Category Archives: meta

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR

11 Thursday Jan 2018

Posted by in meta, Missouri Governor

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Yiddish. Hebrew alphabet (read right to left). Germanic language. “A shanda far die Goyim”. An embarrassment/shame in front of the whole (non-Jewish) world. This from an admonition for Jews, from their Jewish community, that one had an obligation to act in a manner to avoid criticism from non-Jews (“the rest of the world”) because an individual’s failings or actions would be unfairly attributed to all Jews. “You’re an embarrassment that reflects poorly on the rest of us” and we’ll suffer the consequences because of your stupidity.

* it’s okay if you’re a republican. An on-line political meme. If a Democrat fails ethically or morally there will be consequences. They will lose their position. They must resign. There will be a political reckoning. If the roles are reversed and a republican fails in the same manner, for some republicans, after a short period of hand wringing and some pearl clutching, all is forgiven, it’s no big deal.

It will be very interesting to witness the resolution of these cultural constants.

Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

The public story is, as of this writing, still under twenty-four hours old. The story broke late last night that Missouri’s governor, Eric Greitens (r), who happens to be Jewish, engaged in an affair. There are elements of this story that continue to swirl about. I expect there will be more – only because that is the nature of our cultural and political environment.

There are reports that well before the November 2016 election individual(s) within the Missouri Democratic Party was/were contacted by the husband of the other party. We don’t know the entire story of how many individuals or exactly all of the who within the Missouri Democratic Party and Chris Koster’s (D) gubernatorial campaign knew at the time. We might never know the answer to that. The reports indicate that those individual(s), out of deference to the husband and/or concern for the children of the other family and perhaps other, more practical concerns, decided to not use the information. That is an ethical and moral choice.

And then, we consider the “what if”. If they story of Eric Greitens’ (r) hypocrisy had come out in September 2016 would he still have won the election for governor? If not, would Governor Chris Koster (D) have signed the same bills and cut the same essential social support programs in the state? I think not. The consequences of Eric Greitens (r) assuming his office had significant consequences for more than the handful of individuals in those two families. That, by definition, is what happens when we elect an individual to a powerful public office.

Election have consequences. Throw the anvil.

Sadly, perhaps the only people who are somewhat thankful right now are the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, the Missouri Soybean Association, and organized labor.

Previously:

Oh, my. (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 2 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 3 (January 11, 2018)

Good riddance to 2017. Don’t think 2018 is going to be any better.

31 Sunday Dec 2017

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All the badness of 2017 started in 2016. And way before then.

Then Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) had a thing or two to say to the republican majority in the Missouri House on the first day of the 2017 legislative session. They got upset.

Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) waiting to address the Missouri House at the opening of the legislative session – Jefferson City – January 4, 2017.

Secretary of State Jason Kander (D): [….] I know I’m not who you came to hear and I know that none of this was what you wanted to hear. But I am your Secretary of State for a bit little longer, and as a result I feel a responsibility to tell you that even though you have the power to take away the right to vote from the citizens of Missouri, you that shouldn’t.

And that if you choose to follow the example of Wisconsin or North Carolina, well then, I guess we’ll see you in court. [….]

On the day of the inauguration of the current administration around 2,000 people showed up at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City for a rally and protest march.

There should have been more.

Anti-Trump march in Kansas City – January 20, 2017.

On the next day for the Women’s March 10,000 people showed up in Washington Square Park in Kansas City to protest the new administration.

There should have been more.

Women’s March – Kansas City – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017.

Less than ten days into the new administration 1,000 people showed up at the International Terminal at Kansas City International Airport to protest Trump’s first Muslim ban.

There should have been more.

Trump Muslim ban protest at Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017.

Anti-Trump March in Kansas City – March 4, 2017.

The belief in and hope for “bipartisanship” and “compromise” with people in control in our current political environment who neither believe in nor hope for bipartisanship is as useful in modern American politics as signing a petition.

There are some people who will never vote for any Democratic party candidate. Ever. Accept that. Act accordingly. Don’t waste your time or energy.

Pro-Trump rally and march in the rain in Jefferson City – March 25, 2017.

Interestingly, in our current political environment not one republican member of Congress representing Missouri has seen fit to hold open (and accessible) public town halls for their constituents. Do you ever wonder why? There are no consequences for them. And we let them get away with it.

Yet, in 2017 Senator Claire McCaskill (D) held fifty open public town halls across the state in areas that Donald Trump carried in the 2016 election. People in the City of St. Louis and in Kansas City will be waiting for their turn in 2018.

Call you Senators and Representative. Visit their offices. Tell them what you think. Often. Demand their accountability in open public town halls.

At a Senator Claire McCaskill (D) town hall– Parkville, Missouri – April 13, 2017.

March for Science – Kansas City – April 22, 2017.

Climate March – Kansas City – April 29, 2017.

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) before speaking to the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus – Kansas City – May 6, 2017.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r), in the 4th Congressional District, has glued herself to Donald Trump and his agenda. Сделать Америку великой Снова.

There is a challenger, but she, too, like previous challengers will be grossly underfunded in the race against an entrenched incumbent funded and beholden to special interests.

Find something constructive to do for the Democratic Party challenger. Then do it. Then repeat.

A pro tip – in October 2018 don’t complain to anyone who’ll listen that the Democratic Party candidate doesn’t have enough yard signs out. Empty lots don’t vote.

Renee Hoagenson (D) – at an open public campaign town hall in Warrensburg – June 13, 2017.

If you want to accomplish any good in 2018 don’t waste your time and energy preaching to the choir on social media or signing petitions no one reads.

1) Make sure you’re registered to vote. 2) Be certain you have the required ID to vote. 3) Make sure everyone you know and all the potential voters you help to register to vote have the required ID to vote. Provisional ballots aren’t worth shit. Solve ID problems before the fact. 4) On Election Day in 2018 drag your sorry ass to your polling place and vote. Then drag the sorry asses of your friends and the people you registered to vote to their polling places so that they do actually vote.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s (r) voter photo ID tour – Warrensburg – June 16, 2017.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – town hall in Lee’s Summit – June 17, 2017.

“Rule #4: Be outraged. [….] it is essential to maintain one’s capacity for shock. This will lead people to call you unreasonable [….] It is no fun to be the only hysterical person in the room. Prepare yourself.”
– Autocracy: Rules for Survival – Masha Gessen

Planned Parenthood #PinkOut demonstration in Kansas City – June 21, 2017.

Elections always have consequences. Ask Supreme Court Justice Merrick Garland about that when you get the chance. Ask the 1% about that, too. Ask any public school classroom teacher.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – town hall in Versailles, Missouri – July 5, 2017.

March to Give Keystone XL the Boot – Lincoln, Nebraska – August 6, 2017.

Don’t waste your time trying to engage fascists or Nazis in “constructive” dialogue. They’re fascist and Nazis for a reason, not because of “economic anxiety”.

“Rule #5: Don’t make compromises. [….] In an autocracy, politics as the art of the possible is in fact utterly amoral. [….]”
– Autocracy: Rules for Survival – Masha Gessen

Kansas City for Charlottesville, Virginia – August 12, 2017.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – Labor Day rally and march – Kansas City – September 4, 2017.

In support of DACA – Kansas City – September 5, 2017.

“Rule #2: Do not be taken in by small signs of normality. [….] …history has seen many catastrophes, and most of them unfolded over time. That time included periods of relative calm. [….]”
– Autocracy: Rules for Survival – Masha Gessen

None of this is normal. Act accordingly. Given the last two years I’m not holding my breath.

Previously:

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 1 (December 28, 2017)

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 2 (December 28, 2017)

Our top ten traffic posts for 2017 (December 29, 2017)

Our top ten traffic posts for 2017

29 Friday Dec 2017

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We wrote a lot of stories and posted a lot of photos in 2017. These were the posts which generated the most traffic during the last year:

1. Well, you asked (February 15, 2017)

Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens (r) engaged the public and media through the filter of social media in his second month in office. Much hilarity ensued. Not much has changed.

2. The 1440 Clock Project – two minutes in Warrensburg, Missouri (March 20, 2017)

Hugo Kriegel (rght) painting 09:38 for the 1440 Clock Project.

An artist from Paris, France (by way of New York City) painted two large public art works in Warrensburg, Missouri as part of an ongoing ten year worldwide project.

3. Secretary of State Jason Kander (D): at the opening of the legislative session (January 4, 2017)

Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) addressing the Missouri House at the opening of the legislative session – Jefferson City – January 4, 2017.

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) had a thing or two to say in his formal role opening the new legislative session. Right wingnut republicans in control of the House were not pleased.

4. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): alt-reality (February 6, 2017)

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) will probably never hold an open public town hall in the 4th Congressional District.

5. Roy Blunt’s (tele) town-hall: What he said and what he didn’t say (May 25, 2017)

Senator Roy Blunt (r) will probably never hold an open public town hall in Missouri. We sense a pattern here.

6. Women’s March – Kansas City – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017 (January 21, 2017)

from the vantage point of The Link (covered overhead walkway between Crown Center and Union Station).

On the same day of massive national protests and marches on the day after the new administration came to power 10,000 people showed up to protest at Washington Square Park in Kansas City.

7. When people who aren’t Nazis march without tiki torches in broad daylight in Kansas City (August 12, 2017)

Women’s March – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017.

In the aftermath of Charlottesville, Virginia. Sarcasm is one of our specialties.

8. Oderint dum metuant (May 11, 2017)

Let them hate, so long as they fear. Newbie “activists” get used by Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) and her staff, getting nothing in return. And, an open public town hall in the district will probably never happen.

9. Mark Osmack’s gonna be a contender (August 19, 2017)

A post on one of the Democratic Party challengers in the 2nd Congressional District generated a number of comments from one of his rivals.

10. You got that right (March 28, 2017)

“I am a deplorable” – Trump Teabagger rally in Jefferson City – March 25, 2017

A small rally and march on a rainy day in Jefferson City in support of Donald Trump.

Previously:

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 1 (December 28, 2017)

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 2 (December 28, 2017)

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 2

28 Thursday Dec 2017

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The continuation of our retrospective.

July:

Fireworks.

“Booms and Blooms” – Powell Gardens, Kingsville, Missouri – July 1, 2017.

Getting closer (July 3, 2017)

Again, someone from Missouri in Congress isn’t afraid of holding open public town halls.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) [2017 file photo].

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D): even more town halls (July 5, 2017)

Claire McCaskill Town Hall Meeting in Eldon Missouri – video by Jerry Schmidt (July 5, 2017)

On Health Care – Claire McCaskill Town Hall Meeting in Eldon Missouri – video by Jerry Schmidt (July 8, 2017)

Constituents show up, Roy Blunt (r) doesn’t.

“healthcare not wealthcare”

Talking about health care at Sen. Roy Blunt’s (r) office in Kansas City – July 14, 2017 (July 14, 2017)

In Arizona.

“Our Lives on the line” rally, Rudy Garcia Park, Tucson, Arizona, July 29, 2017.

But it’s a dry heat (July 29, 2017)

August:

A Keystone XL pipeline protest and march in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Banners leading the march.

March to Give Keystone XL the Boot – Lincoln, Nebraska – August 6, 2017 (August 6, 2017)

Joye Braun, Indigenous Environmental Network – March to Give Keystone XL the Boot – Lincoln, Nebraska – August 6, 2017 (August 7, 2017)

March to Give Keystone XL the Boot – Lincoln, Nebraska – August 6, 2017 – more photos (August 7, 2017)

After Charlottesville, Virginia.

Confrontation.

Kansas City for Charlottesville, Virginia (August 13, 2017)

Well, the plan was to hold fifty before the end of the year.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – Warrensburg, Missouri – August 17, 2017.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – town hall in Warrensburg – Press Q and A – August 17, 2017 (August 17, 2017)

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – town hall in Warrensburg – August 17, 2017 (August 18, 2017)

There was a solar eclipse.

End of totality. F 4, 1/15, ISO 200, 200 mm.

That was some solar eclipse (August 22, 2017)

After Charlottesville, Virginia.

“Not today”

Somebody cared enough to try (August 24, 2017)

Donald Trump in Missouri.

“…Predator Trump” photo: Jerry Schmidt

Protesting Donald Trump (r) in Springfield, Missouri – August 30, 2017 (August 31, 2017)

September:

On Labor Day.

“We are worth more”

Labor Day rally and march in Kansas City – September 4, 2017

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) protest in Kansas City.

“No human is illegal”

In support of DACA – Kansas City – September 5, 2017 (September 5, 2017)

We did a gallery show.

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

Sunrise.

Sunrise.

The Earth says hello (September 29, 2017)

October:

A butterfly or two.

American painted lady or American lady (Vanessa virginiensis). F 9, 1/4000, ISO 3200, 200 mm.

A brief moment of peace for a chaotic world (October 2, 2017)

Danaus plexippus.

Monarch (October 14, 2017)

Leaves.

In the wind (October 25, 2017)

November:

Hillary Shields (D).

Hillary Shields (D) – November 7, 2017

Hillary Shields (D) in the 8th Senate District: Sunday field operation (November 5, 2017)

Hillary Shields (D) in the 8th Senate District: Sunday field operation – a few words from Jason Kander (D) (November 5, 2017)

Hillary Shields (D) (November 7, 2017)

Vicky has an opponent.

In Warrensburg – November 11, 2017.

Organizing for 2018 (November 11, 2017)

December:

Fear.

“We’d better get back ’cause it’ll be dark soon and they mostly come at night. Mostly. “ (December 1, 2017)

A display.

Again: “…Compulsory unification of opinion achieves only the unanimity of the graveyard…” (December 11, 2017)

Anxiety.

Still waiting to be interviewed by The New York Times about their economic anxiety (December 18, 2017)

That was the year that was.

Previously:

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 1 (December 28, 2017)

The Political Year in Pictures – 2017 – part 1

28 Thursday Dec 2017

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It’s been another very interesting year for us.

We took a lot of photos in 2017. Many having to do with the aftermath of the 2016 general election.

Over the course of the last year we covered a number of government and political events in Missouri (and elsewhere), in the process taking thousands of photographs. Most of them didn’t make it into the blog. Some of the things we saw and heard made us smile, made us think, made us gasp, made us hope, and made us despair.

We thought we’d provide a retrospective of some of the pictures and stories we consider to be memorable.

January:

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) upsets the republicans on the opening day of the legislative session.

Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) addressing the Missouri House at the opening of the legislative session – Jefferson City – January 4, 2017.

Secretary of State Jason Kander (D): at the opening of the legislative session (January 4, 2017)

Women take the lead. They always do.

Women hold up the sky…

Anti-Trump march in Kansas City – January 20, 2017 (January 20, 2017)

Anti-Trump march in Kansas City – January 20, 2017 – part 2 (January 21, 2017)

Anti-Trump march in Kansas City – January 20, 2017 – part 3 – marching (January 21, 2017)

Rise up.

Women’s March – Kansas City – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017 (January 21, 2017)

Women’s March – Kansas City – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017 – part 2 (January 22, 2017)

Women’s March – Kansas City – Washington Square Park – January 21, 2017 – part 3 (January 22, 2017)

Another salvo in the “War on Christmas”.

Hannah Kelly (r) [2017 file photo].

HB 696: Now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve really upset the Pastafarians. (January 23, 2017)

Just nine days into the new administration.

“Not this time” – Trump Muslim ban protest at Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017

Thankful.

Trump Muslim ban protest at Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017 (January 29, 2017)

February:

Meeting with constituents. On immigration.

A crowd mic.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – Immigration Town Hall in Kansas City – February 4, 2017 (February 5, 2017)

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – Immigration Town Hall in Kansas City – press statement – February 4, 2017 (February 5, 2017)

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – Immigration Town Hall in Kansas City – press Q and A – February 4, 2017 (February 5, 2017)

Not meeting with constituents.

“…Subject startles easily at the sight of concerned consituents…”

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): about those missing public town halls (February 9, 2017)

Meeting with a few constituents.

(left to right) Denny Hoskins (r), Glen Kolkmeyer (r-53rd Legislative District), Dan Houx (r-54th Legislative District).

A stylized dance (February 17, 2017)

More useless legislation from the right wingnut republican controlled Missouri General Assembly.

Pre 1973 medical instruments.

HB 1014: the exhibit should include pre 1973 medical devices (February 22, 2017)

What can we say? We were in the right place at the right time.

Stormy weather (February 28, 2017)

March:

A sign.

“Make America Great Again” – in Russian.

A conversation at the flag pole (March 3, 2017)

We just love Kansas City.

“Bullhorn” – March 4, 2017.

Anti-Trump March in Kansas City – March 4, 2017 (March 4, 2017)

Anti-Trump March in Kansas City – March 4, 2017 – part 2 (March 5, 2017)

Anti-Trump March in Kansas City – March 4, 2017 – part 3 (March 5, 2017)

Someone did resist.

[Used with permission.]

A New York tourist destination (March 21, 2017)

Still no open public town halls in the district.

This is what Democracy looks like – Harrisonville, Missouri – March 22, 2017 (March 23, 2017)

Sometimes they march, too.

“I am a deplorable” – Trump Teabagger rally in Jefferson City – March 25, 2017

You got that right (March 25, 2017)

April:

At least one member of Congress from Missouri does open public town halls.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – speaking to the press – Parkville, Missouri – April 13, 2017.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D): press availability – Parkville, Missouri – April 13, 2017 (April 14, 2017)

What a difference eight years makes (April 13, 2017)

This ain’t 2009 and right wingnut billionaires ain’t paying to rile up teabaggers (April 13, 2017)

Of science.

If I die, I’m taking you with me.

March for Science – Kansas City – April 22, 2017 (March 22, 2017)

March for Science – Kansas City – April 22, 2017 – part 2 (April 23, 2017)

March for Science – Kansas City – April 22, 2017 – part 3 (April 23, 2017)

March for Science – Kansas City – April 22, 2017 – part 4 (April 23, 2017)

On climate.

There are no jobs on a dead planet.

Climate March – Kansas City – April 29, 2017 (April 29, 2017)

Climate March – Kansas City – April 29, 2017 – Sergio Moreno (April 30, 2017)

May:

Anywhere, anytime.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) [2017 file photo].

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D): on Zombie Trumpcare – May 6, 2017 (May 7, 2017)

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D): on Trump and Russia – May 6, 2017 (May 7, 2017)

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D): on Trump’s policies and Missouri – May 6, 2017 (May 8, 2017)

Still no open public town halls in the district.

Closed for meetings…

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r) – Columbia District Office – May 10, 2017 (May 10, 2017)

Jackson County Democrats.

Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D) [2017 file photo].

Truman Gala – Jackson County Democratic Committee – May 20, 2017 (May 21, 2017)

Truman Gala – Jackson County Democratic Committee – May 20, 2017 #2 (May 22, 2017)

June:

Hate and bigotry.

Ready to react.

Anti-Muslim protest and counter-protest, Washington Square Park, Kansas City – June 10, 2017 (June 10, 2017)

Anti-Muslim protest and counter-protest, Washington Square Park, Kansas City – June 10, 2017 – part 2 (June 11, 2017)

Anti-Muslim protest and counter-protest, Washington Square Park, Kansas City – June 10, 2017 – part 3 (June 11, 2017)

Some members of Congress have no problem with holding open public town halls in their district.

Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D) – [2017 file photo].

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D): town hall in Lee’s Summit – June 17, 2017 (June 17, 2017)

Reproductive health and rights.

Planned Parenthood #PinkOut in Kansas City – June 21, 2017 (June 22, 2017)

Where is Roy Blunt (r)?

Talking about health care at Sen. Roy Blunt’s (r) office in Kansas City – June 23, 2017 (June 23, 2017)

A Sen. Roy Blunt (r) health care story (June 23, 2017)

Photos at Roy Blunt’s Office – June 23 2017 Indivisible – KC Hillary Klofkorn Shields (June 26, 2017)

Talking about health care at Sen. Roy Blunt’s (r) office in Kansas City – June 23, 2017 – signs of the times (June 24, 2017)

What’s the matter with Kansas?

“Resist”

Talking about health care at Sen. Jerry Moran’s (r) office in Olathe, Kansas – June 28, 2017 (June 28, 2017)

Talking about health care at Sen. Jerry Moran’s (r) office in Olathe, Kansas – June 28, 2017 – signs of the times (June 29, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 12

30 Monday Oct 2017

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“The Poetry of Protest” our show in the Gallery of Art and Design at the University of Central Missouri of large prints of photographs from rallies, protests, marches, and demonstrations opened on September 26th. The exhibit closed on October 28th.

The exhibit is closed.

We left an open notebook with blank pages and pencils on a podium next to the exhibit title wall. The last comments:

Awesome: Thanks for all the clear evidences of democracy. It was truly enjoyable.

So important that children in the future know that were those of us who stood up against the war on democracy, truth, kindness [and] the environment – oh, yeah [and] the nuclear war being waged against women. Thank you for preserving this so the protests are not lost.

Previously:

The Poetry of Protest (September 9, 2017)

In the gallery (September 21, 2017)

In the gallery – part 2 (September 23, 2017)

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments (September 30, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 2 (October 3, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 3 (October 4, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 4 (October 6, 2017)

In the gallery – today (October 10, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 5 (October 16, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 6 (October 17, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 7 (October 19, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 8 (October 23, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 9 (October 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 10 (October 27, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 11 (October 28, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 11

28 Saturday Oct 2017

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“The Poetry of Protest” our show in the Gallery of Art and Design at the University of Central Missouri of large prints of photographs from rallies, protests, marches, and demonstrations opened on September 26th. The exhibit runs through today.

We left an open notebook with blank pages and pencils on a podium next to the exhibit title wall. We get comments.

January 20, 2017 – Kansas City,Missouri – photo by Jerry Schmidt

Exhilarating! Thank you for taking the time and using your talent so effectively. I am grateful for every voice raised in outrage – particularly yours, because you have given expression to and an outlet for our collective grief. Thank you.

This morning three individuals who were in one of the images in the exhibit came to the gallery.

January 21, 2017 – Women’s March – Kansas City, Missouri – photo by Michael Bersin

Courtesy of Christian Cutler.

We’re the three queers in the tree! We came to see your exhibit; thank you for capturing all these moments in history. We are moved [….]

Looking through these pictures I’m reminded of a quote from Hamilton: “History has its eyes on you!” [….]

Previously:

The Poetry of Protest (September 9, 2017)

In the gallery (September 21, 2017)

In the gallery – part 2 (September 23, 2017)

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments (September 30, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 2 (October 3, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 3 (October 4, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 4 (October 6, 2017)

In the gallery – today (October 10, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 5 (October 16, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 6 (October 17, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 7 (October 19, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 8 (October 23, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 9 (October 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 10 (October 27, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 10

27 Friday Oct 2017

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“The Poetry of Protest” our show in the Gallery of Art and Design at the University of Central Missouri of large prints of photographs from rallies, protests, marches, and demonstrations opened on September 26th. The exhibit runs through October 28th.

We left an open notebook with blank pages and pencils on a podium next to the exhibit title wall. We get comments.

January 20, 2017 – Kansas City, Missouri – photo by Jerry Schmidt

September 5, 2017 – DACA Protest – Kansas City, Missouri – photo by Jerry Schmidt

August 6, 2017 – Keystone Pipeline Protest – Lincoln, Nebraska – photo by Michael Bersin

January 21, 2017 – Women’s March – Kansas City, Missouri – photo by Michael Bersin

Terrific shots, and an altogether thought provoking display. I couldn’t help but notice the intensity of expression that Mr. Schmidt caught in many of the portraits; when you combined that expression with the subject’s attire (or even that of the people around them) the photo took on a kind of time suspension. The photo of the man in a green hat was especially striking – between the man, [and] the woman just to his left who is wearing a yellow cap, I could almost imagine this having been taken in the 1930s which in itself is an interesting experience for the viewer.

Another favorite: the gentleman in a PYO t-shirt [and] a red bandana on his face. [….] The expression in the gentlemen’s eyes suggests to me a kind of resignation/fatigue that again reminds me that the struggle is anything but new.

[….] The horse group picture is interesting for the same reasons as the photos I’ve mentioned already. Their expressions are much “older” than their attire which makes for a jarring juxtaposition, something I (well, now you can tell, clearly) find thought provoking.

The lady in scarf photo I like for different reasons. Her expression coupled w[ith] the luminosity of the photo in general just speaks to me one word – “optimism”. So much so that, had you told me that it was a staged photo for an advertisement I would have aid, “OK, well, that’s laying it on a bit thick, no? [….]!” But the fact that it was a ‘real’ shot just makes it too good for words. Here again, the clothing adds an unexpected dimension to the way I perceive any “message” of the flag symbolism. The fabrics she wears are all soft [and] she is completely covered by layers of the things she wears. It gives me a message that we are “covered”/”encapsulated” by the notion of “country”, that, for good or bad, it is bigger than the individual. But the women’s face really draws the eye in (her smile is arresting) [and] then sends the viewer’s eye out, because you wonder what she was seeing that caused her to react. Coupled with the light, as I said before, it just gives a hopeful, optimistic effect.

[….] I just want you both to know that I didn’t just think “ah, these are nice shots”. I found them to be a thought provoking, multi layered experience. “Poetry” was a great title for this exhibition. [….]

This is an historical exhibition of the times we are living in. Having been in demonstrations in the 60s, I did not think we would have to do this again. Unfortunately we do.

We must never forget that progress has never occurred without such protests. These are pictures of the best in our country.

Let’s celebrate that and never forget that we must stand against the reactionary forces moving our country back.

Previously:

The Poetry of Protest (September 9, 2017)

In the gallery (September 21, 2017)

In the gallery – part 2 (September 23, 2017)

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments (September 30, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 2 (October 3, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 3 (October 4, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 4 (October 6, 2017)

In the gallery – today (October 10, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 5 (October 16, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 6 (October 17, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 7 (October 19, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 8 (October 23, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 9 (October 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 9

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in meta, Resist

≈ 3 Comments

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“The Poetry of Protest” our show in the Gallery of Art and Design at the University of Central Missouri of large prints of photographs from rallies, protests, marches, and demonstrations opened on September 26th. The exhibit runs through October 28th.

The sequence of images in the gallery from the January 21, 2017 Women’s March in Washington Square Park in Kansas City.

We left an open notebook with blank pages and pencils on a podium next to the exhibit title wall. We get comments.

Without STRUGGLE their can be NO progress – Frederick Douglass

I’m a senior in High School, my hope I for a brighter, healthier future for all. Thank you for sharing these pictures.

Thank you for the time and energy and attention you’ve given this project. You have chronicled the faces of expression. The show is an outstanding example of the power of social/documentary photography.

Previously:

The Poetry of Protest (September 9, 2017)

In the gallery (September 21, 2017)

In the gallery – part 2 (September 23, 2017)

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments (September 30, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 2 (October 3, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 3 (October 4, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 4 (October 6, 2017)

In the gallery – today (October 10, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 5 (October 16, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 6 (October 17, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 7 (October 19, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 8 (October 23, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 8

23 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in meta, Resist

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

“The Poetry of Protest” our show in the Gallery of Art and Design at the University of Central Missouri of large prints of photographs from rallies, protests, marches, and demonstrations opened on September 26th. The exhibit runs through October 28th.

We left an open notebook with blank pages and pencils on a podium next to the exhibit title wall. We get comments.

We do have freedom of speech but some of these protests show how imature [sp] America really is. These photograph do have great meaning…but for what purpose? To anger others? If you want to “Make America great again” be humble and kind – anonymous

If you want to criticize the maturity of others you might want to check your spelling as you do so.

Freedom of speech is freedom of speech. It ain’t free if someone else gets to impose their sensibility over your expression. Put differently, who died and made you God?

Sure, counter someone else’s free speech with your own free speech. Knock yourself out. Get a camera, take some photographs, make some prints, put together a gallery show. But you won’t, will you?

Meaning is what you make of it. Purpose is what you make of it. Protest is supposed to make people uncomfortable. We assume by your writing that the exhibit makes you angry. Okay.

People who protest in the streets chose to do so because they believe they have no other recourse available to them.

There’s a delicious irony in your juxtaposition of “make America great again” with humility and kindness. The former has absolutely nothing to do with the latter two. Did you do that on purpose? The purveyor of “make America great again” is neither humble nor kind. He’s a sociopath.

Previously:

The Poetry of Protest (September 9, 2017)

In the gallery (September 21, 2017)

In the gallery – part 2 (September 23, 2017)

In the gallery – part 3 (September 26, 2017)

In the gallery – comments (September 30, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 2 (October 3, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 3 (October 4, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 4 (October 6, 2017)

In the gallery – today (October 10, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 5 (October 16, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 6 (October 17, 2017)

In the gallery – comments – part 7 (October 19, 2017)