No Kings Rally 18 October

I dread seeing patriotic flag displays on houses, cars and clothes.   It's now more likely to come from a fascist traitor.

I no longer identify as Christian because I don't want any possible connection to the current brand of Christian Nationalism, the rise of Evilangelicals and the heresy of the "Prosperity Gospel."

And now I choose the bear.   I was raised to fear black men, but quickly figured out they are the nice ones.  It's white guys, especially the younger ones, who scare me.

My ancestors helped found this country.  One signed the Declaration of Independence.  Another hosted Lafayette and Washington before the Battle of the Brandywine.  Colonel Noah Phelps entered Fort Ticonderoga as a trader, got a shave, and detailed the fort's layout to Washington. 

I was raised to be patriotic, not performatively, but as an actual core belief.  I was raised to be a devout Episcopalian, but that meant a thorough understanding of Christian history and theology.  Sadly I have come to realize that Jesus had some nice ideas that no one now actually believes.

I am lucky to know many diverse men, and have met very few who are fully toxic.   But the ones who infect our culture with their misogyny and patriarchy have had an outsized effect, tarnishing all men.

So it's time for me to honour my ancestry and spiritual beliefs.  I plan to be at the rally in LaVale, MD on Saturday.  Big or small, near or far, come out to reclaim the soul of the United States of America.