Hi Friends,
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who challenged something I'd written condemning Donald Trump's use of dehumanizing language toward immigrants. My friend argued that Trump used words like "animals" only when referring to criminals, such as drug dealers and rapists. This confused me, because throughout his presidency, Trump often conflated criminals with immigrants.

I explained that consciously dehumanizing anyone is profoundly dangerous. Knowing my friend's Christian faith, I pointed out that such language stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It saddened me when my friend responded that he was okay with that.

Sometimes, I feel discouraged about the direction of our country. It confuses me -- and breaks my heart -- that we chose to reelect a leader who fostered an insurrection, subverting the rule of law and the will of the American people. This undermines the very Constitution so many have fought and died to protect. Yet, I find hope in the courageous and disciplined responses of our neighbors in Minneapolis to the tyranny unleashed on their streets

A Call to Action

The time is coming for all of us to help carry our share of this load. I don't mean we all have to man the barricades--hopefully, it will never come to that. But it is time for those who oppose the darkness being unleashed and normalized to raise their voices, speaking their minds and hearts loudly and clearly.

My mom used to say everything will be alright in the end. If things aren't alright, that just means this isn't the end. There will be rough sledding ahead, but the only way we lose is if we quit--and I don't think that's going to happen.

Video Link:

To add my small candle flame to the gathering light, I'll share a brand-new recording called "America's Game."
On January 7th, instead of doing the Wordle with my morning coffee, I woke to news of Renee Good's murder and found myself scribbling the words to a new song called "America's Game." The phrase "America's game" has always referred to baseball. The Trump Administration's unrelenting assault on our country's core values made something as deeply American as baseball seem like the perfect vehicle for my title and chorus. The message is that this ain't over... not by a long shot.
Here's a YouTube link to "America's Game":
https://youtu.be/LB1GeGWlEow?si=QnzozE2FVtpAFgdv

New Lyrics:

I'm also including some new lyrics which (if they resonate with you) I encourage you to share with folks who might be on the fence about what going on in our country right now:

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American Dissident (Welcome to the Resistance)  by John Flynn

If you're someone who don't much like seeing folks get pushed around
You might be an American dissident
And if you just can't stomach seeing gun thugs in your town
You might be an American dissident

And you have long grown weary of the unrelenting lies
Claiming you're unpatriotic for believing your own eyes
If you're not sure how to change things but you know you have to try
You might be an American dissident

If it pisses you off seeing kids kidnapped by men in masks
You might be an American dissident
And you really don't like bullies in case anybody asks
You might be an American dissident
If you're all for law and order but believe no one should die
Cause a fat man dressed in camo claims that they did not comply
And if tears of rage or sorrow burn like teargas in your eyes
You might be an American dissident

Welcome to the resistance
There ain't no land of the free
Without simple human insistence
That we all have dignity

And if you're against arresting folks just 'cause their skin ain't white
You might be an American dissident
And have more than just a little fondness for the Bill of Rights
You might be an American dissident
If you never really wore patriotism on your sleeve
But you know what we once stood for and you'd rather fight than leave
'Cause you draw a line when jackboots tread on human decency
You might be an American dissident

Welcome to the resistance
Where the Land of the Free
Is based on the insistence
We all have dignity

Yeah we might take our licks
Cause this is more than politics
The freedom that we always knew
Has a big bill that's coming due

Welcome to the resistance
There ain't no Land of the Free
Without simple human insistence
That we all have dignity

Welcome to the resistance
There ain't no Land of the Brave
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Upcoming Events

If you'd like to hear either of these songs, you can find me in Churchville, Maryland this Saturday night, February 7th, at 7PM.
https://www.gotruenorth.org/calendar/nguo13mzqkpqoixxw81lb31l5tw5mu-3w3zj

Travel Opportunity

And now for some fun...
I'm considering hosting a group trip to Scotland in 2027. I have folksinger friends who've been doing this kind of thing for years, and they seem to be having a blast. (Plus, Beth has always wanted to visit Scotland.) So I'm exploring the possibility. If you're interested, here are some preliminary details:

• Dates: May 10th--20th or August 31st--September 10th
  
• Earlybird Prices: 3,250 (double occupancy), 3,650 (single room)
  
• Includes: Live music, travel, lodging, breakfasts, three group dinners, guides, etc.
  
• Not Included: Travel to/from Scotland (Edinburgh or Glasgow), lunches

Please let me know if you might be interested!

Peace,