Last Saturday was sunny and beautiful. The Carver County Republicans had put out a call to their supporters to show up with decorated cars and trucks for a rally to counterprotest ours. Two cars and one truck showed up, and they drove by us about four times. I felt embarrassed for them.
We have just a few days left until the election, and although many are looking at this as the end of our difficult time, I am not as optimistic. I feel that Trump will try anything to remain in power. I do not know what this will look like. I am trying to prepare myself mentally for the fight not being won yet.
I want to remind you, though, that the reason they are so scared is because of everything we have accomplished here in Minnesota and across the USA. Many of you, including me, had never protested before. We rallied around our neighbors, built rapid response networks, helped many stay out of ICE’s hands by donating so they could stay home, and showed up for each other. We will continue to do so.
I am hoping that you will be ready to protest in ways you never have before if needed in the next few weeks. Maybe everything will go smoothly, and I will feel silly writing these things. But just in case, prepare yourself.
Besides surrounding myself with friends and family, preparing for whatever may come, and cuddling with my dogs, I have found some sources that give me information and others that simply remind me how amazing nature and life are.
Besides following Aaron Parnas, Rachel Maddow, and the Politics Chicks, I have also learned a lot from Mr. Global, an oil and energy expert who has been explaining how oil prices work, what is really happening in the Strait of Hormuz, and so much more.
I also follow lawyer Liz Oyer, a former DOJ pardon attorney who looks at the legal angle of what is happening. For a comedic but clear explanation of some issues, I follow Cody Dahler, who is based in Great Britain.
Now for my palate cleansers, the ones I watch just to give me back some wonder and hope.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust raises orphaned elephants and other animals. Seeing tiny elephants get bottle-fed and play is magic.
NOAA Ocean Exploration, where scientists watch and sometimes discover deep-sea creatures. Their enthusiasm with every new organism and creature is infectious.
Lastly, I will recommend Poppy the prairie dog, whose little squeaks make me smile.
This is not an exhaustive list, of course, but I wanted to remind you to find some things that are fun, carefree, and remind you that there is a world outside of what is happening here.
We resist, we protect, and we persist.
Judith
Chaska Protests
Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]
Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]
Chanhassen Protests
Every Saturday: 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-11am at Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 5.
Park at Discovery United Methodist Church. We have permission to park there.
2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday from 10-11am at W 78th and Kerber Boulevard.
Sign library is available.
Norwood Young America
Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)
Victoria
Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.
Waconia
Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]
SW Protectors
Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.
Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Golden Kitchen and is located at 207 N Chestnut Street #110 in Chaska. [Map]
Another important one to read Heather Cox Richardson, “Letters from an American”. She is a historian and a professor at Boston Collage and publishes a daily letter that is factual. She also sites her sources.
Also follow Adam Kinsinger. And I’ll be there Saturday!