In October, 1969, those who opposed the Vietnam War staged a National Moratorium. It was one of the largest and most successful organized protests in American history. Millions of people participated in the national moratorium in events across the country. In Boston alone, more than 100,000 people turned out.
The Vietnam conflict was one of the most divisive events in our recent history, but it pales in comparison to the divisive impact of what is going to take place at noon, Jan. 20, at the US Capitol. At no time since the Civil War has our nation been so greatly imperiled; our Constitutional liberties, our economic well being, our social fabric have never faced such a combined and unified threat.
If ever there was a time to recreate and amplify the National Moratorium of 1969, it is now. The stakes are much higher, the threat is far graver and the national mood has never been so unified.
Therefore, I propose that the weekend of Jan. 20-22 be one of moratorium. The ceremony in Washington should be boycotted, replaced with a massive rally staged in protest. Workers should cease all labor for their employers and all businesses should be forced to close for lack of customers. No one should attend any public event except for those conducted to protest the atrocity that is being waged against us.
There have been many rallies since the general election; many protests and public events. These have been disorganized and, being so, have been used as rallying points by our opponents. What I propose today is a protest so massive, a gathering so enormous, a movement so impactful that it cannot be ignored or dismissed.
We want a national movement of solidarity, a demonstration of how the unified voice of We the People of the United States can combine in force of protest. We should strive to show to all the world our mutual opposition to the anti-American sentiments espoused by this incoming administration. We should not allow our silence and inaction to be misconstrued by anyone, domestically or internationally, as consent or approval for what they vow to do in our name.
We have only weeks to prepare, but the first step is to start. Who is with me? Who will join this great fight?