No Kings, No Swastikas, No Confederate Flags, No Violence

I remember getting assaulted when I was young. It would happen on the school bus, in the playground, in the hallway, and even in the classroom. Some bully would run up and hit me or push me and then run off laughing.The first few times this happened, I did what I’d been instructed to do. I told a teacher, or a parent, or a relative, or an adult. But it didn’t matter who I talked to, they all responded the same.They’d smirk and give me a skeptical look and say, “Well, I don’t think somebody would run up and hit you for no reason. You must have done something to provoke that behavior. Now, why don’t you think about what you did and then go and apologize?”Thus began my indoctrination with the world of victim shaming.All the adults in my life were operating on the assumption that it always took two people to fight. That’s what they said anyway. The truth is that they were all too lazy to investigate any conflict that was brought to their attention.Instead of seeking out justice, they just wanted me to shut up and go away. They didn’t want to accept that some people were simply hostile for no reason at all. But I know from experience that sometimes people do run up and attack you even though you never did anything to them.Your support is absolutely critical. If you have the means, please consider upgrading to a sponsorship. Here are some options so you can contribute whatever is comfortable!Sponsor me for $5 a monthSponsor me for $4 a monthSponsor me for $3 a monthSponsor me for $2 a monthToday, when discussing politics, it’s common for people to say, “Well, there are bad people on both sides.” Then, rather than recognize the evidence that invalidates that assumption, they attempt to fabricate examples that prove what they already believe.It’s the opposite of the scientific method. It’s, therefore, indoctrination.In particularly egregious cases, declaring that both sides are to blame can even be lauded as “fair-handed.” People are so convinced in the accuracy of their baseless assumption, that they become distressed when you even suggest their beliefs are unfounded.There’s social pressure to assume the truth that both sides are always at fault, and anyone who points out the facts is labeled as a trouble maker.The truth is some people are violent, and some people are not.Celebrating peace, freedom, justice, and loveOn Saturday, October 18th, I joined the local “Love America Peace Demonstration” which was also known as the “No Kings” rally.Republicans, as always, responded to this rally with their typical form of unprovoked violence. First, their violence took the form of lying. They called it a “hate America” rally. They claimed using words like “no fascists” represents hate speech. But Republicans repeatedly use words like “socialist” as a hate slur, and nobody ever holds them accountable.Sometimes it feels like the whole world is made up of the same skeptical and irresponsible adults I had to deal with in my youth.Republicans continued to lie and claim that there was violence at these peaceful demonstrations. There was not.The truth is that the only place you have violence is at right-wing events like the January 6th insurrection where they attacked police, destroyed government property and vandalized the Capitol. All you have to do is watch the videos. You’ll see what the right does when they get together. Their events feature:* Swastikas* Confederate flags* Racist and homophobic slurs* Gallows* Chants to murder people* Destruction of property* Loss of lifeIn contrast to this, we have the “No Kings” demonstration for peace and patriotism. When members of the left get together, their events feature:* Inflatable unicorns* Rainbows* Dancing* Laughter* Hugs* Music* And they clean up the space before they leaveThese two ideologies are not the same. It’s time that we spoke honestly and clearly and repeated what the facts indicate. The right is the ideology of violence, lies, and hate. We don’t have a situation where we can dismissively state, “There are bad people on both sides.” All the bad people are on the right.This is a party not a protestFor those of you who haven’t yet been able to attend a left-wing peace and patriotism rally, I urge you to do so. They are very good for the soul. In my red city in a red county, over 500 people showed up to leisurely walk up and down the streets demanding healthcare for our friends and neighbors.I didn’t bring a sign, but I wore a blue T-shirt that said “Elect Women.” I was surprised at the effect this shirt had on the people in my community. One elderly woman came up to me, and shyly asked if she could give me a hug. I said she could. Then she held me like a grandmother.It makes me sad to think it can provoke such emotion simply to see a man walking around urging people to vote for women.“I have two daughters,” I told her.“Thank you for being an enlightened man.”A couple of other women simply read my shirt and stood there looking stunned as if they couldn’t believe I supported such a message. Even at the “No Kings” demonstration for peace and patriotism, women were surprised.The left doesn’t descend to their levelThere was one man who insisted on walking through the crowd with a MAGA hat and a smirk on his face, but we just let him pass like an ill-wind. He looked this way and that as if expected to be hit for no reason. But he was among a crowd that didn’t behave like that.Still, I suspect he’ll go home insisting that it takes two to fight, and that there is evil on both sides.But I was at the peace and patriotism rally and I saw evidence of the truth I’ve known my whole life. I know that some people are violent, and some people are decent. When my daughters come to me and ask for help because they’ve been treated inappropriately, not only do I believe them, but I insist on taking action.In every case, the aggressors have been right wing.It’s not “both sides” that are at fault.While the right takes to the streets to give nazi salutes, the left are out there holding their hands in the shape of a heart.Our side is going to win, because, unlike them, we lead with love.You all make this newsletter happen! Thanks for your sponsorship! I have payment tiers starting at as little as twenty dollars a year.Upgrade at 30% offUpgrade at 40% offUpgrade at 50% offUpgrade at 60% offI’m so happy you’re here, and I’m looking forward to sharing more thoughts with you tomorrow.My CoSchedule referral linkHere’s my referral link to my preferred headline analyzer tool. If you sign up through this, it’s another way to support this newsletter (thank you).I'd Rather Be Writing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to I'd Rather Be Writing at walterrhein.substack.com/subscribe