THOMPSON: American protests show Trump how democracy works

Protest is an American right…it’s as American as apple pie. Indeed, that right…that will…was a mid-wife during the birth of the United States 250 years ago. The right to protest is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

Those who value freedom and democracy…just over half of those who today call themselves American…are protesting as big a threat to American democracy as the Civil War or World War II.

That ominous threat to democracy is, of course, Donald Trump and his administration…and quite frankly, every American who supports his fascist actions and policies.

I have long been one of those folks…a strong believer in fighting the good fight…standing up rather than standing quiet for what is right…what is righteous. Like most protesters, I’m well-read. I know facts…and I know lies. 

I read George Orwell’s “1984”. Those who are guilty of “doublethink” – like today’s Republicans – hold two contradictory beliefs in mind simultaneously, and accept both of them. They then try to gaslight those who might oppose them.

Trump and Republicans say they’re all about freedom and democracy…but they are taking every step they can to dismantle it. They do like freedom and rights…for themselves…but not so much for those who differ in opinions or religion or culture…or in the colour of their skin.

Trump’s ICE thugs killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month…who were protesting ICE’s Gestapo-like actions. There were three murders in Minneapolis in January…and Trump’s ICE squads committed two of them.

There are certain truths about protesters in America. Protesters have always had a good chance of dying…the goals they seek always take longer than they should to reach…and despite those facts, in a democracy…protesters always win.

In my lifetime alone, I’ve witnessed the deaths of protesters in the causes of desegregation, voting rights and the Vietnam War. Medgar Evers, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the four students at Kent State University…Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder…and most recently Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Their protests and deaths were part of the often decades-long efforts to change things for the better in the world’s longest democracy. But, again, eventually – after paying the greatest price – their efforts and the efforts of millions of Americans succeed. 

Black people attained civil rights…Americans ended the Vietnam War…and those who follow Good and Pretti will rid cities of Gestapo-like secret police actions and with them the threats of authoritarian rule.

These latter threats and protests won’t last as long. The government made the mistakes of killing everyday folks…two white people…a mom and a nurse. Americans can easily relate to these ordinary citizens…and that doesn’t bode well for Trump and Republicans.

The protests will increase…and increasingly will include those who might never have protested before. That’s how democracy works. The Trump Administration’s insatiable appetite for cruelty — and its focus on retribution rather than governing — will drive Americans to demand change. 

The days of a minority of Americans dictating America’s actions and policies are numbered. The end will be measured in months…not years.

Those who love freedom and democracy are impatient…rightfully. People will die unnecessarily…but not without meaning or purpose. It will be justice delayed…not denied.

Like every time before over 250 years…good will triumph over evil. It’s democracy.