I am preparing for the April 5 nationwide protest which will be taking place in every state capital, Washington D.C. and several other cities across the country.

I have my poster board and my markers at the ready.

My question is – what should I say?

Should I focus on my heartache when I hear about lifesaving vaccines no longer being provided overseas?  Or maybe I could channel my outrage at tons of grains and food products sitting in warehouses in the vicinity of thousands of people who are near starvation. Should I write about my grief at the cuts at USAID and the immediate damage that this has done across the globe?

Or should I concentrate on matters closer to home?  The devastating cuts to the National Park Service, for example.  Our National Parks are deservedly a source of national pride and international wonder.  U.S. citizens as well as visitors from across the globe marvel at awe-inspiring vistas and regular sightings of animals large and small.  Cutbacks will reduce park hours, limit the services and programs offered, and inevitably result in a decline in maintenance and protection – not to mention devastate the lives of those faithful, hardworking rangers.

What about the reports of people being detained or deported without due process?  We are told that they are threats to our society but how do we know that if there is no investigation, no trial, and no reports?  Why are people being snatched off the streets by masked “officers”? If I don’t pay attention to moments when “they” are being arrested, I fear that all too soon it could also be “us” or even “me.”

All of that doesn’t even touch on my embarrassment (and horror) at the continued insinuations about taking over Canada or Greenland.  Or the suggestion that Ukraine caused the devastating war they are enduring.  Or our country backing out of world treaties and partnerships that have defined us as a compassionate and strong world leader for decades.

And don’t get me started on my anguish about cutting library budgets and destroying the Department of Education.  Or the threats to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

All of this seems to be a bit much for my one small poster board.  So – please give me your opinion.  What should I say?  How can I best express my concern?  What are your suggestions for a quote that speaks to this moment?  What needs to be emphasized right now?

Write your suggestions in the comments.  

I’ll show you my sign when I am ready to go to the protest.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel

Each week I will be sharing a “sign of support” that I’ve seen in my travels.  This week’s comes from the local Democratic Town Committee supper fundraiser: 

“Don’t tell someone you love them, then vote for someone who will hurt them.”