Dear Friends:
Spring is here and it feels like we are entering a new chapter in our nation’s history as we get adjusted to the fact that our President is out to destroy our government and is doing so quickly. And in response, we need to demonstrate more frequently.
The emotional adjustment to a new chapter is good in some ways because the shock of it all can make it hard to think. It is not healthy to stay shocked or enraged 24/7. However, it is dangerous if we become complacent and – as humans do – begin to adjust to the “new abnormal” of a destructive President and give it some acceptance. It is crucial that we all “do something.” I recommend another podcast by Andrea Pitzer: “Why Protest Now —The #TeslaTakedown is a Great Start” if you need inspiration.
Besides the local “Tesla Tuesdays” (2710 S. Glebe Road; 4:00- 6:00 pm), I also recommend my “Rush Hour Resistance” on the Fairlington bridge (S. Abingdon Street) over I-395 (weekdays 4:30-6:30 pm). Both of these are close and easy to do. They are small, but they are important. And they are a fun way to be outside with people and connect with lots of folks going by, letting them know they are not alone and we are not giving up.
The two crucial things small demonstrations like this do are:
- Let people know they are not alone and
- Get people used to showing up and demonstrating.
At first it can feel strange standing outside letting people know what you think. But we need lots of people to get used to this. We are going to need more and more people to take to the streets and we need to do it now before it becomes dangerous. These demonstrations are critical to letting our representatives on The Hill know how their voters feel, and also, to show other people how to be brave and take a stand, too. Demonstrating is our new normal.
On Monday March 24th, there is a MoveOn Rally at Reagan Airport: Please join in this at 2401 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Rd (9:00-10:00 am) outside the airport “as we welcome Congress back from recess with a clear demand: No tax breaks for billionaires on the backs of hard-working families! As members are exiting the airport we will join together to demand they fight for an economy that works for all of us—not just the ultra-wealthy.”
Please put Saturday, April 5: National Day of Action on your calendars if you have not already. Indivisible is organizing a large protest called “Hands Off” for that day on the Mall at the Washington Monument (12 noon – 3:30 pm) and around the country. Their message is: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
It’s important for a huge crowd of people to show up. The weather should be good and we in the DMV have the easiest travel to get to the Mall. I think we have a special responsibility to show up for these marches. Consider inviting family or friends to come for a visit and join you.
I’ll end with the well-known quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
As always, I hope you find this helpful and welcome suggestions.
Best,
Libby
