33 Comments
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Jack Herlocker's avatar

You're doing the right thing, Ramona. 😉💚

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thanks, Jack. 💙

Janice Walton's avatar

My hat is off to you!!! I'm learning that we must say what's in our hearts - or it will keep knocking at our door until we do. In my mind, your political passion is the most important issue there is right now. If we can't get this right in November, our lives - or our children and grandchildren's lives will never be the same.

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thank you, Janice. The political angst takes its toll, but I'm so entrenched I know the frustration would be worse if I did nothing. My cross to bear and I gladly accept.

Janice Walton's avatar

And that is what passion is about I think.

Journalisa's avatar

Right on. Write on. You do it so beautifully. This was brought to my attention today and I sure wish I'd seen it when it came out in 1995. You will love this. https://www.nfb.ca/film/whos_counting/?fbclid=IwY2xjawESSfJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHa0Q3-beJBG5oUqQ1qxihs7hL5GKN18-yQrk8WWwthyk8Y5iKzCYz7SaKg_aem_5NW1PYid4Qypc5Kj6DL1nQ

Lev Raphael's avatar

Is political passion the worst? I think the passion to subjugate others is worse.... IMHO

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Not the worst--never the worst. But it's certainly fraught with controversy. (Changed it. Thanks.)

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Here's to passion and to using it for good!

Sally French Wessely's avatar

I wish I had your experience when it comes to writing about politics. I never really have, but now is the time to take up the pen and write about politics because people need to be informed. I just feel very inept when it comes to discussing politics in written form. I’m deeply concerned about the lack of critical thinking out there when it comes to voting, and I am deeply disappointed to see how entrenched Trump followers are. If we write, at least we can’t say we didn’t try to bring some light to the subject. I hope to follow your lead more. Thanks for leading the way.

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Sally, it doesn’t take political writing experience to write about politics, it takes living experience and we’ve all lived it. Write it your way, seizing on these things that affect you most. They’ll be different from everyone else’s.

We gain strength in knowing others are with us in this. 💙

Sally French Wessely's avatar

Thanks for the encouragement.

C. Jacobs's avatar

Not that you needed to read this from me, or anyone else, but responding to your passion is the right decision. In my opinion, this is always true without regard to subject matter. Something that you're passionate about is something that will read authentically when it's shared. There's enough blandness in this world, so keep bringing literary spice to we readers.

Nancy Hesting's avatar

Great piece, Ramona. I'm a bit of a political junkie myself and have struggled with writing about politics, but just recently wrote a piece on voting. I guess I'm sticking my toe in the water and testing it out.

JMA's avatar

Wow! What an amazing piece. Thank you for continuing to be BRAVE! It’s inspirational to us. As is your photo. 💙

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thanks for being here. And I like the photo, too. It fits.

Malcolm J McKinney's avatar

Curiosity fuels the brain.

Tara Penry's avatar

I always appreciate your political essays. No one else approaches the topics your way. Onward!

Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

Catherine Biondi's avatar

I love this, Ramona! You NAILED the passion and angst that come with being a writer.

For genuine writers, expressing ourselves in the written word isn’t a voluntary act. It’s as necessary as breathing.

Steve Dodge's avatar

Thank you for writing this one. People are scared to show their passion, myself included. But my best comes out when it is powered by passion. steve/Never give up

Holly Starley's avatar

“The writers who hold their audiences best are the writers who have confidence.” Holding onto this. It’s true.

And grateful for your passion.

Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Hi Ramona,

This sure speaks to me. I have another blog on Word Press that I started post-cancer diagnosis over a decade ago. It's mostly about cancer and grief, but once in a while I stepped out of that realm and delved into politics. Every single time I did, I lost a few readers and heard more than once that I should stay in my lane. Really? I didn't think so then, and I don't think so now.

One reason I moved to Substack was to hopefully expand my readership and feel a bit more emboldened to write about whatever topics I want. I intend to write in whatever lane I choose. I don't wish to be in a box. But, of course, every time I "step out of my lane" I do think about readers I'll likely lose and toes that will be stepped on. There is always risk involved in writing. Sometimes, the risk is worth it. This is one of those times. Actually, I'm pretty sure it always is.

Keep writing about politic or whatever you choose with passion! I intend to do the same. You're doing a great job, and your voice is needed.

Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Hi Ramona,

Yes, solidarity indeed. Loved this so much I gave it a shout out in my article today.

Shawn Truax's avatar

This one really spoke to me this morning. I’m having a tough time because I know once I hit send on the piece I’m writing now, that’ll be that for the most part. But I’ve reached the point where I’m just so tired of righteous intolerance, and the hate hit a little too close to home this time. So thank you because I really needed to read what you wrote. ❤️