“Democracies don’t die overnight — they die when people stay silent in the face of escalating authoritarianism.” – Rep Ami Bera, 6/12/25

 

I was always planning to write a post about the upcoming No Kings Day peaceful protests on Sat, June 14, but given the recent escalations happening in California and elsewhere this week it feels even more critical.

If you haven’t been following along (and I don’t blame you), the National Guard was recently called out in Los Angeles, against the wishes of the governor and the mayor, followed by Marines. The legal justifications for this are quite thin, and the moral implications are quite frightening. LA is not on fire, there are not massive riots, and the LAPD has things basically under control. The cops are arresting those who are damaging property, as they should, but the vast majority of people are peacefully protesting. In my opinion, sending in the National Guard and the Marines is an overreach designed to create more chaos, not manage the situation.

 

On Saturday, at more than 1800 locations across the United States, people are coming together to peacefully protest the actions of the current administration. Why does this matter?

 

Other writers have said it more eloquently than me, like Leah Greenberg, cofounder of Indivisible:

“A single mobilization won’t turn this ship around. But it can do a few very important things:

• Change the narrative. A massive show of popular opposition everywhere in the country can disrupt Trump’s effort to project strength. It shows that resistance is big, powerful, growing, and everywhere.
• Foster community. When you show up, you realize that not only are you not alone — you’re actually part of something enormous. And that helps to build the shared sense of identity we’ll need for the path ahead.
• Spread courage. After Hands Off! [protests on April 5], we heard from people in positions of power within institutions — law firms, universities (one big university, in fact), and elsewhere — who told us they were emboldened by the protests to push back on pressure from the Trump regime. As we often say, courage is contagious.”

 

I know that to many people, seeing photos of protestors burning cars and waving flags, it looks like things are out of control. I don’t condone those actions nor do I think their actions represent the majority of the protestors.

 

If the idea of American troops being deployed against American citizens who are exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest worries you, then one meaningful action you can take this weekend is to find the No Kings peaceful protest near you, and find a way to be a part of it, even if just for a little while. I hope you’ll join me, and millions of other Americans.

 

I know not everyone feels comfortable going to a protest, and if that’s you, there are other ways to make your voice heard. The Five Calls app is a great tool for calling your representatives, and organizations on the ground like the ACLU, Indivisible and others can always use financial support of any amount. I admit, I’m a bit fearful myself, but I don’t want to let fear keep me from showing up for what I believe is right. I hope you’ll join me at No Kings Day or in whatever way you can.

 

* I understand if this isn’t what you were looking for, but I’d love for you to stay, and share your thoughts with me, especially if we disagree. I admit I’m not always the best listener, but I’m trying.