Oct. 4 - Free Speech

Day 276 of a year of kindness

Every Saturday, the South County Resistance group shows up at a local overpass displaying a large sign visible to drivers on the highway. Today it read: “Protect Free Speech.”It was particularly meaningful because this group has been hamstrung for weeks. Law enforcement used an obscure 1896 law to prohibit the group from attaching their big sign to the overpass, which made it difficult to protest. A couple of weeks ago, the group reached out to elected officials who consulted attorneys. The group got the good news recently that the law does not apply to them. They are free to attach their sign to the overpass.

As a former journalist and a passionate believer in free speech, I joined them on the overpass this morning. All kinds of people stood out there including two people in wheelchairs and a woman who was recovering from double knee replacements. Most of the cars honked in support but there were drivers who hurled expletives at us (not nice or kind). It’s worth it to me - especially when there is so much at stake.

Science of Kindness: Research shows that standing up for what you believe is kind. Acts of moral courage, especially in public, inspire others and strengthen community bonds. Kindness is not weakness. It’s a strength. #bekind #kindessmatters #bekind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #FreeSpeech