Dispatches from an Irvine democracy rally
Signs, signs, everywhere signs. And hope, hope, everywhere hope.
So I’m writing this at 4:15 on the afternoon of March 2, a bunch of minutes after returning from this event …
And I have to confess, I didn’t know what to expect. Would it be lightly attended? Would it be depressing? Would folks drive past in their Teslas while extending the middle finger? Would anyone care? I mean, all we’re hearing about these days is how politically exhausted Americans have become; how we’re tuning shit out via TV shows, movies, games, etc; how we don’t have the appetite for a fight and are willing to let President Elon Musk and Poodle Donald Trump stomp atop our skulls and turn our nation into some sort of autocracy.
Well, here’s my report: People cared. Lots of people cared. I’d say, oh, 600 folks attended, and it was lit. The rally, organized by 50501OC and Indivisible CA 40, felt like a good old-fashioned to-hell-with-Donald Trump 2016 event, with a bunch of pissed-off, heartbroken, not-beaten-down, determined-as-fuck folks showing up to gather as one and fight for the future.
There were signs—lots and lots and lots of signs.
There was, oh, 90 minutes of marching (accompanied by a great deal of supportive horn honking) , followed by a handful of speakers. Amy Stevens, an event organizer and an Indivisible 40 biggie, said a few words, and she was terrific. Two local politicians stepped to the mic, and they were, well, politicians. But, then, a pair of orators were called up, and they absolutely sizzled.
The first was Byron, a enraged military veteran who grabbed the microphone like a young Tupac and spit truth …
The second was Chris Kluwe, the former Vikings punter and Huntington Beach resident. And if I’m the local Democrats, I’m all about this guy. Chris is smart, savvy, credentialed (NFL background—check. Arrested for peaceful protesting—check. Unafraid to confront MAGA—check), young, an OC original and knows how to work a room/march. Hell, take a listen …
And while I still do not feel so great about this sinking ship all 330 million of us seem to be riding, I walked away encouraged, motivated, psyched up, energized. This is a fight, and fights require good, solid punches to the ribs.
Today, a bunch were thrown in the name of America.
Thanks for covering the event today! It was actually organizers from 50501 and indivisible. What a fun grassroots hang today!
COUNTRY OVER PARTY: We were there too, with our bright signs. We feel less alone, seeing hundreds of good American citizens protesting the abandonment of our honorable American values and the disassembling of our government infrastructure. It was inspiring and fun to be there with support from those driving by. Many clever truisms on the rally signs.
There was unity. Unlike the rallies we see on TV for the MAGA crowd, where isolationism and hate is applauded, here there was joy, peace and love. But also RIGHTEOUS ANGER represented by our peaceful assembly and the WORDS ON THE PAGE.
The more the merrier! Please join us on Sundays for a peaceful 1st Amendment sanctioned outing. The time goes quickly you will be energized for good.
Just 2 hours on Sunday afternoons from 2 pm - 4 pm
*Helpful hint to the author of the news article. Thank you for writing it. Also the profanity in your article was not necessary. Your words said it all😊