Protest for Tucson Activists who protested at Jim Click Dealership

by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Time

Wednesday, April 29

12 – 3pm MST

Location

Tucson City Court

103 E Alameda StTucson, AZ 85701Map

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About this event

“A combat veteran and a retired professor is facing six months in jail for a car dealership protest. Will you stand with Jim and his fellow patriotic resisters?

Last August, eight members of our community took a stand. They didn’t just write letters or sign petitions—they used their bodies to block the driveway of a billionaire-owned dealership that serves as a primary “pillar of support” for the Trump agenda. They did it to sound the alarm: our democracy is under threat, and the money fueling that threat starts right here in Tucson.

Now, the city is moving to prosecute. While some have seen their charges move, four activists—including Vietnam veteran Jim Driscoll—are going to trial this Wednesday. They are facing real jail time for the “crime” of nonviolent civil disobedience.

We cannot let them stand alone in that courtroom.

Why This Matters This isn’t just about a blockade at a KIA dealership. It’s about the right to disrupt “business as usual” when our fundamental rights are at risk. It’s about showing the wealthy donors who fund authoritarian policies that our community will not be intimidated by the threat of jail or high-priced lawyers.

Event Schedule 12:00 PM | Picket & Rally: Meet us outside the Tucson City Court for a high-visibility picket and press conference. Let the media and the public know that we support those who take risks for justice.”

1:00 PM | Pack the Courtroom: Join us inside the courtroom. A full gallery sends a powerful message to the judge and the prosecution: the community is watching, and we stand behind these activists.

The Details When: Wednesday, April 29th

Where: Tucson City Court (103 E. Alameda St.)

Who: Veterans, students, workers, and everyone who believes that democracy is worth fighting for.

History shows that change only happens when ordinary people are willing to break unjust rules. Jim and the others took a risk for us—now it’s our turn to show up for them.

“Progress has come when ordinary people are willing to break unjust rules and speak to the public with our actions.” — Jim Driscoll, Vietnam Veteran

Earlier article by blogger Larry Bodine on the “Jim Click 8” activists: https://blogforarizona.net/jim-click-eight-arraigned-for-trespassing-as-they-call-for-non-violent-civil-disobedience/

Carolyn’s note: The other 3 of the original 8 who are still being prosecuted are Cara Bissell, Dr. Patrick Diehl, Hunter Smith. Tucson activists Jim Hannley (ex-husband to former AZ House Rep. Pam Powers), Cara Bissell (who ran for Ward 4 Council seat), Reed Spurling were also interviewed by Bodine. Spurling, an aerospace engineer just had an op-ed in AZ Daily Star against Project Blue:https://tucson.com/opinion/column/article_95c85d6f-c965-4c80-9349-a56fec21e59b.html. Mike Lippman was part of the cast who did a recent Ides of March reading of “Julius Caesar” at St. Francis church.