I had a hopeful, inspiring conversation about politics today with a Walmart checker. Yes with a Walmart checker.

She started innocently (and brilliantly) complimenting my coat. I saw this later as a way to judge how I would interact with her.

She scanned my Blue Sapphire gin and said, “wow I’ve never seen blue alcohol before. Oh it’s from the UK. I hope it’s there next time you want some.”

Me: Or if I can afford it. With the tariffs.

Then she launched into a discussion of Musk and how she’d heard he might be leaving the WH early and how they wouldn’t say he was pushed out. Then she asked, “Have you read Project 2025?”

Me: yes.

Her: wait until tomorrow

Me totally confused wondering what would come from Project 2025 tomorrow. She hinted enough she meant the Hands Off protests. I said YES!

Then she said this which has made me think:

“I’ve talked to people about this all day, and it’s everyone in your age group who knows what’s going on and is protesting. My age group either doesn’t know or doesn’t care. Everyone in between says wait and see what happens.”

I don’t know how old she is but she was old enough to check my liquor.

I’d love data to see how her observations compare nationwide.

Her conclusion was people my age (60s) have been around and know about life. I said we were worried about Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

She said yes and your age protested Vietnam and you guys get it.

I was in grade school in the 60s, but in the 70s, I did join the fight for women.

As I left, I thanked her for her interest and for fighting for the country. She thanked me, too.

I took hope from her. A Walmart checker who is usually invisible, and if she is seen by others, it’s to complain about things beyond her control. Yet there she was, making herself seen and heard and standing up for all of us.

This is how it’s done—one person, one conversation at a time. We all have a voice. We all can use it. We don’t have to be in Congress. We speak where we are.