Hi, all, and happy Friday. Hot dog! This weekend’s “Extra! Extra!” newsletter is going to be jam packed, because there’s a LOT of great news breaking this week! The American Climate Corps! An Office of Gun Violence Prevention! Special elections wins! There’s a lot more, but I don’t want to spoil the list for you. Suffice it to say it’s been a pretty astonishing few days.
Jessica - long time first time. I'm running in Penn-Delco for a school board seat - if you can send any love my way, I'd be so grateful. kurpel.com
It's a wacky SB election cycle in a red but starting to emerge purple district. Three board members have stepped down in the last two years, two of these seats will be filled in a traditional-to-PA style, the third (mine) is a rare head to head race. Due to the timing of the vacancy, candidates from each party were appointed so again, there's a head-to-head race (PA allows cross-filing so this is rare).
I noticed this letter to the editor and wanted to share it because I think it might help clarify how we can align advocacy for true solutions to the climate crisis and action for democracy at the same time. /Ellie
Sep 21, 2023. Letter: AP wrong about target of climate protesters' 'wrath' | Letters To Editor | berkshireeagle.com
To the editor: As one of the thousands who marched in New York on Sunday (and whose feet still hurt), I take issue with The Associated Press' statement that we "aimed our wrath directly at Joe Biden." ("Tens of thousands march to kick off climate summit, demanding end to warming-causing fossil fuels," The Associated Press, Sept. 18.)
President Biden has done more than any other president to limit climate change. We appreciate that. But we also know that it's not enough, and we understand the opposing pressures he faces. So we are applying our own pressure — not wrath, but support for doing more.
I apologize if this is a bad message, and will delete it if you wish. I live in NJ, and am disgusted with today's news of an indictment of one of my senators, Robert Menendez. I sent a message thru his site strongly suggesting that he resign. I sent the following message to my other senator, Cory Booker, whom I hope will lead the charge.
"Dear Senator Booker,
I sincerely hope you will demand Senator Menendez's resignation from the US Senate. I sent the following message to his site:
" 'The announcement today of your indictment on serious charges is extremely troubling. Democrats have worked hard to hold themselves to a high ethical and legal standard. The evidence against you is overwhelming.
" 'While you are entitled to a presumption of innocence, the seriousness of the charges and the appearance of egregious impropriety and illegal acts has severely compromised your ability to serve in the Senate. It has also dealt a serious blow to the pursuit of justice against a corrupt former president.
" 'For the good of the country, for the good of the Democratic party, for the good of your family, I urge you to resign and focus your efforts on your defense and your future.'
It is imperative that he resign immediately before more damage is done to our Democracy. Democrats cannot hold the high ground if he continues to occupy a seat in the Senate."
Perhaps others would want to do something similar. They can feel free to copy anything I've written. Menendez must resign!
Not only is it not a bad message--I made a TikTok yesterday telling people to call their Dem Senators and demand that they demand he step down. I think your letter is excellent and I 100% think he needs to go. I encourage anyone who lines in NJ to send a similar letter. Bravo!
Sep 22, 2023·edited Sep 24, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
Sorry, Jess. I can't help myself. Any comparison of MAGA Republicans to vermin is disparaging to vermin. We do need to try to stay out of the gutter, but we have to face the opposing forces where they are. Sadly, being nice just isn't good enough.
Hi Jess, a group of us started a Swing Left group called Swing Left RVA in Richmond VA. We have virtual letter writing parties every Wednesday at 7pm until October 25th and we have canvassing events this weekend and a few more weekends before the election. Thank you for helping me get to this place. I feel like we are making a difference.
Hi, Jessica! I'm back from a month's long bout of the flu that kept me down and out for quite some time. So glad to get back to work with the CWCW team!
Ciao from Italy y'all. Today is a super important day for US citizens who live abroad - it's BALLOT DROP DAY - we receive our ballots 45 days before the election in order to complete them and return them - often by postal mail - so that they can be received on time and counted. If you are or know someone living abroad especially voters in VA, KY, MS, PA LA, OH, NJ, RI, UT send them to https://votefromabroad.org there is still time (BARELY) to request your overseas ballot and be in a position to return it back to your state on time. If you have any questions or need help - Vote From Abroad has a chat on the website and voter assistants standing by! Our overseas votes can be the margin of victory in tight races!!!
Ciao Jessica, thank YOU! No there is still time (barely) for overseas US citizens in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah & Virginia to request their overseas absentee ballots. They need to hurry though. They will receive their blank ballots by email BUT in many of these states the MUST RETURN THEIR BALLOTS BY POSTAL MAIL. And that's the issue. getting the ballots back in time. Send them to https://votefromabroad.org to register and to find info on the rules for their states.
Ps. I hope it's ok that I keep posting comments to get the word out about overseas voters in yoru substack. I find that many people don't know about the issue.
Hi Jess, I'd add to recent comment on not using dehumanizing language to also not draw negative comparisons to rats or rodents or animals in general. (I've never liked use of "animal" as a pejorative.) Please consider listening to the wonderful podcast "Ologies," and the "Rodentology" episode in particular for a new look at these creatures. https://www.alieward.com/ologies/urbanrodentology
Yeah, you're right. Especially after having just read "An Immense World" by Ed Yong, which is just a spectacular exploration of the wonders we are mostly unaware of happening in the animal kingdom. Check it out! https://edyong.me/an-immense-world
Thanks for this, looks interesting! I feel the same way when I catch myself calling someone a "pig". It is certainly an inaccurate use of language for me. Pigs are highly intelligent, whereas the person I am referring to is anything but intelligent.
On the 'infestation' front, I always take it with a touch of irony from someone on the left because I know where they're coming from, and how language fails us when it comes to Republicans. Who have used their free will to become cultists, giving up their autonomy for blind allegiance and idolatry, and thereby dehumanized themselves.
But we still refuse, as Biden has proven, to treat them the way they've treated us and we continue to fight to take care of all Americans the way they deserve by the rights of citizenship if not by behavior. But we must never forget how they've corrupted our country, betrayed our ideals and gotten hundreds of thousands of people killed.
Jessica - long time first time. I'm running in Penn-Delco for a school board seat - if you can send any love my way, I'd be so grateful. kurpel.com
It's a wacky SB election cycle in a red but starting to emerge purple district. Three board members have stepped down in the last two years, two of these seats will be filled in a traditional-to-PA style, the third (mine) is a rare head to head race. Due to the timing of the vacancy, candidates from each party were appointed so again, there's a head-to-head race (PA allows cross-filing so this is rare).
You go,Sarah!,
This is so great! I'll put it in the newsletter! Thanks!
I noticed this letter to the editor and wanted to share it because I think it might help clarify how we can align advocacy for true solutions to the climate crisis and action for democracy at the same time. /Ellie
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/.../article_89046416-57f1...
Sep 21, 2023. Letter: AP wrong about target of climate protesters' 'wrath' | Letters To Editor | berkshireeagle.com
To the editor: As one of the thousands who marched in New York on Sunday (and whose feet still hurt), I take issue with The Associated Press' statement that we "aimed our wrath directly at Joe Biden." ("Tens of thousands march to kick off climate summit, demanding end to warming-causing fossil fuels," The Associated Press, Sept. 18.)
President Biden has done more than any other president to limit climate change. We appreciate that. But we also know that it's not enough, and we understand the opposing pressures he faces. So we are applying our own pressure — not wrath, but support for doing more.
Be brave, Mr. President. We've got your back.
Susan Donaldson, Northampton
Wow this gave me chills. FANTASTIC! Thank you!
Jess, No offense about the vermin analogy. I thought it was spot on and appropriate for the household happenings and the political landscape.
Every day you offer encouragement and action items that encourage me to keep going as one of the blue dots here in a Fl Red Sea.
And speaking of rats…we had one infiltrate iour AC unit last year.Let’s just say it’s amazing how much damage one can do !🐀
OMG that is awful! Yeah they told me they can get into the AC ducts, too. Ack! And thank you!
Hi Jess,
I apologize if this is a bad message, and will delete it if you wish. I live in NJ, and am disgusted with today's news of an indictment of one of my senators, Robert Menendez. I sent a message thru his site strongly suggesting that he resign. I sent the following message to my other senator, Cory Booker, whom I hope will lead the charge.
"Dear Senator Booker,
I sincerely hope you will demand Senator Menendez's resignation from the US Senate. I sent the following message to his site:
" 'The announcement today of your indictment on serious charges is extremely troubling. Democrats have worked hard to hold themselves to a high ethical and legal standard. The evidence against you is overwhelming.
" 'While you are entitled to a presumption of innocence, the seriousness of the charges and the appearance of egregious impropriety and illegal acts has severely compromised your ability to serve in the Senate. It has also dealt a serious blow to the pursuit of justice against a corrupt former president.
" 'For the good of the country, for the good of the Democratic party, for the good of your family, I urge you to resign and focus your efforts on your defense and your future.'
It is imperative that he resign immediately before more damage is done to our Democracy. Democrats cannot hold the high ground if he continues to occupy a seat in the Senate."
Perhaps others would want to do something similar. They can feel free to copy anything I've written. Menendez must resign!
Not only is it not a bad message--I made a TikTok yesterday telling people to call their Dem Senators and demand that they demand he step down. I think your letter is excellent and I 100% think he needs to go. I encourage anyone who lines in NJ to send a similar letter. Bravo!
Sorry, Jess. I can't help myself. Any comparison of MAGA Republicans to vermin is disparaging to vermin. We do need to try to stay out of the gutter, but we have to face the opposing forces where they are. Sadly, being nice just isn't good enough.
LOL. Thanks, Bob.
Very good news indeed. Thanks for the reminder to stick to issues and strategies. Leave the name calling to the MAGA crew. Let’s keep winning 😊
🙌🏼
Hi Jess, a group of us started a Swing Left group called Swing Left RVA in Richmond VA. We have virtual letter writing parties every Wednesday at 7pm until October 25th and we have canvassing events this weekend and a few more weekends before the election. Thank you for helping me get to this place. I feel like we are making a difference.
https://mobilize.us/s/4K8rBr
https://mobilize.us/s/lf0QJj
Oooh this makes me so happy! Thank you so much for what y'all are doing! Let us know if we can support you in any way!
Hi, Jessica! I'm back from a month's long bout of the flu that kept me down and out for quite some time. So glad to get back to work with the CWCW team!
Oh goodness! So glad you're feeling better that sounds awful!
Oh my Lynell ! I am so sorry to hear you were ill for so long! Thank goodness you are up and running again! Stay well.
Hey, Lynn. Thanks for your good wishes!
Ciao from Italy y'all. Today is a super important day for US citizens who live abroad - it's BALLOT DROP DAY - we receive our ballots 45 days before the election in order to complete them and return them - often by postal mail - so that they can be received on time and counted. If you are or know someone living abroad especially voters in VA, KY, MS, PA LA, OH, NJ, RI, UT send them to https://votefromabroad.org there is still time (BARELY) to request your overseas ballot and be in a position to return it back to your state on time. If you have any questions or need help - Vote From Abroad has a chat on the website and voter assistants standing by! Our overseas votes can be the margin of victory in tight races!!!
THANK YOU KELLY!! Too late for me to make a TT about this?
Ciao Jessica, thank YOU! No there is still time (barely) for overseas US citizens in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah & Virginia to request their overseas absentee ballots. They need to hurry though. They will receive their blank ballots by email BUT in many of these states the MUST RETURN THEIR BALLOTS BY POSTAL MAIL. And that's the issue. getting the ballots back in time. Send them to https://votefromabroad.org to register and to find info on the rules for their states.
Ps. I hope it's ok that I keep posting comments to get the word out about overseas voters in yoru substack. I find that many people don't know about the issue.
Are you kidding? I LOVE it!
Hi Jess, I'd add to recent comment on not using dehumanizing language to also not draw negative comparisons to rats or rodents or animals in general. (I've never liked use of "animal" as a pejorative.) Please consider listening to the wonderful podcast "Ologies," and the "Rodentology" episode in particular for a new look at these creatures. https://www.alieward.com/ologies/urbanrodentology
Yeah, you're right. Especially after having just read "An Immense World" by Ed Yong, which is just a spectacular exploration of the wonders we are mostly unaware of happening in the animal kingdom. Check it out! https://edyong.me/an-immense-world
Thanks for this, looks interesting! I feel the same way when I catch myself calling someone a "pig". It is certainly an inaccurate use of language for me. Pigs are highly intelligent, whereas the person I am referring to is anything but intelligent.
Remember when cops were called PIGs? They nipped that in the.bud with an acronym:
Pride Intellignce Guts!
On the 'infestation' front, I always take it with a touch of irony from someone on the left because I know where they're coming from, and how language fails us when it comes to Republicans. Who have used their free will to become cultists, giving up their autonomy for blind allegiance and idolatry, and thereby dehumanized themselves.
But we still refuse, as Biden has proven, to treat them the way they've treated us and we continue to fight to take care of all Americans the way they deserve by the rights of citizenship if not by behavior. But we must never forget how they've corrupted our country, betrayed our ideals and gotten hundreds of thousands of people killed.