There is a brilliant line in the final song that closes Shaina Todd’s astounding musical, Suffs, titled Keep Marching. The song is heard as the champions leading the Suffrage movement celebrate securing their right to vote, but still recognize that their efforts must continue by summarizing things this way:
‘Cause your ancestors are all the proof you need
That progress is possible, NOT guaranteed
It will only be made if we keep marching, keep marching on
After my wife and I both heard that line, we were determined to participate in a No Kings Protest today.
The No Kings Protest that we attended was held in Vista, California, a smaller city in San Diego’s north county near the larger cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Since the rally was located at an intersection near a park and some city governance buildings, we wondered if attendence might be sparse, but were OVERJOYED to see the number of individuals who showed up, feeling as we did — that it was time to take action on behalf of our Democracy and help defend it against this administration’s facism and moral corruption.
Hundreds surrounded the street of the intersection with many holding signs, some wearing costumes and all committed to being heard.
In fact, crowds were heavy enough the we joined with an earlier group of protesters and never actually reached the intended location.
As a result, it ensured that traffic coming from all directions could be inspired by seeing their fellow citizens act on their behalf to try and help make a difference!
As we stood and reveled in the creativity of the messages captured on various signs, we greatly appreciated the uplifting energy from participants plus the kind visits from TWO DIFFERENT Aunt Tifas.
Thankfully, no agitators were present in our location and the only signs of dissent came from one younger gentleman in an ancient pick-up (held together by duct tape and prayer) who gave the event a thumbs down as he passed, a sickly-looking female passenger who also flashed a thumbs down, and five different guys, all oddly sharing the same type of beard while cleverly utilizing their middle finger.
But FAR outweighing those seven individuals (who must inexplicably enjoy outright corruption, our cratering economy, skyrocketing healthcare costs, the upheaval of our Constitution, and troops lawlessly seizing American citizens from the streets), the show of support for the Vista No Kings Protest was IMMENSE with constantly beeping horns, applause and outright loud cheers of support. Truly, support outnumbered dissent by more than 50 to one.
Also evident during the event was the devout love for our Country from all members of the Vista No Kings Protest group. We were elated to see diverse citizens, young and old, from all walks of life. It was truly inspirational to be reminded that my wife and I were not alone in being disgusted by this administration’s ruthless authoritarianism and utter apathy towards both the Constitution and the rule of law. To be surrounded by good and kind people who all recognized that America deserves better energized me in a manner I have not felt for far too long.
I have enclosed below images of the signs that I had prepared for both myself and my wife
But the sign that impressed me the most was carried by an astounding female patriot of about five or six that shared this sentiment: Love is What Makes Us Great.
Hopefully, one day soon, more citizens of our great nation will embrace that notion and begin rejecting the vulgar dismanting of the American Dream at the hands of both this administration and the Republican Party.