I am a person from Alabama and I can assure you that court does not speak for me or my many friends. I am a Christian, white, college educated mother of 4 daughters and 5 granddaughters. I am embarrassed for my state, which is red in all the rural areas and cities that are small compared to Birmingham and Huntsville. The education system here doesn’t teach true racial history-never has-and so many people never learned to read both sides of anything. In fact we still have too many who don’t read at all and just mark the box by the elephant on the ballot. We need some good Democrat folks to run for state Supreme Court! And lots of other positions
If I was younger I would move to a more reasonable state, but instead I am here and voting
It sounds like you're needed there! I lived in Selma for a few months, while visiting a friend. Recently googled what was happening there and it seemed that there have been big changes. Lots of support for that iconic town. And yes, the big cities, esp Birmingham are doing better. What about connecting with the university by phone or email. Ask if they can tell you the latest news on the Dems...I suspect there are a lot of libs known on the campus. I would check on professors who teach politics. Or have comtacts who can help you connect!
Do you know the artist, Charlie Lucas, The Tin Man.. State artist of Albama. He has a gallery in Selma. One of the sweetest and most gifted artists I've ever met. He knows everyone, and is always open to meeting new people. Never finished school. Had a terrible life as a boy and young man. It's amazing he kept such a kind, loving heart. Inocence. His art is made from things he finds. He used to take people on walks while he picked up junk from the streets. Took it back to his studio and made wonderful folk art. He'll know the Dems in town.. there are quite a few. There is a lot of magic in Selma... it took quite a while to show up. But it´s there. As are the amazing stories..the locals have to tell. Also, you could go to the library. Good people. They. have a reading group. They'll help you! Don´t give up! The angels are with you! You have a good heart! It´s time to be strong. To fight. You´ve landed in a great place!
I received the written copy yesterday and the audio this morning. I, too, like a written copy but some days I’m busy doing things so I like the option to listen instead of reading. Thank you for offering both.
Good to hear your voice. It's going to be very difficult to fix stupid. It's infected my friends and family. Hope we find a way out of this. I'm a combat marine from Vietnam and I'm feeling the same triggers that I felt in that war. Breathe deeply everyone and vote blue.
Very sad that so many fellow Christians don't understand the importance of freedom of religion i.e. no state religion. No one is forcing anyone to undergo either IVF or abortion here in America, and Jesus (or the OT, tbh) never implied unborn lives were more valuable than their mothers' lives, or others already born. He did say that if we knew the truth, it would make us free- that's not just a spiritual truth but a life truth. God help more Americans to stand up for the freedom of all, not just our own or those who look, sound or believe like us....
Thank you so much for the audio of your letters. I have been a subscriber but have a hard time siting down to read and having the audio has been terrific as I can do mundane tasks or drive while listening. I have learned so much from you - thanks again!
This is the same as Heather's Substack from 2/21/24, so if you scroll to the top and click on "Letters to an American" you'll see 2 entries for Feb. 21, 2024. The written/ transcript entry appears below the headphone/podcast entry.
To see the written publication—- I was able to see the written form by going to the home page. In the upper right is a circle with three dots. Click there. Then click on “view publication”.
Smiling all the way through reading… I’m certain that listening is good too, but my distractions live with me.. so it’s easier to close my door and read quietly so no one is jealous of my choices !
I’m wondering if there’s a mechanism within the House of Representatives that would enable The House to skirt Mike Johnson’s control over which legislation gets brought to the floor for a vote. It seems to me that if The House can’t conduct the business of the people due to one individual’s obstructionist tendencies, is there a check and balance in place to deal with that. 40% of my income goes out in taxes and I don’t think I’m getting a good return on my investment in our country. Thoughts ?…
Thanks Heather, for adding your reading aloud contribution to defense of democracy. It’s a great idea to reach people who learn differently. I was reading some old Saul Alinsky political activism advice recently & want to pass on something shared and promoted by Frame Lab: In some cases it’s appropriate and effective to directly insult your adversary. Summarizing Heather’s message in that vein, I offer this: A mishmash muddle of murderous manipulators: John Hagee ministries and armageddon fantasy books fire up the ignirint, God feerin’ , lost cause confederates who are the patriot survivalist, assault weapon collecting idjits, musterin’ fer war in the streets. Putin friend, General Mike Flynn at Hagee’s Cornerstone Church in Texas says all the quiet things out loud and helps raise more money for the lost cause. Leonard Leo and Opus Dei / Heritage Foundation planners of christofascist revolution rake in the cash from oligarchs to expand the mercenary force for dictatorship. And, useful idiot Trump continues grifting with the MAGA gravy train; all a pathetic but dangerous social pathology. Murika cain’t git enough lib ownin, nihilistic chaos.
I am a person from Alabama and I can assure you that court does not speak for me or my many friends. I am a Christian, white, college educated mother of 4 daughters and 5 granddaughters. I am embarrassed for my state, which is red in all the rural areas and cities that are small compared to Birmingham and Huntsville. The education system here doesn’t teach true racial history-never has-and so many people never learned to read both sides of anything. In fact we still have too many who don’t read at all and just mark the box by the elephant on the ballot. We need some good Democrat folks to run for state Supreme Court! And lots of other positions
If I was younger I would move to a more reasonable state, but instead I am here and voting
It sounds like you're needed there! I lived in Selma for a few months, while visiting a friend. Recently googled what was happening there and it seemed that there have been big changes. Lots of support for that iconic town. And yes, the big cities, esp Birmingham are doing better. What about connecting with the university by phone or email. Ask if they can tell you the latest news on the Dems...I suspect there are a lot of libs known on the campus. I would check on professors who teach politics. Or have comtacts who can help you connect!
Do you know the artist, Charlie Lucas, The Tin Man.. State artist of Albama. He has a gallery in Selma. One of the sweetest and most gifted artists I've ever met. He knows everyone, and is always open to meeting new people. Never finished school. Had a terrible life as a boy and young man. It's amazing he kept such a kind, loving heart. Inocence. His art is made from things he finds. He used to take people on walks while he picked up junk from the streets. Took it back to his studio and made wonderful folk art. He'll know the Dems in town.. there are quite a few. There is a lot of magic in Selma... it took quite a while to show up. But it´s there. As are the amazing stories..the locals have to tell. Also, you could go to the library. Good people. They. have a reading group. They'll help you! Don´t give up! The angels are with you! You have a good heart! It´s time to be strong. To fight. You´ve landed in a great place!
He has been a bright star for Alabama
indeed!
It's nice to hear from you. Best wishes.
and for me to connect with you!
I received the written copy yesterday and the audio this morning. I, too, like a written copy but some days I’m busy doing things so I like the option to listen instead of reading. Thank you for offering both.
Good to hear your voice. It's going to be very difficult to fix stupid. It's infected my friends and family. Hope we find a way out of this. I'm a combat marine from Vietnam and I'm feeling the same triggers that I felt in that war. Breathe deeply everyone and vote blue.
Thank you for writing. I live in small town
CALIF and we do not have life all worked out fairly here either. Hopes got arrival of a
Thank you for creating these podcasts. I believe this is an excellent way to reach a larger audience, particularly younger people.
Thanks for offering audio without the reading of every comma and semicolon in your notes. Hurray!!!!
Wonderful to hear your letters in your voice! Please keep recording them. Thank you for all you do!
I love the banjo opening, And I really like listening to you reading the essay. I will start listening more.
Very sad that so many fellow Christians don't understand the importance of freedom of religion i.e. no state religion. No one is forcing anyone to undergo either IVF or abortion here in America, and Jesus (or the OT, tbh) never implied unborn lives were more valuable than their mothers' lives, or others already born. He did say that if we knew the truth, it would make us free- that's not just a spiritual truth but a life truth. God help more Americans to stand up for the freedom of all, not just our own or those who look, sound or believe like us....
Thank you so much for the audio of your letters. I have been a subscriber but have a hard time siting down to read and having the audio has been terrific as I can do mundane tasks or drive while listening. I have learned so much from you - thanks again!
I’m deaf; where’s the transcript?
This is the same as Heather's Substack from 2/21/24, so if you scroll to the top and click on "Letters to an American" you'll see 2 entries for Feb. 21, 2024. The written/ transcript entry appears below the headphone/podcast entry.
found it -- thanks.
Thanks — will attempt.
bc …. has MCI .. except he tells people that the M is not mild, but major.
Are we only getting the audio now? I like to read it.
To see the written publication—- I was able to see the written form by going to the home page. In the upper right is a circle with three dots. Click there. Then click on “view publication”.
Is the written essay coming later?
Smiling all the way through reading… I’m certain that listening is good too, but my distractions live with me.. so it’s easier to close my door and read quietly so no one is jealous of my choices !
I’m wondering if there’s a mechanism within the House of Representatives that would enable The House to skirt Mike Johnson’s control over which legislation gets brought to the floor for a vote. It seems to me that if The House can’t conduct the business of the people due to one individual’s obstructionist tendencies, is there a check and balance in place to deal with that. 40% of my income goes out in taxes and I don’t think I’m getting a good return on my investment in our country. Thoughts ?…
Thanks Heather, for adding your reading aloud contribution to defense of democracy. It’s a great idea to reach people who learn differently. I was reading some old Saul Alinsky political activism advice recently & want to pass on something shared and promoted by Frame Lab: In some cases it’s appropriate and effective to directly insult your adversary. Summarizing Heather’s message in that vein, I offer this: A mishmash muddle of murderous manipulators: John Hagee ministries and armageddon fantasy books fire up the ignirint, God feerin’ , lost cause confederates who are the patriot survivalist, assault weapon collecting idjits, musterin’ fer war in the streets. Putin friend, General Mike Flynn at Hagee’s Cornerstone Church in Texas says all the quiet things out loud and helps raise more money for the lost cause. Leonard Leo and Opus Dei / Heritage Foundation planners of christofascist revolution rake in the cash from oligarchs to expand the mercenary force for dictatorship. And, useful idiot Trump continues grifting with the MAGA gravy train; all a pathetic but dangerous social pathology. Murika cain’t git enough lib ownin, nihilistic chaos.