IT WAS THE FOURTH of July and we still showed up, 25-30 strong.
Some of us wore patriotic-themed shirts. We carried our signs. Susan brought mini American flags to distribute. One guy arrived with a full-size US flag. Matt came with his aging dog, Honeybun, who lounged in her dog bed on the sidewalk.
The week prior, we’d briefly talked about whether to gather on the Fourth of July. But we quickly decided that, of all days, we should meet to protest on the 250th birthday of our country. Just like we have every Saturday since January along one of Faribault’s busiest roadways.
Our love for America, our concern for America under the present administration, our love of freedom and democracy draw us street-side to publicly protest. Love for our immigrant neighbors brings us, too. There are hundreds of reasons to stand up, to rise up, to resist.
NOTABLE QUOTES ON PATRIOTISM
I reference this quote from a recent reader comment: “A love of country can coexist with a fierce criticism of it, and peaceful protest is arguably the epitome of patriotism. It is the work of those who love a country strongly enough to insist on trying to close the gap between what it is and what it could be.” (Steven B. Smith, The Atlantic, July 2026). That quote from Smith summarizes peaceful protest in a way that really resonates with me.
Another reader shared an equally insightful comment from a speech by Mark Twain: “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, but your government only when it deserves it.” Oh, how true I find that to be.
PROTEST LINE OBSERVATIONS
Protesting in my community, which has voted Republican probably in forever (I’ve lived here 42 years), felt initially unnerving. It takes a bit of bravery to publicly stand along busy Minnesota State Highway 60 in this city of 25,000 and protest. You’re not anonymous like you would be among hundreds or thousands of protesters in a much larger city. But I got over that quickly as I found community among others, soon discovering that I am not alone in my viewpoints, my worries, my concerns.
In fact, during seven months of protesting, we’ve all noticed growing support from motorists passing the protest line. The verbal assaults, the rolling coal, the rage and other negativity directed toward us is declining just as support is increasing. The name-calling and bird flipping still happen, but not as frequently and with less intensity.
Now we have the numbers to back up those observations. My husband, Randy, closely watched passing motorists for the past two Saturdays, tallying results on the back of his protest sign. He noted reactions like horn honking, waving, thumbs up, middle fingers, yelling…in two overall categories of support and non-support.
SUPPORT IS GROWING
On Saturday, June 27, support was at 75 percent. On the Fourth of July, that number rose to 82 percent.
Things are shifting. And that began around the time of the Iran War and rising gas prices.
People passing by our protest line represent a cross-section of Faribault, lending validity to the unscientific street-side poll results. I hold hope. And hope is a powerful thing to hold when you love your country enough to stand up in protest.
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ON ANOTHER NOTE: Sam Temple, candidate for Rice County commissioner in District 3, is holding a town hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today, July 6, in the Great Hall of Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault. He intends to focus on data centers. One is being proposed for Faribault. Come, get informed, ask questions, meet Sam and also meet candidates running for Faribault City Council. All have been invited to this town hall. This will be a good opportunity to learn about data centers and about candidates running for local offices.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love everything about this! I have always been a big fan of your blog and I am so glad to know that there are kindered spirits, in every community, out there making their voices heard!
We shall overcome!
Thank you for your kind comment and for appreciating Minnesota Prairie Roots. That means a lot to me when readers like you express your gratitude. And it means a lot to me also when I know others are out there raising their voices. Yes, we shall overcome!
I like the quote by Steven C. Smith. Thank you to you the the folks on the protest line in Faribault, weekly.
We’re trying, doing what we can on the protest line. Yes, that Smith quote is a good one!
You were at North Morristown later in the afternoon I see. It looks like the crowds dissipated at North Morristown…
We usually go in the later afternoon when crowds thin, but in time to hear Monroe Crossing. Did you attend?
Yes, we did attend…arriving about noon and leaving about three…
We just missed seeing you.
so proud of every one of you. never stop, the battle continues until we win. what a cute outfit you had, and perfect for both events.
i marched with my indivisible group, combined with other local groups, along with neighbors, in the 4th of july parade, with signs saying what we stood for, what must go, and to urge everyone to vote. we gave candy to the kids and passed out small flags along the route. we chanted and sang and at times those watching cheered and clapped and sang with us and that was what we hoped for. this is what we need a group of people standing together. every person matters
I love that you marched in your parade, raising your voices via actual voices and signs. Thank you for doing your part. Every voice matters.
Thanks – this is our second year of doing this and we want the community to know we’re a part of them and looking out for all –
YES!!! It’s so clear to me how much you love and value your community.
I always read your posts but have only commented a time or two. I believe this makes it a threesome. I comment, in part, to tell you that I am pleased that not only did you appreciate but also today included one of my favorite Mark Twain quotes. Might I also add that I am impressed by your dedication to the Protest Line in Faribault. Edmund Burke is credited with a quote that today’s post brings to my mind : “Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could do only a little.” Your little is a lot! Thank-you!
I just HAD to include the Twain quote from your comment. It struck me as particularly appropriate. Protesting does not always feel like a lot or enough. But it matters. We are reaching people, perhaps making them think. We are showing that we are unafraid to raise our concerns in a very public way. We are showing that we care about this country enough to stand in sub-zero temps, in falling snow, in the heat and humidity of a summer day and raise our voices. We can each do something, which is better than doing nothing (which I consider complicit). Thank you for commenting. I’d love to hear from you again.