My mother used to say that if you wanted to know a person’s character, just shut your mouth and watch them, and you’ll know who they are and what they stand for by dinnertime.
Don’t fool yourselves, fence-sitters. Don’t fool yourselves, those of you who remain seated and silent. We see you. And yes, by dinnertime we will know you, too.
Far more importantly, though, your conscience will see and know you.
You cannot sit silent or indifferent during this critical time and remain a moral human being. It’s that simple. If you were honest with yourself, you’d know that to be true.
Stand up. Get real. Get honest. And start giving a shit. Because if you don’t, there’s a great chance you’ll be kneeling, not sitting, at the feet of fascism for what remains of your fence-sitting, silent, and complacent life.
I'm recovering from a bacterial infection for which there is no vaccine. Picking up three new temporary meds tomorrow. I'll recover. But I won't attend a protest planned in our city. Maybe if I were ten years younger. Oh, to be 78 again! My spirit will be with you intrepid protesters!
It sounds like you have done more than your share of protesting in your long life, Margaret. I hope your bacterial infection clears up with the new meds. Be proud for the work you have done and continue to do, just by posting in solidarity. With thanks for your support and prayers for healing. 💕🙏
I’ve missed many of ours and feel hopeful this evening so Im pretty sure I’ll be walking with many for first time in our small town . . As friends from out of town have said they’re coming to march because it’s finally hitting every part of their lives.. the militarization of our armed forces is shaking out a lot of folks. Hope to make it Loud & Proud as it’s also Gay Pride weekend !!
I have been going to a protest every weekend for almost 4 months. I get thanked a lot by friends that are too busy with their life to join me. I told all of them...just this one time...get out and join me, or one closer to where you live. Just this one time. I have 12 people that I know of going, that would otherwise have stayed home. I will get them out again, but this Saturday is really important.
Good call to action, John. I know, as you do, that SO many people feel pain and feel that their actions may be useless. But, showing up is the
important thing. Showing up will most likely help with the feelings of helplessness. People who show up see that they are not alone. I will be walking in the Pride parade in Winston-Salem, which parade organizers have graciously allowed to be combined with the No Kings event. Rain or shine, it will be a great event of love and togetherness.
I am physically unable to attend rallies, but I have been posting news and sharing articles on Facebook multiple times a day and, less often, on Substack and Bluesky, and continue, as I have for years, to contribute to pro-democracy organizations.
As Joyce Vance says, “We’re all in this together.”
Same. I would like to ask everyone to please be kind and show some compassion to people who have physical and mental disabilities and cannot be in large crowds, standing or walking for extended periods of time. We are not cowardly. We are not silent. We are doing what we can. We are writing, calling, sharing information, creating news summaries. Please don't do this thing - we've been dealing with it all our lives - where someone tells us that if we are not physically active, then we don't matter. After all, aren't the disabled one of the vulnerable groups these rallies trying to protect?
Maria, thank you for your reminder. I am with you 100 %. We don’t need to be guilted if for ANY reason we are unable to physically participate. Please DO be kind. We are doing what we can where we are.
I’m Completely on the side of “No Kings.” But. I use a walker. No idea how far I’d have to park and walk just to get to the staging area. Can’t stand for
long either. So I’m just going to stay home. Pray and send good thoughts and white light to those who are out there. I hope you’re all OK with that.
Drive by and honk your support! It means a lot to those physically able to walk/stand/hold signs etc. to know that there are people like us, with physical limits, who are still doing what we can to show our support.
Cindy, you know what’s best for you, there is no shame in taking care of yourself. It is important to make our voices heard, and you just did by posting here. I am okay with your choice, as we all need to respect what each of us can do.
I spend 95% of my life filled with self loathing because I have serious chronic illnesses and am in constant pain which render me a useless burden to my loved ones.
I have not stopped watching the news. I have deleted twitter and deactivated facebook, but remain on the other platforms. Every day my heart breaks a little more. Every day I get angrier. Not so much for myself (although knowing that my government hates me and people like me and just wants us dead is super special), but for the people who are being hurt right now by a rogue government bent on destroying humanity. I see the plans for protests and while I am hoping and praying for everyone participating… hoping and praying for their safety, admiring their strength and hard work, I am also hating myself more and more because I cannot be out there standing side by side, arm in arm with them.
Then I see posts all over Bluesky, Instagram and TikTok and posts like this one here… posts that remind me that if I am not out there on the streets with everyone else I am a failure. I am not doing enough. I am not only a worthless burden and a disappointment to my loved ones, but also to my fellow resisters… It breaks my already broken heart even more.
If you cannot protest in person due to illness, then this column is not directed to you, but you can still participate: Call and write to our congress people, please! They could/should be in charge, but don't seem to know that and apparently need to be reminded. Thank you for your prayers, and for doing the best you can. I appreciate you!
No need to be sorry, hon. Sad maybe, as I am and others like us who physically can't participate. I certainly wish I could. But sorry? No, never! A failure? Absolutely NOT!!!
As cindi knox said above: So I’m just going to stay home... pray and send good thoughts and white light to those who are out there. You can do that on Sat June 14. But you can do much more daily. YOU count, YOU matter! We need your voice to help give RISE to those opposing our rogue corrupt fascist gov't.
So don't self-hate because you can't go. Instead take actions to support those who can and cheer them on with good heart! Write, make calls, whatever you can do that gives VOICE, YOUR VOICE, to your clear and right-on beliefs.
We are sending love to you -- feel its warmth wrap around you -- snuggle into that love and, now refreshed, STAND UP (metaphorically) and FIGHT the best way YOU can!
You sound like a FIESTY FIERCE GRRRL to me -- bring her out and give her free rein. Put your fighting spirit on the right path and let 'er rip! YOU GO, GRRRL!!!!!
Cheer from your post at home ! We’ll feel everyone’s support from near and far! And if you’ve got a friend w a car come by and honk your horn & wave your hand out the window to ‘join’ the energy!
I am sorry for your physical challenges and I love your honesty and hope you’ll find a friend w a car to drive by once where the parade is happening in your town!
You matter because you care. You will continue to feel sad (as I do), but you need not feel guilty. Simply because you.are.not. Praying has a scientific explanation. The Russian who did a study on this phenomenon was irreligious. The world is blest by your prayers.
Wendy! Those of us with disabilities have no reason to hate ourselves! That is just absorbing the hatred of fascists into our own bodies and being what they want us to be: too defeated to resist.
Do you actually feel that other (liberal or progressive) people are calling us failures for having disability? I don't hear that message, except from the far right. I just notice that the left and the liberals often forget that we exist, but that is just ableism/insensitivity -- it is not an attempt to harm us by "breaking my broken heart even more".
I can't physically go either. I am sad about that -- but I support in whatever ways I can. I had a very meaningful political conversation with 2 people who were also getting medical treatment in the infusion room today -- with a surprisingly positive outcome. So positive that I am changing my infusion day, at the suggestion of one of the women, so we can continue that connection -- one that almost didn't happen, but I sort of triggered it.
You can do more than you think you can to help -- that was the lesson I personally learned today. Keeping each others' spirits up is also a form of resistance. We just need to do what we are able to do....
If I am able to drive on Saturday (every day is different), I will absolutely drive by the local No Kings Day event and hoke/wave my support. I am hoping that will be possible, that the police won't shut the road. If I can't, I will be making calls via 5calls or something else. (I made a personal list.)
I hope you can find some way to resist that is possible/safe/meaningful for you. It really makes us stronger. And I hope you can start to believe, as I have, that simply surviving is also a from of resistance at times.
You are not alone. I have inoperable skeletal issues, and am autistic with PTSD, which makes it virtually impossible for me to be in large crowds, stand, or walk on hard pavement for extended periods of time. I have undersized lungs and can't breathe when it's hot an humid (which is pretty much everywhere now). I do get brought down by posts that basically say "If you are not there - you are nothing and you are not one of us". But I also continue doing what I can. I write, I call, I spread information. I have my own topic (the war in Ukraine), in which I am well-versed, and I cover it to help educate people every day.
Maria, you definitely are something and a warrior dealing with physical and emotional challenges. It sounds like you do a lot to promote peace in the way that works for you. Keep it up. You are doing a great job.
From one Wendy to another, you are not a failure. You are a warrior to just wake up each day and put one foot in front of the other, even if it’s just to go back to bed again. We are warriors. And we do care about what is happening to our country and fellow citizens whether documented or not.
I'll be there in the wonderful company of my fellow Americans who believe in common values - compassion, kindness, the truth, democracy, the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the Constitution, responsible government, common sense, generosity, caring, science, common sense - and love. It all centers on love. We have to stand up for these. Thank you, John, for all you do. :)
I’m 79 years old, walk with a cane, and am very unstable. I’m probably not the only one. I’m not silent; I just speak my piece on Substacks. I resent your implication that I don’t care. I hope the turnout across the nation is huge; I just won’t/can’t be one of them. I’m sure as hell not complacent, and I’m not amoral. Your writing in this case is too broad, and so are some of the comments.
My mother used to say that if you wanted to know a person’s character, just shut your mouth and watch them, and you’ll know who they are and what they stand for by dinnertime.
Don’t fool yourselves, fence-sitters. Don’t fool yourselves, those of you who remain seated and silent. We see you. And yes, by dinnertime we will know you, too.
Far more importantly, though, your conscience will see and know you.
You cannot sit silent or indifferent during this critical time and remain a moral human being. It’s that simple. If you were honest with yourself, you’d know that to be true.
Stand up. Get real. Get honest. And start giving a shit. Because if you don’t, there’s a great chance you’ll be kneeling, not sitting, at the feet of fascism for what remains of your fence-sitting, silent, and complacent life.
Exactly!
I'm bringing 4 American flags. I'll share. Stand with me.
I'm recovering from a bacterial infection for which there is no vaccine. Picking up three new temporary meds tomorrow. I'll recover. But I won't attend a protest planned in our city. Maybe if I were ten years younger. Oh, to be 78 again! My spirit will be with you intrepid protesters!
Get well, Margaret! We need you!
Thank you, Jean.
It sounds like you have done more than your share of protesting in your long life, Margaret. I hope your bacterial infection clears up with the new meds. Be proud for the work you have done and continue to do, just by posting in solidarity. With thanks for your support and prayers for healing. 💕🙏
Thank you, Wendy.
For those still on the sidelines, Pericles would like to have a word with you.
"Just because you take no interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you."
I'm speaking at the No Kings rally in my community, addressing cuts to healthcare and science. As a Registered Nurse, I cannot be silent.
I applaud you Nancy! We need more people like you willing to get out there and speak out against this authoritarian regime.
I’m bringing an armful of flowers to hand out.
I will be going by myself. All my “friends” say that they turn off the news. Because it’s so disturbing.
And no one has accepted my invitation to go to the 15 rallies I’ve been to so far. Apparently it’s too disturbing. 😢
I’ve missed many of ours and feel hopeful this evening so Im pretty sure I’ll be walking with many for first time in our small town . . As friends from out of town have said they’re coming to march because it’s finally hitting every part of their lives.. the militarization of our armed forces is shaking out a lot of folks. Hope to make it Loud & Proud as it’s also Gay Pride weekend !!
I have been going to a protest every weekend for almost 4 months. I get thanked a lot by friends that are too busy with their life to join me. I told all of them...just this one time...get out and join me, or one closer to where you live. Just this one time. I have 12 people that I know of going, that would otherwise have stayed home. I will get them out again, but this Saturday is really important.
Good call to action, John. I know, as you do, that SO many people feel pain and feel that their actions may be useless. But, showing up is the
important thing. Showing up will most likely help with the feelings of helplessness. People who show up see that they are not alone. I will be walking in the Pride parade in Winston-Salem, which parade organizers have graciously allowed to be combined with the No Kings event. Rain or shine, it will be a great event of love and togetherness.
I am physically unable to attend rallies, but I have been posting news and sharing articles on Facebook multiple times a day and, less often, on Substack and Bluesky, and continue, as I have for years, to contribute to pro-democracy organizations.
As Joyce Vance says, “We’re all in this together.”
Same. I would like to ask everyone to please be kind and show some compassion to people who have physical and mental disabilities and cannot be in large crowds, standing or walking for extended periods of time. We are not cowardly. We are not silent. We are doing what we can. We are writing, calling, sharing information, creating news summaries. Please don't do this thing - we've been dealing with it all our lives - where someone tells us that if we are not physically active, then we don't matter. After all, aren't the disabled one of the vulnerable groups these rallies trying to protect?
Thanks, Maria, for your compassionate reply to my comment and for all you are able to do.
Maria, thank you for your reminder. I am with you 100 %. We don’t need to be guilted if for ANY reason we are unable to physically participate. Please DO be kind. We are doing what we can where we are.
I’m Completely on the side of “No Kings.” But. I use a walker. No idea how far I’d have to park and walk just to get to the staging area. Can’t stand for
long either. So I’m just going to stay home. Pray and send good thoughts and white light to those who are out there. I hope you’re all OK with that.
Drive by and honk your support! It means a lot to those physically able to walk/stand/hold signs etc. to know that there are people like us, with physical limits, who are still doing what we can to show our support.
My friend who uses a walker is driving by all the rallies in KCMO and honking support for them!
Cindy, you know what’s best for you, there is no shame in taking care of yourself. It is important to make our voices heard, and you just did by posting here. I am okay with your choice, as we all need to respect what each of us can do.
These are the posts that break my heart.
I spend 95% of my life filled with self loathing because I have serious chronic illnesses and am in constant pain which render me a useless burden to my loved ones.
I have not stopped watching the news. I have deleted twitter and deactivated facebook, but remain on the other platforms. Every day my heart breaks a little more. Every day I get angrier. Not so much for myself (although knowing that my government hates me and people like me and just wants us dead is super special), but for the people who are being hurt right now by a rogue government bent on destroying humanity. I see the plans for protests and while I am hoping and praying for everyone participating… hoping and praying for their safety, admiring their strength and hard work, I am also hating myself more and more because I cannot be out there standing side by side, arm in arm with them.
Then I see posts all over Bluesky, Instagram and TikTok and posts like this one here… posts that remind me that if I am not out there on the streets with everyone else I am a failure. I am not doing enough. I am not only a worthless burden and a disappointment to my loved ones, but also to my fellow resisters… It breaks my already broken heart even more.
I am sorry.
If you cannot protest in person due to illness, then this column is not directed to you, but you can still participate: Call and write to our congress people, please! They could/should be in charge, but don't seem to know that and apparently need to be reminded. Thank you for your prayers, and for doing the best you can. I appreciate you!
You care, and are doing what you can. Chin up!
I am unable physically to go to demonstrations, but I write my Senators, my Representative, my former rep., the AG, etc. That's my voice. xoxo
No need to be sorry, hon. Sad maybe, as I am and others like us who physically can't participate. I certainly wish I could. But sorry? No, never! A failure? Absolutely NOT!!!
As cindi knox said above: So I’m just going to stay home... pray and send good thoughts and white light to those who are out there. You can do that on Sat June 14. But you can do much more daily. YOU count, YOU matter! We need your voice to help give RISE to those opposing our rogue corrupt fascist gov't.
So don't self-hate because you can't go. Instead take actions to support those who can and cheer them on with good heart! Write, make calls, whatever you can do that gives VOICE, YOUR VOICE, to your clear and right-on beliefs.
We are sending love to you -- feel its warmth wrap around you -- snuggle into that love and, now refreshed, STAND UP (metaphorically) and FIGHT the best way YOU can!
You sound like a FIESTY FIERCE GRRRL to me -- bring her out and give her free rein. Put your fighting spirit on the right path and let 'er rip! YOU GO, GRRRL!!!!!
Cheer from your post at home ! We’ll feel everyone’s support from near and far! And if you’ve got a friend w a car come by and honk your horn & wave your hand out the window to ‘join’ the energy!
I am sorry for your physical challenges and I love your honesty and hope you’ll find a friend w a car to drive by once where the parade is happening in your town!
You matter because you care. You will continue to feel sad (as I do), but you need not feel guilty. Simply because you.are.not. Praying has a scientific explanation. The Russian who did a study on this phenomenon was irreligious. The world is blest by your prayers.
Wendy! Those of us with disabilities have no reason to hate ourselves! That is just absorbing the hatred of fascists into our own bodies and being what they want us to be: too defeated to resist.
Do you actually feel that other (liberal or progressive) people are calling us failures for having disability? I don't hear that message, except from the far right. I just notice that the left and the liberals often forget that we exist, but that is just ableism/insensitivity -- it is not an attempt to harm us by "breaking my broken heart even more".
I can't physically go either. I am sad about that -- but I support in whatever ways I can. I had a very meaningful political conversation with 2 people who were also getting medical treatment in the infusion room today -- with a surprisingly positive outcome. So positive that I am changing my infusion day, at the suggestion of one of the women, so we can continue that connection -- one that almost didn't happen, but I sort of triggered it.
You can do more than you think you can to help -- that was the lesson I personally learned today. Keeping each others' spirits up is also a form of resistance. We just need to do what we are able to do....
If I am able to drive on Saturday (every day is different), I will absolutely drive by the local No Kings Day event and hoke/wave my support. I am hoping that will be possible, that the police won't shut the road. If I can't, I will be making calls via 5calls or something else. (I made a personal list.)
I hope you can find some way to resist that is possible/safe/meaningful for you. It really makes us stronger. And I hope you can start to believe, as I have, that simply surviving is also a from of resistance at times.
You are not alone. I have inoperable skeletal issues, and am autistic with PTSD, which makes it virtually impossible for me to be in large crowds, stand, or walk on hard pavement for extended periods of time. I have undersized lungs and can't breathe when it's hot an humid (which is pretty much everywhere now). I do get brought down by posts that basically say "If you are not there - you are nothing and you are not one of us". But I also continue doing what I can. I write, I call, I spread information. I have my own topic (the war in Ukraine), in which I am well-versed, and I cover it to help educate people every day.
We are not worthless. We are not "nothing".
Maria, you definitely are something and a warrior dealing with physical and emotional challenges. It sounds like you do a lot to promote peace in the way that works for you. Keep it up. You are doing a great job.
From one Wendy to another, you are not a failure. You are a warrior to just wake up each day and put one foot in front of the other, even if it’s just to go back to bed again. We are warriors. And we do care about what is happening to our country and fellow citizens whether documented or not.
“Those that want to reap the benefits of this great nation, bear the fatigue of supporting it” -T Payne … I’d like to this quote, and “Defending it”.
I'll be there in the wonderful company of my fellow Americans who believe in common values - compassion, kindness, the truth, democracy, the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the Constitution, responsible government, common sense, generosity, caring, science, common sense - and love. It all centers on love. We have to stand up for these. Thank you, John, for all you do. :)
Very beautifully said -- THANK YOU for expressing what I and millions of others feel.
If you go with your phone, shut off all biometric identifiers (face and fingerprint ids), and put the phone in airplane mode.
I'm planning to take photos.
I’m 79 years old, walk with a cane, and am very unstable. I’m probably not the only one. I’m not silent; I just speak my piece on Substacks. I resent your implication that I don’t care. I hope the turnout across the nation is huge; I just won’t/can’t be one of them. I’m sure as hell not complacent, and I’m not amoral. Your writing in this case is too broad, and so are some of the comments.
Lead not with words, but with your actions. Everyone is watching, including the opposition.