Standing together

It is our very belief that we not only can stand up for our communities, but we must do so, that scares aspiring authoritarians and kleptocrats the most.

I’m writing this before we join our local No Kings rally; by the time it posts tomorrow, we’ll know how many millions of folks stood up for the vulnerable, for the Constitution, and for one another. I’ve read there are well over three thousand events scheduled across the country so far.

But will it make a difference? It will for those of us who participate - it is always uplifting, energizing, comforting to be with others who care so deeply. And the visibility matters a great deal: we know that regular, nonviolent mass actions stand the best chance of derailing the march to full-on authoritarianism.

We have to be prepared that in the short term, the regime will ignore or punish. It can look for some time as if mass rallies don’t do much. Our own personal conversations with extended family show that too many folks believe the propaganda and lies this regime promotes. It’s discouraging to hear otherwise smart and loving people blame Democrats or immigrants or whoever the “other” is today for the problems caused by this regime.

But do not be fooled for a moment: authoritarian kleptocracies want nothing more than for the majority of their citizens to check out, give up, embrace cynicism. It is our very belief that we not only can stand up for our communities, but we must do so, that scares them the most. They will use fear and ridicule to separate us from the knowledge of our strength.

Because, as we see daily, this regime fetishizes a false kind of strength that shows itself through violence and subjugation of others. It claims that might makes right, and that the strong must exercise their power over others by any means available.

It wants us to ignore and forget the true power of compassion, the strength that is demonstrated by protecting and uplifting the vulnerable. Authoritarian aspirants must break the bonds of community in order to control the people (and loot their treasuries - the corruption and wealth-hording of this regime and its allies is breathtaking).

We will link arms, raise voices in song, and protect our bonds with one another. Love and justice are so much more powerful than hate and exploitation. Why else would the regime try so hard to discredit those who work for love and justice?

See you on the streets, be safe and well.

Street art by Ben and quote from LOTR: I wish it need not have happened in my time, said Frodo. So do I, said Gandalf, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.