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Matt Van Swol @matt_vanswol - I had an incredibly bizarre moment at the No Kings rally yesterday.
It's stuck with me till today...
As I was out there, wearing my MAGA hat and Freedom T-shirt, just walking my Gold Retriever and talking to people, letting them pet my dog... some folks literally ran from me.
Genuinely just took off running, clearly doing it, to get away from me.
I've never experienced that before.
In fact, I cannot remember a single instance where anyone has ever looked at me, and then bolted. Not one time.
I'm extremely non-threatening. I smiled nearly the entire time even when people said mean things, I was nothing but kind to everyone and donated money to every single street performer I saw.
Yet... some people ran.
It was a weird thing.
And maybe that’s the strangest part about America right now... you can smile, be kind, give, and still be seen as a villain by people who’ve never said a word to you.
They didn’t see me.
They saw everything they’ve been told to fear, never knowing what I did for Western North Carolina, my story, or why I believe what I believe now. 
I don't hate them for running.
Because I used to believe stories like that too... I used to think Trump was the worst. I openly said so to many people over the years.
That was until life forced me to actually meet the people behind the labels I placed them under.
Yes, there are a lot of radicalized crazy people on the Left and yes, many of them want me dead.
I know them well, they send me the most unhinged threats nearly every day. 
But then I remember how I thought, how MY mind was changed...
...and as I was walking back to my car with 2 people who were screaming at me
It just dawned on me: 
A lot of us are just strangers who’ve been taught to run from each other.
When we run instead of engage and talk, we lose. 
The people who convinced me didn't run from me, they engaged me, they challenged me, they RIGHTFULLY made me feel like an idiot for not thinking through my ideas and beliefs.
We need more of that, not less.
https://x.com/matt_vanswol/status/1980040073350725974

Mayor Brandon Johnson @ChicagosMayor - Chicago will not stand by while the federal government weaponizes emergency funding to attack our values. We will fight to ensure our first responders have the tools they need and that our commitment to equity and inclusion remains strong.
https://x.com/ChicagosMayor/status/1980363485277221093

Mayor Bruce Harrell @MayorofSeattle - Heartbreaking end to an incredible season and remarkable postseason. The @Mariners brought inspiration and joy to our entire city. We are so grateful for how they showed up for Seattle – on the field, in the community, and on the national stage. Until next year... #TridentsUp
Quote
Seattle Mariners @Mariners
Final Game 7
https://x.com/MayorofSeattle/status/1980476029123866989

Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor - Domestic violence destroys lives, but timely intervention can save them.
Last week, we launched a new NYPD unit with 450 specialized investigators focused on supporting victims and bringing abusers to justice faster.
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-domestic-violence-unit-formed/
https://x.com/NYCMayor/status/1980361108474196303

Mayor Karen Bass @MayorOfLA - Homeless for nearly a decade after a family tragedy, Tzavin is finally safely indoors.
Through Inside Safe, over 50 Angelenos living in encampments in Westlake found relief last week.
This is how we change lives
https://x.com/MayorOfLA/status/1980475441799729587
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