Dear Ella, One year ago tomorrow I woke up to the worst news of my seventy-three years. Worse than the deaths of Sally Ride aboard Challenger; of John, Bobby, and Martin; of the Kent State four….
One year ago from the day after tomorrow I took my profoundly uncomfortable introverted nerd self to my first face-to-face meet up with politically active Democrats in my Ruby red rural county. Looking back on the year I realize that I have:
Attended a statewide democratic convention,
Spoken out four times in recorded Board of county Supervisors meetings,
Played my banjo during the latest No Kings rally,
Had three short essays published in an online county-wide politically progressive journal.
I am tired of all this public-facing activity, but onward I must march.
Voted for a progressive future today! Please don't forget all the civil servants who are being fired and furloughed. My partner and I have lost our careers because of the fascists.
Loved your post Ella. Looking forward to good outcomes today--on the West Coast our Prop 50; on the East Coast a Mamdani win. You are so right, it is the small things we do to take care of our people & protect our planet that make a difference. Grassroots activism--letting our voices be heard about issues we care about; filling up the food banks to feed hungry people; and backing leaders who are passionate about supporting our country's fragile democracy. We have work to do!! Thank you for letting your voice be heard!
My ancestors left England for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 17th century. A few generations later, and one guy dressed up as an “Indian” and threw tea overboard into the Harbor. Alongside other America immigrants from all over the world, we’ve fought and died in the Revolutionary Way, the Civil War, and every other war since. And four hundred years later, last November, I was crying “My God, my God, we’ve lost the country”. I finally came out of my funk and it’s been tea tossing time ever since. I’m determined to do what I can, whenever I can and to join with other Americans in the effort to save what’s left and build upon it once again. Don’t despair, honor your citizenship and vote. Remember, “It’s a Republic if we can keep it”.
I so appreciate you, Ella, with you honesty and good heartedness. I don’t live in New York City, but if I did I would happily and proudly vote for Mr. Mamdani. He gives me so much hope for the long haul.
I’m old enough to have worked on Sen. Paul Wellstone’s campaigns. And am feeling the same sort of Hope I had with Paul—the energy and the plain talk and down to earth nature.
Love to you and family as you continue to process. With you in spirit and heart!
Thank you for your openness Emma. Food banks have greater need now than ever before especially with winter on the way. Showing up is so important. Sensing a sweep here in VA wishing the same for NJ and NYC! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Enjoy your socialism. Islam is right about women and lgbtq. Trust fund transplants like you will never have to ride the bus like Iryna Zarutska, the only Ukrainian the left doesn’t care about.
Ella even though of us who are not part of the family still feel that painful pang in our chest remembering one year ago today. We are so hopeful about Mamdani and he’s just so symbolic of a hope we cannot let go of! My son phone banked for Mamdani and I couldn’t be prouder of him for it. (I phone bank for Moms Demand.) solidarity and hope!!
Today I voted. On the way to the vote center I too remembered last year. And the night Hillary lost. I’ll never really understand the choices slog of people make. So many times I see people who aren’t particularly wealthy support politicians whose agenda are only for the super rich. Do they think if they vote for the billionaires, they’ll become one? ✌️❤️
78 yr old follower here....because...well, not a fan of the uniparty empire watching the working class dissolve...but look at you!.....spike pillows, Mamdani supporting, articulate and outre fashion baby!......loved this post for your clarity and articulate..um...hope......you are a bubble blast into the future.....stay strong...you have friends.........
Thankyou for sharing and I am sorry that some people feel compelled to come here and yell at your for your stance. This year really has been an emotional shit-show and your crafting (and mine) have kept me almost sane. Let's hope cool heads prevail today.
Dear Ella, One year ago tomorrow I woke up to the worst news of my seventy-three years. Worse than the deaths of Sally Ride aboard Challenger; of John, Bobby, and Martin; of the Kent State four….
One year ago from the day after tomorrow I took my profoundly uncomfortable introverted nerd self to my first face-to-face meet up with politically active Democrats in my Ruby red rural county. Looking back on the year I realize that I have:
Attended a statewide democratic convention,
Spoken out four times in recorded Board of county Supervisors meetings,
Played my banjo during the latest No Kings rally,
Had three short essays published in an online county-wide politically progressive journal.
I am tired of all this public-facing activity, but onward I must march.
No matter what happens today.
This just absolutely made my day 🫂
Sometimes putting ourselves in uncomfortable positions is the best way to make our voices heard and make a difference.
Voted for a progressive future today! Please don't forget all the civil servants who are being fired and furloughed. My partner and I have lost our careers because of the fascists.
Hope you and your family can help us resist: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/democracy-defender-reader-poem
Loved your post Ella. Looking forward to good outcomes today--on the West Coast our Prop 50; on the East Coast a Mamdani win. You are so right, it is the small things we do to take care of our people & protect our planet that make a difference. Grassroots activism--letting our voices be heard about issues we care about; filling up the food banks to feed hungry people; and backing leaders who are passionate about supporting our country's fragile democracy. We have work to do!! Thank you for letting your voice be heard!
Love you granny 🫂🫂
My ancestors left England for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 17th century. A few generations later, and one guy dressed up as an “Indian” and threw tea overboard into the Harbor. Alongside other America immigrants from all over the world, we’ve fought and died in the Revolutionary Way, the Civil War, and every other war since. And four hundred years later, last November, I was crying “My God, my God, we’ve lost the country”. I finally came out of my funk and it’s been tea tossing time ever since. I’m determined to do what I can, whenever I can and to join with other Americans in the effort to save what’s left and build upon it once again. Don’t despair, honor your citizenship and vote. Remember, “It’s a Republic if we can keep it”.
I so appreciate you, Ella, with you honesty and good heartedness. I don’t live in New York City, but if I did I would happily and proudly vote for Mr. Mamdani. He gives me so much hope for the long haul.
I’m old enough to have worked on Sen. Paul Wellstone’s campaigns. And am feeling the same sort of Hope I had with Paul—the energy and the plain talk and down to earth nature.
Love to you and family as you continue to process. With you in spirit and heart!
Thank you for your openness Emma. Food banks have greater need now than ever before especially with winter on the way. Showing up is so important. Sensing a sweep here in VA wishing the same for NJ and NYC! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Enjoy your socialism. Islam is right about women and lgbtq. Trust fund transplants like you will never have to ride the bus like Iryna Zarutska, the only Ukrainian the left doesn’t care about.
Ella even though of us who are not part of the family still feel that painful pang in our chest remembering one year ago today. We are so hopeful about Mamdani and he’s just so symbolic of a hope we cannot let go of! My son phone banked for Mamdani and I couldn’t be prouder of him for it. (I phone bank for Moms Demand.) solidarity and hope!!
Thank you for your words and perspective, as always. You didn't need to be so open with us about this but I'm grateful you did. LET'S GOOOOOO xx
We must fight for the best of what we want the world to be. Our small actions add up to build community.
YES ON 50!💥 (SF, CA)
Today I voted. On the way to the vote center I too remembered last year. And the night Hillary lost. I’ll never really understand the choices slog of people make. So many times I see people who aren’t particularly wealthy support politicians whose agenda are only for the super rich. Do they think if they vote for the billionaires, they’ll become one? ✌️❤️
78 yr old follower here....because...well, not a fan of the uniparty empire watching the working class dissolve...but look at you!.....spike pillows, Mamdani supporting, articulate and outre fashion baby!......loved this post for your clarity and articulate..um...hope......you are a bubble blast into the future.....stay strong...you have friends.........
Thankyou for sharing and I am sorry that some people feel compelled to come here and yell at your for your stance. This year really has been an emotional shit-show and your crafting (and mine) have kept me almost sane. Let's hope cool heads prevail today.
Spread hope like grass seed in a windstorm!
Adore you and appreciate you!
It has been a year, hasn’t it? And yet somehow we’re muddling through. Thank you for your words.