Tomorrow—Saturday, Oct 18—I’ll be at my local No Kings rally along with hundreds of my neighbors. Why? Because engaging in one of the rights that makes this country what it is—the right to peacefully protest—is one of the best ways I know to show my love and support for the United States of America.

 

For the first No Kings Day in June, I was in Jackson, WY, and the vibe was electric! People had witty signs, even costumes, all flanked by iconic elk antler arches. It was the biggest protest I’d ever seen at the Town Square. A few people driving by gave a thumbs down or flipped the bird, but many, many more honked in support. I saw my PT and his wife, several Exum guides from my uncle’s generation, several current guides out with their families, and one of my office colleagues (at her first protest ever!)—in addition to lots of new friends I’d never met.

We were all there to say that in America, we don’t do kings. And we don’t! The American Revolution was fought to free ourselves from living under the thumb of King George III. Our founders carefully crafted the new government to prevent consolidation of power in any one person or branch.

 

It’s worked well—if imperfectly—but it’s being subjected to huge amounts of stress and the cracks are starting to show. America is an ideal that has never been quite achieved, but in the attempt we’ve created a country that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I can be myself (a gay woman) without fear of persecution; I can speak my mind without fear of retaliation; I can make my own decisions and build my own company if I want. There’s no doubt I have the privilege of being Caucasian and growing up middle class, but there are opportunities afforded to me here that wouldn’t be in many other places around the world.

 

So, I’m going to exercise my right to peacefully protest tomorrow, along with friends, neighbors, and my 81-yr-old mother (it’ll be her third protest!). I’ll chuckle at the signs people far wittier than I have come up with, smile at the costumes, join in on chants, and wave at the motorists driving by. And be reminded that I’m not alone—there are literally going to be millions of people, in all 50 states, US territories and even overseas—out there with me.

 

If this resonates, I hope you’ll find the No Kings event closest to you. And if it doesn’t, I hope you’ll also appreciate how amazing it is that all of us have the right to peacefully show up and speak out—and that we all believe that’s worth fighting for, regardless of our political beliefs,

 

Indivisible’s Commitment to Non-Violence: We are firmly committed to non-violence. That’s not just a moral stance—it’s how we build durable power. We reject political violence and intimidation in all forms. Our resistance is strategic, principled, and grounded in the knowledge that peaceful movements win.

 

* I understand if this isn’t what you are 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.