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Dear Kent Streeters,

I had thought to write this week’s Perspectives on the failure of GOP leadership to condemn the culture of political threatening and hate that has been emanating from those within their ranks at the State House, on social media and beyond. Governor Ayotte, Speaker Packard and Senate President Carson have each failed in their own way to lead and to act. At a time that demands strong voices, from all sides, speaking out against political hate and violence, the three top Republican electeds in our state have chosen to say little, if anything, at all. They are whatever it is that can be called the opposite-of profiles in courage. They are failed leaders. Granite Staters deserve better.

So….that Perspectives will have to wait for another time. Instead, I want to focus on how we, all of us, can lead. And this weekend, we have a great opportunity to do so.

In Concord, in New Hampshire , across the nation millions will be gathering this weekend at No Kings events, lifting our voices, claiming our power and insisting that in a democracy -in our democracy – it is we the people that ultimately lead. For too long, many of us have been waiting for our electeds or some-other-someone to lead. This weekend, we make clear that it is we who will define and shape the future course of our nation. It is we who will demand and create that “more perfect union.” It is we who will fulfill the promise of America.

According to research by political scientist Dr. Erica Chenoweth, nonviolent movements that actively involve just 3.5% of a population have never failed to cause significant social and political change. This 3.5 percent rule tells us that a small, committed, and diverse minority can force change by creating a “tipping point” in history. We must become that 3.5 percent.

We are well on our way. But, no matter how many of us gather this weekend, we cannot stop with protests alone. We must commit to ongoing actions big and small. We must keep our arms linked and our eyes ever on the horizon.

Let’s make this weekend the biggest protest yet. Let’s use it to claim our power, to claim our place on the right side of history, to claim a better, kinder and more just future. Let’s do this!

With eyes on the prize,

Louise