I’m honored to share this window into the No Kings Rally—filmed just steps from where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783, a powerful symbol of civilian control of the military. Annapolis carried that history into the present as local leaders, activists, and neighbors gathered to speak out for democracy, truth, and integrity in leadership.
Thanks for the space to highlight these voices as part of the American Voices series. I’m proud to keep telling these stories and highlight so many powerful women.
Thank you for all the great coverage yesterday. I was following you around on substack wherever you popped up. Journalists like you will be crucial in saving our republic.
I have been on the fence about leaving the country for Portugal. After yesterday at my local rally and after hearing this I am in tears 😭. I love this country but I can’t live the rest of my life in a fascist state. If I leave at my age I will never be able to return. This is the most impactful decision of my life.
Loved the live coverage. Really appreciated Jolly's finding out that there were 2 venues in DC -- the "festival" for the Army and the parade for the orange guy. Sounded like one was well attended and the other a bust!
Jim - Please bring coverage of all the smaller towns and cities that came out. Ask your subscribers to send photos. I live in the Berkshires in MA and the turnout was HUGE. Boston's turnout was HUGE - we can't let this get siloed. Thank you.
🇺🇸To My Beloved Grandparents: The Truth Is Still Ours to Share
First, I want to send a warm and hearty congratulations to everyone who took part in the No Kings protest yesterday. From coast to coast, grandparents, parents, and young folks alike stood shoulder to shoulder for truth, democracy, and the America we still believe in. Your voices were heard. Your peaceful presence made a powerful statement: we will not be ruled by fear, lies, or authoritarian fantasies. We’re still “We the People.” And we showed up.
But the march doesn’t end on the streets. After the No Kings protests, I had some heartfelt conversations in my own family—especially about why, in 2024, no one seemed to talk about how much the Biden Administration improved the economy after COVID; they feel this gap in information lead to Trump getting elected. That gap in coverage isn’t an accident—it’s a choice made by media outlets that don’t benefit from reporting progress. But we can help fill that gap. That’s why I want to talk honestly with you today about something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart: the difficulty of knowing what’s true anymore.
🧠
Truth is Hard to Find in Today’s Media World
Local newspapers—our once-reliable sources of community truth—have shut down across the country.
Billionaires have bought up major TV networks and national papers, deciding what gets covered—and what gets buried.
Social media algorithms reward outrage, conspiracy theories, and lies, repeating them endlessly until they feel familiar—even when they’re false.
It’s no wonder so many people feel lost, angry, or misled. Even topics like the economy, which can be measured with numbers and facts, have become battlegrounds for spin and propaganda.
I’ll be honest: the clearest picture of what’s really going on comes from the kinds of things most people don’t have time (or patience) to sort through—economic charts, job statistics, spending patterns, labor market graphs. Economists use these tools every day. But most people don’t, and that’s where the manipulators thrive.
📊
The Truth About the U.S. Economy in 2024—In Plain Language
Let’s remember what really happened:
The entire world shut down in 2020 because of COVID. Every economy crashed.
But in the years that followed, America led the global recovery.
By 2023–2024, we had:
Stronger GDP growth than any other G7 nation
Falling unemployment and rising wages in several key sectors
A powerful rebound in consumer spending that helped other economies recover too
A resilient dollar and global trust in the U.S. financial system
But many people still believe that the Biden Administration left our economy is in ruins. Why? Because they’re only hearing one version of the story—often from partisan outlets like Fox News, that only show what fits their political goals.
The truth doesn’t always make the news because it doesn’t stir anger, drive ratings, or sell ads.
🧓👵
A Call to My Fellow Grandparents
You and I—we remember a different time. We grew up with Walter Cronkite, with local reporters we could meet at the grocery store. We remember when the news was trusted. Today, our kids and grandkids are being misled by a media environment designed to divide and enrage, not inform.
✅ If you believe in the messages I share here, please copy and customize them for your Facebook, emails, or family chats.
✅ Add your voice. Make it personal. Tell your children and grandchildren what you have seen, what you have lived through, and what you still believe in.
✅ If you marched, tell them why. If you stayed home, tell them what you’re standing for.
This is our time to make an impact—not just in protests, but in conversations that shape the future.
Let’s keep showing up, speaking up, and lifting up the truth—because the next generation needs us now more than ever.
I stood next to a mother and her young adult son yesterday in Idaho and it was their very first protest. She had her 2nd chemo round earlier in the week with her battle with cancer - and still showed up to protest!
Of course, 2 young men causing trouble targeted her. We talked her son down and my husband stepped up to the cowards and with one statement had them scurrying away.
I’ve noticed you only approach women coming my way. She just had chemo this week & you’re still acting like jacka$$es and should be walking away. So want to ask me about my sign? They scurried away.
My heart swells with pride, as an American, we can come together and fight to save our democracy, peacefully. With that being said, why we have to do this is deeply disturbing. Thank you for all,of the coverage yesterday.
We have to keep telling the truth and hold on to it. Yes I wish that all the demonstrations had remained peaceful. The country is very divided and Trump loves it that way!
I watched every minute of the coverage. It was informative and fun as usual. Thank you guys for what you’re doing as independent journalist it means the world.
I think that's a wonderful idea Megan! Hope the right people see all these videos and they realize we aren't paid actors we are people of this country that care about democracy!
A 78-year old dialysis patient decided that participating in the No Kings protest was the most important thing she can do for her country. I'm in tears. What an inspiration! Thank you, wonderful lady!
Coverage was great! People really turned out in Phoenix and all over Arizona. It was peaceful and hot! Organizers said about 15k people were at the Capitol. It was my first protest ever and was proud to be there.
I’m honored to share this window into the No Kings Rally—filmed just steps from where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783, a powerful symbol of civilian control of the military. Annapolis carried that history into the present as local leaders, activists, and neighbors gathered to speak out for democracy, truth, and integrity in leadership.
Thanks for the space to highlight these voices as part of the American Voices series. I’m proud to keep telling these stories and highlight so many powerful women.
Let’s flood news agencies with photos and videos of us out yesterday! We deserve the right, honest coverage across ALL news agencies.
Tell them and Congress 12.1 million Americans protested (current count by Alt National Park Service coalition via Facebook).
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
every minute of the coverage was incredible. Thank you!
Thank you for all the great coverage yesterday. I was following you around on substack wherever you popped up. Journalists like you will be crucial in saving our republic.
I have been on the fence about leaving the country for Portugal. After yesterday at my local rally and after hearing this I am in tears 😭. I love this country but I can’t live the rest of my life in a fascist state. If I leave at my age I will never be able to return. This is the most impactful decision of my life.
Loved the live coverage. Really appreciated Jolly's finding out that there were 2 venues in DC -- the "festival" for the Army and the parade for the orange guy. Sounded like one was well attended and the other a bust!
so proud of those veterans who organized the DC no fascism march!
Jim - Please bring coverage of all the smaller towns and cities that came out. Ask your subscribers to send photos. I live in the Berkshires in MA and the turnout was HUGE. Boston's turnout was HUGE - we can't let this get siloed. Thank you.
Great coverage. Glad to see wo many wonderful truth warriors out there.
🇺🇸To My Beloved Grandparents: The Truth Is Still Ours to Share
First, I want to send a warm and hearty congratulations to everyone who took part in the No Kings protest yesterday. From coast to coast, grandparents, parents, and young folks alike stood shoulder to shoulder for truth, democracy, and the America we still believe in. Your voices were heard. Your peaceful presence made a powerful statement: we will not be ruled by fear, lies, or authoritarian fantasies. We’re still “We the People.” And we showed up.
But the march doesn’t end on the streets. After the No Kings protests, I had some heartfelt conversations in my own family—especially about why, in 2024, no one seemed to talk about how much the Biden Administration improved the economy after COVID; they feel this gap in information lead to Trump getting elected. That gap in coverage isn’t an accident—it’s a choice made by media outlets that don’t benefit from reporting progress. But we can help fill that gap. That’s why I want to talk honestly with you today about something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart: the difficulty of knowing what’s true anymore.
🧠
Truth is Hard to Find in Today’s Media World
Local newspapers—our once-reliable sources of community truth—have shut down across the country.
Billionaires have bought up major TV networks and national papers, deciding what gets covered—and what gets buried.
Social media algorithms reward outrage, conspiracy theories, and lies, repeating them endlessly until they feel familiar—even when they’re false.
It’s no wonder so many people feel lost, angry, or misled. Even topics like the economy, which can be measured with numbers and facts, have become battlegrounds for spin and propaganda.
I’ll be honest: the clearest picture of what’s really going on comes from the kinds of things most people don’t have time (or patience) to sort through—economic charts, job statistics, spending patterns, labor market graphs. Economists use these tools every day. But most people don’t, and that’s where the manipulators thrive.
📊
The Truth About the U.S. Economy in 2024—In Plain Language
Let’s remember what really happened:
The entire world shut down in 2020 because of COVID. Every economy crashed.
But in the years that followed, America led the global recovery.
By 2023–2024, we had:
Stronger GDP growth than any other G7 nation
Falling unemployment and rising wages in several key sectors
A powerful rebound in consumer spending that helped other economies recover too
A resilient dollar and global trust in the U.S. financial system
But many people still believe that the Biden Administration left our economy is in ruins. Why? Because they’re only hearing one version of the story—often from partisan outlets like Fox News, that only show what fits their political goals.
The truth doesn’t always make the news because it doesn’t stir anger, drive ratings, or sell ads.
🧓👵
A Call to My Fellow Grandparents
You and I—we remember a different time. We grew up with Walter Cronkite, with local reporters we could meet at the grocery store. We remember when the news was trusted. Today, our kids and grandkids are being misled by a media environment designed to divide and enrage, not inform.
✅ If you believe in the messages I share here, please copy and customize them for your Facebook, emails, or family chats.
✅ Add your voice. Make it personal. Tell your children and grandchildren what you have seen, what you have lived through, and what you still believe in.
✅ If you marched, tell them why. If you stayed home, tell them what you’re standing for.
This is our time to make an impact—not just in protests, but in conversations that shape the future.
Let’s keep showing up, speaking up, and lifting up the truth—because the next generation needs us now more than ever.
With purpose and pride,
✍🏼 Clarissa Sr.
American Grandma 🇺🇸
I stood next to a mother and her young adult son yesterday in Idaho and it was their very first protest. She had her 2nd chemo round earlier in the week with her battle with cancer - and still showed up to protest!
Of course, 2 young men causing trouble targeted her. We talked her son down and my husband stepped up to the cowards and with one statement had them scurrying away.
what was the statement? 😁
I’ve noticed you only approach women coming my way. She just had chemo this week & you’re still acting like jacka$$es and should be walking away. So want to ask me about my sign? They scurried away.
Good job 👏 what awful people!
My heart swells with pride, as an American, we can come together and fight to save our democracy, peacefully. With that being said, why we have to do this is deeply disturbing. Thank you for all,of the coverage yesterday.
We have to keep telling the truth and hold on to it. Yes I wish that all the demonstrations had remained peaceful. The country is very divided and Trump loves it that way!
I watched every minute of the coverage. It was informative and fun as usual. Thank you guys for what you’re doing as independent journalist it means the world.
I think that's a wonderful idea Megan! Hope the right people see all these videos and they realize we aren't paid actors we are people of this country that care about democracy!
A 78-year old dialysis patient decided that participating in the No Kings protest was the most important thing she can do for her country. I'm in tears. What an inspiration! Thank you, wonderful lady!
Agreed! As soon as I met Marion, I knew she had to be a big part of my story. What an inspiration!
Coverage was great! People really turned out in Phoenix and all over Arizona. It was peaceful and hot! Organizers said about 15k people were at the Capitol. It was my first protest ever and was proud to be there.