On March 28, people will take to the streets again — for another No Kings rally. Some of my dearest friends and loved ones express outrage and disgust with this administration, but nonetheless question whether it makes a difference if they show up for these protests. I strongly believe it makes a difference and we need everyone who opposes the actions of this lawless regime to show up. Why? Because showing up demonstrates that masses of people in this country will not accept the current state of affairs. By contrast, silence is acquiescence, and a form of complicity. Donald Trump and the news media will count the protestors on No Kings Day. Unless we are all there, Trump and the media will conclude — we just don’t care that this administration murders American citizens exercising their right to protest, we don’t care about the unsanctioned war mongering and its tragic consequences, we don’t care about masked, heavily armed agents terrorizing and rounding up thousands of people based on mere suspicion and incarcerating them in inhumane conditions, we don’t care about the rule of law and our Constitution and the precious freedoms it enumerates.
When we do show up, it does matter. Trump cares about numbers. Remember his ridiculous claims about his first inaugural. And consider why he is called the TACO president (Trump Always Chicken’s Out). When his policies are unpopular, he often eventually backs down.
But we are not just talking to Trump. When we show up at a No Kings event all our politicians learn the depth of our discontent. It strengthens the resolve of our allies in government. Our governor has offered legislation to ensure the commonwealth’s resources are not used to support ICE. Our attorney general files lawsuit after lawsuit, challenging the federal government’s arbitrary and unlawful actions against our residents and institutions. Our state representatives and senators, and our congressional delegation are waging battles in their respective legislatures. They need massive turnout to support their arguments and bolster their advocacy for sane legislation that puts limits on Trump’s lawless behavior. Our protests support their refusal to fund the DHS unless significant and meaningful limits are put on ICE’s actions.
Massive No Kings events will show red state politicians the depth of the opposition to Trump and his policies. Independents, young voters, and Latinos are abandoning Trump. Republicans need to understand the danger in blindly following Trump… for the day will come when he is out of power. There are small cracks already. In Indiana, Republicans resisted heavy pressure from Trump — and rejected redistricting and partisan gerrymandering. Six House Republicans voted against Trump’s Canadian tariffs. It remains to be seen how many will stand up against this unsanctioned war.
Our presence at a No Kings event also sends an important message to the news media. We will support a free and independent press — and will not tolerate soft pedaling to the MAGA king.
Our presence at a No Kings event sends a strong message to the billionaires, tech giants, and corporations that seek our commerce. Let our presence be a warning — we are not going to buy your products if you continue to back this lawless regime. Our boycotts have only begun to grow. They will expand.
And finally, our presence at protests builds our community of resistance. It warms our hearts to be in the company of so many who share basic values. We are not alone. When the worst of this ends, we will need each other to build a better, more just, truly democratic country.
If we want change, we must demand it. And our demands cannot be heard unless we come out in massive numbers and shout it so loudly it cannot be ignored. If we do come out, we cannot be ignored.
I hope to see you there. Greenfield’s March is on Saturday, March 28, gathering at Beacon field at noon, with the march to the Common starting at 1 p.m. Bring your children, grandchildren, friends and family. The success of this event is dependent on all of us.
Can’t come to Greenfield… Here is a link to find a march near you: https://www.mobilize.us/?tag_ids=29581 or https://www.mobilize.us/map/?tag_ids=29581
Dorothy Storrow
Gill