26 Comments
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Naima  (NM)'s avatar

Ms.Starling, you came up with the perfect follow-up phrase: he yields the floor to all of us. What a gift to witness such a historical and soul-deep historical moment.

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K. Starling's avatar

It was beautiful. I cried a couple of times.

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Cleo Maxwell's avatar

I had my phone on for most of the 25 hours. I fell asleep to him talking, and I woke up to him talking. All day, I listened. Sometimes I cried. He was amazing! He would make an AMAZING president! THANK YOU, CORY, FOR STANDING UP FOR OUR COUNTRY!

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Christina Albetta's avatar

I did the same! Many missed out!

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Maureen Hatfield's avatar

Right there with you, Cleo! I had to go out for about an hour, but fell asleep listening, woke up, still going. Riveted to CSPAN. I, too, was crying with pride! What a sweet experience to see Senator Booker create a new record of holding the floor, encouraging our better selves to engage on behalf of our combined freedoms and rights. I am so inspired by him, his message of hope and call to action. I am also damn proud of our Democratic Senators who stood up with Senator Booker, helping him make it through, asking questions and prolonging their time in asking to give his voice a break! Senator Booker received applause in the chamber, but also in my house! I could not help it! Loud clapping, tears of gratitude and pride, and resolve to continue on in my small way of resistance. What a beacon of light!!! Then to learn WISCONSIN stood for our Democracy! It was a good day!

Now rest Senator Booker! You have the gratitude and support of your grateful party! Thank you!!!!

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Darlene Reese's avatar

Simply inspiring! A light during the storm that surrounds us. Deep gratitude and joy!

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Michelle Romano's avatar

Yes! Kudos to Senator Booker! Now, other senators need to do the exact same thing.

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Susan's avatar

Wow. Did you write this or are you quoting Cory Booker? I mean the Take the Floor bit. It’s so eloquent and moving.

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K. Starling's avatar

Where I quoted him directly, I put it in quotes. It is inspired by his words, so it will ring similar. The "take the floor" is mine.

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Susan's avatar

It should go viral, by all rights. Your narration is very respectable, but the words would be so powerful in the hands of an orator . . . who could inspire a movement.

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Reese Erwin's avatar

Wow! That was beautiful. I sent to many friends and a special grandchild. THANK YOU for memorializing Booker’s speech so wonderfully. Fabulous.

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Reese Erwin's avatar

I am an 89-year-old granny of 7 and still a pedantic editor. I found 3 typos in your incredible piece. I know you put it together very quickly and passionately, so very understandable. I sent you an email and hope you get it, because you’ll want to clean it up; it needs to be very widely circulated without the errors. I sent “reply” to the article, so don’t know if you’ll get the email.

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K. Starling's avatar

I appreciate this so much. I edited it. Thanks!

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K. Starling's avatar

THANK YOU! I fixed it.

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Reese Erwin's avatar

Great! One of my 83-year-old friends just emailed me quoting you, “…we cannot afford for our fear to immobilize us. It must be a catalyst for courage, for action, for strength. Though our voices might tremble, we must speak. Though our hands may shake, we must act.”

That is just one part that’s memorable and quotable. She then said, “Beautiful! The entire thing was well written.”

You are amazingly gifted, to put together so quickly a piece that should be in print for the ages. That may sound hyperbolic, but I don’t think so.

If I can ever help you as a copy editor, I would gladly volunteer my services. I’m retired, of course, but volunteer as I can, including editing the Charlottesville, Virginia (where I live) Cville Dems newsletter.

Again, thank you!!

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observationsandramblings's avatar

Very well written. You really boiled it down to the essence. Good job!

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Tipsy's avatar

Getting into some "good trouble" Sunday in Minnesota.

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Carrie's avatar

Kudos to Senator Booker! I hope his heroic effort and powerful speech get the attention they deserve!

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Deborah K Davis's avatar

K. Starling, I LOVE your words about Senator Booker's amazing stand for all of us!

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Erin Smith's avatar

I love everything about this post. Thank you.

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Peaches's avatar

Both his speech and your article moved me.

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Nancy's avatar

Everyone should download the "5calls" app.

It tells you just who your representatives are and provides a script.

Everyone should be calling!

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Brenda Meikle's avatar

I can't go because I'm a volunteer tax preparer for people who are very scared right now. I'm there with you in spirit though!

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Loni Marie Dishong's avatar

Beautiful words and inspiration. Thank you!

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Elizabeth A Nitzel's avatar

Take the Floor!

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