In the United States, First Amendment protection extends to artistic expression as well political speech. Today in Santa Fe, I appreciated how the two can go hand in hand. I saw People Have the Power 2.0, at Teatro Paraguas. In addition to watching the actors use their own freedom of expression, I got to seek support from fellow audience members for the proposed Free Speech and Public Assembly ordinance for the City of Santa Fe.
A key 1A Santa Fe activist proposed that a few of us attend the play for its own sake. She also asked Aaron, cast member and the founder of the production company, if we could hand out leaflets about 1A Santa Fe and the petition drive for the ordinance.
The house was full. I spoke with many attendees, gave out information, and heard people’s surprise upon learning that the City of Santa Fe does not already have law and procedure the proposed ordinance would enact. By the time I got home, multiple folks had already signed the petition. I had seen vignettes about social justice that inspired, entertained, and provoked me. The day felt rich with the fruits of free expression and the rewards of attempting to further it.
Then I decided to catch up on the news.
I already knew Trump this morning was back to threatening war crimes in Iran, which 1A Santa Fe called an emergency protest about last week.
Early arrivals, Santa Fe Plaza, emergency protest, 4/7/2026
I learned that the people of Hungary had defeated Viktor Orbán and his party, voting in Péter Magyar's party Tisza. All week I had seen photos of thousands of Hungarians demonstrating against Orbán’s government.
I know the defeat of fascism in our own country is going to take many more rallies, demonstrations, marches, and protests in the weeks, months, and years to come. Our rights to hold and attend these events must be fully protected by our local government. This is why we at 1A Santa Fe are sponsoring the Free Expression and Public Assembly ordinance. We want the City of Santa Fe to be a place of maximal protection for political and artistic voices.