112 Comments

E. Jean, this is a triumph. Seriously. I laughed out loud, nodded vigorously in agreement, felt awe, pride, fellowship, anger, despair, solidarity, and gratitude. Anybody who can evoke all of that in under 2000 words, give or take, is a fucking genius. That would be you.

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Mary! Get out your acoustic guitar!

I want you to sing that comment to the world!! And I will bring the Chartreuse!!

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100,000% accuracy, Ms. Mary. She is sunlight made flesh. (As are you.)

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Deborah! Thank you, woman!

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Dec 11, 2021
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Ken, Mary's book IS riveting, I agree!

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"We all need an E. Jean victory over evil." That says it all in a nutshell. E. Jean you are the heart, the spirit, and soul of every woman, and we are all with you. Wishing you success in defeating Trump. May you be blessed and carried through all this by the spirit of womanhood at its finest. May you become stronger and destined to slough off any and all ill will put upon you. May you be healed of the rape and the injuries brought onto your character by anyone, but, especially, Trump who lacks even a drop of moral character. He has no morals. He lacks so much that there within is only moral rot and decay. I truly love you and admire you for everything you are and who you are. You courageous woman you! I stand with you all the way!

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Lucy! Lucy Socha! What you have composed here is a beautiful prayer. And may the Goddess Justice hear it!

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Hi E. Jean, I think of you daily and wish and hope for all to resolve with the best options for you. Thank you, dear lady. Thank you for staying so strong. You are such a great example for the rest of us. I also wish all the stressors upon you will dissolve into nothingness.

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A little stress, as YOU know better than anybody, Lucy Socha, is GOOD!!

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Lucy! Beautiful words Sista! E Jean, BURY HIM

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The most reliable confidence booster for me is an unexpected and heartfelt compliment from another woman on anything, really. But tell me I’m smart, or fierce, or inspiring, or I write well and I’m flying all day. I could conquer THE WORLD. You, dear E Jean, are all of those things, so alternately they could say, “Right now you are reminding me of E Jean.” and I would be happy.

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Asha! My Heavens! You are right! A word of heartfelt support, a compliment-----BOOM!!! It's LIFT OFF for the day!

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Thank you! I love writing it so much.

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Asha, right now, you are reminding me of E. Jean. Buckle up.

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Oh, I think you are ALL of those things, Asha.

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Praying for you to prevail! Well, I actually do not pray, but sending strong, sincere, hopeful vibes your way...we all need an E. Jean victory over evil.

My confidence builder is public speaking. I have given public speeches while eight months pregnant (and looking like I had swallowed a Baby Beluga); while having a zit the size of a Miner's light on my forehead; while having a hangover so awful the stomach scene "The Alien" seemed imminently possible; while trying to hide Botox bruises on my left nostril that no concealer could tackle; and after the patriarchy had been beating me down both in my personal and professional lives simultaneously. But, somehow, when I get up to speak in front of people (even remotely), everything hideous just melts away and my Mojo returns just like the Engine Light on my car.

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That happens to me when I sing. Word is I can carry a tune. It is also a good emotional release for whatever might be bothering me at the time. I am referring mostly to karaoke (now I can hear the groans) but I did have a paying gig.

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Love it, Prom!

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Bobbie B! What terrifies most humans----public speaking----sends you soaring.

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12 years of dramatic training helps a lot.

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This is it for me, too!! ❤️❤️❤️🍾🥂

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So cool.

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Um, the Engine Light is a not good thing.

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I am so thrilled that your legal team is an army of brilliant people all out to protect you and kick his ass. Go get em!

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Jodie! You're right! The legal team IS an army of brilliant people!

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They really are impressive, but even more importantly their commitment and love of what they do radiate from them. It's wonderful to see.

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Brilliant, wonderful, inspiring, funny! Sue that mofo, girlfriend! Why is my tax money being used to defend that orange psychopath ? Shame on the DOJ .

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Thank you, Kathy!

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So happy to "know" you a teeny tiny bit via this newsy letter. Good luck in court.

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Exactly Kathy. Ticks me off too.

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E. Jean. NFW. This is a masterpiece, the first-ever actual certified masterpiece on Substack. If I knew what an NFT was, I would make this post into one and we would all be zillionaires on the strength of your galaxy mind. You also have a very excellent & just case & may you prevail. xoxoxo

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Virginia! Heavens to Betsy! Thank you! I felt the same way reading you every Sunday in the TIMES Magazine. I feel that way now when I listen to your podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-critical/id1584858105

But didn't you buy a car with your earnings from bitcoins, woman?!

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The fact that the DOJ is defending this orange anomaly disgusts me! And frankly, I don't understand. Are we governed by idiots, too? Anyway, I love your writing so much! Thank you!

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Martica! Thank you!

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No booster to share, per se; I just wanted to tell you I love you, I adore you, I’m so proud of you and inspired by you and warmed and made happy, by you.

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Daria! You boost me just READING your comment, woman!

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E. Jean, I tried to read that transcript for a half hour this morning--Mr. Freeman should offer a Master Class in repetitive, obsequious, empty blather, and I even tuned in on Dec. 3 but when the fellas starting making golf analogies--nothin like some folksy golf analogies to make me cut and run for the Ladies --and the Judge's choking business which made absolutely no sense and was pretty yicky, what the hell actually happened in your opinion and your esteemed attorneys opinions?

Did we (YOU) make any headway?

Here's my other thought besides admiring your singular and delightful prose---all those women, those wonderful, brilliant, intelligent women together fighting the good fight--it's a thing of beauty and stands alone, come what may! In my next life I still want to come back as a female (or if I have to be an insect or animal I'd like to be one that has no predators) and I want to grow up to be just like you and Mary and Kathy and Aretha and Tina Turner and Ruth Bader...

Xena Warrior Princess, La Femme Nikita, and Angie Dickinson as Pepper in Police Woman--you get to pick which outfit you want to wear, but I've already decided who is who in this female triumvirate.

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Alice! Thank you!

You don't need to come back as anything----You are a magnificent animal right now!!

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Agree

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My confidence booster -- aside from looking at everything I have survived and especially savoring what I can now laugh at -- is to look at the people who love me, the ones who like me, folks who are on my side, and even those who merely tolerate me.

If those extraordinary human beings are willing to make room for me in their lives, I must have reason for a little self-confidence, right?

Meanwhile, sending you all the lover there is, plus infinity. <3

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The great Brynnetania booster----recalling triumphs large and small from the past----WORKS! It works especially when you're about to appear for a job interview, meet a new date, throw a dinner party, talk a teacher into promoting your child, and go to court.

Maybe YOU will even appear at our next COCKTAIL TIME next Saturday!

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I wish I could join the party, but my daughter and son-in-law will be stopping by on their way cross-country that day. January -- my birthday month -- for sure, though! <3

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That said, I made seafood chowder tonight and forgot to put in the onions and garlic, so there is no danger of me ever forgetting that soupçon of humility.

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Girl! Fry em separate, put em in!!!

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That's exactly what I did! Low and slow, got'em all soft and mellow. <3

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Excellent advice!

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Great update, E. Jean!

What gives me confidence? Reading about the smart, dedicated people out there who are ready, willing and able to fight injustice -- and have a stupendous time doing so.

Because if these people can do it? So can we all...

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Kal, really, again you nailed it. When I see people like Stacy Abrams making the decision to GO ON, I figure, "hell, yes, let's go!"

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And of course, you realize that YOU are also one of these people, right? Your spirited fight is inspiring thousands upon thousands -- not just your resolve and dedication to the cause itself, but also your determination to have a queenhell amazing time while in the pursuance of justice.

I *know* you know that we're all on your side ... but I also *hope* you know that we don't just admire what you do, but also the joyous, life-affirming way in which you do it!

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Thank you, my dear Kal!!

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Regarding Stacey Abrams: Don't forget playing the monopolists own game to get 108,000 people out of medical debt by buying up their debt at the not-for-them discounted rate which paid it off. Cry your eyes out, you kleptocrats who were waiting to jump on the foreclosures.

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My confidence booster? That would be - YOU!! Every column I've read - most especially and brilliantly this one - is designed to make the reader feel stronger, funner, smarter, less lost in any FOG of patriarchal bullshit - yes, it's YOU, you, you.

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Awwww, dear Immelda, thank you.

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Broadway tunes! Here's one just for you, Auntie Jean. Julie Andrews singing "I Have Confidence" from the Sound of Music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-6qbUHVww

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Ahhhhh

Ahhhhhhhhh

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Julie!!

What a great discovery, Longer! This song has been woefully over-looked!

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AWESOME!

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E. Jean, You are so impressive, and I so appreciate what you are putting yourself through right now. Thank you for that! I know it's not fun but I'm glad you have the where with all to stand up to this bully. As for myself when I need a personal confidence boost? I re-read my resume. It's pretty impressive. If I really need a boost, I sit with it and bring it up to date. That's Even better! Or if I Really need confidence, I pick the person I know admires me the most and I imagine what they might say about me if they were bragging about me to someone else.

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I like your idea about imagining a friend bragging about you, Merry Brown, and I am sure many many many people do!!

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BTW I just finished reading the transcript. Your team sounds stronger than the other side. I do hope the judges have the wisdom to rule in your favor!

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Thank you, Merry Brown!! From your lips to God's earrings.

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Love thinking of what a friend might say about you. Gonna try it!

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Get him E. Jean! Please take him Down!

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Your wish is my command, Ogre.

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