Thank you for sharing your inspirational story, Allison. Although I don't have a story such as yours to relate I do want to say I've never been more proud to vote for ANY president as I was the 2 times I voted for Obama. Happy Obama Appreciation Day to you as well. And thank you for all your encouraging Break Downs!
Thank you Allison - a wonderful tribute - and Yes, as others have said, you are a true trooper, motivator and inspiration to us all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I remember with great fondness his first inaugural when he kept repeating, “Yes, we can”. Which stands in vivid contrast with the essence of Trump, “No, you can’t"
"I often think about how leaders inspire, and wonder at the same time what Donald Trump has inspired anyone to do besides spit hate."
As much as "spit hate" I think Trump has taught people to whine. The identify of MAGAts specifically and Republicans generally is rooted in victimhood. Why work for a better life when you can moan and groan your way through life. Admittedly, the various economic upheavals in this country have caused significant problems for people, often in rural areas. It may be that North or South Dakotans or Nebraskans don't want to leave the areas where they were born, and while that may be understandable, I think it has some major downsides. If you never live anywhere but where you were born, you are likely to have less or even no appreciation for other people's lives and struggles? Americans are the most spoiled people on Earth, but if you spend your entire life in one place, how much will you really appreciate about what not only what people elsewhere in your own country go through, but even more strikingly, what people in poorer countries experience? Watching it on TV is not the same as going there.
So, there may be lots of people who want to remain in rural and agricultural areas, but that isn't the history of this country. People move, which is expensive, to improve their lots. Staying in a depressed area may not be possible. However, if you grew up committed to a rural lifestyle where formal education wasn't important, then maybe you have little or nothing to offer to more technologically advanced regions. I'm all in favor of helping people make transitions, but if someone comes from an area where education and expertise are sneered at, moving probably won't help you. So, you whine and hate and whine and hate. And next year will be worse that this year, so whining more and hating more will be just the thing you need to feel better about yourself.
GOP has become the DARVO party, that should be their official designation. Raining down death and destruction while playing the victim. It might be hilarious if so many people didn’t fall for it.
I was attracted to your straightforward, witty, honest, professional style the first time I 'met' you on Substack in conversation with Waj Ali. While these are hateful times, kindness radiates from you both even as you sometimes use dark humor as a relaease valve; it is always in the service of highlighting your demand for accountability. I had respect and admiration for Waj after reading his memoir--'Go Back To Where You Came From.' Reading his book led me to his Substack which led me to you. Reading your story confirms my intuition. You are a lovely human being. I wish you lived in my neighborhood. I'd love to share a cup of tea or glass of wine and a 'real life' conversation. Thanks for all the work you do to help keep us all informed. Happy Obama Day! It's fun to appreciate that he inspired you.
Thank you, Allison for being an inspiration as well. We respect your journey, your truth and your sincerity.
💯 - this is exactly what I would have said had you not beaten me to it! 😆
Nicely said, and I wholeheartedly agree!!
I love Obama. He is a cool person.
I love Obama. A wonderful man. Humanitarian
Thank you, Allison. You were inspired by Obama to inspire us. I appreciate you both!
Thank you for being you.
You are fucking awesome and inspiring, yourself.
Keep up the great work.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story, Allison. Although I don't have a story such as yours to relate I do want to say I've never been more proud to vote for ANY president as I was the 2 times I voted for Obama. Happy Obama Appreciation Day to you as well. And thank you for all your encouraging Break Downs!
Thank you for reminding me of my favorite president. I only wish he was my current one.
Cheers to helping others and to hope. You are an inspiration. Happy Obama Appreciation Day!
Thank you Allison - a wonderful tribute - and Yes, as others have said, you are a true trooper, motivator and inspiration to us all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You are an inspiration!
I'm glad the road you travelled intersected with Obama's. I find you both inspiring.
I remember with great fondness his first inaugural when he kept repeating, “Yes, we can”. Which stands in vivid contrast with the essence of Trump, “No, you can’t"
We celebrate my late Mother's birthday today, happy to have been given life, love and encouragement from her. Happy Birthday Joan
Beautiful. And you are a constant inspiration to us. Thank you!
Thank you AG
"I often think about how leaders inspire, and wonder at the same time what Donald Trump has inspired anyone to do besides spit hate."
As much as "spit hate" I think Trump has taught people to whine. The identify of MAGAts specifically and Republicans generally is rooted in victimhood. Why work for a better life when you can moan and groan your way through life. Admittedly, the various economic upheavals in this country have caused significant problems for people, often in rural areas. It may be that North or South Dakotans or Nebraskans don't want to leave the areas where they were born, and while that may be understandable, I think it has some major downsides. If you never live anywhere but where you were born, you are likely to have less or even no appreciation for other people's lives and struggles? Americans are the most spoiled people on Earth, but if you spend your entire life in one place, how much will you really appreciate about what not only what people elsewhere in your own country go through, but even more strikingly, what people in poorer countries experience? Watching it on TV is not the same as going there.
So, there may be lots of people who want to remain in rural and agricultural areas, but that isn't the history of this country. People move, which is expensive, to improve their lots. Staying in a depressed area may not be possible. However, if you grew up committed to a rural lifestyle where formal education wasn't important, then maybe you have little or nothing to offer to more technologically advanced regions. I'm all in favor of helping people make transitions, but if someone comes from an area where education and expertise are sneered at, moving probably won't help you. So, you whine and hate and whine and hate. And next year will be worse that this year, so whining more and hating more will be just the thing you need to feel better about yourself.
Hence, MAGA definitely.
GOP has become the DARVO party, that should be their official designation. Raining down death and destruction while playing the victim. It might be hilarious if so many people didn’t fall for it.
I was attracted to your straightforward, witty, honest, professional style the first time I 'met' you on Substack in conversation with Waj Ali. While these are hateful times, kindness radiates from you both even as you sometimes use dark humor as a relaease valve; it is always in the service of highlighting your demand for accountability. I had respect and admiration for Waj after reading his memoir--'Go Back To Where You Came From.' Reading his book led me to his Substack which led me to you. Reading your story confirms my intuition. You are a lovely human being. I wish you lived in my neighborhood. I'd love to share a cup of tea or glass of wine and a 'real life' conversation. Thanks for all the work you do to help keep us all informed. Happy Obama Day! It's fun to appreciate that he inspired you.