Burma Shave style NO KINGS signs

Here’s a Burma-Shave-style series of signs with a **social justice theme**, ending with the message “No Kings.” Each line would appear on a separate sign, spaced out along a road:

Equal rights 
For every voice 
Justice fair 
Should be the choice 
No Kings     
They hold the crown
You hold the load  
Stand together 
Change the road   
No Kings  
The power’s yours  
It’s in your hands  
Build a world  
That truly stands
No Kings  
Truth and love  
Will light the way
No one rules 
We all have say
No Kings       

Each set of signs uses the rhythmic, rhyming style of the original Burma-Shave ads while conveying social justice themes like equality, collective power, and rejecting authoritarianism or hierarchical rule. The final line, “No Kings” delivers a punchy, memorable conclusion in the same way Burma-Shave signs ended with their product name.

Maybe you would like to add these to your protest signs. 

Clearly Articulate and Live the Future

This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


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Clearly Articulate and Live the Future You Want to Create

This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


To build a future worthy of our highest hopes we must describe what we seek. We must describe in ways that invite others to join us. This vision isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a lived practice. It means:

  • Justice for all and lifting up the disadvantaged must be at the center of our movement.
  • We are called to dismantle unjust criminalization systems and insist on equal protection under the law.
  • Our vision is not complete until we commit to ending poverty and systemic racism. We also must commit to ending the war economy that perpetuates suffering at home and abroad.
  • We must also end ecological devastation, recognizing that justice is inseparable from the health of our planet.

Dr. King taught us to discern between those who oppose justice and those who simply differ in approach.

Ask:

  • Do we share a vision for a world where the marginalized are protected?
  • Are we united in building bridges across lines of division?
  • Do we seek to transform the political, economic, and moral structures of society so all can live with dignity?

If we agree on these foundations, even if our strategies diverge, we are not enemies. True opposition lies in those who divide, dehumanize, or deny justice.


  • Unity is not about erasing differences, but about uniting under a moral narrative that puts people first.
  • Our work must be non-partisan and sustained, recognizing that justice is not a one-time event but a continuous struggle.
  • Nonviolence is both our method and our message, ensuring our integrity is never undermined by hate.

It’s easy to talk about justice and peace; it’s harder to live these values every day. We must:

  • Include even those who oppose us, for justice and peace must be for all, not just those we like.
  • Let love for humanity guide us, using our anger to fuel change, but never letting hate dictate our actions.

We must unite—across race, religion, ideology, and background—if we share this vision. We are a time when hate, xenophobia, patriarchy, white supremacy, and fascism are on the rise. Our response must be a movement rooted in Dr. King’s principles:

  • Justice for all
  • Protection for the marginalized
  • Unity and nonviolence
  • Transformation of society’s core structures
  • A deep commitment to sustained, moral action

We can use our anger to fuel us. However love for humanity must guide us as we build this new world. By grounding ourselves in these 14 principles, we honor Dr. King’s unfinished work and ensure our movement remains both visionary and actionable.


People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.