Yesterday, I participated in the second No Kings Day protest, marking my first opportunity to engage since I was traveling for a family vacation during the inaugural event. People from across the nation and around the world joined in, and as I stood by the roadside, adorned in a Yeti mask and holding my sign that read, "Yeti says, I.C.E. is Abominable!" I felt a sense of connection. There are times when I find myself holding my tongue among those in my daily life who do not share my views regarding this administration. I've always believed that politics and religion are personal choices, but I often want to scream when I witness or read about certain events unfolding. Yesterday, being surrounded by like-minded individuals of all ages reminded me that I am not alone.
I do not support anything this administration enacts, yet I recognize the need to navigate through it. I will exercise my right to protest whenever possible. We are fortunate to have that right, and while some claim that "protesting doesn’t accomplish anything," I wholeheartedly disagree. Protesting is about solidarity and conveying a message that reflects our dissent, even if this administration was elected by popular vote.
At yesterday’s protest, we positioned ourselves at a busy intersection, allowing passersby to stop and engage with us. Some honked their horns in solidarity, waved, or gave us a thumbs-up. Others responded with hostility, flipping us off or gesturing with a thumbs-down, and a few even shouted profanity or pro-government slogans. One woman, accompanied by her husband, pointed and animatedly mouthed something at my group. Unfortunately, the noise from traffic and fellow protesters drowned her out, but the person next to me caught her words: “Are you wearing a mask because you’re ashamed to be here?” As they drove away, I removed my mask and waved at her.
Dressing up in a costume—a silly costume at that—and protesting against the masked agents who have been arresting people and whisking them away in unmarked vehicles illustrates the absurdity of the divide between peaceful protesters and those who act as literal terrorists against them. I had initially planned to wear a Yeti costume while handing out candy this Halloween, and when I learned of the No Kings protest, I thought it would be a clever way to merge my costume with a protest sign. I’ll leave you with a picture from the protest and one of myself unmasked. Remember, democracy takes courage.
-love and light always
