If anyone has the misfortune of living in the hellhole designated as Arizona's 9th Congressional District and are represented by Mr. Paul Gosar, Republican, and you have not yet voted, although he doesn't have an opponent on the ballot, I am a registered write-in candidate in the race (one of two Democrats) and votes -- all seven or eight of them -- will be counted whereas write-ins for Mickey Mouse will not. I do not live in the district, this would be just a protest vote, and Arizona Democrats have a lot more to worry about that than this one member of Congress (two in the state, actually) runnning unopposed.
I apologize if this offends anyone or gives them a heart attack, but this is the extent of my campaigning today. Mostly I am busy planning my full-time move to my apartment in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
I've had this sticker on my vehicles for several years now.
VOTE LIKE YOU RIGHTS DEPEND ON IT. THEY DO.
It's from the ACLU and I've been happy to engage in any discourse on that. Doesn't happen much (from the sticker) but I wonder if it makes people think.
I hope voters consider this when they cast their ballots. Seems like every level of government has an increasing number of extreme right-wing, Christian nationalists, and even more running for school boards, local and state governments and the US Congress now. Frightening times.
I appreciate all that you do, Sari, especially the terrific writers you showcase on your site.
The encouragement to vote is so crucial, so thanks also for telling us to “vote as if our lives depend on it.” I don’t think it’s too extreme to say our democracy, including the free expression of views on all subjects, is hanging in the balance. Too many people take it for granted and don’t bother to vote. As the folks fighting, dying and just struggling to keep the lights on in Ukraine will tell you, there’s nothing more worth fighting for than democracy. I hope Americans don’t finally realize how precious ours is when we’re on the point of losing it.
Not hyperbolic in the least. We have already lost so many rights including in many states basic bodily autonomy, and there is so much more at stake. If you're not alarmed by what's been happening, and what could happen depending on how this election goes, I won't miss you.
I just don’t understand the whole “The country will go to hell if my views don’t win” mentality. It’s why we’re so divided and it sounds like you’re fully invested. We have more rights than anyplace on the planet. The threat to democracy campaign is a smokescreen and distraction from bigger problems and failures. To hear our president make these hypocritical claims is what alarms me.
That's...an interesting idea. Not going to waste any more energy trying to persuade you otherwise. I stand by my assertions here, 100%, and wish you all the best.
Thanks for the links, Sari!
If anyone has the misfortune of living in the hellhole designated as Arizona's 9th Congressional District and are represented by Mr. Paul Gosar, Republican, and you have not yet voted, although he doesn't have an opponent on the ballot, I am a registered write-in candidate in the race (one of two Democrats) and votes -- all seven or eight of them -- will be counted whereas write-ins for Mickey Mouse will not. I do not live in the district, this would be just a protest vote, and Arizona Democrats have a lot more to worry about that than this one member of Congress (two in the state, actually) runnning unopposed.
I apologize if this offends anyone or gives them a heart attack, but this is the extent of my campaigning today. Mostly I am busy planning my full-time move to my apartment in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
I love that you did that, Richard. Good luck with your move.
Thanks, Sari! Can't wait to meet you in person!
Likewise!
I've had this sticker on my vehicles for several years now.
VOTE LIKE YOU RIGHTS DEPEND ON IT. THEY DO.
It's from the ACLU and I've been happy to engage in any discourse on that. Doesn't happen much (from the sticker) but I wonder if it makes people think.
I hope voters consider this when they cast their ballots. Seems like every level of government has an increasing number of extreme right-wing, Christian nationalists, and even more running for school boards, local and state governments and the US Congress now. Frightening times.
I appreciate all that you do, Sari, especially the terrific writers you showcase on your site.
The encouragement to vote is so crucial, so thanks also for telling us to “vote as if our lives depend on it.” I don’t think it’s too extreme to say our democracy, including the free expression of views on all subjects, is hanging in the balance. Too many people take it for granted and don’t bother to vote. As the folks fighting, dying and just struggling to keep the lights on in Ukraine will tell you, there’s nothing more worth fighting for than democracy. I hope Americans don’t finally realize how precious ours is when we’re on the point of losing it.
Thanks, Ruth.
“Any semblance of democracy hangs in the balance.” Such hyperbole discourages me from returning to read this in the future.
Not hyperbolic in the least. We have already lost so many rights including in many states basic bodily autonomy, and there is so much more at stake. If you're not alarmed by what's been happening, and what could happen depending on how this election goes, I won't miss you.
I just don’t understand the whole “The country will go to hell if my views don’t win” mentality. It’s why we’re so divided and it sounds like you’re fully invested. We have more rights than anyplace on the planet. The threat to democracy campaign is a smokescreen and distraction from bigger problems and failures. To hear our president make these hypocritical claims is what alarms me.
That's...an interesting idea. Not going to waste any more energy trying to persuade you otherwise. I stand by my assertions here, 100%, and wish you all the best.
Don’t know if you can read this without a subscription but it’s thought provoking: https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/gfile/democracy-is-not-on-the-ballot/
Turns out the election proved Sari was right.
Sari made a lot more sense than you did.
I’m not interested in debating you on this, in post-Roe, post-insurrection America.
Me too.