9 Comments
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Brittany Gossard's avatar

This was so well written and you did a great job presenting the facts without adding bias. You’re my hero Jen.

Julie B Denney's avatar

Can't wait to listen!

J K Morris's avatar

Great piece Jen! It was very insightful and my feelings are about the same as yours. I grew up in a rural area, so the men in these groups were people I knew, went to church with, and saw on a daily basis. I’m thankful, as a man, for my worldview and the fact my faith has broadened my views rather than restricting them.

Thanks for giving us a sense of who they are. Incredible work, as usual!

Laura LeBleu's avatar

Thrilled for you, Jen! Can't wait to read your article online and, of course, get a copy in print ASAP.

Kezia Jauron (Evolotus PR)'s avatar

I finally got a chance to clear some of my open tabs and read this. I appreciated that the answers and conclusions aren't clear, aren't pat. I suppose I have a curiosity about their ideologies, but they don't completely understand their ideologies, either--at least not enough to articulate them beyond slogans. "Maximum freedom" unless you're a parent who wants to take their kid to the library, or a wife who wants a paying job.

As you've said before, the focus of the right is not on ethical consistency, it's on their team winning.

Kam Hitchcock's avatar

Dear Jen: thanks for this really great piece. And also thanks for all you do to offer understanding for everyone. Sometimes I think you must be the bravest woman ever. But I know you are completely determined to understand what is going on.

Shannon Hunter's avatar

Incredible, Jen. When I started reading, I felt actual fear for your safety. Such amazing imagery and detail. This seems like an honor to have been allowed into the Proud Boy’s circle. Question: Have you been contacted by any of the Proud Boys since this article came out? Wondering how they feel about it.

Jen Golbeck's avatar

Yes! I keep in touch with Johnny Ringo, my main contact in the Cape Fear Proud Boys. The chapter is happy with the story - they feel like it is a fair portrayal of what the day is like. I have heard from other chapters that they agree that it's a pretty accurate description of what their club days are like. I also talked to Enrique Tarrio who had not read it yet but I think generally understands that I gave it a fair take.

Del's avatar

“In peace one is despoiled by the mercenaries, in war by one's enemies."