No Kings Day is approaching. It's your chance to push back against Trump's dictatorial ambitions. Make your voice heard. No thrones. No crowns. No kings
News and views for Florida's Left Coast
Sometimes living in a Red state can feel a little lonely if you’re a Democrat or a rational person unaffiliated with a political party.
That’s why this map is so reassuring.
Each of those dots represents the site of a No Kings rally that will take place this coming Saturday (Oct. 18). More than 80 cities in Florida—along with about 2,500 nationwide—will be hosting protests.
If you navigate to the No Kings website, you can find the place and time of a rally near you simply by entering your ZIP code on the map.
What’s this about?
It started last June 14 when millions of Americans took to the streets to declare that our country is not a monarchy nor a dictatorship—no matter what the whack job in the White House may think.
It was Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, and Corporal Bone Spurs had ordered up a big military parade in his honor disguised as a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
The parade was an embarrassing flop, and Trump was furious.
But the No Kings protests were a huge success. And organizers are doing it again.
Why now?
Because our country’s crisis is only getting worse. Trump has masked thugs roaming the streets of America kidnapping people, he’s blackmailing our universities, trying to silence the press, and—oh, I don’t need to go on, you know what’s happening.
This is a chance to, once again, demonstrate that loyal, patriotic Americans will not be cowed into submission by a narcissistic authoritarian who clearly wants to end our democracy—hey, he tried once already, on Jan. 6, 2021, when he sent mobs to the nation’s Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power after he lost his first re-election bid.
It’s vital we don’t forget that. He won’t stop unless we make him stop.
Peacefully standing in protest, letting other citizens see that they are not alone in their despair over the state of our country, is a powerful way to fight back.
If you’re nervous about showing up, here’s some good news: You’re sane. Putting yourself out there takes courage, which, by definition, means overcoming your fears to do the right thing.
Just ask yourself this: Where do you think our country will be a year from now, two years from now, if nothing changes? And how will you feel about yourself if you sat on the sidelines?
Speaking personally, that’s one of the reasons—the most important one—that I started this newsletter.
I’m a former newspaper editor, but I’ve devoted my creative time the past few years writing novels. However, with everything that’s happening around us, I just couldn’t keep doing that. I had to speak out.
I can’t dance, and I can’t sing, but I can type. So, I’m doing what I can do.
This Saturday is an opportunity for those of us who feel this sense of concern and frustration to also do something as well.
Check out this website and make your voice heard.
What do you think? Share your views by clicking on the COMMENTS link at the end of this newsletter. Join the conversation. Thanks!
There are rules …
Florida has laws regarding the conduct of peaceful protests and some of them are weird. For instance, a motorist who feels threatened by protesters has the right to hit them with their motor vehicle. So, obviously, don’t be threatening; don’t approach anyone in their car or truck.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune offers this summary, so keep these rules in mind on Oct. 18:
Protesting is protected in the United States by the First Amendment, provided streets and government buildings are not blocked, but Florida also restricts protests within 500 feet of a residence, cemetery, funeral home, house of worship, or other location when a funeral or burial has just occurred, will occur soon, or is occurring.
Florida also comes down hard on anything perceived as rioting, with penalties against anyone involved in the protest where it occurred..
And, as of this year, Florida has the HALO Law, which requires everyone to move 25 feet away from a first responder, including law enforcement, if asked to. The law is intended to protect first responders, but critics worry that it will prevent anyone from shooting video or pictures of ICE arrests or police brutality.
Thought for the day
“Protest is an act of love, not one of anger.”
— John Lewis
Florida factual
During the first No Kings Day earlier this year, protests were held in more than 70 Florida cities. The number of locations is expected to be even larger this time.
More online
Thank you for reading the Tropic Press newsletter. You also have access to the Tropic Press website for additional and previous posts, copies of the Monthly Memo, an archive of posts from our advice columnist, Miss Mingo, occasional guest commentaries, and information about The Strange Files series of mysterious adventures and other books.
J.C. Bruce, journalist and author, is the founder of Tropic Press. He holds dual citizenship in the United States of America and his native Florida. When he’s not blogging, he’s in training for the Florida Man Underwater Ping Pong Championships. Forward this email to your friends. They will love you for it.
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My wife and I will be participating in the No Kings Day event in Englewood
Pity there isn#t one in Brussels, I'd be ready to join in!