Resist MAGA’s actions

To the editor:

On Feb. 18, 2025, in Huntington Beach, Calif., a former NFL player was arrested at a city council meeting for protesting against the current federal administration’s actions. His name is Chris Kluwe.

Mr. Kluwe was protesting against the library in Huntington Beach, Calif., installing a plaque that had the words written “in the form of an acrostic, the plaque featured the stacked words: Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous — MAGA. The design was approved last week by a city commission who confirmed that the acronym was deliberately chosen to represent “Make America Great Again,” the slogan used by Trump and adopted by the Republican party.” (KTLA 5 television, 2/19/2025).

Mr. Kluwe practiced “civil disobedience” as he was arrested, slumped to the floor and was carried out. He did not resist arrest. This is “non-resistance” action. This type of protest was recommended by the writer/philosopher Henry David Thoreau around 1849 and also practiced by Mahatma Ghandi in India and South Africa 120 years ago.

Mr. Kluwe stated to the council that MAGA stands for “censorship and book bans, for firing military veterans and those serving them including canceling research on veteran suicide. MAGA stands for cutting funds to education, including for disabled children”

I agree with Mr. Kluwe statements about MAGA. The current administration is telling flagrant lies and trying to sow anger, confusion and terror into its citizens and peoples around the world. This is a power grab and it is vicious and cruel. I see little criticism of what is happening in this country. Mr. Kluwe exhibited a single, small, brave act of resistance.

Peter Engstrom

Fairmont