The First Day I've Felt Proud To Be An American Since November 6th.
NoKings Day
The day started out terribly sad. Unimaginably tragic. That tragedy is still ongoing for many people in Minnesota as I type this. I thought of almost nothing else all morning and into the early afternoon. I hope their nightmare comes to an end swiftly and justly.
I also hope that the people of Minnesota, like the rest of the country today, were able to find some relief, some joy, some hope in the day’s events and importance.
This is the first day since election day that I haven’t been embarrassed to be an American. All of the footage from around the country, around the world, began to turn my day and my year around.
Then I ventured out into Ventura County, California. I saw a NoKings event was happening in Simi Valley; a consistently, and some would say notoriously, red city. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is there for crying out loud!
The turnout there was absolutely incredible. If I had to guess, I would say there were probably close to 1500-2000 people there. They were occupying all 4 corners of a major intersection and extending down the sidewalk in every direction for at least 75 yards. Everything was peaceful, friendly, and I only witnessed 2 instances of people driving by trying to instigate something; they were (and I kid you not) both yelling “America First” while driving by in their Japanese and Korean cars (Honda and Kia) you can’t make this stuff up.
I recorded video which I’ve already posted but I wanted to share these still images I shot as well.
Today was desperately needed. I know a lot of you feel overwhelmed with the daily “breaking news” and executive orders and unprecedented unconstitutional actions these republicans throw at us. I get countless DMs and comments telling me as much. As someone who is entrenched in it every day, believe me, I sympathize and understand. I’m tired too. But today was just what the doctor ordered for me. I got literal chills walking up to the crowd after having parked my car. I met so many great people and had wonderful conversations. I tried to stop and take in the scene I don’t know how many times because it felt important. It felt impactful. It felt good. In a world currently filled with hate, fear, and division, today felt good. Today felt like a good refreshing shower after 5 months of shoveling crap. Today, I was proud to have marched with my fellow citizens. I was proud to be an American today.
My takeaway from today was that people matter. We the people are all that matters. We made our voices heard today. We made our disdain known and our anger abundantly apparent. But we did so peacefully. We exercised something that should make everybody proud to be an American; the right to criticize our government.
“Never doubt that small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
For those who made it out today, thank you. For those who couldn’t make it but watched on social media, shared posts, commented, talked about it with friends or strangers…thank you.
Take care of yourselves and of each other. Rest after today. There will be more to do.
Joe
Jerry Springer ended each show with “take care of yourselves and each other.” I loved hearing it then and I love hearing it from you. Good job today and always. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Thankyou Joe for this. I really look forward to reading your incredibly intelligent contributions to this agonising process. I went out into my small town here in Stroud UK...in my no Kings t-shirt Talking with people. I so love you people over there. Richard x