Peaceful Protest

We had a protest in McMinnville today. One of many since January. Our goal was to have protesters line the highway through the entire city. 

All was well, there were a few f&^% you’s and a few MAGA flags, but for every f**& you there were 20 supportive honks and waves. McMinnville is a blue city in the middle of a red county in the middle of a blue state. So we have a lot of diverse views in our small shire.

About 20 minutes before the protest was to end, a very angry woman put her truck in park and blocked traffic. She walked across two lanes of traffic towards us, ranting and raging about illegal immigrants. She walked up to my wife, Suzie, put two hands on her chest and shoved her backwards. Suzie was calm and firm, managing not to escalate the situation. A number of protesters came to support Suzie, placing themselves in between her and this woman. She finally backed off and returned to her truck flipping us a double bird. Of course the back of her jacket was emblazoned with the name of Jesus. The whole experience was surreal.

The divisions in our country are growing by the day. It’s a bit scary to be assaulted while peacefully protesting. I know, in the scheme of things, this was a relatively small incident. But it brought home the reality that we are living in. I’m glad that when this happened the children you see in the photo had left. It would have been scary for Vi to see her ShuShu (grandma) being pushed by someone who was so blinded by her anger.

Now we’re home enjoying some peace and quiet. Contemplating our place in this country of ours. Regardless of one’s political beliefs I hope we can extend humanity and kindness to others. I hope this women doesn’t destroy herself with her hatred and anger.