The signs above constitute the “Didn’t bring one? Take one” pile at today’s No Kings protest in Rochester, NY. Or rather, at one of the ROC protests. There were several events all over the greater Rochester area. Something for everyone. Something near everyone. A rally to suit every schedule.
We picked the mid-day gathering at Genesee Gateway Park. Roy worked the crowd, soliciting signatures to get Robin Wilt on the primary ballot. I wandered with less purpose, letting the poet-speakers catch my ear and joining the march. I’d have preferred marching past the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building over on State Street, where it’s rumored ICE is about to relocate their local headquarters. But if the route (down quiet residential streets and through a 3-block artsy, organic, fair-trade commercial district) didn’t make a strong political statement, it did give me a good stretch of the legs and a chance to chant in concert with others.
I spent the bulk of my time reading witty and wonderful signage. These are my faves.
This sign spoke to the “I told you so” heart of me. I checked with the sign-maker, and yes. “We” def refers to Cassandra-esque pessimists who’ve been calling it all along.
A cheerful trio.
A MAGA-inspired duo.
Women’s work.
Not mincing words.
Short and to the point.
Or, conversely …
The family that protests together saves the world together.
Standing tall.
Messages from Clio.
And the winners are …
***
Thank you, Risa, I presume you got the pics from other friends here in Sonoma of our local protests and demonstrations. Somethings gotta give and hopefully soon.
Love to you and Roy, Adrian.
Wonderful to hear from you, Adrian! Yes, I’ve heard some news of the local scene, and am so proud of Sonoma, still standing strong.
I’m a couple days early here, but Happy Anniversary! to you and Mary – and all our love to you both.
Power to the people! Great signs
Marched with two friends,( and about 70k others! ) one who had not done this kind of activism before and was stunned by what he experienced. A young man too. Passed out kyr info and talked with people about helping while keeping safe.
Next week we a group going to do some postcard writing at pur fave kava bar. Thx for sharing.
So glad your march was such a success! And glad the march galvanized a newbie and opened the door to more activism. Thank YOU for sharing :)
Some absolute bangers in there. Funnily enough, I just posted a quick blog, and included one of my own faves I saw yesterday online. Great turnout, though like the BBC in the UK largely ignoring the huge anti-fascist rallies, your mainstream media don’t seem to be covering it that well. Though I admit I could be wrong on that score; I have enough nonsense in my life without actively seeking out Fox News or their ilk.
Best wishes to all who care over there, from over here :-)
Too true, paltry media coverage does us no favors. Guess that’s what happens when the oligarch fascists control the media?
I loved this so much! Will it have an effect? Absolutely, it will. I decided rather than march I would set my self up and busk the marchers on their way back to Walnut Park in Petaluma. had a blast. Sang my Trump songs, Guthrie’s
All You Fascists Bound to Lose, and With God on Our Side. I loved the Flip Us Off…sign. Best sign I saw read
I’d Like that Taco
To Go
Please.
Oh, brilliant!! Love that you busked solidarity classics to the masses. Love your optimism in believing this will have an effect – despite a distinct lack of adequate media coverage. And I LOVE the taco-to-go signage. Def up there with flip us off.
I guess I am optimistic because we really can’t see all the beautiful futures that began by bringing so many good folk together. Somebody’s going to start a union, somebody’s going to make a baby, somebody’s going to run for city council.
The media always asks the will it matter question to sow doubt, but I don’t buy it, these rallies are not the Super Bowl they are open try outs. Lots of people learning that they are capable and millions of people will work with them.
Omigosh, we’ve swapped polarities. You’re feeling optimistic; I’m more pessimistic than ever, and about California, in particular.
There are 2 Republicans and 8 – EIGHT – Democrats in the Governor’s race, and it’s an open ballot. With the Dem vote wildly split, both GOP candidates are sitting pretty at the top of the polls. The Dems’ insistence on ordering their favorite meal from the BALLOT CAFE, even if it’s not on the menu, means the Bluest state in the nation will be in the hands of a Trump-enabler, and everyone is going to go hungry.
Aloha. Thanks for that. I am sovereign unto myself and need to be reminded that I can extend that sovereignty to others. I’m also trying to defend my innocence which has blown to pieces by life and more recent events. Much love brothers and sisters. And much love for fighting the good fight.
Your recognition that you — that we all – are sovereign unto ourselves put me in mind of something my very wise sister told me the last time I was wallowing in gloomy angst. “We can’t control what’s happening,” she said. “What we can control is our reaction to it.”
Aloha nui iā ʻoe hoʻi
Oh shit! Yeah the Governor’s race.
Really need that Canadian Passport.
Great signs! Waiting to hear the numbers here. Definitely way bigger!
Way bigger, and your weather was lots nicer than our 29-35 deg F and occasional light snow showers. I know, because a friend sent me some terrific pics of Santa Rosa’s No Kings. Y’all had some terrific signage too! My fave: “EGGS ARE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE ALL THE CHICKENS ARE IN CONGRESS”.
;)
Wonderful! And thanks for loaning me your pen when my ballpoint stopped working from the cold!
Great curated collection, btw. I still can’t stop laughing about “Flip us off …”
Luvya
You’re welcome, glad I could help. <3
Ok, they ALL grand, but my absolute fav is “Worst sequel ever.” Wish I’d thought of that one!
I also like “Stay Salty, Melt Ice”. ;)
Such great posters. Will they have any effect?
Does anyone know actually what can be done to change the world – other than wait for the next Presidential election?
Trump’s vanity has rippled across the world. His need for attention is impacting almost every country.
In New Zealand, we are already running out of petrol. The price, if you can buy some, is $3.28 a liter. It will get worse, as the cost of everything we import will have increased dramatically.
Great posters affirm our feelings and opinions and sometimes make us laugh. They won’t change the world. Nor is it likely our elections will help much. Voter suppression is at the top of Mr. Incompetent’s rabid white supremacist/Christian nationalist handlers’ list. Remember, our prez isn’t elected by the people, but by the Electoral College (read about it HERE and HERE). After 2020, several traditionally BLUE states (California, New York, Illinois…) lost electoral seats, while some RED states (Texas, Florida…) gained them. So Dems now need to win more states than before to win the Electoral College and regain the White House.
Like the guy in that great apology shirt, I sincerely apologize to all nations for our Despot-in-Chief who has doomed the world to economic disaster.
Aloha. There is a way to stop the madness, and it would take a huge cooperative effort that is unlikely. Money. Don’t use it. It’s not yours, it’s the governments. But we all have to not use it. Shut em down.
Yes, what couldn’t we accomplish if we acted together in our common interest? Marx and Engels had it right in 1848 (Workers of the world unite!) But, alas, that seems beyond us.