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Gaile Whelan Enns's avatar

So good to see this analysis. Videos were smile making - what a rally! If NY City is where things begin then its beginning for sure. Anand I confess that your pdcasts are great but your essays are even greater - for this reader! Please keep the essays coming.

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Carol Smaldino LCSW's avatar

I can't keep from smiling and from feeling, the first time in some time, some optimism. James Baldwin said he couldn't be a pessimist because to be alive is to be an optimist.

I still want us to work on our own shadows, so we also might see into what scares so many people we are scaring. Many Americans are blind to the joys of sharing and the humanity of caring. I don't want to go for the morally righteous tone at the moment: I think it isn't doing that well for us, unless. Unless a vision of the practical territory, the pitfalls, etc accompanies a moral vision. Unless we can start reaching more of those people who genuinely want to share, because sharing is beautiful, not because it would only mean they will lose their shirts, which they probably will not.

Thank you for your being a conduit for the experience!

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Donuts + Democracy's avatar

Beautiful piece - thank you. While it would be a mistake to think there is a cookie cutter campaign approach that can be copy and pasted everywhere, the spirit and authenticity of Mamdani is something this entire country hungers for and it’s something in each one of us - a spirit of resilience, humor, inspired action, creativity, connection and joy. It is our best selves and the best of this country. May we tap into THAT.

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Punkette's avatar

🤩👏🏼💙

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Ruthy Wexler's avatar

Great piece!! “Radical dignity.” I love it. You captured the quality!

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Tamara's avatar

Thank you for keeping the hope alive by covering the few politicians fighting to keep hope alive!

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Deborah Goldblatt's avatar

The line: “They are drunk on the radical proposition that, in a very rich country, survival should be the floor, not the ceiling, of human possibility.” is inspired. And for me, the words capture the reason my family wanted to live in America.

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Marcia Tewell's avatar

May the rest of our major cities mirror Zorhan and find youthful leaders that represent freedom and dignity within their major races, legislators, and all policy makers. Denver has great leadership, Nancy Pelosi is being challenged in San Fran - May the democratic party get back to its roots and start caring for people again as FDR did.

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Gene Wood's avatar

I’ve listened to this speech, it made

Me want to move to New York City! What they said resonates to all but the uber wealthy .. that tells me they are spot on .. listen to Zohan .. I’m telling you, you may get tears in eyes as you envision a country that he is describing !

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Marvelous. Thank you for sharing the rally with us!!

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Heidi Shusterman's avatar

Fantastic and very moving essay: dignity - "radical dignity" soars as a concept enveloping in its loving folds the nuts and bolts, the blood and bones of freedoms - healthcare, social safety nets, affordability, peace, respect for the earth and so much more.

thankyouthankyouthankyou

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dB's avatar

I am old and tired. But when I read your columns I am hopeful. I love that young people and progressives are stepping up and making clear that their/your time is now. Keep on believing. Keep on instructing. We are finally listening.

dB

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LindyLoo's avatar

Excellent essay! I love your writing!

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roytwilliams's avatar

radical dignity, dignified radicals, parse it anyway you like. I's starting to feel like the future again.

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Randy Old's avatar

I love your description and wish I had been there. All the right things being said the right people there and the enthusiastic response eonderful

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Elizabeth Fenlon's avatar

Thank you, Anand, for covering that momentous rally. And thank you for telling us all about it. As I said months ago, we need more Mamdani and AOC and less Pelosi and Schumer. He makes me glad and proud to be a Progressive. You’re right, progressives shouldn’t apologize for reaching for a good life. You make me wish I lived in NYC. ❤️

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Jane Reese's avatar

Another great write-up. Thank you again for uplifting, hopeful picture in words. Way to start my day!

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