Hands Off - An Inspiring Day

Sunshine and warm weather in the Pacific Northwest

Hello! Remember me? I hope you all have been well. I’m coming back, but first . . .

April 5, 2025 - Hands Off Rally - Seattle.

Nothing brings Pacific Northwesterners out of their houses more than sunshine. The trains were full. Downtown was bustling, and the Seattle Center was crowded with sign-waving, chanting, cheerful people protesting the dismantling of America.

From the Gulf of Mexico (finger-flip at the White House!) to the borders of the sovereign nation of Canada (finger-flip at the White House!) and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and in Alaska and Hawaii and I imagine, the U.S. territories, Americans came out to say “Hands Off” to the robbers and billionaires thugs destroying our country.

There were far too many clever and amazing signs and shirts declaring love of our country and anger and dismay at these current events.

My favorite t-shirt slogan: Make Orwell Fiction Again.

I was at the Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle. We stood on a road as people gather at a railing, thinking we were waiting for the speakers to begin.

Then we tried to move closer and realized we were on an overlook. A sea of people yelled and screamed and waved signs below us. The day’s speakers riled up the crowd. It was the largest protest I have ever attended.

I am inspired to see so many people stand up for what is mostly just common sense.

I will continue to find ways not to support the billionaires, to support the arts and humanities, to support my LGBTQIA+ friends and loved ones, to support tolerance and fairness for all - to support the ideas and ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Everyone who came out is brave. I will continue to do my part.

Thank you for doing yours.