*pro·test NOUN:*
1. A formal declaration of disapproval or objection issued by a concerned person, group, or organization.
2. An individual or collective gesture or display of disapproval.
*ac·tiv·ism NOUN:*
1. The use of direct, often confrontational action, such as a demonstration or strike, in opposition to or support of a cause.
One of the crooks in the culture of corruption, Jim Nussle hopes to be the new governor of Iowa. I have other hopes for my adopted state. So I made a pledge to myself months ago to show up at any appearences, gatherings, meetings or speeches he holds, whenever and whereever possible to be a small quiet dissenter. Today was my first opportunity to act as a "squeaky wheel".
Nussle spoke today, at a large gas station/convenience store in Independence Iowa, about ethanol. When my husband, who was apprehensive about me doing this, told me about this planned appearance yesterday I decided this would be a good first baby step for me to get involved as an activist/protester.
As I worked on my poster I became increasingly excited to be doing this. The wording I finally settled on: "JIM NUSSLE TOOK $15,020.00 IN TOM DELAY DIRTY MONEY" on one side and "VOTED WITH TOM DELAY 94% OF THE TIME" on the other.
When I arrived at the gas station I checked with the manager to make sure the parking lot would not be blocked. She stated "not for a crummy congressman".
Upon Nussle's arrival, I lowered the tailgate of the pick-up sat on it, held up my sign and put a brown paper bag with eyeholes cut out on my head (remember Nussle showed up on the floor of congress with a brown paper bag on his head and vowed to help clean up congress). I sat there that way silently for 45 minutes until he was gone.
There were about six reporters, four or five people who apparently worked for him and less than a dozen people who were there specifically to hear him.
This is a busy gas station. I counted approximately 60 vehicles in the 45 minutes I was there and as people drove or walked by me they slowed down to read my poster. The only comment I received was from a male senior citizen who said "this is in poor taste".
Nussle's flunkies laughed and pointed at me throughout. One actually came within ten feet stood for a few seconds read my sign a laughed loudly. I saw at least five of the people take pictures of me including one of his workers Toni Cole.
I felt nervous, scared and excited and giddy. I'm looking forward to my next chance to do my part.