You say you want a revolution...

“What are you protesting?” asked the confident and curious young man in his convertible, while the also young woman in the passenger seat observed. I’m guessing they were late teens, early twenties. He didn’t seem to be baiting us, just fully unaware as we told him of the national call to show up in resistance to the threat of fascism in the United States.

He looked blankly at us, not perturbed or concerned. The word fascism didn’t seem to mean much to him. It made me wonder what they’re teaching in history and government these days. Does he know of Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler? Does he believe in the widespread repression and deaths that came with their respective regimes? Were those just names and dates memorized for a test and then quickly forgotten? Or did he just disagree with the comparison and didn’t want a debate?

So I looked blankly back at him, trying to puzzle out his lack of a reaction.

And then the stoplight turned green and they were off.

I’ve wondered how I could have responded in those seconds, that might have made a difference. I wish I had a more effective elevator – or in this case, stoplight – speech that summarizes the concerns I have with the current administration.

I can’t take credit for my sign. While I made it, I am honoring another protestor’s original idea.

A friend and I avoided the crowd of 50,000 marching in downtown Portland and instead joined a smaller gathering in a nearby suburb. As we arrived, we were surprised by the lack of available parking, walking almost a mile to the event. We soon learned why as we joined several hundred others, lining a long stretch of busy highway that cuts through a bustling commercial area. The mood was upbeat and friendly. People of all ages complimented each other’s signs, sometimes taking pictures together. Smiles were plentiful. Traffic was steady, with most of the motorists offering waves, thumbs up and supportive honking. Of course, there were those who just drove through without interaction or eye contact. As expected, a few openly expressed their displeasure or disagreement, but honestly that was a very, very small minority.

Whether I can describe it or not, this experience connected me with something happening in our country. Momentum is building. And that’s what the protest was about for me – visibility and momentum.

More that 13 million people peacefully protested last weekend.

It’s a great start. I’m looking forward to the Day of Community planned for July 4 and the Good Trouble Lives On protest on July 17.

It’s easier to stay ready than to get ready. Going to the first protest makes it much easier to go to the next one and then the next one.

I’m gradually testing how to let go of my love of convenience and comfort for a life more aligned to my values. I am learning to speak up when I see others’ rights stripped away without our permission.

It’s important to me that I’m clear where I stand on this. The government should serve the people, not rule them. I believe in democracy. I’ll quote the sign in my neighbor’s yard, because I can’t summarize it any better:

Black lives matter.

Women’s rights are human rights.

No human is illegal.

Science is real.

Love is love.

Kindness is everything.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Hate has no home here.”

I’ll add:

Brown lives matter.

Religious freedom must be guaranteed.

Public lands cannot be sold (although we could consider returning them to native people or at least provide reparations for them).

The military and law enforcement should not be used to restrict or bully the rights of people living in this country without legitimate cause or due process.

I recognize that many of the issues facing our country are incredibly complex and require experience and knowledge beyond my expertise. But I’m watching and learning. The present and future of this country – and our world – are important to me, even when most weeks I choose to write about things seemingly unrelated.

Maybe the guy in the convertible was unimpressed by the lack of specificity or demands from the protest. After all, what did we specifically want to change? Today, maybe I would tell him, it’s to remember government is meant to be “of the people, by the people, for the people.” And I’m not willing to relinquish participation in this democracy.

Thanks for being here,