In the past, I have often told the story of Anna Walentynowicz. (See last year, for example: https://bigsurkate.blog/2024/09/02/labor-day-2024-in-honor-of-anna-walentynowicz/ ). This year, I need to take a different approach due to the current state of our democracy. (Yes, our representative republic IS a democracy — see HCR’s recent you tube video: https://youtube.com/shorts/av498AczGQI?si=FCKbFZqhuo8xPfhE HCR: “It is like saying this is not a dog, it is a golden retriever.” I did not know that the argument “We are not a democracy, we are a representative republic” was first put forth by the John Birch Society to explain why blacks were not deprived of their vote. I did know about the John Birch Society, given that I was raised in Orange County and went to Law School in Fullerton. I knew the broad brush strokes of who they were and what they stood for. They were/are the precursor of the radical right we are witnessing today.
Today, I see the fracturing of our democracy into two groups, not red vs. blue, or conservative vs. liberal, or republican vs democrat. Nor do I see it as fractured along socio-economic or geographical lines. I see the two groups as those who are defending our democracy and those who want to turn the United States into a fascist state; three groups if one recognizes that there are others who either don’t follow politics or don’t care about politics. We must make our voices heard in whatever way we can — attend rallies, make donations of time, money, and energy by working for political campaigns or on issues we care about. We must reach our followers on social media, have conversations with friends, family, and neighbors. We can make our voices heard via whatever method we each have. Support independent bookstores, independent journalism, education. Support businesses and organizations who have refused to bend a knee to this wanna be dictator and his regime. Don’t support those who have purged their businesses or organizations of DEI in fear of retaliation. This is not a time for cowardice, but one for courage and honor. We are more alike than we are different, but those differences are what make us strong.
If you are not angry and/or frightened by what is happening through ICE and the National Guard in LA and in DC along with the threats to Chicago, NY, and Baltimore, perhaps you are trying to avoid thinking about what is going on. You need to make a choice: are you willing to fight for our Democracy (and I don’t mean physically, as that will just play into the hand of Stevem Miller who is dying to declare martial law to quell an uprising) or not? Now is not the time to be silent.
Today is Workers over Billionaires. There are thousands of marches, rallies, demonstrations, and music festivals planned all over the United States. Be part of that, if you can. Start thinking about how we are going to rebuild our democracy – only better. Maybe this regime was sent our way to help us see the cracks in our 250 year-old experiment in democracy. Now that we see them, we can start planning on how we are going to rebuild only better — more inclusivity, our strength — once this regime is gone. We are in this together, as Joyce Vance says, and WE are the power.
Was just sent this protest song by Bob Franco. It is great: https://www.facebook.com/bob.franco.739/videos/1466389084561114/?fs=e&fs=e
Kate I totally agree with you. Now is the time to raise our voices and resist the politics of division. WE are the power!
Right on, Kate! Well said and should be followed by us all!
Thank you for this timely message. The current state of our yes, democracy is appalling. Will attend an Indivisible protest today.
I too grew up in Orange County and here’s my little recollection of encountering the Birchers in high school. Even Nixon thought they were nuts, but now their modern version is staging a national coup. Thanks again.
https://theava.com/archives/137727
My father fought in WWII (Two purple hearts with clusters) against the autocratic policies of the Nazis. The same thing is happening in or country right now. I wrote a protest song to illustrate my frustration with the Anti-American actions taking place now. You can hear it here.
https://www.facebook.com/bob.franco.739/videos/1466389084561114/?notif_id=1756615329530115¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
Happy Labor Day Kate. Love and agree with your comment on todays political mess. Have a safe, blue holiday and rest of this year.
Thanks Kate (and everyone else) for reminding me that we are not alone. Between now and November 2026, we really just need to convince about 3% that we are not better off, these are no way the ideals of our Nation, and we are stronger united domestically and with our long standing allies. Most importantly and just like the courageous college kids who started the lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro, violence is antithetical to changing hearts and minds (again, we just need about 3% to put some checks in place). Those kids spent months training themselves to stay true to their message in the face of violence.
While I strongly suspect that we are too late with too little, optimism is the only option.
Loved this song, and added the link to the main post.
Yeah, about what I knew about them. I was surprised you found them listed back then. Love the ending of your story. Thanks for sharing.
Couldn’t hear the song, as I eschew “social” media.
Thank you Kate :
Yes , our democracy is threatened, as is our way of life ,by the unconstitutional actions of the federal government.
Your efforts are appreciated.
“In 2024, Coca-Cola experienced notable growth in its sales and overall financial performance. The company reported a net revenue of $47.1 billion, which represents a 3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a combination of factors, including price increases and a slight rise in unit case volume.
“Donald Trump’s fondness for Coca-Cola, especially Diet Coke, has been well-documented. Reports indicate that he consumed up to 12 cans a day, showcasing his strong preference for the beverage. This habit has been a recurring theme in discussions about his lifestyle and health.
Effectively reduce product sales for one month, beginning in October?
How to spread the word?
Right on to all comments!
It’s hard to get it all onto one page, the outrage, the disgust, the agitation. Good job, Kate. We have told all our global friends and they have all vowed not to visit the US until this obscenity is out of office. Truthfully, it’s part protest, part fear. One sympathizes.
Shout it out
So well said, Kate!
Right on! Thank you Kate!