Great message, Jess, and I especially love this: "This country is a huge mess, but any mess can be cleaned up, one piece of trash at a time, with sufficient patience, enough helping hands, and a vision for what a completed job should look like." Yes, "one piece of trash at a time."
Thanks for highlighting Jeff Jackson. He's someone to keep an eye on, and he's a very good writer.
I resemble that remark, so please don't hold it against him!
I posted the following comment on his piece earlier: "Jeff, I hope you have both the aspiration and the stomach for a bigger role in our government. You are someone who can and does make a big difference in the current morass. Lead on!"
I'm proud to say that he represents me in Congress currently. Now that the GOP gerrymandered him out of his seat, he'll make a wonderful AG for our state!
I wanted to share helpful advice from Anat Shenker Osario (ASO Communiciations) on progressive messaging about this weekend's Trump rally violence:
Guidelines
● Make clear we face a choice between two competing futures. One where our leaders implement real solutions or one where we allow MAGA Republicans to control us, including unleashing more violence in our communities.
● Avoid feeding “both sides” sentiments. Statements about how we must all remember to act peacefully, or recommit to the democratic process, or pledge to condemn hateful rhetoric, make it seem that political and other violence are of origins unknown. Despite their excellent intentions, these statements imply that Democrats have been guilty of stoking violence to date and must correct their ways.
● Seize the moral high ground. Present popular solutions to violence and demand unity not as rhetoric but as concrete action. In this case, that means passing an assault weapons ban. In contrast, saying “we must all join together” without action attached can imply a commitment to temper our truth telling about the authoritarian threat before us.
● Avoid making exceptional this instance of violence. While the political nature of the event makes it unique, attempted mass shootings are tragically common here. What occurred at the rally should always be framed within the broader context that we have a massive problem in our country: ready access to deadly weapons. Otherwise, we feed the right-wing narrative that Trump is uniquely targeted and is a political hero, near martyr.
● Do not volunteer the label “attempted assassination.” Doing so fuels the idea of Trump as unique victim, would-be martyr, and strongman hero for evading this plot on his life. Further, it eclipses from view the others killed and critically wounded. Refer to it as “mass shooting at Trump rally” or “Trump rally violence.”
● Do not amplify right-wing hatred. Cataloging examples of MAGA Republicans’ violent rhetoric spreads their statements. While it is understandably satisfying to point out their hypocrisy, such arguments have always fallen flat with voters. They rely on people caring about process - politicians being consistent in their actions and speech, which voters already assume never happens. Instead, it’s far better to present outcomes based arguments - making clear how current events and desired solutions will impact real people’s lives.
● Take care not to feed hunger for a “strongman.” While it is critical to name the need to address the violence in our country, focusing too much on “danger,” especially without indicating we have solutions for it, risks tacitly feeding desire for an authoritarian “strongman.” When people are operating from fear, they are more susceptible to promises that someone can come and provide “law and order.”
Recommended Messaging
No matter our background, zip code or political party, most of us believe that violence has no place in our political process and weapons of war have no place in our communities. We all deserve to live our lives, move through our communities, and engage in our political process peacefully – no matter whether we are running for office or running through a school hallway.
Voters in this election have a chance to reject a MAGA movement that feeds, grows off and promises more violence, and choose instead a country where no one fears for our lives or our loved ones. A country where we ban weapons of war so they’re not used against elementary schoolers or politicians, movie goers or concert attendees. A place where the people who represent us respect our freedoms - to live without fear of gun violence, to cast our votes and have them counted, and to decide for ourselves what our futures will hold.
Good points. The only reason more people were not killed by the assault weapon shooter at the Trump rally, is that Secret Service counter-snipers already had weapons trained on him when he started shooting. He fired 8 bullets in the 3 seconds it took for the snipers to shoot him. One man dead, two seriously injured - 3 more reasons for an assault weapons ban.
Ahhhh! I had no idea Jeff Jackson had a newsletter! I've followed him religiously on TikTok -- he's living proof that there's hope for this country, we just need several hundred more legislators like him. Anyway thanks for sharing that link!
He is absolutely incredible. His newsletter generally uses the same script as his videos so you may not need both, but I'm a reader more than a viewer so I prefer the Substack.
Thank you, Jess. I knew I'd find more hope and determination after hearing what you had to say.
Also just read this from Timothy Snyder: "American fascism is far from inevitable. It too is largely bluff, most of it digital. The internet is much more fascist than real life, which is discouraging. But we vote in the real world. The crucial thing is the individual decision to act, along with others, for four months, a little something each day, regardless of the atmospherics and the polls and the media and the moods."
Note to self: When you get absolutely crushing news like the Mar-A-Lago decision and start to feel despondent and hopeless, do two things. (1) Take a walk near the Hudson River and (2) wait to hear from Jess. Three lines into her email you know you will feel strong and empowered.
Need help. Lean Left Vermont is participating in an effort to get information out about Project 2025. We are working with a group in New Hampshire who wants to do yard signs. We are working on the messaging, but realize that if people just Google "Project 2025," they are going to get the Heritage Foundation. We are going include a QR code that might help BUT I can't find any legit website that we can direct people to. Anyone have some suggestions!
Hey all you postcarders out there! Blue Wave Postcard Movement has announced a new campaign in Michigan. It's about getting Michiganders to sign up for permanent Absentee Ballot access. Postcards will start shipping next Monday and they request that they be mailed out within 2 weeks of receipt. The email I got also mentions teh Blue Wave stamp fund.
Jess, thank you for your daily dose of keeping on. Both your suggestions and your persistence help me, and many others, to keep doing our bits of the work.
I made the calls, for the first time ever, to my senators and representative. I am NOT a phone person. I hate it. So I've resisted, I've told myself that it's in part because I'm in MN and my senators and rep tends to already be voting the way I wish. But I know I can't get complacent. It's just... Gah! Extreme introvert. Having said that, of the three Senator Tina Smith has the least anxiety-inducing voicemail system. Even during hours, they give you the option to choose to leave a comment instead of talking to staff. Sen. Klobuchar's just says "leave your name and number and someone will call you back" which stoked my anxiety, tbh. It made me feel like I wasn't supposed to leave this kind of comment.
Anyway, thanks for all the motivation. This newsletter is truly a balm!
I’m so proud of you, Teresa! And just know it’s always ok to call after hours and that way you never have to speak to someone. It’s always just as effective to leave a voicemail as to talk to a staffer. Just make sure to leave your full name and zip code so they know you’re a constituent. Well done!
Great message, Jess, and I especially love this: "This country is a huge mess, but any mess can be cleaned up, one piece of trash at a time, with sufficient patience, enough helping hands, and a vision for what a completed job should look like." Yes, "one piece of trash at a time."
Thanks for highlighting Jeff Jackson. He's someone to keep an eye on, and he's a very good writer.
I absolutely LOVE him. Now THAT is a future Presidential candidate. Yes, white and male, but so much integrity. It counts for a lot.
I resemble that remark, so please don't hold it against him!
I posted the following comment on his piece earlier: "Jeff, I hope you have both the aspiration and the stomach for a bigger role in our government. You are someone who can and does make a big difference in the current morass. Lead on!"
You're funny! White and male 'BUT' so much integrity!!
I didn't know Jeff Jackson, so Now I'll pay attention. Thanks!
He’s wonderful.
I'm proud to say that he represents me in Congress currently. Now that the GOP gerrymandered him out of his seat, he'll make a wonderful AG for our state!
He’s going to be great!
Anger is the biggest motivator.
We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it!!!!
Angry at SCOTUS for so many things.
Angry at Judge Cannon.
Angry at do nothing Congress.
Angry at religion in public life.
Angry at project 2025.
The GOP has plans for us. We’re not going to let other people run our lives!!
Yes. Agree 100%.
You're a freaking beacon, sister. Onward!
Haha thanks.
MAGA's abandonment of NATO and its appeasement of Putin dramatically raise stakes for Europe's future.
Please remember the THOUSANDS of US citizens who live, serve or study there. Federal law protects their voting rights when they are away.
All many of them need to vote is a little reminder from a friend. It could be you...
https://www.mobilize.us/buildbridges4am/event/643789/
Yes! Vote Forward has a campaign doing just that! They need more writers!
I wanted to share helpful advice from Anat Shenker Osario (ASO Communiciations) on progressive messaging about this weekend's Trump rally violence:
Guidelines
● Make clear we face a choice between two competing futures. One where our leaders implement real solutions or one where we allow MAGA Republicans to control us, including unleashing more violence in our communities.
● Avoid feeding “both sides” sentiments. Statements about how we must all remember to act peacefully, or recommit to the democratic process, or pledge to condemn hateful rhetoric, make it seem that political and other violence are of origins unknown. Despite their excellent intentions, these statements imply that Democrats have been guilty of stoking violence to date and must correct their ways.
● Seize the moral high ground. Present popular solutions to violence and demand unity not as rhetoric but as concrete action. In this case, that means passing an assault weapons ban. In contrast, saying “we must all join together” without action attached can imply a commitment to temper our truth telling about the authoritarian threat before us.
● Avoid making exceptional this instance of violence. While the political nature of the event makes it unique, attempted mass shootings are tragically common here. What occurred at the rally should always be framed within the broader context that we have a massive problem in our country: ready access to deadly weapons. Otherwise, we feed the right-wing narrative that Trump is uniquely targeted and is a political hero, near martyr.
● Do not volunteer the label “attempted assassination.” Doing so fuels the idea of Trump as unique victim, would-be martyr, and strongman hero for evading this plot on his life. Further, it eclipses from view the others killed and critically wounded. Refer to it as “mass shooting at Trump rally” or “Trump rally violence.”
● Do not amplify right-wing hatred. Cataloging examples of MAGA Republicans’ violent rhetoric spreads their statements. While it is understandably satisfying to point out their hypocrisy, such arguments have always fallen flat with voters. They rely on people caring about process - politicians being consistent in their actions and speech, which voters already assume never happens. Instead, it’s far better to present outcomes based arguments - making clear how current events and desired solutions will impact real people’s lives.
● Take care not to feed hunger for a “strongman.” While it is critical to name the need to address the violence in our country, focusing too much on “danger,” especially without indicating we have solutions for it, risks tacitly feeding desire for an authoritarian “strongman.” When people are operating from fear, they are more susceptible to promises that someone can come and provide “law and order.”
Recommended Messaging
No matter our background, zip code or political party, most of us believe that violence has no place in our political process and weapons of war have no place in our communities. We all deserve to live our lives, move through our communities, and engage in our political process peacefully – no matter whether we are running for office or running through a school hallway.
Voters in this election have a chance to reject a MAGA movement that feeds, grows off and promises more violence, and choose instead a country where no one fears for our lives or our loved ones. A country where we ban weapons of war so they’re not used against elementary schoolers or politicians, movie goers or concert attendees. A place where the people who represent us respect our freedoms - to live without fear of gun violence, to cast our votes and have them counted, and to decide for ourselves what our futures will hold.
Good points. The only reason more people were not killed by the assault weapon shooter at the Trump rally, is that Secret Service counter-snipers already had weapons trained on him when he started shooting. He fired 8 bullets in the 3 seconds it took for the snipers to shoot him. One man dead, two seriously injured - 3 more reasons for an assault weapons ban.
Love this! Thanks for sharing. I have already started using it in my communication to others!
She’s always so good thank you!
Ahhhh! I had no idea Jeff Jackson had a newsletter! I've followed him religiously on TikTok -- he's living proof that there's hope for this country, we just need several hundred more legislators like him. Anyway thanks for sharing that link!
He is absolutely incredible. His newsletter generally uses the same script as his videos so you may not need both, but I'm a reader more than a viewer so I prefer the Substack.
Thank you, Jess. I knew I'd find more hope and determination after hearing what you had to say.
Also just read this from Timothy Snyder: "American fascism is far from inevitable. It too is largely bluff, most of it digital. The internet is much more fascist than real life, which is discouraging. But we vote in the real world. The crucial thing is the individual decision to act, along with others, for four months, a little something each day, regardless of the atmospherics and the polls and the media and the moods."
This is great thank you!
Note to self: When you get absolutely crushing news like the Mar-A-Lago decision and start to feel despondent and hopeless, do two things. (1) Take a walk near the Hudson River and (2) wait to hear from Jess. Three lines into her email you know you will feel strong and empowered.
Love the Hudson River! Where do you walk?
I live in the Village so I usually walk south towards the Battery.
Keep up the great work ❤️
Thank you for all of your wisdom and grace.
Need help. Lean Left Vermont is participating in an effort to get information out about Project 2025. We are working with a group in New Hampshire who wants to do yard signs. We are working on the messaging, but realize that if people just Google "Project 2025," they are going to get the Heritage Foundation. We are going include a QR code that might help BUT I can't find any legit website that we can direct people to. Anyone have some suggestions!
The CAP Action one?
Putting something else in the newsletter tomorrow
Hey all you postcarders out there! Blue Wave Postcard Movement has announced a new campaign in Michigan. It's about getting Michiganders to sign up for permanent Absentee Ballot access. Postcards will start shipping next Monday and they request that they be mailed out within 2 weeks of receipt. The email I got also mentions teh Blue Wave stamp fund.
LInk to order postcards: https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org/pages/write-postcards
Link to donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blue-wave-postcard-movement-1
Jess, thank you for your daily dose of keeping on. Both your suggestions and your persistence help me, and many others, to keep doing our bits of the work.
Thanks Joan!
"What she said!!" Thanks Jess, as usual for your perspective...and call to action. Hope your COVID is all gone!!
All gone at last!
Add my $100 donation to Run For Something to the generous ‘match’ donor. Thanks for helping me not fall apart.
Amazing Joanna. THANK YOU!
How are we going to stop the Supreme Court from stealing the election?
I made the calls, for the first time ever, to my senators and representative. I am NOT a phone person. I hate it. So I've resisted, I've told myself that it's in part because I'm in MN and my senators and rep tends to already be voting the way I wish. But I know I can't get complacent. It's just... Gah! Extreme introvert. Having said that, of the three Senator Tina Smith has the least anxiety-inducing voicemail system. Even during hours, they give you the option to choose to leave a comment instead of talking to staff. Sen. Klobuchar's just says "leave your name and number and someone will call you back" which stoked my anxiety, tbh. It made me feel like I wasn't supposed to leave this kind of comment.
Anyway, thanks for all the motivation. This newsletter is truly a balm!
I’m so proud of you, Teresa! And just know it’s always ok to call after hours and that way you never have to speak to someone. It’s always just as effective to leave a voicemail as to talk to a staffer. Just make sure to leave your full name and zip code so they know you’re a constituent. Well done!
Thank you! It helps to know all of this. So much.