Seeding the Grass Roots

A Farewell to Charlie Kirk in Johnston and a Revival of Something Enduring

By Justin Katz | September 22, 2025 |

What the Final Farewell to Charlie Kirk in Johnston lacked in action, it made up for in symbolism.

A water drop and ripples

Farewell to Charlie Kirk tonight in Johnston.

By Justin Katz | September 21, 2025 |

As social media streams fill up with images and reporting out of the Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona, today, we note that “A Final Farewell to Charlie Kirk” is being held in Johnston tonight at the Johnston Memorial Park, 183 Hartford Ave.  The event is cosponsored by the RIGOP and Turning Point Action.

Kids operate a "Lemonade for Charity" stand while a suspicious adult looks on

People won’t join groups when they don’t have agency.

By Justin Katz | September 20, 2025 |

Earlier this month, I noted Ethan Shorey’s comments on how online negativity is reducing volunteerism.  The more-fundamental cause, I suggested, is progressive politicization; everything is us versus them.  Vincent Marzullo takes up the topic from another direction in RI News Today.  Marzullo warns of isolation and toxicity when people stop joining organizations: Joining is powerful because it…

A man starts a conversation at a diner

Let last night’s vigil mark the beginning of a lasting legacy for Charlie Kirk.

By Justin Katz | September 13, 2025 |

The surprisingly good coverage of last night’s vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Rhode Island State House is encouraging to see, both from WPRI (Channel 12) and WJAR (Channel 10).  The message was of unity, and you don’t realize how barren of faith mainstream news has become until somebody like Jake Marshall of Bristol says…

A water drop and ripples

Tuesday’s Lesson – Change Starts Locally

By Marc Comtois | November 4, 2021 |

We’ve said this around here, well, forever. Justin even gave it a shot in Tiverton and exposed the depth of depravity of the true political insiders.  But that the road can be tough shouldn’t dissuade conservatives and moderates from seeking elected office and making some local change. As Stephen Kruiser writes: It’s important for more…

A water drop and ripples

The heckling of the elite seems to be picking up.

By Justin Katz | September 28, 2021 |

It seems we’re seeing increasing numbers of videos of the progressive elite being heckled by bystanders, such as this one of a pompously garbed Hillary Clinton being called a “war criminal” in Northern Ireland as a retro-garbed child carries the trail of her gown (or cape, or whatever). Two thoughts.  First: but for social media,…

Things We Read Today This Weekend, 6

By Justin Katz | September 9, 2012 |

First, scroll down and read Monique’s postings on Rep. Spencer Dickinson. Then… The topics of hope and hopelessness pervaded this weekend’s readings, from absurd labor rules in schools, to the likely outcome of Make It Happen, to Spencer Dickinson’s insider view, and then to Sandra Fluke.

The Brilliance of Clint’s Empty Chair

By Justin Katz | August 31, 2012 |

Politicos and policy wonks have been parsing every major speech offered at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, each with his or her own lens.  (The exception is MSNBC, which apparently declined to parse several speeches by ethnic minorities.)  Some have commented on the gender-war content of Ann Romney’s statements; some have focused on…

Sakonnet Bridge Tolls: Protest Rally Friday

By Monique Chartier | August 9, 2012 |

Thanks to the General Assembly, the new Sakonnet River Bridge gets a toll booth next June. The cost one way will be $4; $.83 for residents with an EZ pass. It seems to me pretty unfair to suddenly drop tolls on everyone in an area where no tolls had previously been. Tolls are one of…

The Rhode Island Tax Day Tea Party 2011, The View of the Crowd

By Carroll Andrew Morse | April 15, 2011 |

And, of course, no Tea Party Rally photoentry is complete without some shots showing the size of the crowd…