A Relentless Voice in the Streets (Image Credits: Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com)
Los Angeles — A 70-year-old veteran activist captured national attention with his impassioned call to defend democracy during recent anti-war rallies outside City Hall.[1]
A Relentless Voice in the Streets
Bert Voorhees, a retired lawyer and teacher from the northeast San Fernando Valley, emerged as a prominent figure at protests against U.S. and Israeli bombings in Iran. He joined more than 200 demonstrators organized by the Answer Coalition on March 2, carrying signs and flags from Mexico, Palestine, and Iran. Voorhees described American society as reaching an inflection point, where unchecked military actions threatened core democratic principles.[2][1]
Participants chanted for jobs, education, and an end to deportations rather than funding for bombs. Voorhees argued that violence by Iran’s leadership did not justify foreign intervention. He warned that silence would erode the nation’s foundations. His wife, Catherine Arias, stood by his side at the rally. Voorhees had protested hundreds of times before, including against drone strikes under President Obama.
Fears of a Democratic Assault
Voorhees expressed deep alarm over President Trump’s immigration raids and the Iran strikes, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. He viewed these moves as distractions from domestic failures like rising prices and illegal tariffs. “If people don’t stand up and get loud about this, all together right now, we’re not going to have a country,” Voorhees stated at the event.[1]
The activist labeled Trump the head of a fascist movement, surpassing even his past criticisms of Ronald Reagan. He called for a national strike to halt government operations. Protests highlighted the trillion-dollar military budget amid neglected social needs. Six U.S. servicemembers died in the conflict, fueling outrage. Voorhees insisted politicians must answer to the public, not rule unchecked.
Allies Fuel the Movement
Voorhees drew support from fellow activists like Denise Giardina, a Huntington Beach bookseller involved in Home Depot patrols against raids. Giardina worried about her daughters’ rights and stressed incremental action over despair. Roseanne Constantino, a Silver Lake graphic designer, dismissed tuning out the news as privilege and praised activism’s communal lift.
- Door-knocking and postcard campaigns during elections.
- Whistle brigades protecting neighborhoods.
- Massive No Kings rallies across greater Los Angeles.
- Community resistance in Minneapolis against raids.
These efforts formed a network of resistance, proving ordinary citizens could push back effectively. Giardina noted that government alone could not save the day; people must act. Constantino saw protests as a gateway to purpose and love for democracy.[1]
Optimism Powers Persistence
Despite his anger, Voorhees remained hopeful, quoting the arc of the universe bending toward justice despite setbacks. He cited Minneapolis as proof that humanity could force retreats. “Love is stronger than hate,” he affirmed, invoking Martin Luther King Jr.’s beloved community.[1]
Voorhees urged marching with joy alongside allies rather than despair. He believed all empires eventually fall. Democracy, to him, demanded ongoing vigilance beyond voting. His message resonated amid growing civic engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Voorhees views protests as essential supervision of leaders.
- Iran strikes and raids signal deeper threats to U.S. democracy.
- Community actions like patrols and strikes offer paths to change.
Bert Voorhees embodied the tension between outrage and resolve, proving age and fatigue need not silence action. His rallies signaled a broader awakening against perceived overreach. As tensions simmer, his call to the streets echoed a timeless duty. What steps will you take to engage? Tell us in the comments.
