25 Oct 2025
“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.” - 1st Amendment, United States Constitution
18 Oct 2025
“This is what democracy looks like! For our little beach community, turnout was fantastic!! During No Kings2 people enlivened the words of the 1st Amendment - in the form of their choice. Most held homemade signs, sang, chanted, some wore costumes and one man blew bubbles while children chased them.
I met many first-time-protesters (young and old), extremely frustrated Republicans, and friends. We chatted about opportunities for political activism while waving to a multitude of happy people honking horns. Only a couple vehicles with Trump and MAGA flags gave the finger and yelled obscenities. I gave them a peace sign while the young woman next to me yelled, “Jesus loves you anyway!”
… this is not the end - Vigilance. Resistance. Persistence.
“The people have the power to redeem the work of fools.
Upon the meek the graces shower,
It’s decreed, the people rule.
The people have the power!” - Patti Smith”
15 Oct 2025
“Visibility Brigade: This afternoon was my first Rush Hour Resistance. On an I-95 pedestrian overpass, we literally stood with our messages posted on the overpass, waving at passing cars, reminding everyday people that they are not alone in these unprecedented times.
I couldn’t photograph our signs due to inaccessibility (after all this is an Interstate!) but I was able to capture some of the nonviolent messages we chalked on bridge as well as our American flags.
My favorite thing was listening to the honks (especially the semi-trucks!!) and seeing the waves as people drove under us. Speaker Johnson described us as “terrorists” but would terrorists culminate their activities with a group hug?”
11 Oct 2025
“It was a blustery day with some drizzle, yet my signs and I accomplished another Saturday protest!
Today was the last day of Banned Books Week. With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale "1984" serves as a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship.
The right to read belongs to all of us! Censorship has no place in American society. We must defend our rights, and we must not be so fearful that we silence ourselves.
Vigilance. Resistance. PERSISTANCE.”
4 Oct 2025
4 Oct 2025
“It has been a week! … from a bizarre rant from Hegseth and Trump’s 72 minute sleepwalk through a list of partisan gripes in front of our top military leaders … to ICE’s escalating military tactics causing chaos in Chicago - it is tempting to simply tune out the news. Many people readily admit, “I don’t follow the news, it’s too depressing.”
I agree, what is happening (particularly in Chicago!) is depressing. Yet, it is also important to be an informed citizen and that means being knowledgeable about what is going on. What to do to maintain some equilibrium?
My humble tips:
It is okay to limit your exposure and take regular breaks from the news.
Get summaries from authoritative, reliable sources like Heather Cox Richardson.
Take action. Channel your energy into positive action: donate, use 5calls.org to contact elected officials, volunteer, explore organizations that support your cause like turnoutpac.org, VoteVets.org, fiftyfifty.one, nokings.org, etc.
Finally, spend time with friends and family doing enjoyable activities. Engage in uplifting media!
Take a breath. While the news may not be “fun,” it is important. Being knowledgeable about political, social, and global issues enables us to participate actively and thoughtfully in a democratic society.
Vigilance. Resistance. PERSISTENCE!”
