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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison addresses the crowd at the April 5 protest against the idiocy of the Trump administration. Photo by Scott Hebert.

The sunrise was a brilliant red rose rising over Lake Superior, a constant in an unsettled world. Today promised to be sunny with a high in the 30s - a perfect Duluth day for a spring demonstration. Layering up, I put on my tights, jeans, wool socks, thermal top, ski gloves, and insulated jacket. I learned my lesson recently when I froze waving signs outside our congressman’s office. “Do I have to do this again?” I muttered to myself. 

Having entered my seventh decade, I thought I might be done with demonstrations, rallies and strikes, but it seems not. My husband and I folded our creaky limbs into our not-quite-vintage car and rolled down the hill to City Hall. A steady flow of people were walking holding signs in the same direction.  

“Looks like a good turn-out,” my husband, a seasoned activist, observed. 

The signs came in all shapes and sizes, handmade and printed. Many had pictures of crowns crossed out. My favorite one was held by a little girl proclaiming, “HANDS OFF OUR FUN!” 

Others were more serious: 

“IF YOU ARE NOT ANGRY, YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. DEFEND  DEMOCRACY” 

“DANGEROUS OLIGARCHS, GRABBING EVERYTHING” 

“THIS A MORAL MOMENT. IT’S NOT LEFT OR RIGHT. IT’S RIGHT OR WRONG” (Senator Cory Booker)

The crowd swelled to more than 2,000, and a palpable energy, enthusiasm and anxiety permeated the air. The speakers were a diverse array of public officials and community advocates supporting veterans, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Our Minnesota Attorney General announced his phone number and asked for our stories. He spoke of the lawsuits he is working on to preserve our democracy. It was a relief to shout!

“Hands off” our Social Security! 

“Hands off” our jobs!

“Hands off” our health care! 

“Hands off” our democracy!

After the rally, a town hall meeting was held in the iconic Denfeld High School auditorium built to last during different times. Seated on a massive stage framed by elegant red curtains, were two representatives from the Minnesota House and the Minnesota Attorney General, who looked out over a large crowd. They spoke of the many challenges we are facing. 

The attorney general elaborated on lawsuits he is pursuing to restore federal funding and protect our rights. Invited speakers from community agencies spoke about the impact of federal funding cuts. A TSA employee raised the alarm about the termination of his union and the potential risk to public safety at airports should public workers be laid off. 

Our leaders were here to listen and opened the floor for public comments. 

One by one, people from the audience lined up to speak out and ask questions. 

Many of them were people I knew. A tearful mother shared that her daughter had survived childhood cancer and become a cancer researcher, only to have funds recently terminated. A man urged courage and inquired about how to inspire it in others. An educator spoke of the fear and insecurity international students at local colleges are experiencing. A woman wondered whether martial law was imminent. A canoe outfitter eloquently advocated for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. A high school debate team captain wanted to know what her team could do. We clapped and cheered in unity. 

There were not a lot of answers, but there were actions we could take. 

Organizers urged us to attend rallies, participate in training and give to those in need.  

We filed out of the historic school auditorium saying our goodbyes. At the exit, I opened the door for a friend pushing her partner in a wheelchair. Distracted, I let go of the door too soon, bumping the edge of the chair. Hurrying to the next set of doors, I held it open, and they safely glided by. We may not get it right the first time, there are obstacles in our way, but we can keep showing up! 

Together, we headed out into the cold spring sunshine.