April 19 Rallies Show April 5 Rallies Were Not A Fluke

I attended the April 19 rallies and here are the three big takeaways protestors shared with me

Yesterday I attended one of the 750+ nationwide pro-democracy rallies held on April 19. This movement is not slowing down. If anything, it’s just getting started. I was in Batavia, Illinois, surrounded by folks who came not for spectacle, not for a selfie—but to fight fascism, defend democracy, and hold our leaders accountable. The rally was entirely peaceful, deeply patriotic, and charged with righteous urgency.

Here are the three biggest takeaways I heard from protestors—and they're worth your attention.. Let’s Address This.

1. People are furious at MAGA extremism—and fed up with Republican cowardice

There’s a difference between political disagreement and moral collapse. MAGA extremism has long crossed that line, and everyone I spoke with knows it. But what especially enraged folks wasn’t just Donald Trump’s descent into authoritarianism—it was the silence and cowardice from the GOP.

One protestor said to me, “Even Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski admits she’s afraid of Trump. She knows he’s dangerous, but she’s too scared to vote against him.” That fear—legitimized by elected officials—is fueling public anger. Not just because MAGA loyalists are running toward fascism, but because the people who could stop them are running away from responsibility. People are paying attention, and they’re outraged.

2. People are disillusioned with corporate Democrats who refuse to rise to the moment

It wasn’t just Republicans catching heat at the rally. Plenty of folks were angry with Democratic leadership, too—especially the corporate Democrats who offer tweets when the moment demands action.

“Where’s the urgency?” one woman asked. “Where’s the leadership?”

Several folks specifically contrasted Senator Chris Van Hollen’s actions with Senator Chuck Schumer’s inaction. Van Hollen flew to El Salvador to support his constituent, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, after the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Garcia was wrongfully deported. Meanwhile, Schumer hasn’t done much beyond post online.

The message was clear: people don’t want performative politics. They want fighters. They want leaders who don’t just campaign on justice, but show up for it in the real world. And they’re hungry for new leadership that takes this existential crisis seriously.

3. People are showing up—and they’re not going away.

Here’s the part that gave me real hope: nearly half the people at the Batavia rally told me this was their first pro-democracy protest. That’s no small thing.

Yes, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t frustrating that many folks waited this long to get involved. But we’re in this to build—not to shame. Each person is on their own journey, and I’m glad they’re here now. Their voices matter, and their presence shows this isn’t a niche movement—it’s a growing, multigenerational, multiracial, grassroots fight to save democracy.

And those who have been in the fight longer? They welcomed newcomers with open arms. I saw seasoned organizers sharing resources, encouraging folks to stay engaged, and reminding everyone: this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Conclusion: The Fire Is Lit—Now We Build

April 19 was not just a day of protest—it was a line in the sand. A declaration that we will not sit silently while authoritarianism metastasizes in America. That we refuse to be ruled by fear, apathy, or billionaire-funded propaganda.

The energy I witnessed in Batavia is real, and it’s rising. But energy alone isn’t enough—we need organization, sustained action, and courage.

If you were at a rally on April 19, thank you. If you couldn’t be there, but care deeply about this country, your voice still matters. Raise it. Use it. Support those who are fighting for justice every day.

And if you're looking for ways to stay informed and engaged—follow, support, and amplify independent platforms like mine. I write daily on the issues corporate media refuses to cover. Subscribe here for free, or if you're able, chip in $6/month to help keep this work going.

Together, we will keep showing up. Together, we will keep holding the line. And together, we will defeat fascism with the power of justice, compassion, and community.

P.S. Resharing Calls to Action from Past Posts

Here’s how to build on this momentum:

✅ Call your Members of Congress and demand they refuse all billionaire and corporate PAC money. Tell them you will not vote for them if they choose billionaires over democracy.
✅ Support people-powered candidates in your community who run on justice, not wealth. When they ask you for support, ask if they are 100% people funded. If they’re not, they don’t deserve your support because they are telling you they won’t listen to you anyway.
✅ Share this message with your networks—and don’t let corporate media bury the truth. Especially if you attended a rally (even if you didn’t) make sure everyone you know has these next steps in mind.

Let me be explicitly clear—I am not suggesting you don’t vote. On the contrary, I am proudly and loudly calling on you to vote in every single election without exception, but do not give away your vote to politicians funded by the very billionaires and billion dollar corporations destroying our democracy. Vote for the people funded candidates working hard to protect our democracy. That’s how we save our republic.

Finally, subscribe to independent voices like mine who speak truth to power and refuse to be bought. As billionaires continue to buy out major media, voices like this platform can continue to speak truth to power—but only with your support. My platform, Let’s Address This, is proudly people-funded. I don’t take corporate money. I write daily on human rights issues that corporate media refuses to cover. You can subscribe for free or support with $6/month—whatever works for you.

But more than anything, I’m grateful for your trust, compassion, and commitment to justice. Let’s keep building this movement, together.