‘We want decency’
I’m almost 72 years old and recently experienced two “firsts” in my life. I attended my first protest rally, and this is my first letter to the editor.
As I participated in the “No Kings” protest in Washington on June 14, I looked around at the crowd and wondered what brought them there. I’m sure for many it was their first or second protest, too. The participants looked like ordinary, everyday people who work everyday jobs, the people you see at your doctor’s office, your book club, the grocery store, the YMCA. Some were retired educators and librarians (now there’s a rowdy bunch!) and veterans. What compelled us to be there?
As I was browsing the internet, I came across some letters to editors from across the country and hit on one that had my answer. Cynthia Mahoney from Danville, Calif., wrote that she attended the “Hands Off” protest in April because she cared about health and that this administration’s attack on health care, access and research, and shutting down actions intended to stem climate change are unforgivable. She thought this anger would carry over to “No Kings” on June 14.
But she noted that “the energy felt different this time … and it’s so much bigger than the services and programs we are losing as individuals. The patriotism is palpable. We want democracy and the rule of law. We want due process and reality-based governance. We want humane treatment of immigrants and children, and to honor our veterans. We want kindness, not cruelty. Simply put, we want decency. This is the country that we want to be. And if we continue to stand up and join together, I know it’s the country we can be.”
Cynthia said it so much better than I ever could, so I will let her words speak for me.
Dawn Bell
Fredericktown