People at a coffee shop
Dictators can intimidate the courts, institutions of learning and the free press into compliance. But coffee shops have a mind of their own.
April 5, 2025 – The idea of freeing ourselves from King George III grew out of colonial coffee houses scattered across the colonies.
Pamphlets and newspapers were read through clouds of tobacco smoke. Ideas about government were tested.
Those early Americans used the term “tyranny” to express their fear of autocratic authority. A healthy vigilance continues to this day. Every president since Washington has been accused of unconstitutional villiany.
We’ve turned to the word “fascism” instead of tyranny in modern times because the industrialized genocide committed by Nazi Fascists is seared into our consciousness.
What makes our current president more dangerous than any in the past is his attempt to overthrow the 2020 election and remain, patently unelected, in office.
He is systematically destroying documents and rewriting our history about that crime and the riot that followed. He’s imposing a nazi-style retribution against officials who followed their sworn duty to hold him responsible.
The Yankee tradition of frequenting coffee shops and debating our liberties dates back to our founding. It would take more than an executive order to shut them down. Let’s hope we never go there.
Melissa Tom
My core belief in the good in people is my sustaining force these days. I look for acts of kindness and moments of bravery and protest to endure the tyranny and sustain my hope that democracy wins. Thank you for sharing a ray of hope.
Pat Shiplett
Melissa, the belief in the good in people is a central question, isn’t it? I’ve been reading a book called “Fears of a Setting Sun” which describes the concerns of the Founders about the future of the counbtry when it was young. Pat
Randy Gaynes
I hear The Donald is going after the baristas next so hang on to you latte’s!
Pat Shiplett
The FBI is following your comments, Citizen Gaynes.
Julie Chernoff
Love it!
Pat Shiplett
I think DJ went downtown for the rally. The humor in her sign works is wonderful.
Claire Tarnacki
That’s right , Pat.
Pat Shiplett
Keep the faith, Claire.
Edna Grad
And who is this beautiful woman with the smart sign?
Pat Shiplett
Her name is D.J. And she has a successful practice as a dog walker.
Nancy Myers
!!Great!!
Pat Shiplett
Her ideas are a lot like your thinking, Nancy
Harold Schiegel
Glad people are realizing this is not normal politics anymore. We’ve been taken over by people who want to make important decisions for you, without you and in service to their needs rather than yours.
Spot on Yank
Pat Shiplett
Spot on to you too, mate.
Bev Bolsen
Good thoughts, Pat
Bev
Pat Shiplett
We’ll get through this trail by going to the ballot box. The wheels are coming off already.