Hi, all, and happy Friday, I’m actually not particularly happy. I just watched the now-viral video of a lawyer from Martha’s Vineyard describing in detail the ordeal 50 human beings just went through so DeSantis could score political points. I’m disgusted. Not just because his actions were more cruel than I realized, but because I know that, at least with many of his supporters, they’ll actually work to boost his popularity.
I frequently tell friends and "foes" alike, never mistake me for an optimist. I do not tend to look at the world through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Also, being a Floridian, I've survived the gubernatorial regimes of the worst of the worst...Jeb Bush, Rick Scott, and now the worst of the lot, Ron DeSantis (or as I call him: DeSatan). So, I surprised myself when, while watching multiple videos of RDs disgraceful stunt of using tax dollars to fly two planes to Texas to lie to immigrants that had already risked their lives for an opportunity for a better life, load them up and fly them to Martha's Vineyard, all for the sake of a Fox photo show, what I ended up taking away from the scenes I was seeing was the incredible kindness and the efforts of the people of MV to welcome and care for these people. So, despite my anger and disgust with DeSantis, I found myself buoyed by the amazing love I was seeing. Three words came to my mind, words I have not uttered in some time: THERE IS HOPE! Kudos and gratitude to those people in Martha's Vineyard. You've warmed a jaded old heart. Thank you!
When you are talking about ways to donate, you might want to mention FORCE MULTIPLIER (forcemultiplierus.org) which raises money make the House and Senate BLUE!
Jessica - I love all the organizations you mention as top for donations. I am a regular subscriber to Working America and have a giving circle with The States Project for North Carolina: Take Back our States https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/5wmhrOa/Take-Back-Our-States
- I might also add Red Wine and Blue which is also very impressive! I hope to watch the recording of the Movement Voter Project. It just fills me with hope when I see how strategic and smart and plugged in to critical voters these organizations are!!!
Jess, I am so grateful to you every single day...whether you're feeling unhappy or happy, given the day's events, you are channeling the responses of so many of us.
Today I'm doubly happy: Thanks for including the We Defend Democracy yard signs, bumper stickers, and postcards created by Grassroots Messaging Works. People told us they want ways to show their colors beyond posting candidate signs. Bonus: Keep these signs after the midterm. Defending our democracy will still be just as important as we head into 2024! --Patti Crane
"Campaigns come and go. Grassroots organizations STAY in place, sometimes for decades, building trust, solidifying relationships, and working in their own communities.
... Consider Stacey Abrams's successes in Georgia. THAT's the power of grassroots organizing... So please consider funding the *next* Stacey Abrams in every state we need to win. MVP knows who they are and when they need the money most."
Force Multiplier supports carefully chosen candidates who have the possibility of winning and need money. It also supports several Voter Empowerment organizations, like America Votes. It has raised $12 million since it began in 2017, nearly $5 million this election cycle. It's smart, effective, and helps people know where to most effectively donate.
Excellent Tips on good organizations to assist! Movement Labs, Working America, and The States Project. Remembered this from last week & looked back~to support well today. Thank you!
I asked you this on twitter as well, so wherever it's easiest to reply - is there an artist credit for the powerful drawing (carving?) at the top of your newsletter? I want to tweet it wherever I see a mean tweet about immigrants and refugees. I share you newsletter, but the initial tweet only shows part of the drawing. thanks!
Jessica, you did it again. I now am officially convinced that you are a modern day prophet - you provide facts and opinions that stir the rest of us to action! I too was so distressed about what happened to the immigrants. It was inhumane torture. But then I kept on reading and signed up for the 24 hours and donated to your Movement Voter Project and shared your newsletter on FB and Twitter. You may be too young to remember the old alka seltzer commercial "Plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is!!" You are my spiritual alka seltzer dear one!
I think you recently posted an "adopt a state"dashboard or list that I'd like to find again. Just can't remember where it was posted. Could you repost? Thanks
thank you for todays read Jessica,,,,,I wish peace & happiness for you & all the afflicted .where ever they are in the world.,actually,,todays meditation &,.the sutra throughout the day when one thinks about it is ,Moksha.( MOKE-shah) ,,and dont worry about the correct pronunciation,,the soul knows what one is trying to say,,, translation " I am emotionally free",, ,one simply says it to themselves ,when ever they have the awareness to do so,,then just go about ones day as usual. if the awareness comes back, again great,,,just say it again whenever it comes into awareness.,.One of my experiences with this practice up to now is the feeling that Im not alone in this life,,that someone or something spiritual & much more bigger than myself, has my back,,it makes me more at ease & less stressful,,,and more aware of my breath & my body and how it feels. Namaste.
I frequently tell friends and "foes" alike, never mistake me for an optimist. I do not tend to look at the world through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Also, being a Floridian, I've survived the gubernatorial regimes of the worst of the worst...Jeb Bush, Rick Scott, and now the worst of the lot, Ron DeSantis (or as I call him: DeSatan). So, I surprised myself when, while watching multiple videos of RDs disgraceful stunt of using tax dollars to fly two planes to Texas to lie to immigrants that had already risked their lives for an opportunity for a better life, load them up and fly them to Martha's Vineyard, all for the sake of a Fox photo show, what I ended up taking away from the scenes I was seeing was the incredible kindness and the efforts of the people of MV to welcome and care for these people. So, despite my anger and disgust with DeSantis, I found myself buoyed by the amazing love I was seeing. Three words came to my mind, words I have not uttered in some time: THERE IS HOPE! Kudos and gratitude to those people in Martha's Vineyard. You've warmed a jaded old heart. Thank you!
When you are talking about ways to donate, you might want to mention FORCE MULTIPLIER (forcemultiplierus.org) which raises money make the House and Senate BLUE!
Jessica - I love all the organizations you mention as top for donations. I am a regular subscriber to Working America and have a giving circle with The States Project for North Carolina: Take Back our States https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/5wmhrOa/Take-Back-Our-States
- I might also add Red Wine and Blue which is also very impressive! I hope to watch the recording of the Movement Voter Project. It just fills me with hope when I see how strategic and smart and plugged in to critical voters these organizations are!!!
Jess, I am so grateful to you every single day...whether you're feeling unhappy or happy, given the day's events, you are channeling the responses of so many of us.
Today I'm doubly happy: Thanks for including the We Defend Democracy yard signs, bumper stickers, and postcards created by Grassroots Messaging Works. People told us they want ways to show their colors beyond posting candidate signs. Bonus: Keep these signs after the midterm. Defending our democracy will still be just as important as we head into 2024! --Patti Crane
Thank you so much, Jess, for spreading the good word about Movement Voter Project, and for all you're doing for democracy!
I love your fundraising page (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportgrassrootstowin) — especially these parts:
"Campaigns come and go. Grassroots organizations STAY in place, sometimes for decades, building trust, solidifying relationships, and working in their own communities.
... Consider Stacey Abrams's successes in Georgia. THAT's the power of grassroots organizing... So please consider funding the *next* Stacey Abrams in every state we need to win. MVP knows who they are and when they need the money most."
So well said!!!
Force Multiplier supports carefully chosen candidates who have the possibility of winning and need money. It also supports several Voter Empowerment organizations, like America Votes. It has raised $12 million since it began in 2017, nearly $5 million this election cycle. It's smart, effective, and helps people know where to most effectively donate.
Excellent Tips on good organizations to assist! Movement Labs, Working America, and The States Project. Remembered this from last week & looked back~to support well today. Thank you!
Many thanks!
I asked you this on twitter as well, so wherever it's easiest to reply - is there an artist credit for the powerful drawing (carving?) at the top of your newsletter? I want to tweet it wherever I see a mean tweet about immigrants and refugees. I share you newsletter, but the initial tweet only shows part of the drawing. thanks!
Jessica, you did it again. I now am officially convinced that you are a modern day prophet - you provide facts and opinions that stir the rest of us to action! I too was so distressed about what happened to the immigrants. It was inhumane torture. But then I kept on reading and signed up for the 24 hours and donated to your Movement Voter Project and shared your newsletter on FB and Twitter. You may be too young to remember the old alka seltzer commercial "Plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is!!" You are my spiritual alka seltzer dear one!
I think you recently posted an "adopt a state"dashboard or list that I'd like to find again. Just can't remember where it was posted. Could you repost? Thanks
thank you for todays read Jessica,,,,,I wish peace & happiness for you & all the afflicted .where ever they are in the world.,actually,,todays meditation &,.the sutra throughout the day when one thinks about it is ,Moksha.( MOKE-shah) ,,and dont worry about the correct pronunciation,,the soul knows what one is trying to say,,, translation " I am emotionally free",, ,one simply says it to themselves ,when ever they have the awareness to do so,,then just go about ones day as usual. if the awareness comes back, again great,,,just say it again whenever it comes into awareness.,.One of my experiences with this practice up to now is the feeling that Im not alone in this life,,that someone or something spiritual & much more bigger than myself, has my back,,it makes me more at ease & less stressful,,,and more aware of my breath & my body and how it feels. Namaste.