Bernice King Speaks Truth To Power
We’re all feeling whiplashed these days. Or we feel . . . like a yoyo, say. The Republican Administration (note those two words – explanation to follow) is hell-bent on stripping America for its parts and, in the process, is wreaking havoc on every imaginable level. From tariffs to the Kennedy Center takeover, from illegal deportations to plans for going after DEI and Social Security, the nation – and the world – is reeling at the shameless hustling and rampant greed of D.C.’s real swamp-dwellers.
Given this rancid state of affairs, it’s easy to despair. Many exhausted citizens have observed a news blackout since the 2024 Presidential election, and who can blame them? What’s going on is truly distressing; it’s not hyperventilating to say that the end of the American Experiment appears far closer than anyone could have imagined since the end of January.
And yet there’s reason for hope.
On Saturday, April 5th, 1300 Hands Off! rallies took place across the nation with approximately 5.5 Million Americans – please note: it’s tough to confirm an accurate number due to inadequate reportage by the mainstream media. In addition to the lively Hands Off! rallies across the nation, citizens of Paris, Berlin, London, Lisbon, and Ottawa gathered to voice global concern over the Republican Administration’s destructive policies.
A number of Republicans in Congress have joined their Democrat opponents in publicly speaking out to block the tariffs.
Actions like this remind us that what’s happening is not a fait accompli.
In 2017 Bernice King – daughter of civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King – posted ten ways to fight back against Republican misrule on her FaceBook page. Her list recently reemerged as present-day politics makes her advice only more relevant than it was eight years ago. Ms. King – CEO of The King Center For Non-Violent Social Change – shared some very valuable advice as we try to navigate forward in these terrible times.
Some Wise Advice Circulating:
1. Don’t use his name; EVER – Use [Trump’s] name sparingly so as not to detract from the issues. I believe that everyone, regardless of their beliefs, deserves the dignity of being called by their name. However, this is a strategic tactic. While we are so focused on him we are prone to neglect the questionable policies that threaten freedom, justice, and fairness advanced by the administration.
2. Remember this is a regime and he’s not acting alone;
3. Do not argue with those who support him–it doesn’t work;
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state;
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;
7. Support artists and the arts;
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;
9. Take care of yourselves; and
10. Resist!
Ms. King goes on to say:
Keep demonstrations peaceful. In the words of John Lennon, “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”
When you post or talk about him, don’t assign his actions to him, assign them to “The Republican Administration,” or “The Republicans.” This will have several effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don’t like; he will not get the focus of attention he craves; Republican representatives will become very concerned about their re-elections.
These are suggestions that should be taken to heart.
King’s mention of John Lennon reminds me of the message Lennon was spreading in the late 60s and early 70s:
WAR IS OVER (If you want it)
Lennon was urging us to – shall we say – imagine; for nothing will be accomplished if we don’t believe it’s possible. And with belief comes the strength to act.
In other words – and to quote Lennon again – Power to the People.
