Politics on a Very Hot Day

And still they came. And stayed.

On the sidelines, Philadelphia City Hall.

The John Lewis rally in Philadelphia started at 6 pm on Thursday, 7/17/2025. The temp was 92 at 6, with a feels like of 104.

I found myself thinking of the battle of Monmouth, 6/28/1778. That, too, was a very hot day, but it appears nobody had a thermometer.

It's said that Molly Pitcher brought water for the troops and, when her husband collapsed from the heat, took his place serving a cannon. (There are many versions of this story.)

Molly has a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike named after her.

As we now strive to fight for rights that we thought were inalienable, and as we strive to do so peacefully, I think it's important to recognize that you don't have to tote a gun to earn the thanks of a grateful nation.

See also What a Cold Civil War Feels Like, Politics in the Rain.