Oops!…started thinking about porta potties (!), and turning off our biometrics, first aid & de-escalation training. Phew! Luckily, we have a kind & supportive police chief, who will look out for us. It’s small potatoes, but nevertheless, important to consider all of these suggestions. Our state legislature is hopefully in the process of voting down drone surveillance…but we’ve been cautioned (by same police chief) that he’s heard rumors of agitators. On the news tonight, officials all seem to be pointing towards Saturday & time for the people to stand up. We’ll give it a go! Bless us all!🙏🤞💕
You put yourself in physical danger by believing in such a thing as a kind and supportive police chief. The police and their leadership wish you harm. They are on Trump's side.
(To continue, lol)…local Indivisible group…spoken with several of us personally, and our blue mayor & city councilors all vouch for him. Fingers crossed!
Trump wants protests to get ugly. He will use every criminal at his disposal to instigate violence. He has begun his military occupation. This is not a drill.
Back when we marched against the war in Vietnam we worried about dogs, fire hoses, and the occasional Billy club. It’s so different now. But this 72 year old, who walks with a knee brace and walking stick, will not be deterred. I have my sign ready and I am prepared. I expect trouble. I’m in the capital of TX, a blue city, and a huge burr under the tail of our tRump loving governor. But still I will march.
I'm in a small town in Michigan, and I walk with a walker now (with a seat). That's not going to stop me - just slow me down. Bringing other friends my age too.
I love this, even though it's scary and dangerous for you senior folks! We used to call it Grey Power. Here in Canada, one famous group was started in the late 1980's with the Raging Grannies in British Columbia. They were wise elder wisdom keepers, once the Flower Power generation of hippies who first protested in the 60's, and who knew the importance of speaking out. Our generation hasn't lost the spirit.
And we remember.
We must keep the truth, speak the truth, and march to the truth. We hope that we successfully pass the torch along to our kids, our grands and now our great-grands because the times they are again a changin'
Bless you, my Canadian friend! A bunch of us are old hippies, myself included, but some of us are conservative elders who believe with us that our country has lost its way. We have determination and resolve on our side. We may be slowed by age but our fire for our democracy burns white hot. Onward!!
I lived in both Texas (N Dallas area) and Michigan now and so proud of both for so many people show up to protest. Thank you both for showing up to yours.
See you there, Clare. I’ll be 72 in August and am a bit afraid because of our governor. I don’t want to become a part of a tragedy, but instead want to be a sign of love for my country and its people who are willing to stand up and just say no.
Excellent!! Just be aware of your surroundings. Be with other peaceful people. I too am afraid that Hot Wheels is going to be extra hard on Austin because he hates us. But we have a RIGHT to protest! Onward!
My goodness, how things have changed since my protesting days back in the late sixty's and early seventies. Your letter tonight was extremely important and a real eye-opener for me. My hopes for Saturday are that folks turn out in the millions all across the land and beyond. We'll be making history and in the process,send a message so loud, that even the Armed forces will stand down. God bless you, Gloria, you are a True Patriot and I'm honored to call you friend 🙏 and will reStack ASAP 💯👍
Albuquerque. The rally is no where near downtown, rather an open park in the northwest part of the city. A 4 hour event being described as more a party and celebration than a political rally. Face painting and picnics, food trucks and a dance event, a pretend parade to mock and laugh at, costumes encouraged and hopes for high spirits amidst the seriousness of our reality.
I'll be there but someone's turned the heat up here in the high desert. Temperatures nearing 100°.
I need to be there, to be a part of the physical manifestation of our trauma, anger and frustrations 🫤, for as long as this aging body can take it.
But my heart hurts even as the americans prepares to turn out en masse to protest and resist the fascist regime I never thought was possible.
My heart hurts as rethuglicans blame a US Senator for being taken down by thugs for asking a question. It hurts as I see the national guard sleeping on metal floors without food or water, facing their fellow citizens with shields and riot gear.
My heart hurts as political theater runs rampant and women die in parking lots, as we try to live our lives as the existential threats become reality and there's not enough money for those of us who struggle to just get by, as ice agents chase the undocumented through fields of ripe strawberries into a mist of fear, uncertainty and terror, as courthouses, schools and hospitals become the hunting grounds for thugs and secret agents.
My heart hurts, all the time as I try to control the only thing I can, me, sometimes flailing about in confusion and anger, but mostly just hanging on, trying to get through each day without my head exploding.
Grateful that I can be there, in Nashville. It’s going to be huge. I appreciate the advice but I’m a bad example, sorry. I’ve been to many demonstrations over the years, and I can at times be as fearful as anyone, but this doesn’t scare me. The idea of missing it scares me more, it’s going to be so great. Got my sign ready!
My husband and I are in our 60’s and we plan on showing up here in deep red Missouri. Now more than ever we have to be brave and clear eyed! Send the message from everywhere NO KINGS!!!
Even in our small town of maybe 35,000, we’re gearing up & readying for Saturday. Our peacekeepers have trained, we’re likely to draw upwards of 300, based upon Mobilize signups so far. Indivisible chapter of 50-100 members has just
It is chilling to know that these steps are required- I fear a modern day Kent State event, as I am old enough to remember that occurrence and the reaction throughout the country. We all have the awareness of how Trump and the administration will retaliate when the masses protest his actions.
Seeing video after video after video of people sitting, being peaceful, even following orders, and they’re still getting shot with rubber bullet, tear gas and beaten by police. The bully who wants your lunch money wants you to sit. He doesn’t stop just because you’re being peaceful. They still beat you to intimidate you and then take what they want. And if you fight back that gives an excuse to use force against you. The best advice is to try to have an escape route at all times.
Unfortunately its a situation where if you sit and stay peaceful you are a cow being lead to slaughter. If you go for violence they have justification to start shooting. So its a no win. If you go to protest you just have to expect you will be injured or worse. It wont matter what ppl do unless they are ready to fight and win a civil war. 1/3 of the country views the other 1/3 as the enemy and the last 1/3 will sit on the side and see who wins and adapt.
I protested and marched kms and kms in Caracas. That’s why I claim I have the tear gassed T shirt. Unfortunately, some hot heads resorted to violence which gave the regime goons the excuse they were looking for. And …
IMO you can differentiate yourself from the fachos. If you respond to Violence or engage in it you will play into their script. It has been done before. It CAN be done.
There has to be a visual/ ‘filmable’ and noticeable difference from the ones stoking violence. Been there, done that and got the tear gassed T shirt from our protests in Caracas, Venezuela.
Good point. Inthink sitting is good to show peaceful intentions but only if it’s easy enough to get back up! We need to be watchful and prepared for quick changes.
bringing these updated protest rules so clearly into your space for your readers, with your own commentary alongside, is necessary work. You give no false reassurance here, and this is what serves now. To read this through your eyes—grounded in past experience and exact about what is required now—helps anchor the urgency without tipping it into alarm.
And your poem at the close—this is where words truly carry. No need for volume, it holds steady where courage meets care. Carry water. Carry names. Carry your small, unyielding hope. Yes.
I also count this as a response to MARCH—fully fitting for this prompt and this moment. It meets both.
While reading, one thought kept returning. I would have wished for a few one-word intentions included—simple anchors for the day: Dignity. Presence. Courage. Care. Solidarity. Witness.
And from my own experience here, where I seldom feel truly safe in crowds for different reasons, I’d add this: know the layout of the place you enter. At all times. Know where the exits are. Stay aware where the crowd thickens or thins. Know where transport can be reached quickly. Here, many quietly place a bike or e-scooter near the grounds the day before. Burner phones cannot be bought here—in case we intend to disturb protest actions, our phones and gadgets stay at home.
And always carry a small notebook and pen. Write down what you witness the moment you feel safe enough to do so. Memory can slip fast under stress. Written words hold what needs to be kept.
Thank you for sharing this here. It carries more than advice—it carries care through clear ground.
Great post Gloria . Here in Rochester NY alone we are having over 30 no kings marches . Every one that an protest do it but be safe about it , Hugs love and peace to all
Oops!…started thinking about porta potties (!), and turning off our biometrics, first aid & de-escalation training. Phew! Luckily, we have a kind & supportive police chief, who will look out for us. It’s small potatoes, but nevertheless, important to consider all of these suggestions. Our state legislature is hopefully in the process of voting down drone surveillance…but we’ve been cautioned (by same police chief) that he’s heard rumors of agitators. On the news tonight, officials all seem to be pointing towards Saturday & time for the people to stand up. We’ll give it a go! Bless us all!🙏🤞💕
many posts have stated during a disruption SIT down, for the police line of sight clear to the disrupters.
…but others have suggested that isn’t helpful for old grammas who can’t get up quickly…& tear gas sinks, so sitting down will make it worse.
The National Guard is now being told to be on standby for unrest in Texas and Missouri ahead of planned weekend protests.
If there are drones:
**Put your mask on and keep it on**
Consider labeling yourself:
Get a yellow postie note and a black sharpie
Write some innocuous common noun, like "coffee cup," on the postie
Affix the postie to your mask
Because, if it works, bad data is worse than no data 😀
You put yourself in physical danger by believing in such a thing as a kind and supportive police chief. The police and their leadership wish you harm. They are on Trump's side.
(To continue, lol)…local Indivisible group…spoken with several of us personally, and our blue mayor & city councilors all vouch for him. Fingers crossed!
This police chief has visited with our local Indivisible
Trump wants protests to get ugly. He will use every criminal at his disposal to instigate violence. He has begun his military occupation. This is not a drill.
Back when we marched against the war in Vietnam we worried about dogs, fire hoses, and the occasional Billy club. It’s so different now. But this 72 year old, who walks with a knee brace and walking stick, will not be deterred. I have my sign ready and I am prepared. I expect trouble. I’m in the capital of TX, a blue city, and a huge burr under the tail of our tRump loving governor. But still I will march.
I'm in a small town in Michigan, and I walk with a walker now (with a seat). That's not going to stop me - just slow me down. Bringing other friends my age too.
Bravo!! We may be older but we are unstoppable!!! Onward!!
Bring flowers for the cops/soldiers and put a Kent State reference on your sign/shirt
I love this, even though it's scary and dangerous for you senior folks! We used to call it Grey Power. Here in Canada, one famous group was started in the late 1980's with the Raging Grannies in British Columbia. They were wise elder wisdom keepers, once the Flower Power generation of hippies who first protested in the 60's, and who knew the importance of speaking out. Our generation hasn't lost the spirit.
And we remember.
We must keep the truth, speak the truth, and march to the truth. We hope that we successfully pass the torch along to our kids, our grands and now our great-grands because the times they are again a changin'
Be safe out there! ❤️🇨🇦
Bless you, my Canadian friend! A bunch of us are old hippies, myself included, but some of us are conservative elders who believe with us that our country has lost its way. We have determination and resolve on our side. We may be slowed by age but our fire for our democracy burns white hot. Onward!!
Hear, hearsister. Theres 3 of us, 73, 67, and 73 y.o. we are still fiesty!, this will be my 7th protest this year.
You are a hero!! We cannot be stopped! We know the fight may be hard but we are ready! Bravo to you for being feisty and for not giving in. Onward!
I'm in the same city - can't be there, mobility impairment makes me a nuisance until I'm a liability.
Cops in our city are very proficient with drones. Keep an ear out for trees moving oddly in the branches. Resist the urge to look up - just move away
I lived in both Texas (N Dallas area) and Michigan now and so proud of both for so many people show up to protest. Thank you both for showing up to yours.
See you there, Clare. I’ll be 72 in August and am a bit afraid because of our governor. I don’t want to become a part of a tragedy, but instead want to be a sign of love for my country and its people who are willing to stand up and just say no.
Excellent!! Just be aware of your surroundings. Be with other peaceful people. I too am afraid that Hot Wheels is going to be extra hard on Austin because he hates us. But we have a RIGHT to protest! Onward!
Me2! Here in Fort Worth. Let’s go!
My goodness, how things have changed since my protesting days back in the late sixty's and early seventies. Your letter tonight was extremely important and a real eye-opener for me. My hopes for Saturday are that folks turn out in the millions all across the land and beyond. We'll be making history and in the process,send a message so loud, that even the Armed forces will stand down. God bless you, Gloria, you are a True Patriot and I'm honored to call you friend 🙏 and will reStack ASAP 💯👍
Albuquerque. The rally is no where near downtown, rather an open park in the northwest part of the city. A 4 hour event being described as more a party and celebration than a political rally. Face painting and picnics, food trucks and a dance event, a pretend parade to mock and laugh at, costumes encouraged and hopes for high spirits amidst the seriousness of our reality.
I'll be there but someone's turned the heat up here in the high desert. Temperatures nearing 100°.
I need to be there, to be a part of the physical manifestation of our trauma, anger and frustrations 🫤, for as long as this aging body can take it.
But my heart hurts even as the americans prepares to turn out en masse to protest and resist the fascist regime I never thought was possible.
My heart hurts as rethuglicans blame a US Senator for being taken down by thugs for asking a question. It hurts as I see the national guard sleeping on metal floors without food or water, facing their fellow citizens with shields and riot gear.
My heart hurts as political theater runs rampant and women die in parking lots, as we try to live our lives as the existential threats become reality and there's not enough money for those of us who struggle to just get by, as ice agents chase the undocumented through fields of ripe strawberries into a mist of fear, uncertainty and terror, as courthouses, schools and hospitals become the hunting grounds for thugs and secret agents.
My heart hurts, all the time as I try to control the only thing I can, me, sometimes flailing about in confusion and anger, but mostly just hanging on, trying to get through each day without my head exploding.
Just trying....
I’m in ABQ also. At 79 with a number of med issues, I worry that my presence will be more of burden than help to the demo.
The risk was real — but the rules were analog. You could disappear into a crowd. Your face wasn’t a barcode.
I don't think I've ever seen a better analogy than that line.
Grateful that I can be there, in Nashville. It’s going to be huge. I appreciate the advice but I’m a bad example, sorry. I’ve been to many demonstrations over the years, and I can at times be as fearful as anyone, but this doesn’t scare me. The idea of missing it scares me more, it’s going to be so great. Got my sign ready!
Brave! And Bravo!
Thanks 🙏
My husband and I are in our 60’s and we plan on showing up here in deep red Missouri. Now more than ever we have to be brave and clear eyed! Send the message from everywhere NO KINGS!!!
Even in our small town of maybe 35,000, we’re gearing up & readying for Saturday. Our peacekeepers have trained, we’re likely to draw upwards of 300, based upon Mobilize signups so far. Indivisible chapter of 50-100 members has just
It is chilling to know that these steps are required- I fear a modern day Kent State event, as I am old enough to remember that occurrence and the reaction throughout the country. We all have the awareness of how Trump and the administration will retaliate when the masses protest his actions.
I love the poem💞
It is rumored that on June 14th, Proud Boys, and alt.. right groups plan to infiltrate the protests, attack the police and destroy property.
If violence breaks out at your protest sit DOWN.
Leave only the provocateurs standing
Please share far and wide. Do not let them provoke you
Seeing video after video after video of people sitting, being peaceful, even following orders, and they’re still getting shot with rubber bullet, tear gas and beaten by police. The bully who wants your lunch money wants you to sit. He doesn’t stop just because you’re being peaceful. They still beat you to intimidate you and then take what they want. And if you fight back that gives an excuse to use force against you. The best advice is to try to have an escape route at all times.
Situations change quickly, but the last thing we want to do is walk right into the fascist's fangs. That is what they are expecting.
Unfortunately its a situation where if you sit and stay peaceful you are a cow being lead to slaughter. If you go for violence they have justification to start shooting. So its a no win. If you go to protest you just have to expect you will be injured or worse. It wont matter what ppl do unless they are ready to fight and win a civil war. 1/3 of the country views the other 1/3 as the enemy and the last 1/3 will sit on the side and see who wins and adapt.
I protested and marched kms and kms in Caracas. That’s why I claim I have the tear gassed T shirt. Unfortunately, some hot heads resorted to violence which gave the regime goons the excuse they were looking for. And …
IMO you can differentiate yourself from the fachos. If you respond to Violence or engage in it you will play into their script. It has been done before. It CAN be done.
Venezuela 2.0
Sitting down can be quite dangerous! If people start running, you may be kicked, trampled, etc.
I hope everyone remains safe, but it’s certainly better to be prepared! Sending love and light to all those who attend!
There has to be a visual/ ‘filmable’ and noticeable difference from the ones stoking violence. Been there, done that and got the tear gassed T shirt from our protests in Caracas, Venezuela.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK1DZNfMd0w/?igsh=NjIzN2l1Z3duaTli THIS IS WHAT I Mean. You can clearly SEE👁️👁️ who the agressor is in THIS scenario.
Good point. Inthink sitting is good to show peaceful intentions but only if it’s easy enough to get back up! We need to be watchful and prepared for quick changes.
Obviously, one should try to stay safe from both the "police" and the infiltrators
Gloria—
bringing these updated protest rules so clearly into your space for your readers, with your own commentary alongside, is necessary work. You give no false reassurance here, and this is what serves now. To read this through your eyes—grounded in past experience and exact about what is required now—helps anchor the urgency without tipping it into alarm.
And your poem at the close—this is where words truly carry. No need for volume, it holds steady where courage meets care. Carry water. Carry names. Carry your small, unyielding hope. Yes.
I also count this as a response to MARCH—fully fitting for this prompt and this moment. It meets both.
While reading, one thought kept returning. I would have wished for a few one-word intentions included—simple anchors for the day: Dignity. Presence. Courage. Care. Solidarity. Witness.
And from my own experience here, where I seldom feel truly safe in crowds for different reasons, I’d add this: know the layout of the place you enter. At all times. Know where the exits are. Stay aware where the crowd thickens or thins. Know where transport can be reached quickly. Here, many quietly place a bike or e-scooter near the grounds the day before. Burner phones cannot be bought here—in case we intend to disturb protest actions, our phones and gadgets stay at home.
And always carry a small notebook and pen. Write down what you witness the moment you feel safe enough to do so. Memory can slip fast under stress. Written words hold what needs to be kept.
Thank you for sharing this here. It carries more than advice—it carries care through clear ground.
I will be peacefully protesting in NYC with 5 friends. NO KINGS! 💪✊♥️
Restacked. In no position to physically join Saturday, but my hopes go with everyone who can.
Stay safe; be heard; make Good Trouble; get home in one piece.
Great post Gloria . Here in Rochester NY alone we are having over 30 no kings marches . Every one that an protest do it but be safe about it , Hugs love and peace to all
Drape yourselves on the flag. It’s an image thing. Any attacks on you will be seen as attacks on America, democracy, freedom. Image matters.
I agree. Hold a flag. wear a flag.