Touching and wonderful piece, brimming with humanity - both on the surface with the heartfelt story, and in the deeper meaning underlying that story. People DO Take strength from others who refuse to back down - people who "do what they do before they know it's safe." And courage really IS contagious. And it's among the things we need most.
Miles this is truly one of the most poignant, one of the best pieces I've ever read, truly. It showcases your brilliance and your special character all at once. Life stories, lifting up others along with life's powerful lessons. I can't type anymore, crying. Thank you thank you to you and your beautiful family. 🙏❤️❤️
Anne sounds a lot like my grandmother, who took me by the hand to my first civil rights march when I was five, and she was 83. Today, I am an organizer for our Texas Democrats locally and statewide. I have organized over 900 of them in my own very red rural Texas district. I am also President of the Blue Horizon Texas PAC, which fundraises to recruit, train, and build support networks for Democratic candidates statewide in Texas. This year, for the first time in decades, we have a Democratic candidate for both our state and federal legislatures running in every single district across Texas. Will we win in all of those races? Unlikely, but you definitely can't win if you don't contest. And we are building a movement in Texas. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and are just getting started on turnings Texas Blue.
Miles, the courage you have shown has inspired me to do the same as I approach my 89th birthday this year. The ‘thank you’ letter to your dear aunt is priceless. Truth, Democracy, and patriotism are alive. Thanks for all you do, my friend.
Beautifully written; thank you for such an inspiring message. Feeling so disillusioned today, but after reading about Anne, I am reminded that we are in this together for a reason… to stand up and speak out because everything we have ever known is at stake, and it’s up to us to protect it, to be defiant.
One thing my husband said when we lost our wonderful daughter-in-law: that Ashley had a spark; no matter what she thought about herself that spark was shared with, and found a home in, everyone she met. Perhaps that is Anne as well. ❤️
While I have followed you over the years on television, I have not subscribed to any of your podcasts or social media accounts. This piece changed everything. Anne could have been my mother. Born with a severe disability she managed to bear five children, work six days a week with my father to build a successful business, be a champion for causes that promoted democracy and make the world a safer place. I am now a proud paying member of Defiance in her memory thanks to you and Anne.
What an inspiring story to hear about her courage and leadership by example. Thank you, your family, and Defiance.org for fueling me / us to push past the fatigue and frustration, increase phone calls, postcards, and give more financial support to pro-democracy candidates and organizations. 👏🇺🇸🤗
Wow! What a wonderful account of an amazing woman and her life. I am so glad she was a role model for you, Miles. Thank you for sharing her and yourself with us.
Miles, What a beautiful tribute to Anne! She was apparently a wonderful woman! We should all strive to have such an impact on others that when our time on this earth comes to an end someone comes forward to make such a wonderful tribute! May your friend rest in peace! 🪽🪽
Thank you Miles, I needed this. I'm so glad you had 'Anne' in your life, and that you shared her with us, I wish we all had someone like her in our lives. I don't but I can share in your story and feel good, and at 78 still continue to fight. You and Defiance and all those here help more than y'all know.
Thank you Miles for your very moving tribute to Anne. She is an inspiration and a reminder that despite the rot at the top, there are many Americans who still have a strong moral compass.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat has a lot to say about regimes singling out critics as intimidation and silencing opposition.
It is a standard technique of authoritarians seeking to consolidate power.
Kudos to you for finding the courage to speak out and kudos to Anne for providing such a good example. And by your examples you inspire the rest of us.
What a beautiful remembrance! I’m so proud to be a Defiance supporter and I hope your good work makes the difference we need! Thank you!
My sentiments exactly. Plus tears
Touching and wonderful piece, brimming with humanity - both on the surface with the heartfelt story, and in the deeper meaning underlying that story. People DO Take strength from others who refuse to back down - people who "do what they do before they know it's safe." And courage really IS contagious. And it's among the things we need most.
Miles this is truly one of the most poignant, one of the best pieces I've ever read, truly. It showcases your brilliance and your special character all at once. Life stories, lifting up others along with life's powerful lessons. I can't type anymore, crying. Thank you thank you to you and your beautiful family. 🙏❤️❤️
< what she said!!
Anne sounds a lot like my grandmother, who took me by the hand to my first civil rights march when I was five, and she was 83. Today, I am an organizer for our Texas Democrats locally and statewide. I have organized over 900 of them in my own very red rural Texas district. I am also President of the Blue Horizon Texas PAC, which fundraises to recruit, train, and build support networks for Democratic candidates statewide in Texas. This year, for the first time in decades, we have a Democratic candidate for both our state and federal legislatures running in every single district across Texas. Will we win in all of those races? Unlikely, but you definitely can't win if you don't contest. And we are building a movement in Texas. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and are just getting started on turnings Texas Blue.
Hi, Bruce. I’ve been a part of that movement in Texas for most my life. (Tarrant and Johnson counties.) I’m still a believer and I’m not afraid.
Thank you for being a part of the movement. It takes all of us together. In solidarity.
https://www.bluehorizontexas.org
Thanks back to you. We’revstronger together.
Thank you Miles. This a beautiful and important writing. I will share with my family and friends. Thank you for all you do.
❤️❤️
Miles, the courage you have shown has inspired me to do the same as I approach my 89th birthday this year. The ‘thank you’ letter to your dear aunt is priceless. Truth, Democracy, and patriotism are alive. Thanks for all you do, my friend.
Beautifully written; thank you for such an inspiring message. Feeling so disillusioned today, but after reading about Anne, I am reminded that we are in this together for a reason… to stand up and speak out because everything we have ever known is at stake, and it’s up to us to protect it, to be defiant.
Beautifully written, your love and respect for Anne shine clearly. What I will do for Anne is pass her story on to others.
One thing my husband said when we lost our wonderful daughter-in-law: that Ashley had a spark; no matter what she thought about herself that spark was shared with, and found a home in, everyone she met. Perhaps that is Anne as well. ❤️
While I have followed you over the years on television, I have not subscribed to any of your podcasts or social media accounts. This piece changed everything. Anne could have been my mother. Born with a severe disability she managed to bear five children, work six days a week with my father to build a successful business, be a champion for causes that promoted democracy and make the world a safer place. I am now a proud paying member of Defiance in her memory thanks to you and Anne.
What an inspiring story to hear about her courage and leadership by example. Thank you, your family, and Defiance.org for fueling me / us to push past the fatigue and frustration, increase phone calls, postcards, and give more financial support to pro-democracy candidates and organizations. 👏🇺🇸🤗
Wow! What a wonderful account of an amazing woman and her life. I am so glad she was a role model for you, Miles. Thank you for sharing her and yourself with us.
This is so deeply moving, Miles. And inspiring. A quiet call to arms.
Reading this in the early morning hours I was so touched I had tears on my face-thanks for reminding me of my humanity 🤗
Bravo to your courage 🥁
Miles, What a beautiful tribute to Anne! She was apparently a wonderful woman! We should all strive to have such an impact on others that when our time on this earth comes to an end someone comes forward to make such a wonderful tribute! May your friend rest in peace! 🪽🪽
Thank you Miles, I needed this. I'm so glad you had 'Anne' in your life, and that you shared her with us, I wish we all had someone like her in our lives. I don't but I can share in your story and feel good, and at 78 still continue to fight. You and Defiance and all those here help more than y'all know.
Thank you Miles for your very moving tribute to Anne. She is an inspiration and a reminder that despite the rot at the top, there are many Americans who still have a strong moral compass.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat has a lot to say about regimes singling out critics as intimidation and silencing opposition.
It is a standard technique of authoritarians seeking to consolidate power.
Kudos to you for finding the courage to speak out and kudos to Anne for providing such a good example. And by your examples you inspire the rest of us.
We have your back.