Last weekend, I attended a love America freedom rally. There was music, there was community, and there were plenty of people dressed in whimsical inflatables.
But there was one thing missing.
The resistance has still not found its rallying cry. We’re still talking about all the things we don’t want, but we’re not offering our plan for the future. Until we are able to clearly state what we stand for, not just against, we aren’t going to achieve the unity necessary for making our dreams a reality.
Positive words change hearts
We all need to recognize that every time we gather in a crowd, it’s an opportunity to make our case. Every time we see a camera, it’s a chance to share our message.
Our message has to be more than “no fascists,” “no tyrants,” “no kings.”
We have to stop saying “no” and start saying “yes.”
I understand that people are scared. I’m scared too. I’m scared about how much healthcare is going to cost for my wife and kids over the next year. I’m scared about the encroachments upon our civil liberties. I’m scared about the idea of deploying the US military in our cities.
But I also feel that the time for warnings has passed. All we’ve done over the last 10 years is offer warnings. If there’s one thing we should have learned, it’s that people don’t change their minds if you scream about the dangers of abstract concepts.
Our message has to be more tangible. We have to tap into the power of our shared humanity.
We must reject hate in all its forms
Too often, we have indulged in the same form of hateful rhetoric as our opponents. Like anyone else, I laughed at the humorous and insulting signs that I read when I was out marching with my fellow patriots.
However, I didn’t carry an insulting sign. I didn’t carry a sign at all. When I got dressed for the event, I selected a simple blue t-shirt with the words “elect women” on the front. Simply pulling that shirt on made me feel better because I was embracing a positive idea. I wasn’t thinking about a world corrupted by tyrants, or fascists, or kings.
Instead, I found my thoughts occupied with dreams of a better future. I considered all the benefits of following compassionate leaders who have demonstrated they care about humanity.
During the day, many people approached me and wanted to talk. They had smiles on their faces. Some wore expressions of gratitude. One elderly woman even asked if she could give me a hug.
“Imagine a world where women lead,” I said. “I think there’d be less corruption.”
I am a girl dad. This is the future I want for my daughters. Really, who can begrudge me for promoting this message?
Words that resonate
It has never been more important to reflect on our words. Too often, we allow our frustration to control us. We get carried away with witticisms that do not align with our fundamental values.
We provoke a laugh, but no fundamental change.
When it comes right down to it, I don’t want to see anyone punished. I don’t want to see people insulted.
Instead, I want to see people treated with respect and dignity.
Let’s provide an alternative
I suspect that the American public hasn’t taken to the streets for the last time. In the next round of demonstrations, we should express our hopes for the future.
The reality is that times are hard right now and all indications are that even harder days are ahead. In the rural community where I live, hospitals are already closing. Food is getting more expensive.
People who have worked hard all their lives on the promise of a dignified retirement, are finding themselves on waiting lists for critical surgeries. These surgeries might be the difference between another 20 years of life where they can be an asset to their grandkids, or dying at a relatively young age.
It’s heartbreaking to consider how many worthy individuals will be deprived of the reward of their golden years. Are there really people out there who want to see this happen?
Doesn’t everyone want the opportunity to age in peace?
This is the message we need to share. When we make our signs, we should be clear about our humanitarian objectives.
We want healthcare for the elderly.
We want healthcare for our children.
We even want healthcare for our political rivals. After all, aren’t we all Americans? I know that I don’t want to see anyone die because they got stuck on a waiting list for a necessary surgery.
Let’s make that our message.
“Healthcare for all!”
Why are we afraid to say what we want?
Let’s make an unapologetic demand for a better society. When people who think they are our opponents drive by and look at our signs, they’ll have the startling realization that we are the same.
We won’t get there with “No Kings!”
But we might get there with, “Protect our kids!”
There are so many things we can talk about. Our children should have access to better schools. Why shouldn’t the children of the United States of America have the best education in the world? We want higher wages for farmers and mechanics and every sort of laborer.
We want a society where people have opportunities. We want a society where people can work hard, better themselves, buy a house, and raise a family.
We don’t have that now.
All we want is basic respect
We have to send a reminder that we have the power to implement productive changes in our government. All that’s required is unity.
We stand for unity.
The United States of America was the first nation in the world to give the power of governance to the people. Let’s use it! Let’s demand better treatment. Because the fact is that we the people are not being treated well by our government today.
Once we get over the negative slogans, I think we’ll be able to agree. Everybody knows that everything has gotten more expensive. Groceries, cars, education, rent, eggs—we can’t afford anything. But we can’t succumb to frustration. We can’t lash out in anger.
Let’s be mindful of our words. Let’s be mindful of our message. Let’s not just react to our problems, but take the additional step of offering solutions.
United we stand
Perhaps the most important thing to recognize is that our opponent is not any single person. Our opponent is not a political party. Our opponent is not our neighbors.
Our opponent is injustice.
It’s time that we took to the streets and demanded fair and equitable treatment for ALL Americans.
We must demand a functional government that stands for decency, accountability, humanity and mutual prosperity.
The next time you engage in fellowship with your neighbors and take to the streets, allow yourself a few quiet moments to consider what you wish to say. It’s time to put aside the childish signs of mockery and contempt. This movement isn’t about kings.
This movement is about our kids. This movement is about your kids. Stop saying “no.” Start saying “yes.” Reflect on the changes necessary that will allow our families to not only survive, but thrive.
Together, let’s create the blueprint that will allow us to fulfill the undelivered promise of this country.
This isn’t too much for “we the people” to ask.
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