50 years ago today, I became the youngest-ever elected official in the state of Michigan, the first 18-year-old to do so. I was one of just a handful of 18-year-olds across the country to be voted into office after the recently-passed amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.
“I LIKE MIKE”….Thank you, Michael for reminding this 78 year old widow what is important to do to keep our democracy. Keep fighting the GOOD FIGHT !!! You are amazing. Thank you.
What a great story! Here is your 85 yr old speaking her mind once again and thanking you for your brave stand against injustice. I always am thankful for the strength I’ve had in my own life to stand up against the powers that controlled us back in the day. Abandoned by my mother years ago, at the age of five, along with my two sisters, the oldest 14, and 12 we set across this country by ourselves and survived! We had lost out brother in WWII at the age of 18 after he joined the USNavy, my mother left with another man, so my father joined the Navy also, leaving us alone. But, boy did it give me strength! I knew what injustice was and how to overcome it. I thank my older sister for her bravery in keeping my sister and I alive and moving on in life.In all honesty, “It pissed me off!” But I didn’t need an AR15 to make me a strong woman, it was the love of a sister who told me the best revenge is SUCCESS a being a useful human being!
I loved this story about you when I first heard it on your podcast and thanks for sharing it again. It provides even more inspiration to all of the young people who are actively trying to change the world for the better and also reminds older folks like myself to stay in the fight!
I graduated with the class of 1965. I was bussed out of town to a school with 3,000 students. Although we had to go from building to building in all kinds of weather (CT) girls were forced to wear dresses and skirts. We also had to submit to kneeling on the floor to see if they were long enough. If the hem did not touch the floor we were sent home. After gym we showered while a gym teacher stood on a ladder (probably one used to change the lights in the gym ceiling) and pointed to us individually when we had washed sufficiently to grab a towel and escape to a locker.
Boys were monitored for hair length. I seethed in silence and celebrated the boys who got into trouble for breaking the rules. They were my heroes. I carry that anger with me to this day. I became involved in my town politics. And attended board of Education, finance board and attended Town meetings. I voted in every election. So in a way it led me to be an active participant in our town government, as well as state and federal government. So, perhaps this experience spurred me on to being a better citizen. Thanks Michael!
Great and inspiring story! 🙌 I work locally to find candidates who will run for office. We look for people with the values you have and are listed in your story!
My city, Salem, OR had a pretty darn good primary I. May (upset in CD5, ousting Manchin-like incumbent and we grew a 6th CD in our State, a very apt incumbent Andrea Salinas).
I am PCP and Neighborhood Leader to Get Out Ths BLUE Vote.
Thanks for your lifetime of activism and education!💖
Way to go, Mr. Moore! Fifty years ago, I was in the middle of my return to college after a four year interruption... one of the lucky ones who used the GI bill to good effect. About to get married (still am, to the same woman). A lot has happened, and here we are in the middle of more crises than ever. While I'm not one for running for office, I do make sure to help all the progressive candidates I can. As you say, we are the majority. It's time to do something with that. We can't let the bastards win.
I liked you for going to GM and asking Roger Smith about childcare for its employees ! I also read this post telling your history of getting into politics. Thank you for following your passion for kindness and justice for everyone! I graduated from Marygrove in 1968. I spent a lot of time going to U of D to meet men! :) Found my 6 ft 7 husband at a party at U of M, non Catholic, and a keeper! My husband died of glia blastoma in July of 2017. I’m glad that you are still carrying on the work of social justice and non- violence! I met you once and had a photo of you and I with my Pinwheels for Peace, trying to save from demolition a kindergarten in the small village of Al Aqaba, Area C, West Bank, Palestine, the fight for Palestinian Human Rights continues, have been a volunteer for The Rebuilding Alliance’s Director, Donna Baranski-Walker since 2004. I appreciate your encouragement and your example to not give up on caring for our country and our planet!
I only wish that I had had the vision that you had. I was under the impression that with the passing of the Civil Rights Amendment that would start an awakening that was going to transform the country into a more equitable and just society... boy, was I dreaming.
I see now that the passing of this (Civil Rights) amendment and the attempt to desegregate our public schools only triggered fake patriotism and fear among the Christian "Right" and I firmly believe that is when the "great replacement theory" acquired its roots. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Dude, you not only write with substance but it’s packed with comedic touches. The “stoner” references really made me laugh. Thank you for the levity during these horrific times.
I have been listening to you since day one, and I am a true follower. Thank you so much! Every day I check your Podcasts to see if there’s something new.
“I LIKE MIKE”….Thank you, Michael for reminding this 78 year old widow what is important to do to keep our democracy. Keep fighting the GOOD FIGHT !!! You are amazing. Thank you.
What a great story! Here is your 85 yr old speaking her mind once again and thanking you for your brave stand against injustice. I always am thankful for the strength I’ve had in my own life to stand up against the powers that controlled us back in the day. Abandoned by my mother years ago, at the age of five, along with my two sisters, the oldest 14, and 12 we set across this country by ourselves and survived! We had lost out brother in WWII at the age of 18 after he joined the USNavy, my mother left with another man, so my father joined the Navy also, leaving us alone. But, boy did it give me strength! I knew what injustice was and how to overcome it. I thank my older sister for her bravery in keeping my sister and I alive and moving on in life.In all honesty, “It pissed me off!” But I didn’t need an AR15 to make me a strong woman, it was the love of a sister who told me the best revenge is SUCCESS a being a useful human being!
I loved this story about you when I first heard it on your podcast and thanks for sharing it again. It provides even more inspiration to all of the young people who are actively trying to change the world for the better and also reminds older folks like myself to stay in the fight!
I graduated with the class of 1965. I was bussed out of town to a school with 3,000 students. Although we had to go from building to building in all kinds of weather (CT) girls were forced to wear dresses and skirts. We also had to submit to kneeling on the floor to see if they were long enough. If the hem did not touch the floor we were sent home. After gym we showered while a gym teacher stood on a ladder (probably one used to change the lights in the gym ceiling) and pointed to us individually when we had washed sufficiently to grab a towel and escape to a locker.
Boys were monitored for hair length. I seethed in silence and celebrated the boys who got into trouble for breaking the rules. They were my heroes. I carry that anger with me to this day. I became involved in my town politics. And attended board of Education, finance board and attended Town meetings. I voted in every election. So in a way it led me to be an active participant in our town government, as well as state and federal government. So, perhaps this experience spurred me on to being a better citizen. Thanks Michael!
This was incredibly inspiring. Way to go! This convinced me to subscribe. Keep fighting the good fight.
So YOU’RE that guy! A distinctive honor indeed to be a first at 18. Well. Done. I love your activist origin story.
Great and inspiring story! 🙌 I work locally to find candidates who will run for office. We look for people with the values you have and are listed in your story!
My city, Salem, OR had a pretty darn good primary I. May (upset in CD5, ousting Manchin-like incumbent and we grew a 6th CD in our State, a very apt incumbent Andrea Salinas).
I am PCP and Neighborhood Leader to Get Out Ths BLUE Vote.
Thanks for your lifetime of activism and education!💖
I LIKE MIKE 🫶🏻
Way to go, Mr. Moore! Fifty years ago, I was in the middle of my return to college after a four year interruption... one of the lucky ones who used the GI bill to good effect. About to get married (still am, to the same woman). A lot has happened, and here we are in the middle of more crises than ever. While I'm not one for running for office, I do make sure to help all the progressive candidates I can. As you say, we are the majority. It's time to do something with that. We can't let the bastards win.
Fabulous organizing for a kid. I read about it in "Here Comes Trouble!" Repeal the 2nd amendment!
Quite the contrast, then and now, local and national. I loved Al Franken's observation, that Trump's only defense is insanity.
I liked you for going to GM and asking Roger Smith about childcare for its employees ! I also read this post telling your history of getting into politics. Thank you for following your passion for kindness and justice for everyone! I graduated from Marygrove in 1968. I spent a lot of time going to U of D to meet men! :) Found my 6 ft 7 husband at a party at U of M, non Catholic, and a keeper! My husband died of glia blastoma in July of 2017. I’m glad that you are still carrying on the work of social justice and non- violence! I met you once and had a photo of you and I with my Pinwheels for Peace, trying to save from demolition a kindergarten in the small village of Al Aqaba, Area C, West Bank, Palestine, the fight for Palestinian Human Rights continues, have been a volunteer for The Rebuilding Alliance’s Director, Donna Baranski-Walker since 2004. I appreciate your encouragement and your example to not give up on caring for our country and our planet!
I only wish that I had had the vision that you had. I was under the impression that with the passing of the Civil Rights Amendment that would start an awakening that was going to transform the country into a more equitable and just society... boy, was I dreaming.
I see now that the passing of this (Civil Rights) amendment and the attempt to desegregate our public schools only triggered fake patriotism and fear among the Christian "Right" and I firmly believe that is when the "great replacement theory" acquired its roots. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Dude, you not only write with substance but it’s packed with comedic touches. The “stoner” references really made me laugh. Thank you for the levity during these horrific times.
I have been listening to you since day one, and I am a true follower. Thank you so much! Every day I check your Podcasts to see if there’s something new.
Why aren’t you running for president? you’ve got my vote