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Tracey Tapp | special to the Daily News

While being interviewed by the Daily News for the article "Taking it to the Streets" (July 20 edition), I was asked if we were afraid to protest. I was taken aback by the question. Why should we be afraid to carry out our responsibility to participate in our democracy?

Ive reflected a lot on that question since the interview. The fact is, some Progressives Northwest Florida members are afraid to be vocal about their views because it could hurt their business or negatively impact their children in school. And to be honest, we do think about our physical safety. Let that sink in. What has our country come to when you cant express political views without fear for your physical safety?

This fear is not unfounded. Bikers for Trump provide security for Congressman Matt Gaetz. And there is evidence they roughed up an attendee at one of his town halls. He also invited a local militia to protect him. Let that sink in. Do you want to live in a country where elected officials use non-government, para-military forces to rough up constituents that dont agree with their positions?

We are mostly women. Ask any staffer at the Pensacola office of Senator Rubio or Congressman Gaetz. Weve met with them every Tuesday for the last six months to participate in our democracy. We are unarmed. We adhere to the principles of non-violent resistance. We are not dangerous. This is true across the country. Let this sink in. Non-violent women are leading the resistance.

Despite this, the National Rifle Association recently released a video depicting us as violent and essentially inviting people to take matters into their own hands. So yes, in this 2nd Amendment loving area, we think about our safety. Let that sink in. You are being told lies about who we are and what our aims are. You are being asked to incite violence against women exercising their civil liberties.

Add to this the fact that state legislatures across the country are advancing bills to criminalize public protests. The basic tenants of our democracy free speech and the right to assembly are under attack. Let that sink in. Do you want to live in a country where criticizing the government is a crime?

Progressives Northwest Florida appreciates it when city governments help us secure permits for our marches and vigils. We appreciate it when the police help us understand and abide by the laws that govern civil discourse and disobedience in our country. And we especially appreciate it when they keep us safe while exercising these rights.

We want you to know we are here. And even if we are sometimes afraid, we are not going away. Let that sink in.

This guest column was written by Tracey Tapp, who lives in Fort Walton Beach.

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GUEST COLUMN: Is it dangerous to participate in democracy? - The Northwest Florida Daily News