John — throughout my life, I’ve marched, I’ve protested, and I’ve been arrested. I have and will continue to put my body on the line because I believe the right to protest is one of the most powerful tools we have to speak out against the injustices of our world.

That’s why what Donald Trump is doing in Los Angeles makes me furious. For the first time in 60 years, a president has deployed the National Guard to a state without the governor’s consent, all because people dared to speak out.

The people of LA took to the streets to oppose cruel and targeted ICE raids. They demanded justice and dignity for their neighbors. And Trump responded by trying to strip that right away.

Let’s be clear: This is nothing more than political theater, staged by a wannabe strongman who cares more about appearances than protecting our democratic freedoms.

So just like every generation before us, we have a choice to make, John.

Will we stand idly by as the Trump Administration targets labor leaders, organizers, and protesters? Or, will we come together to stand with our community members in LA and speak out for the voiceless?

I know where I stand, and I think you do, too. The right to protest is essential to our democracy. It always has been. If we don’t sound the alarm now, this overreach won’t stop in LA. It will spread.

That’s why I’m speaking out, and why I hope you will too. Can you commit to taking to the streets and attending the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest on Saturday, June 14th? People like you are showing up everywhere to say no thrones, no kings, no crowns.

Look, I know things feel hopeless. One step forward. Two steps backward. But across the country, people are pushing back and holding the line against the dismantling of democracy.

Hope is a muscle like the heart. It's when we take action that hope comes alive. Thank you for giving me hope.

In solidarity,

Jane