We left in 2018 primarily for financial reasons. I was downsized at 54 and was unable to find anything other than short-term contract work. Needed to find someplace cheaper to live (first Guatemala then Mexico in 2021, and returned to the US last July as our financial situation improved). I did think that leaving would lead me to be less upset about 2016 and dump. Problem is, I’m still a US citizen, and watching from abroad isn’t any better. I did vote absentee and volunteered with Democrats Abroad. Living in the 3rd (and 2nd) world has its own myriad difficulties. I also grew up outside the US. It’s not necessarily better “over there.” A place is what we make it.
I think a lot of the people who talk about hating this country also assume that the other developed countries and problem-free utopias, which makes it seem even worse. But as you said, theres a lot of things to love about this country, and while we have a lot to work on, we also have the tools and the drive to do it. Just my two cents 😅
Andra Watkins is a NYT bestselling author, and former CPA, who has read and dissected the nearly 1000 page Project 2025 manifesto.She beaks it down into easily digested and shareable info.
Project 2025: Cancel Student Loan Forgiveness & Erase Nonbinary Students
This is imperative that we support this bill. Medicare advantage is not Medicare.
My spouse selected this plan - because he fell for the deceptive advertising assuming a federally backed plan to be govt backed. Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in our small ruby red state - we have limited options - large teaching hospitals which offer efficacious options no longer accept Advantage plans (ie; Mayo, CedarsSinai). This is an abomination which threatens to bankrupt medicare and many individuals.
Thanks for your voice over! I get so many good things in my inbox that I don’t always get around to reading in a day. Being able to listen to your newsletter is such a bonus. I will always be able to do that.
I always listen to Robert Hubbell, so I am happy you are giving it a test.👍👍 from me! I would definitely listen to it, then go back to the written version for the calls to action.
Thanks also for the link to the Zoom this evening on Dem response to Project 2025.
I got an email for a Brennan Center Live event this afternoon that might be of interest to your readers:
Decoding the Trump Indictments April 9 // 3–4 p.m. ET
I LOVE your audio version of your Chop Wood Carry Water. I appreciate that it is more work to record yourself, after all of the long and hard work putting the column together in the first place. I will continue to read your written words especially because I need the your prompts when contacting Congress and links to groups and events BUT I am so happy that you are trying out a recorded version. I shower every morning to the sage thoughts of Robert Hubbell, but my morning workout is spent listening to the robot (perhaps a friendly robot who tries very hard, but still a non-human) attempt to read your column or Dan Rather’s or Robert Reich’s, but English is such a difficult language that there are always errors. I really hate when “she” reads all of Heather Cox Richardson’s citations. Anyway, sorry for the very long -winded endorsement of your own voice. I vote please continue.
Thank you so much for a beautiful and accurate paragraph about the Medicare Advantage ripoff. When my insurance clerk became Medicare eligible she took advantage. I stayed with straight Medicare.
Picky note; we want to Repeal passage of the Comstock Act. maybe 'overturn' parts of it? ????
Yes I agree. But in the meantime voters in these states experiencing these challenges need to be alerted in as many forums as possible. And to check their registration status.
Hi Jessica-- welcome back! I am so glad you had the good sense to take a break!
I read with interest and alarm Heather Cox Richardson's post for April 3. I feel her raising the alarm of Republicans and their constituents challenging voter registrations and removing them! This truly needs attention. I include a quote from her post:
"Finally, in an illustration of extremists aiming not to moderate their stances but to impose the will of the minority on the majority, Republicans are putting in place rules to make it easier for individuals to challenge voters, removing them from the voter rolls before the 2024 election.
Marc Elias of Democracy Docket noted today that states and local governments have regular programs to keep voter registration accurate, while right-wing activists are operating on a different agenda. In one 70,000-person town in Michigan, a single activist challenged more than a thousand voters, Elias reported, and in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, right-wing activists have already challenged 16,000 voters and intend to challenge another 10,000.
One group boasted that their system “can and will change elections in America forever.”
Perhaps this can be a focus of one or more of your posts.
Yeah, I read that, too. So disturbing. I think out top action is to re-elect Joe Biden and hold the Senate and retake the House, then IMMEDIATELY pass the Freedom to Vote Act.
Love the audio version - I try to channel your attitude and call to action every day - for me voice helps! I am feeling buoyed by the wonderful art of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” on repeat (lots of both tears & dancing). Thank you for all you do!!!
We left in 2018 primarily for financial reasons. I was downsized at 54 and was unable to find anything other than short-term contract work. Needed to find someplace cheaper to live (first Guatemala then Mexico in 2021, and returned to the US last July as our financial situation improved). I did think that leaving would lead me to be less upset about 2016 and dump. Problem is, I’m still a US citizen, and watching from abroad isn’t any better. I did vote absentee and volunteered with Democrats Abroad. Living in the 3rd (and 2nd) world has its own myriad difficulties. I also grew up outside the US. It’s not necessarily better “over there.” A place is what we make it.
Exactly.
I think a lot of the people who talk about hating this country also assume that the other developed countries and problem-free utopias, which makes it seem even worse. But as you said, theres a lot of things to love about this country, and while we have a lot to work on, we also have the tools and the drive to do it. Just my two cents 😅
Love your two cents!
Andra Watkins is a NYT bestselling author, and former CPA, who has read and dissected the nearly 1000 page Project 2025 manifesto.She beaks it down into easily digested and shareable info.
Project 2025: Cancel Student Loan Forgiveness & Erase Nonbinary Students
https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/project-2025-cancel-student-loan
Yes, I subscribe. Great info.
Welcome back, Jess - I like the letter to the editor tool. It works really well!!!
Good, right?
HR 732 - Save Medicare Act
This is imperative that we support this bill. Medicare advantage is not Medicare.
My spouse selected this plan - because he fell for the deceptive advertising assuming a federally backed plan to be govt backed. Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in our small ruby red state - we have limited options - large teaching hospitals which offer efficacious options no longer accept Advantage plans (ie; Mayo, CedarsSinai). This is an abomination which threatens to bankrupt medicare and many individuals.
Life wants to live - what is it worth to you?
Thank you for your wide reaching activism!!
Thanks for your voice over! I get so many good things in my inbox that I don’t always get around to reading in a day. Being able to listen to your newsletter is such a bonus. I will always be able to do that.
Oh fantastic! This makes me so happy! I genuinely didn't know if anyone would be interested.
I always listen to Robert Hubbell, so I am happy you are giving it a test.👍👍 from me! I would definitely listen to it, then go back to the written version for the calls to action.
Thanks also for the link to the Zoom this evening on Dem response to Project 2025.
I got an email for a Brennan Center Live event this afternoon that might be of interest to your readers:
Decoding the Trump Indictments April 9 // 3–4 p.m. ET
https://brennan.swoogo.com/trumpindictmentsvirtual/begin?
I'm pretty sure, they will send out a link to the recording to all registrants - they have for past events.
Excellent! I will promote!
Thanks!
You did a great job recording!!! But I can’t believe you have the time to do it. You do so much and I’m grateful for your guidance.
It's pretty easy, actually. I just needed a prod, and Substack gave me one. (:
Dear Jess,
I LOVE your audio version of your Chop Wood Carry Water. I appreciate that it is more work to record yourself, after all of the long and hard work putting the column together in the first place. I will continue to read your written words especially because I need the your prompts when contacting Congress and links to groups and events BUT I am so happy that you are trying out a recorded version. I shower every morning to the sage thoughts of Robert Hubbell, but my morning workout is spent listening to the robot (perhaps a friendly robot who tries very hard, but still a non-human) attempt to read your column or Dan Rather’s or Robert Reich’s, but English is such a difficult language that there are always errors. I really hate when “she” reads all of Heather Cox Richardson’s citations. Anyway, sorry for the very long -winded endorsement of your own voice. I vote please continue.
Oh I definitely will! Thank you thank you!
Thank you so much for a beautiful and accurate paragraph about the Medicare Advantage ripoff. When my insurance clerk became Medicare eligible she took advantage. I stayed with straight Medicare.
Picky note; we want to Repeal passage of the Comstock Act. maybe 'overturn' parts of it? ????
Yes you are correct. My bad!
Yes I agree. But in the meantime voters in these states experiencing these challenges need to be alerted in as many forums as possible. And to check their registration status.
Hi Jessica-- welcome back! I am so glad you had the good sense to take a break!
I read with interest and alarm Heather Cox Richardson's post for April 3. I feel her raising the alarm of Republicans and their constituents challenging voter registrations and removing them! This truly needs attention. I include a quote from her post:
"Finally, in an illustration of extremists aiming not to moderate their stances but to impose the will of the minority on the majority, Republicans are putting in place rules to make it easier for individuals to challenge voters, removing them from the voter rolls before the 2024 election.
Marc Elias of Democracy Docket noted today that states and local governments have regular programs to keep voter registration accurate, while right-wing activists are operating on a different agenda. In one 70,000-person town in Michigan, a single activist challenged more than a thousand voters, Elias reported, and in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, right-wing activists have already challenged 16,000 voters and intend to challenge another 10,000.
One group boasted that their system “can and will change elections in America forever.”
Perhaps this can be a focus of one or more of your posts.
Sincerely, Janice Wright
Yeah, I read that, too. So disturbing. I think out top action is to re-elect Joe Biden and hold the Senate and retake the House, then IMMEDIATELY pass the Freedom to Vote Act.
Love the audio version - I try to channel your attitude and call to action every day - for me voice helps! I am feeling buoyed by the wonderful art of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” on repeat (lots of both tears & dancing). Thank you for all you do!!!
Oh yay! I had no idea anyone would actually listen! I'll do it daily, as much as possible!
What a delight to hear your voice today, so appreciated. Thank you thank you thank you
Thanks, Janie! Really pleasantly surprised that folks are listening! I'll keep it up!
Love, love, love the audio. Keep it coming, please!
I will! I'm so excited folks listened!
Love, love, love the audio. Keep it coming, please!