Today was the scheduled Hands Off Protest all over the country, and the world. A day to protest the chaos and ruination being perpetrated by the Trump / Musk regime and their cowardly accomplices in the “Legislative Branch” of the U.S. government. Unfortunately for St. Louis, the weather was miserable. We opted to go to the venue at Kiener Plaza in downtown, rather than one of the St. Louis County sites, because we thought it would have more impact. It was a bit disappointing, compared to the massive Women’s March in 2016. There are many concerned people, but things are somewhat fragmented. We were very glad we went, and it was uplifting to find folks of all ages turning out to peacefully protest, despite the rain. We connected with our friends, Dorothy and Rita, and when we began to flag, we recuperated in a restaurant, where Dorothy treated us to a delicious meal.
Overwhelmed by the maelstrom that assaults us daily as we pay attention to what is happening, I take breaks and take solace in the natural world, particularly the animals. So, here are some birds from this morning, before we ventured into the big city.
Eddy brings us constant joy, as does Weedy, in his quiet dignity and kindness.
The cats also enrich our lives and help to distract us from impending anarchy.
By the time we returned, the rain had stopped and the horses were down in the pasture (now a wetlands) foraging. and grazing.
Harry had to run out on an errand, while I finished barn chores and brought the horses in. They were not as exuberant as they can be. I think these days of rain have discouraged even the horses!
The blooming continues to dazzle. It is a truly exquisite Spring this year. Nature carries on, heedless of humanity’s troubles.
My brother Mark has always been a wonderful photographer, and he sent a picture he took this evening of an urban coyote he saw on the streets of Chicago!
The rain has stopped. Sunset looked promisingly reddish…
Be safe, be well, stay informed, but find time for serenity. Be kind and stay strong. Slava Ukraini! God Save America. Peace…
You and Harry look like very serious protesters. I think Liza Streett and Molly Clifford protested in Brentwood., and it looked like a large gathering.
Standing on Brentwood in the rain was… exhilarating! The great turnout, the great response (honking at times almost deafening), people waving excitedly, some blowing kisses. All kinds of signs, from “Turd Reich” to quotes from Cory Booker, e.g. “You can’t lead people if you don’t love people.” I can’t always have such an uplifting experience, but I do get one every day, Anne, with your blog. The solace you get in Nature, I get vicariously, in your stunning photos (I love “Oisin smells lilacs) and commentary, sharing your and Harry’s daily experiences, learning about the other wonderful people in your life. It gives me such pleasure, now more than ever. Thank you.
We marched in Cadillac with 150 friends. Daffodils are budding and the cranes are here. And Hope, a cat I know, always shows up.
God Save America
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Around 150 protestors turned out in Hannibal, which I thought was an amazing number for that size of community. We were not able to go but sister Jeanne was there, in the rain and cold.
Always a pleasure! Bravo to all the good souls standing in pouring rain to give voice to the many more. Impressive turnout for this red state! Love the enthusiasm of Eddy and the wisdom of Weedy the Wise. Love the female cardinal next to the male red wing blackbird. Love my short time spent reading your blog Anne, thank you
It was good to see so many people on the streets across the country. You have some stunning pictures here.
It was good to see so many people protesting! Evan if you don’t care about the constitution and all the government agencies supporting science , diplomacy, rule of law, education , immigration, social security, clean air and water, etc…. These tariffs will usher in a deep depression like they did in the 1890’s and stagflation like the 1970’s!! It’s so hard to witness and not feel powerless. A regressive tax designed to create more wealth for those who don’t need it on the backs of the middle class and low income. Horrifying! Thank goodness for family, friends, horses, and nature! Love this blog.
I admire you for standing out in the cold rain. Dorothy looks wonderful, she never changes. Thanks Anne.
How did the Republicans come to embrace isolationism? It’s not about America, we all (humans and all of life) share one planet. I guess MAGA doesn’t understand why they can buy a 55” flat screen TV at Walmart for $300. I shudder to think how this retreat from global trade will affect the billions at the bottom of the pyramid, living on a buck or two per day. Watch out for geopolitical consequences. Maybe we’ll come out of all the chaos in a few years with less passion for materialism and more compassion for the so-called global south. Meanwhile, the billionaires will party on.
Good to catch a glimpse of the two of you. I heard Boston had a big turnout; I was busy doing garden work amid the rain. Take care
xoxox
Good for you out there in the rain protesting. I don’t believe Fulton had a protest. At least I was cleaning my apartment and not doing nothing! I love the picture of the fox. I feel sorry for him in downtown Chicago but I’m so very glad he’s not In Fulton looking for a duck dinner!!
Good protests in Upstate NY as well! Very rainy.. but people showed up!!! I wept during one of the songs that were sung. Can’t believe this is where we are! So sad. Grateful for your photos anne.
Thank you ! It was a sunny day in DC for the rally. Dropped a crew off. Certainly no cuts in the Capital police force! I think Harry’s poster is most accurate