18/07/2025
Yesterday marked a powerful and poignant convergence of moments. On July 17, which is not only the first day of Mercury retrograde but also the anniversary of the passing of Congressman John Lewis — a true giant of the civil rights movement who reminded us all to get into good trouble, necessary trouble.
We joined hundreds during a rally called by grassroots organizations resisting authoritarianism and standing up to the ongoing attacks on our rights by the Trump administration and its enablers. It was a powerful day rooted in protest, in dissent, in remembering our responsibility to act.
Just a few blocks away, however, a completely different scene unfolded. Escondido’s current Republican Mayor — a MAGA loyalist — announced his re-election campaign, surrounded by the usual crowd: those mostly aligned with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association and the old-guard Republican establishment. A celebration, as if everything is fine. As if our country isn’t in crisis. As if our communities aren’t hurting.
Two events. Same city. Same time. Two realities. Two visions of America. One that acknowledges the pain, the urgency, the struggle for justice — and one that pretends everything is “great” again.
The contrast couldn’t be sharper. And the choice couldn’t be clearer.
