From Myra Enloe

Dodgeville

To the Editor:

Are protests effective? March 28th saw the largest single day protest in the US and the world. We gathered to raise our voices in protest to the ongoing lawlessness and corruption of the current administration. There is an urgent need to reform, strengthen and rebuild a government that works for ALL of us. Rallies play an important role in this effort:

Change the narrative. A massive show of popular opposition everywhere in the country can disrupt Trump’s effort to project strength. It shows that resistance is big, powerful, growing, and everywhere.

Bring in new people. Mobilizations of this scale and scope reach people who aren’t yet engaged, and help to draw them into a cycle of action and relationships on the ground.

Foster community. When you show up, you realize that you’re actually part of something enormous. And that helps to build the shared sense of identity we’ll need for the path ahead.

Show support. Many people have endured significant hardships due to the policies of this administration — government workers, beneficiaries of programs that have been cut, immigrants, etc. Your presence is a show of support.

Spread courage. We all become more courageous. Elites become emboldened by the protests to stop propping up the regime (corporations, law firms, universities, politicians, etc.). And we brace ourselves to be ready to take stronger nonviolent action (such as a general strike) when it becomes necessary.

Thank you to all of you who participated in these joyful and peaceful protests!