Over the weekend I went to two protest gatherings. Golden and Arvada, Colorado. I showed up a bit late to both and I was quite moved by what I witnessed. There was less protest and more display of solidarity, disgust, and desire for something different amongst the citizens that were gathered there. Streets were lined with – not activists – but community members declaring out loud and in public that we will not be ruled by this despotic king-wanna-be. It was peaceful. It was packed with people. And I was proud to stand amongst them.
I have to admit, I felt a tinge of hope being restored. Such was the energy and the belief that was palpable in the masses. Some walked around handing out free bottles of water to those lining the street with their home-made signs. Other walked the line just thanking anyone they could for being there. Drivers honked in support as they drove by. There was so much honking – it was deafening. Particularly, Washington Street that runs through downtown Golden was overwhelmed with people lining either side of the street and you could not hear yourself think because there was so much honking. Energy. Joy. Resistance. Hope.
I refused to watch the parade happening in D.C. I don’t need to see our tanks and troops paraded down the street to know we are attempting to arrest the world into submission. Peace through strength we are told. What it is, rather, is a bully-show. An insecure charade yelling at the world about how secure we are. I have seen some photos and a few clips here and there. It seems, not shockingly, that the military parade was a bit of a dud. Nothing compared to the tens of millions lining their American streets around the country saying, “no.”
How can I ascertain that it was a dud? Well, our emperor in disguise had a bit of a temper-tantrum after the fact. Demanding and ordering that his rogue troupe known as ICE ramp up their efforts, specifically targeting democratic cities around the country. He’s a real leader, that one.
I jest. He is not nor has he ever been a leader. A reactionary toddler is what he really is. This weekend reminded me of a scene from the first Gladiator movie. The emperor Commodus is busy entertaining the mob and mocking anyone who would dare stand in his way. He is small and petty and he whines a lot, all while he controls the world’s most powerful army. Those not under his sway live in danger. The rest as well, though they are too entertained and distracted to notice. Finally, in a telling scene, the general Maximus leans in closely to Commodus and whispers these fateful and very true words. He says, “the time for honoring yourself will soon be at an end.”
Once again, art shows us the way.
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