The No Kings rally I attended today in KS
started "officially" at 10am. There was a huge crowd already gathered there by 9am, and we had quite a ways to walk to get to the park where it was held. I was overwhelmed. Unofficial count was 2000+ people. There were old people, like me, there... many of us carrying signs about SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. There were young families with kids. And every age in between. I discovered at one point there was a line of counter protestors who had ringed the park... and then been dispersed by the law enforcement. LE's and organizers passed out bottles of water (which I gladly accepted in this heat!)... and we started off the rally with all of us saying what is basically the first part of any oath of office. At the end, many of us shouted out why we there, in particular, to protect. Everything from democracy to women's rights. It was a wonderful experience! The energy was fantastic among the crowd, and everyone was so friendly. Even tho we'd driven in from another city to be there with them. We had lived in the rally city about 20 years ago. And I was so shocked and amazed at how much that little city had grown... with huge buildings and new roads everywhere. It was totally confusing! The one thing I really wanted to do was go by our favorite Bar-b-cue place after the march, but we ended up going around in circles trying to get the right direction to travel to get to it! Meanwhile, the roads were completely packed, and not only did most of the cars honk in solidarity with us, but many of the 18 wheelers did, too. I have to admit, after about 3 hours, my old nerves were getting a bit frazzled by all the noise. How different it was for me from when I used to do this all the time, 50 years ago! Right now, we're planning on joining them again on the 4th of July.
I had a problem with the heat.. getting overheated and, once I got home, sick to my stomach. Probably a jumble of both nerves letting down and heat sickness. We'll know what better precautions to take next time.
I took pics, but I'll admit I'm probably one of the worst photographers anywhere! (LOL) Besides, I seem to have a real problem trying to post pics here correctly, no matter how many have tried to help. Suffice it to say, imagine a warm day with a great breeze blowing through a verdant park, in the middle of which is a wonderful little fishing lake. Music from the age of the rallies of former days was played over the loud speaker. John Lennon's Imagine, Buffalo Springfield's For What its Worth, and so many others! Dogs, both large and small, joined in on the festivities, as well. And I dare say, a good time by all was had - except for the disappointed counter protestors. To be so summarily turned away when just a few years ago they had the world by the tail and at everyone at their beck and call. Hopefully this will be a turning point for our country. Not since the days of Viet Nam have I seen so many protesting the government like this. And, except for the magats who purposely ran down rally goers with vehicles, or assassinated our state leaders, I do believe this is only the beginning of what trump can expect until he either dies or is ripped off his "throne". We still stay silent no longer. And we do NOT give him consent for any of his malicious policies.
I'm headed back to lay down and try to settle my stomach a bit more. So this is probably it for me until tomorrow. I'm anxious to see what kind of numbers other cities report. I just read 8000 in Austin. Way to go, Austin! Another city I once called home.
I'm proud of all of us... those of us who lent our signs, voice, and presence to the rallies, and those who had to stay back and send thoughts and energies towards us. I do believe we done good today!!
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