#nokings 6/14/2025

Today we protested. Early counts are saying over 5 million people across the country and world took to the streets to protest No Kings.

Here in Casa Grande, AZ, we had a car parade. It was 108 degrees here today. The sun shined bright and even with the heat we showed up. That is what we must all do now. Show up. Safely, at protests. Posting on social media. With our friends. With our families. Show up. Talk about the world and how we are feeling. We are NOT alone. The world is watching us make history.

I wanted to share a story about a woman I talked to today, Annie. We cried and smiled and laughed as she told me her story. She is the daughter of immigrants, the mother of a deployed soldier. She is all of us. Annie shared with me that her son joined the Army at 17, the day after the insurrection. It made me remember after 9/11 how men and women were ready to fight for our freedom and joined the military and how together we felt as a country supporting them. How scared I was watching that news. And it made me think of our younger generations and how scary this must feel for them.

Annie, pausing to gather herself shared how her son was so proud and happy to serve his country, protect the people if his country. He ended up re-upping for another six years. Her heart is heavy as he is currently deployed. She shared a last comment that she was happy he was deployed. That meant he wouldn't have to be in Los Angeles, or one of the other cities where our own troops are being ordered to withhold our constitutional rights to protest peacefully.

Today, I am embarrassed and scared for our troops at the same time. I know many of them do not agree with their orders. However, we train our soldiers to follow orders. What a scary and challenging time for them, for all of us.

Together we can fight facism. We have to show up, not to fight, but to support each other through these confusing, scary days.

Much love and appreciation to Annie and her family!!

Love Always,

Chanda