198 Comments

Thank God for states like Texas. A man in Houston walked into a restaurant and demanded money from every customer while brandishing a weapon. After robbing each and every customer he turned to leave but one of the customers stood up and shot him dead. That customer then collected the money and went around and gave it all back to the people who were robbed. He then turned and left.

In new Jersey he would be put in jail for the rest of his life for shooting a poor misunderstood robber who threatened a dozen people with murder.

Expand full comment

I don't know how Matt Gaetz was elected...frightening. Was he as odious when he was campaigning?

Expand full comment

We can only hope that logic and the courageous perseverance of those young activists like Olivia Julianna prevail over the ridiculous bluster that passes for "thought" in the current Republican party.

Expand full comment

I applaud her right along with you. May she always have the courage to stand up to small minded trolls like him.

Expand full comment

Applause all around. This is not only uplifting but encouraging and motivating. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Speaking out and speaking up! Our nation is better for having young people like you! You make me proud to be an American. Thank you for not backing down and taking action!

Expand full comment

I was born in Temple, TX, in 1944 (father stationed at Ft Hood), Mom and I retreated to North Dakota shortly after Dad left for the European theater. I returned to Texas in 1974 and worked there for 13 years. I enjoyed those years very much. I have been saddened by the political trends of the recent years and worry about the fine folks I lived and worked with there. I have always been proud to say I’m a “native Texan” and have faith that the political environment will return to a healthier outlook for the future!

Expand full comment

I hope our younger generations move away from the Blue/Red, Red/Blue. It is keeping our country mired in mediocrity. This country's potential is limitless because we have a mix of cultures, ideas and yes philosophies. D.C. has stifled that potential by keeping the public battling with themselves, while they continue to do nothing meaningful for America and its people.

Expand full comment

I am so proud of the women, young and older, who are stepping out and showing their strong beautiful selves! Being a woman in this world isn’t easy, especially now, and we must support our sisters in this fight. And yes, it is a fight, a fight I have fought for almost 75 years and am just getting started.

Expand full comment

Thank you for reminding us of many of the things that makes us great. Our ability to change, although not as fast as most like & the power of our young people. I’m proud of you for mentioning Olivia in this piece. There are so many young people that are experiencing unfathomable tragedies & they are choosing to turn hate inflicted on them into fierce kindness & love. I think it’s vitally important for older Americans to embrace the role of young America & show their support by turning out to vote in even larger numbers. I don’t want to step aside. I want to join them. They can lead, I will follow, bringing all my senior friends with me. Thank you, Dan & Elliot. You knocked it out of the park with this article!

Expand full comment

Let me add a few things since I posted this yesterday. I left out one extremely important aspect that I feel strongly about. As younger people take over in the political arena, we, as seniors must remain active. We are invaluable sources of wisdom & I’ve noticed that young people are thirsty for that wisdom. We must pass on what we know & experienced so they can be better advocates. We must make time for them. We must answer their questions. If we don’t, they will ask others. And eventually they will bump into someone that could give inadequate, inefficient or untruthful answers. Seems like a lot of that is going around now. I do believe there should be term limits, especially to wash out those politicians that are voting agst Veteran’s healthcare because they don’t want Biden to have another win going into the midterms or are hurt because Biden didn’t ask Sinema into the meeting about the bill with Manchin. Reminds me of junior high school, so petty. Hello, focus on the veterans, this is not about you. While I’m at it, I’d like to say how impressed I am with Biden’s performance. Yes, he’s a senior, but man, he is doing well. He stepped up just when this country needed him most when he could be playing checkers with his grandkids on the front porch. I feel Biden was the only person, at that time, that could have beat 45. Lordy, could you imagine if tfg was re elected. Things are dire enough due to the Reps. We must get more Dems in all levels of government. The only way we can do that is to step out of our individual lives, stand next to each other, support one another & educate the masses. All ages, all nationalities, all education & income levels, any & all genders must vote like it’s the last election we will ever see in our lifetimes.

Expand full comment

I lived and worked in Texas. Our son was born in Texas. Left Killeen 41 years ago, and something seems to have happened to the state in the interim, and not a happy something. It seems to need an intervention. Maybe Beto could be a catalyst for change, but only time will tell. Not sure how I would feel at the prospect of moving back there.

Expand full comment

I read about Olivia last week and donated to her cause. She is such a brave young woman and this ex Texas salutes her for trying to help Texas become what it's destined to be.

Expand full comment

In the last weeks I have been gaining the feeling that our young people are rising up using some voices of reason and sanity. I haven't passed the torch - I'm still a strong believer in our freedoms and human rights, but I am encouraged to see the younger folks taking stands and using their outdoor voices. That being said - way to go Olivia Julianna!!!!! And thanks, Dan for the reminder that not all people in any state are my diametric opposites, although it can sure feel that way. My sense of community sometimes needs refreshing and this did the trick.

Expand full comment

Olivia Julianna is what scares people like Mike Gaetz to death. He cannot handle a strong woman that is not afraid of him. Yes, his words were hurtful and small, but they are the fuel that will propel people like Olivia, myself, and other women to conquer every obstacle he tries to place in our paths. I did not know what the fundraising efforts were really about until I read this piece. I am a minister that is pro-choice and that infuriates my peers. What a woman chooses and why she made the choice is none of my business. When I speak my truth, it angers many church people. When I tell them I know they’re getting abortions for their children, wives, and mistresses, that really makes them mad! Olivia, keep up the great work!!! Speak your truth. Mobilize your foot soldiers. Start a mighty movement. No one can stop you. You were created for this moment.

Expand full comment

I believe it’s time for all us oldies but goodies to step aside and let the young people begin to lead the country. There should be maximum age limits for all three branches of the federal government. Many of us Dems are uneasy with the “progressives” like The Squad, but the regressives cheer on their young like Matt Gaetz. The youth in our country are passionate, willing, and have the energy to serve. We must let people make important decisions who will be living with those decisions.

Expand full comment

Older people aren't blocking the way of younger people. See YouTube: "She once was the youngest woman elected to Congress. She's trying again at 80," CNN, 7-29. Elizabeth Holtzman is highly experienced and articulate. Her offer to serve the public deserves appreciation.

Expand full comment

Thank you! I needed this little bit of hope today.

Expand full comment