"No Kings!"
“Make lying wrong again” and “Ikea has better Cabinets” are two of my favorite signs from the ‘No Kings’ rally held today in Mineola, Long Island, NY. It was extremely well attended on a very cold, windy but very sunny 33 degree day here.
We resurrected our No Kings sign from October, which had said: “249+ Years of Democracy: NOT STOPPING NOW! America = Free Speech.” We had to add: NO WAR! How sad is that?
In October’s rally we happened to be in Rhinebeck, NY, a cool community in the Hudson Valley. It started in a park with speeches; there were - shall we say – hippies, and lots of dogs, and it just felt great to be in community with like-minded people. The peaking foliage as a backdrop helped to create a positive vibe. Then we marched into town and stood at four corners on Main Street with signs, chanting, and singing “This Land is Your Land.” I think I felt hopeful.
My overwhelming feeling today was one of sadness as the rally speakers mentioned Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the service people who died in this new war. I also felt (and feel) anger. I can’t believe we’re here, and it feels like it’s getting worse. I tried to focus on the positives. They spoke of the four branches of government, the usual 3, and us: We the people are the fourth and we have power. They played Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Minneapolis” before the speeches and I was moved (I love Bruce). But the tears are there. This is real and it’s rough.
Showing up is so important. I’m saddened by all those who don’t show up. I know all the reasons, but knowing history, I reject most rationalizations. We had gorgeous weather here in Idaho. I had to toss my jacket in the car, but the energy was missing despite a good turnout. Our speakers were awful. Same w/ last time. I’m trying to figure out who is in charge of speakers so I can volunteer to coach them. I don’t mean to sound down, but I am worried and tired. Maybe it’s just the end of March getting to me, but I think it’s the ambivalence of so many.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for suiting up and showing up. I attended my first protest in October. I felt so good about "doing something." Unfortunately, I was not able to leave my husband today because of his recent health problems, but I support everyone who was out there showing strength and fighting for our freedom.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, thank you for being there! I like rallies where the whole group can hear the speakers and musicians like you had. It is powerful to be in community like that. There is still community with a protest, like we had on four corners of an intersection. There was lots of chanting and singing going on throughout the hours.
ReplyDelete