It's possible that those protesting WERE the ones who voted. The huge protests may be the stimulus for the Maga cult in Congress to start doing their job. Yes, voting is the answer, but as a participant, and one who has never missed an opportunity to vote, this may be the time when the flaws in our system are exposed and the 2026 election will provide the opportunity to make big changes.
Protests are speech. We were out there to send a message encourage like-minded folks at home that they are not alone. And we were out there to show people on the fence that we care enough to make sacrifices and that our cause is righteous. That's not to say that we made a huge sacrifice yesterday; as Jon said, it was a step in the right direction. We need to focus on "right direction" instead of fretting over the length of the step.
Just looking at the at capacity crowds for Harris/Walz makes it obvious. The felon had multiple recounts and 0ver 50 court cases in 2020 and yet in 2024 there was nothing-not even a single audit.
I was one of those millions who showed up at a Hands-Off rally on April 5. Trump has caused me to move from being an active voter to being an activist who will gather friends, make signs and attend rallies. I agree with everything except the notion that they people rallying were not at the polls. Yesterday, I wanted to be part of a peaceful show of force. I wanted to show the fence-sitters and non-voters that there are plenty of folks who have a hopeful vision of America, that this slide into Fascism is UnAmerican, that this is what Democracy looks like. Mostly I wanted to Do Something more than yelling at the TV. Last night, me FB feed was filled with images shared by friends all over the state and country of others doing the same. It was beautiful!
Protests alone cannot changes America but my hope is that these demonstrations can catalyze the will of the people to demand their politicians to do more.
Perhaps (as I read somewhere) that our peaceful protests will also enable our politicians, lawyers, university administration, etc, to have the courage to stand up to this bullying administration.
John; I agree with your general comment, yet the ancillary to the protests was people seeing that they were not alone in their horror. I saw this expand to discussions of "what next?" and "how do we?" among newly met people. I understand your cynicism about "going to the streets after not being at the polls", but I will always follow my friend Dan Pitera's suggestion to "celebrate those who are there rather than mourn those who did not show up". I was especially encouraged by the "under 30's" who discussed their views and respectfully debated approaches to upcoming election cycles. "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is today!"
I disagree! These peaceful huge protests are a statement of power and love that ignite us to come home and work behind the scenes. And they nudge others on the sidelines to want to join in the fight; also evidence we are not giving up and hiding away. And for the Republicans who see and maybe start re-thinking their stance. Maybe...It is the fuel to keep us running with the daily grind of calling, writing, donating, praying to change this nightmare. My God, please don't disparage it.
It was very encouraging to those who felt hopeless. Our small town protest had a huge outturn and 90 percent of the cars driving by were blowing the horn in support-and this was in deep red territory
Hmmm...I'm a little surprised you threw ice water on our joy! And joy it was. We got 2,000 + out in Red Red Collier County, Naples Florida. And I believe everyone there voted.
I'm sorry u felt that Johns writing threw ice water on ur joy. I see others have felt a similar way. I think John's point was that if people had heeded the warnings leading up to the election and voted accordingly there would not have been a need for protests or rallies. Because of course the votes would have made the difference I am happy to give John the space and time to express truth as he sees it.
I agree with Wendy. I choose the very real possibility that the ones I walked along side of yesterday are the ones who voted and have been doing what is ours to do in the last 3 1/2 months. I, and I believe millions of others, are under no illusion that protests alone will bring about the necessary changes we so desperately need. What they do provide is a sense of community and solidarity. I witnessed families with young children - future voters. I saw a woman in a wheelchair with a sign that read “I am 96 and still protesting”. MLK protested, John Lewis protested, Gandhi protested, early colonists protested. It all contributed. Yes we have work to do. I for one am not stopping because I made a sign and showed up yesterday….and I have no doubt I am in good company with others making good trouble.
WOW❣️ ThankYou Glenny ❣️ You’re Awesome and an Inspiration.! I am 66 and when I am feeling down and things get dark, I will think of you and rays of light will shine through helping me to continue on🙇♀️🕉🔥💗
The three marches at Selma were a pivotal turning point in the civil rights movement. Because of the powerful impact of the marches in Selma, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was presented to Congress on March 17, 1965. President Johnson signed the bill into law on August 6, 1965
✔ South Korea's President Removed Amidst Democratic Turmoil
On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
This historic decision underscores the nation's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
I bow to you with gratitude, and although I am in my 70s, I will be doing as much as I can (peacefully) even though I may not see the results in my lifetime. Thank you, Glenny, for your lifetime of dedication.
The rallies in and around Pittsburgh were huge and articulate in expressing both outrage and grief. We seniors got to the one downtown via our free-for-us light rail, which added extra cars to meet the demand. Our local congressman (D) spoke, and has been speaking for weeks. The people who organized the rallies have gained valuable experience actioning others at the grass roots. Many people who never rallied before were there. There are follow-on rallies scheduled in support of Social Security this coming Monday. No, this isn't enough, but it is activating and I believe it will grow in strength and intensity and result in a major uptick in voting. Here in PA a democrat was just elected to congress in a special election in a district so ruby red that it's not elected a democrat in over 100 years. And the pain we were protesting has hardly begin to be felt. Just you wait. And while you're waiting, remember the Edmund Pettis Bridge. Find some Good Trouble, pray, and shout and keep on keeping on.
One of the most important things that happened yesterday was not the hope we gave each other as Americans, but the hope we gave the rest of the world, watching us. I heard from many Canadians, especially, about being inspired by the voices of millions of us. Millions of us! I for one will continue to try to have a voice and be a light.
Ok, John. Tell us what to do. I guarantee you that 99% of the people I saw and connected with in DC yesterday voted. We vote every election. We call, canvass, write postcards, donate. AND we vote. I read that Black proppe were told to stay home. I resent that. I declined the first Women’s March because it was preceded by petty racial arguments. And yesterday I did see a few Israel and/ or Gaza signs. Not helpful. We all have one enemy in this case. Lobby later, and vote. I cannot fathom why anyone from the Middle East or of Hispanic origin (unless maybe they have been here for generations / more than two or three) would have voted for Trump. Not when I think of how much effort both religious and secular Democrats have put in - with Matthew 25 concern- to teach English, feed people, house them, transport them to appointments (legal or not, refugees from all over, all religions). John, please address the folly of withholding a vote and the responsibility of voting with those populations. It isn’t a matter of thanking Democrats, but a matter of being clear about who is on their side - and who was before they achieved their economic goals or hooked up with right wing congregations. I am rambling. But I am doing and have done what I can. As for Congress - any one of them could lose a job without starving. There must be Republicans who can see the destruction that is taking place. I am sure Trump has stuff on many of them. Embarrassing stuff. Especially a Republican Senator whom I once admired. They need to take a stand. They can recover. Look at their lord and savior Trump. He made a comeback after being shown to be nothing but tacky rich trash.
I live your writing. Read you every day. My only paid subscription. But don’t throw a wet blanket on an event that gave me and my GA high school friend and my Jewish neighbor encouragement, a respite from feeling helpless. We are doing all we can do I. Every way we can - including the old stuff, like being at schools as Hispanic people drop off their kids, feeding people while observing protocols for dealing with ICE, participating in political activity, donating, speaking up with our names on what we speak, etc. Don’t tell us how weak our efforts are - tell us specifically what you think k we should do. How can we convince aggrieved people who are not long in this country that they really do have to vote. That withholding a vote hurts them, not just the people who have been their best friends in this country and the very systems that made this place attractive to them in the first place. That the future of this country not just a current conflict - is at stake. You need to be brave enough to call out specific groups and types of non-voters. The people at those rallies / the great majority- vote.
I typically agree with everything you say, John, but the tone of this one didn’t fit with the mood of the moment. The protests were catalyzing and uplifting and I don’t feel any sense of shame or defeatism because of it. There was a tone of shaming in your article and it doesn’t sit right with me.
Finally someone said what I was thinking. My cousin used another day or two to bask in the glow of hopefulness and joy. But I also know that we have to keep the momentum and strike while the fire is hot. I believe he meant to remind us how necessary it is to grab hold of the moment and keep going. We can't afford to slow down.
Charm also mentioned getting busy in the community, local politics, school boards, and say even HOAs in neighborhood social sites.
The word that keeps coming up for me today is “Intolerance”. Those of us who showed up for the Hands Off events were raising our voices about the intolerance towards the most vulnerable of us and how the senseless cruelty will affect even those we disagree with politically. Speaking for myself, I found it incredibly inspiring to be amongst thousands of others in our deep red state of TN, and several of us were sharing our joy in a private text chat for a community group that is typically non political. However, we gather to discuss the current issues that weigh heavily on our hearts. We got called out for getting “political “ in a group that isn’t supposed to be political. Personally, it felt like a slap in the face to me. I’m fighting every single day for their freedom and for mine. Politics affects every single one of us! I felt “In a world of intolerance some of us expressed our JOY in what we felt was a safe container; and we received intolerance.” I felt it was best for me to delete myself from the group and any future texts. My heart is broken today over this. 💔
There are several factors that you seem not to be considering. First, the sheer magnitude of the rallies demonstrates to all (including elected officials) that millions are disgusted with what is happening ,and that could embolden them to act. Second, with regard to whether Americans have the intestinal fortitude to fight back, remember that people are experiencing real pain already. Many have lost their jobs and savings and many more will follow. Also, the cost of living is becoming unbearable and the assault on our freedoms is occurring daily. It’s much more difficult to be complacent under these circumstances.
This was just the beginning. A dress rehearsal, so to speak. I, too, wonder if the well-attended Harris-Walz rallies translated into votes, but we're here now. As the full impact of the Doge destruction begins to be felt, more people will be moved to action. We will take the special elections, the local and state elections, and next year's midterms. We must.
I can imagine it very well. They thought, like my Black neighbor, "it won't make any difference who I vote for, none of them do anything for people like me" but now.....now they see that it would have. We MUST be welcoming to those who did not vote but who are now waking up! I hope that some of them were there. (Sadly, my neighbor was not.)
Yes, of course we welcome those who did not vote. To reiterate, I cannot imagine someone putting in the effort to attend a rally during the campaign and all that entails (lines/security/time) and then not voting. It's non-sensical. The original comment was about the Harris rallies-not the current protests. I am certain your non-voting black neighbor did not attend a rally during the campaign.
For people who did not grow up in a family that voted, did not have friends that voted or paid attention to politics joining in a public demonstration or just seeing a public demonstration could change their attention to the next election.
Your words are good, but in my opinion enthusiasm should never be curbed. And yes, the best outcome is that more people will be encouraged to vote for the good guys next time.
Again, you have nailed it, Jon! I was at the protests yesterday. I felt a moment of exuberation and then reality set in. Everything hinges on the ballot box. This is a nice show of support but it is only a start. I hope we can finish the job.
While in a small city participaing in Hands Off, I do know that most of the participant were voters. Even so, what is the next step? Who will coordinate, who will continue to inspire to all these participants? But it is a start, and surely more that Corey Booker will stand up, right? He can't carry this burden alone, although I think he will continue to try.
It's possible that those protesting WERE the ones who voted. The huge protests may be the stimulus for the Maga cult in Congress to start doing their job. Yes, voting is the answer, but as a participant, and one who has never missed an opportunity to vote, this may be the time when the flaws in our system are exposed and the 2026 election will provide the opportunity to make big changes.
Protests are speech. We were out there to send a message encourage like-minded folks at home that they are not alone. And we were out there to show people on the fence that we care enough to make sacrifices and that our cause is righteous. That's not to say that we made a huge sacrifice yesterday; as Jon said, it was a step in the right direction. We need to focus on "right direction" instead of fretting over the length of the step.
It was a sacrifice for those rolling in wheelchairs in the cold and rain. So many older people bent over, limping, and walking for two hours.
I’m kind of hobbling today. lol. Worth every step although church today will be on YouTube.
We DID VOTE…. I truly believe Muskrat manipulated the outcome!! The clown even said that!!
Just looking at the at capacity crowds for Harris/Walz makes it obvious. The felon had multiple recounts and 0ver 50 court cases in 2020 and yet in 2024 there was nothing-not even a single audit.
Many in walkers!
Marches have never changed the course, but scaring Congress might.
I also feel very safe in assuming that almost everyone who turned out yesterday turned out to vote in November for Harris.
I agree with you.
^^What I was going to say.
I was one of those millions who showed up at a Hands-Off rally on April 5. Trump has caused me to move from being an active voter to being an activist who will gather friends, make signs and attend rallies. I agree with everything except the notion that they people rallying were not at the polls. Yesterday, I wanted to be part of a peaceful show of force. I wanted to show the fence-sitters and non-voters that there are plenty of folks who have a hopeful vision of America, that this slide into Fascism is UnAmerican, that this is what Democracy looks like. Mostly I wanted to Do Something more than yelling at the TV. Last night, me FB feed was filled with images shared by friends all over the state and country of others doing the same. It was beautiful!
Protests alone cannot changes America but my hope is that these demonstrations can catalyze the will of the people to demand their politicians to do more.
Perhaps (as I read somewhere) that our peaceful protests will also enable our politicians, lawyers, university administration, etc, to have the courage to stand up to this bullying administration.
John; I agree with your general comment, yet the ancillary to the protests was people seeing that they were not alone in their horror. I saw this expand to discussions of "what next?" and "how do we?" among newly met people. I understand your cynicism about "going to the streets after not being at the polls", but I will always follow my friend Dan Pitera's suggestion to "celebrate those who are there rather than mourn those who did not show up". I was especially encouraged by the "under 30's" who discussed their views and respectfully debated approaches to upcoming election cycles. "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is today!"
The feeling that I’m not alone was priceless. I know that intellectually, but yesterday was visceral.
I disagree! These peaceful huge protests are a statement of power and love that ignite us to come home and work behind the scenes. And they nudge others on the sidelines to want to join in the fight; also evidence we are not giving up and hiding away. And for the Republicans who see and maybe start re-thinking their stance. Maybe...It is the fuel to keep us running with the daily grind of calling, writing, donating, praying to change this nightmare. My God, please don't disparage it.
I agree completely. I’m disappointed in his negativity about such an important event.
Exactly-we do not need any negativity. Every action regardless of size, is important
I think if one views John's writing as a negative message you may have missed his point.
It was very encouraging to those who felt hopeless. Our small town protest had a huge outturn and 90 percent of the cars driving by were blowing the horn in support-and this was in deep red territory
I didn't hear disparaging so much as challenging.
Hmmm...I'm a little surprised you threw ice water on our joy! And joy it was. We got 2,000 + out in Red Red Collier County, Naples Florida. And I believe everyone there voted.
I lived in Naples, FL for several years. Yes, Collier County is Red Red. 2,000+ is a victory, for sure! Congrats!
Yes, please let us enjoy a few days of euphoria after feeling so terrible all these months!
Yay, Naples!!!!
I'm sorry u felt that Johns writing threw ice water on ur joy. I see others have felt a similar way. I think John's point was that if people had heeded the warnings leading up to the election and voted accordingly there would not have been a need for protests or rallies. Because of course the votes would have made the difference I am happy to give John the space and time to express truth as he sees it.
I know, but the people reading it ARE the people who heeded the warnings. Preaching to the choir
True. I'm just surprised people took his writing as a personal offense. But that's the beauty of this writing and replies. Free speech and expression.
I wonder if there were any Trump voters present who have changed their minds about him?
I agree with Wendy. I choose the very real possibility that the ones I walked along side of yesterday are the ones who voted and have been doing what is ours to do in the last 3 1/2 months. I, and I believe millions of others, are under no illusion that protests alone will bring about the necessary changes we so desperately need. What they do provide is a sense of community and solidarity. I witnessed families with young children - future voters. I saw a woman in a wheelchair with a sign that read “I am 96 and still protesting”. MLK protested, John Lewis protested, Gandhi protested, early colonists protested. It all contributed. Yes we have work to do. I for one am not stopping because I made a sign and showed up yesterday….and I have no doubt I am in good company with others making good trouble.
WOW❣️ ThankYou Glenny ❣️ You’re Awesome and an Inspiration.! I am 66 and when I am feeling down and things get dark, I will think of you and rays of light will shine through helping me to continue on🙇♀️🕉🔥💗
The three marches at Selma were a pivotal turning point in the civil rights movement. Because of the powerful impact of the marches in Selma, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was presented to Congress on March 17, 1965. President Johnson signed the bill into law on August 6, 1965
✔ South Korea's President Removed Amidst Democratic Turmoil
On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
This historic decision underscores the nation's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
📌 Source 👉 The Times UK
I bow to you with gratitude, and although I am in my 70s, I will be doing as much as I can (peacefully) even though I may not see the results in my lifetime. Thank you, Glenny, for your lifetime of dedication.
The rallies in and around Pittsburgh were huge and articulate in expressing both outrage and grief. We seniors got to the one downtown via our free-for-us light rail, which added extra cars to meet the demand. Our local congressman (D) spoke, and has been speaking for weeks. The people who organized the rallies have gained valuable experience actioning others at the grass roots. Many people who never rallied before were there. There are follow-on rallies scheduled in support of Social Security this coming Monday. No, this isn't enough, but it is activating and I believe it will grow in strength and intensity and result in a major uptick in voting. Here in PA a democrat was just elected to congress in a special election in a district so ruby red that it's not elected a democrat in over 100 years. And the pain we were protesting has hardly begin to be felt. Just you wait. And while you're waiting, remember the Edmund Pettis Bridge. Find some Good Trouble, pray, and shout and keep on keeping on.
One of the most important things that happened yesterday was not the hope we gave each other as Americans, but the hope we gave the rest of the world, watching us. I heard from many Canadians, especially, about being inspired by the voices of millions of us. Millions of us! I for one will continue to try to have a voice and be a light.
Ok, John. Tell us what to do. I guarantee you that 99% of the people I saw and connected with in DC yesterday voted. We vote every election. We call, canvass, write postcards, donate. AND we vote. I read that Black proppe were told to stay home. I resent that. I declined the first Women’s March because it was preceded by petty racial arguments. And yesterday I did see a few Israel and/ or Gaza signs. Not helpful. We all have one enemy in this case. Lobby later, and vote. I cannot fathom why anyone from the Middle East or of Hispanic origin (unless maybe they have been here for generations / more than two or three) would have voted for Trump. Not when I think of how much effort both religious and secular Democrats have put in - with Matthew 25 concern- to teach English, feed people, house them, transport them to appointments (legal or not, refugees from all over, all religions). John, please address the folly of withholding a vote and the responsibility of voting with those populations. It isn’t a matter of thanking Democrats, but a matter of being clear about who is on their side - and who was before they achieved their economic goals or hooked up with right wing congregations. I am rambling. But I am doing and have done what I can. As for Congress - any one of them could lose a job without starving. There must be Republicans who can see the destruction that is taking place. I am sure Trump has stuff on many of them. Embarrassing stuff. Especially a Republican Senator whom I once admired. They need to take a stand. They can recover. Look at their lord and savior Trump. He made a comeback after being shown to be nothing but tacky rich trash.
I live your writing. Read you every day. My only paid subscription. But don’t throw a wet blanket on an event that gave me and my GA high school friend and my Jewish neighbor encouragement, a respite from feeling helpless. We are doing all we can do I. Every way we can - including the old stuff, like being at schools as Hispanic people drop off their kids, feeding people while observing protocols for dealing with ICE, participating in political activity, donating, speaking up with our names on what we speak, etc. Don’t tell us how weak our efforts are - tell us specifically what you think k we should do. How can we convince aggrieved people who are not long in this country that they really do have to vote. That withholding a vote hurts them, not just the people who have been their best friends in this country and the very systems that made this place attractive to them in the first place. That the future of this country not just a current conflict - is at stake. You need to be brave enough to call out specific groups and types of non-voters. The people at those rallies / the great majority- vote.
I agree with your comment. I’m very disappointed in John’s take on this important display of solidarity.
I typically agree with everything you say, John, but the tone of this one didn’t fit with the mood of the moment. The protests were catalyzing and uplifting and I don’t feel any sense of shame or defeatism because of it. There was a tone of shaming in your article and it doesn’t sit right with me.
I think it was a little too soon. Definitely needs to be said. Could have waited a few days!!
Finally someone said what I was thinking. My cousin used another day or two to bask in the glow of hopefulness and joy. But I also know that we have to keep the momentum and strike while the fire is hot. I believe he meant to remind us how necessary it is to grab hold of the moment and keep going. We can't afford to slow down.
Charm also mentioned getting busy in the community, local politics, school boards, and say even HOAs in neighborhood social sites.
The word that keeps coming up for me today is “Intolerance”. Those of us who showed up for the Hands Off events were raising our voices about the intolerance towards the most vulnerable of us and how the senseless cruelty will affect even those we disagree with politically. Speaking for myself, I found it incredibly inspiring to be amongst thousands of others in our deep red state of TN, and several of us were sharing our joy in a private text chat for a community group that is typically non political. However, we gather to discuss the current issues that weigh heavily on our hearts. We got called out for getting “political “ in a group that isn’t supposed to be political. Personally, it felt like a slap in the face to me. I’m fighting every single day for their freedom and for mine. Politics affects every single one of us! I felt “In a world of intolerance some of us expressed our JOY in what we felt was a safe container; and we received intolerance.” I felt it was best for me to delete myself from the group and any future texts. My heart is broken today over this. 💔
There are several factors that you seem not to be considering. First, the sheer magnitude of the rallies demonstrates to all (including elected officials) that millions are disgusted with what is happening ,and that could embolden them to act. Second, with regard to whether Americans have the intestinal fortitude to fight back, remember that people are experiencing real pain already. Many have lost their jobs and savings and many more will follow. Also, the cost of living is becoming unbearable and the assault on our freedoms is occurring daily. It’s much more difficult to be complacent under these circumstances.
This was just the beginning. A dress rehearsal, so to speak. I, too, wonder if the well-attended Harris-Walz rallies translated into votes, but we're here now. As the full impact of the Doge destruction begins to be felt, more people will be moved to action. We will take the special elections, the local and state elections, and next year's midterms. We must.
I just cannot imagine someone taking the time to attend a rally but not voting. It baffles me if indeed that happened
I can imagine it very well. They thought, like my Black neighbor, "it won't make any difference who I vote for, none of them do anything for people like me" but now.....now they see that it would have. We MUST be welcoming to those who did not vote but who are now waking up! I hope that some of them were there. (Sadly, my neighbor was not.)
Yes, of course we welcome those who did not vote. To reiterate, I cannot imagine someone putting in the effort to attend a rally during the campaign and all that entails (lines/security/time) and then not voting. It's non-sensical. The original comment was about the Harris rallies-not the current protests. I am certain your non-voting black neighbor did not attend a rally during the campaign.
Possibly the discrepancy is in the numbers who attended the Harris rallies that maybe didn't show up to actually vote?
You are right — voting is the ultimate solution. But in the meantime, making good trouble and noise is the arrow in our quiver right now.
For people who did not grow up in a family that voted, did not have friends that voted or paid attention to politics joining in a public demonstration or just seeing a public demonstration could change their attention to the next election.
Your words are good, but in my opinion enthusiasm should never be curbed. And yes, the best outcome is that more people will be encouraged to vote for the good guys next time.
Again, you have nailed it, Jon! I was at the protests yesterday. I felt a moment of exuberation and then reality set in. Everything hinges on the ballot box. This is a nice show of support but it is only a start. I hope we can finish the job.
While in a small city participaing in Hands Off, I do know that most of the participant were voters. Even so, what is the next step? Who will coordinate, who will continue to inspire to all these participants? But it is a start, and surely more that Corey Booker will stand up, right? He can't carry this burden alone, although I think he will continue to try.