I swapped with belinda; she did Sunday.
Protest
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Santa Rosa removed the Courthouse from Courthouse Square in the center of the city because it was considered seismologically unfit. It was a park-like area for years until the recent multi-million dollar renovation, which as you can see from the photo above is rather barren and, as yet, almost treeless. But it is beautifully paved and, as such, it’s a perfect place for protests and demonstrations.We have gathered there for two Woman’s Marches and innumerable other protests.
Last night we went again for a protest against the “emergency declaration”. This was smaller than some, I would guess about 200, many of us holding signs and engaging with the cars going by, most of which beeped in support. Small progressive world: we ran into three Kossacks and at least 20 folks we know from the Democratic Club, Indivisible, neighbors, and other connections.
I considered making generic signs for the future:
Protest!! If it’s good I’m for it; if it’s bad I’m against it. YMMV.
I was never in any sort of protest march till I came to California. Our first was one of the first Viet Nam protests in San Francisco. We pushed our three year old daughter daughter in a stroller. She is now over fifty. We have attended so many more since then, in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, and Sebastopol. What a long strange trip it’s been.
I was musing last night and discussing with other protesters: “Here we are again. Same protests year after year. The other (evil) side never gives up. We can’t give up.”
Already there are limits on protesting in some areas, especially in Washington, DC. And the trump administration brooks little or no dissent, calling it un-American. I foresee less and less freedom to protest, just as the need grows more urgent.
Have you gone on protest marches or gatherings? Do see them where you live? Do you see or experience restrictions of any kind? Are the police more or less supportive? Are the protests and marches doing any good?
I know this is a bit serious, so I’ll end with a few jokes:
Forget World Peace
Visualize using your turn signals
Turning Vegan would be a
Big Missed Steak
Life is short
If you can’t laugh at yourself
Call me. I will.
Despite the high cost of living
It remains popular.
He who laughs last
Didn’t get it.