And, Michigan has drawn & implemented fair Congressional Districts. Michigan is no longer a "contested" state in my opinion. We'll see very soon, Go Gretchen!
I will never forget the day in 2011, when my state senator met me at our favorite watering hole to advise me on how to make my new business successful. He gave me winning advice, but first joyously declared, "We have just gerrymandered this state so bad those damn Democrats will never win again!" I smiled and said a weak "yaay", not bothering to let him know he had just undone all the good, hard work I had done for our district as a 2010 census taker, that I only voted for good, honest "Milliken Republicans" (named for our former governor who championed the environment and whose wife started Planned Parenthood in our state), and that I would do everything in my power to make sure that he would never win again (aided by term limits). He never did win again, but, oh the damage he and his fellow cons did. A friend of mine in our capitol, Lansing, (a former Planned Parenthood director, Judy Karandjeff, who once worked for Helen Milliken and now heads up the Michigan Women's Commission) wrote the ballot petition that eventually ended gerrymandering in Michigan. We are more than just a trifecta! We Are Women Strong in Michigan!
Hopefully he'll have a lot of company next year. Gerrymandering requires the creation of a lot of 52-48 type districts, and they can be swamped by a true blue wave.
I am in a nearby state and we have a Democratic Trifecta too! Illinois. Still, our governor is hampered by Republican Judges downstate, who like Doughty in Tennessee, have voted down Covid Protections, and other things that undermines the governor's ability to do his job. What he has often done is stopped the action right before a trial begins so that there is no case for the Judge to try, but our quality of life nationwide is being affected by these awful judges.
As a woman (who was around in the 60s), I share what I take as F.Reynolds' delight in the women who are AGs in this day and age. It cannot have escaped the notice of this group that with the exception of Jack Smith and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, all the attorneys heading serious investigations of our criminal former president and his motley crew are women. I count the fabulous NY AG Letitia James multiple times here, once for each indictment.
I am totally hyped with Fani Willis (Fulton County DA)....she is the real deal. AND a graduate of Emory Law School and Howard! FYI, she is the one who prosecuted the APS cheating scandal...that was so good for her and Georgia. AND she is the FIRST woman to ever hold this office and we can also celebrate her being the FIRST BLACK WOMAN!
Since 55.3% of law school students are women, we’ll be seeing more and more women attorneys, judges, AG’s, governors, Senators and congressional representatives.
It’s amazing what happens when Democrats are put in charge, especially these women! Hot dang, this is fixing to get reeeeaaallly good. As us country boys used to say back in the day…”this is gonna get good to my howdy real quick!”
I can’t wait to see who’s indicted by Smith, and in Georgia, and in Arizona, and in Maryland. Hopefully these other states that are on that list of ‘fake electors’ will take the hint from Michigan and get-er-done! Just imagine, Frumpy and his enablers have put 19 more citizens in prison for up to 14 years on their lies, and instructions. Add the bunch from Georgia, and Arizona, that’ll be about 35 American citizens they’ve had locked up and they’re not saying a peep. The cowards!
Yes, perhaps. I am an old guy that has seen the disservice been done to women for 60 years. You assert equality now as in the races? Frankly, I want more women opinions including yours. Sorry to insult you as you do not need my help. To your point.. No I have the correct perspective not withstanding Christ.
I despise the subconscious sexism you voiced in your comment. It's really ugly. I'm old too, but for heaven's sake try to keep up with the world. It is not exceptional that there's a female attorney General anywhere. Kamala Harris was the AG in California before becoming vice president.
No argument...but in some states (ahem...we are not all as progressive as CA) in the deep south and the midwest we are thrilled to have women begin to take power, and in particular thrilled that women of color are taking power. So in some of our worlds, it is a HUGE deal.
Yeah, it is, Marycat2021, or maybe you're OK with the "one exceptional woman" thing. The point here is that women are in leadership positions in several key states, including some (like Georgia) where it isn't a foregone conclusion. (Go, Stacey Abrams!) They're in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, and they didn't get there overnight.
F. Reynolds, You remind me of my late husband. We met late in life. He never put me down and encouraged me in everything I did. He contributed to my success and gave me added confidence to do the "hard things". Thank you!
Interesting take, Marycat. It seems to me he's giving her credit for doing the job well. Imho, too many men seem to lack the necessary backbone. I personally took it as evidence that it is often women getting things done! 💪
I'm a lesbian feminist who came of political age in the mid/late '60s, and I'm 100% behind what F. Reynolds posted. Women AGs (and governors -- go, Michigan!) aren't all that common these days, and if you'll look closely you'll see that some of them are regressive Republicans.
it's apparently not working. And your sorry isn't intentional at all, but another dismissive sneer. it's clear why you're here. Try elsewhere, maybe you'll get a good "fight". Goodbye
I think you're the one sneering here. I'm just an old woman who speaks her mind. And I am here for the same reason you and everyone else are. If you don't like what I have to say, you can block me.
(: "Girl" or "Girls" are terms of affection in my book, for females of all ages. Woman/women is fine too of course, but "girls" is a more intimate and endearing expression IMO. Here's to all the witty and bright Girls of the Substack! Joyce, love you girl!
The word "women" doesn't roll of the tongue as well. The "m" and "n" are difficult letters to give any emphasis. "Girls" is good, and so is "ladies", to give force to the "s" sound. Just my opinion. :)
Women and the newly minted high school graduates who want to speak out about the cold blooded murder of their fellow school goers. Between guns, abortion, Roe vs Wade, history as it really occurred and PRIDE, the Rs will have a hard time of it as long as we keep focused on the direction we want to see the country going. As for JC, the people who use his name in their titles are nowhere near displaying the love your neighbor commandment he issued. Their actions speak for them.
Thanks so much for this link, Peter. Wow. I really don't know what it's going to take for people to heed the warnings we see every single day. In this world of Up is Down, we can't stop trying.
My father (or perhaps his father) had a copy which I kept for years before donating to the library. Sinclair Lewis had clear foresight as we now have seen in Rachel Maddow's podcast Ultra and are now seeing with the Heritage Foundation's 2025 Presidential Transition Project. https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-presents-ultra
I can't help wondering if the book played a role in my father's decision, age 30, to sign up for US Coast Guard Officer Training School. He was activated as a Lt. j.g. in January 1942 when the USCG was subsumed by the US Navy, as is the rule in wartime, and left active duty in 1946 as a Lt. Commander, having been CO of a Navy Frigate by the end of WW II.
“Jack Smith is about to take his shot”! The world is with him! Best news I’ve heard in months. Bless you, Joyce Vance, for giving your readers some hope. It is sorely needed in light of each day’s events! Thank you. Little Pearls! 🥰
SO MANY EMOTIONS. I'll re-read and be more specific about my thoughts. I cannot tell you, Joyce and assembled company of subscribers, plus chickens and kittens, how much I appreciate access to this sterling company.
Thanks Joyce for the great news! I have family in MI and can't wait to congratulate them on their stellar AG!
And thanks for outlining why she really had to do her job. Those 16 liars and wanna be thieves (of our democracy) are MI residents, and she cannot look the other way.
We are all sick to death of all things tRump, but with each piece of good news, comes the hope and the thrill that we just might still save our nation!
It's not all that uncommon for defendants to waive the constitutional right to have their cases presented to a grand jury. In my career I saw plenty of them prosecuted under a Superior Court Information, which in NY state is a felony accusatory instrument brought by the prosecutor. Usually, defendants come to court ready to enter a guilty plea at arraignment.
I'm very happy that the chickens (pardon the expression) are coming home to roost for so many of these crooks.
Any chance similar cases will be brought in the other states (or maybe they're already in the works elsewhere)? There's so much criming going on it's hard to keep track. Asking for the honest citizens of one of the similarly situated states (Wisconsin).
FYI, this case https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetail.html?caseNo=2022CV001178&countyNo=13&index=0 appears to still be in progress. The defendants are all named in this case. Some of them are still active in WI politics. Harms to WI citizens and the country are huge. News reports that I've been able to find seem to show that Kaul is "deferring" to a federal prosecution. I think the DOJ has other things they're busy with. It is time for Kaul to find his spine and act.
Thank you for your response. Kaul definitely needs a spine. Perhaps he's worried that the Rs will target him. I'll continue to annoy him. Any suggestions are welcome.
Looks like the trial is scheduled for May of 2024. I can't hold my breath that long.
*sigh* I guess we'll just try to overpower him with a massive deluge of letters. Thanks for writing, and keep on. I'm with you! Hmm, maybe Michigan will show him the way.
Yet, another AG with backbone and guess what? She is a woman.
Surprise, surprise, surprise . . . :-) Michigan has a governor with backbone too -- also a woman: Gretchen Whitmer.
And, Michigan has drawn & implemented fair Congressional Districts. Michigan is no longer a "contested" state in my opinion. We'll see very soon, Go Gretchen!
I will never forget the day in 2011, when my state senator met me at our favorite watering hole to advise me on how to make my new business successful. He gave me winning advice, but first joyously declared, "We have just gerrymandered this state so bad those damn Democrats will never win again!" I smiled and said a weak "yaay", not bothering to let him know he had just undone all the good, hard work I had done for our district as a 2010 census taker, that I only voted for good, honest "Milliken Republicans" (named for our former governor who championed the environment and whose wife started Planned Parenthood in our state), and that I would do everything in my power to make sure that he would never win again (aided by term limits). He never did win again, but, oh the damage he and his fellow cons did. A friend of mine in our capitol, Lansing, (a former Planned Parenthood director, Judy Karandjeff, who once worked for Helen Milliken and now heads up the Michigan Women's Commission) wrote the ballot petition that eventually ended gerrymandering in Michigan. We are more than just a trifecta! We Are Women Strong in Michigan!
I also was a 2010 census taker and signature gather for the citizen commission to end gerrymandering. Women power on display.
YAY!!
Great work MaryPat!
Real Michigan Marvel Movie!
We Are Women Strong in Michigan! with MaryPat among them and waving the banner!
Examples for us all.
THANK YOU!
Hopefully he'll have a lot of company next year. Gerrymandering requires the creation of a lot of 52-48 type districts, and they can be swamped by a true blue wave.
Thank you MaryPat, another strong woman! 💪
New Yorker this week has an article on Whitmer and the implosion of the Michigan GOP.
Thank you Martin, Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker. 7/17/23.
Our brilliant, strong Democratic Trifecta!!
Woot!! Love me some Democratic Trifecta state government actions! And smart, strong women that get sh*t done.
With our democracy at stake, consequences matter. Grateful to my fellow northerners for voting for people who work to protect elections!
I am in a nearby state and we have a Democratic Trifecta too! Illinois. Still, our governor is hampered by Republican Judges downstate, who like Doughty in Tennessee, have voted down Covid Protections, and other things that undermines the governor's ability to do his job. What he has often done is stopped the action right before a trial begins so that there is no case for the Judge to try, but our quality of life nationwide is being affected by these awful judges.
As a woman (who was around in the 60s), I share what I take as F.Reynolds' delight in the women who are AGs in this day and age. It cannot have escaped the notice of this group that with the exception of Jack Smith and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, all the attorneys heading serious investigations of our criminal former president and his motley crew are women. I count the fabulous NY AG Letitia James multiple times here, once for each indictment.
I support all women and especially blacks who dare to rise up and be recognized to fulfill their destiny.
I am totally hyped with Fani Willis (Fulton County DA)....she is the real deal. AND a graduate of Emory Law School and Howard! FYI, she is the one who prosecuted the APS cheating scandal...that was so good for her and Georgia. AND she is the FIRST woman to ever hold this office and we can also celebrate her being the FIRST BLACK WOMAN!
I have heard that she is not to be trifled with. I wonder if she could be cloned? I look forward to the indictment(s).
Thank u F. Reynolds for your compliment! I'm a Black woman btw!
Absolutely another AG with a backbone.......oh and did I forget to say, “female”.......?
We've always had to get sh*t done.
Since 55.3% of law school students are women, we’ll be seeing more and more women attorneys, judges, AG’s, governors, Senators and congressional representatives.
As I see it, that can be a more moderate landscape over time.
✔️✔️✔️✔️
It’s amazing what happens when Democrats are put in charge, especially these women! Hot dang, this is fixing to get reeeeaaallly good. As us country boys used to say back in the day…”this is gonna get good to my howdy real quick!”
I can’t wait to see who’s indicted by Smith, and in Georgia, and in Arizona, and in Maryland. Hopefully these other states that are on that list of ‘fake electors’ will take the hint from Michigan and get-er-done! Just imagine, Frumpy and his enablers have put 19 more citizens in prison for up to 14 years on their lies, and instructions. Add the bunch from Georgia, and Arizona, that’ll be about 35 American citizens they’ve had locked up and they’re not saying a peep. The cowards!
You bet! 💪
Jesus Christ, are you living in the 1960s?
Yes, perhaps. I am an old guy that has seen the disservice been done to women for 60 years. You assert equality now as in the races? Frankly, I want more women opinions including yours. Sorry to insult you as you do not need my help. To your point.. No I have the correct perspective not withstanding Christ.
You're my kind of man and about my age although I'm probably older!!!
Well said F. Reynolds.
Marcia Clark prosecuted OJ Simpson in 1994.
I despise the subconscious sexism you voiced in your comment. It's really ugly. I'm old too, but for heaven's sake try to keep up with the world. It is not exceptional that there's a female attorney General anywhere. Kamala Harris was the AG in California before becoming vice president.
Please forgive my clumsy subconsciousness. I meant you no harm but I see you don't care about what I think. Even still. Peace.
It sounded to me like you were celebrating the fact of a powerful woman! I'll take all the celebration "we" can get.
I was indeed. Thanks for your recognizing a compliment freely given.
I care about what you think, and I applaud your point! Clearly you are in our corner, lots of older men are not.
I thought you said it just right!!!
No argument...but in some states (ahem...we are not all as progressive as CA) in the deep south and the midwest we are thrilled to have women begin to take power, and in particular thrilled that women of color are taking power. So in some of our worlds, it is a HUGE deal.
His comments are supported by statistics. Perhaps research them begunning with 1965.
Please go do some yoga and partake in cannabis. His comment was supporting the notion that WOMEN are the ones who always have to clean up the messes.
Yeah, it is, Marycat2021, or maybe you're OK with the "one exceptional woman" thing. The point here is that women are in leadership positions in several key states, including some (like Georgia) where it isn't a foregone conclusion. (Go, Stacey Abrams!) They're in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, and they didn't get there overnight.
Marycat, the title of Joyce's Substack is Civil Discourse. Civil.
As F. Reynolds said, Peace.
Thank you Pamela.
whoa...are we a little bit brittle here, or what?
F. Reynolds, You remind me of my late husband. We met late in life. He never put me down and encouraged me in everything I did. He contributed to my success and gave me added confidence to do the "hard things". Thank you!
oh, is JC subscribed too? Fabulous. I have a LIST of questions....
You win first prize, Mimi. Very funny. There are probably quite a few of us who have our own list of questions. And where shall I begin?
That's gonna be a whole 'nother substack, I'm thinking lolol!
If they're truly back can they please tell <waves hands> everyone that we Jewish folks did NOT kill them?
LOL...😂
🤣🤣🤣🥰
As a woman who survived the 60s, I also take note and delight when another woman takes it to the MAGAs. What is wrong w that?
Interesting take, Marycat. It seems to me he's giving her credit for doing the job well. Imho, too many men seem to lack the necessary backbone. I personally took it as evidence that it is often women getting things done! 💪
I'm a lesbian feminist who came of political age in the mid/late '60s, and I'm 100% behind what F. Reynolds posted. Women AGs (and governors -- go, Michigan!) aren't all that common these days, and if you'll look closely you'll see that some of them are regressive Republicans.
uggg....like Gov Memaw. Lordy help me.
And your problem is . . . ?
Do you know who Gov Memaw is?
Obviously, Susanna doesn’t know Gov Memaw is Kay Ivey. Maybe it’s too much of a local nickname…. 🙂
Yes indeed. No wonder white men are so afraid. It's the women and the blacks that are going to save our democracy.
In the end , it may be a majority of women who bring him down , that would be amazing karma! Let's go girls!
Let's go, WOMEN. Girls are children.
Hey, Marycat. Save your criticism and cussing. It’s out of place here.
Amen. Thank you Bonnie.
Yes, thank you Bonnie..😉
Hey, Bonnie. Sorry to offend you. There is a block feature. Please feel free to use it.
it's apparently not working. And your sorry isn't intentional at all, but another dismissive sneer. it's clear why you're here. Try elsewhere, maybe you'll get a good "fight". Goodbye
I think you're the one sneering here. I'm just an old woman who speaks her mind. And I am here for the same reason you and everyone else are. If you don't like what I have to say, you can block me.
Happy to be the 58th "like" on Sharon's "Le's go girls!"
Thank you, Pam..😊
(: "Girl" or "Girls" are terms of affection in my book, for females of all ages. Woman/women is fine too of course, but "girls" is a more intimate and endearing expression IMO. Here's to all the witty and bright Girls of the Substack! Joyce, love you girl!
The word "women" doesn't roll of the tongue as well. The "m" and "n" are difficult letters to give any emphasis. "Girls" is good, and so is "ladies", to give force to the "s" sound. Just my opinion. :)
Agree Harriet, I like both. And I don't consider "girls" to be an insult at all!
Context matters. Keep that in mind.
Agreed, and "Amen!" We are women. I also get my feathers ruffled at "ladies".
keep firing...who knows, eventually you might hit something.
Women and the newly minted high school graduates who want to speak out about the cold blooded murder of their fellow school goers. Between guns, abortion, Roe vs Wade, history as it really occurred and PRIDE, the Rs will have a hard time of it as long as we keep focused on the direction we want to see the country going. As for JC, the people who use his name in their titles are nowhere near displaying the love your neighbor commandment he issued. Their actions speak for them.
Thank you Joyce for this update on this newsworthy day.
Consequences. Let there be consequences!
Yay! Maybe other AG’s will follow suit in their states.
Arizona is on it.
Another female AG in AZ!
Probably depends on if a red or blue state and who has the majority.
......with plenty still needed!!! 👍
Definitely. These fake electors committed serious crimes.
Wow. Justice will prevail.
Yesterday's Post: Here's how a vintage comic warned us of the authoritarianism of Trump, DeSantis and the ultra-right https://forgottenfiles.substack.com/p/the-comic-book-that-saw-the-future
Thanks so much for this link, Peter. Wow. I really don't know what it's going to take for people to heed the warnings we see every single day. In this world of Up is Down, we can't stop trying.
Enough of us can make it happen as we are the “real” majority🇺🇸🗽
Kelly, glad it resonated for you.
That captures where we seem to be heading, except the danger coming from the right, rather than from the left. Prescient!
WOW!!! Sharing with my politically challenged comic book loving relatives!! Thanks!
That's a rather niche group of relatives. Hope it helps.
Simply stunning. Wow. Thank you.
Agreed. It makes for a timely comparison. And a reminder that if history doesn't repeat itself, at least it rhymes.
And it won’t happen here if we all turn out the vote and pay attention to every step Maga gate is up to and address these issues asap🇺🇸🗽
Agreed. Which is why voter suppression must be fought as well.
My father (or perhaps his father) had a copy which I kept for years before donating to the library. Sinclair Lewis had clear foresight as we now have seen in Rachel Maddow's podcast Ultra and are now seeing with the Heritage Foundation's 2025 Presidential Transition Project. https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-presents-ultra
I can't help wondering if the book played a role in my father's decision, age 30, to sign up for US Coast Guard Officer Training School. He was activated as a Lt. j.g. in January 1942 when the USCG was subsumed by the US Navy, as is the rule in wartime, and left active duty in 1946 as a Lt. Commander, having been CO of a Navy Frigate by the end of WW II.
Thanks for sharing all those personal connections.
Coincidence?
Peter, Have you read Phillip Roth's novel, "The Plot Against America"?
No Ted, but thanks for the reminder. Got to get that on my list.
SCOTUS needs work. My god, how they have lost all pretense of being anything but politicians with a lifetime gig.
YES!!
The link early in my post leads to many pubs by that group
And, hopefully, Jack Smith’s next set of indictments will drop this week or next!!
My fantasy is seeing him utterly drowned in indictments
My fantasy is seeing him drowned , period.
I'll sign onto that. I can provide music and hot dogs
Lol! That would work for me!
hehhehe
pass the popcorn!
I said from day one, the best we can hope for is that he's tied up in lawsuits for the rest of his miserable life.
Or tied up in a straightjacket
Whichever keeps him away from the White House
Mine Declared a traitor after the Jan 6 trial and shot at sunrise.
On film.
I'll bring the bubbly!
“Jack Smith is about to take his shot”! The world is with him! Best news I’ve heard in months. Bless you, Joyce Vance, for giving your readers some hope. It is sorely needed in light of each day’s events! Thank you. Little Pearls! 🥰
SO MANY EMOTIONS. I'll re-read and be more specific about my thoughts. I cannot tell you, Joyce and assembled company of subscribers, plus chickens and kittens, how much I appreciate access to this sterling company.
I agree! I'm thankful for the hope I feel reading these remarks.
Thanks Joyce for the great news! I have family in MI and can't wait to congratulate them on their stellar AG!
And thanks for outlining why she really had to do her job. Those 16 liars and wanna be thieves (of our democracy) are MI residents, and she cannot look the other way.
We are all sick to death of all things tRump, but with each piece of good news, comes the hope and the thrill that we just might still save our nation!
After all... "we're in this together"
She would have done it anyway. She is pro truth 😀
It's not all that uncommon for defendants to waive the constitutional right to have their cases presented to a grand jury. In my career I saw plenty of them prosecuted under a Superior Court Information, which in NY state is a felony accusatory instrument brought by the prosecutor. Usually, defendants come to court ready to enter a guilty plea at arraignment.
I'm very happy that the chickens (pardon the expression) are coming home to roost for so many of these crooks.
Any chance similar cases will be brought in the other states (or maybe they're already in the works elsewhere)? There's so much criming going on it's hard to keep track. Asking for the honest citizens of one of the similarly situated states (Wisconsin).
Let's write to WI Attorney General Josh Kaul and ask him:
Attorney General/Wisconsin Department of Justice
PO Box 7857
Madison, WI 53707-7857
Phone: (608) 266-1221
Fax: (608) 267-2779
I am hoping Sen. Ron Johnson gets taken down for attempting to deliver the Wisconsin slate of false electors to Pence.
I am hoping he gets prison time.
FYI, this case https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetail.html?caseNo=2022CV001178&countyNo=13&index=0 appears to still be in progress. The defendants are all named in this case. Some of them are still active in WI politics. Harms to WI citizens and the country are huge. News reports that I've been able to find seem to show that Kaul is "deferring" to a federal prosecution. I think the DOJ has other things they're busy with. It is time for Kaul to find his spine and act.
Thank you for your response. Kaul definitely needs a spine. Perhaps he's worried that the Rs will target him. I'll continue to annoy him. Any suggestions are welcome.
Looks like the trial is scheduled for May of 2024. I can't hold my breath that long.
*sigh* I guess we'll just try to overpower him with a massive deluge of letters. Thanks for writing, and keep on. I'm with you! Hmm, maybe Michigan will show him the way.
This makes me mad. Who the hell is he working for?
I'm going to keep writing. Calls to RoJo never get responses either. Let's just keep bugging them.
As a resident of one of those already listed, Pa, I'm with you on this.
Asking for PA also. It will be grand if they all go for it!
They’ll look bad if they don’t.
Great! One more step toward our hopes of a more perfect union!
Have others noticed how forward Michigan is moving these days? Really impressive!
Yes, because women have the reins.
Adding because Democratic women have the reins plus we have a Democratic majority in both the house and senate of our state legislature. 💙
I so wish FL was MI. No harm in wishing.
You're spot on with that, Girl!
Thank you😉
Isn’t it about time; feels so good! Go Ladies!
YES!
Thanks for the update Joyce. Kudos to the AG in Michigan!
This is getting dicey.. I love it!
Continued peace and prayers for our country....
Next up, AZ?