Dear Editor,
This is to get out in front of the inevitable letters you’re most likely receiving from the dedicated MAGA Cult members who feel it necessary to spread misinformation about the rally and its participants.
First off, NO, no participants were bused in as has been intimated by many on the right, including some in local neighborhoods. NO, this was a “Love of Democracy” and “Fear for our Democracy” rally, not a “Hate America” rally as pushed by the right-wing networks and politicians.
YES, the rally was attended by concerned citizens of all ages, who truly care about the direction the current administration is taking us. NO, no one was paid to be there, actually many took time out of either their busy schedules or only day off to express their concerns about the madness, lies, and dangers to Democracy being exercised in Washington DC and in Republican led states by the current party in power... and YES, our president showed his true self with the video he posted of himself wearing a crown while flying a fighter jet dumping feces on peaceful protesters.
Perhaps he doesn’t realize that many Republicans share our concerns about this march towards an authoritarian/fascist state and would have been amongst those he dumped on.
A couple of final points, all attendees were peaceful, with only two disturbances from people who felt it their duty to try to disrupt or antagonize the participants.
One person, driving a large black diesel pickup, decided to cut the corner from Linger Longer to 44 very close to the group and, while doing so, spewed a massive cloud of black smoke onto the crowd. Surely he was proud of his actions, but perhaps not so much when he was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy at the Shell station.... “Reckless Endangerment” sounds about right.
Then, of course, there was the lone screamer from the CVS parking lot waving his double middle finger salute and shouting obscenities at our group, which included several young children. We’re sure he was proud, too!
Thankfully, other than a few others driving by with their single-digit salute, our rally was well-intended and well-accepted by dozens of motorists driving by and sounding their horns in support...
Michael S. Celentano, Greensboro