(First three photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
The Statue of Liberty joined the Stars and Stripes as American icons carried Saturday afternoon during streetcorner rallies from Admiral Junction to Morgan Junction.
Previous rallies were held concurrently with similar actions across the country. This time, “Reclaim the Flag” was a West Seattle Indivisible standalone plan.
In comment discussion following coverage of previous rallies, someone has invariably asked, why do this – what’s the point? So we took that question to a few of the participants we found in Morgan Junction. Carol answered that question head-on:
I’m tired of people asking me if it does any good to come out, and I’m tired of answering yes. What are the other actions you could take then? Donating to a cause? Supporting [specific] politicians? This [protesting] isn’t the action for everyone, but anytime we can see the collective good, that is inspiring for people – whatever they may do. … I’m optimistic that for enough people the light bulb will come on – and that we [the people] are the only promise we have to make it better, that’s it, because this government is so corrupt.
(This photo and next by Torin Record-Sand for WSB)
Scott told us:
Each one of us standing on a corner makes a big difference, but not only that – the bus drivers waving at me, and all the honking [really shows support] … This is my chance to make up for me and my generation not finishing the job in the ’60s and ’70s, I’m glad to be able to make a difference if I can. … In the 1960s, we thought we were going to change the world, then we got married and settled down and didn’t follow through. … What’s going on now should make us appreciate democracy rather than taking it for granted – hopefully the backlash against the rise of authoritarianism will give rise to a resurgence of democracy.
We also talked to that trio in Morgan Junction:
Democrats are out of touch, and Republicans are flirting with fascism … The attacks on the Constitution, the [imprisonment] of immigrants [even with] green cards and visas, breaking the law – the law we’ve had since 1776 – who gives him the right? … The system doesn’t work any more, the legislative branch doesn’t want to act, the judicial branch doesn’t want to act – that leaves us with a king, which is unacceptable.
One added a comment related to the legislation that’s continued making its way through Congress this weekend: “I’m protesting the ‘big bad bill’ because it’s taking away health care – it’s going to make people die.”
WHAT’S NEXT: Most of those with whom we spoke said rallying/sign-waving isn’t all they’re doing; they’re also contacting members of Congress. Rally participant Gretchen suggested, “It is super easy to contact Congress if you are irritated enough.” (Whatever you want to tell them, links to contact info start here.)
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