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The Power of the People is Rising
This week, we witnessed something extraordinary—not from those in power, but from us, the people.
Despite fascist tactics by the Trump administration—from politicizing a speech at Fort Bragg to trying to impose himself on the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army and even ordering Marines and National Guard into Los Angeles—the American people rose in defiance. We met authoritarian fearmongering not with violence but with collective courage and joy. Millions stood shoulder to shoulder across more than 2,100 cities and towns for NO KINGS: Day of Defiance. This nationwide mass mobilization marked the largest coordinated protest since Trump's return to office.
From jubilant block parties to bold, peaceful marches, families, workers, immigrants, and neighbors of every kind came together to make a simple yet radical truth undeniable: we do not answer to kings. Even as military units lined our streets and threats poured in from above, Americans across the country reminded the world of our democratic heritage—not by saluting power, but by resisting it.
Estimates say 6 and 10 million people participated, making NO KINGS the third largest protest in U.S. history. That's not just a number—it's a deafening roar of people power, echoing across generations and through every corner of this country. It is a rejection of tyranny and a celebration of the enduring strength of democracy.
What better way to mark the 250th birthday of America's Army than by defending the very freedoms it was created to protect? While Trump tried to wrap himself in the military's legacy, Americans honored that legacy the right way—by standing up for liberty, dignity, and justice for all. As the people filled streets from coast to coast, they showed the nation—and the world—that in America, the people rule.
And yet, this movement is not just about one day. It's about the deep worry millions of Americans feel about our fragile democracy. It's about a growing awareness that something is wrong when Trump and his Republican enablers are seen by many as "profiting personally from government decisions or information and abusing government power to punish critics or reward allies." The public sees what's happening. Republicans in Congress "know better but are too spineless." And those closest to Trump? They're widely viewed as "Yes men," putting party over country and loyalty to one man above their duty to the Constitution.
This is the moral and civic crisis we face and the opportunity for renewal. The crowds gathered this week weren't just protesting—they were organizing, reclaiming, and reaffirming that we do not bow to tyrants and do not wait to be saved. Civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer once said, "Nobody's free until everybody's free."
We are not free when peaceful protest is met with militarized suppression.
We are not free when political power is used to punish dissent and reward corruption.
But we will be free—because we refuse to give our power away.
As historian
warned in 2017:"Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what to do. Anticipatory obedience is a political tragedy."
That tragedy ends with us.
This week, we proved that we will not obey in advance. We will not accept corruption, cruelty, or cowardice as the cost of living in this country. We will speak out, stand up, and rise together.
Well done, America. The spirit of democracy is alive and unbreakable.
And as long as we remember where real power lives—in the hands of the people—we will not lose it.
Next up: Good Trouble Lives On: A Day of Action, Thursday, July 17th at 6 PM Eastern (check for your time zone). Click here to signup or get more details.
People Power United champions progress and power to the people
In this community, we will always take action and speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry in all its forms!
We are a group of people who believe in the possibility of change—and work every day to make it happen. Join us by taking action and speaking out to champion progress and power to the people!
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Disappeared in America
Trump thinks he can disappear people. We’re building a movement to prove him wrong.
In America, the government doesn’t get to grab people off the streets, skip the courtroom, and send them straight to a foreign prison. That’s not who we are. But that’s what happened to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Rui Marras, Juan Maldonado Zuniga, and so many others.
Join a host call on Tuesday, June 17 at 8:00 PM ET to learn why this moment matters, how sheriffs play a central role in this crisis, and what you can do to push back — starting in your own community.
On Thursday, June 26, there will be a “Disappeared in America” day of action to stand up for the rule of law and stop this abuse of power.
In Minnesota, State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were tragically assassinated by a gunman targeting left-leaning leaders. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette are recovering. Our hearts are with their families and communities in this time of sorrow.
Happy Father’s Day to all who fill that role! We appreciate your love and guidance!
We are not just resisting—we are reclaiming, rebuilding, and rising. Let’s do it together.
With fierce resolve and people power,
Laurie Woodward Garcia
People Power United
Together, we can inspire progress and create a community where everyone can thrive!
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