Imagine if the 7 million people who showed up on No Kings Day demanded more. What if we painted a picture of the world we want to live in. Not just “No Kings” or “No Trump.” Not just telling everyone what we’re against, but showing everyone what we are for.
I led a No Kings demonstration on October 18th in our neighborhood which is in Manhattan, uptown from Times Square. The demonstration posted on the No Kings website garnered more than 1000 participants for the event on West 125th Street. My motivation for an alternative site was for seniors like me who can no longer manage the walking part of the main Manhattan events or the subway commute. The diverse large and enthusiastic crowd of about 1500 people showed how important local action is. I sent a press release to many media sources, including local NYC ones but none picked up on it. The only coverage was from Columbia Uni’s student run publication, The Spectator.
Kudo's to you Ms. Brecker (although in this neighborhood there's a good chance it's Dr. Brecker 😄!). I live at 99th & Broadway. I love the idea of a small scale alternative to the massive crowds in midtown. Inclusion is power!! 😘
The media is as corrupt as the politicians. If you want to know the truth, go to my Substack and read the two page introduction letter. Tell your friends.
My guess is an economic boycott. Now Spotify stock sank 5 % yesterday when the info came out that they were running ICE requitement ads. Similar to Disney being impacted. It comes down to the info getting out and we know that folks want to do this. They want to make an impact. So hit them buggers in their pocketbooks, they will sit up and take notice. Thanks Michael, good to hear from you!
Boycotts can hurt the establishment's pocketbook. They are inconvenient to boycotters, but if they are well planned and massive enough they might amplify a message.
Michael, I wonder if the 7 million people who demonstrated on No Kings Day, or—for that matter—everyone who wants to participate in this experiment, would write down their top 10 issues they are for, how many of those would overlap? Here are my top 10:
1. Free quality education no matter where you live, pre-k to post graduate
2. A living wage for all working people to be able to afford decent housing, nutritious food and paid time off for acute family emergencies and vacation.
3. Guaranteed free quality healthcare for all
4. Quality, affordable child care for pre-school age children
5. Quality nursing homes and in-home elder care as appropriate
6. Term limits for congressional representatives and prohibition to lobby Congress after their term is completed
7. Complete overhaul of the Criminal Justice System, supporting reintegration into society and eliminating for profit detention centers/jails
8. Reversal of Citizens United
9. Absolute power of war for Congress, not the President
I participated in a no kings march in Boca Raton, Fl. At a time when I was feeling hopeless, it gave me hope. The number of people that showed up was awesome but better the cheers from the cars passing by gave me feel that change is coming.
We need to fight with our wallets as a large group again those supporting Trump financially….but damn- Amazon is a strong addiction.
At 86 I was in my first very bad vehicle accident. I didn't want to go on but in this "free" country I didn't have a choice. During the recovery I continued my life long wish to be as informed as possible about what is happening in my country. I settled then, rather enthusiastically, to see how this Trump madness plays out. Keep up your work Michael. It cheers me along with many others. Joan Ragan
I read that Steve Bannon told the Economist that they have a plan for trump to be elected for a third term in 2028. Should we be mobilizing to address that also?
Bannon said Trump will be president in 28, but not which Trump. I think they are grooming Baron because Daddy will be 83 then and he’s showing major problems already!
We don't have to wait for another BIG EVENT. We can get politically active in any number of ways ourselves. Just Google "how to help Democrats" or be more specific and ask "how to help Democrats in [your state, your city]." You'll be able to donate, time, money, expertise. IMO it's much more satisfying to do something to remedy a bad situation (and it is really bad now) than to worry, complain, and hope someone else does something.
Me, I'm sending out letters to carefully selected Democrats in CA in support of Proposition 50 which helps remedy the gross gerrymandering the GOP perpetrated in TX and is trying to do elsewhere. And I always add a note to urge people not only to vote but to get others to vote. It's called "tripling." Oh, and I'm writing this comment to urge you to get politically active. There are great books out there to explain how to run and win local elections. Very helpful since as Tip O'Neill once said, all politics is local. Now be well, smile at others, and eat your veggies. And do what you can. Your country needs you.
Nothing will change as long as Trump's harem of Barbie and GI Joe doll appointees is shut away in a closet in a room locked in a maximum security prison as befits a guild responsible for crimes against humanity, and Trump himself is locked up in a loony bin with a Nurse Ratchet. For that, the military and the Supreme Court must get real. And that's what must be demanded: full accountability to the people by the military and the courts as required by the Constitution, not the rule of money.
The big problem, IMO, is that as long as the Electoral College elects the President, the Gerrymandering of the Republican Party will continue to allow a minority of the country to elect Trumps and their lackeys. As long as the Supreme Court reigns with Trump’s majority, Justices that were approved because they fucking lied and, worse, were believed, then perhaps what this country needs is more than protests, but sacrifice - a peaceful war. What if everyone decided to call in sick to work - one day month one, two days month two, three days month three, and so on. In the final analysis, it’s business that can force the government to change. Alas, it’s still “follow the money”.
Michael, this will go on and on. This morning, I heard the actual count of No Kings day was 8.3 million. I'm not a woo-woo girl, but truly, love is stronger than hate. When you contrast our joyful laughter with their scowling, nasty-spewing rants, .... they WILL burn out, flame out, if you will, in time. But Indivisible is not sitting on the sidelines, but joining in talks with the other supporting groups, to register voters, to write and call their Congresspeople, to write letters to the editor of local newspapers to get published, to keep up the gatherings, both large and small, to give money and encourage taking lawless trump to court.
This country was made by STRONG, FEARLESS people, overthrowing a king -- we are not timid and scared. We do not want to be billionaires, but have ENOUGH to enjoy life and share with our neighbors, be they next door or across the nation. I'm invigorated, and as Rachel says, "History has found us. This is our time to fight for our nation."
Yes Mike, let people describe the society in which they want to live: free, safe, happy, kind, considerate, democratic - or whatever. Being against Trump is not enough. He's horrible and without any redeeming qualities, but what sort of society do the American people want when his suffocating presence ends?
What we need is a serious response for all the mega crap being spread out. trump is one man, his maggots are spread out promoting lies, rule breaking and destroying our institutions. My recommendations are 1) Do not yield on budget unless it restores all the needs of common folks, namely health, social and education. 2) Regain House and Senate as if our lives hang on it. Modify constitution to put guard rails back without further delay to expand supreme court and codify women's right. 3) Add statuary requirements to disbar criminals, crooks, convicts from ever reaching high office, regardless of the party. The republican party, based on their performance, should be declared a traitor organization. Let individuals decide if they need to be kicked out of governance into oblivion.
1. We need an all-of-the-above strategy. A targeted economic boycott, a national strike, local organizing, letters to editors, social media, mass demonstrations, and positive messaging all matter even if for different reasons in different communities.
2. We need to disrupt the disruptors. We need to make every Republican -- from Congress to the Courthouse -- responsible for this mess, including our neighbors. "Moderate Republican" is an oxymoron. If they were moderate, they wouldn't be Republicans. They don't have to be Democrats, but they can't be Republicans.
3. Show our colors. I'm the only one in my group willing to wear Democratic t-shirts and put Democratic messages on my car. Republicans need to see that Democrats exist in their midst and understand that we are neighbors, not faceless enemies. No, my car has not been keyed.
4. I would love to see an event where half a million people with positive messages surround the White House and Mar-a-Lago, making access available only helicopter.
Our country needs to heal, to repair as much as possible the great divide. Only then can the power of our democracy be realized and sustained. What if everyone put up a yard sign or bumper sticker that said “Love thy Neighbor” — some signs simple and plain, some with “no exceptions” some with “Mark 12:31”? A simple yet potent idea. Think about it ….
I led a No Kings demonstration on October 18th in our neighborhood which is in Manhattan, uptown from Times Square. The demonstration posted on the No Kings website garnered more than 1000 participants for the event on West 125th Street. My motivation for an alternative site was for seniors like me who can no longer manage the walking part of the main Manhattan events or the subway commute. The diverse large and enthusiastic crowd of about 1500 people showed how important local action is. I sent a press release to many media sources, including local NYC ones but none picked up on it. The only coverage was from Columbia Uni’s student run publication, The Spectator.
Good work, Andrea. Creative. I think that retirees are an untapped reservoir if events can accommodate their physical and other challenges. Thank you.
It was set up to accommodate seniors but the large crowd was very diverse across age and nationality. Very much a local neighborhood event.
Good work. Thank you.
Kudo's to you Ms. Brecker (although in this neighborhood there's a good chance it's Dr. Brecker 😄!). I live at 99th & Broadway. I love the idea of a small scale alternative to the massive crowds in midtown. Inclusion is power!! 😘
thank you, Not a doctor. Neither MD or PhD but an activist in the community.
Dear Andrea,
The media is as corrupt as the politicians. If you want to know the truth, go to my Substack and read the two page introduction letter. Tell your friends.
My guess is an economic boycott. Now Spotify stock sank 5 % yesterday when the info came out that they were running ICE requitement ads. Similar to Disney being impacted. It comes down to the info getting out and we know that folks want to do this. They want to make an impact. So hit them buggers in their pocketbooks, they will sit up and take notice. Thanks Michael, good to hear from you!
The ongoing results of the boycott of Target seems to be a good example of the power of economic protest.
Boycotts can hurt the establishment's pocketbook. They are inconvenient to boycotters, but if they are well planned and massive enough they might amplify a message.
National strike for one day…a little reality check🤬 Then if that doesn’t get their attention, step it up a notch…no buying anything🙀
Y E S
Michael, I wonder if the 7 million people who demonstrated on No Kings Day, or—for that matter—everyone who wants to participate in this experiment, would write down their top 10 issues they are for, how many of those would overlap? Here are my top 10:
1. Free quality education no matter where you live, pre-k to post graduate
2. A living wage for all working people to be able to afford decent housing, nutritious food and paid time off for acute family emergencies and vacation.
3. Guaranteed free quality healthcare for all
4. Quality, affordable child care for pre-school age children
5. Quality nursing homes and in-home elder care as appropriate
6. Term limits for congressional representatives and prohibition to lobby Congress after their term is completed
7. Complete overhaul of the Criminal Justice System, supporting reintegration into society and eliminating for profit detention centers/jails
8. Reversal of Citizens United
9. Absolute power of war for Congress, not the President
10. Term limit for the Supreme Court Justices
I participated in a no kings march in Boca Raton, Fl. At a time when I was feeling hopeless, it gave me hope. The number of people that showed up was awesome but better the cheers from the cars passing by gave me feel that change is coming.
We need to fight with our wallets as a large group again those supporting Trump financially….but damn- Amazon is a strong addiction.
I canceled Amazon and only use it when no other options are available.
Trying to withdrawal from it’s convenient pull!
Bezos is the only one who deserves to be a Billionaire- he changed how America shops!!!!
Yes! PS I cancelled my NYTimes subscription due to their (page 23) non coverage of these nation wide protests!
At 86 I was in my first very bad vehicle accident. I didn't want to go on but in this "free" country I didn't have a choice. During the recovery I continued my life long wish to be as informed as possible about what is happening in my country. I settled then, rather enthusiastically, to see how this Trump madness plays out. Keep up your work Michael. It cheers me along with many others. Joan Ragan
I read that Steve Bannon told the Economist that they have a plan for trump to be elected for a third term in 2028. Should we be mobilizing to address that also?
They are going to try however, here is
Heather Cox Richardson- Historian, Harvard University graduate -- on solutions re VOTING - to do !
https://substack.com/@letsgetintoit2025/note/c-169682046?r=1pypb7
Bannon said Trump will be president in 28, but not which Trump. I think they are grooming Baron because Daddy will be 83 then and he’s showing major problems already!
We don't have to wait for another BIG EVENT. We can get politically active in any number of ways ourselves. Just Google "how to help Democrats" or be more specific and ask "how to help Democrats in [your state, your city]." You'll be able to donate, time, money, expertise. IMO it's much more satisfying to do something to remedy a bad situation (and it is really bad now) than to worry, complain, and hope someone else does something.
Me, I'm sending out letters to carefully selected Democrats in CA in support of Proposition 50 which helps remedy the gross gerrymandering the GOP perpetrated in TX and is trying to do elsewhere. And I always add a note to urge people not only to vote but to get others to vote. It's called "tripling." Oh, and I'm writing this comment to urge you to get politically active. There are great books out there to explain how to run and win local elections. Very helpful since as Tip O'Neill once said, all politics is local. Now be well, smile at others, and eat your veggies. And do what you can. Your country needs you.
Great attitude!
Here is Heather Cox Richardson- Historian, Harvard University graduate -- on VOTING
https://substack.com/@letsgetintoit2025/note/c-169682046?r=1pypb7
Nothing will change as long as Trump's harem of Barbie and GI Joe doll appointees is shut away in a closet in a room locked in a maximum security prison as befits a guild responsible for crimes against humanity, and Trump himself is locked up in a loony bin with a Nurse Ratchet. For that, the military and the Supreme Court must get real. And that's what must be demanded: full accountability to the people by the military and the courts as required by the Constitution, not the rule of money.
The big problem, IMO, is that as long as the Electoral College elects the President, the Gerrymandering of the Republican Party will continue to allow a minority of the country to elect Trumps and their lackeys. As long as the Supreme Court reigns with Trump’s majority, Justices that were approved because they fucking lied and, worse, were believed, then perhaps what this country needs is more than protests, but sacrifice - a peaceful war. What if everyone decided to call in sick to work - one day month one, two days month two, three days month three, and so on. In the final analysis, it’s business that can force the government to change. Alas, it’s still “follow the money”.
Or you could follow the valid suggestions that Heather Cox Richardson- Historian, Harvard University graduate -- has on VOTING
https://substack.com/@letsgetintoit2025/note/c-169682046?r=1pypb7
Michael, this will go on and on. This morning, I heard the actual count of No Kings day was 8.3 million. I'm not a woo-woo girl, but truly, love is stronger than hate. When you contrast our joyful laughter with their scowling, nasty-spewing rants, .... they WILL burn out, flame out, if you will, in time. But Indivisible is not sitting on the sidelines, but joining in talks with the other supporting groups, to register voters, to write and call their Congresspeople, to write letters to the editor of local newspapers to get published, to keep up the gatherings, both large and small, to give money and encourage taking lawless trump to court.
This country was made by STRONG, FEARLESS people, overthrowing a king -- we are not timid and scared. We do not want to be billionaires, but have ENOUGH to enjoy life and share with our neighbors, be they next door or across the nation. I'm invigorated, and as Rachel says, "History has found us. This is our time to fight for our nation."
Yes Mike, let people describe the society in which they want to live: free, safe, happy, kind, considerate, democratic - or whatever. Being against Trump is not enough. He's horrible and without any redeeming qualities, but what sort of society do the American people want when his suffocating presence ends?
The POTUS is symptomatic of our society. He was voted in 2x in spite of his corrupt behavior.
What we need is a serious response for all the mega crap being spread out. trump is one man, his maggots are spread out promoting lies, rule breaking and destroying our institutions. My recommendations are 1) Do not yield on budget unless it restores all the needs of common folks, namely health, social and education. 2) Regain House and Senate as if our lives hang on it. Modify constitution to put guard rails back without further delay to expand supreme court and codify women's right. 3) Add statuary requirements to disbar criminals, crooks, convicts from ever reaching high office, regardless of the party. The republican party, based on their performance, should be declared a traitor organization. Let individuals decide if they need to be kicked out of governance into oblivion.
A few things.
1. We need an all-of-the-above strategy. A targeted economic boycott, a national strike, local organizing, letters to editors, social media, mass demonstrations, and positive messaging all matter even if for different reasons in different communities.
2. We need to disrupt the disruptors. We need to make every Republican -- from Congress to the Courthouse -- responsible for this mess, including our neighbors. "Moderate Republican" is an oxymoron. If they were moderate, they wouldn't be Republicans. They don't have to be Democrats, but they can't be Republicans.
3. Show our colors. I'm the only one in my group willing to wear Democratic t-shirts and put Democratic messages on my car. Republicans need to see that Democrats exist in their midst and understand that we are neighbors, not faceless enemies. No, my car has not been keyed.
4. I would love to see an event where half a million people with positive messages surround the White House and Mar-a-Lago, making access available only helicopter.
Thanks for your good work, Michael.
Agree, we need a national strike, peaceful non-violence resistance. Gandhi freed 400 million Indians from English colonialism with peaceful strikes.
We need to adopt the effective and non-violent approach from Gandhi, Pace e Bene, and others.
Maybe these valid suggestions coming from Heather Cox Richardson- Historian, Harvard University graduate -- on VOTING might be helpful too!
https://substack.com/@letsgetintoit2025/note/c-169682046?r=1pypb7
Our country needs to heal, to repair as much as possible the great divide. Only then can the power of our democracy be realized and sustained. What if everyone put up a yard sign or bumper sticker that said “Love thy Neighbor” — some signs simple and plain, some with “no exceptions” some with “Mark 12:31”? A simple yet potent idea. Think about it ….
That is very worthwhile considering. We must dilute hate and greed with compassion.