P.G. Smith Author

hands off our Democracy!

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For many Americans reeling from Trump’s cruel and irrational actions, yesterday, April 5th provided a welcome outlet to voice their grievances and demands. All across the country and several nations world-wide, millions of protesters gathered in all sorts of weather in the largest protest of the Trump administration yet.

It was heartening to see reports today of millions demonstrating in major cities like Boston, LA, Chicago, NYC, Atlanta, Washington DC, Denver, or Portland. But what really made me feel hopeful and connected were all the reports of medium and small-town gatherings all over the country. Thousands showed up in Corydon, IN, Tryon, NC, from Oshkosh, WI to Bisbee, AZ and every state in-between, all across the nation, red or blue. People everywhere are worried, shocked, fearful, and angry. And they are showing up and speaking out.

My daughter and I joined a Hands Off protest in Louisville, KY in the rain. It was exhilarating, heartening, and encouraging. I highly recommend it. (the rally, not the rain.) A rally can make you feel hopeful and counteract our sense of helplessness. Try it. There will be more. They can make you feel better and they can make a difference.

Last month I suggested that you call your Senators and Representatives for the same reasons: it makes us feel better, and it can make a difference. I stand by that.

We have to persuade Congress to stand up for our rights and institutions. And we can, if enough of us take action. Numbers count. Every call you make gets tabulated. Every crowd you join is one person bigger. Every text you send gets added to a list. Politicians always count potential votes, whether for or against.

We can’t afford to stay silent. We can’t disengage now, no matter how alluring that may be. Too much is at stake. That’s clear now. Our democracy, our Constitution, our Country is on the block.

So sign that petition. Join that protest. Call you Representative in Congress. Make yourself heard. If they hear from a million people, they will listen. Numbers count. You count.

Responses

  1. Federico Rosas Avatar
    Federico Rosas

    we can’t as human beings accept a psycho being head of our nation. He is sick in the head and hollow in mind, he is just to get the fuck out of our lives.

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    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      Thanks for your comment. We are all frustrated, but we have to respond with rational and peaceful actions even if he doesn’t.

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      1. Redheadbig Avatar
        Redheadbig

        yes, peaceful, if you want trump reelected in 2028

        “peaceful” is no longer rational

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      2. patrigsmith Avatar
        patrigsmith

        Thanks for your comment. I certainly sympathize with the feeling but peaceful is both necessary and effective. Violent protest invites the state to call out troops or even declare martial law. It’s just what authoritarians want. MLK was right. Ghandi was right. Peaceful protest is the only way.

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  2. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    My dad and I went to the march in Louisville on Saturday as well, and it was so heartening!! Truly beautiful to see so many people coming together under one banner in support of democracy in our constitution! I hope this momentum will continue to grow.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      Thanks for your comment. These are good signs. We have to keep up the momentum. So good to hear from you.

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  3. Billal Avatar
    Billal

    Dicknald Turip bad Kamala Harris good

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    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      Thanks for your comment.

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  4. deliciouslyeb71615081 Avatar
    deliciouslyeb71615081

    Thanks for all your motivational thoughts, it’s quite inspiring….

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    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      Thank you for your support and interest.

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      Reply
  5. Tadd Avatar
    Tadd

    Lock him up where he belongs

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    Reply
    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      I sympathize with the feeling. Right now we need to concentrate on resisting all the damage he can inflict. I’m starting to see some hopeful signs. The courts at least are stepping up. A few more brave Republicans in Congress would help a lot.

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  6. Joe Glaser Avatar
    Joe Glaser

    I am German. Your current government embodies exactly what Americans and the rest of the world fought against until 1945. In my country, there is now a party that is clearly financed by Russia and American anti-democrats. This is happening all over Europe right now. And it’s wrong! The success of all these parties only makes the people in their respective countries worse off and allows a small elite to enrich themselves excessively. Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not a communist, but I firmly believe that it’s not good for the people to be afraid of politics. Politics must be afraid of the people. That’s called democracy.

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    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      Thank you so much for your comment. It shows the extent of the danger. Here in the US we tend to think of it as a national problem, but clearly we are part of a very dangerous global trend. We must all resist the rise of authoritarian leaders no matter how charismatic they may be. Thank you for reminding us of why WW2 was fought: to combat totalitarianism. That is where our current trend leads and we need to nip it in the bud. We need to keep talking to each other.

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  7. earthquakepractically918ecb610a Avatar
    earthquakepractically918ecb610a

    I am German. Your current government embodies exactly what Americans and the rest of the world fought against until 1945. In my country, there is now a party that is clearly financed by Russia and American anti-democrats. This is happening all over Europe right now. And it’s wrong! The success of all these parties only makes the people in their respective countries worse off and allows a small elite to enrich themselves excessively. Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not a communist, but I firmly believe that it’s not good for the people to be afraid of politics. Politics must be afraid of the people. That’s called democracy.

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    Reply
    1. patrigsmith Avatar
      patrigsmith

      I was struck by the end of your comment: ‘it’s not good for the people to be afraid of their government’ and I couldn’t agree more. Recently, Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska said she was afraid of Trump’s potential retaliation if she opposes him. People in government (especially Presidents) should not be able to use that power for retaliation or threat. It undermines the foundations of democracy. Government officials should be answerable to the people.

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