Who's telling our story in Red America? It’s a puzzling thing that happens in Red State elections. Progressive policy issues – abortion access, recreational marijuana, Medicaid expansion, paid sick leave – pass with wide margins even as Republicans sweep statewide offices and secure state legislative supermajorities. What’s going on? How do Democratic policies pass with … Continue reading Lost In Translation: Why Do Democratic Policies Win While Democratic Candidates Lose?
How Liberal Contempt Destroys Democratic Politics I’ve never been called a freeloader before. But the other day, I opened Substack to be smacked in the face with an article – written by a serious person with a platform who should know better – about how Red States are freeloaders that should simply be cut off. … Continue reading I Guess I’m a “Red State Moocher”
It turns out we were built to lean on each other I live in St. Louis, where an arch plays a prominent role in the skyline. The Gateway Arch was built to represent the gateway to the West – the entrance point for folks eager to travel from an established, known reality to what they … Continue reading Leaning In: Built to Bend, Not Break
How Democratic surrender became strategy "Courage and resistance are contagious. So are panic and surrender. There is only one correct response." ~ Robert Hubbell "The best revenge is success." ~ Michele's Mother, circa 1993 Yesterday, I finished my last conversation of the day with just enough time to literally run down the stairs (water bottle … Continue reading Stop Clipping Our Own Wings
I am traveling with my son – taking a few days in a Lake Michigan beach town, a few days in Chicago. A few days. It’s not much, especially when we’ve not been away for a few years. But it’s what we’ve got, and we’ll make the most of it. He’s a patient kid who … Continue reading If You Can’t Take a Break, Take a Breath: Notes From the Road
“Living a moral life in an age of bullies demands collective action; it cannot be done alone. Each of us must organize and participate in a vast network of moral resistance.” Robert Reich The sweat was dripping down my nose as I walked with my 13-year-old son back to our car. “This is what you do … Continue reading Community, Mothership, and How We Go On From Here
The Epstein Files, South Park, and how the cool kids have cooled on Trump Donald Trump has a problem. A big one. As you’re likely aware (and are probably celebrating) recent polls show his approval has dropped like a rock. Image Source: Gallup On every issue, he’s lost ground since February. While his favorability rating remains … Continue reading The Root of Trump’s Big Polling Problem
Depending upon where you live, that is Last night, I retold my son‘s favorite story. It was a crisp Chicago night in May, 2012. We had just come back from the movies (Five Year Engagement) and were settling in for the evening – which wasn’t altogether easy because I was at the stage of pregnancy … Continue reading Maternal Healthcare Access is a Disaster
It’s a bit like these two donkeys are walking along the bridge, and one of them doesn’t have anything on his back and the other one is covered with packages and bales and bundles. The first donkey says, “Jesus, that’s quite a load you got on.” And the second donkey says, “What load?” You get used … Continue reading Just Because You Carry It Well Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Heavy
“Oh, it makes me so mad. I just want to … smash pumpkins.” Her bright white hair was gathered in the back, delicate wisps framing her face. “But that’s not helpful,” she added, clasping her hands in front of herself, forcing proper decorum in a church pew. “Oh, I don’t know,” I offered. “Under the circumstances, smashing pumpkins … Continue reading Smashing Pumpkins, Or Grieving What Might Have Been
Small Deeds Done 