Hi, all, and happy Friday. I have opened many newsletters with the words “what a week,” but this week may take the proverbial cake. The irony that it’s occurring during what is supposed to be my Spring break is not lost on me. But what’s happening is, I believe, too important to sit out. We are witnessing a true crisis of our democracy. Like all crises, it is deeply painful and profoundly distressing to watch. It will likely grow more so.
I tried calling Dick Durbin's numbers listed, but seems the only option for opinions is his website and to send an email. All 3 numbers don't seem to want comments/opinions left. Thanks for all you do!!!
Thank you for your amazing work...you are such an inspiration.
One more item to add: Red states are adding as many voter ID requirements as they can stuff into each legislative session. Ohio desperately needs help. David Pepper is resisting the red tidal wave every day. He's working with VoteRiders.Org to help Ohioans obtain the required IDs.
Please help if you can, via donations or text/calls. The GOP has provided almost no guidance, and removing friction from voting is the start to rebuilding democracy in Ohio.
Just signed up. From the Cleveland area. Not too bad around here, but if WE don't stay on top of things, we'll be Tennessee in no time. Thanks for the link.
Funny--I'm on Vote Rider's email list and have received nothing about this. Would def include it as an action if I had. Let me dig around and see if I can find it myself.
David Pepper's latest newsletter included an entire section on his partnership with VoteRiders to provided targeted help to Ohioans, who have been massively disenfranchised by the Ohio GOP voter ID laws.
Hi Jessica - your posts are so inspiring and I love the action items you suggest we take. I have shared them with our group - Grassroots of Democracy, a small but nationwide group working on the same issues you are.
QUESTION: May I post your action items on our website? Taking action is what many of our members say makes them feel empowered. I will, of course, credit your substack site. https://www.grassrootsofdemocracy.com/what-you-can-do
My husband and I have always planned on retiring to Canada, by the way. Hope some day it's calm enough here that that becomes possible--although retirement is nowhere in the immediate plans, of course. We spend a part of each summer in Nova Scotia.
I often visit New England to visit my partner's family. It's a beautiful place, but I couldn't imagine living there. Nova Scotia is absolutely gorgeous! My father and his wife live in the countryside out there, and they spend a lot of their time just visiting the seaside beaches and cliffs.
Hi Jessica
I tried calling Dick Durbin's numbers listed, but seems the only option for opinions is his website and to send an email. All 3 numbers don't seem to want comments/opinions left. Thanks for all you do!!!
I think he's been deluged. I did a Tiktok, too, so...🤷🏽♀️ I think we blew his circuits.
Thank you for your amazing work...you are such an inspiration.
One more item to add: Red states are adding as many voter ID requirements as they can stuff into each legislative session. Ohio desperately needs help. David Pepper is resisting the red tidal wave every day. He's working with VoteRiders.Org to help Ohioans obtain the required IDs.
Please help if you can, via donations or text/calls. The GOP has provided almost no guidance, and removing friction from voting is the start to rebuilding democracy in Ohio.
www.voteriders.org
Just signed up. From the Cleveland area. Not too bad around here, but if WE don't stay on top of things, we'll be Tennessee in no time. Thanks for the link.
That's fantastic, and I completely agree!
Funny--I'm on Vote Rider's email list and have received nothing about this. Would def include it as an action if I had. Let me dig around and see if I can find it myself.
David Pepper's latest newsletter included an entire section on his partnership with VoteRiders to provided targeted help to Ohioans, who have been massively disenfranchised by the Ohio GOP voter ID laws.
Dashed off three messages regarding this mess with Thomas to my senators and rep. Thanks for making that easy.
Amazing thanks!
You can contact Senator Durbin through his website online. They
have a contact form to fill out,
with an area for you to type in your concern. An alternate method. This is Good Friday and
Easter weekend, so DC is most likely clearing out
Do you need an Illinois address to do so?
You’re an inspiration Jess!
Thanks, Kate!
We need a General Strike for gun control! Ban assault rifles, demand gun regulations etc!
I think we are getting close, TBH
Hi Jessica - your posts are so inspiring and I love the action items you suggest we take. I have shared them with our group - Grassroots of Democracy, a small but nationwide group working on the same issues you are.
QUESTION: May I post your action items on our website? Taking action is what many of our members say makes them feel empowered. I will, of course, credit your substack site. https://www.grassrootsofdemocracy.com/what-you-can-do
Can you please let me know?
Thanks,
Terri
grassrootsofdemocracy@gmail.com
Always! Thank you for asking but amplifying these actions is the best form of payment I know! (:
Hi Jessica
May you have a relaxing and restful Easter weekend. I wish I had half your energy!!
Thanks, Daniel! Back at you!
I'm Canadian, but I often travel through the States and write about its political situation...somehow, I still managed to be startled by this one!
Anyone keeping an eye on Justice Thomas' career and personal scandals probably suspected corruption, and a lot of it.
And yet, somehow, I hadn't expected it to be so blatant and in-your-face!
It's horrifying.
My husband and I have always planned on retiring to Canada, by the way. Hope some day it's calm enough here that that becomes possible--although retirement is nowhere in the immediate plans, of course. We spend a part of each summer in Nova Scotia.
I often visit New England to visit my partner's family. It's a beautiful place, but I couldn't imagine living there. Nova Scotia is absolutely gorgeous! My father and his wife live in the countryside out there, and they spend a lot of their time just visiting the seaside beaches and cliffs.