Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a population of about 85,000. Yesterday, an estimated 5,000 (almost 6%) came out to celebrate the double holiday — No Kings Day and Flag Day. It also happened to be Trump’s birthday, and a few creative signs did wish him a very unhappy birthday.
There were several remarkable things about the rally, but what blew me away was the fact that there was zero conflict reported among participants or with law enforcement. The crowd was twice what was expected, and the “stay-on-the-sidewalk” march from the state capitol to the downtown plaza broke the rules and flooded the streets. There were citizen security guards who stopped the human flow at intersections every few minutes for traffic to cross. No matter how excited and empowered the crowd was, they obeyed, and so did the cars, waiting for their turn, many honking in support. State police in clusters of 3 or 4 were relaxed and non-threatening. They diverted traffic as needed, and called an ambulance for two people with heat stroke.
This smooth handling of the unexpected speaks to superior organization and coordination led by Indivisible Santa Fe. The program included live music and speakers, including our congressional representative Teresa Leger Fernandez and other officials and community leaders. In addition, anyone from the community who wanted to speak could arrive early and sign up for time at the microphone. These included a 61-year old vet from the Gulf War, a young Hispana born here and wanting to speak for friends and family afraid to speak out, and a young man pleading for understanding across all differences. It was an awesome day. I will let the signs speak for themselves. Thanks to Nancy Dahl for photos.
Such creativity and wit!
My husband and I were there, with our signs, reflecting our moods. Mine on the crude side; his more restrained.
But here’s my favorite, below — gives me hope.
It was wonderful to see so much energy and solidarity expressed. My group of progressive motorcyclists, known as Ride for Liberty and Justice for All, attended multiple rallies; at ours, we had a table where folks could sign a copy of the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Within an hour and a half, signatures completely covered both the front and back!
I love that, Eric. Come to Santa Fe next time!
Since DC was sort of off limits due to fear, surrounding towns and cities stepped up – my husband and I went to Alexandria City Hall plaza. I estimate 1500 or so at the peak with lots of coming and going.
The crowd was polite, energized, law abiding, courteous – no one crushed the flowers planted in the raised gardens where people sheltered under trees, no one went wading in the large fountain pool in spite of 90 degree and close to 100 percent humidity. Alexandria Police were very low key and as far as I could tell, few in number (there was a jazz festival 3 blocks east also). My only problem was the same as last month’s in Williamsburg – the PA system didn’t broadcast past about 30 feet from the podium so most of the crowd couldn’t hear any speeches – no matter – they made up chants and kept spirits focused on the mission. In contrast to last month the crowd was not majority older people – there were lots of younger adults and some children, and some diversity. At the end the crowd was led off the plaza by what appeared to be some veterans on a chanting march around the block and up and down King St (ironically), accompanied by the low key police – pretty sure this was unplanned but the police let it go and cars were quite patient, many honking horns in unison with chants.
The Washington Post did NOT cover either yesterday or today any of the local protests – they listed and described big cities and some smaller nationwide towns – a great disappointment and seemingly cowardly?
Great report from Virginia, Deb. Thanks so much. Very maddening that the Post ignored their own backyard. But glad you were there, making noise!
Appreciate your recognition of Indivisible Santa Fe. (We did colaborate with Indivisble SOS and 50501). For the information of your readers, ISF is not a membership organization. There is a core group but anyone can show up and help in whatever way they feel appropriate for them. I like helping build the rallies, but some are working on communcations, social media, outreach, speakers, etc. Meetings are 7:00PM every Monday at Christ Lutheran Church. The core group is trying hard to build this plane as it flies, with so many people showing up wanting to do something. Check out the website.
Thanks for the info on Indivisible Santa Fe and the other two — Indivisible SOS and the one in Eldorado. I have been avoiding groups and doing my own thing, but I think it’s time to join up. I’ll be there next Monday.
[This is from Ann Gosline, for whom captcha did not cooperate.]
It was a great day in Maine too. When people reported back, there were over 40 locations with 40,000 people, ranging from 4500 in Portland to, my personal favorite, 1 in Sullivan, Maine. A lot more younger people this time. Great job by Indivisible and other organizations who came together on this!