The Trump-centered divisions we worry about deeply trouble but they are not new and must be seen as deeply connected to our nation's history. It is a stretch indeed to call us "united" when we think of slavery, lynching, the near genocide of native nations, the rush for wealth, the stigmatization of poor folk and the dehumanization of sisters and brothers on the streets, and violence against women.
Yes Trump is terribly real and his ways deeply divisive. But his power rests on a deep and long history of capitalist/racist divisions too many of us European working/middle class folks have learned to live with and in. (Read the brilliant Elizabeth Wilkerson). People of conscience have to find ways to work against the deep divisions Trump seeks to widen. We must reach out to poor and working people of all colors----including some drawn to Trump.
Finally, many might find it revealing to google a past presidential candidate who ran for the office as a federal prisoner. His name: Eugene Debs! His supposed crime? Like Quakers and many other US citizens, he critiqued the American involvement in WWI and was jailed. He received over a million votes and was widely respected.(My guess is Heather Cox Richardson will have some stunning summaries of these issues)
I will vote for Biden and especially urge folks in key states such as GA, WI, MI, NJ, VA to also vote for Biden. Small party folks seem a tad me-centered--kinda like tRump.
Deep thanks to Liz for strength, courage and , yes, your anger.
Glad to see the comment from the reporter. The Media Frenzy has got to stop so that the jurors can do their job without fear of retribution. So disgusted by the never ending reporting of the details. We need to let Justice occur in as fair and impartial a way as possible. Let’s focus on the horror that is the GOPHouse! That is where the Media should be.
Love the thought about uncomfortable benches. So true. I feel like every prospective juror had that cross their mind. I found the questioning of prospective jurors that were ahead of me fascinating in my two times ‘called to jury duty’ to federal and county court houses. I was dismissed because for federal one because we had the same crime of embezzlement committed against my husband. The second I was on a jury and dismissed as an alternate after hearing the whole case. I was so happy to leave rather than deliberate because I thought for sure the guy was guilty but also thought the prosecutor had not ‘proven it’ after a two day trial. I never looked to see what the 12 left decided. I did not want to think about it anymore. It is complicated being a good juror but in the end you have to go with the evidence presented. I hope they just seat honest people who know their role as a juror. But, yes, the long process let’s asp many things run through the brain. I would add, what time is it now? That was my predominant and persistent thought, as I recall both times. And, did that person literally just answer that question like that? What? 🤣
Trump will exhaust many --reporters and citizens alike (Not you!!!!)
How do we build the country and communications we need? If we know each other more we will be less inclined to dehumanize others. And I remember progressive leaders--5 years ago --urging "us" to reach out to Trump types. (Van Jones et al) . But somany Trump followers are elevated by his lies and anger. So so sad.
That is very difficult of course!!!!! It does not seem to be is truly happening as political discussion but maybe there can be neighbors and workers who share community projects (My daughter is union organizing at colleges and hospitals and they areexploring and talking )
Deep thanks for your energy, intelligence, art and warm heart!! Really.
What works as glue here in central VT are shared efforts on village, school: homes, parks, dirt roads, streams/floods and earth.. Just opening up re Trump has become toxic in most places and few supporters are seen. Consensus on these local issues helps. We had two hundred people give a standing ovation to a beautiful--heart-anchored talk by a Jewish man calling for ceasefires in Gaza. We have a 100 year old Jewish baker/ex-Goddard college professor who leads most show ups.....Many of us ignore social media hate and unending talk. Yes we need much more real talk as well. Many will build a community garden...that will help. It is important to bring progressives together and to reach out to all elders.....
Having served on a jury, you have captured the broad range of juror's emotions.
Scowling in NOT a surprise, intimidating the jury?
I’m so glad you are doing this! I don’t need to read all the other coverage and speculation ! I’m imagining that your imagination is exactly spot on!!
Dear friends
The Trump-centered divisions we worry about deeply trouble but they are not new and must be seen as deeply connected to our nation's history. It is a stretch indeed to call us "united" when we think of slavery, lynching, the near genocide of native nations, the rush for wealth, the stigmatization of poor folk and the dehumanization of sisters and brothers on the streets, and violence against women.
Yes Trump is terribly real and his ways deeply divisive. But his power rests on a deep and long history of capitalist/racist divisions too many of us European working/middle class folks have learned to live with and in. (Read the brilliant Elizabeth Wilkerson). People of conscience have to find ways to work against the deep divisions Trump seeks to widen. We must reach out to poor and working people of all colors----including some drawn to Trump.
Finally, many might find it revealing to google a past presidential candidate who ran for the office as a federal prisoner. His name: Eugene Debs! His supposed crime? Like Quakers and many other US citizens, he critiqued the American involvement in WWI and was jailed. He received over a million votes and was widely respected.(My guess is Heather Cox Richardson will have some stunning summaries of these issues)
I will vote for Biden and especially urge folks in key states such as GA, WI, MI, NJ, VA to also vote for Biden. Small party folks seem a tad me-centered--kinda like tRump.
Deep thanks to Liz for strength, courage and , yes, your anger.
Glad to see the comment from the reporter. The Media Frenzy has got to stop so that the jurors can do their job without fear of retribution. So disgusted by the never ending reporting of the details. We need to let Justice occur in as fair and impartial a way as possible. Let’s focus on the horror that is the GOPHouse! That is where the Media should be.
Love the thought about uncomfortable benches. So true. I feel like every prospective juror had that cross their mind. I found the questioning of prospective jurors that were ahead of me fascinating in my two times ‘called to jury duty’ to federal and county court houses. I was dismissed because for federal one because we had the same crime of embezzlement committed against my husband. The second I was on a jury and dismissed as an alternate after hearing the whole case. I was so happy to leave rather than deliberate because I thought for sure the guy was guilty but also thought the prosecutor had not ‘proven it’ after a two day trial. I never looked to see what the 12 left decided. I did not want to think about it anymore. It is complicated being a good juror but in the end you have to go with the evidence presented. I hope they just seat honest people who know their role as a juror. But, yes, the long process let’s asp many things run through the brain. I would add, what time is it now? That was my predominant and persistent thought, as I recall both times. And, did that person literally just answer that question like that? What? 🤣
Love the jurors and their thoughts. Tragic for our justice system this guy is pulling Roy Cohen crap right through it all.
I didn’t notice until the very end of the potpourri of thought bubbles but got a chuckle out of the ”Where’s Melania? bubble at the end.
Trump will exhaust many --reporters and citizens alike (Not you!!!!)
How do we build the country and communications we need? If we know each other more we will be less inclined to dehumanize others. And I remember progressive leaders--5 years ago --urging "us" to reach out to Trump types. (Van Jones et al) . But somany Trump followers are elevated by his lies and anger. So so sad.
That is very difficult of course!!!!! It does not seem to be is truly happening as political discussion but maybe there can be neighbors and workers who share community projects (My daughter is union organizing at colleges and hospitals and they areexploring and talking )
Deep thanks for your energy, intelligence, art and warm heart!! Really.
b
What works as glue here in central VT are shared efforts on village, school: homes, parks, dirt roads, streams/floods and earth.. Just opening up re Trump has become toxic in most places and few supporters are seen. Consensus on these local issues helps. We had two hundred people give a standing ovation to a beautiful--heart-anchored talk by a Jewish man calling for ceasefires in Gaza. We have a 100 year old Jewish baker/ex-Goddard college professor who leads most show ups.....Many of us ignore social media hate and unending talk. Yes we need much more real talk as well. Many will build a community garden...that will help. It is important to bring progressives together and to reach out to all elders.....