DEMONSTRATION ANXIETY
I Don't Know What To Wear!
Prepping for my first political demonstration is surprisingly stressful.
Step one: ask my boss for the day off. I was scheduled to work on April 5th, so I politely inquired if I could take the day off. Success! Boss found a stand-in without asking why, thankfully. Work is a strict “no politics” zone, and I didn’t need to open that can of worms.
Step two: poster prep. I headed to Staples and found a package of two sturdy 20” x 30” foam poster boards. (If there’s a protest in your future and you find you need one, I share!) I thought of classic black lettering on a white background for maximum visibility.
Husband: “Add some red for definition,” he says. Hmm… I’m still mulling over what to announce. I’m partial to “Deport Melania,” but, husband gently points out, “No one cares about deporting Melania.” Oh? And exactly when was the last time he was involved in a demonstration?
“1969,” he says, deadpan. “I protested the Vietnam War.”
I shut up.
Black and red it is. I’ve decided to emphasize Social Security and Medicare. It’s safe. It’s a struggle for me, but I’m keeping it civil. Our retention of Social Security and Medicare is not a partisan issue. Everyone, R or D, should be involved in making sure the politicians know both sides of the aisle are adamant on keeping our well-earned benefits.
Step three: Arrival time and parking. Increased stress level. Protest begins in Rancho Mirage at 12:00 noon. Parking will be available in the City Hall parking lot as well as across the street. So. . .what time should I get there, will there be traffic, will there be congestion in the area, what if I can’t find a parking space, what if protesters are protesting the protesters, what if someone gets in my face. . .(I’m prepared for that! “Up your nose with a rubber hose)” I’ll say. That’ll stop them. I’m going to leave the house at 11:00 a.m. and take my chances.
Step four: What to wear! When one plans to protest, does what one wears matter? I mean, I’m not vain or anything (chuckle). Do I wear my new white capris with a floral sleeveless top or raggedy jeans and a tee? I’m having my hair done this week, and that definitely calls for a sun hat. What kind of sun hat? A psychedelic baseball cap by Jams or my jaunty new straw sun hat? Shoes are a no-brainer. My pretty new blue Nike’s. Final choice: denim shorts, a denim sleeveless top, old straw beach hat. I met myself in the middle.
Now you know where to find me on April 5th at 1:00 p.m. I hope you will join me if you can. Our Democracy is in serious jeopardy. We, the People, R and D,
are not used to having to defend our political and social freedoms. We are used to leaving that fight to our elected officials. We can’t now. For better or for worse, it’s now up to us to fight the good fight. And we must win. The alternative is unthinkable.
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Democrats of the Desert Invite Everyone:
Join us on Saturday, April 5th, for a sidewalk protest in front of Rancho Mirage City Hall from Noon - 1:00pm.
Bring a sign. Bring a friend. No foul language. At 69-825 CA-111 in Ranch Mirage.
Parking at City Hall and across the street on the northeast corner where the Carnivale Restaurant lot is.