The Protest

Making a statement, and experiencing joy at the same time

"STOP DETAINING INNOCENTS," says my sign for the No Kings protest in Grass Valley, California. The message seems central to what is happening, though it is hard to quantify that.

The fact that this joker is in the White House is beyond me.

I prepare my day pack with a small folding chair, ice water, and pepper spray, just in case.

Parking in the lot near Taco Bell, where I will meet my friend Tamar. A Trump supporter with a flag argues with a bearded, longhaired man. I try to ignore them. As I go into Taco Bell to use the bathroom, people stare at me as I am carrying my sign on its long, sturdy wooden stick. It's made from a cardboard backing of 16" x 20" disposable palettes.

As soon as I walk out of the restaurant I hear Tamar's voice, "Betsy!!!"

Poppet, her min-pin rescue dog is with her.

"The energy is spiky," and she agrees. The two men continue to argue. As soon as we move up onto the overpass and join everyone else, though, the mood is congenial and upbeat.

The crowd organically grows. Tamar pours a bowl of water for Poppet, who is calm and well-behaved. He is doing a good job of representing the canine community.

There are many American flags, and creative signs. "Make America Kind Again!" ...."Speak Out While You Still Can".......

Groups of younger people walk by, I say, "thanks for coming out, younger generation!" They say, "Thank you!!" without exception. Everyone is loving, happy. It's awesome to be with our people.

"No Human is Illegal"........"Hey Trump, We're Not Getting Paid to be Here -- We Hate You for Free!"......"Never Again is Now!"......

Groups of veterans come by, identified with baseball caps or t-shirts. I say, "Thank you for your service!" They say, "Thank you!!!" It's like that Kinky Friedman bit where he just says, "thank YOU!!!" over and over.

"Trump Betrays Veterans"......"We Fought a King in 1776, We Fought a Dictator in 1945, We Will Fight Whatever The Hell This is in 2025!".......

People on ebikes and some kind of street-level conveyance similar to a tricycle, with massive flags, costumes and signs add to the festivities. It is Pride month so there are plenty of rainbows.

It's a warm day but a refreshing breeze is coming off the freeway. I can see a line of cars disappearing over the hill, probably people coming to the protest from the bluegrass festival.

"Down With the Turd Reich!" ......."No Faux-King Way!".......

Friends of mine are everywhere, including the ones I haven't met yet. I find out later that just about everyone I know is here. Our local paper, the Union, will estimate the crowd at 2500-4000. Elias Fuñez, the paper's editor, will write some distinctly anti-Trump captions on his photos from today.

My favorite sign is a large piece of cardboard carried by a young woman. It bears a beautiful sharpie drawing of a man in a helmet, fatigues and weapon, that says, "My Grandfather Didn't Fight for This."

I have been to many local protests over the years, including one to try and stop George W. Bush from invading Iraq, and the ones affirming reproductive rights. These protests against Trump's policies are a whole different thing. They are huge, a powerful statement in our small twin towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City.

"How Many ICE Detainees Have 34 Felonies?"

"Down with Oligarchy"......."Dads for Reproductive Rights"......

Passing cars honk and people wave in joyous affirmation. For every Trumper car, 60-70 others are in favor of our action.

Online I have seen negative remarks that the protests are largely gray-haired white folks like me.

Masked, unidentified thugs are arresting Latinos who have committed no crime in Southern California. Perhaps this demographic is staying home out of fear. I am happy to show up and stand for democracy and habeas corpus.

A good friend sent me this in an Instagram video:

"Drink water. Seek joy without guilt. Reach out to a friend. Fight Fascism. Community is resistance. Donald Trump is not permanent."

The victory of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo in New York is a hopeful sign. Let's go get 'em. Kick 'em in the ballot box where hopefully we can salvage some of our rights

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