Letter to the editor: Thanks to those who attended downtown protest

Many thanks to the folks who came to the Kerr Co. Courthouse to express their First Amendment rights April 19. You, among the many thousands of protesters around the country, are the backbone of American democracy. You gallantly hold steadfast to the ideals of freedom and equality, demanding protection of our civil liberties that they should not perish to the ever-growing threat of fascist ideology by the current administration.

You demonstrated your sincerest devotion to our country, the Constitution, Rule of Law and most of all, your compassion for fellow citizens who have fallen prey to the flagrant disrespect of the civil systems that protect and sustain our nation.

To the many veterans who stood proudly with the rest of us that day, you have weathered many challenges in your service to our country, but perhaps none greater than the challenge to our democracy right here on American soil. Your allegiance to defend our nation against the tyranny of injustice, indignity, and dishonor cast upon you and your fellow service members by our current administration is meritorious.

To the mothers and fathers that came with their children, holding up their signs proudly, you honor our country for raising your children to believe in and defend the freedom to speak out against injustice and inequity.

To the senior citizens who proudly stood with us, you are the pillars of our community. You have lovingly supported and honored the foundations that we embrace and dared to speak out against those who scoff and deflect our basic civic principles and laws, as they twist and deny the truth.

It’s vitally imperative we defend and honor our 249-year old democracy, from those who have demonstrated their goal to abandon our Constitution, and embrace authoritarianism. Fascism favors a system that extolls bigotry, greed, and lawlessness.

Susan Cherico
Kerrville