This weekend marked two important, deeply related yet profoundly different events: a Military Parade at the Washington Mall and a No Kings protest across the country.
Democracy endures. Many were deeply moved to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army. Most Americans are genuinely proud of our country and the Army, which has fought to keep us free since before the nation was established. They are patriots who eagerly watched the troops march and the extraordinary weaponry that has upheld our status as the leader of the world.
The No Kings marches were equally patriotic. Our right to assemble and peacefully protest against our government was clearly demonstrated in over 2,000 locations across the United States. Thousands opposing the current administration gathered to express their grievances.
This should be encouraging for all of us. Both things can be true at the same time. We celebrate and protest, and both are deeply patriotic expressions of commitment and love for this nation. Many are concerned that our rights to free speech are under attack. This past weekend shows us that we still have our voices. Dissent may be under assault, but it will not be taken away.
The challenge is to find ways to advance an agenda and, importantly, recognize that even when we disagree profoundly on so many issues, there must be a way to communicate with one another. We need to identify civil means of expressing our grievances and refrain from resorting to violence. The tragedy in Minnesota seems to be the act of a lone wolf. However, that is not reassuring. There appears to be an ever-increasing number of lone wolves willing to take matters into their own hands through violence. We must reject that.
We are a nation of laws. We do not murder those we oppose politically. We fight our battles in the streets through peaceful protest, in the courts, and at the ballot box.
This past weekend demonstrates that our fundamental principles as a free people under the rule of law endure. As in the Star-Spangled Banner from the War of 1812, our flag remains. We must not fail her.