I Just Went to My First Protest Rally and Was Impressed

           My wife and I (photo above) went to a "Hands Off" protest in Medford Oregon while other protests sprung up across the nation like flowers blooming on a spring day.

Opponents of our felon president and his unelected wealthy South African born buddy showed that America is not going to tolerate their corruption without a fight. 

There were more than 1,200 "Hands Off" demonstrations across the country planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and election activists.

It was the first protest I ever attended. 

I'm a Vietnam veteran who was on the other side of nationwide protests against the war. 

My greeting at LAX airport was brutal with people following me and cursing me like I was personally responsible for the damn war. 

At one point someone spit at me, and I dropped my duffle bags and lashed out at who I suspected was the spitter and I punched him in the jaw. His cronies swarmed me, and airport security had to peel them off and escorted me out. In the melee I lost one of my duffle bags and reported it to security who were more interested in getting me outside than in retrieving my duffle bag which was full of souvenirs. I never got it back despite numerous requests. 

As you can imagine I've never forgotten their naked hatred and the treatment I received because I was a soldier. The protests were wild, scary and people were killed - think the Kent State Massacre - as the nation was divided for and against the war. I was the same age as the protestors, and I hated the war. After I got out of the Army I dropped out and was immersed in the hippy culture for years.

When my wife and I went to the Hands-Off protest Saturday I was nervous. I have PTSD and have been avoiding crowds for decades. But something miraculous happened. The crowds were friendly, and I relaxed enough to appreciate the people I met. It was fascinating listening to their stories about how Trump and Musk were ruining their lives. Everyone was so united in their disdain for the Trump regime.

The majority of protestors were middle aged and seniors. Us boomers showed up like it was the 60's to make our voices heard once again. It was a transformative day for democracy. The battle has been joined and there will be many other protests leading up to the midterms at which time the Democrats hopefully will take back the House. But they need you and me to vote for democracy.

As it Stands, Trump's regime will need to be challenged every day until his orange ass is kicked out of the White House permanently.