WILLIAMSVILLE-Every day we wake up to news of yet another assault on our Constitution and our dignity as human beings, courtesy of the Trump administration, driven by his megalomania and Stephen Miller's rabid racism and messianic hatred of all things not-white.
MAGA is counting on us to just keep reeling in disbelief as they get their ducks in order to impose full-on military rule.
This is a critical moment when we cannot afford to ease our resistance efforts, even though we are tired and may be dispirited.
Saturday, Oct. 18 is the next No Kings nationwide day of protest. This should prove to be even larger than the one in the summer, when our protests eclipsed Don's sourpuss birthday tank parade.
In fact, it is imperative that we show up in greater numbers than the last time. This day of protest, while aimed at Trump/MAGA, is for the benefit of everyone else who are not MAGA (the vast majority of us).
A day of protest won't stop this madness. But a general strike by the population will grind it to a halt. The Oct. 18 mass mobilization will bring more regular people into the fold of resistance and help build the number of those who will eventually be part of the general strike.
We will be protesting for an immediate effect (even Vermont Public reports on these protests when they are massive and impossible to ignore), but more importantly, we are working a long game, building our power so that a general strike will be within our means to enact.
Brattleboro will be holding a No Kings event from 1 to 2:30 p.m. that day, starting at the Town Common. The Peoples' Resistance Marching Band, the Good Trouble Street Choir, and Bard Owl will be providing a soundtrack for the march and stand-out. All of you will have a chance to be part of the Good Trouble Choir as well, as we have special music that can be learned on the spot.
Imagine the sound of all of downtown Brattleboro filled with one joyous voice singing together our repudiation of hate, racism, and violence!
Please join us. If you are not near Brattleboro, just search with Duck Duck Go (Google is part of the problem, so we don't need to patronize them any more than we have to) for "No Kings October 18," and you will find events that will be nearer to your home.
Please do not sit this one out. Join us and make your voice heard. And musicians - the Peoples Resistance Band is still looking for more players to join us; please contact me directly if you have an interest.
In solidarity,
Dan DeWalt
Williamsville
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