To the Editor:
I was prepared. I had my driver’s license in my pocket, and I had my sign.
“HANDS OFF,” it said. “My body, my Constitution, my elections.”
The theme of the protest was just that: Hands Off! The current administration in Washington seems to be trying to change our representative democracy to an autocracy overnight.
The point of view being advanced was not my point of view.
People were milling about, carrying signs – most handmade, marker on cardboard and hard to read, but some beautiful, some the familiar “Hate has no home here.”
There are so many issues – all of which echoed my concerns. Will get through just because no one has time to advocate for them all?
The crowd was growing. Many were senior citizens, old enough to have the time and the wisdom to advocate for their beliefs, knowing that the future depends on the actions of the present. Some came with dogs, babies in strollers, children. Some were in wheelchairs. “Give me your tired, your poor…” These people represented the America where all were welcomed, the city on the hill, the beacon of freedom and opportunity.
Cars streamed by, slowly, many honking and indicating support. A few were stony-faced, perhaps disagreeing. Could we have a real conversation with them, really talk about our concerns?
I decided to count, try to be accurate. I walked south and tried to count the number of people there. No way to be exact, but I tried. 100…200…300… I had to hold a finger aloft on my left hand to keep count of the hundreds – 400…500…600… I had a system. Right hand – keep counting. I reached 671 at the far south. Then I crossed the street. This was a smaller crowd, but still notable – at least 100.
There was a small group of counter-protesters. About six boys, maybe 14-16 years old. I stopped to speak with one. Not to confront, but to try to have a dialog.
I asked one boy, “What is your issue?” I was careful to keep my tone of voice conversational, not confrontational. I really wanted to know. Could we have a real discussion?
“Down with Biden and Harris,” he answered. “They ruined our country!”
“But what about now?” I asked. “What are you concerned about now? Are you concerned about Social Security? Medicare? Medicaid?”
“They don’t deserve it!” he shouted. “They are ripping us off!”
There was not going to be a conversation here, much less a conversion.
A short woman went after them, yelling. I decided she wasn’t going to have a conversation, either, and I left.
I crossed, between cars. A policeman reminded me that I needed to cross in the crosswalk. I apologized and thanked him. He was doing his duty, keeping the peace, keeping everyone safe.
Other than my beautiful sign and my counting, I was happy about what a protest has become. My license in my pocket was to ID me, in case I was injured or arrested, but the police kept it calm. Perhaps we have learned some lessons in my lifetime?
Individuals involved have to be responsible for their own actions. The protesters [April 5] acted responsibly, as did the police.
Government needs to be responsive to the electorate. And the electorate is turning out to express its discontent with Trump’s actions. We cannot let our way of life be dictated by a few.
Our representatives in Congress need to take back their power, be responsible to those who elected them, and stand up for the principles behind our Constitution. It’s a good document to follow.
Bonny Collins, Ocean View
