The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper offers insights into Missouri's political landscape from a rural progressive perspective, covering issues like political extremism, women's rights, education, and environmental concerns. It highlights the impact of legislation on communities and the importance of political engagement.

Political Extremism Women's Rights Education Environmental Concerns Rural Politics Legislative Impact Political Engagement Healthcare Public School Funding Election Dynamics

The hottest Substack posts of The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper

And their main takeaways

Daddy Died a MAGA

31690 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Personal Story Political Impact Legacy Relationships Trumpism
  1. The impact of political beliefs on personal relationships can be significant, even leading to estrangement and deep regrets.
  2. People's views and behaviors can drastically change, especially in response to political figures, causing distress and confusion for loved ones.
  3. The legacy a person leaves behind is shaped by their words and actions, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive connections and memories.

Abortion Bans and Bible Groups

5553 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Progressives Organizing Campaigning
  1. Rural communities are important for organizing support, even in conservative areas, because bringing people together creates hope and solidarity.
  2. Engaging with rural spaces in political movements can challenge stereotypes and uplift communities, showing that every signature and vote counts.
  3. Efforts to connect with rural parts of a state, like Missouri, are crucial for overall political success and to ensure representation for all citizens.

He's Transformed Himself From Mild-Mannered Pastor to Extremist. He's Also Running Unopposed.

2468 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Rights Political Extremism
  1. Ben Baker, a Missouri GOP State Representative, has transformed from a mild-mannered pastor to an extremist and is running unopposed in elections.
  2. Baker is the Missouri State Chair for ALEC, a group that influences state laws with 'model bills' often benefiting corporations.
  3. Baker has filed controversial bills like restricting diversity training, banning care for trans kids, and forcing loaded guns into churches without a Democratic opponent.

A Pregnant Woman Cannot Finalize a Divorce in Missouri

2567 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Women's Rights Abortion Legislation Political parties
  1. In Missouri, pregnant women are not allowed to finalize a divorce - a law in place since 1973.
  2. The reasoning behind the law is seen by some as a way to delay final custody decisions until after the birth, but it is controversial.
  3. Efforts are being made by Democratic Missouri State Representative Ashley Aune to change this law, highlighting broader tensions around women's rights in the state.

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Policy Candidates Government
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.
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Activist Exhaustion and Monty Don

2567 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Activism Self-care Gardening Mental health Community
  1. Sometimes taking a break from activism to engage in a calming activity like gardening can help rejuvenate and refocus your mind.
  2. Engaging in gardening or similar activities can be a form of work that brings peace and joy, without the stress of politics or activism.
  3. Finding moments of beauty and relief in nature through gardening can provide a sense of sustenance and rejuvenation amidst the challenges of activism.

Terrible Hate in a Beautiful Town

2528 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Extremism Political Activism
  1. Northern Idaho faces a significant issue with extreme right, Christian nationalists, and neo-Nazis creating a 'white homeland'.
  2. Idaho shares similar challenges with other states like Missouri in terms of extremism, such as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and uncontested races, making it important to acknowledge and address these issues nationwide.
  3. The community in Idaho is resilient and proactive, standing up against hate and working towards a more democratic and inclusive society.

A Missouri GOP Lawmaker, Who Runs a Construction Business, Weighs in on IVF

1652 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Election Controversy Reproductive Rights Political Activism
  1. Senator Rick Brattin, a Missouri GOP lawmaker, lacks understanding of IVF and proposes restrictive laws around embryo storage and creation.
  2. Brattin's controversial views on abortion, rape, and IVF highlight the importance of challenging unopposed extreme positions in politics.
  3. The lack of opposition in elections can lead to extreme and harmful policies going unchallenged, emphasizing the need for diverse political representation.

Most Folks Don't Think About the Supreme Court

1532 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Supreme Court Political Impact Legislation Justice System
  1. Many people don't consider the importance of the Supreme Court and its impact on their daily lives.
  2. Understanding the power and influence of the Court, and discussing it with friends and family, is crucial to being prepared and knowing how to fight back against potential threats.
  3. Educating others on the potential harm of a captured court, and working together with those around us, is key to protecting our future.

A Missouri Nightmare

1254 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Sexual Assault Government Law Women's Rights
  1. Many women and girls in Missouri are forced to bear children resulting from rape due to the state's abortion ban.
  2. The legal system often fails rape victims, leading to their perpetrators not facing consequences.
  3. Anti-abortion stances restricting access to abortion post-rape can be seen as state-sanctioned rape and mandated pregnancy.

Don't Blame National Politics for Missouri's Woes

656 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Political parties
  1. Missouri's woes cannot solely be blamed on national politics, but rather on the GOP supermajority that has held power for two decades
  2. State politics, especially local representatives, have a significant impact on Missourians' daily lives, such as funding for schools and road maintenance
  3. Republican state legislators in Missouri have restricted local control in Democratic cities, impacting areas like minimum wage requirements and police department oversight

I Didn't Teach the "I Have a Dream" Speech

537 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching History Equality Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Dr. King's 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' is an important text to study, offering a different perspective than his 'I Have a Dream' speech.
  2. Dr. King's legacy and messages have been whitewashed; it's crucial to revisit his work with fresh eyes to truly understand his stance against racism.
  3. In light of current challenges like book bans and whitewashing of history, it becomes even more critical to engage with Dr. King's radical ideas to push for change.

Mountain Heritage

597 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressive Religion
  1. Progressive politics can benefit rural, disadvantaged, and poor folks by providing access to necessities like healthcare, public schools, unions, and paved roads.
  2. Rural communities have a history of embracing progress and moving forward, even if it means leaving their traditional settings for better opportunities.
  3. It is possible to be rural, have a heritage rooted in Appalachia, and still hold progressive values that prioritize growth and advancement.

"You Call Allen"

1074 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Representation Abortion rights Women's Rights Political engagement
  1. The author left her job as a teacher to run for office due to political motivations and a specific event that ignited her passion for change.
  2. The author's disagreement with her State Representative on women's rights spurred her to take action and challenge his viewpoints through various means like calls, social media posts, and letters.
  3. The author's husband's unexpected success in getting a call back from the Representative after advocating for women's bodily autonomy played a pivotal role in inspiring the author to further engage in politics and eventually run for office.

The Fight for Clean Water in the Land of CAFOs

895 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment
  1. CAFOs in Missouri have caused water and air pollution due to lack of regulations since 2019
  2. Corporate agriculture practices harm rural communities by displacing small farmers and increasing corporate control
  3. Decay in rural areas is interconnected, linked to corporate takeover of farming, decline in water and air quality, and community disinvestment

Misogyny in the Heartland

577 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Women's Rights
  1. Pregnant women in Missouri face unique legal restrictions, like being unable to finalize a divorce while pregnant, highlighting challenges faced in the state.
  2. Missouri lawmakers have proposed stringent legislation that further limits women's reproductive rights and autonomy, sparking controversy and showcasing ongoing struggles for gender equality.
  3. The existing laws in Missouri, such as complete abortion bans and restrictive divorce regulations for pregnant women, reflect a larger issue of control over women's bodies and reproductive choices in the state.

They are so "pro-life", they'll starve kids to prove it.

477 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Republican Governor
  1. Republican-led states are declining federal funds meant to feed hungry kids, showcasing a concerning trend of prioritizing political agenda over the well-being of children.
  2. Instances of states like Missouri and Nebraska refusing funding to address child hunger highlight a larger issue of incompetence and lack of compassion within certain GOP-run administrations.
  3. Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa made a shocking statement suggesting that poor kids in her state do not need food aid during the summer because they are supposedly obese, emphasizing a disturbing lack of empathy in policies affecting vulnerable children.

A Rebuttal to a School Choice Legislator

517 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Policy Funding Legislation School choice
  1. School choice arguments often promote a free-market approach to education, but they may not be suitable for all communities.
  2. Rural towns might not have the necessary market conditions for school competition or choice to be effective.
  3. Public school funding issues, particularly in rural areas, are a significant concern and can be exacerbated by privatization schemes.

Eyes on the Bleeding States

398 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government
  1. Red states have uncontested seats leading to extreme Republican representation caused by years of disinvestment by Democrats.
  2. Laws passed in red states can have far-reaching effects beyond their borders, affecting everyone regardless of the state they live in.
  3. The impact of oppressive legislation in bleeding states showcases the potential for similar actions to occur in any state, posing a threat to rights and safety.

Merry Christmas

318 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality
  1. The author expresses gratitude to the readers for their support and subscription.
  2. Warm wishes for Merry Christmas and happy holidays are extended by the author and her family.
  3. The post includes a picture and a note about Santa visiting the farm.

Missouri Representative Ben Baker

537 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Gun Violence Extremism
  1. Missouri Representative Ben Baker has undergone a remarkable transformation from a mild-mannered missionary to embodying toxic partisan politics and extreme masculinity.
  2. Baker has actively pushed for extreme legislation, such as opposing abortion care, attacking trans kids, and advocating for Bible studies in public schools.
  3. The concerning aspect of Ben Baker's character is his obsession with guns, despite the devastating gun violence statistics in Missouri, including issues like open carry for children and intimate partner violence.

The Looming Danger to Rural Schools

378 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Funding
  1. Rural schools in Missouri are facing a funding crisis, ranking poorly in starting teacher pay and educational funding.
  2. 30% of Missouri schools operate on a 4-day week due to lack of funding, impacting students' academic hours and creating challenges for parents with daycare needs.
  3. Missouri legislators are considering further defunding public education, potentially implementing voucher programs that could divert public tax money to private and religious schools, jeopardizing the future of rural schools.

Mississippi Mud

477 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir Childhood
  1. Living near the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi wasn't what it seemed for a family struggling in the summer of 1980.
  2. Childhood creativity and imagination can serve as a powerful escape from hunger, boredom, and pain.
  3. Memories of making Mississippi mud pies symbolize resilience in the face of struggle and the ability to find joy in difficult circumstances.

Missouri is Dead Last in Starting Teacher Pay

298 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Public funding
  1. Missouri ranks dead last in starting teacher pay and 49th in rural teacher pay, which impacts both teachers and students in the state.
  2. Despite having a $2 billion surplus, Missouri's GOP supermajority has not addressed the teacher pay issue and is instead diverting funding to private religious schools via vouchers.
  3. Many rural Missouri schools have shifted to a 4-day week to cope with low pay, presenting challenges for both teachers and parents in these areas.

The Cowardice of Ann Wagner

437 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Sexual misconduct Allegations
  1. Ann Wagner originally opposed supporting Jim Jordan but later endorsed him for Speaker, citing issues like border security and human trafficking.
  2. Hannity's show seems to be pressuring GOP members to support Jim Jordan for Speaker.
  3. Wagner's flip-flop to endorse Jordan raises concerns, especially since Jordan faced allegations of knowing about sexual misconduct at Ohio State.

Grab A Stiff Drink And Settle In

258 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Abortion
  1. Pre-filed legislative bills in Missouri include controversial proposals like restricting pronoun use based on religious beliefs.
  2. Missouri legislators are proposing bills related to firearms, national mottos, school vaccinations, and abortion restrictions.
  3. Some proposed bills focus on contentious topics like sex education, gun laws, and official state designations.

A "Woke Agenda" Burned in Effigy by Missouri Senators

497 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Political Events Policies
  1. Missouri Senators burned a 'Woke Agenda' in effigy, causing controversy and sparking discussions about their actions.
  2. The Senators involved have been part of the state's GOP supermajority for years and have supported controversial legislation regarding various issues.
  3. The fiery display sparked concerns about the priorities of lawmakers, with focus on issues such as education funding, healthcare access, and attacks on marginalized communities.

Follow the Money...

378 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Public Schools School choice Public funding Privatization
  1. The topic of school funding can lead to hateful and extreme rhetoric, especially from those pushing for privatization of public schools.
  2. There is a concerted effort by certain groups to defund public schools and redirect funds to private, often unaccountable institutions.
  3. Extreme rhetoric against public school advocates is often driven by profit-seeking individuals and politicians, rather than genuine concern for children's education.

Poisoned Water in Missouri Public Schools? Let The Kids Eat Cake.

199 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Public Schools School choice
  1. Criticism of Jean Evans for pushing for school choice in rural Missouri despite concerns about poisoned water in public schools
  2. Questioning the motives of those advocating for privatization of public schools and the impact on rural communities
  3. Highlighting the lack of real school choice options and the challenges faced by rural families in accessing alternative education

Rural Schools are the Epicenters of Rural Life

258 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Schools Funding Education
  1. Public schools are the heart of rural Missouri, playing a central role in the community's activities and connections.
  2. Missouri faces challenges with funding its public schools, ranking at the bottom in funding compared to other states.
  3. Defunding public schools through voucher schemes can significantly impact rural communities by leading to school closures, economic setbacks, and educational disruption.

School Choice and School Vouchers Are Scams

218 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Policy Funding Legislation Privatization
  1. School choice and school vouchers are considered scams by the author due to the privatization push in Missouri and the negative effects on public education.
  2. Separation of church and state is mentioned as a concern in the context of taxpayer money being funneled to private religious schools through voucher schemes.
  3. Legislators in Missouri, like Josh Hurlbert, are being scrutinized for their involvement in promoting 'Empowerment scholarship' programs despite the impact on public schools and taxpayers.

A Shameful History, Part 3

179 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Racism Education Social justice
  1. Teaching accurate and unvarnished history, including the dark and painful parts, is crucial for understanding and preventing the repetition of past atrocities.
  2. Lynchings were not isolated acts but bold, public events that affected whole communities and reinforced systemic racism.
  3. By learning about and acknowledging the history of lynching, we equip ourselves to recognize and address present dangers, ensuring a better future for all.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a Product of Unopposed Legislative Seats

139 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislature Government Podcast Election
  1. Speaker Mike Johnson won unopposed in the Louisiana Legislature, highlighting a trend of unchallenged red state elections.
  2. The lack of opposition in elections can result in extremists holding significant political power.
  3. Active participation and opposition in elections across every state are crucial to prevent unopposed candidates from gaining influential positions.