Wake up and smell the coffee, folks.  While I would like nothing better than to write only about travel and taking fun adventures around the world, I fear if we don’t all take action soon, there won’t be a world left to explore.  Or at least not a world we can be proud to live in.  So today, I took to the streets.  Loud and proud, taking a stand.

As protest details started to be posted on Facebook, the Seattle march popped into my newsfeed. Done.  No discussion, no thinking about it, off we went with Thom in his Icky Trump protest shirt to Denny Park to march with the Solidarity Against Hate group whose motto is “an injury to one is an injury to all” .   Good stuff.

At 1:00 p.m., the crowd started to gather in the relatively small park, carrying banners and homemade signs to stand with Charlottesville where neo-Nazis incited violence yesterday.  Today across America, people showed up to make their voices heard at various quickly organized peace marches and prayer rallies.  “Hey, hey…ho, ho…white supremacy has to go” was the chant of the day in Seattle.  As Thom and I jumped in to help carry a huge canvas Constitution, we made our way with hundreds of others through the streets of downtown Seattle.

It’s unfortunate but now is the time for EVERYONE to get off the couch, put down the avocado toast at brunch and STORM THE STREETS.  Right now.  If we wait, the current administration will get us all killed.  Calling Congress and writing checks to progressive candidates and causes is all well and good but desperate times call for desperate measures which will probably involve the mobilization of citizens taking action like I have never witnessed in my life time.  “No KKK.  No Fascists.  USA!”  Chant with me.  March with me.

Yes, there was violence at the Seattle march when police formed a blockade and did not allow the marchers to advance.  Anarchists carrying sturdy signs that doubled as shields did eventually provoke the police as they shut down the progress of the marchers toward a neo-Nazi rally happening in Westlake Park.  We heard the loud bangs from blast balls and pepper spray cannons as the clashes began.  Unlike the anarchists who were protest-ready wearing bandanas on their faces and sturdy boots, I was absurdly styled in a dress and sandals.  Oops.  Protest fashion faux pas. Next time, I’ll dress more appropriately.

Leaving before more violence began,  I wish that everyone had stayed calm but the majority of people marching were peaceful and united against hate.  Together, we can make a difference before it’s too late.  Take a stand.