Monday, April 7, 2025

Some Good Trouble

 

Last Saturday many cities in the US saw thousands of people turning up for the nationwide Hands-Off protests, making some good trouble. Our local protest counted more than 5000 people and two of those were the Geek and I.

Usually I try to avoid crowds because I tend to panic in tight spaces and literally can't breathe. However, I felt that this protest, this raising of our voice was too important. The Geek and I made a plan what to do and where to go so that I would still feel okay.

I felt okay throughout the entire gathering and the following march. I was just staying or walking by the side and didn't "jump" into the middle of all of it. People were peaceful, behaved respectfully and made the entire event a very positive and safe one. 

We didn't bring posters, but the Geek ironed an image on the back of our shirts. We got a lot of compliments for it.


 I took a lot of pictures of the different posters and signs - I love the creativity of many of them. However, I cut out people as much as possible. And I shut up now as well, so you can see all these images without me commenting.







Sorry for interrupting - I honestly don't think it's a good idea to bring dogs to such big events. Are they even enjoying this? Or is it upsetting for them? This dog was quite stoically standing there, but I wonder what s/he really felt ("Do I at least get some decent treats for this?")












These guys (who both spoke German) had some drinks in their hands - I guess that counts for Bleubeard and Elizabeth's T Tuesday.


This was a favorite one:


We met neighbors, friends and some of the Geek's colleagues. It seems like almost everybody we know were there. We stayed for about 90 minutes, marching, chanting - "This is what democracy looks like". On our way back we stopped at the "reflection place" to take the obligatory front-and-back picture of the two of us (we always do that when we pass here for the annual Pride Parade).




16 comments:

Tom said...

...FABULOUS, resist!!!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I laughed when I saw the sign on the dog 🐕 to bite.

Latane Barton said...

I take it you are Biden people. Protest, hate, abusing our country. Frankly I am happy that those nuts in D. C. are finally being held accountable for all the bad they have done.

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you for attending. I am glad that protests are being made. So very glad.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I don't post or comment on certain topics, but this was certainly an impressive and large turnout and everyone is entitled to his/her opiion and the right to voice it or this would not be the USA.

roentare said...

These signs are great docu photography

Mae Travels said...

I also posted photos of the signs at the two protests I attended. Many signs were similar throughout the country, but you had some good and original ones. Both the ones here were quite a lot smaller than yours, so the dogs all looked quite unbothered. Ditto the little kids. I hope the message is heard somewhere that it will count, not just in other countries.

best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com


My name is Erika. said...

You had some great signs at your rally. I went to the one near me and took sign photos too. I was saving my photos for Friday Face Off since there were some great face signs. I felt the same way that it was important to go and make my voice heard. Happy T day. hugs-Erika

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I couldn't attend because it was too cold in Wichita. I was afraid of catching pneumonia. However, one of the TV stations showed the parade, speeches, and many of the signs. So glad you attended. And what a great way to share a drink for T, also, dear Carola.

Lorrie said...

Those were some interesting signs. These are such troubled times - good for you for standing up.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Bravo to you and the Geek for attending these rallies, Carola. They are sorely needed and I hope that people don’t relent, and continue their protests day after day, week after week. Fascism must be resisted by every means possible. You know that better than most. Better be careful that the government doesn’t revoke your citizenship now! I say that, jokingly, but it can happen. Stay well and keep up the good fight. Huge hugs - David

La Table De Nana said...

Thank you for doing this. More worrisome every day.

Let's Art Journal said...

Good for you! Protesting is an invaluable way to speak truth to power and also an inspiration to people to keep hoping for a better future ❤️. Happy T Day! Hugs, Jo x

CJ Kennedy said...

Well done! I love the resist penguin. Thank you for sharing the signs. They were all so clever. I think my favorite was So Bad, Even The Introverts Are Here. Happy T Day

Michelle said...

I am so glad you attended! The resisting penguin shirt is fabulous. I enjoyed the variety of signs.

Jeanie said...

You h ad some really great signs -- and I love the shirts! I felt a lot of energy and solidarity there (we had a huge one too) and that was so encouraging and motivating to keep on. Your pics are great. (FYI, if people are in a public place at a public event, journalists consider that as permission granted for photos. That would include a festival or demonstration.) Part of the first amendment. Here's a link for more for future ref. But in this case, the signs are the story! https://johndrogerslaw.com/the-first-amendment-and-photography-in-public-spaces-navigating-rights-and-responsibilities/