Get Out & Vote!

I tend to be more politically active these days, mainly because I cannot turn a blind eye to the devastation and depravity being wrought by the so-called President of the US and the horrific regime behind its bloviating, useful idiot. I haven't been able to hold back since 2016, when it became clear to anyone with two brain cells that even accidentally bump into each other that there was nothing remotely right or decent or even sane about the state of affairs under this "administration." And no, contrary to every very vocal MAGA assertion, it's not the "Liberal media," or "fake news," or the ubiquitous screech of "TDS!" that informs the resistance to this regime; it's the content of Project 2025 (which has been out there for all to see, and by rights should have been the biggest, brightest red flag to anyone who even claims to be a patriot); it's the absolute vileness of unfiltered Donald Trump, largely via his press and social media releases; it's the tangible results of MAGA policies, such as a needless war with Iran; inflation far in excess of that under the previous administration, which ostensibly spurred so many votes for Donald Fucking Trump; it's the alienation of our best allies and trading partners; it's the stunningly overt favoring of totalitarian policies, exemplified by the admiration of Russia's and (sometimes China's) despots — despite the desperate MAGAT screams that it's the Left promoting "communism" (if only any of them knew the difference between totalitarian "communism" and what the term really means); it's the tearing down of our most worthy institutions, which represented some of the most important guardrails against an autocratic chief executive; it's the blatant grift that is enriching the occupant of the White House (hideously damaged by that self-same occupant) and his degenerate family.

I could go on. And on. And on.

So, yeah, when the organizers of the local No Kings rallies announced a day to show up and encourage people to vote, then yeah, I signed up. It's true that this rally represents protest against the awful goings-on in this country, but the number one message was, indeed, "GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!" At today's event, about 60 people showed up, which for this sized community — and with very little publicity — proved pretty damned respectable. The vast majority of passersby showed obvious support as well, which was heartening.

No one — NO ONE — in this group is some radical who hates America. That's total MAGA bullshit. This is a solid group of very intelligent, very decent, very moral Americans who believe strongly in policies that help more people than they hurt. Religion plays no part in these ideals; no one is espousing the imposition of radical Islam and Sharia law; no, you're thinking of Christian Nationalism, which is closer to Sharia law than any other belief system in this country.

Now, if you're quite happy with the status quo, then by all means, vote your conscience. However, if your conscience isn't mortified by the goings-on of this regime, well, you and I have nothing in common. And you just have yourself a nice day with your head in the sand, you hear?

No Kings...Ever

If you follow me here, you probably know I don't talk politics on my blog very often; I usually have my say on that subject on other social media, mainly Facebook, and I reserve my blog as more of a journal about positive current events, writing, geocaching, monsters, books, movies, etc. However, I'm gonna mention that today, I took part in the third No Kings rally because in my view, it's a personally meaningful subject. I make no secret of the fact that I despise DJT, and even more, I hate what he and this entire MAGA regime is doing to this country, and with the approval of far too many Americans. Peacefully protesting this bullshit is something I feel compelled to do, and thankfully, I am far, far from alone. How anyone with half a brain can't see — and oppose — the hellish depths to which Trump & Company are dragging this country is beyond unfathomable. So, it's good to see so many people, all over the USA, coming together for events like this to show that not all of us have lost our fucking minds.

I don't know the exact number at this point, but Martinsville's rally today was well-attended (I'm guessing at least 200 people), and best of all, many, many passersby honked and waved in approval versus the scant handful who had nasty things to yell. That, at least, is heartening.

Some scenes from our local No Kings rally. A good crowd, and far more honks of support than ugly shouted epithets from the passersby.

My favorite moment was when one old fella yelled out at us, "I will pray for all of you."  Several people called back, "We'll pray for you too, and peace be with you." He looked kind of surprised, and after a moment he called back, "Well, peace to all of you folks too." There really was a great sense of fellowship with all these local people who clearly care about democracy and decency.

No Kings

I need explain no whys or wherefores; my position on the current abomination—er, uh, administration—has been made abundantly clear here, on social media, and in real life. So, Ms. B. and I weren't about to miss participating in one of the "No Kings" protests going on nationwide this weekend. There was one in here in town, but we had planned to get together with friends Terry & Beth in Kernersville, so we decided to attend the one in Winston-Salem. It was combined with their Pride Parade, and an estimated 60,000 people showed up. I even fashioned myself a sign (see above). It was an incredible event—absolutely peaceful, with a spirit of unity unlike any I've ever encountered in person. Coolest of all, as it turned out, friends Scott & Jane, from Asheboro, attended the event as well, and we managed to find each other and hang out for the duration.

The photo above appeared in the Winston-Salem Journal, which documented the event beautifully. No Fucking Kings. No Fucking Shit.