"Someday, I'll Attend a Protest"
It's so bad, even the introverts are out here!
There was a point where I thought I’d never attend a protest. I’m not one for crowds, especially unruly outdoor crowds, with no guarantee of a clean, convenient restroom at hand. And frankly, I was a little bit scared. So I left it to other people to do the rallying, while I did a lot of donating.
Then things went from bad to worse. I’m going to keep it simple here (and scrap the much longer post I’ve been writing all morning): at some point, I got too concerned about democracy to cater to my own comforts and fears. I was more angry than afraid, and there were better, safer, suburban options for protest.
So I went to the first NO KINGS rally in May of 2025, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with a couple of friends (thanks to Kim & Robin). I was paranoid about standing near the street and kept walking around the whole time, but I was glad I went. It was truly joyful to be part of that crowd.
In October, I went to the second round all by myself, attending in Arlington Heights again and the one in Palatine. Two in one day! Again, just being with other people who care enough to be out there felt amazing, and safe.
Yesterday I went to round three in Palatine, alone again. What struck me the most this time was the number of veterans out there, the efforts they went to, and the pure appreciation in their eyes for everyone else. The signs below were made by a veteran, who travels around with them.
It feels comforting to be out there in solidarity with so many people, and so many veterans, and to know that we are being counted. Our message cannot be ignored, and I’m proud to have gotten out there, even though it was cold and windy and I’m anemic! I say this because if you’ve ever thought protesting was for someone else, too scary, or too inconvenient—it’s not anymore. You don’t have to go to the massive, unruly protest in a major city if that’s too much for you. Go suburban. You won’t regret it.
Is there something you’ve completely changed your thinking about? As in, you never thought you’d do it, then something shifted and it moved onto your Someday List? The longer I live, the more of those I think of. Running is one that I’ll probably write about here someday!
Tell me in the comments what’s changed for you, from never, to maybe, to someday, to done day!
❤️
...or go out just to have a grand time. Our rallies here were a blast, and that is good for the soul! Remembering what it feels like to enjoy your neighbors is worth a ton these days.