We live in Gold Canyon, AZ 6 months and Iowa City 6 months. We participated in the first Hands Off peaceful resistance in Mesa/Gilbert, one of 24 scheduled throughout the Phoenix area. There were 3,000 of all age groups and no counter protest except for loud, speeding oversized pick up trucks with full sized flags attached. I plan to continue resisting while in Iowa City this summer; a GREAT place to rally the Dem tribe!
I went to DC, no counter protesters that I could see. We had a wide spectrum of people in attendance from young (babies!) to old (walkers and wheelchairs), able bodied and disabled, mostly white but many Black people, many LGBTQ+, and even some dogs.
John's observations highlight concerns. The presence of MAGA protesters does not surprise. There were online instructions about dealing with MAGA people. Please access them if you attend a protest.Be pleasant, do not engage in arguments, talk low and slow, ignore craziness, if so inclined calmly tell them that difference in opinion is the American way. Lastly talk to other protesters to validate concerns. Attending a rally is good for your soul and respect for democracy.
My experience in Redbank NJ was similar. Young people were there for immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights. No counter protest. Some horn honking. Best sign… an X-ray depicting ovaries uterus and falopian tubes giving a middle finger. The crowd was friendly and singleminded in its right to protest. We needed a barge with a sign sink trump. Next time.
We live in Gold Canyon, AZ 6 months and Iowa City 6 months. We participated in the first Hands Off peaceful resistance in Mesa/Gilbert, one of 24 scheduled throughout the Phoenix area. There were 3,000 of all age groups and no counter protest except for loud, speeding oversized pick up trucks with full sized flags attached. I plan to continue resisting while in Iowa City this summer; a GREAT place to rally the Dem tribe!
I went to DC, no counter protesters that I could see. We had a wide spectrum of people in attendance from young (babies!) to old (walkers and wheelchairs), able bodied and disabled, mostly white but many Black people, many LGBTQ+, and even some dogs.
Thanks for your advocacy!
John's observations highlight concerns. The presence of MAGA protesters does not surprise. There were online instructions about dealing with MAGA people. Please access them if you attend a protest.Be pleasant, do not engage in arguments, talk low and slow, ignore craziness, if so inclined calmly tell them that difference in opinion is the American way. Lastly talk to other protesters to validate concerns. Attending a rally is good for your soul and respect for democracy.
Thanks Mary -- I agree!
Amen
My experience in Redbank NJ was similar. Young people were there for immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights. No counter protest. Some horn honking. Best sign… an X-ray depicting ovaries uterus and falopian tubes giving a middle finger. The crowd was friendly and singleminded in its right to protest. We needed a barge with a sign sink trump. Next time.
Thanks -- Keep advocating!