Why Turnout Matters
COMMUNITYOPINIONFEATURED
Hello Mercer Island Patriots!
Turn Out for No Kings III MATTERS!
Join the fun and community celebration of this democracy in action event! Walkers, strollers, wheelchairs….all are welcome and celebrated as part of the vital community that believes democracy is a participation sport!
Does your participation matter? Jay Kuo, in his Substack The Status Quo, suggests a number of reasons why protesting makes a tangible difference.
1. We burst the illusion of invincibility.
Nope, the MAGA vision of servitude and compliance isn’t inevitable. It can be overcome! This is not a nation of white Christian nationalists: this is a nation of colorful, varied, individuals with precious rights. We show the world that most Americans oppose Trump.
2. We apply direct political pressure.
Let’s channel our inner Minneapolis (winner of the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award btw!). Trumps goons retreated in the face of the brave protests in Minneapolis; they backed of in the face of the solidarity of the people!
3. We create Electoral Organizing Infrastructure.
Research shows that republicans overperformed after large Tea-party rallies. Democrats did the same after the October No Kings! Let’s create durable political will and action!
4. We are building toward a tipping Point
Fascism expert Erica Chenowith found, in studying over 300 anti-fascism campaigns, that when 3.5% of a population become politically engaged, this is almost always effective in stopping authoritarian accumulation of power. If the base comes to believe the despot’s time is up, it won’t want to be on the losing side.
Join the Mercer Island march anytime between 2-4 at the MI access point to the I-90 bridge (intersection of 72nd Ave SE and 24th St SE at the playground just below the tennis courts). The bridge span is 1.2 miles: you can walk as far as you wish. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers! We will have hosts, a safety team, and good cheer to greet you. Come on down! Find other protest locations here.
