A chapter ends
For almost 20 months, every Saturday at 1 p.m., a pro-democracy group met at the Route 101 and 202 intersection in Peterborough. Weather ranged from heatwaves to frigid, rain to blizzard (one).
You may have seen us.
Some Saturdays had a theme: When SNAP food assistance was halted, 90 people showed up with empty pots and theme signs, “Fund SNAP, not ICE” included.
We noticed increased honks and waves of support beginning that day (Nov. 1 a year ago). Gradually, they increased.
We were one of many rallies during the nationwide No Kings rallies, drawing over 800 people on Flag Day, June 14, which coincided with Trump’s birthday and a military parade in D.C.
Labor Day’s “workers over billionaires” rally drew over 200; John Lewis Day over 300.
Mostly, however, we gathered in far smaller numbers each Saturday. We often moved to a lively playlist of patriotic protest songs.
Last Saturday’s rally had a theme: Gratitude for the midterms’ voter turnout and outcome. Signs included: “This is what democracy looks like” and “the whole world thanks you!”
For a month, our signs focused on “Vote!” The people did.
And now we’re taking a break.
We’ll be watchful, ready for a next chapter, a cause to rally, or perhaps another reason to celebrate.
Saturday’s playlist began with Dolly Parton singing the National Anthem.
It ended the same way.
We sang along.