Hope, joy and a kick in the ass! I am hoping that all of THIS gives all of US a good kick in the ass, to not take what we at least thought we had for granted. Possibly something positive will evolve after this reign of terror is over. I will keep reading Charlie and Tom Nichols to keep from going crazy 😊
General Hertling wrote a very interesting post this morning on Morning Shots about Bruce Springsteen’s new protest song, released yesterday, “Streets of Minneapolis”. The General and I are near the same age. He talked about how empowering the songs of the late 60’s and early 70’s were to the protest movement. I was there. Right in the middle. I marched and sang and finally the war ended. I felt a shadow of those times at the last “No Kings” rally I attended. It was small but peaceful, well organized and NO COPS. THERE IS POWER in people. You can feel it. Your candlelight vigil sounded so empowering. And also very pretty. It breaks my heart that we are being forced, once again, into the streets to protest for peace. ☮️ I have hope we can win this one. Love to your biggies. C.
At the gym I attend, I've been asking for protest music to be played so the much younger attendees can listen to the soundtrack of my life. CSNY's "Ohio", the Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth", Credence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son", etc. Trying to educate the youth and encourage them to fight.
Particularly Fortunate Son, which the GOP played at their convention in 2024 apparently ignorant of the song's meaning. I couldn't get enough of that irony. [edited to change "last year" to 2024]
I agree. Also when Reagan played Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.", it was clear he never listened to the lyrics. And its Republicans who are remaking American culture in their own image. The horror of their poor taste and ignorance will only tarnish the arts.
Excellent idea, Mary Ann. Those were gut-wrenching, soul-searing songs, the like of which we haven't seen very often since then (with Springsteen's and Mellencamp's work being notable exceptions).
Hi. I've created an No Kings playlist on Spotify with over 100 songs. It's been vetted by a Gen Z and a Millienial so not all will be to your taste. It does, however, engage the younger folks as well as introduce them to "our" protest music. BTW, our younger generation has been creating some excellent protest music for years - I had just never heard any of it.
I have a portable speaker and bring it with me to the lawful and peaceful events that I participate in. Folks generally appreciate adding a musical soundtrack to our resolve.
If anyone wants me to share the playlist, please just dm me with your contact information (I believe I can share it through either message or email.)
This is how it feels when you attend a protest as well. It is comforting to be with people who share your feelings. It’s community and it’s American 🇺🇸
I felt this way after attending my first protest..we are NOT alone-we are NOT the crazy ones!
I call, email and tag my senators and rep everyday on Bluesky and (the bad place-twitter x)
We must do whatever we can to stop the Gestapo and this administration. ♥️
In my life, I have seen the assassination of JFK, RFK, and MLK. I watched the civil rights demonstrations on a black and white TV as a child. I witnessed the worst that we could do to each other because we were frightened that someone had more skin pigment than other people do.
I survived the Cuban Missile Crisis, had a front seat to the Vietnam War, wondered if I would be drafted when I turned 18, saw the Kent State massacre play out, watched the killing of Israeli athletes in Munich, and observed Watergate happen in real time.
I have seen Presidents impeached, candidates shot at, and citizens manhandled and marginalized.
But, I have never seen anything like what we are living through right now. I hope to never see anything like this again in my lifetime. Nothing in my life has ever made me as angry as the present situation we find ourselves in. The wholesale assault on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 10th, and 14th amendments is a stain on our history. It's clear to me that a significant majority of our citizens now support defending our constitution from internal assault. This does not surprise me. We are waking up. It's about time.
We must be about the same as, as your timeline is also mine. I never, in a million years, thought my country could sink so low in such a short time. I hope it can correct course before it’s too late.
I think....it might be up to us older ones who've lived the events you list to raise the banner. Because we have a reference point and we KNOW how bad it is in this country now. We know it has never been like this before, with a government deliberately trying to burn it all down.
I lived through those times as well and someone younger asked how we got through it. My answer was we only had Walter Cronkite. There was no Fox or a right wing media machine spreading propaganda. This time is much harder.
Let's not forget a very young Dan Rather reporting every evening on the 6 o'clock news from the rice paddies of Vietnam, with the body counts. I was just a kid, but I will never forget how powerful that reporting was, and I think it helped enormously to shift the perception of the war.
I lived through all that as well. I remember watching the McCarthy hearings on TV so long ago. That was my beginning. I never thought I could possibly live long enough to see something more heinous than that. I sat there watching and hating a party that allowed him to do it.
Same here. I have friends from college whose names are on the Vietnam Wall and a dad who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I thought we had learned, that now we knew better. I was wrong.
“Many of us became accidental activists. Not out of rage, but out of heartbreak. Because somewhere along the way, we realize silence helps no one. Not the earth, not our children, not each other.” Paul Avellino
Accidental activist. I have found my title. I protested Vietnam but that was it. Now my husband and I have gone to six protests. I call, email and write someone every week (usuallymultipletimes). I wrote all of my nieces and nephews and told them all that I am doing and why. I will not stop until this regime is crushed and democracy becomes better protected from this ever happening again.
Thanks very much for this. Very moving. If you've not all heard Bruce Springsteen's new release, "Streets of Minneapolis", please take a moment to do so. The tide is turning.
I found this very moving. You are so correct. This is exactly who we are as Americans. I have been researching my family tree, and found ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and WWII in Italy. I often think of them during this difficult time, and remember that we have been through hard times before, and we have stood up and fought for liberty and freedom over and over. This isn’t going to be easy and we have to stay focused, for ourselves and those who can’t, as you aptly stated. Thank you for venturing in the cold and for adding your voice. (And even sacrificing mittens!)
This Minnesotan thanks you, Charlie and all our Wisconsin neighbors for standing with us during this time of terror in our cities and state. Now is the time to stand for truth and justice, For what’s right versus wrong. Your words and kindness have helped me through so much these past years and for that, I’m forever grateful. Thank you always. 🙏🥰🇺🇸
JF, do you have a Venmo or such for tips?
I do not, but it’s a kind thought.
"It hasn’t been about politics for a while now - It’s about morality."
Well put.
It is about morality and the survival of our way of life.
Hope, joy and a kick in the ass! I am hoping that all of THIS gives all of US a good kick in the ass, to not take what we at least thought we had for granted. Possibly something positive will evolve after this reign of terror is over. I will keep reading Charlie and Tom Nichols to keep from going crazy 😊
General Hertling wrote a very interesting post this morning on Morning Shots about Bruce Springsteen’s new protest song, released yesterday, “Streets of Minneapolis”. The General and I are near the same age. He talked about how empowering the songs of the late 60’s and early 70’s were to the protest movement. I was there. Right in the middle. I marched and sang and finally the war ended. I felt a shadow of those times at the last “No Kings” rally I attended. It was small but peaceful, well organized and NO COPS. THERE IS POWER in people. You can feel it. Your candlelight vigil sounded so empowering. And also very pretty. It breaks my heart that we are being forced, once again, into the streets to protest for peace. ☮️ I have hope we can win this one. Love to your biggies. C.
At the gym I attend, I've been asking for protest music to be played so the much younger attendees can listen to the soundtrack of my life. CSNY's "Ohio", the Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth", Credence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son", etc. Trying to educate the youth and encourage them to fight.
Particularly Fortunate Son, which the GOP played at their convention in 2024 apparently ignorant of the song's meaning. I couldn't get enough of that irony. [edited to change "last year" to 2024]
Ugh, right? They are so tone deaf(pun intended).
I agree. Also when Reagan played Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.", it was clear he never listened to the lyrics. And its Republicans who are remaking American culture in their own image. The horror of their poor taste and ignorance will only tarnish the arts.
They're trying to remake American culture. I don't think they're having much success.
Excellent idea, Mary Ann. Those were gut-wrenching, soul-searing songs, the like of which we haven't seen very often since then (with Springsteen's and Mellencamp's work being notable exceptions).
Hi. I've created an No Kings playlist on Spotify with over 100 songs. It's been vetted by a Gen Z and a Millienial so not all will be to your taste. It does, however, engage the younger folks as well as introduce them to "our" protest music. BTW, our younger generation has been creating some excellent protest music for years - I had just never heard any of it.
I have a portable speaker and bring it with me to the lawful and peaceful events that I participate in. Folks generally appreciate adding a musical soundtrack to our resolve.
If anyone wants me to share the playlist, please just dm me with your contact information (I believe I can share it through either message or email.)
The songs of my yout! I’m still a big fan of all those bands and song writers. It’s so cliche, but they don’t really write music like that anymore.
If anyone is interested, here's Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis":
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKSoxG1K7w
Excellent! Thanks for posting!
Thank you for attending. This is who we are.
This is how it feels when you attend a protest as well. It is comforting to be with people who share your feelings. It’s community and it’s American 🇺🇸
I felt this way after attending my first protest..we are NOT alone-we are NOT the crazy ones!
I call, email and tag my senators and rep everyday on Bluesky and (the bad place-twitter x)
We must do whatever we can to stop the Gestapo and this administration. ♥️
In my life, I have seen the assassination of JFK, RFK, and MLK. I watched the civil rights demonstrations on a black and white TV as a child. I witnessed the worst that we could do to each other because we were frightened that someone had more skin pigment than other people do.
I survived the Cuban Missile Crisis, had a front seat to the Vietnam War, wondered if I would be drafted when I turned 18, saw the Kent State massacre play out, watched the killing of Israeli athletes in Munich, and observed Watergate happen in real time.
I have seen Presidents impeached, candidates shot at, and citizens manhandled and marginalized.
But, I have never seen anything like what we are living through right now. I hope to never see anything like this again in my lifetime. Nothing in my life has ever made me as angry as the present situation we find ourselves in. The wholesale assault on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 10th, and 14th amendments is a stain on our history. It's clear to me that a significant majority of our citizens now support defending our constitution from internal assault. This does not surprise me. We are waking up. It's about time.
It is about time.
I'm right there with you on the events in my lifetime. Keep up the fight. Don't let them win.
We must be about the same as, as your timeline is also mine. I never, in a million years, thought my country could sink so low in such a short time. I hope it can correct course before it’s too late.
I think....it might be up to us older ones who've lived the events you list to raise the banner. Because we have a reference point and we KNOW how bad it is in this country now. We know it has never been like this before, with a government deliberately trying to burn it all down.
Exactly right.
I lived through those times as well and someone younger asked how we got through it. My answer was we only had Walter Cronkite. There was no Fox or a right wing media machine spreading propaganda. This time is much harder.
Walter Cronkite---we didn't appreciate at the time what a hero he was. But he was indeed a national treasure.
Let's not forget a very young Dan Rather reporting every evening on the 6 o'clock news from the rice paddies of Vietnam, with the body counts. I was just a kid, but I will never forget how powerful that reporting was, and I think it helped enormously to shift the perception of the war.
You just told the story of my life and sentiments as well. Thank you for your voice!
Well said, Cyrus. Same here.
I lived through all that as well. I remember watching the McCarthy hearings on TV so long ago. That was my beginning. I never thought I could possibly live long enough to see something more heinous than that. I sat there watching and hating a party that allowed him to do it.
We have seen some things...may it all end the right way, and soon.
Same here. I have friends from college whose names are on the Vietnam Wall and a dad who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I thought we had learned, that now we knew better. I was wrong.
It is so healing to be with others who are also angry about the same injustice and abuse of power.
“Many of us became accidental activists. Not out of rage, but out of heartbreak. Because somewhere along the way, we realize silence helps no one. Not the earth, not our children, not each other.” Paul Avellino
Accidental activist. I have found my title. I protested Vietnam but that was it. Now my husband and I have gone to six protests. I call, email and write someone every week (usuallymultipletimes). I wrote all of my nieces and nephews and told them all that I am doing and why. I will not stop until this regime is crushed and democracy becomes better protected from this ever happening again.
Sounds like it was an inspiring event reminding the attendees that they are the true patriots who are fighting for our country.
I'm glad you found solace and strength in the vigil. And that's devotion, to go out for hours in 4 degree weather.
Thanks very much for this. Very moving. If you've not all heard Bruce Springsteen's new release, "Streets of Minneapolis", please take a moment to do so. The tide is turning.
I have not but I’ll have a listen. Thanks.
Thank you, Ms. Riordan. Your vigil is a green shoot of hope. ❤️🙏
"not a single cop": Understandable, for many reasons. "the sixties": Multifaceted; not understood then and barely understood now.
I found this very moving. You are so correct. This is exactly who we are as Americans. I have been researching my family tree, and found ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and WWII in Italy. I often think of them during this difficult time, and remember that we have been through hard times before, and we have stood up and fought for liberty and freedom over and over. This isn’t going to be easy and we have to stay focused, for ourselves and those who can’t, as you aptly stated. Thank you for venturing in the cold and for adding your voice. (And even sacrificing mittens!)
This Minnesotan thanks you, Charlie and all our Wisconsin neighbors for standing with us during this time of terror in our cities and state. Now is the time to stand for truth and justice, For what’s right versus wrong. Your words and kindness have helped me through so much these past years and for that, I’m forever grateful. Thank you always. 🙏🥰🇺🇸