A very sincere thanks to my kids, who let me take the time to write it after school pick up and before making dinner tonight, and to my kids and my wife (because after I got dinner out of the oven they let me duck upstairs to write more while they did dinner and nighttime routine). That may seem like a pedantic thank you, but it really made a huge difference to be able to say "you all, I really feel like I need to write tonight."
For the past five years, I have been taking a Zoom class with a bunch of Minnesotans, most of whom are politically active lefties. When I heard about this murder, I was absolutely devastated—I *know* people who have been out there protesting in the Twin Cities, and this hit really close to home. This plus the threats about Greenland have me feeling really sad and hopeless and, yes, tired tonight. But I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us.
Garrett I'm so grateful to you for always writing what I need to read, even when I don't know it. I didn't need a reminder to be mad or scared, but I really did need the reminder tonight that care is a renewable resource.
Beau, that means a lot. My general thought is-- at times like this, there's value in many types of words, but plenty of other folks already have a lot of the other parts of the spectrum (the anger, the recitation of all the ways the administration is terrible, etc.), so I try to ask myself "what do I need to hear that I don't know if too many other folks will say."
I've unsubscribed to a lot of breaking news emails and alerts to protect my sanity, especially in the evenings when I'm trying to be present with my kids, so your email was how I learned Renee's name - felt like a small gift to hear it for the first time in the context of this piece. You're the best Garrett, thank you. ❤️
The two things I am holding in my mind are 1) the massive protest group that formed on the site of the murder yesterday and 2) all the videos of protests around the country I've seen since. There are people who say protests don't matter, but politicians can see them. We've also never had an administration this concerned with optics and public opinion, so I think perhaps these actions matter more than ever before. Even a dictator needs the support of the people, and I am comforted to know they do not have it.
I recall commenting on an earlier post of yours when this was happening in Chicago that I feared the Twin Cities were next. I didn't want to be right. Mpls has been maligned constantly by the right wing since 2020 and that's clearly not changing. If the admin really wanted to change immigration policy, they would have done so. This isn't solving anything.
Thank you, Garrett. You have an incredible skill for sharing outrage and grief in a way that feels tender and hopeful. I appreciate your writing so much.
Beautiful. Thanks for taking the time this evening to write this.
A very sincere thanks to my kids, who let me take the time to write it after school pick up and before making dinner tonight, and to my kids and my wife (because after I got dinner out of the oven they let me duck upstairs to write more while they did dinner and nighttime routine). That may seem like a pedantic thank you, but it really made a huge difference to be able to say "you all, I really feel like I need to write tonight."
beautifully written, thank you Garrett for holding our hearts through so much violence.
Thank you Hannah. Loved your poem.
For the past five years, I have been taking a Zoom class with a bunch of Minnesotans, most of whom are politically active lefties. When I heard about this murder, I was absolutely devastated—I *know* people who have been out there protesting in the Twin Cities, and this hit really close to home. This plus the threats about Greenland have me feeling really sad and hopeless and, yes, tired tonight. But I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us.
It's been an overwhelming week. Please tell your friends thank you for everything they've been doing.
Garrett I'm so grateful to you for always writing what I need to read, even when I don't know it. I didn't need a reminder to be mad or scared, but I really did need the reminder tonight that care is a renewable resource.
Beau, that means a lot. My general thought is-- at times like this, there's value in many types of words, but plenty of other folks already have a lot of the other parts of the spectrum (the anger, the recitation of all the ways the administration is terrible, etc.), so I try to ask myself "what do I need to hear that I don't know if too many other folks will say."
These are the words I needed to read right now. Thank you Garrett.
Really appreciate you David.
I've unsubscribed to a lot of breaking news emails and alerts to protect my sanity, especially in the evenings when I'm trying to be present with my kids, so your email was how I learned Renee's name - felt like a small gift to hear it for the first time in the context of this piece. You're the best Garrett, thank you. ❤️
I think that's a really smart strategy and am glad this could be a comparatively gentler way to learn Renee's name. Appreciate you, Leah!
The two things I am holding in my mind are 1) the massive protest group that formed on the site of the murder yesterday and 2) all the videos of protests around the country I've seen since. There are people who say protests don't matter, but politicians can see them. We've also never had an administration this concerned with optics and public opinion, so I think perhaps these actions matter more than ever before. Even a dictator needs the support of the people, and I am comforted to know they do not have it.
This is so, so well put.
THANK YOU GARRETT…. First your words, for your work & for your HEART!! 💔❤️🩹❤️❤️❤️
Love you so much, Juanita.
I recall commenting on an earlier post of yours when this was happening in Chicago that I feared the Twin Cities were next. I didn't want to be right. Mpls has been maligned constantly by the right wing since 2020 and that's clearly not changing. If the admin really wanted to change immigration policy, they would have done so. This isn't solving anything.
I remember that comment, and remember hoping your prediction would be wrong (but fearing it would be). Sending so much love.
Thank you, Garrett. You have an incredible skill for sharing outrage and grief in a way that feels tender and hopeful. I appreciate your writing so much.
Oh that's very kind, Margie. Thank you!
Thank you, Garrett. Thanks also to your family.
Thank you, Jacquelyn
Thank you. This might be the thing that holds me together in front of my third graders today.
Sending love to you and your crew of nine-year-olds!
❤️
much love, my friend!