Yesterday, I continued my 68th birthday celebration with my friend Sharon Kachel who is a multi-talented healer. We met up at a local cafe called Native. I had a craving for hot chocolate, so I indulged in a small cup, with oat milk and a splash of lavender. Ahhhh… as my father would have said, “It hit the spot.” We spoke about life, the Universe and everything, from spirituality, to parenting, from politics to healing. She brought with her, in addition to the gift of her friendship, lovely presents. One was a kit containing pampering hair and skin products. I learned that she had a career in cosmetology prior to her current right livelihood work, so she knows good stuff when she sees it. A mini cake from a local bakery called The Happy Mixer with a pink candle to blow out was shared between three of us, as another friend happened to be there and joined us. The way cool bonus gift was a pink kitty cat balloon with a crown on her head. It will make sense in a moment why that was perfect. I refer to this image as “Yasss, Queen. No Kings!” Someone who saw it, said it reminded her of the pink ‘pussy’ hats that folks wore to the earlier protests after the 2016 election.
Shortly after our time at the cafe, we headed over to the Doylestown NO KINGS rally. The community gathered to support Democracy. The message was: Be sure to vote. No excuses. Even if you aren’t sure of the outcome. Even if you believe your vote doesn’t matter. It is your right and responsibility. It is also a middle finger to this administration. That could be reason enough. Your vote is your voice. Make it heard, loud and clear. My grandchildren and all of the next generations are a big reason I voted. In my area, I had the option to take my ballot to a drop box at the courthouse, which I gladly did. No lines, no waiting.
As is always the case at our local rallies and protests, there are people of all ages. Some are babies in strollers, some seasoned seniors like me and many of my friends, who have been ‘getting into good trouble,’ since the 1970s. Thanks to John Lewis who proclaimed, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
It did my heart good to be in the presence of kindred spirits who want a country in which love, peace, equality, environmental stewardship, compassion, safety, health, fiscal responsibility, anti-fascism, truth telling, voting rights, egalitarianism, welcoming the stranger, reign supreme. I realize that I am not alone in my gut twisting anxiety about the state of the world. I do what I can to be informed, but not inundated with news. As a journalist and therapist, it is a professional responsibility to know what’s going on. In my practice are clients who are deeply impacted by the choices made by ‘leaders’ and they pour out their hearts and souls in our sessions.
As I traverse the social media landscape, I am appalled by how many make snarky and disrespectful comments about peaceful patriots who show up, stand up and speak out. Name calling, disparagement; referring to us as paid protesters (I’m still waiting for my checks from 50 years ago, so I won’t hold my breath.), telling us that we still don’t have a king. Yes, AND we have a self proclaimed dictator in office, holding the country hostage for his own pleasure. Cruelty is the point for him and those who are loyal to him. I have been accused of suffering from TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). Ironic, since I have never been decked out in MAGA merch, don’t spew MAGA talking points and or spread Trumpaganda. I respond respectfully, without hurling the fecal matter back to them. I keep it clean. I don’t disparage his appearance, or his physical and psychological conditions. I do express concern about his unfitness to be in office. I cheer when I see that his unlawful efforts have been thwarted. I cheer when I hear that former MAGA folks change their allegiance. I cheer when I hear that they are voting Dem all up and down ballot. I pray for a time, sooner, rather than later, when the tide turns and we are free of this insanity.
Organizers estimate that 7 million people took part in more than 2,700 “No Kings” rallies throughout the country. I’m grateful to have been among them.
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