Will You Stand Up For Your Country?

Dear Editor,

On Saturday, June 14, a massive military parade costing 45 million dollars, ordered by President Trump, will take place in Washington.  This kind of parade is more commonly staged in authoritarian countries like Russia. (Coincidentally, June 14 is also the president's 79th   birthday.)  While this opulent display of military power is happening in the nation's Capital, a different kind of power will be on display across the country. 

On June 14, over a million patriotic Americans in 1500 communities, including several in rural Southwest Wisconsin, will gather to collectively exercise their power, right and duty as citizens of a democracy to redress their grievances against the government.  Rallies will be held to protest the policies of the Trump administration that benefit the wealthy at the at the expense of everyone else; their corruption and lack of accountability; their disregard for the rule of law; and their budget cuts that threaten the health and safety of our people and stifle scientific innovation.

Unfortunately, many millions of Americans who are outraged by what is happening  in our country will not be participating in those rallies.  Some may believe such protests are a waste of their time. Some may fear violence. Some just don't see themselves as the kind of people who join protests.    

Yes, in the short run, protests alone are not the whole solution; but they are important to let the Trump administration know that we won't be intimidated by tactics to repress dissent. Also your participation shows your support for the dedicated people inside government who are working to preserve our democracy;  those outside government who, at great personal risk,  have spoken out about wrong doing; and those who have been harmed by government actions.

The Trump administration wants you to believe that the protesters are all radical left wing agitators. But all recent protests have been peaceful, attended by ordinary patriotic citizens living in the community,      

These unprecedented times call for us to take unprecedented action, stepping outside  of our comfort zones to join with others in resisting an authoritarian administration. Time is not on our side. Waiting two years for the next congressional election in hope that things will be better is a strategy that just emboldens the administration and makes it more likely to see our rights crushed.  

Indivisible SW Wisconsin is sponsoring a rally on June 14 from noon until 2:00 in Dodgeville. We will meet at the corner of of W. Fountain and Montgomery Streets and march together three blocks to the Iowa County Courthouse. US Representative Mark Pocan and other speakers will address the rally.  Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food pantries.  Stand up for your country. Come to the rally and bring a friend.    

Allen Pincus

Barneveld, WI