Local opinion: Saving Uncle Sam — a civics lesson learned outside the classroom

From the age of 9 on, I was raised by a single mother. Newly divorced and needing an income, she became a high school English teacher. Occasionally, she would discuss what she was teaching. One evening, over dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, she told me she was teaching a unit on Henry David Thoreau, an American essayist and a leading thinker of his day. She described him as a great patriot. However, she went on to add that he opposed the Mexican-American war, fought from 1846 to 1848, and criticized the U.S. government — and, by implication, the country — for entering into that war.

As an elementary student, I typically thought in terms of black and white. Criticism of the country? “But I thought you said he loved his country,” I remarked.

I will never forget my mother’s reply. “One can love one’s country but still feel one’s country is wrong.”

These days, I often find myself reflecting on my mother’s words. I thought about her message when, days in advance of nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans referred to the upcoming demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies. I couldn’t picture my brother-in-law, a frequent participant in protest demonstrations since Trump returned to the White House in January, as an America-hater. Nor did that image fit what I knew about my friends and acquaintances who were planning to participate in Saturday’s demonstrations. Many of us care deeply about our country but fear that Trump is taking us down the wrong path – a path that threatens our democracy. In the face of that threat, we cannot — we dare not — remain silent.

In Tucson, my hometown, Saturday the 18th dawned bright and sunny. I arrived at the Speedway/Country Club demonstration to find large numbers of people lined up along both sides of Speedway — and Country Club. The line of sign-carriers extended nearly a mile. A sizable crowd had gathered to speak their minds.

Looking around, I didn’t see the slightest hint of hatred toward America – only concern for the future of our country and democracy. Below are just a few examples of signs I saw:

“U.S.A., I love you; I’m just disappointed.”

“I love America.”

“Save our democracy.”

One sign contained a list of things its owner advocated — among them justice, civil rights, the U.S. Constitution, and democracy.

At length, I came across the most gripping sight of all: a man dressed in an Uncle Sam suit. His sign read, “SAVE ME!!”

The morning wore on. The temperature climbed. My brother-in-law, spotting me, told me of a nearby coffee shop where one might order water. I headed over there and was trying to determine how to get the attention of the drive-in window attendant when I heard a familiar voice call my name.

A friend of mine, out on errands, had pulled up just behind me. She invited me into her van, and we ordered our drinks. We briefly drove around, my friend praising the signs she saw. Moments later, she dropped me off at Country Club with parting advice: “Go save the country!”

“We’ll do our best,” I told her.

Trump campaigned on the slogan “Make America Great Again!” Yet how can we achieve and maintain that greatness if we dismantle our democracy? If we truly intend to support this great country, we’ve got to stand up for democracy too. Democracy is what makes America America. Destroy one, and we will lose the other.

To those who question how we can participate in protests and still claim to love America, watch our actions. Are we willing to take a stand and speak up for democracy, even when we risk criticism for doing so – even when maintaining silence would seem the easier path? If you want to know if we love our country, watch what we do on behalf of democracy. There you will find your answer.

“If that isn’t love it will have to do

until the real thing comes along.”