Whose Streets? Our Streets.

On Saturday, all across America, millions of people came together in cities and towns, in red states and in blue, across generations and political affiliations to celebrate the diversity and promise of America and shout with a collective voice that we refuse to back down in the face of escalating threats to our freedom.

Moments like the “No Kings” protests that surged across the nation don’t just happen. They are built one relationship, one conversation, one opportunity seized at a time. They happen because consciousness is raised and eyes are opened as more people learn about the shocking speed and abhorrent, un-American tactics of those in power. Despite dramatic efforts to dismantle democracy, trample on our rights and freedoms, and turn the rule of law into a weapon to silence critics, this weekend, America stood up and said not here, not on our watch.

I feel sorry for the Americans who are so deep into the right-wing media ecosystem or are manipulated by social media algorithms that they believe their fellow citizens coming together this weekend was to express hate for other Americans or toward our country.

If you’ve attended a rally, a march, or even a small community gathering in support of democracy and to speak out against the fascist movement led by Donald Trump and his co-conspirators, you know what I mean. It’s not only the spectrum of people coming together that’s inspiring, it’s the physical manifestation of what we say so often at Lincoln Square — there are more of us than them. It’s a powerful reminder that there is tremendous reason for hope. It becomes easy to believe that together, we can move our country back in the direction of expanding rights and freedoms for all, rather than consolidating power in the hands of an amoral few. We’re reminded that isn’t who we are and it isn’t what our country will inevitably become.

At Lincoln Square, supporting and fueling this movement is at the core of our mission. We believe an informed, empowered populace is the foundation for defending civil liberties, and every day, we work with your support to expand our reach and build a larger community of Americans who understand what’s truly at stake and are ready to take action.

The Trump Administration’s attempts to demonize the “No Kings” movement have been swift and aggressive. It’s also been revealing. Like all autocrats, Trump is terrified of public displays of defiance. Free speech is a threat to his lies. He knows that people continuing to speak out despite his threats and intimidation tactics of National Guard deployments and indictments of his political enemies exposes his weakness.

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On Saturday, the American citizens he attempted to paint as “terrorists” showed up in the millions, peacefully singing, chanting, marching, holding signs, with a large contingent of whimsical, inflatable characters and creatures. Exposing the lies told about those fighting for freedom and democracy weakens all the lies that Trump and his minions, like MAGA Mike Johnson, tell us. It creates the cracks that lead to the crumbling of authoritarian movements. It’s what we must keep doing.

Shining a light on the truth, on facts, on reality is why independent media like Lincoln Square Media must thrive. The coordinated campaign of disinformation and fear is designed to make Americans forget their rights, fear their neighbors, and abandon the defense of democracy as too little, too late. It is anything but. Now is the time, and we — all of us working together — are the people who are called on to do our parts, large and small.

Lincoln Square stands proudly with you. Our team was right there with you at demonstrations across the country. We also ask you to support our work, if you’re able. We are a community of fighters who will not yield. We’re not owned by corporate interests, and we’re not shackled by billionaire donors. Every subscription directly invests in amplifying fact-based reporting, reaching millions who have been misled or left out, and sponsoring the critical work of holding leaders accountable and defending our fundamental freedoms.

We hope the many scenes of love of country and our fellow citizens inspired and reenergized you this weekend. Onward!