Unarmed Truth Meets Armed Troops
Protesting? That’s So 1st Amendment of You
Troops in California — And Civil Liberties on the Line
This isn’t a drill.
Donald Trump just deployed federalized National Guard troops into California—against the will of state leaders—to respond to protests following ICE immigration raids. He claims it’s about law and order. But let’s be honest: this is about power. And if we don’t raise hell about it now, we might not get the chance later.
These were peaceful protests, with people demanding fair treatment, an end to family separations, and accountability for a government operating without brakes. The response? Tear gas. Flash bangs. And now? Troops in the streets.
Here’s what’s at stake:
Freedom of Speech & Assembly
Peaceful protest is a right, not a privilege. Troop presence creates a chilling effect—people are staying home instead of speaking out.4th Amendment Privacy
Protesters are reporting illegal searches, checkpoints, and intimidation tactics. This isn’t national security—it’s suppression.Due Process
Mass arrests. Delayed charges. No access to counsel. If this isn’t martial law yet, it’s sure standing on the front porch with a boot in the door.State Sovereignty
Trump used the Insurrection Act to override California’s leadership. That means no state is safe. If your governor disagrees with Trump, your rights may no longer apply.
This isn’t about California. This is about all of us.
What’s happening now is a dry run—a federal power grab disguised as crowd control. Today it’s L.A. Tomorrow it could be Austin, Madison, Atlanta, or your backyard.
What we’re doing:
CODA is organizing protests, contacting every elected official in our network, and putting together a toolkit for activists and allies who won’t back down. Attend the Rural Texas Summit June 13-14 at the Bastrop Convention Center to get started.
We need you.
Show up for protests (safely and legally).
Write to your reps—state and federal.
Share this newsletter. Talk to your neighbors.
Organize like your freedoms depend on it—because they do.
We’re watching history happen in real time. The only question is whether we’ll let it repeat—or whether we’ll write a better chapter.
—The CODA Team
Rural Texas Summit – Event Overview
The Summit is THIS WEEK! Get your tickets now so you don’t miss this powerful event!
The Rural Texas Summit was born to give rural voices a platform and spark real conversations about our future.
Join us June 13–14, 2025, at the Bastrop Convention Center for two days of networking, strategy, and inspiration.
Our mission is simple: build coalitions—across PACs, organizers, candidates, and communities—to tackle the unique challenges facing rural Texas.
Friday kicks off at 8:30am with sessions focused on grassroots power, PAC impact, and coalition-building. That evening, join us for Happy Hour @ 6:00 PM and the Fundraising Banquet @ 7:00 PM featuring:
Jim Hightower and Bill Oliver
Nancy Thompson, Mothers Against Greg Abbott
Kendall Scudder, Chair, Texas Democratic Party
Libby Villari as Governor Ann Richards
Music from Suzanna Choffel
Saturday dives deep into rural issues—education, agriculture, civic power, and what it takes for Democrats to win in rural Texas. We’ll wrap with a clear action plan for building stronger communities together. Yes, you can Summit and protest! Saturday: protest 10–12pm, then head back to the A/C for more Summit action. Stay loud, stay cool.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Don’t wait! If you miss buying online you can still buy at the door.
This is your moment. Let’s build a stronger rural Texas—together.
And the Winner is Dolly with 52% of the vote.
We had a blast at Bastrop Pride this past weekend.
Top 5 Times Trump Used Chaos to Distract from Policy
Because nothing says “don’t look over here” like a fresh scandal.
1️⃣ Covfefe & Comey (May 2017)
Right after firing FBI Director James Comey—who was investigating Trump’s ties to Russia—Trump tweeted the infamous, unhinged word: “covfefe.” Cable news melted down for 3 days. The Comey firing? Barely a footnote by the end of the week.
Chaos Rating: 7/10
Distraction Success: High
2️⃣ The “Both Sides” Charlottesville Debacle (August 2017)
Trump defended white nationalists as having “very fine people on both sides.” While everyone was justifiably appalled, his team rolled back DOJ civil rights protections and quietly slashed Obama-era police reform efforts.
Chaos Rating: 9/10
Policy Buried: Police accountability
3️⃣ Greenland for Sale?! (August 2019)
Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland—yes, seriously—just as his administration finalized brutal new rules allowing for indefinite detention of migrant children. The media obsessed over maps and memes. Kids stayed in cages.
Chaos Rating: 11/10 (Frozen Brain Edition)
Policy Cover: Family detention expansion
4️⃣ Inject Bleach, Save the Economy (April 2020)
As COVID deaths spiked and states begged for PPE, Trump suggested injecting disinfectant to treat the virus. What slipped under the radar? His administration was actively lobbying for corporate liability protections from COVID lawsuits.
Chaos Rating: Biohazard Level
Policy Sleight of Hand: Corporate immunity
5️⃣ Elon Feud 2025 (Now)
Right as he invokes the Insurrection Act to send troops into California, Trump goes to war with Musk on X. Tech gossip explodes. Meanwhile, federal troops are patrolling U.S. streets like it’s Red Dawn: MAGA Edition.
Chaos Rating: Manufactured but Effective
Policy Cover: Militarization of civil unrest
Moral of the story?
Trump’s chaos isn’t a bug. It’s the whole system. Don’t get distracted by the circus when the tent is on fire.
