Indivisible here in Kalamazoo Michigan with estimated 7000 participants! So proud to be a part of this movement. Again though scant coverage by the mainstream media. I was very disappointed that on Face the Nation Margaret Brennan chose to highlight the sad and unfortunate event in Salt Lake City and problems in Portland Oregon. Eager to watch Rachel Maddow tonight. I am confident she'll provide coverage and insight about the movement. Thanks Timothy Snyder for your contribution!
The key point in that article was this: trump wants to play a dictator on tv. He has no idea of real life and real actions; his view is limited to appearances, not reality; how he looks on tv, not how he actually looks in real life; and battles, riots, and killings on tv, not how it would actually be for him to arrange for 100,000 Americans to be killed because we are Democrats, hate him, or are in protests. He's dead inside, consumed by rage and hatred.
Not sure what best reaction is at this critical time, but shrinking away out of fear of what MAGAs may do to us is not a winning reaction I tell my white, older female colleagues. Especially true when 53% of we white women voted for this deeply flawed, narcissistic sociopathic person.
In St. Louis MO at the downtown rally, I was encouraged to see older white women out in force - including several in walkers and wheelchairs who finished the 3 mile march. An expensive senior community in one of the most expensive suburbs had a rally in the commercial district of the suburb, and white women were the majority there. Older white women, including myself, are not going to put up with threats to Medicare and Social Security, and don't care to be bullied. To be crude: "404 - no fks found"
I think the best reply is Timothy Snyder’s: we have to work for the present and get moving for the future. We can stop these stupid arrests of Dems he hates with more rapid response groups while we fight the cuts to life-supporting services and also push for safe elections next year, getting rid of pro-turd Repubs. Mike Lee is first on my list! We can do more than protest: we can call, text, insist on Congress’s resistance to these turdly bills and actions!
Trump is the easily manipulated frontman. The Project 2025 crew, Musk, Miller, (and probably Russian-paid American influencers) are the true strategists and policymakers gutting the government and forming the incipient dictatorship.
I think we have to keep two things in mind about the slimy orange turd. (1) He thrives on combat and bloody spectacle: I read that his aides compiled programs with all the biggest, bloodiest movie battle scenes for him to watch over and over. He thinks wars are MOVIES OR TV SPECTACLES. He’d take us into war with Iran if he could sport a uniform with a chest full of medals and watch video of the destruction and death. (2) As Timothy Snyder said, the “leaders” and military know that civil war here, killing Americans, would be a losing strategy. So let’s focus our energy on not letting the US become the police state the slimy orange turd wants. It’s all about tv and appearances to him, but it’s all our REALITY.
I believe that’s consistent: he likes the appearance of war and military glory but never wants to be anywhere near a battle that would show the reality of his cowardice.
Same. I watched national news with my elderly Mom, trying to keep her updated and all they showed were the police? in LA spreading the tear gas... How ridiculous. NBC had golf on. This was the largest U.S. protest in the history of the country. Why are the news agencies anti democracy? They won't get anywhere under trump, Fox is trump's news media. Have to write more letters to these disgraceful American broadcasters. So disappointed with media, I'll have to get my mom set up on independent media somehow and boycott the national news. She misses Lester Holt on NBC. Wonder about his exit and his timing...
They are all so afraid of angering Trump. He's already sued ABC and has a pending lawsuit against CBS/60 minutes. I miss Lester Holt too. I hope he left because he wanted to.
Heather Cox Richardson's Saturday night Letters from an American simply asked readers to post photos and videos from the day's protests. I think you would enjoy it.
Update on No Kings protests- Rachel Maddow did not disappoint and had tons of coverage regarding the protests. She even gave a shout out to Kalamazoo Michigan. And Professor Snyder was one of her guests tonight!
For a German born after the war, the US has been a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout my life. Now it's the No-Kings-movement! It's terrific to see you on that stage.
1000 in Salinas California and maybe 2000 in Monterey. Best signs: "When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical." and: "I did not grow up saying 'with liberty and justice for all' everyday to now accept anything less."
I attended the march in Sanford, North Carolina, about a 45 minute drive from Raleigh, where I live. Instead of attending one of the two No Kings marches in Raleigh, I went to Sanford to support friends and to experience democracy in "small town America." I was blown away! The 400-500 participants far exceeded expectations, both in numbers and commitment -- peacefully and passionately, with signage that spoke clearly and directly to the threats we now face. Even better, most of the people in passing cars honked and shouted encouragement. Some went home, made signs, and returned. Only three negative reactions the whole time, and those were muted and laughable. This is big.
Thx for the small town reporting. Very good to know. Now that I think of what the protests did, or didn't do as some at the Bulwark were speculating Saturday night, I'm beginning to think that it was the turnout in red states and red counties in blue states that had the greatest impact: You all found each other!
(Disclosure: posted on Heather Cox Richardson yesterday)
4 June
“It is altogether fitting and proper…” (Abraham Lincoln 19 November 1863) that we acknowledge this day as a highly significant, if not a sacred day, in the history of the United States. On this day in 1775 Congress voted to establish the Continental Army which became the United States Army. In so doing it is also considered by some that this is the day in which we decided that we were no longer subject to rule by a monarch, i.e. no more kings. On this day in 2025, two hundred and fifty years later, rallies were held throughout the United States in which millions of our citizens peacefully declared there to be “No More Kings” in America.
An interesting coincidence is that 14 June 2025 was the “Trooping the Colour” ceremony. This marks the official (not actual) birthday of the Monarch of the United Kingdom.“ King George III in 1775 and King Charles III in 2025. Quite an improvement in our relations over the centuries!
We also, of course, acknowledge this day as Flag Day.
I am inspired to share this information as someone who proudly wore the uniform of a United States Army Soldier for forty years. I fervently believes in our Constitution as much now as when I first swore an oath to it in 1969. There is no expiration date to that oath. This holds true for all others who have taken that oath (which is always taken voluntarily). Violation of that oath is a breach of honor and is traitorous.
It is not enough to point out ethical breaches. The noted historian, Mark Albertson, pointed out in a personal email on 11 June 2025 that the regime is motivated by personal aggrandizement.
“You are correct as to the attempt to extinguish the remains of the Constitution. This is a coup. Merely a carryforward from January 6, which can be considered, perhaps, Trump's failed Munich Putsch. One of the roadblocks for him, though, General, could be the Bond Market. Two major ways the government obtains money: Taxes and the Bond Market. Well America's Tinsled Aristocrats prefer to avoid taxes but the they make money on the Bond Market. Could very well be the reason for Trump relenting on the tariffs. Probably another reason for the present round of unpleasantness in Los Angeles. Has to maintain that base of his. For he cannot sell them out without the privileged. And he will eventually sell them out, just like Hitler and Mussolini sold out the Working Class. So my opinion here is to watch the Bond Market as a determining factor. For that leads into America's Debt Rating. And recall Standard & Poors lowered same.”
I participated in the rally in New Haven, Connecticut on the 14th. Connecticut is “The Constitution State.” During the march that was part of the rally I was inspired by this ‘cadence call:’
“We won’t bend.
We won’t break.
We’re the Constitution State!”
As law professor Joyce Vance points out in her blog “We’re in this together.”
All of this is lovely, including "There is no expiration date to that oath." (I did not know the oath was voluntary. Do many choose not to?)
Thx for the mention of the bond market. What is the best way to get the news on that each day?
I've always loved Connecticut and that it's The Constitution State! One of the protestors in my town asked me if I knew what we were protesting for. I said, "Yep" and he handed me a pocket Constitution. I'm waving my USA flag out my window every day until Trump leaves the White House. I feel so patriotic and that feels good. We should make sure Americans know who the flag belongs to - all of us, equally created - on the 4th of July.
Thank you for your kind words and sharing YOUR story.
It is said that it is good to know one’s limitations. Amongst others, financial expertise is one of mine. I defer to the fiduciary expertise of those who manage my IRAs. Therefore I would not pretend to offer any advice in that area (please note that the S & P and bond remarks were those of Mister Albertson, not mine).
As I’d quoted Professor Vance, “we’re in this together.”
Here in Western PA (Pittsburgh) we didn't turn out the numbers that you all did in Philly, so near the great state of New Jersey with its solidly Democratic voters. We are more or less a two tier town, largely working class and enjoying the fact that our several universities and other research entities have attracted a highly educated segment of the population to live here. Okay, plus the weather, which is remarkably stable and moderate, so far. The local paper, the Pittsburgh Gazette, however told a big fat lie about the local rallies, stating that they attracted 'hundreds' of demonstrators. NOT. At just the first one of the day (there were several in town and in the surrounding suburbs) there were over 5,000 people. I was there. There were aerial photos. So that would imply FIFTY HUNDRED+ people, I guess. I'm gnashing my teeth as I write. If this kind of really awful reporting is occurring nationwide, maybe our numbers were actually over five million altogether. Also, as it was rainy across much of the nation Saturday, what about some talk about how that might have depressed the numbers. You can bet the Trumpers will mention that as a reason for the pitiful turnout for Trump's BO-RING parade in which even the marching soldiers looked like they'd rather be somewhere else.
There were many different protest organizations and I’m not sure if they have all combined their numbers yet, but I did see it reported that the number of protesters was over 10 million.
If I might digress, Fort Pitt was built by General Washington's leader for the western department, Brig. General Lachlan McIntosh, who was among the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati. IMO, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have special roles to play when we eventually hold the No Third Term rallies. BTW, General McIntosh went home from war to his farm on Saint Simon's Island, Georgia.
Yeah, and let's not forget the PA Quakers and the underground railroad, and all the unions who fought hard for more pay, better housing, safer working conditions under conditions that no one would believe had they not read about their lives. And a lot of those folk were immigrants from foul regimes and conditions in Eastern Europe and I suspect the threat of deportation always loomed over them. But they had some good leadership, which I sure wish we had more of now.
We have too many leaders who are members of the extraterrestrial MAGA species. US needs an affordable, simple one-time cheek swab test for human DNA. Test each voter at in-person voting, each prospective juror, each applicant for military enlistment. I agree we need leaders who will fight for and implement this plan.
There is no point in repairing democracy and the Biden economy until these reforms are in place.
There are going to have to be investigations and terminations all over government. Some will be charged under the law. It won't be a short or easy process.
Thank You .. I went to the rally in West Palm Beach. It was at the Meyer Amphitheater .. It was wonderful. I have been to the other rallies in West Palm but this time it was different. I saw the young ,the old and middle aged. This was different . At the other rallies it was moslty baby boomers like me. The crowd was a joyful. We appricieated each others signs. I hope that this is the start of the end of him.. Yes I know we have a long way to go but it warmed my heart.
The way Timothy Snyder expresses his thoughts makes me giddy with pride and hope. I proudly participated in a protest and successfully recruited 3 people who had not been attending any protests to attend the same. I’m no mathematical wiz, but if all of our 5 million strong did the same, next nationwide protest we’ll be 15 million strong!! We can do this!!!
If liberal Southerners are allowed to defend ourselves, we'll bring an additional 12 million to the 13.6 million marchers on June 14th. When we Southerners come out to protest, expect radical violence from our MAGA, KKK and 3%, AtomWaffen, Neo Nazi and similar neighbors. The next rallies could total 26 million participants.
Let's keep in mind that 20% of our population might be MAGA and another 20+% are unable to protest -- infants, children, parents of small children, pregnant moms, caregivers, disabled or elderly or infirm or sick. Another chunk of US residents is incarcerated. So, 26 million is about 17% of everyone who might protest against Trump.
If there is a final violent protest let's consider emptying the prisons a la Bastille Day. Needs analysis.
The most horrific mistake is to believe that trump and MAGAism will keep on “winning”. Yes, they will have many “victories” and “triumphs” — and some of them will be real and devastating to the ideals and practices of a democratic rule of law. But they are also cowards (bullies are always cowards) whose triumphs turn to ash and toxin. Their performative “wins” are always psycho-social tactics to make us feel helpless, alone, and futile. (TOO MANY people with audiences and “followers” and falling for this —- and have “given in” even if they are justified in imagining they have been fighting this kind of potential moral plague for decades..)
A minor (but potentially VERY DANGEROUS) mistake is to think it will be easy to roll back trumpism and MAGAism. It’s going to take a LOT more than a series of elections accompanied by a great deal of well orchestrated protests. It’s going to take all that plus dogged, patient, relentless and purposeful organizing to ensure our incredibly productive society is mobilized to provide opportunities, services, and resources (like healthcare and education, but also physical and virtual infrastructure) to everyone as we battle the causes and effects of climate change and deal justly and humanely with those who are being refugeed.
That won’t be easy. But to have a better chance at decent outcomes, we have to reject the idea that politics is just “dirty business.” Politics is the business of a free people. It’s not ALWAYS fun. It’s often frustrating and discouraging. We will NEVER agree on how to create a just world - or even IF it can be meaningfully done. But even a majority of those who somehow thought trump was the “lesser evil” would want to help if they could and if they were treated with respect for their intentions and their intellect.
The resources and commitments for shared and cooperative development of political and infrastructure and people-focused capacities require much more sustained work together. The success of participation and cooperation on these bring us the small shared experiences of succeeding together, providing for ourselves better together, the sense of personal and social competence that inspires more working together for bettering everyone's future
You have shared with us very important points about self-governing within the scope of our Constitution. We need not give-in but we can effectively constitutionally challenge these real and devastating programs and abusive assumptions of authority; our constitutional and effective challenges can return authority to those areas and limited authorities as contained by the Constitution and under our effective political control, but only with cooperative effort that is very challenging and very long term; and, our effort must be very practical, be matters of clear public interest that all see as essential and necessary and that further constitutional self-governance [as you note, ''...dogged, patient, relentless and purposeful organizing to ensure our incredibly productive society is mobilized to provide opportunities, services, and resources (like healthcare and education, but also physical and virtual infrastructure) to everyone as we battle the causes and effects of climate change and deal justly and humanely with those who are being refugeed.''
I am so glad to read more about and seeing more pictures and footage of all those wonderful "No Kings" protests then of trump's soldiers parade.
Although I do feel for the servicemen and women who were ordered/forced to participate in this charade.
An admission from me, a simple Belgian.
I always though of US protest as a bit ridiculous and without follow-up. People would write something on a cardboard, walk to a cross road and sit there on the sidewalk all day showing the cardboard to passing cars. Most of the time the cardboard would be marked with something followed by "honk if you agree".
A good protest was a lot of cars having honked.
But, I have to admit. Seeing millions of you walking peacefully and smiling holding up your cardboards and an enormous amount of honking cars is impressive!!!!
One benefit of protesting is the camaraderie and joy from being with like minded people from one’s own community. It engenders hope and more actions to do the work that bends the path of democracy into a direction that benefits the common good.
So glad people in Belgium are with us. My 87 year old mom went with two friends and my immigrant husband and me. My mom' s friend was born in Palestine because she is oldl it wasn't Israel yet! She has relatives over there who are both Jewish and Muslim. We are all so stressed out and no one voted for this guy. We all had such hope before. A lot of people fell into depression. I can't believe this is happening thanks for caring
Great to be a part of St Paul, MN March Sat. (25-30,000). A man hunt going on, post amazing leader Melissa Hortmans assasination in her home in the night. We marched for her, and for all the other brave leaders MN brings to these times. Our law enforcement have been working OT, Thank you, thank you! To all of our hard working Public Servants, we couldn’t be standing up without all of you. Together we rise.
Thank you Dr Snyder for your words and active participation. A wonderful example for us all.
We can take some pride in our accomplishment, but need to redouble our effort- literally- at least twice to ensure that the enemies of democracy are certain of their defeat.
My daughter and I marched in the No Kings Protest down the road in Wilmington, DE. At one point, I was overwhelmed with tears at the number of people at my smaller protest. We had almost 2,000 marchers I think.
Indivisible here in Kalamazoo Michigan with estimated 7000 participants! So proud to be a part of this movement. Again though scant coverage by the mainstream media. I was very disappointed that on Face the Nation Margaret Brennan chose to highlight the sad and unfortunate event in Salt Lake City and problems in Portland Oregon. Eager to watch Rachel Maddow tonight. I am confident she'll provide coverage and insight about the movement. Thanks Timothy Snyder for your contribution!
Here in the UK my impression is that there was considerably more coverage of the protests than there was of the Trumpery in Washington.
Here's the Guardian's comment today:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/16/trump-military-parade
The key point in that article was this: trump wants to play a dictator on tv. He has no idea of real life and real actions; his view is limited to appearances, not reality; how he looks on tv, not how he actually looks in real life; and battles, riots, and killings on tv, not how it would actually be for him to arrange for 100,000 Americans to be killed because we are Democrats, hate him, or are in protests. He's dead inside, consumed by rage and hatred.
Please keep your remarks coming.
Not sure what best reaction is at this critical time, but shrinking away out of fear of what MAGAs may do to us is not a winning reaction I tell my white, older female colleagues. Especially true when 53% of we white women voted for this deeply flawed, narcissistic sociopathic person.
In St. Louis MO at the downtown rally, I was encouraged to see older white women out in force - including several in walkers and wheelchairs who finished the 3 mile march. An expensive senior community in one of the most expensive suburbs had a rally in the commercial district of the suburb, and white women were the majority there. Older white women, including myself, are not going to put up with threats to Medicare and Social Security, and don't care to be bullied. To be crude: "404 - no fks found"
Good to hear
I think the best reply is Timothy Snyder’s: we have to work for the present and get moving for the future. We can stop these stupid arrests of Dems he hates with more rapid response groups while we fight the cuts to life-supporting services and also push for safe elections next year, getting rid of pro-turd Repubs. Mike Lee is first on my list! We can do more than protest: we can call, text, insist on Congress’s resistance to these turdly bills and actions!
Trump is the easily manipulated frontman. The Project 2025 crew, Musk, Miller, (and probably Russian-paid American influencers) are the true strategists and policymakers gutting the government and forming the incipient dictatorship.
I think we have to keep two things in mind about the slimy orange turd. (1) He thrives on combat and bloody spectacle: I read that his aides compiled programs with all the biggest, bloodiest movie battle scenes for him to watch over and over. He thinks wars are MOVIES OR TV SPECTACLES. He’d take us into war with Iran if he could sport a uniform with a chest full of medals and watch video of the destruction and death. (2) As Timothy Snyder said, the “leaders” and military know that civil war here, killing Americans, would be a losing strategy. So let’s focus our energy on not letting the US become the police state the slimy orange turd wants. It’s all about tv and appearances to him, but it’s all our REALITY.
But he’s really a coward who
avoided serving in Vietnam. Yet he likes military parades now:
I believe that’s consistent: he likes the appearance of war and military glory but never wants to be anywhere near a battle that would show the reality of his cowardice.
Right.
Same. I watched national news with my elderly Mom, trying to keep her updated and all they showed were the police? in LA spreading the tear gas... How ridiculous. NBC had golf on. This was the largest U.S. protest in the history of the country. Why are the news agencies anti democracy? They won't get anywhere under trump, Fox is trump's news media. Have to write more letters to these disgraceful American broadcasters. So disappointed with media, I'll have to get my mom set up on independent media somehow and boycott the national news. She misses Lester Holt on NBC. Wonder about his exit and his timing...
They are all so afraid of angering Trump. He's already sued ABC and has a pending lawsuit against CBS/60 minutes. I miss Lester Holt too. I hope he left because he wanted to.
Heather Cox Richardson's Saturday night Letters from an American simply asked readers to post photos and videos from the day's protests. I think you would enjoy it.
Yes, Joanna, but Heather didn't realize Substack does not allow readers to do that.
I'm recommending the actual Facebook page.
Update on No Kings protests- Rachel Maddow did not disappoint and had tons of coverage regarding the protests. She even gave a shout out to Kalamazoo Michigan. And Professor Snyder was one of her guests tonight!
For a German born after the war, the US has been a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout my life. Now it's the No-Kings-movement! It's terrific to see you on that stage.
Best sign, from Philadelphia:
“In 1775, we fought a king.
In 1945, we defeated a dictator.
In 2025, we’ll overcome whatever the hell this is.”
Excellent!
1000 in Salinas California and maybe 2000 in Monterey. Best signs: "When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical." and: "I did not grow up saying 'with liberty and justice for all' everyday to now accept anything less."
1000 people in Salinas. It would be rude as well as inaccurate to say I didn't know there were that many people in Salinas, but it's heart-warming.
Power to the artichokes!
Love that last one! When I was teaching and we said the Pledge of Allegiance, I always said "with liberty and justice for all" loudly.
Thanks so much Timothy for joining the Philly rally and giving a talk. You are walking the talk!
I attended the march in Sanford, North Carolina, about a 45 minute drive from Raleigh, where I live. Instead of attending one of the two No Kings marches in Raleigh, I went to Sanford to support friends and to experience democracy in "small town America." I was blown away! The 400-500 participants far exceeded expectations, both in numbers and commitment -- peacefully and passionately, with signage that spoke clearly and directly to the threats we now face. Even better, most of the people in passing cars honked and shouted encouragement. Some went home, made signs, and returned. Only three negative reactions the whole time, and those were muted and laughable. This is big.
Thx for the small town reporting. Very good to know. Now that I think of what the protests did, or didn't do as some at the Bulwark were speculating Saturday night, I'm beginning to think that it was the turnout in red states and red counties in blue states that had the greatest impact: You all found each other!
Hi Sandy, you're right. I'm convinced that most Americans want the same things and remain committed to our foundational principles.
We just need to find platform for them, where they meet as human beings, in person, face to face, the thing we’ve lost with social media.
I agree. I'm working on it😁
Also, glad you agree.
Can you share details
(Disclosure: posted on Heather Cox Richardson yesterday)
4 June
“It is altogether fitting and proper…” (Abraham Lincoln 19 November 1863) that we acknowledge this day as a highly significant, if not a sacred day, in the history of the United States. On this day in 1775 Congress voted to establish the Continental Army which became the United States Army. In so doing it is also considered by some that this is the day in which we decided that we were no longer subject to rule by a monarch, i.e. no more kings. On this day in 2025, two hundred and fifty years later, rallies were held throughout the United States in which millions of our citizens peacefully declared there to be “No More Kings” in America.
An interesting coincidence is that 14 June 2025 was the “Trooping the Colour” ceremony. This marks the official (not actual) birthday of the Monarch of the United Kingdom.“ King George III in 1775 and King Charles III in 2025. Quite an improvement in our relations over the centuries!
We also, of course, acknowledge this day as Flag Day.
I am inspired to share this information as someone who proudly wore the uniform of a United States Army Soldier for forty years. I fervently believes in our Constitution as much now as when I first swore an oath to it in 1969. There is no expiration date to that oath. This holds true for all others who have taken that oath (which is always taken voluntarily). Violation of that oath is a breach of honor and is traitorous.
It is not enough to point out ethical breaches. The noted historian, Mark Albertson, pointed out in a personal email on 11 June 2025 that the regime is motivated by personal aggrandizement.
“You are correct as to the attempt to extinguish the remains of the Constitution. This is a coup. Merely a carryforward from January 6, which can be considered, perhaps, Trump's failed Munich Putsch. One of the roadblocks for him, though, General, could be the Bond Market. Two major ways the government obtains money: Taxes and the Bond Market. Well America's Tinsled Aristocrats prefer to avoid taxes but the they make money on the Bond Market. Could very well be the reason for Trump relenting on the tariffs. Probably another reason for the present round of unpleasantness in Los Angeles. Has to maintain that base of his. For he cannot sell them out without the privileged. And he will eventually sell them out, just like Hitler and Mussolini sold out the Working Class. So my opinion here is to watch the Bond Market as a determining factor. For that leads into America's Debt Rating. And recall Standard & Poors lowered same.”
I participated in the rally in New Haven, Connecticut on the 14th. Connecticut is “The Constitution State.” During the march that was part of the rally I was inspired by this ‘cadence call:’
“We won’t bend.
We won’t break.
We’re the Constitution State!”
As law professor Joyce Vance points out in her blog “We’re in this together.”
God bless America!
Slava Ukaini!
14 June not 4 June. Apologies for error in copying
All of this is lovely, including "There is no expiration date to that oath." (I did not know the oath was voluntary. Do many choose not to?)
Thx for the mention of the bond market. What is the best way to get the news on that each day?
I've always loved Connecticut and that it's The Constitution State! One of the protestors in my town asked me if I knew what we were protesting for. I said, "Yep" and he handed me a pocket Constitution. I'm waving my USA flag out my window every day until Trump leaves the White House. I feel so patriotic and that feels good. We should make sure Americans know who the flag belongs to - all of us, equally created - on the 4th of July.
Thank you for your kind words and sharing YOUR story.
It is said that it is good to know one’s limitations. Amongst others, financial expertise is one of mine. I defer to the fiduciary expertise of those who manage my IRAs. Therefore I would not pretend to offer any advice in that area (please note that the S & P and bond remarks were those of Mister Albertson, not mine).
As I’d quoted Professor Vance, “we’re in this together.”
Here in Western PA (Pittsburgh) we didn't turn out the numbers that you all did in Philly, so near the great state of New Jersey with its solidly Democratic voters. We are more or less a two tier town, largely working class and enjoying the fact that our several universities and other research entities have attracted a highly educated segment of the population to live here. Okay, plus the weather, which is remarkably stable and moderate, so far. The local paper, the Pittsburgh Gazette, however told a big fat lie about the local rallies, stating that they attracted 'hundreds' of demonstrators. NOT. At just the first one of the day (there were several in town and in the surrounding suburbs) there were over 5,000 people. I was there. There were aerial photos. So that would imply FIFTY HUNDRED+ people, I guess. I'm gnashing my teeth as I write. If this kind of really awful reporting is occurring nationwide, maybe our numbers were actually over five million altogether. Also, as it was rainy across much of the nation Saturday, what about some talk about how that might have depressed the numbers. You can bet the Trumpers will mention that as a reason for the pitiful turnout for Trump's BO-RING parade in which even the marching soldiers looked like they'd rather be somewhere else.
There were many different protest organizations and I’m not sure if they have all combined their numbers yet, but I did see it reported that the number of protesters was over 10 million.
If I might digress, Fort Pitt was built by General Washington's leader for the western department, Brig. General Lachlan McIntosh, who was among the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati. IMO, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have special roles to play when we eventually hold the No Third Term rallies. BTW, General McIntosh went home from war to his farm on Saint Simon's Island, Georgia.
Yeah, and let's not forget the PA Quakers and the underground railroad, and all the unions who fought hard for more pay, better housing, safer working conditions under conditions that no one would believe had they not read about their lives. And a lot of those folk were immigrants from foul regimes and conditions in Eastern Europe and I suspect the threat of deportation always loomed over them. But they had some good leadership, which I sure wish we had more of now.
We have too many leaders who are members of the extraterrestrial MAGA species. US needs an affordable, simple one-time cheek swab test for human DNA. Test each voter at in-person voting, each prospective juror, each applicant for military enlistment. I agree we need leaders who will fight for and implement this plan.
There is no point in repairing democracy and the Biden economy until these reforms are in place.
LMAO
There are going to have to be investigations and terminations all over government. Some will be charged under the law. It won't be a short or easy process.
No doubt. But better a long road toward a better life than a quick slide into hell, Robot
Thank you, Tim! There were 2,000 of us in tiny People’s Park in Tacoma, WA.
Thank You .. I went to the rally in West Palm Beach. It was at the Meyer Amphitheater .. It was wonderful. I have been to the other rallies in West Palm but this time it was different. I saw the young ,the old and middle aged. This was different . At the other rallies it was moslty baby boomers like me. The crowd was a joyful. We appricieated each others signs. I hope that this is the start of the end of him.. Yes I know we have a long way to go but it warmed my heart.
The way Timothy Snyder expresses his thoughts makes me giddy with pride and hope. I proudly participated in a protest and successfully recruited 3 people who had not been attending any protests to attend the same. I’m no mathematical wiz, but if all of our 5 million strong did the same, next nationwide protest we’ll be 15 million strong!! We can do this!!!
Hah! Noticed that my math IS wrong. I didn’t include us, the 5. We’d be 20 million!! :)
If liberal Southerners are allowed to defend ourselves, we'll bring an additional 12 million to the 13.6 million marchers on June 14th. When we Southerners come out to protest, expect radical violence from our MAGA, KKK and 3%, AtomWaffen, Neo Nazi and similar neighbors. The next rallies could total 26 million participants.
Let's keep in mind that 20% of our population might be MAGA and another 20+% are unable to protest -- infants, children, parents of small children, pregnant moms, caregivers, disabled or elderly or infirm or sick. Another chunk of US residents is incarcerated. So, 26 million is about 17% of everyone who might protest against Trump.
If there is a final violent protest let's consider emptying the prisons a la Bastille Day. Needs analysis.
The most horrific mistake is to believe that trump and MAGAism will keep on “winning”. Yes, they will have many “victories” and “triumphs” — and some of them will be real and devastating to the ideals and practices of a democratic rule of law. But they are also cowards (bullies are always cowards) whose triumphs turn to ash and toxin. Their performative “wins” are always psycho-social tactics to make us feel helpless, alone, and futile. (TOO MANY people with audiences and “followers” and falling for this —- and have “given in” even if they are justified in imagining they have been fighting this kind of potential moral plague for decades..)
A minor (but potentially VERY DANGEROUS) mistake is to think it will be easy to roll back trumpism and MAGAism. It’s going to take a LOT more than a series of elections accompanied by a great deal of well orchestrated protests. It’s going to take all that plus dogged, patient, relentless and purposeful organizing to ensure our incredibly productive society is mobilized to provide opportunities, services, and resources (like healthcare and education, but also physical and virtual infrastructure) to everyone as we battle the causes and effects of climate change and deal justly and humanely with those who are being refugeed.
That won’t be easy. But to have a better chance at decent outcomes, we have to reject the idea that politics is just “dirty business.” Politics is the business of a free people. It’s not ALWAYS fun. It’s often frustrating and discouraging. We will NEVER agree on how to create a just world - or even IF it can be meaningfully done. But even a majority of those who somehow thought trump was the “lesser evil” would want to help if they could and if they were treated with respect for their intentions and their intellect.
Thank you for these observations.
The resources and commitments for shared and cooperative development of political and infrastructure and people-focused capacities require much more sustained work together. The success of participation and cooperation on these bring us the small shared experiences of succeeding together, providing for ourselves better together, the sense of personal and social competence that inspires more working together for bettering everyone's future
Again, thank you for these observations.
You have shared with us very important points about self-governing within the scope of our Constitution. We need not give-in but we can effectively constitutionally challenge these real and devastating programs and abusive assumptions of authority; our constitutional and effective challenges can return authority to those areas and limited authorities as contained by the Constitution and under our effective political control, but only with cooperative effort that is very challenging and very long term; and, our effort must be very practical, be matters of clear public interest that all see as essential and necessary and that further constitutional self-governance [as you note, ''...dogged, patient, relentless and purposeful organizing to ensure our incredibly productive society is mobilized to provide opportunities, services, and resources (like healthcare and education, but also physical and virtual infrastructure) to everyone as we battle the causes and effects of climate change and deal justly and humanely with those who are being refugeed.''
Thank you.
I was out there with over a thousand great Americans in a small town in the heart of MAGA-land. It felt like power. It felt like healing.
I am so glad to read more about and seeing more pictures and footage of all those wonderful "No Kings" protests then of trump's soldiers parade.
Although I do feel for the servicemen and women who were ordered/forced to participate in this charade.
An admission from me, a simple Belgian.
I always though of US protest as a bit ridiculous and without follow-up. People would write something on a cardboard, walk to a cross road and sit there on the sidewalk all day showing the cardboard to passing cars. Most of the time the cardboard would be marked with something followed by "honk if you agree".
A good protest was a lot of cars having honked.
But, I have to admit. Seeing millions of you walking peacefully and smiling holding up your cardboards and an enormous amount of honking cars is impressive!!!!
Keep fighting this trump regime my US friends.
One benefit of protesting is the camaraderie and joy from being with like minded people from one’s own community. It engenders hope and more actions to do the work that bends the path of democracy into a direction that benefits the common good.
So glad people in Belgium are with us. My 87 year old mom went with two friends and my immigrant husband and me. My mom' s friend was born in Palestine because she is oldl it wasn't Israel yet! She has relatives over there who are both Jewish and Muslim. We are all so stressed out and no one voted for this guy. We all had such hope before. A lot of people fell into depression. I can't believe this is happening thanks for caring
Marc
Great to be a part of St Paul, MN March Sat. (25-30,000). A man hunt going on, post amazing leader Melissa Hortmans assasination in her home in the night. We marched for her, and for all the other brave leaders MN brings to these times. Our law enforcement have been working OT, Thank you, thank you! To all of our hard working Public Servants, we couldn’t be standing up without all of you. Together we rise.
St. Paul, you showed up and stood up and thank you so much!
Thank you Dr Snyder for your words and active participation. A wonderful example for us all.
We can take some pride in our accomplishment, but need to redouble our effort- literally- at least twice to ensure that the enemies of democracy are certain of their defeat.
To the streets!
My daughter and I marched in the No Kings Protest down the road in Wilmington, DE. At one point, I was overwhelmed with tears at the number of people at my smaller protest. We had almost 2,000 marchers I think.