This week is going to be a little topsy-turvy. Instead of politics Friday, here’s a politics Monday. The reason for this is that last weekend, all across the country, there were massive protests against the Trump Administration and all the horrible things it has done. It seemed best to feature one of the protests while the memory of the weekend is still fresh.
As far as I know, the protests were completely peaceful. No fights, no looting. Little Maine valiantly did its part. In Augusta, the state capital, an estimated 4,000 people showed up. Not too shabby for a small city with a population of about 18,000. Unfortunately, because of my creaky knees, I didn’t attend. (I am thinking of getting a cane with a seat so that I can join future protests.) However, my friend Beth Clark and her husband John were there. She generously agreed to write a description of the event and gave me permission to use her photos. Many thanks, Beth!
Beth wrote:
“As much as I wanted to go to Saturday’s protest at the state capital, we had been told that an earlier rally had credible threats of possible trouble. I listened to an ACLU Zoom about knowing your rights in a protest and ways to safeguard yourself. I even wrote my daughters’ phone numbers on my arm, in permanent ink, in case my phone or personal effects were taken away.
“I am happy to report that none of my angst was necessary. Everyone present was polite, supportive, and willing to help out. The band played, and people sang “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” Participants chanted, “This is what Democracy looks like” and “Hands off our…”.
“John and I were surrounded by seniors. Some had walkers, wheelchairs, or canes. Others appeared feeble and had loved ones supporting them. As we watched a stream of protesters, we were heartened to see many young adults in the crowd. There were children marching with parents and grandparents, and three generation families were visible.
“Posters illustrated well the diversity and scope of the government actions that were being protested. They were variously humorous, angry, artistic, ironic, or simple.
“The day was cold, but warmth spread through the audience as eloquent speakers, without name calling or blame, identified the issues at hand and the need for change. The fact that an older Palestinian man and a young Jewish woman co-presented illustrates the desire for open communication and cooperation. As the protesters took to the street in an orderly fashion, the passing cars honked, waved, and gave thumbs up. I was glad I participated and that it was truly a peaceful protest. I came away feeling supported, appreciated, and mobilized to do more.”
Finally, here is a video from YouTube that expands on what Beth wrote. You’ve got love a protest that includes horns and drums.
Notes From the Hinterland 
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
IT is heartwarming to see/read the protests were peaceful and the ‘rent-a-mob’ was not there in a counter protest.
As for a cane with a seat, I have one. IT is made of lightweight alumium. Brilliant. For longer sit ins, such as clothes and makeup shopping with my granddaughter, I have a collapseable (is that even a word? 🙂 ) walker with a seat. It also makes the perfect bag and coat stand
Thanks for the info about the cane and walker. Now I am really considering getting a cane with a seat. Yes, I think collapsible is a word.
A rollator like Skyler’s might be a good option, too. One can lean on them, sit in them, store things in the basket. They come in many different styles depending on what one needs.
https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/rollators/ID=361789-tier3
Many thanks, Lavinia! I clicked on the link you sent me and am seriously considering it for gardening season as well for protests. 😉
Hi if you do buy a rollator make sure it is fully collapsable. The seat and backrest are canvass not solid. My friened bought one with a solid back and seat we could not get it in my car without removing the car parcel shelf. Also the one with 3 wheels are not as stable. 🙂
Sorry to hijack the post
No problem! I appreciate the advice. If I get a rollator, I will definitely buy one with a canvas seat and backrest. Many thanks!
One of my nieces went on a march where she lives as several others I know. I honestly think ‘he’ doesn’t care.
Perhaps not yet, but in time I think he will as he is very concerned with his image.
Appreciate your coverage of this. I saw the protesters in Exeter while visiting there, and they were all peaceful as well. I did not attend a protest, but I sent a round of emails on Friday night. I guess, however, you don’t have to acknowledge thousands of protesters across the country when you’re focused on a little white ball falling into a cup.
Thanks, Judy! I think Trump and Co. have taken notice but as of yet won’t admit the scope of the protests, an estimated 5 million. All that we do matters. Keep sending those emails.
You do what you can. In December we were heading for the US on holiday. We have now changed our destination.
Sorry to read this, but I do understand. Sigh.
Thank you so much for this repost. Reading this from far-away Australia it shows a very personal viewpoint of how it really is amongst the general population in the US. I am SO glad to see the ‘silent majority’ react to the seemingly ever increasing horrors in such civilized way – may solutions come about for all of you and the whole world. Shall repost the whole with hopefully your permission.
So glad this showed how it is for many folks in the U.S., that millions oppose this regime and aren’t afraid to take to the streets for peaceful protests. Yes, go ahead and repost the piece. Thanks for your interest.
I’m glad it went well and was non violent. But I wonder…what does it actually DO to fix this? I guess it energizes us and that helps at mid-terms…if we stay focused we might be able to vote out as many of these folks as possible. It keeps the issues on the news, which may help at mid-term. I don’t know that we can actually do anything right now, as much as I wish we could. Plus he doesn’t care about any of us or what we do.
Good points! I am also hoping the protests will motivate people to get involved in other ways, from running for office to get involved with campaigns. We need to start playing the long game like the Republicans do.
Thank you for sharing this, Laurie. In Canada, we have also had ‘Elbows Up’ rallys, focusing on protecting our democracy, communities, and shared future. These rallies have also been peaceful.
You are very welcome! Onward with peaceful protests.
What a heartwarming report, bringing some whisper of hope. I love the signs, especially the one spelling out democracy. The momentum must not falter. 🙏🙏🙏❤️
Thanks, Jane! Yes, heartening in the face of such a venal administration. Those signs were great. I have a feeling the momentum will continue with each new outrage.
Loving Husband and I were just talking about the sitch in the US and why it was so quiet in the protest front. I guess it just isn’t reported in international news. I will share your post with him.
Darn! Millions marched in peaceful protest. Sorry it didn’t make international news.
Does any of this sink into that man’s consciousness? Surely he must take note of the thousands of people who openly show their concern at what he is doing? I noted a woman at one of the protests we saw on television news saying, “This is not the man we voted for!” May common sense prevail in the long run!
Actually, millions across the whole country. Yes, I think he took note. He’s very conscious of his image. Will the protests change anything? That remains to be seen.
The problem is that it is not just the one man – however this was a marvellous event
Absolutely! He is just the tip of the iceberg. Still, millions of people made their voices heard.
Respect to all the protesters keeping a peaceful demonstration. Keep up the great work to voice your opinions.
Many thanks for the encouragement!
You are welcome.
My daughter and her daughter were at the one in Providence, RI, my 10-year-old granddaughter amazed that if she shouted out a chant, the whole crowd answered it!
Wonderful!
It’s some comfort to see the peaceful protests in your country and in others too but, as others have said, whether they’ll have any effect on such an enormous ego remains to be seen. Still, it is something.
I think the demonstrations are best seen as a way to rally the resistance. Still, when millions of people protest, that’s bound to make some kind of an impression.
Thank you both for sharing this uplifting first-person account. I know a few people who were afraid to attend locally, but I’m happy to report that our San Jose protest had a festive and inclusive vibe. I think most of the rallies nationwide were peaceful. I’m grateful.
My great pleasure! I haven’t heard of any violence at any of the protest, and I’m sure we would have heard if there had been. Yay for peaceful protests!
Peace is the way forward, every time, everywhere.
Yes, yes!
I haven’t taken part in a protest since my children were in pushchairs (that was for peace in Northern Ireland). I am not sure how much impact they have on Governments of any stripe but they do reassure those of us who care that we are not alone.
A good way of putting it. They also show the Trump regime that millions oppose what he is dong. That has to count for something.
Thank you for sharing Beth’s experience, Laurie. I can very much relate to the initial angst she felt. I went through something similar.
I meant to post yesterday about my experience and forgot (believe it or not!). It was that kind of busy Monday.
My pleasure! She is so good at getting to the essence of things.
It was great to see the protests coverage on the news from across the country and thanks for sharing your friend’s experience. Loved the signs, peaceful protests and the thoughtful comments that were shared on the news.🙂
My great pleasure! Beth has a lovely way with words. So wonderful that the protests were peaceful. Off to a very good start.