📢 Political Violence Is a Threat to Us All (Part 2)

🗽A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny. Throughout history, Americans have faced corruption, injustice, and authoritarian overreach. And every time, we fought back.

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Friends, yesterday we launched our five-part series Political Violence Is a Threat to Us All.

Today we’re back with a one-pager to define political violence and how we can advocate for peace.

Tomorrow is Constitution Day, a reminder that the Constitution isn’t just history—it’s our skin in the game. The Constitution’s protections are not self-executing—they depend on us. When neighbors, workers, students, and parents defend our rights, teach the truth, and build power together, we strengthen the democracy extremists are trying to destroy. Every threat to an official, every voter harassed, every person gunned down for their beliefs sends the same message: Be afraid. Stay silent. Let fear decide. Our answer must be louder: Be brave. Speak out. Show up. Organize for peaceful solutions. Freedom is a daily act of advocacy. Today, we stand united against all forms of political violence.

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Regardless of our differences, the Constitution—and our conscience—compel us to reject all forms of violence and defend the rights and dignity of every person.

Political Violence Is a Threat to Us All

Definition of Political Violence

Political violence is the use or threat of force to achieve political goals—including intimidation, injury, or killing. It targets people, communities, or institutions to influence policy, silence opposition, or destabilize government.

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Purpose of Political Violence

The goal is power through fear.

Political Violence seeks to:

• Undermine democracy by making civic participation dangerous.

• Silence dissent and drive people out of public life.

• Force policy changes or block reforms without winning elections or legislating.

• Convince the public that force, not law, decides who governs.

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Forms of Political Violence

Political violence takes many shapes, including:

• Assassinations & targeted attacks

• Election-related threats & intimidation

• Domestic terrorism & hate crimes

• Harassment & stalking

• Bombings, arson, and clinic invasions

• Armed demonstrations

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How Political Violence Differs From Polarization

• Polarization is deep political disagreement—even harsh, emotional debate—within the boundaries of democratic competition.
  

• Political violence rejects those boundaries, using force or credible threats to achieve outcomes that should be decided by votes, laws, and peaceful advocacy.
  

• Disagreement is protected; violence is a crime and an assault on our constitutional rights.
  

Questions to Help Differentiate

Ask yourself:

• Is this conflict being waged with arguments and organizing, or with intimidation, threats, or weapons?
  

• Are participants seeking to win elections or change laws, or attempting to scare opponents into silence?
  

• Does the action respect court rulings, peaceful protest, and free speech, or aim to punish, harm, or terrorize?
  

• Are people challenging ideas, or targeting individuals and communities with violence?
  

• Would this tactic still make sense if your own side were in power?

If the answer points to force, fear, or coercion, it’s not mere polarization—it’s political violence.

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Pushing Back: Power to the People and Progress

We can counter political violence by strengthening democracy and organizing together:

Protect Democratic Processes

• Demand enforcement of civil-rights and anti-terror laws.

• Support election workers, poll monitors, and independent journalism.
  

Strengthen Community Safety

• Report threats and intimidation.

• Support local violence-prevention and rapid-response networks.
  

Champion Nonviolent Action

• Settle differences at the ballot box, through the courts, and through people-powered advocacy.
  

• Build a Culture of Courage

  • Teach constitutional rights and civic engagement.

  • Model disagreement without dehumanization.

  • Celebrate progress that uplifts rather than harms.

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Bottom Line:

Political violence is a direct attack on our freedoms and the very idea of democracy. Regardless of our differences, the Constitution—and our conscience—compel us to reject all forms of violence and defend the rights and dignity of every person. Progress means progress—advancing justice and equality without harming those who disagree. By standing together, speaking out, and organizing for peaceful solutions, we can protect our rights, reject fear, and keep power where it belongs: with the people.

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Today’s Call to Action

• Likes, hearts, comments, and shares are always appreciated!

• Click here to signup for No Kings October Mobilization Kickoff Call

• Click here to Unequivocally Denounce All Political Violence

• Click here to Tell the Supreme Court Racial Profiling is Unconstitutional

• Click here to Tell Congress: Invest In Climate Resilience and Clean Energy

• Click here to Tell Trump and Rubio: Make Sure Baby Formula Reaches Gaza

Power belongs to the People. Join the NO KINGS movement on Saturday, Oct. 18

On October 18th, we rise together. From coast to coast, millions will send one message loud and clear: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. This is more than a slogan—it’s a declaration of defiance and a promise to defend democracy. When Trump sends troops to silence dissent, threatens to erase our votes, or bargains away our lives for his billionaire donors, we will not be silent. We will not surrender our future. Power belongs to the people.

Find an event near you by clicking here. Don’t see your city? Check back soon—new events are added all the time. Or click here to sign up and host your own. And for anyone wondering, if your city isn’t listed yet, just keep checking or start your own event today!

A core principle of all No Kings events is nonviolent action. Participants are expected to de-escalate conflicts, act lawfully, and never bring weapons—legal or otherwise.

Thanks for taking action!

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People Power United Updates

Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts ❤️ and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. In case you missed it, this past week was busy:

• In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been making updates to the website. My deepest apologies if you recently landed on a page with a broken link. We’re working hard to catch up with all the changes—thank you so much for your patience!

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✨ Together we can inspire change!

People Power United is a grassroots group with members in all 50 states-powered by people like YOU. We champion progress and power to the people.

We believe in change because we make change happen.

Here’s what makes us special:
💡 Grassroots energy: No fundraising, no constant emails asking for donations.
📢 Impact through action: We believe in the possibility of change and do the work to make it happen. We don’t just complain, we make change happen!

In this community, we will never stay silent in the face of hate or bigotry. We stand up and speak out against racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of discrimination that seeks to divide and harm.

We believe:

• Everyone deserves dignity —with access to housing, healthcare, and education.

• Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, preferred pronouns, religion, or employment status.

• Everyone deserves safety—clean air and water, and communities free from gun violence.

The power is in your hands. Let’s champion freedom over fascism—because our future depends on it.

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FYI

Please note that when People Power United uses the word “fight” in writing, online, or in speech, we mean to advocate fiercely, never to incite or support violence. We do not condone violence in any form, nor do we promote breaking the law.

Our work is rooted in peaceful advocacy through exercising our constitutional rights: voting, free speech, peaceful assembly, rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. We use these tools to defend our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and our democracy. And together, we will win.

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Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests), People Power United

Laurie joining other activists and organizations to drop thousands of petitions off to Congress for reforms to the Supreme Court

People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.

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