NO KINGS: People were definitely there

I was gaslighted today, June 14, 2025. It was so surreal yet familiar that I needed to share the story. I went to the Sandpoint “No Kings” rally this afternoon. It was therapeutic, carrying homemade signs and peacefully expressing discontent regarding federal overreach alongside several hundred like-minded Idahoans. When I got home, my neighbor told me that he had heard there was supposed to be a protest. I told him that, yes, I had been there. He responded that no one showed up. I countered that a huge number of people were there, lined up on both sides of the road from beyond the courthouse all along First Street. He reassured me that I was wrong. Wow. That’s some blatant gaslighting. I was there! I have pictures! Puzzled, I did what humans do with all the big existential questions: I asked the Google A.I. about it. The A.I. said: “Gaslighting helps the gaslighter avoid the uncomfortable process of self-reflection and acknowledging that their initial assumptions might be inaccurate.” The A.I. is wise. I like my neighbor. I try to respect his point of view. HOWEVER. Habitual gaslighting and denial of incontrovertible evidence (science and medicine, anyone?) have become the national pastime. Perhaps instead we should demand our government respect the Constitution; we should reach out to help people even if they look or think differently or are (gasp!) looking for a better life for their kids by coming to this great nation. Kind people are great people. And please stop gaslighting me. Thanks, America.

CARRIE ROLLER, MD MPH

Sandpoint