15 Comments
User's avatar
Cameron Rollwitz's avatar

Thank you so much for such clear and thorough reporting. As a progressive candidate, I’m terrified. I have a family and I’m deeply concerned about their welfare. But I also know I can’t look my son in the eyes if I didn’t fight at this moment. Thank you again for all you do

Becky O Shimek's avatar

"There are moments in history when moderation stops being a stabilizing force and starts becoming an accomplice. We are living in one of those moments now."-- Incredibly profound words, Michelle. This article is powerful. One of your best. Maybe historic?

S Prather's avatar

I thought I read somewhere that AOC endorsed Julie Johnson.

Many regular people don't realize that ICE is separate from Border Patrol. ICE is was created post 9-11 and has grown dramatically to become part of a national surveillance state, something conservatives used to be opposed to. And now they're deploying drones.

Catherine Ortiz's avatar

“Families are torn apart;

men, women and children

are separated.

Children come back

from school

to find their parents

have disappeared.

Women return from shopping

to find their houses sealed,

their families gone.”

— Diary of Anne Frank

January 13, 1943

Jan Wesson's avatar

Amen!

C Murphy's avatar

This was great, Michelle!!! I read it last night but didn't manage to get it shared on Bsky until just now.

Liza Hameline's avatar

Julie Johnson spoke about ICE at the Stonewall Dallas endorsement (they endorsed her). I will have to see if I have that quote or if it was in question that I didn’t catch.

Michelle H. Davis's avatar

She said defund and reform.

Veda's avatar

What would defund look like? Is the idea that it could not operate if defunded while she is reforming-to what?

Joan Burns's avatar

Words are important and your post, Michelle tells it like it is.

Yet, we have to stop worrying about our words and focus on actions. I have told my “conservative” brothers, “don’t call me a liberal, i am now a 65 year old radical” and have been radicalized by wanting, expecting and focusing on basic human decency. The word “conservative” doesn’t mean anything anymore and neither does moderate”When corporate, moderate dems sell out to their constituents then they need to go! We have to collectively take the power back with intentionally and with a plan. Progressive means change…..positive change for the people and our world. We are all tired of labels. For the primary, I am carefully looking at candidates and their platform….their values, their strategies, and their commitment. I stand by candidates, like Cameron who say realistically what we need and what we need to do! In a red (non voting blue)county it matters now more than ever to have the best person representing the people both in this state and in the U.S.

Veda's avatar

I do have to say that while I agree action is a necessity, however, we cannot act without words of our own and others. There are words that help us to define, to hone, or to direct us as we go. Some special individuals are behind us inspiring us to achieve beyond our own expectations.

Joan Burns's avatar

You are absolutely right, Veda. I read so much every day, all day and we cannot be an informed voter or human without them, without words…thoughts, feelings, opinions, conversations….

I am inspired, ignited and yet also irritated. Labels, hate, lack of empathy and greed. Not really knowing your neighbors or community. So much frustration in our world, our country, our state, our county, and our towns. I signed up to be a precinct chair because of Michelle’s writing and others inspiration here and on Substack. And books and other writing…I am a retired educator and also worked with a nonprofit to support and empower students after 30 years in education. I am a voter deputy register.

Trying to find balance.❤️

Veda's avatar

We are sisters in service then. I always tell people I was a social worker but wanted to make more money so I became a teacher. Haha. VDR, Precinct Chair, PoweredxPeople volunteer, etc.

Michelle H. Davis's avatar

🤷🏻‍♀️