No Kings, No Dictators: Why June 14 Must Be a Line in the Sand
This week, Donald Trump stood at Fort Bragg and called for civil war, not with his words alone but with the full weight of his symbolism. The base was once renamed Fort Liberty to move us forward. Trump renamed it again to honor Confederate betrayal. That act says everything.
In his speech, Trump erased America. He offered no vision of unity, no call to defend our shared freedoms. Instead, he demanded loyalty to himself and summoned soldiers to prepare for violence against fellow Americans. This was not patriotism. It was fascism wrapped in the flag.
Trump is trying to replace a nation with a cult. In his fantasy, courage is redefined as cruelty, the army is a personal militia, and rights are an inconvenience. His admiration goes to autocrats, not allies. His war is not with enemies abroad, but with dissent at home.
We must name what this is, an attempt at regime change. If we remain passive, the transformation will be swift.
But we are not passive. Across the country, veterans, citizens, and defenders of democracy are rising. June 14, Trump’s birthday, has been reclaimed as No Kings Day.
Show up. Speak out. Remind the world that the United States was built to resist tyrants. And that we still do.
You nailed it. Whether or not you made it, keep showing your opposition to bad policies, and speak truth to (greedy, grasping) power on any side! And remain nonviolent! The demons are salivating at the prospect of a violent anti-guvmint atrocity; in fact this was just perpetrated against two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses (democrats); so it would seem that the (anti-government) demons are trying to start a “race war” (sort of like Charlie Manson), but this time with a much broader coalition of white nationalists, neo-Nazis of any color, and super rich right wing media networks that are already well-documented. The parade is over; but while the world devolves into war, we have been freed from the asylum - The King of Hearts! (See French? Movie)
Thank you, that’s powerfully put. Yes, the only way to defuse their sick game is to stay grounded, speak the truth, and refuse to be baited into violence. They want chaos so they can impose control. But clarity, compassion, and courage are stronger weapons. Keep calling out the lies, keep showing up, and keep the peace.
We create our hellscape and we create our promised land. We. All of us. I wonder about those so inspired to vote for this moron’s morass. Why don’t we forge a new fate. No one but us can do that. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/forging-fate?r=3m1bs
Agree but it is happening. It also depends on who is being surveyed how are the survey questions formulated. So I do not hold too much to polls these days.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing.
IF YOU'RE IN CA OR DC, GO DEMONSTRATE FOR SENATOR ALEX PADILLA (D-CA) WHO WAS WRONGFULLY ARRESTED BY ICE FOE CHALLENGING WACKO KRISTI NOEM'S OUTRAGEOUS ACTIVITIES
We opened the gates and let the Trojan Horse slip in. The foot soldiers within, were well armed and well positioned. They systematically took over the two houses of congress, the judiciary and the remaining institutions. Our social safety nets are shredded, our support systems including education and learning institutions damaged, our way of life and the rule of law is being challenged every day. Where do we go from here? Let us organize and isolate the foot soldiers who form the great wall behind the republicans. Defeat them at their game. The upside-down power pyramid consists of elected members of this party, the deep pockets who are the Rober barons of modern era, The Heritage Foundation, The Federalist Society, ALEC, Citizens United, and the Right-Wing media network. Want more facts? Read "Trojan Horse - Democracy Hijacked", for fifteen chapters of hard-hitting facts. Recommend everyone to read, as we strive to push the Trojan Horse out of our lives.
This is worthy to share and better done and concise than I could have managed just now. As well, later some aside thoughts to ponder. If you will see 'and broad and widely share' Paul Krugman's essay today > "This Is Not A Drill" > https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/this-is-not-a-drill
Rand just now figured out trump is petty?! Pfffffft! He must have fallen down a coal mine shaft and hit his head. Trump wants absolute power absolutely. So far, the Republicans have ceded their power. The only one to stand up have been Democrats and the courts. We are heading down a dark path with our eyes closed at the rate of a speeding train. Thanks, Heather Cox Richardson! Excellent analysis!
That’s a good thought!😉 and it will happen because I don’t think any of us can see anything changing. Every day I keep praying for impeachment. Would love to see both tRump and JD impeached. We can hope for this because so many things are happening that we never thought we’d see again so we’re breaking history in many different ways. Unfortunately, much of it is not good. At least one impeachment of Trump would be nice. Then Democrats can regain control and bigger things will hopefully happen. Slowly, but surely more Republicans are going against Trump.
Thank you Heather. Has anyone actually identified who these people are arresting immigrants or those assaulting Senator Padilla today - some uniforms say ICE, few FBI, most are not uniformed - how do we know these people are not trump thugs pulled off the street? I’m sorry, I am hard-pressed to believe these mass number of FBI agents would act in such vile ways.
No Kings, No Dictators: Why June 14 Must Be a Line in the Sand
This week, Donald Trump stood at Fort Bragg and called for civil war, not with his words alone but with the full weight of his symbolism. The base was once renamed Fort Liberty to move us forward. Trump renamed it again to honor Confederate betrayal. That act says everything.
In his speech, Trump erased America. He offered no vision of unity, no call to defend our shared freedoms. Instead, he demanded loyalty to himself and summoned soldiers to prepare for violence against fellow Americans. This was not patriotism. It was fascism wrapped in the flag.
Trump is trying to replace a nation with a cult. In his fantasy, courage is redefined as cruelty, the army is a personal militia, and rights are an inconvenience. His admiration goes to autocrats, not allies. His war is not with enemies abroad, but with dissent at home.
We must name what this is, an attempt at regime change. If we remain passive, the transformation will be swift.
But we are not passive. Across the country, veterans, citizens, and defenders of democracy are rising. June 14, Trump’s birthday, has been reclaimed as No Kings Day.
Show up. Speak out. Remind the world that the United States was built to resist tyrants. And that we still do.
Perfectly stated. Wake up America.
You nailed it. Whether or not you made it, keep showing your opposition to bad policies, and speak truth to (greedy, grasping) power on any side! And remain nonviolent! The demons are salivating at the prospect of a violent anti-guvmint atrocity; in fact this was just perpetrated against two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses (democrats); so it would seem that the (anti-government) demons are trying to start a “race war” (sort of like Charlie Manson), but this time with a much broader coalition of white nationalists, neo-Nazis of any color, and super rich right wing media networks that are already well-documented. The parade is over; but while the world devolves into war, we have been freed from the asylum - The King of Hearts! (See French? Movie)
Thank you, that’s powerfully put. Yes, the only way to defuse their sick game is to stay grounded, speak the truth, and refuse to be baited into violence. They want chaos so they can impose control. But clarity, compassion, and courage are stronger weapons. Keep calling out the lies, keep showing up, and keep the peace.
We create our hellscape and we create our promised land. We. All of us. I wonder about those so inspired to vote for this moron’s morass. Why don’t we forge a new fate. No one but us can do that. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/forging-fate?r=3m1bs
THE DISAPPROVAL NUMBERS NEED TO BE HIGHER
Agree but it is happening. It also depends on who is being surveyed how are the survey questions formulated. So I do not hold too much to polls these days.
Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Bravo....great information
Thrilled that Americans are paying attention. Anxious to see the turnout for the NO Kings protest this Saturday!
IF YOU'RE IN CA OR DC, GO DEMONSTRATE FOR SENATOR ALEX PADILLA (D-CA) WHO WAS WRONGFULLY ARRESTED BY ICE FOE CHALLENGING WACKO KRISTI NOEM'S OUTRAGEOUS ACTIVITIES
Thankfully Senator Padilla was not arrested, however he WAS handcuffed and temporarily detained before being released outside the building.
no kings , i will protest.
We opened the gates and let the Trojan Horse slip in. The foot soldiers within, were well armed and well positioned. They systematically took over the two houses of congress, the judiciary and the remaining institutions. Our social safety nets are shredded, our support systems including education and learning institutions damaged, our way of life and the rule of law is being challenged every day. Where do we go from here? Let us organize and isolate the foot soldiers who form the great wall behind the republicans. Defeat them at their game. The upside-down power pyramid consists of elected members of this party, the deep pockets who are the Rober barons of modern era, The Heritage Foundation, The Federalist Society, ALEC, Citizens United, and the Right-Wing media network. Want more facts? Read "Trojan Horse - Democracy Hijacked", for fifteen chapters of hard-hitting facts. Recommend everyone to read, as we strive to push the Trojan Horse out of our lives.
© 2025 Heather Cox Richardson
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104
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This is worthy to share and better done and concise than I could have managed just now. As well, later some aside thoughts to ponder. If you will see 'and broad and widely share' Paul Krugman's essay today > "This Is Not A Drill" > https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/this-is-not-a-drill
That 38% are bat sh*t crazy. I'd stay far, far away of them.
The MAGA cult is holding strong in their numbers and misinformation. I don’t think they can be saved.
Thank you again for your clear, concise and informative of necessary information
I’ve been saying for years that 1/3 of the population have a warped sense of reality. Is it a mental health issue and/or unwavering bigotry?
Why not both? I think they’re ignorant and want to be told “truths” that feed their bigotry and smallness.
i did write and/or.
I always do a logic check whenever someone gives me an “or” question because it is often a set of false choices. ;)
I love the “and”. So Inviting!
Rand just now figured out trump is petty?! Pfffffft! He must have fallen down a coal mine shaft and hit his head. Trump wants absolute power absolutely. So far, the Republicans have ceded their power. The only one to stand up have been Democrats and the courts. We are heading down a dark path with our eyes closed at the rate of a speeding train. Thanks, Heather Cox Richardson! Excellent analysis!
Rand and his family have now been invited again to the picnic; Thomas Massie however has not.
I am unable to attend the No Kings Rallys but I refuse to watch tRump's birthday parade in any form.
Those poll numbers are bad for Trump, wait till the recession happens!
That’s a good thought!😉 and it will happen because I don’t think any of us can see anything changing. Every day I keep praying for impeachment. Would love to see both tRump and JD impeached. We can hope for this because so many things are happening that we never thought we’d see again so we’re breaking history in many different ways. Unfortunately, much of it is not good. At least one impeachment of Trump would be nice. Then Democrats can regain control and bigger things will hopefully happen. Slowly, but surely more Republicans are going against Trump.
Thank you Heather. Has anyone actually identified who these people are arresting immigrants or those assaulting Senator Padilla today - some uniforms say ICE, few FBI, most are not uniformed - how do we know these people are not trump thugs pulled off the street? I’m sorry, I am hard-pressed to believe these mass number of FBI agents would act in such vile ways.
Trump himself has said many times that the FBI was a corrupt organisation. Just his kind of outfit.