Inspiration for Resisters on No Kings Day June 14, 2025
Across the U.S. and around the world, thousands will gather to say: "No man is above the law. No king rules this republic."
Today, over 200 major events are planned across the U.S., with companion observances in 15+ countries, including Canada, Germany, Argentina, and South Korea. Organizers include grassroots coalitions such as Democracy Defenders United, Lawyers Against Tyranny, Students for Constitutional Accountability, and allied community arts programs.
🔥 Because real patriots don’t bow to tyrants.
“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”
— Samuel Johnson, April 7, 1775
Johnson reminds us that the most corrupt often seek moral cover in nationalistic rhetoric. He wasn’t condemning patriotism itself—but rather its cynical abuse by those who seek to exploit it when all else fails. Think of it as a moral smokescreen: when the truth gets too dangerous, they wrap themselves in the flag.
🔥 Orwell in “Notes on Nationalism” Warned about the Misuse of Patriotism
Orwell described how nationalism, unlike patriotism, is obsessive, exclusionary, and manipulative. He observed that “Nationalism is power-hunger tempered by self-deception.”
🔥 Dictators and Kings Equate Self with Nation
Authoritarians often present themselves as synonymous with the nation.
> Criticism of them = Criticism of America.
This tactic is deeply anti-democratic—and deeply un-American.
🔥Hiding Corruption and Abuse
> Wearing a cross prominently or a flag on a lapel does not absolve criminality.
> Flag-waving is often used to divert attention from scandals, cover-ups, and abuses of power. It’s political theater—emotion over accountability.
🔔 True Patriotism Involves
- Upholding constitutional principles, not personalities.
- Defending the rule of law, not selective immunity.
- Supporting truth and transparency, not propaganda.
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Even darkness must pass. A new day will come…”
“And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.”
— Samwise Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Watch:
🎵 Resistance Songs Playlist
Classic Protest Anthems
- Fortunate Son – CCR:
- A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke:
- We Shall Overcome – Pete Seeger / Joan Baez:
- Imagine – John Lennon:
- Where is the Love? – Black Eyed Peas:
🏛️ Speeches That Shaped Democracy
FDR:
and
JFK:
MLK:
Churchill:
Mr Churchill On Victory (1942)
Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning".
🎬 Iconic Scenes of Cinematic Resistance
- The Great Dictator:
- Network:
📝 Curated by Ethan S. Burger
🔗 Read More on Substack »
