There was a rally this weekend along a stretch of Greenhill Road in Cedar Falls that drew hundreds to protest the administration’s choices. It was part of a larger Day of Action put on by the 50501 Movement, which has encouraged rallies across the country since February.
People held signs calling for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, along with other signs about the gutting of Social Security, Medicaid, and more. They waved at passing vehicles, getting appreciative honks and waves in return—for the most part.
But one man told me a driver sporting a “f*ck Biden” flag threw garbage at them, and another in a gray pickup truck nearly hopped the curb, trying to either scare or even injure people on the sidewalk. (And, if anyone would have been hit, that driver may have been able to get away with it, thanks to this horrible law passed by Iowa Republicans.)
“When they start taking people’s lives in danger by swerving, trying to hit us, that’s going too far,” the man told me. “They’re showing us who they truly are.”
It’s disheartening and scary to see that, though maybe not surprising. You may have also heard about the “rally” in Marion this weekend with four absolute losers trying to normalize a white supremacist state. (Trump’s trying this now and it sucks, NO THANKS.)
At its heart, democracy is a battle for the soul of a community. Who do we want in power? What do we want them to do with that power? When they try to destroy our democracy, will we respond?
And, when our community questions us on that response—including violently—what will we do? Do we stay safe and back down when necessary? Do we protect others? Do we meet the charge? Do we let our values, or the reality of what’s in front of us, guide us?
I don’t have answers for you; I am really asking.
Email us at info@new.iowastartingline.com and tell us what you think, and I’ll put your responses in Friday’s newsletter, which you can sign up for at new.iowastartingline.com/newsletter.
