I actually have heard of Wells, and while I've not read any of her work, while I was still on Twitter I was privileged to follow a woman who was (presumably still is) a leading scholar on Wells life and work.
I've been thinking much of this day about a certain class of lefties who refuse to vote because "both parties are the same." Basically a group of cry babies with the emotional and cognitive development of a four year old, throwing a tantrum because the world didn't give them everything they wanted, exactly the way they wanted it, the instant they wanted it. Where would we be now if people like Wells, or King after her, thought that way?
Things can go to shit very fast, but they only get better incrementally.
Somehow, saying that the group of neo-Fascists who want to realize Gilead in America are the same as those who argue for fully personal autonomy of women, human rights for gay and trans, and secure voting rights for all, are "the same" rings a tad hollow to me.
BAHAHAHAHAHA! You see? You see? This is why I love you. "Basically a group of cry babies with the emotional and cognitive development of a four year old." I'm wiping away tears!
Nov 11, 2022·edited Nov 11, 2022Liked by Stacey Eskelin
Excellent points Gary Herstein, especially the one about those insufferable Leftists, those who in their own minds are the smartest folks in any room they occupy. Although they weren't primarily responsible, they were complicit in Hillary Clinton under performing in key swing states. It's why it's was near to impossible for there to be actual enthusiasm about her run in 2016. And in part because of this, Trump won and we continue to be threatened by the rancid revolution he sparked. And Stacey is correct about the animating feature of Trump's enduring appeal to his supporters being straight up racism. Nothing else explains his "appeal," except for racism, because as Stacey showed there literally IS nothing else in the way of accomplishments to justify their support. That said, we now know that democracy had a great night last night. It wasn't a Blue Wave, it was more like a Blue Dam that contained the polluted waters of fascism that was rising to engulf us. We're not out of danger yet. But we have a reprieve and 2 more years to prep for the next major salvo. But after last night, I'm a bit more confident that we're going to preserve democracy.
"A Blue Dam." That was perfect. That's exactly what it was. I had no idea that the continuation of democracy would be contingent on breaking the spell of a wannabe fascist like Trump. But I do believe the spell, at long last, HAS been broken. Where we go from here though remains to be seen. And you know I couldn't agree with you more about the Prog Dems who voted against Clinton in 2016 IN SWING STATES. I had my own problems with Clinton (more of a Liz Warren type Dem) but I would have never done that. Now, of course, I would sell a kidney to see her in office. She is smart and competent, arguably the most qualified candidate we have on the left. But 2016 was a million years ago in terms of what we knew then versus what we know now.
Thanks Stacey; and I'm inclined to agree with you. I too believe that Trump as a phenomenon has passed his peak. He's still a factor with part of the Republican base, and likely always will be, but that part is dwindling. I believe that most of them now realize that he's a loser; the elites definitely see it and are loudly saying it. There's still battles to be fought, legislation to be passed to bolster democracy. But I believe that that after the Midterms of November 8th, 2022 democracy is at less risk today than it was on Monday November 7th, 2022. It's not often that you can pinpoint a pivotal event in history when it's contemporaneous; this is one of those times.
MSN coined the phrase "red whimper" as opposed to the supposed "red wave" that was coming.
Trump's racism is part and parcel of his fascism. The "cult of vicitmhood" that motivates the fascist base is always built around some racist fantasy of how the factually privileged group is somehow being undermined by "them."
I appreciate you amplifying the life and work of Ida B. Wells, Stacey. She is well-known and beloved in much of the African-American community. (You may notice the Twitter handle of Nikole Hannah-Jones, the primary author and creator of The 1619 Project, is "Ida Bae Wells." :-) But, I continue to learn and be educated every day about people of color whose contributions in the face of monstrous racism and oppression paved the way for me and so many others today.
You have so much to be proud of, it blows me away. I know life is easier for white Americans, but if I were Black, I would walk in the power of knowing I have seen all, endured all and triumphed. American culture IS Black culture. That alone gives me hope. Black and immigrant culture are the very things that make America great, which is why the MAGATs have it so so wrong.
"The way we teach American history is white-centric, phallocentric, and culturally tone deaf." No shit. I'm constantly amazed at the things that I, a History major and History geek, continue to learn because I was never taught things I should've been. Like Ida B. Wells, f'rinstance. Even as much as I know about her era, I didn't know a thing about her...and a high school in Portland even changed its name to Ida B. Well HS to honor her.
The "history" our children are taught is often more propaganda than reality.
I actually have heard of Wells, and while I've not read any of her work, while I was still on Twitter I was privileged to follow a woman who was (presumably still is) a leading scholar on Wells life and work.
I've been thinking much of this day about a certain class of lefties who refuse to vote because "both parties are the same." Basically a group of cry babies with the emotional and cognitive development of a four year old, throwing a tantrum because the world didn't give them everything they wanted, exactly the way they wanted it, the instant they wanted it. Where would we be now if people like Wells, or King after her, thought that way?
Things can go to shit very fast, but they only get better incrementally.
Somehow, saying that the group of neo-Fascists who want to realize Gilead in America are the same as those who argue for fully personal autonomy of women, human rights for gay and trans, and secure voting rights for all, are "the same" rings a tad hollow to me.
BAHAHAHAHAHA! You see? You see? This is why I love you. "Basically a group of cry babies with the emotional and cognitive development of a four year old." I'm wiping away tears!
Excellent points Gary Herstein, especially the one about those insufferable Leftists, those who in their own minds are the smartest folks in any room they occupy. Although they weren't primarily responsible, they were complicit in Hillary Clinton under performing in key swing states. It's why it's was near to impossible for there to be actual enthusiasm about her run in 2016. And in part because of this, Trump won and we continue to be threatened by the rancid revolution he sparked. And Stacey is correct about the animating feature of Trump's enduring appeal to his supporters being straight up racism. Nothing else explains his "appeal," except for racism, because as Stacey showed there literally IS nothing else in the way of accomplishments to justify their support. That said, we now know that democracy had a great night last night. It wasn't a Blue Wave, it was more like a Blue Dam that contained the polluted waters of fascism that was rising to engulf us. We're not out of danger yet. But we have a reprieve and 2 more years to prep for the next major salvo. But after last night, I'm a bit more confident that we're going to preserve democracy.
"A Blue Dam." That was perfect. That's exactly what it was. I had no idea that the continuation of democracy would be contingent on breaking the spell of a wannabe fascist like Trump. But I do believe the spell, at long last, HAS been broken. Where we go from here though remains to be seen. And you know I couldn't agree with you more about the Prog Dems who voted against Clinton in 2016 IN SWING STATES. I had my own problems with Clinton (more of a Liz Warren type Dem) but I would have never done that. Now, of course, I would sell a kidney to see her in office. She is smart and competent, arguably the most qualified candidate we have on the left. But 2016 was a million years ago in terms of what we knew then versus what we know now.
Thanks Stacey; and I'm inclined to agree with you. I too believe that Trump as a phenomenon has passed his peak. He's still a factor with part of the Republican base, and likely always will be, but that part is dwindling. I believe that most of them now realize that he's a loser; the elites definitely see it and are loudly saying it. There's still battles to be fought, legislation to be passed to bolster democracy. But I believe that that after the Midterms of November 8th, 2022 democracy is at less risk today than it was on Monday November 7th, 2022. It's not often that you can pinpoint a pivotal event in history when it's contemporaneous; this is one of those times.
MSN coined the phrase "red whimper" as opposed to the supposed "red wave" that was coming.
Trump's racism is part and parcel of his fascism. The "cult of vicitmhood" that motivates the fascist base is always built around some racist fantasy of how the factually privileged group is somehow being undermined by "them."
Thanks for your comments and insights!
Andrew is wonderful. He speaks my heart. Are you guys friends on FB? You totally should be.
Stacey, aww, such a sweet compliment, I appreciate you! I'm sending Gary a Friend request right now!
You're welcome Gary; same to you for your insights too!
Wonderful article. I'd never heard of her.
I appreciate you amplifying the life and work of Ida B. Wells, Stacey. She is well-known and beloved in much of the African-American community. (You may notice the Twitter handle of Nikole Hannah-Jones, the primary author and creator of The 1619 Project, is "Ida Bae Wells." :-) But, I continue to learn and be educated every day about people of color whose contributions in the face of monstrous racism and oppression paved the way for me and so many others today.
You have so much to be proud of, it blows me away. I know life is easier for white Americans, but if I were Black, I would walk in the power of knowing I have seen all, endured all and triumphed. American culture IS Black culture. That alone gives me hope. Black and immigrant culture are the very things that make America great, which is why the MAGATs have it so so wrong.
"The way we teach American history is white-centric, phallocentric, and culturally tone deaf." No shit. I'm constantly amazed at the things that I, a History major and History geek, continue to learn because I was never taught things I should've been. Like Ida B. Wells, f'rinstance. Even as much as I know about her era, I didn't know a thing about her...and a high school in Portland even changed its name to Ida B. Well HS to honor her.
The "history" our children are taught is often more propaganda than reality.
This is why the Howard Zinn history book is my Bible. I love that thing. They sure AF don't teach it though, do they?