Resist National Bullying Through Local Protest

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When I was in middle school, I loved to bike to a shopping area about a couple of miles from my home. It gave me a sense of independence and empowerment. 

On one of my rides, Joey, a kid I knew from elementary school, and his pal jumped off the stone wall they were sitting on and beat me up. They had a good time doing it, and they did it to me again, more than once. I found out later that they were inflicting the same kind of physical punishment and humiliating shame on other boys as well. 

No matter who you are, it is my opinion that getting attacked physically, mentally or spiritually by bullies leaves scars. In my case, it introduced a trauma into my psyche from which I’ve never fully recovered.

America is now under assault from a highly practiced and proficient bully. Trump and his allies are enjoying the constant climate of fear, intimidation, and threat and actuality of violence they’ve introduced into American life. He’s stated his intention to make “war” on cities like Boston. His regime is repeatedly demonstrating a complete disregard for the law. It delights in humiliating and suing its critics and opponents. Bullying is the calling card of this “government.” Its political, economic, academic and so–called journalistic enablers are falling over themselves in their rush to kiss the chief bully’s ring. The willingness of the Republicans in the US Congress to abandon their Constitutional responsibilities and power is especially unctuous and mystifying.

Ask me how much I miss John McCain. 

The No Kings! Rally set for October 18th on Bartlet Mall, 11am-1pm,  is an opportunity for all of us to Just Say No to fear, intimidation, and violence as the governmental strategy replacing our democracy. If, God forbid, a hard Left government were ever to take over the US and tear up the Constitution the way this one has, I’d be as angry and concerned about it as I am about this crowd.

When Joey was in the 6th grade, he participated in a talent show at our school by playing the accordion. It was a big instrument, and he was a big kid. Something got fouled up during the performance, and he had to stop. He stormed off the stage, close to tears. He was deeply embarrassed. A bunch of kids in the auditorium laughed at him. I hope I wasn’t one of them. Middle school kids can be pretty cruel. 

Bullies learn to steel themselves against their vulnerabilities. God only knows what life was like for Joey at home. According to one representative study, an astonishing 97% of all bullies have been bullied, most of them at home. 

Biographers describe Trump’s father as wanting his sons to become “killers.” It’s a safe bet that he learned ruthlessness on Daddy’s knee. Maybe neither Trump nor Joey got much TLC as a kid. That’s always a sad thing. Kids need and deserve love.

But now we’re facing the grown man who is our president. He brooks no dissent. His regime isn’t even 10 months old. We ain’t seen nothing yet. 

If you’re concerned about what’s happening in America and where we’re headed domestically and internationally, turn out on October 18th.

You’re not alone. 

America got started by facing down bullies. There’s no reason to give into one now.  

Michael Sales
Newburyport resident

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