Letter to the Editor: Democracy is not a spectator sport

Dear Editor:

I was the host, along with a great team, of the March 28 No Kings rally in Greybull. We asked people to write down why they were there and many did. I am not going to share those comments except to say that they were varied and numerous. I know exactly why I was there.

I was there because I consider myself a moral person and will not remain silent while vulnerable people are attacked by unprincipled elites. I was there to remind myself and other people that I am not alone in my disgust for the current regime. I was there to let everyone know that there are Americans like me who are patriotic and do not condone the cruel, juvenile and reprehensible conduct of the current president. I was there for the same reason that I vote and pay taxes; democracy is not a spectator sport, it requires my participation and action. I was there so that my children and grandchildren will know that I had nothing whatsoever to do with this administration; that I will continue to act with fidelity to the numerous times I have taken an oath to uphold the Constitutions of the State of Wyoming and of the United States. I was there because I consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ; with all my failings and faults, but I will not condone the pollution of the gospel of Jesus Christ by war mongering and prosperity gospel heresy. The Sermon on the Mount, Micah 6.8 and Matthew 25 are the core of Christ’s teachings. Acting justly, loving mercy, walking humbly and caring for the least of those bearing the image of God. I was there because I still want my life to matter. 

I do not care what anyone says about me, but I take special umbrage whenever anyone lies about my friends. No one was paid to be there. The vast majority of the 122 people attending were from Big Horn County. 

So, I was there because of the poverty of decency in this administration, its epidemic of cruelty, its allergy to facts and its bullying for billionaires. I am writing this on Friday, April 10 and the enriched uranium is still in Iran and Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz.

Tom Harrington

Shell