Because I plan to attend the second No Kings demonstration this Saturday in my little town? I'm not going because I'm anti-ICE, but because of what the President is doing to erode our government. For those of you who have been paying attention to Trump's never-ending edicts and lawsuits, and what's been going on in the courts, I don't need to explain. For those of you who are scratching your head at WHY we're demonstrating - well, all I can do is show you the threatening terrorist Trump is willing to send armed troops to put me in my place.
Someone came in to the office the other day, and while talking about himself ad nauseam, he mentioned his two dogs used to bark when he said, 'Commie.' I thought I misheard him, until he added,
"Now they bark when I say 'Democrat' - it's more fun." He left before I could say anything - not that I can say anything at work. We've got a nice working environment without overt religious or political interruptions. But will the President and his Cabinet's haranguing of Democrats lead to more and more instances of crazies watching out for people wearing too much blue? I even hear things like (sic) we're Demon-driven or Satan followers.
Note, top photo: In 2007, I was living in Puerto Rico. One day I was driving to the Mayaguez Mall, and at a stop light I saw this tattered flag, took the picture, and sent it to the San Juan Star (left). It was not an easy time to be an American on the island for a number of reasons, including the Navy leaving Vieques. As I wrote,"Regardless of politics, it is a crime to display ANY flag in such a condition. Please, someone, either replace or take down this insulting eyesore."
I've always been patriotic. I cry at the Star Spangled Banner. A student of government and history, I did learn about such things as the Separation of Powers and the Hatch Act. Which is why I've been alarmed at what's been happening to government employees (as a former one myself) and the idea that the President will lay off employees of Democratic persuasion.
That could have been me. Toiling away, typing forms, day after day, President after President, but without worrying about being fired for my personal beliefs. There are reasons for rules and regulations of which our President is completely ignorant; he wants what he wants and the hell with the rest of us. He's publically gleeful to be laying off thousands, sick.I've been writing and warning about so many things over the past several years, from the increase in Christian Values being forced upon us to Trump's retaliation campaign backed up by his own Storm Troopers. I wrote that he'd eventually get down to the 'little people' and that's exactly what he's threatening today.(Following the piece in the paper, within short order the flag was replaced, and a follow-up response was printed in the paper apologizing for the slight.)
I could have ignored the flag and done nothing, but I happen to feel strongly about the proper handling and display of Old Glory. I don't feel the need to wear my patriotic spirit on my sleeve, or lapel.
My 70th birthday is some time this month - I never publically post the exact day, and always make up a birthday when some online thing requires it. I don't need a Happy Birthday from my bank. But to me this nice round number is significant, and I would regret it terribly if I didn't stand up for our rights/myself on October 18th.I can't speak to Chicago or LA, but the President is LYING about Portland. As I wrote last week, outside agitators who are intent on creating havoc ANYWHERE have finally made it to Portland, after drinking their way from whatever yahoo-place they come from. Please, don't believe that Portland's a war zone. The only things resembling a war zone are the camouflage fatigues.
Whistles will be distributed on Saturday to alert others of any trouble, but I'm not planning on doing anything other than singing and an occasional shout. But I'll tell you one thing - if anyone covered head-to-toe, without any identification or badge, tries to force me to move a single step, you bet I'll be pissed. Amy will most assuredly emerge and compound my trouble, but think about it - -When I was young, I was warned that if I'm driving alone, especially at night, and a flashing light comes up behind me, to continue driving until I could safely pull into a public place - ideally to the nearest police station. Nowadays things are much worse. Have some strange guy try to throw me into a van? Are you mad?
So yes, I'm one of the people who the President claims is an Insurrectionist, threatening the rest of you. In addition to crime, we'll be blamed for the bad economy; going to war; and any other woes HE AND HIS BILLIONAIRE BUDDIES inflict on the rest of us. He won't think twice about having me arrested, but will consider pardoning Gislaine Maxwell?
I hope to make it through the No Kings October 18th event without anything bad happening. Even if Trump manages to federalize some police force, I'm going, and so are loads of other harmless people, older maybe, but intent on retaining our health care and First Amendment rights. I really wish I had one of those Dinosaur costumes to wear, but I'll have to settle for my Halloween Witch hat Mom sewed for me, recently retrieved from storage. And, of course, my kazoo.Ooooooo......