28 Jun 2025
“My protest signs this week were inspired by our nation’s continuing descent into fascism. This current administration is characterized by an utter disregard for the nation’s foundational principles, norms, and our Constitution. Most notably Missing in Action (MIA) are the rule of law and due process.
The number of drive-by harassers was almost nonexistent this week. Instead, we had 2 counter protestors standing adjacent to us today. Their signs: “Honk for ICE” and “Deport these Democrats.” They must be getting a little worried that not all of Florida is blindly supporting MAGA Republicans.
Our group, Neptune Beach Coalition, represents various backgrounds and lifestyles but we are all dedicated to supporting and defending our Constitution.”
21 Jun 2025
“My signs for this week’s protest were inspired by Juneteenth and the assassination in Minnesota. Yes, both signs were greeted with honks, waves, and thumbs up while others gave me the finger, blasted their horn while “rolling coal” and shouted obscenities at me. (Do they even read the sign?)
On Juneteenth we remember the day when enslaved people in Texas finally received the news of “a new birth of freedom” that President Lincoln spoke about at Gettysburg.
Newly freed people built schools, churches, colleges, and businesses. They created caring communities with mutual aid societies and stood up for their Constitutional rights - and still do today.
A week ago, Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman was assassinated in a shooting at her home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Her husband and dog were also murdered. The shooter had a “hit list” of Democrats. People of all political stripes can be targets as they exercise their constitutional rights. Even in my own beach community, I experience the potential for violence because I dare to stand in public and exercise my First Amendment rights.
So today, I choose to honor OUR American history and the people who literally built our nation with their bodies and souls. I remember that freedom isn’t just a word, it’s a practice.”
14 Jun 2025 - No Kings #1, Jacksonville
“This week’s protest: No Kings with thousands in Jacksonville. As a military veteran, I commemorate the creation of the Continental Army in 1775 by our 2nd Continental Congress with a reading of General George Washington’s Farewell Address. He was the first to use the term “band of Brothers.” Washington also expressed his hope that our “union and brotherly affection may be perpetual, … that a free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained, stamped in every department with wisdom and virtue.”
We don’t need a king; we need leaders like Washington who refused a crown and led with wisdom and virtue. Ignorance and hate are killing citizens, assassinating public servants, and destroying our nation.
Political violence sows fear, attempts to silence voices, and undermines our democracy. Stand in opposition to this latest attack, affirm our fundamental right of speech without fear of violence and intimidation.
Live Washington’s words, “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations, cultivate peace and harmony with all.” (Washington’s Farewell Address to the People of the United States, September 1796)”
7 Jun 2025
“Yes, we continue to protest! One of my signs this week was inspired by Sigrid Schultz, an American reporter for the Chicago Tribune stationed in Berlin, Germany during and after the rise of Nazi fascism. At a dinner party one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi Party, Hermann Göring (later Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe), backed her into a corner because he wanted to tell her about “the greatest experience of his life.”
Göring then told, in vivid detail, how he killed a French soldier with his saber. When he finished, Schultz looked at him and said, “Interesting.” If that is the greatest experience of his life, she thought, it told her everything she needed to know about how the Nazis thought and how they would act. Her comment, “They confuse manliness with brutality,” was proven correct!
We weren’t backed into a corner, but Americans saw Trump encourage people to respond to hecklers at his campaign rallies by knocking “the crap out of ’em, punch ‘em”; watched him mock a man who has a congenital condition called arthrogryposis; heard him say "Grab 'em by the p*ssy.”; etc. all BEFORE he was elected. If that was the best Trump could do to win votes, didn’t it tell us everything we needed to know about how he thought and how he would act?
Trump revels in brutality, mockery, and name calling. He lacks any capacity for human compassion or remorse, and, most important of all, REFUSES to support and defend Constitutional rights as required by his Presidential Oath of Office. He may yet meet his downfall. But it would be more heartening if the cause were not failure to reduce the price of eggs but a mass revulsion against his administration’s brutality. Again, “They confuse manliness with brutality” and it will only get worse unless We the People speak up!
… My First Amendment 2 cents.”
6 Jun 2025 - 81st. Anniversary of D-Day
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| Signs I posted in my front yard. |
