No Kings 2.0 Coming Up!

Thoughts from a Wise Woman:

Last June, I headed out to a (small-ish) city just north of where I live to participate in the first No Kings protest. I expected to join a few hundred of my fellow citizens, but there were easily three times that number of protesters. Families, older folks (like me!), and young people all gathered to protest – peacefully, and I would dare say, joyfully. There was singing, dancing, flag-waving, and bubble blowing throughout. The feeling of not being alone in all of this madness lifted me up for days. 

Unfortunately, the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania has only gotten worse – in word, in deed, and in further actions aimed at dismantling the pillars of our democracy. At times, I know it seems hopeless. 

However, there are glimmers of light in all of this darkness. 

In just the last week, the power of the people forced Disney (ABC, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN) to reverse its terrible decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air and stifle free speech. We, the people, protested, canceled our accounts, and demanded that free speech continue. Our economic and social pressure worked. 

The first No Kings protest was one of the largest mass protests in American history. 

History must repeat itself, and we need to come out in even bigger numbers for No Kings II on October 18th. 

If possible, I invite everyone to join a protest near you. We must demonstrate that despite his and his administration’s efforts, we will not capitulate. Small (d) democratic institutions must stand, and we will stand for them. Fear will not win.