27 Comments

Thank you Michelle for this inspired call to action!

“I abide where there is a fight against wrong,”

Mother Jones was indeed a courageous warrior and a major badass.

Reading this was equal parts medicinal and energizing, so thank you.

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Oh I'm so glad you felt that way Jerry – her story is galvanizing for me, and I'm glad it is for you too.

When you live your life in such a way that you inspire people ~100 years after your death, you've done something right.

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Great input, Michelle. I had no idea where Mother Jones came from. Now I feel enlightened. Thank you!

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Thank you, Carl! I think her story is so inspiring – it's one that I turn to when I feel like things are tough... so it seemed like a good one to share. 💙

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And though we try to imagine it, the hardships she endured cannot be fully understood-- and I have a vivid imagination.

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There are lots of good writers on Substack, but I have limited time. I try and be selective. But in these times, anyone who writes about Mother Jones is someone to listen to. Look forward to learning more from you.

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Oh my goodness, Bill! What a lovely compliment. Welcome. 💙

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“My employers seemed neither to notice nor to care," she said.

As all history reveals, humanity does not care for humanity but instead for its tribe.

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As a professional seamstress and trouble maker myself, I so appreciate this story. I never knew about her! Thank you.

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Keep on keeping on!

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Wow! Thanks for this. I’ve been reading mother jones magazine since the 90s and did not know the fascinating history of its namesake.

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Thank you for sharing the story of Mother Jones! Like so many I’m familiar with the publication, but didn’t know her story.

And stories like hers really are medicine for times like these.

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Thank you, Amy! I figured we could all use some more stories of resilient women... I'm so glad it resonated. 💙

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I loved this!! I think I just found you on Bluesky. (I'm hereforgood ksplanet Not sure which leads to me. Is Small Deeds Done on Bluesky?)

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Oh! I'm @hornish.bsky.social – I've not set up an account for Small Deeds, though perhaps I should? Then again, I have a hard time keeping track of all the social media accounts I currently have. 😂 Thanks for sharing your handle – I'll find you!

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Thanks! I just followed you!

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I dumped Threads, and twitter/x. Just have BlueSky and FB now. BlueSky has been great, IMO.

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Agree – I’ve been really impressed so far. Fingers crossed.

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Every time I hit Follow for you, it goes to Following, but when I check back it's gone back to Follow. They must be on overload. I'll keep trying!

I have an MA in US History so I really like your posts with historical value, like this one!

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Oh! Yes, I imagine BlueSky is running at full tilt right now. I appreciate the attempt to follow anyway. :)

I love doing these historical deep dives – if you have suggestions please let me know. 💙

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Nine times it looks like I'm following, then gone when I check back. Never had this problem before. I won't give up!

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Thank you, Michele! Talk about being strengthened by adversity! She was the Forrest Gump of 19th Century Irish & American disasters: there for so heartbreakingly many…

Hopefully, we can also survive out of a gulag & be strengthened by what I expect to be an egregiously intentional shit-show over the next four years.

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Indeed, Chuck – it's going to be a bumpy road. But we've got a great community (and incredible collective power) – luckily we can keep one another company!

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I dropped in on your Tennessee Blue meeting last night. I just wanted to ‘meet’ you & Jess. I hope you feel better! 👍

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I’m so glad you did! A pleasure to meet you! Goodness this cold just won’t let up. The cough is the last thing to go I suppose… thanks for the well wishes. 💙

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Of course.

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