NO KINGS: The Importance of Protest
The right to protest is not only guaranteed by the Constitution, it is a bulwark against unchecked power. Use it.
Today, the nation marched against the dangerous rise of authoritarianism coming out of the White House, with Trump's ridiculous military parade, which will cost the taxpayer $45 million, on the march. That parade is entirely unnecessary and serves only to inflate the President's ego; it does nothing for the American people. In the face of such egregious abuses of the public trust, it is essential to understand why protest is so crucial and why we must continue to oppose the Trump administration.
Why Protest?
It is important to remember that protest is not merely a display of opposition; it is a fundamental right. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects the right to peaceable assembly, and despite attempts to restrict or denigrate this right, it remains a fundamental component of American democratic life.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." — The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
This right, when exercised, serves not only as an assertion of one's rights under the Constitution as an individual but also as a reminder that we, the people, the community, will not tolerate the actions of those in power. And make no mistake, there is plenty to oppose.
From cruel ICE raids to cutting funds for fighting the rise of HIV/AIDs around the world, this administration has shown that it is perfectly willing to throw innocent people under the bus, even as it gives tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy in their ridiculously named "Big Beautiful Bill."
It is one thing to say that a majority of Americans disapprove of the Trump administration; it is another thing entirely to see thousands of people marching in the streets demanding that the President uphold the rule of law. A disapproval rating is a statistic. A protest is a statement.
For those Who Can't March
While the protests have been largely peaceful, the same can't be said of the opposition. This morning, The New York Times reported that Vance Boelter, 57, shot and killed Minnesota State Representative and former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Boelter also allegedly shot State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, wounding both of them.
The assassinations, both attempted and successful, serve as a reminder that not only is protest a right but a responsibility in the face of terrorist violence. This attack on innocent people serving their community is nothing short of unacceptable and monstrous. Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park police department announced that the shooter had a manifesto and a target list containing up to 70 potential targets, including abortion providers. Boelter also wanted to target Rep. Ilhan Omar and Gov. Tim Walz.
This is terrorism.
Through this violence, Boelter, who voted for Trump, once again demonstrates the ugly undercurrent of fascist violence that is infecting our politics. They don't want us to speak, so we must speak louder. As Gov. Tim Walz rightfully explained, "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint."
If we are to get through this dark time in our history, we must be ready to stand against this violence. If you're interested in getting involved, consider joining your local Indivisible group and registering to vote at IWillVote.com.
We will get through this, but we must do so with strength and unity.
