PERCEPTIONS AND THOUGHTS DURING BIG BEAR’S “NO KINGS DAY” PROTEST

The paradox of No King’s Day seems both enlightening and terrifying.

Under sunny blue skies with white cumulus clouds and a friendly breeze cooling everyone off,

the crowd of about 550+ in Big Bear City is full of spirit, joy, and good will, as ”resistance

citizens” protesting Trump’s policies, police actions, and military presence, join together

holding signs, calling out chants, sharing water, camp chairs, sandwiches and conversation, while enacting our First Amendment rights to assemble and protest our grievances.

And yet..and yet…

The feelings we share of helplessness and despair, fear, and above all, anger toward the Executive wannabe dictator who has conned, grifted, and lied repeatedly to those masses of citizens who seem unknowingly, for the most part, to recognize his dishonesty and manipulations.

And those citizens, like us, stand on the precipice of fascism through this lover of authoritarianism, living in the White House, citizens now seemingly mentally hypnotized or in some form of rationalizing or denial of his cruel and sadistic thoughts and actions

The paradox, of course, is the incredible contrast within our Homo sapiens species, between

those who believe and practice the collaborative moral precept: ‘Don’t lie, cheat, or steal’, and

those presently in political power in our beautiful country, with their minions and followers who delight with contemptuous glee, as they continue to suck dry, themselves and the American populace of its fundamental rights, supported by media outlets who dissemble openly and outrageously.

Still, with not simply personal hope, but with the fire of Action and the roar of our awakened

crowd, we must continue to Resist and fight so that we may, might, and should Prevail….

And, my take, with a chagrined nod to Nietzsche:

“Trump looked into the Abyss

But the Abyss freaked out and fled;

Trump became the Abyss.

So don’t look too deeply lest you be consumed.”

SM Lovell

2025

Glen Thompson Scholarship Award
Thank you for ALL your contributions to our Scholarship award.  In an effort to keep supporting a community program we are looking for items to raffle at our meeting.  Please email us if you have something to contribute. 

Award ceremony speech: The Mountain Bears Democratic Club created our Community Service Award to recognize Glen Thompson, one of our former members who exemplified service to the mountain community.  Each year we give a $500 scholarship to a graduating Rim High School senior who exemplifies the best in service to our community.

We are truly gratified by the number and quality of applicants for this award. This year was no exception. However, there was one applicant that stood out above all others, that clearly embraced the values of our Mountain Bears Democratic club.  This amazing Senior has worked hard for years giving to others and supporting the community through Operation Provider.

What struck us as astounding and hit our hearts was the next part of this applicant's vision for a better world.  Founding a new club on the RIM campus La CASA de RIM, whose purpose is fighting to Bridge the gap between students here at RIM and the acceptance of other cultures that are the fabric of our melting pot called America. This woman we know will be a strong progressive leader.  We support her vision and admire her passion.  We The Democratic club are honored to be a small part of her journey. 
 
The 2025 Mountain Bear Democratic Club Community Service award goes to: 
Odaliz Victorio

Running Springs to Big Bear….MBDC is protesting because they care!

The 2025 May Day protests were held internationally on May 2025. Demonstrations are being held in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. There were also protests in Manila and Taipei. In the United States, protests were organized as part of the 50501 movement.

Jay Obernolte and Tom Lackey held mobile office hours in Lake Arrowhead Thursday, 5/1. MBDC and other concerned citizens showed up to discuss Jays House votes that hurt his constituents. Concerns ranged from Medicaid, forest logging, education, immigrants in concentration camps, Jay’s basic kissing the ring of Trump and basic disregard for THE RULE OF LAW and our CONSTITUTION.

Jay did NOT show up!

Based on the available information, here’s a breakdown of Jay Obernolte’s votes and positions related to benefit cuts in 2025:

Votes on Budget Proposals:

• Obernolte voted for the House GOP budget bill, which has been criticized for potentially leading to cuts in social safety net programs like Medicaid. This bill proposes significant cuts to programs under the purview of several House committees.
• These proposed cuts include: $238 billion over nine years to programs within the House Committee on Agriculture (including SNAP), $330 billion over nine years for the House Education and Workforce Committee (which oversees child nutrition), and $880 billion over nine years for the Energy and Commerce Committee (which oversees Medicaid).