The GOP warned of violence and hate; the people showed them peace and patriotism

They had their talking points down.  This would be a “Hate America Rally."  The protesters were all communists and terrorists.  The President of the United States even put out a juvenile AI video of the ‘King’ piloting a bomber plane and ‘dumping’ on American citizens.  Our very own Wisconsin Congressman Tony Weid joined in the hateful rhetoric, after he spent weeks complaining about others being divisive but never recognizing the ‘plank in his own eye.'  And Senator Johnson was busy trying to prove conspiracy theories.

Well, I was at the No Kings Rally in Appleton. It was like Oktoberfest. It felt like a Wisconsin street party with 4,000 friends. Or, to put it another way, the behavior was as far removed from the Jan. 6 crowd as is possible to imagine.

People of all stripes – young adults, senior citizens, children, families, folks from all generations – gathered together on a beautiful fall day.   Everyone belonged.  Yes, even those four souls representing MAGA.  No violence. Not even minor incidents. Community, respect, and love were on display.

Across America, more than 7 million people turned out. There was not one report of violence, though several protesters and Trump supporters were taken into custody for minor offenses.

All were united in one purpose; to remind our country that the USA is a government of, by and for the people striving to live up to the ideal of ‘Liberty and Justice for All.'   That’s what loving our country means. That’s true patriotism.  Not the divisive rhetoric coming from Republican leaders.

Of course, people are angry.  Anyone with a Civics 101 background knows that the Trump regime is dishonoring the oath they took to the Constitution.

That includes Congressman Tony Wied and Senator Ron Johnson. The job of Congress is to enact laws, control taxing and spending policies, declare war, regulate commerce, and oversee the executive branch.  They are doing none of that.  Instead, Congress is allowing the president to unilaterally rule with no checks.

Numerous judicial rulings describe the actions of the Trump administration as morally and legally questionable.  It’s a long list: Unilaterally bombing Venezuelans; giving Argentina a $40 billion bailout while cutting important programs at home;  erratically and unilaterally setting tariffs; creating an unrestrained, armed militia;  using the Justice Department as a personal retaliation squad; spending or not spending Congressional appropriated funds at his discretion; disregarding due process;  infringing on the free press and First Amendment rights; extorting universities and businesses;  illegally firing public servants; ignoring court orders; handing out loyalty pardons; circumventing court rulings; and so much more.

While the president is preoccupied with building a multimillion-dollar ballroom, a Rose Garden Club, and a monumental arch – all without congressional approval – Trump and his family have doubled their wealth since Jan. 20.   

Where is Congress?  Congressman Wied is on an extended vacation and seems fine with all of this. And Senator Ron Johnson backs the Trump administration no matter what happens to his constituents.

And the President?  Probably golfing. Or planning his next renovation.

Our no-action representatives have acted on one thing. They voted for tax cuts for billionaires paid for on the backs of the rest of us.  

Yes, people are angry. Enough of the hate and division constantly spouted by a man who is supposed to be the president of all the people. Enough of our so-called ‘leaders’ who are following him into the abyss and dragging us with them.

The people at the rally get it.  They were there to exercise their First Amendment rights and to demand a better America for everyone. They know that ultimately the power is with the people. 

Wisconsin will lead the way.  This is what democracy looks like.