No Kings: The Moral Power of Laying Down the Sword
The most powerful moment in American history was not a battle won but a sword surrendered. When George Washington resigned his commission on December 23, 1783, he did something no tyrant would ever do. He walked away from absolute power. With the full force of the Continental Army behind him, Washington could have crowned himself king. Instead, he bowed to civilian authority and democracy.
That singular act, depicted in John Trumbull’s Capitol Rotunda painting, is the soul of America. It reminds us that our republic was not born through conquest alone, but through restraint, humility, and principle. We do not celebrate might for its own sake, but the moral vision that keeps might in check.
Today, as would-be strongmen flirt with dictatorship and parade their egos in the name of patriotism, we must remember this legacy. The founders fought against a king. They built a system where power is earned and accountable, not inherited or seized.
The real tribute to the Continental Army’s sacrifice is not a military parade, but the No Kings protests rising across the country. They carry forward the original spirit of 1776, not to worship power, but to guard liberty from those who would trample it.
The miracle was not victory. It was walking away from the throne.
I returned a couple of hours ago from the NO KINGS march in Philadelphia and am still astonished at the difference between the MAGA events & the progressive voices of today's protesters. Unlike the blind, vicious rage of a Trump rally, this was a joyous example of the people from all walks of life (including former Trump supporters who have had their eyes opened). There was plenty of anger & disapproval of Trump & ICE, but none of the blind, violent rage I've seen at all Trump rallies. Instead, there was a joyous sense of doing what's right & standing up in public for the positive values of a democratic America. We should all remember that the Constitution is not the leader or the politicians. The Constitution is the PEOPLE!
I so appreciate how you’ve captured the essence of today’s letter, Michael. Thank you.
As for a most powerful moment, for me, today, it is returning from a No Kings protest (with all that we carry within following the experience) to listen to HCR's profound account of our American history, and its dramatic and meaningful unfolding, until today. And here we are, that we might learn from it all. May it be so.
For the record George Washington has been been a giant example for others since long ago.
Responsible, reliable leader, started early in life, became many many things and owned 52,000 acres in what is now West Virginia , a western expansionist who freed his slaves. In the effort to maintain transparency, I should add the number was over 300 who were freed. Considering Washington's activities and holdings the number seems right. It was a different time. Regardless Washington was a strong intelligent leader of uncommon talent and dedication.
Thank you for leading us through the historical choice for Democracy and through the visual of people showing up to vote for democracy it will encourage all to “Do Something” until people who believe in DEMOCRACY are back in power!
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.
Thank you for compiling this data. I use 5calls to reach my Senators/Representatives but couldn’t figure out how to reach out to people on certain committees.
You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up so much right now!
I first used 5calls too, then wanted to email after my kids went to bed and was shocked all the information wasn’t in one place. So, in the hopes of making it easier for people to speak up more, my spreadsheet started coming to life. I’ve been sharing it and adding to it for about 3 months now based on people’s recommendations. One person recommended committees and I thought that was great!
Well done, Heather Cox Richardson! What a fantastic way to honor our US Army. It is absolutely to remember this band of brothers and the original intent for this force.
Fantastic work! A truly great backdrop for the No Kings Day protests! The historical context of what we are doing TODAY is SO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, today and always! Thank You 🙏🏼 Heather‼️
"The Judiciary Will Become Virtually Powerless in Protecting Your Rights if the Current Budget Bill Becomes Law: Senate Republicans have proposed an even worse version of a House provision that will require citizens suing the government to post enormous sums in bonds" by Clint Bolick,
A that’s the reason Washington is known as a modern day Cincinnatus. A Roman who fought and led his men then returned to his farm afterward. Both Cincinnatus and Washington answered their nation’s call, led and more.
"The Judiciary Will Become Virtually Powerless in Protecting Your Rights if the Current Budget Bill Becomes Law: Senate Republicans have proposed an even worse version of a House provision that will require citizens suing the government to post enormous sums in bonds" by Clint Bolick,
Michael, you encapsulate the issue perfectly. Tyrants exist for power and cannot comprehend that legitimate power lies in civilian authority and democracy. Thank you as well Heather for being our north star. Your work has changed my life. ❤
No Kings: The Moral Power of Laying Down the Sword
The most powerful moment in American history was not a battle won but a sword surrendered. When George Washington resigned his commission on December 23, 1783, he did something no tyrant would ever do. He walked away from absolute power. With the full force of the Continental Army behind him, Washington could have crowned himself king. Instead, he bowed to civilian authority and democracy.
That singular act, depicted in John Trumbull’s Capitol Rotunda painting, is the soul of America. It reminds us that our republic was not born through conquest alone, but through restraint, humility, and principle. We do not celebrate might for its own sake, but the moral vision that keeps might in check.
Today, as would-be strongmen flirt with dictatorship and parade their egos in the name of patriotism, we must remember this legacy. The founders fought against a king. They built a system where power is earned and accountable, not inherited or seized.
The real tribute to the Continental Army’s sacrifice is not a military parade, but the No Kings protests rising across the country. They carry forward the original spirit of 1776, not to worship power, but to guard liberty from those who would trample it.
The miracle was not victory. It was walking away from the throne.
I returned a couple of hours ago from the NO KINGS march in Philadelphia and am still astonished at the difference between the MAGA events & the progressive voices of today's protesters. Unlike the blind, vicious rage of a Trump rally, this was a joyous example of the people from all walks of life (including former Trump supporters who have had their eyes opened). There was plenty of anger & disapproval of Trump & ICE, but none of the blind, violent rage I've seen at all Trump rallies. Instead, there was a joyous sense of doing what's right & standing up in public for the positive values of a democratic America. We should all remember that the Constitution is not the leader or the politicians. The Constitution is the PEOPLE!
I so appreciate how you’ve captured the essence of today’s letter, Michael. Thank you.
As for a most powerful moment, for me, today, it is returning from a No Kings protest (with all that we carry within following the experience) to listen to HCR's profound account of our American history, and its dramatic and meaningful unfolding, until today. And here we are, that we might learn from it all. May it be so.
For the record George Washington has been been a giant example for others since long ago.
Responsible, reliable leader, started early in life, became many many things and owned 52,000 acres in what is now West Virginia , a western expansionist who freed his slaves. In the effort to maintain transparency, I should add the number was over 300 who were freed. Considering Washington's activities and holdings the number seems right. It was a different time. Regardless Washington was a strong intelligent leader of uncommon talent and dedication.
Thank you for leading us through the historical choice for Democracy and through the visual of people showing up to vote for democracy it will encourage all to “Do Something” until people who believe in DEMOCRACY are back in power!
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
Thank you for compiling this data. I use 5calls to reach my Senators/Representatives but couldn’t figure out how to reach out to people on certain committees.
You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up so much right now!
I first used 5calls too, then wanted to email after my kids went to bed and was shocked all the information wasn’t in one place. So, in the hopes of making it easier for people to speak up more, my spreadsheet started coming to life. I’ve been sharing it and adding to it for about 3 months now based on people’s recommendations. One person recommended committees and I thought that was great!
Well done, Heather Cox Richardson! What a fantastic way to honor our US Army. It is absolutely to remember this band of brothers and the original intent for this force.
Fantastic work! A truly great backdrop for the No Kings Day protests! The historical context of what we are doing TODAY is SO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, today and always! Thank You 🙏🏼 Heather‼️
NO KINGS! Today we hold 100s, perhaps 1000s of protests across OUR AMERICA against a man and his administration.
Thank you so much for your insiteful commentary Heather.
"The Judiciary Will Become Virtually Powerless in Protecting Your Rights if the Current Budget Bill Becomes Law: Senate Republicans have proposed an even worse version of a House provision that will require citizens suing the government to post enormous sums in bonds" by Clint Bolick,
Jun 14, 2025. https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/the-judiciary-will-become-virtually?r=c3b0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
A that’s the reason Washington is known as a modern day Cincinnatus. A Roman who fought and led his men then returned to his farm afterward. Both Cincinnatus and Washington answered their nation’s call, led and more.
You are my hero! Thank you for bringing this to light on the day that so many of us went out to make our voices heard!
Perfect.
"The Judiciary Will Become Virtually Powerless in Protecting Your Rights if the Current Budget Bill Becomes Law: Senate Republicans have proposed an even worse version of a House provision that will require citizens suing the government to post enormous sums in bonds" by Clint Bolick,
Jun 14, 2025. https://www.theunpopulist.net/p/the-judiciary-will-become-virtually?r=c3b0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Happy 250th Birthday America !! GOD BLESS THE USA...
You are so correct!
A great retelling of the story for this occasion. Thank you!
Michael, you encapsulate the issue perfectly. Tyrants exist for power and cannot comprehend that legitimate power lies in civilian authority and democracy. Thank you as well Heather for being our north star. Your work has changed my life. ❤
And what a great day yesterday was.
Don’t start with tanks, they start with shrugs
Dictatorships