Sunday Letters to Bette: ‘Carnations in the Barrel’ — Marty’s Portugal Postcard
Retired IRS criminal investigator Martin Sheil sends Bette this postcard on how Portugal is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its revolution with a reminder that workers fought tyranny with flowers
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Author’s note: I have always brought flowers to protests. I have handed out dozens of roses and tulips and daisies to cops. I taught my children to do the same. In this Sunday Letter to Bette, retired IRS criminal investigator Martin Sheil offers his observations from his trip to Portugal that we may need to arm up on carnations.—hsc
Marty in Portugal, courtesy Cathy Sheil
Letters to Bette: Carnations In the Barrel
A virtual postcard from Martin Sheil on Portugal’s 25th anniversary of revolution
H,
I see that y'all will be talking about Europe and authoritarianism, and I wanted to throw my two cents in.
I am currently in Portugal and today April 25 is the twenty fifth anniversary of the revolution in Portugal, which is being celebrated in a quiet but very effective fashion in my opinion.
Twenty-five years ago the Portuguese workers revolution resulted in the authoritarian government being overthrown and tyranny removed. The photos taped to the walls of the square regarding the revolution were all about "carnations" !!!!
When soldiers confronted the workers and tried to break up the demonstrations, marches and protests by pointing their long barreled rifles at the demonstrators, the demonstrators responded by placing carnations in the rifle barrels pointed at them.
The pics are striking. This tactic was very effective.
I fear that one day soon the MAGA tyranny engulfing our country will be enforced at the barrel of the gun, and I fully endorse a "carnation" response.
It was effective in Portugal and by the grace of God, it could work in the U.S........
Viva la Liberacion !!!!!
Carry on,
Marty
Photo courtesy of Marty and Cathy Sheil
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