I Left You Hanging Regarding Rep. Melissa Hortman: How to Turn Your Grief Into Fire That Lasts

This is how we fight back — for Rep. Melissa Hortman, and for what they’re trying to kill.

How To Turn Your Grief Into Fire That Lasts

Earlier, after I sent you the last issue of the Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter, I couldn’t shake this off-kilter feeling. Something was unsettled.

At first, I couldn’t quite name it—then it hit me: I left you hanging.

I gave you the why behind transmuting grief, but I didn’t give you the how. And in moments like these…how matters.

Because if we don’t turn pain into purpose with precision, it just sits there—eating us alive or burning us out.

This is how we fight back — for Rep. Melissa Hortman, and for what they’re trying to kill.

Let’s get something straight: grief alone doesn’t change the world.

When a public servant like Rep. Melissa Hortman is gunned down — while serving her community — it’s not just a tragedy. It’s not just sad.

It’s a message. Sent by a culture of political violence that now walks openly…with a smirk and a trigger finger.

So yes — grieve. Mourn. Sit with the ache if you have to.

But don’t stay there.

If you care about what she stood for — if you care about your kids…your community… your country — then transmute that grief into focused, durable anger.

The kind that doesn’t fade after the flowers wilt or the press conference ends.

Here’s how:

1. Feel It — Then Move

You don’t skip grief. You go through it. Otherwise, your fire never gets hot enough to forge anything. So let it hurt. Let it hit you in the chest.

But then? Get the hell up.

Don’t let sorrow become paralysis. Let it become fuel.

2. Say What This Really Is

Melissa wasn’t lost in a car crash. She didn’t pass quietly in her sleep.

She was assassinated in a country that’s been slowly normalizing political violence.

A country where armed extremism is tolerated…where incitement is policy…and where courage gets you targeted.

You want to honor her? Stop sugarcoating what’s happening. This isn’t “division.” This isn’t “passion on both sides.”

It’s a war on democracy — and people like Melissa are on the front lines.

3. Keep the Fire Lit

Too many people think action has to be loud and immediate. It doesn’t.

Endurance beats flash every time.

Real, lasting anger is the kind you keep feeding — with focus. With action. With repetition.

You want to build power? Pick one thing…and do it again and again and again. Register voters. Fund races. Knock doors. Organize one hour a week, every week.

This is a long war. Show up like you plan to win it.

4. Get Clear on What You Can Do

Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to be a strategist. You don’t need a microphone or a title.

Ask yourself: What do I have?
Time? Use it.
A network? Mobilize it.
Money? Spend it on someone running toward the fire.

You want to change this country? Good. Then stop looking up and start looking around.

Because democracy isn’t saved in D.C. It’s saved in school board meetings…union halls…kitchen tables…and field offices in counties no one talks about.

5. This Isn’t Just Sad — It’s a Line in the Sand

Melissa Hortman is gone. So now the question is:

What are you going to do with the hole she left?

You can let it sit there…echoing with helplessness.

Or you can fill it with motion. With clarity. With righteous, disciplined fury that says:

You will not kill your way into power. You will not silence us with bullets. And we will bury you at the ballot box — over and over again.

Not with tears.
Not with hashtags.
With strategy. With votes. With backbone.

Grief is natural. But it’s not the end of the story. Not unless you let it be.

So feel the loss. Then get legally-dangerous.

Turn your grief into a campaign.
Turn your anger into infrastructure.
And don’t let their violence write the ending.

Not now.
Not ever.
No Kings.

Emotions aren’t “good” or “bad.” They are useful…or not.

Whether they are helpful is determined by what you use the fuel they provide to motivate you to do.

Now…I feel like that last issue I sent you…is complete.

Warmly,

Jack