
Jessica, thank you for sharing those amazing comments from your readers. I also feel proud of the readers and am in awe of their powerful actions. Those personal stories are motivating and spur me to do more. They are also a testament to your leadership. Thanks to you, Jessica, and the wonderful community you’ve created. 🙏🏼💗
p.s. I’m logging in to “All Aboard NC – the training series – telling your story and Joe’s”
Personal stories are how humans connect with each other!
We’re away for another week so I’ll miss you all today. I love, love, love the reader shares. It empowers all of us. Together we are building a beautiful, strong pro-democracy movement that money couldn’t buy. So grateful and glad to be part of this 🙏
Hello from beautiful Warren County, Indiana! I read several daily posts and yours is the one I most look forward to. I frequently call or write my senators and representatives, even though I live in a red state. And once in a while, they vote as I have requested. (It never hurts to at least try!) My reason for reaching out today is this... I checked my voter registration to be sure it was up to date (it is) and then checked IN.gov about requirements for voting. Just takes a driver's license. I pulled mine out, and lo and behold, it expires this July! I have plenty of time to get that taken care of, but I'm usually a procrastinator, as I know many people are. So, my request is that you regularly remind your readers to be sure that they indeed are 1) registered, and 2) have the proper documentation required at the poll on November 5. Thanks for all you do! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts.
Hi Jessica--I listen to your substack every day. Thank you for reading it. Your voice is so much easier to listen to than the AI "reader". My ability to actually read is limited, so I really appreciate being able to listen! I am so inspired by the positive news you put out every day. It often restores my courage and determination to keep on with the work. I'm not sure how to reach you with this request, so I'll put it here--I started a grassroots org in 2021 in New Mexico's huge, rural, southern swing district and we helped flip it away from a MAGA extremist in 22, to a progressive Democrat, Gabe Vasquez. Now we're gearing up to help hold the seat. Are you available to join one of our fundraisers as a panelist? We're inviting Simon Rosenberg (he's already hosted 2 fundraisers for us!) and a few other activist celebs like yourself to help us raise $150,000 for a big, multi-channel (postcards, digital ads, billboards, texting) GOTV push in the fall to registered Dems and Dem-leaning Independents who did not vote in the last 2 elections. That's what we did in the midterms and we got almost 7000 of these infrequent voters to the polls! Gabe won by 1,346 votes. Please check us out at bluecd2nm.com. We do our fundraisers on zoom and keep them to about one hour. We'd love to feature your work and your optimism for southern New Mexico voters. Thanks, Rochelle Williams, Founder, Co-Chair, Blue CD2 NM. bluecd2nm@gmail.com
7000 infrequent voters to the polls sounds like the most effective and practical effort I've heard in quite a while. Bravo Rochelle Williams. Love, Doc
Thanks! We make very low-propensity voters our focus because campaigns often don't have the resources to do that. We also registered 5000 new Dems and Dem-leaning Independents in NM-02, in partnership with Field Team 6.
Hi Jessica - because of you I call my Republican “representative “ very often. Thank you! I just found out he will be at a dinner I’m attending Saturday to honor my friend who started a school for Spectrum children 47 years ago. I want to say something to him. But I don’t know how to be civil. Sigh.
How about “I’m very grateful that I can call your office on a daily basis to tell you my thoughts and how I would like you to vote on current legislation. I am hoping you are grateful for my input and take the time to actually consider what I have told you when it comes to your voting on these issues. And I would like you to know the way I vote at election time is precisely related to how you vote on these various issues. Thank you listening to me tonight
You're much nicer than I would be. (:
I think our representatives are used to having to face angry and rude people alot these days. Susan would be making a point that she is politically active and follows his votes, and with her nice attitude might just be able to have a conversation with him, instead of him wanting to flee the place. And instead of challenging him she could ask him why he feels or believes the way he does on an issue that he mentions, not something many of them get asked these days. They all have to usually brace for confrontation when in public. So if she can get him to relax a bit and have a conversation, she just might be able to suggest he look at the issue from another standpoint, and he might actually be willing to consider it. Our representatives are, after all, human beings just like us, and deserve to be treated with kindness. (MTG and a few others aside) I know for myself, if someone challenges me or threatens me, the last thing I want to do is to be nice and to listen to them and consider what they are saying. Its the ol’ catch more flies with honey method. Plus you are feeding their ego when you ask for their thoughts. And he might be willing to talk with her at a later date because she was so nice to chat with.
(One can always dream, can’t they)
Wonderfully said. And I agree wholeheartedly with your approach. I talk a good game, but in the end I doubt I'd be super confrontational in person anyway. It's not really my style. (;
Dear Jessica, I can tell from your comments you learn as much from this adventure as you teach us. You are a great motivator and facilitator AND teacher. Thanks so very much. www.dykers.com
Terrific!!
Which rep is it?
Marcus Molinaro from upstate New York. I live in Woodstock NY
Ah. Well, Again, I think Cathleen's is probably the best comment--especially at a dinner party. LOL.
Also I love Woodstock.
Somehow you’ll find your voice.
Thank you for your column, organization skills and your abundance of energy to do all you do for democracy. You are one of the reasons why I believe Trump and his fascist followers will fail eventually.
Thanks, Patrick. He will. He's already falling...asleep. LOL.
Old Farts talked today about how Republican Congresspersons fear for the lives of themselves and their families. They are "on the list" ever since those 10 Republican Senators failed to vote to convict on Trump's second impeachment for Jan 6th. Every step he violates a norm and gets away with it makes him more dangerous. Let's get him. Love, Doc
Don’t wake the sleeping dragon 🐉
THANK YOU, JESS! for promoting Power in the House with the California Grassroots Alliance. We are so PROUD to host you as a speaker!
I'm so excited for this event!
I just got word my EVP postcards for Nevada primary are in the mail! I am excited to fill those out and mail them in May.
Oh good! Those EVP ones are my favorite postcarding campaigns. Short, easy script, data-backed to boost turnout, free cards, and nice heavy cardstock! Ticks all the boxes!
Subscribed today to the Chop Wood World edition to leave a plea to the President of Columbia U to call all the protestors back to campus to participate in the world's largest history class. Start with President Truman recognizing Israel AND Sec. of State George Marshall's objection. Teach forward to the present catastrophe and back to Abraham and Sarah and Hagar and Ishmael and Isaac. Big Times Square type map to follow all the border changes!!!! What an attentive audience these young people would make, and Univ Pres could draw scholars galore. Non stop history and the sloganeers would see how complex, and maybe help find a REAL way out. Use "Every War Is An UnCivil War" as an inexpensive starting textbook. Amazon kindle/paperback.
I recently read "the Israeli-Palestine conflict--what everyone needs to know" by Dov Waxman. Covered all the history. I found it really helpful. I agree, no one should really be weighing in on this until they've taken the time to learn the history. https://www.dovwaxman.org/books/
I have that book on my “to get “ list. Sounds like a good starting place😊
Jess, LeanLeftVt's action newsletter went out today -- your words, of course, got top billing. Keep
'em coming! https://mailchi.mp/fb15a1040850/lean-left-vermont-actions-everyone-has-to-stand-up-14159089
Aw that's wonderfu! I just subscribed to their newsletter--they had great stuff in there!
Thanks Jess! I don't have any rep to call (DC!!!) but I posted the message and the link on X & FB.
Blessings,
Someday, Terry!
From your "lips" to God's ear!!
Jessica, thank you for sharing those amazing comments from your readers. I also feel proud of the readers and am in awe of their powerful actions. Those personal stories are motivating and spur me to do more. They are also a testament to your leadership. Thanks to you, Jessica, and the wonderful community you’ve created. 🙏🏼💗
p.s. I’m logging in to “All Aboard NC – the training series – telling your story and Joe’s”
Personal stories are how humans connect with each other!
Amazing! Woot!
We’re away for another week so I’ll miss you all today. I love, love, love the reader shares. It empowers all of us. Together we are building a beautiful, strong pro-democracy movement that money couldn’t buy. So grateful and glad to be part of this 🙏
Yes! Have a great trip!
Hello from beautiful Warren County, Indiana! I read several daily posts and yours is the one I most look forward to. I frequently call or write my senators and representatives, even though I live in a red state. And once in a while, they vote as I have requested. (It never hurts to at least try!) My reason for reaching out today is this... I checked my voter registration to be sure it was up to date (it is) and then checked IN.gov about requirements for voting. Just takes a driver's license. I pulled mine out, and lo and behold, it expires this July! I have plenty of time to get that taken care of, but I'm usually a procrastinator, as I know many people are. So, my request is that you regularly remind your readers to be sure that they indeed are 1) registered, and 2) have the proper documentation required at the poll on November 5. Thanks for all you do! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts.
Thank you, Jeannie Byers
🙏
Hi Jessica--I listen to your substack every day. Thank you for reading it. Your voice is so much easier to listen to than the AI "reader". My ability to actually read is limited, so I really appreciate being able to listen! I am so inspired by the positive news you put out every day. It often restores my courage and determination to keep on with the work. I'm not sure how to reach you with this request, so I'll put it here--I started a grassroots org in 2021 in New Mexico's huge, rural, southern swing district and we helped flip it away from a MAGA extremist in 22, to a progressive Democrat, Gabe Vasquez. Now we're gearing up to help hold the seat. Are you available to join one of our fundraisers as a panelist? We're inviting Simon Rosenberg (he's already hosted 2 fundraisers for us!) and a few other activist celebs like yourself to help us raise $150,000 for a big, multi-channel (postcards, digital ads, billboards, texting) GOTV push in the fall to registered Dems and Dem-leaning Independents who did not vote in the last 2 elections. That's what we did in the midterms and we got almost 7000 of these infrequent voters to the polls! Gabe won by 1,346 votes. Please check us out at bluecd2nm.com. We do our fundraisers on zoom and keep them to about one hour. We'd love to feature your work and your optimism for southern New Mexico voters. Thanks, Rochelle Williams, Founder, Co-Chair, Blue CD2 NM. bluecd2nm@gmail.com
So appreciate this and I write you. Of course I'll help!
7000 infrequent voters to the polls sounds like the most effective and practical effort I've heard in quite a while. Bravo Rochelle Williams. Love, Doc
Thanks! We make very low-propensity voters our focus because campaigns often don't have the resources to do that. We also registered 5000 new Dems and Dem-leaning Independents in NM-02, in partnership with Field Team 6.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/390658370297385?mibextid=xCPwDs&fs=e&s=TIeQ9V
In case this hasn’t been viewed, it is the coda to he Jason Sattler article.
I've seen that. Amazing.