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RECENTLY… I saw someone (of the MAGA variety) comment on the Sonoma Index Tribune article about this protest. I thought it was worth sharing, along with how I responded. The comment was:
“Have fun walking down the street with your signs. It won’t make a difference. Your time has been wasted which you will never get back.” First of all, each of these comments makes my heart sink that we will never cross the great divide. I usually would not respond to these trolls, but I decided this was an opportunity to make a point to those who have that lingering doubt about whether or not their participation in protest matters. Those who ask themselves, does protest really make a difference? It’s a valid question we find ourselves asking over and over. I did respond to this PD remark by speaking my truth about what keeps me, and many Wake UP Sonoma supporter’s motivated. I would like to share. “Actually, what we will never get back is these past 9 months where we could have been living in a democracy instead of an authoritarian leaning society. We now find ourselves in tyranny. We will never get back the feeling that “tyranny can’t happen here” because it IS happening here. Definition of Tyranny - “a nation under cruel and oppressive government. Arbitrary use of power or control”…Many families will never get back the feeling that America is a safe place to live because they have been attacked in their own homes or just walking down the street and imprisoned without their constitutionally guaranteed due process. National guard troops are not here in Sonoma yet, but we will never get back the feeling that military in the streets only happens in those other fascist countries because it’s happening in THIS fascist country. And when it does happen here, none of us are safe, even YOU, dear MAGA supporters. Never will we get back the faith in the security of our social security system as we age, as well as an “affordable” healthcare system, as we stare down the barrel of doubled healthcare premiums. Literally. Are you not worried about that? So… yes, we protest. We protest because our voices and outrage needs to be heard, not squelched, our freedom of speech is a dear right embedded in our constitution that if we stop using it, will disappear as more people become afraid to express themselves (it’s happening). We protest our absolute rejection of white supremacy and bigotry, which needs to be seen and felt. Our demand for democracy and the right for everyone to live in a free and fair society- even though it was not perfect..needs to be seen and heard. Our protest shows we care about those things. Our non-violent protest is strength. We are not being complicit by being silent, and we are standing up for all of our rights, including your right … dear MAGA…to disagree with me. So, yes, we protest. Please join us, rain or shine. Umbrellas might be good just in case. But not to protest? That feels too much like giving up. We CANNOT give up. Being in community and speaking out, is the antidote to complicity. See you there!
Lisa Storment, Wake UP Sonoma President Remember to REGISTER HERE TODAY!
NO KINGS Sonoma Valley · Mobilize
Note: I am recovering from knee surgery, but will be there in a wheelchair. I want to deeply thank and acknowledge the Protest and Action team for giving me time to heal, and making sure this protest continues forward. Gratitude to this extraordinary team who demonstrates every day, we are better together.
Josette, David, Melinda, Ed, Martin, Joe, Ellen, Beth, Chris, John, Jocelyn. We are still looking for members of this team as we move forward who plan actions, events and strategies.
inquire with an email for interest.
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