Tomorrow, millions of Americans will gather at more than 2,500 No Kings mass protest events planned in communities large and small. An estimated 4-6 million people participated in the June No Kings protests. This time around, with a government still in shutdown and the Epstein files still not released to the public, I expect the turnout to be significantly expanded.
The online enthusiasm has MAGA, and the Trump Regime freaked out, and they’re not coping well. Republican electeds and influencers are calling No Kings a “hate rally” and referring to participants as “terrorists.” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sounded especially unhinged in his remarks, throwing around the words “Hamas”, “Marxists,” and “antifa types.” They’re also threatening peaceful protestors with law enforcement, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott announcing a plan to send National Guard troops to Austin’s No Kings event.
MAGA is trying to scare us into staying home, but in doing so, they’re showing us their hand. The more people turn out for these events, the more media coverage they receive, and visuals are shared online -- it becomes clear just how big the movement opposing Trump in America has become. The MAGA coalition is doing everything it can think of to control our thoughts and behavior through propaganda, threats, and fear. Millions of people plan to defy them and show up anyway.
My family and I will be participating, and I know many of my readers will as well. I don’t think I need to persuade many of you to attend an event, but I wanted to outline the reasons why I believe events like this are important and why mass protests are a crucial piece of the resistance puzzle. Here’s my thinking:
Build Community Fascism is isolating by design. Fascists want us to believe that we are alone in our thinking and our beliefs. That if we stand up and speak truth to power, no one else will join us. The best way to bust that myth is by showing up where we live, with our neighbors, and standing in solidarity. There’s a temptation to aim for the largest crowds in big cities, but I believe events in small towns and communities are even more critical. Over the years, readers in red states and rural areas have told me how they felt like they were the only ones in their community until they attended a rally or protest and found their people.
Model Courage For every person who chooses to attend one of these events, there is at least one other person who wants to attend but anxiety and/or fear keep them home. Meaning they miss out on having their voices heard as well as the opportunities for connection. But as these protests get larger, more people will be inspired to join us. I also think about this as a parent. As long as I’m confident a protest will be peaceful, I bring my kids along. So that they can see adults participating in civic activities, and it becomes part of the rhythm of their own lives.
Cultivate Joy I’ve been thinking about this a lot since writing about Free DC and how “prioritize joy” is one of their organizing principles. Fascism is such a thief of joy, which is why it’s so important to create joy not just in our personal lives but in our resistance. Portland’s Freedom Frogs and growing parade of inflatable animal costumes are such a delightful example of this. You can’t help but smile seeing the visuals, which is obviously not what the Trump Regime wanted to accomplish by occupying Portland. A good mass protest can and should be full of laughter and smiles, from humorous signs to boisterous chants and songs. Joy is a good motivator to bring new people in and keep old hands coming back again and again.
Show Defiance This is the most obvious one, but it’s worth repeating anyway. The Trump Regime will continue its authoritarian takeover until enough Americans show up and force it to stop. Mass protests alone won’t be enough, but they’re a powerful tool for solidarity and reminding the Trump Regime just how many of us there are who oppose tyrants and would-be kings.
I hope to see you out with your friends and neighbors tomorrow. Solidarity!
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