I sent out the first Civil Discourse newsletter on June 7, 2022. The House January 6 committee hearings were about to start, and two days later, they did. Nothing like good timing! Like so many of you, I was struggling to stay on top of everything that was happening in our country. I was desperately concerned there would be no accountability for the Trump era, no accountability for the events that culminated with the insurrection on January 6, 2021. I was worried about other issues too, ranging from climate change to civil rights to gun violence to protecting the right to vote. It was becoming clear to me that it was essential if we were ever going to find solutions for the issues I cared about that we first fight to save democracy and fight for the rule of law.
We love you, Joyce, because you explain everything to us in simplified forms, of which we can understand. You have provided us with sensible suggestions and we discovered that sense of humor of yours! Thank you so much for what you have done to make us smarter and Congrats on your (and ours) 2nd anniversary!
Congratulations, Joyce, on all that you've accomplished in two years. I turn to you for information and insight, but also for the civil discourse. I hate the meanness and nastiness that has invaded our ways of interacting with one another and I am beyond grateful that I don't find that here. You appeal to decency, honest communication and fairness and, in the end, that may be more important than anything else. I like the direction you go in. Here's to two more years and a whole bunch more beyond that!
Yes and I agree. Joyce has enlightened me over the past year I have subscribed. I appreciate her diligence. I only wish I had nearly as much energy to work on my own as she. But she has inspired me to the extent that I now have a small group of subscribers along with a few paid ones. It’s those who are paying that compels me to write as I feel a responsibility to justify their presence and commitment. We all borrow from each other as writers. The more I comment here and elsewhere the more sign up.
Joyce has a sweet collection of non-human creatures as I do. But mine are all formerly homeless cats. All 7 seven get along with each other. I just wish humans put in close living proximity, could get along as well as Elenore, Ringo, Willie, Babe, Wild Man, Jezebel, and Muffin and now, Nefertiti in spirit. She was my muse and I miss her.
"...if we were ever going to find solutions for the issues I cared about that we first fight to save democracy and fight for the rule of law."
So true, and this from Katherine Gehl.
“You have a choice to make. You can continue applying your agency elsewhere, indirectly perpetuating the political-industrial complex that undermines the very causes you are prioritizing separately (and nobly, to be sure). Or you can redirect your agency to further catalyze a twenty-first-century wave of political innovation to break partisan gridlock and save our democracy; in which case you’re advancing every cause. Without a sea change, our political system will continue to do more harm to education, the environment, the economy—you name it. A transformation of the politics industry can do more than we can do on our own to help those sacred corners of America.”
Gehl, Katherine M.. The Politics Industry (p. 172). Harvard Business Review Press. Kindle Edition.
Please read her book. It will change the way you think about politics moving forrward. After reading it, I hope you will be inspired to join/support the electoral reform movement currently gaining steam.
Michael, I agree with Susan Stone. You're right on with your assessment of the community that Joyce has built. As citizens we have the right and privilege to participate in our own governance. But, that also comes with duty. Perhaps in reverse order, but to vote and to stay informed. And Joyce goes a long way to helping us not only be motivated to vote, but to be informed.
Bless you, Joyce!
I'm so happy to be a supporting, contributing member.
Totally agree. I look forward to anything she offers to those who will listen. She is a bright light to those who have received little in their lifetimes. ❤🙏☕💙🌍✌💯🌻🦋
Congratulations! What a frightful journey this has been. Truly grateful for all the learning and insight you have shared. Thank you so much, many times over.
I'm not here for the chickens, but they are cute and fun. I am here to hear your thoughtful and insightful comments. I wasn't there on Day One, but pretty darn close. THANK YOU! And thanks to Robert Hubbell who made me aware of your daily posts.
Yes, me too! In fact, I am in awe of the concept of Substack. People far wiser than I are a guiding light, yet they remain humble and helpful. (Thinking of you, Joyce, Robert, Heather, et al.) I think how lucky I am, we are, to be in wonderful company. Also, you are role models for keeping your cool in the face of difficult issues. Unfortunately, I have not learned how to do that!
Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge on these events. I appreciate you taking the time to share remind us what role we play in democracy. You give me hope that we will make to the other side of this election with democracy intact.
"...if we were ever going to find solutions for the issues I cared about that we first fight to save democracy and fight for the rule of law."
So true, and this from Katherine Gehl.
“You have a choice to make. You can continue applying your agency elsewhere, indirectly perpetuating the political-industrial complex that undermines the very causes you are prioritizing separately (and nobly, to be sure). Or you can redirect your agency to further catalyze a twenty-first-century wave of political innovation to break partisan gridlock and save our democracy; in which case you’re advancing every cause. Without a sea change, our political system will continue to do more harm to education, the environment, the economy—you name it. A transformation of the politics industry can do more than we can do on our own to help those sacred corners of America.”
Gehl, Katherine M.. The Politics Industry (p. 172). Harvard Business Review Press. Kindle Edition.
Please read her book. It will change the way you think about politics moving forrward. After reading it, I hope you will be inspired to join/support the electoral reform movement currently gaining steam.
I just can't get over how dishonesty and greed have taken over our country. And when the "Christians" are leading the way, it is depressing. Thank you for all you do to support democracy and truth. Love the chickens too!
While not easy, as long as the chick's are with us, we'll make it into something good.
When djt was elected, my Berlin landlady asked me, "what will you do?"
My answer was "we'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it". Even then, the chick's were in my brain. Something good will come of it.
Kathy, what a wonderful response to your Berlin landlady:
"We'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it".
Kathy Corten
I’m going to print it out and tape it to my bathroom mirror so I can read it every time I floss my teeth. Think I’ll add a an image of one of Joyce’s chickens too.
Kathy, "we'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it," That says what President Biden said in his D-Day speech- "To believe that we're a part of something bigger than ourselves."
That's what the onslaught of Trumpism has done to so many- make "me" and "myself" more important than "we" and "ourselves."
As you say, I think that "me" over "we" is a big part of it. Our concern for the general welfare or "common good" of our fellow humans is lessened today, compared to decades past. After WW II we understood as a society the importance of the collective, and the need to work at protecting it. But as time passed, and particularly the decade of the 1960s, people became more self-absorbed and isolated and
(alienated from each other). Some of that was a natural progression of societal change. But a lot of it was trauma from that decade.
I view the chaos and turmoil of the 1960s as significant factors in where we find ourselves today. While not the exclusive cause, much of what we experienced during those years eroded our sense of community, accountable to each other and the greater good.
Another thing I note is that in decades past many people kept their "beliefs" in church, and "thinking" in daily life. Beliefs are grounded in emotion and feeling, and properly belong in church (you can also read this as "life view"). Thinking is grounded in fact and reality (you can read this as "rationality"). Beliefs are closely held personal conviction and just are - not subject to correct or wrong or being misled. Because thinking is subject to fact checking and critical and analytical testing, it can be challenged for efficacy. If it needs to be adjusted, it can be. A person's central core beliefs are not challenged. I see that as an element of respect.
When we operate in daily life based on belief, there is no flex or wiggle room...they are what they are, and so compomise and allowance are not likely. On the other hand, when we operate in daily life based on thinking, a greater range of possibilities exists to adjust, compromise, and even change. We can adapt with other people's ideas to achieve a goal. This is the essence of teamwork.
My respect for teamwork derives from growing up in a rural community, a career in the military, and a decade and a half with the State Department. In all those years it never occured to us to question someone's beliefs. The task at hand was about rational solutions to achieve a goal.
That said, I can still "sneak" my beliefs into a teamwork situation: I value respect, decency, and kindness in the interaction of team members. By applying my beliefs, I have influenced the team without demanding, or criticizing, or demeaning anyone elses beliefs. It doesn't always work, but more often than not, it will result in a stronger unity and final result.
If we can work respectfully and with kindness at lessening what I see as alienation among people, we can lessen the "me" and bring about more "we". I know this works.
I think that there have always been people who can't and don't accept differences in people who live and believe differently than they do.
They haven't accepted people's differing religions, life-stlyes, cultures, and beliefs. These people have always existed, but I believe that Donald Trump has encouraged their disrespectful and misguided rhetoric and actions. They see in him someone who supports and validates their racism, sexism, religious
fervor, narrow-mindedness, and fear of a change in their way of life.
There is no one that is more "me" oriented than Donald Trump. Instead of encouraging people to work together to solve problems, and to respect others' opinions, he makes fun of and puts down anyone who dares disagree with his insane words and actions.
I too grew up in a rural area with people who helped each other in every facet of life.
I'm a retired teacher and I tried to encourage the students to respect each other. They knew I would not tolerate bullying, name-calling, unkindness, or making fun of someone's mistakes.
I can't believe that Trump's supporters would want their children to consider him a hero, or "sent by God" to save America. His behavior is childish, mean-spirited, selfish, disrespectful, and his only regard is for people who applaud him, laugh at his inane jokes, and put him on a pedestal.
There is no "we" in his world. Only "me".
I always thought that respect for others would win out. I always thought that "right" would win. I'm shocked at how many people don't understand what "right" is.
May I send you an email I received from the trump campaign.
This is neither Presidential nor American, but it demonstrates the illness that afflicts the individual. It is revealing, but certainly not pleasant. If you would rather not receive it I completely understand and will deep 6 it.
We love you, Joyce, because you explain everything to us in simplified forms, of which we can understand. You have provided us with sensible suggestions and we discovered that sense of humor of yours! Thank you so much for what you have done to make us smarter and Congrats on your (and ours) 2nd anniversary!
Congratulations, Joyce, on all that you've accomplished in two years. I turn to you for information and insight, but also for the civil discourse. I hate the meanness and nastiness that has invaded our ways of interacting with one another and I am beyond grateful that I don't find that here. You appeal to decency, honest communication and fairness and, in the end, that may be more important than anything else. I like the direction you go in. Here's to two more years and a whole bunch more beyond that!
Well said, Michael! I agree completely.
Happy to hear that, Susan. Thanks!!
Yes and I agree. Joyce has enlightened me over the past year I have subscribed. I appreciate her diligence. I only wish I had nearly as much energy to work on my own as she. But she has inspired me to the extent that I now have a small group of subscribers along with a few paid ones. It’s those who are paying that compels me to write as I feel a responsibility to justify their presence and commitment. We all borrow from each other as writers. The more I comment here and elsewhere the more sign up.
Joyce has a sweet collection of non-human creatures as I do. But mine are all formerly homeless cats. All 7 seven get along with each other. I just wish humans put in close living proximity, could get along as well as Elenore, Ringo, Willie, Babe, Wild Man, Jezebel, and Muffin and now, Nefertiti in spirit. She was my muse and I miss her.
Wonderful that you care for 7 formerly homeless cats!
There is a basic trick to not having a smelly house. Constant litter box cleaning. Oh and vacuuming and washing the floors, lol.
I just have 1 cat and need to do a better job at all that!!
Bless you Bill Katz
"...if we were ever going to find solutions for the issues I cared about that we first fight to save democracy and fight for the rule of law."
So true, and this from Katherine Gehl.
“You have a choice to make. You can continue applying your agency elsewhere, indirectly perpetuating the political-industrial complex that undermines the very causes you are prioritizing separately (and nobly, to be sure). Or you can redirect your agency to further catalyze a twenty-first-century wave of political innovation to break partisan gridlock and save our democracy; in which case you’re advancing every cause. Without a sea change, our political system will continue to do more harm to education, the environment, the economy—you name it. A transformation of the politics industry can do more than we can do on our own to help those sacred corners of America.”
Gehl, Katherine M.. The Politics Industry (p. 172). Harvard Business Review Press. Kindle Edition.
Please read her book. It will change the way you think about politics moving forrward. After reading it, I hope you will be inspired to join/support the electoral reform movement currently gaining steam.
https://gehlporter.com/
Thank God, for his people faithful.
Michael, I agree with Susan Stone. You're right on with your assessment of the community that Joyce has built. As citizens we have the right and privilege to participate in our own governance. But, that also comes with duty. Perhaps in reverse order, but to vote and to stay informed. And Joyce goes a long way to helping us not only be motivated to vote, but to be informed.
Bless you, Joyce!
I'm so happy to be a supporting, contributing member.
Good health to you and yours.
L'chaim on your second anniversary!
Well said, Les!
Totally agree. I look forward to anything she offers to those who will listen. She is a bright light to those who have received little in their lifetimes. ❤🙏☕💙🌍✌💯🌻🦋
She is a bright light indeed!
Thank you Joyce for the deepest care you have for us and the country!
AMEN to that, Christopher! Thank you, Joyce!
Congratulations! What a frightful journey this has been. Truly grateful for all the learning and insight you have shared. Thank you so much, many times over.
Congratulations Joyce! You are our North Star and guiding light. Thank you
We need more mentors like Joyce Vance. Childhood heros make lasting life impressions. Let's make them good for the good of all. What say you?
I say yes!
I'm not here for the chickens, but they are cute and fun. I am here to hear your thoughtful and insightful comments. I wasn't there on Day One, but pretty darn close. THANK YOU! And thanks to Robert Hubbell who made me aware of your daily posts.
I'm such a big fan of Rob!
I love that you can listen to Robert’s writings in his calm measured voice!!
Yes, me too! In fact, I am in awe of the concept of Substack. People far wiser than I are a guiding light, yet they remain humble and helpful. (Thinking of you, Joyce, Robert, Heather, et al.) I think how lucky I am, we are, to be in wonderful company. Also, you are role models for keeping your cool in the face of difficult issues. Unfortunately, I have not learned how to do that!
Me either.
Ditto, but I love the chickens, who help keep us grounded. ☺️
Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge on these events. I appreciate you taking the time to share remind us what role we play in democracy. You give me hope that we will make to the other side of this election with democracy intact.
"...if we were ever going to find solutions for the issues I cared about that we first fight to save democracy and fight for the rule of law."
So true, and this from Katherine Gehl.
“You have a choice to make. You can continue applying your agency elsewhere, indirectly perpetuating the political-industrial complex that undermines the very causes you are prioritizing separately (and nobly, to be sure). Or you can redirect your agency to further catalyze a twenty-first-century wave of political innovation to break partisan gridlock and save our democracy; in which case you’re advancing every cause. Without a sea change, our political system will continue to do more harm to education, the environment, the economy—you name it. A transformation of the politics industry can do more than we can do on our own to help those sacred corners of America.”
Gehl, Katherine M.. The Politics Industry (p. 172). Harvard Business Review Press. Kindle Edition.
Please read her book. It will change the way you think about politics moving forrward. After reading it, I hope you will be inspired to join/support the electoral reform movement currently gaining steam.
https://gehlporter.com/
I just can't get over how dishonesty and greed have taken over our country. And when the "Christians" are leading the way, it is depressing. Thank you for all you do to support democracy and truth. Love the chickens too!
Register Democrats -- save democracy and truth. And maybe chickens too.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Heather, they are the American Taliban!
While not easy, as long as the chick's are with us, we'll make it into something good.
When djt was elected, my Berlin landlady asked me, "what will you do?"
My answer was "we'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it". Even then, the chick's were in my brain. Something good will come of it.
Kathy, what a wonderful response to your Berlin landlady:
"We'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it".
Kathy Corten
I’m going to print it out and tape it to my bathroom mirror so I can read it every time I floss my teeth. Think I’ll add a an image of one of Joyce’s chickens too.
Kathy, "we'll put our arms around each other and help each other through it," That says what President Biden said in his D-Day speech- "To believe that we're a part of something bigger than ourselves."
That's what the onslaught of Trumpism has done to so many- make "me" and "myself" more important than "we" and "ourselves."
Pam,
As you say, I think that "me" over "we" is a big part of it. Our concern for the general welfare or "common good" of our fellow humans is lessened today, compared to decades past. After WW II we understood as a society the importance of the collective, and the need to work at protecting it. But as time passed, and particularly the decade of the 1960s, people became more self-absorbed and isolated and
(alienated from each other). Some of that was a natural progression of societal change. But a lot of it was trauma from that decade.
I view the chaos and turmoil of the 1960s as significant factors in where we find ourselves today. While not the exclusive cause, much of what we experienced during those years eroded our sense of community, accountable to each other and the greater good.
Another thing I note is that in decades past many people kept their "beliefs" in church, and "thinking" in daily life. Beliefs are grounded in emotion and feeling, and properly belong in church (you can also read this as "life view"). Thinking is grounded in fact and reality (you can read this as "rationality"). Beliefs are closely held personal conviction and just are - not subject to correct or wrong or being misled. Because thinking is subject to fact checking and critical and analytical testing, it can be challenged for efficacy. If it needs to be adjusted, it can be. A person's central core beliefs are not challenged. I see that as an element of respect.
When we operate in daily life based on belief, there is no flex or wiggle room...they are what they are, and so compomise and allowance are not likely. On the other hand, when we operate in daily life based on thinking, a greater range of possibilities exists to adjust, compromise, and even change. We can adapt with other people's ideas to achieve a goal. This is the essence of teamwork.
My respect for teamwork derives from growing up in a rural community, a career in the military, and a decade and a half with the State Department. In all those years it never occured to us to question someone's beliefs. The task at hand was about rational solutions to achieve a goal.
That said, I can still "sneak" my beliefs into a teamwork situation: I value respect, decency, and kindness in the interaction of team members. By applying my beliefs, I have influenced the team without demanding, or criticizing, or demeaning anyone elses beliefs. It doesn't always work, but more often than not, it will result in a stronger unity and final result.
If we can work respectfully and with kindness at lessening what I see as alienation among people, we can lessen the "me" and bring about more "we". I know this works.
Very Respectfully,
Kathy
Show quoted text
Very well-stated! Thanks for your reply.
I think that there have always been people who can't and don't accept differences in people who live and believe differently than they do.
They haven't accepted people's differing religions, life-stlyes, cultures, and beliefs. These people have always existed, but I believe that Donald Trump has encouraged their disrespectful and misguided rhetoric and actions. They see in him someone who supports and validates their racism, sexism, religious
fervor, narrow-mindedness, and fear of a change in their way of life.
There is no one that is more "me" oriented than Donald Trump. Instead of encouraging people to work together to solve problems, and to respect others' opinions, he makes fun of and puts down anyone who dares disagree with his insane words and actions.
I too grew up in a rural area with people who helped each other in every facet of life.
I'm a retired teacher and I tried to encourage the students to respect each other. They knew I would not tolerate bullying, name-calling, unkindness, or making fun of someone's mistakes.
I can't believe that Trump's supporters would want their children to consider him a hero, or "sent by God" to save America. His behavior is childish, mean-spirited, selfish, disrespectful, and his only regard is for people who applaud him, laugh at his inane jokes, and put him on a pedestal.
There is no "we" in his world. Only "me".
I always thought that respect for others would win out. I always thought that "right" would win. I'm shocked at how many people don't understand what "right" is.
Pam,
May I send you an email I received from the trump campaign.
This is neither Presidential nor American, but it demonstrates the illness that afflicts the individual. It is revealing, but certainly not pleasant. If you would rather not receive it I completely understand and will deep 6 it.
Very Respectfully, Kathy
Show quoted text
On reflection, this email has no place on Joyce's platform. I deep 6'd it.
V/R Kathy
Kathy, I just saw your text. I was going to say, yes, send it.:)
Your chickens appear more civil than the so-called politicians
Absolutely!
Congratulations and thank you!!!!
You help keep us motivated!!
Thank you for all you do and for talking us of the ledge.
Thank you for everything Joyce! New chick pics are always welcome☮️.
Thank you Joyce!
Thanks, Joyce by helping us understand what’s going on and the ramifications!
I'm in it for you and also the chickens! Thank you for all you do.