The View From My Windshield: Mother Dearest

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Mount Olive, Illinois—Before there was Mother Jones, there was Mother Jones, a smart, fearless, rabble-rousing labor leader who dressed up like a nice old lady so that if she got beaten up, it’d make for a more sensational scene. (Actually, she kind of looked like Mrs. Doubtfire.)

Naturally, when MoJo thinking about where to spend her last days, she turned to Mount Olive, where seven martyred strikers from an 1898 shootout with mine guards in nearby Virden, are buried in a UMW cemtery. As Mother put it, “I hope it will be my consolation when I pass away to feel I sleep under the clay with those brave boys.” And her cat, too.

Bonus photos below the jump.

Mother Jones has her own exit in Mount Olive. Which is awesome, unless you're the car behind us.Mother Jones has her own exit off the (probably more famous) highway.

As her final wish, Mother Jones asked for her head to be preserved, Futurama-style, so she could give wise counsel to future generations.As her final wish, Mother Jones asked for her head to be preserved, Futurama-style, so she could give wise counsel to future generations. Maybe!

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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