We, The Protectors

Showing up for our country, our neighbors, and the future

I came up with the name “Protectors” because each one of us is trying to protect someone or something by speaking out: The Constitution, bodily autonomy, the environment, our transgender friends and family, and family members, friends, and co-workers who have come from different countries, and so much more. It is all under attack, and it is all happening at once.

Why We Show Up

Our voting rights are being threatened and, with them, our ability to have any say in how we want to be governed. Free press and free speech used to be real things, and it has amazed me how fast that has been eroded. News stations are not airing stories so as not to offend the Trump regime, glossing over the truth instead of digging deep to bring to light what is really happening.

I hope you are reading and listening to news sources that try to give you real news and not infotainment. I hope you are not just listening to quick sound bites, but are trying to understand the history behind the issues being discussed.

The blatant disregard for the Constitution and what the USA stands for is astonishing, but there is good news. People are not happy. I know it seems like our pro-democracy rally has been small every week and that support is waning, but in actuality, more and more people are unhappy about what is happening and, if given the chance, will vote against the regime in the next election. They may not come out on Saturdays, but they will show up at the polls.

Supporting Candidates and Spreading the Word

We need to make sure we are all able to vote safely and fairly, and we need to make sure people know who to vote for. I know in my neighborhood many people do not yet know that Joe Brothers is running for House District 48A or that Doug Chapin wants to unseat Emmer.

We need to spread the word. Some people are doing door knocking, but even putting up a yard sign can make a big difference and help build name recognition down the line.

On Tuesday, Dan and Michelle Kessler will be at The Bellows for the Southwest Protectors meeting to discuss what you and I can do to help.

Help Needed

I am looking for help. I am overwhelmed with all the events and activities happening, and I would love it if someone could help keep track of candidate events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers so we can continue making you aware of them. Please let me know if you are able to send me a list of events each week that I can pass along to everyone.

Important Safety Reminder

I also wanted to make you all aware that a well-known agitator has stated he is interested in coming to our area to bully our patriots. He specifically mentioned the Waconia protest, and since we are close by, I am sure we are on his list too.

My first ask is that, if you are able, please come support the Waconia protest from 11:30 to 12:30.

Second, DO NOT engage with him in any way. He wants publicity for his YouTube channel, and if we do not give him reactions, he has nothing to work with.

Remember that we are in a public area and he has every right to be there. If he starts yelling or screaming obscenities, that is his right. Just remember that you cannot reason with him, and if you give him attention, he will profit from it. I know I do not want this person making any money from our reactions.

Our security team has pictures of him and a description so we know who to look out for.

Bring the Patriotism

As we get closer to Memorial Day, many stores are selling items with flags and patriotic themes. I hope you will bring those things to the rally so people can see that we are fighting for the United States. I bought some flag hats and fans myself to help deal with the heat in the upcoming months.

Keep Going

If you are feeling defeated by the amount of absolutely batshit crazy stuff the Trump regime is currently doing, please remember that they are desperate, and the more desperate they become, the more unhinged their actions will be as they try to hold on to power.

We will protect.

See you Saturday.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.