Last week my daughter sent me this-
It was followed by a messaged conversation in which it became clear that she wanted to go. She was nervous about it; understandable, considering the stories we've all seen about clashes with counter protesters. Which sometimes turn very, very ugly. Even lethal. I told her that yes, we should go. I'd buy poster boards, and we could use my paints to make signs. And that we should invite her best friend, and her brother to join us. Paula's bestie had to work that day, but Joe was instantly with us.
We had a brief talk about how protest marches work, basic dos and don'ts (stay on the sidewalk, don't engage with hecklers) I reminded them that Sedona's a fairly liberal place. Definitely more so than Cornville. Or Cottonwood for that matter. Joe asked, just how many protests have you done anyway? A few, I replied. I shared bits of my past they'd never heard about before.
My kids are smart people who pay attention; they don't really need me to explain what is at stake here. They've both been voting for several years now. But this was their first protest march.
Joe didn't make a sign, but he did bring his camera and his remarkably loud, booming voice. When he saw other men there with signs, he wondered aloud if he should have made one after all. I told him that simply being present was what really mattered.
It was really cool to see how many men were there. And the older women, reminiscing about doing this back in the day. There were people with megaphones leading chants, others handing out bottled water, and Aretha Franklin's "Respect" as well as Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" playing for us to sing along with. We saw mothers with their young kids and vibrant grandmothers in Planned Parenthood T shirts. So many drivers honking their car horns and cheering as they drove past. And only a handful of hecklers. Who my son shouted at somewhat... rudely.
Okay, very rudely. The grandmothers nearby cheered and said, You tell 'em!
After a while we marched up the road to the Memorial Park for the rally. Listened to the speakers; people with Democrats Of the Red Rocks (DORR), Democratic candidates for Congress, and a wonderful woman who is a Unitarian Universalist pastor. We signed petitions and gave our contact info to volunteer. I want to do the postcard thing.
It's a wonderful thing to be surrounded with like-minded people with the same goals. It's wonderful to share the experience with people you love. It's amazing to see your own children participate in an expression and experience of Democracy they've never done before. They, and the many other young people who were present give me hope for the future.
Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.