We all know by now that the Republican Party is flailing. It has become a cult of spineless sycophants, kowtowing to a dictator, with no concern for its constituents. That’s not even debatable. So why is there no consistent protesting going? Big national, international rallies are great, but what are we doing between these events? Small protests attract more protesters who can participate on a more frequent basis.
Several times a week, I pull out my sandwich boards and go to the corner of Grand and Oak Park in Grover Beach to protest the orange dictator. When I do this—at the outlet mall, downtown Arroyo Grande, wherever there is traffic—I get primarily positive responses: thumbs up, go girl, etc. That’s great, but why am I out there alone? If you care, then why am I the only one protesting?
I realize that not everyone is retired like I am, but afternoons, weekends, holidays, or any hour you can find the time to speak out, do it! At 77, I am tired—I was there in the ’60s protesting the Vietnam War, protesting the threatened Iraq War in Santa Maria with Bill Denneen. Folks need to stop wringing their hands and get up and do something! I am tired of trying to go it alone.
Remember Larry Kramer and his ACT UP group in the ’80s? Look it up; if not for the pressure of ACT UP, who knows when the government would have invested in AIDS research?
Nothing happens when we are divided and fail to unite and speak up.
Cathryn Sells
Grover Beach
This article appears in Oct 9 – Oct 16, 2025.