Thank you to everyone who joined me live from Ohio, and if you’re watching this replay, thank you for being here.
When I first heard about the Justice in Motion bus tour, I knew I had to see it for myself. So I got in my car and started driving.
From Pennsylvania to Ohio to Michigan, a remarkable group of retired judges, lawyers, and civic leaders has hit the road to meet Americans where they are, not in courtrooms or conference halls, but in schools, community centers, courthouse squares, and small towns, to talk about something that should never be partisan: the rule of law and an independent judiciary. Organized by Democracy Rising Collaborative and Keep Our Republic, the tour is creating space for conversations our country desperately needs.
Over the next two days, I watched these judges sit with elementary school students, answer questions from community members, and remind people that the Constitution belongs to all of us. They weren’t there to campaign. They weren’t there to lecture. They were there to listen, to teach, and to reconnect with the people they served throughout their careers.
At a time when so much of our politics rewards outrage and division, they chose something different. They chose conversation. They chose community. And more importantly, they chose courage.
One of the most moving moments came as they donned their black judicial robes and marched together to the Ohio Supreme Court, inspired by Polish judges who took their own fight for judicial independence directly to the people in the March of 1000 Robes. It was quiet. It was dignified. And, it was one of the most inspiring acts of civic leadership I’ve witnessed in a long time.
(And yes...Carlo 🐾, the tour’s unofficial four-legged mascot, was every bit as beloved as you’d expect.)
I left Ohio convinced that this shouldn’t be the last Justice in Motion tour. More communities deserve these conversations. We need more young people to meet judges. Americans deserve the opportunity to talk face-to-face about why the rule of law matters, not as a political slogan, but as the foundation of our democracy.
It was an honor to be invited aboard the Justice in Motion bus and witness this journey firsthand. I hope this journey reaches many more communities across America. It reminded me that courage is contagious, and I hope you'll see why.
Thank you, as always, for supporting this work. Your curiosity and willingness to engage with stories like this are what make this community so special.
I can’t wait to take you with me on the next stop.
-Olivia
