The New Kent State

By Lorraine Evanoff, January 17, 2026 – 480 Words

Months ago, when Trump first illegally ordered the National Guard to attack American citizens, many of us predicted a repeat of Kent State style murders of peaceful protesters that took place May 4, 1970. On that date, the Ohio National Guard fired on peaceful anti-Viet Nam War protesters at Kent State University killing four. The shootings began a nationwide protest that some posit led to the downfall of the Nixon administration.

John Filo‘s Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph of Mary Ann Vecchio kneeling over the dead body of Jeffrey Miller minutes after the unarmed student was fatally shot by an Ohio National Guardsman

But the National Guard members who fired on the unarmed students were acquitted and the victims never received justice. Now, history is repeating itself in Minnesota. Renee Nicole Good’s murder by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, who fled the scene after shooting her in the face, is not under Federal investigation despite witnesses providing first-hand video.

These witnesses are not there by accident. This is a form of organized “legal observation” which has roots in civil rights uprisings during the 1960s and 70s, including the Black Panthers “Neighborhood Patrols” leading to “Cop Watch” which is widespread today.

Also in the 1970s, feminist groups organized massive protests for reproductive rights, while the National Abortion Rights Action League led strategic legal challenges resulting in Roe v Wade, legalizing abortion nationwide based on the right to privacy.

Yet here we are, 50 years later, fighting for freedom of speech and the right to privacy. What’s happening in Minnesota is reminiscent of the Civil Right movement when firefighters used fire hoses against children marching in Birmingham, Alabama, and when officers beat peaceful protesters in Selma.

This current Republican Party reveals how vulnerable our freedoms are to a party that abuses its powers while holding all three branches of government. Billionaires interfered in the 2024 U.S. elections on behalf of Republicans in a surgical way that was impossible to combat without a Constitutional Court like Romania and Brazil created after their respective autocracies. Now the GOP is weaponizing the DOJ and ICE against Americans.

Many feel powerless, but we have been here before and prevailed. After we regain control of Congress and the presidency, we must enact new legislation to protect citizens and reform SCOTUS. Meanwhile, there is a lot we can do now.

Senate Democrats can defund ICE. The GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed last year under reconciliation, with only a simple majority in each chamber. But ICE doesn’t have that money yet. Congress still must pass an appropriations bill before DHS gets the funds, requiring 60 votes, not 51, in the Senate. Senate Democrats must vote NO on this bill.

Also, Americans must keep coming out in droves to vote and to protest for our democracy. In 2025, protests reached seven million people. During Trump’s first term, protests maxed out at 3-5 million, but Democrats took the House in 2018 and the Senate in 2020, with Kamala Harris as the 51^st vote. Trump’s approval is now in the toilet, yet he’s doubling down, in spite of the backlash against this Republican overreach.

By all means GOP, please proceed.

TIMELINE CLEANSE

We’re in Maui, finally visiting our condo after two years in the FEMA program to help house those who lost their homes in the Lahaina fires. It’s been good to get away from the mainland. It almost feels like another country. The locals are so loving and show gratitude for their diversity and beautiful nature. They’re also protesting in their way.

It’s whale season and magical to be close to these majestic sentient beings.

Also, as some of you know, our area in Kaanapali has had their own feral cat TNR program for years. It’s great to see the little fur babies enjoying the visitors.

Speaking of cats, I miss Floofles and can’t wait to get home. She’s been eating at the feeder in the new atrium and even started using the ramp. I’m so proud of her! 😻🐾

Namaste 🙏🏻