To the editor:
If you participated in the March 2026 No Kings Day event, thank you. It was the largest day of protest in American history.
We are building to the 3.5% of our nation’s population actively engaged in nonviolent protest against the unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration. Research by political scientists Erica Chenowith and Maria Stephan shows that 3.5% of a nation’s population, actively engaged in nonviolent protest, resistance and non-cooperation has the best record for defeating authoritarian regimes.
The U.S. Constitution designed checks and balances to ensure we would not be ruled by a king; that our government would serve its people. The second Trump administration is ruling by executive order and working to disrupt the midterm elections so Republicans retain their majorities in the House and Senate. The current Congress’ Republican majority is too scared or too corrupt to serve as the check on a rogue executive. The Supreme Court majority has been hand-picked by theocrats to do their bidding. We do not currently have a functional system of checks and balances. It’s now up to us to ensure that our democracy continues and that our government serves “We, the people…” for ourselves today and the future our children will inherit.
You are needed!
Opportunity 1: Northeast Kingdom Indivisible facilitates a “What’s Next” meeting Monday, April 13, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Goodrich Memorial Library, Main Street, Newport. Focus on building power locally, protecting our neighbors, and defending our elections from sabotage. Questions to [email protected].
Opportunity 2: Friday, April 24, 5 to 8 p.m., Indivisible Hardwick hosts a postcards/ potluck gathering, Jeudevine Library on North Main Street in Hardwick, Parker Ladd community room. Visit indivisible.org/events/thursday-get-togethers-indivisible-hardwick/ (then search “Hardwick”).
Both of these events are sponsored by local Indivisible groups, not by the libraries where the events take place.
Opportunity 3: Friday, May 1, “Workers Over Billionaires” National Day of Resistance through non cooperation. See Maydaystrong.org for details.
Opportunity 4: Friday, May 8, statewide “ICE Out Vermont” rally and actions at Taylor Park, St. Albans. For more info visit iceoutvt.org/.
If you’ve been waiting for a course correction in the system of governance that has served us for 250 years but which is now truly under threat-please recognize that you must be a player in the course correction. Lend your hands, heart and mind. We can do this.
Anne Hanson
Craftsbury
