I had yesterday’s “No Kings” protest on my calendar for weeks, knowing I would attend. I told myself the day might prove to be a turning point for our country: that any incited violence would cause Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would serve as the final nail in the coffin destroying whatever democratic norms and free speech we have remaining; or it would prove to be a peaceful, vibrant day of protest by millions of people that would wake Americans up to the peril we face and apply enough pressure that change for the better begins.
It was a peaceful day, and violence never occurred, but I doubt any positive change is coming soon. As much as I appreciated being among scores of like-minded people who realize the administration is corrupt, cruel, and lawless, and being among people who believe our country can do much better, I still felt empty and lonely after the rally.
When you have elected leaders of the country calling the protestors people who hate America or Hamas or Antifa, and their MAGA followers lapping up the lies and insults, that’s a big nut to crack. The administration is doing its best to keep us divided and against each other—it has no interest in uniting the country or in improving the lives of the less fortunate.
Where does that leave me? Fighting my negative feelings by continuing to do the few things I can do. Protesting is better than not protesting: I will attend whatever rally comes next. I volunteer locally to assist people who need help. I make contributions to organizations that support social and environmental causes. For us, that roster of organizations includes the American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood, Arbor Day Foundation, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
It doesn’t seem like much. It doesn’t feel like enough. But I’ve got to do something.
