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Bill Barnes of Hope is a jazz guitarist who has worked with or opened for many top recording artists over several decades. He was a staff writer for the now-defunct online magazine Jazz.com and has just completed his first novel.
I recently participated in an anti-Trump demonstration at the Maine Capitol. It was a nice, feel-good event, protected by police, with a proper permit. A few hundred people yowled in defiance of what we consider the ongoing fascist coup, much as we do on social media. I left the event feeling … well, a little empty.
What had we really accomplished, other than making ourselves feel a little better? My feelings were reinforced as I searched the national network evening news broadcasts, which were remarkably uncontaminated by coverage of what was supposed to be a major national protest against the stripping of benefits from our veterans and continued attacks on our rights and freedom. Ignored! Veterans and supporters protesting in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals and nothing?
Let’s see, what was the major story? Heavy winds wreaking havoc, primarily due to the climate change this administration refuses to recognize; and yet another airline disaster, sure to become more frequent due to further likely deregulation of the airline industry. Apparently, the networks are becoming more restrained, if not actually cowering before rising threats from the current regime. And, of course, some Democrats in Congress have caved and agreed to the MAGA budget.
I believe the fascists now own Congress. They own the Supreme Court. They are muzzling the press. It’s the eleventh hour of democracy in America and what do we do? Nothing of consequence. Folks, we need a plan. We need what John Lewis called “good trouble.”
When I was a child visiting a state fair, I saw a lion sitting out in the open, chained in front of a midway tent. No cage, no protective barrier. None were necessary; the poor beast had been declawed and its fangs had been yanked. The once magnificent king of the jungle was well aware of his impotence and didn’t even bother to roar while being petted and prodded by fair-goers.
I think about that lion today, as I witness the swift action of those who act like fascists who have taken over our country. They have removed our fangs, the judiciary. They have ripped out our claws, the legislative. And now, they are amputating the vocal chords of the media, effectively silencing the roar. If we are going to save our republic, we had better do more than yowling on social media and peacefully demonstrating with police protection and proper permits. Good trouble, that’s what is needed now.
As I look into the near future I see a toothless, clawless lion mournfully laying in the dust, its roar forever silenced, replaced by the howls and laughter of the jackals and hyenas gleefully feasting on the rotting carcass of a once great nation.
Time for good trouble!
