Thousands Attend "No Kings" Protest Marches Across the Country and Globally

 No King's Washington, DC

No King's New York City

No Kings~Atlanta

No King's Atlanta  Georgia- Interview of Senator Raphael Warnock on site of protest.

No King's Detroit, Michigan

Protesters from all over the world marched and chanted slogans in unison in expressions of  discontent with the current administration's policies and their impact on the American people. I gathered some video footage from YouTube  to give you a view of some of the cities where the protests took place.

In a coordinated effort among community organizations, the ACLU and a host of civic and social organizations, protests were held in over 1,000 cities. More information forthcoming in our newsletters and podcast.

Sing Up! Part 2

Protests have taken place for centuries in this country, fundamental constitutional First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, association and right of peaceful assembly in the U.S. Often wonderful harmonic non-violent cadences rhythmically looping songs and chants have filled city streets and country roads with sounds of determined and intense righteous indignation soaring from crowds over some social ill or another. A mixture of traditional  Spirituals and popular songs like "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around",  "We Shall Overcome", " "Blowin in the Wind" were familiar during the sixties.

Recently, the brutal death of George Floyd witnessed and recorded live on tape as well as other unjustified killings of unarmed young blacks by nervous, fearful and hate filled police officers have resulted in protestors lifting their voices in outrage, marching in cities across the nation and throughout the world for miles on end.

Unfortunately, blacks have far too long witnessed cruel and inhumane acts, crimes fueled by racism of klansmen and other cloaked white supremacists terrorizing them as they traveled through remote towns of this country, especially in the south and frequently in their own neighborhoods. In northern cities the violent attacks against blacks came mostly at the hands of police officers.

Singing songs have been a means of communication during slavery and a peaceful and constructive way of  emboldening non-violent action as black people and other protesters supporting non-violent social change coped with clubbings from billie clubs, violent thrusts from water hoses and other actions by law enforcement to deter protests. now its pepper spray and flash grenades.

Music, sound and song brought comfort and healing throughout the ordeals. Sometimes the invisible shield of sound vibration created from hundreds of voices singing in unison made all the difference in creating and maintaining peace and harmony. I applaud and honor all who marched peaceably and who practice the teachings of King and Ghandi marching and lifting their voices until constructive change takes place in policing policies.

Here is a list of some of popular music's most notable protest and social observation songs and anthems over the years.

Bring'em Back Safely

 It has been made pretty much clear that Edward has broken the law and it is obvious that he has been zig zagging a questionable trail across the globe. But,of course,this is undoubtedly an understatement if not a tremendous oversimplification of the matter. Larger questions are: What are the details of this massive surveillance by the US govt? And, can any of us really ever safely fully know? Why did he flee? Why to those countries? Does he have reason to fear return to go through legal channels? If so, can he be assured of secure return and trial, etc.,especially in light of some political leaders views that he is a traitor?

 This status still remains to be proven in either a court of law if civilian or military tribunal if military. Instead of his whereabouts continuing to be speculated and his asylum status lingering in suspense,he needs to find a safe and secure way home or some respectable and trusted neutral ground,where this matter can be fairly adjudicated and resolved,not typically the places to which he's been fleeing. Russia and Cuba have not historically been viewed as close US allies and Hong Kong's denial of extraditon was embarrassing. It was not the best tactical move for him to flee initially,unless his life was threatened and in imminent danger. And there has been no evidence or alluding to that,although there are inferences that can be drawn by those who are all too faniliar with the risks inherent in these type scenarios.

Obamas interview on Charlie Rose last week would give every indication that the administration is on top of the matter. He stated among other things they are receptive to a system of checks and balances in NSA surveillance and monitoring,even though he sees no irregularities in the current system,now under scrutiny by some members of congress,the ACLU who recently filed a lawsuit. Whether Snowden should be encouraged to return and face the music in a nation with a substantial history of justice and due process is open to speculation.

After he gets a good lawyer, he should come back to people who are willing to work this out through the legal system that's not perfect,but strives for fairness and transparency by its very nature. Its  adversarial procedure based on innocence until proven guilty, is a value taken seriously and has withstood the test of time,though some stark embarrassments as well. If he chooses to continue with sporadic travels extending hodge podge requests for asylum,after reaching out and negotiation by his legal eagles,then,maybe he needs diplomatic interventions,ones that might lead to groundbreaking  alliances among "at odds" nations. By the way, the US has had long experience with political prisoner issues and provides one of the most robust, constitutionally protected and dynamic democratic political milieus for expressions of protest and dissent on all levels of govt globally. Why not return and...kiss the ground? 

 

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