Princeton Protest Bubbles

A few months ago a activist group in Princeton announced they would host monthly protests on the first Friday of each month from 4-5 pm. I went a couple of months ago on a cold day. For once I did not blog about it, so I don't remember if I went in January or February, but I do remember it was brisk. It feels good to be standing outside with like minded people. It is a chance to let your guard down and feel comfortable saying what you truly believe about the state of the nation and the world without having to temper those thoughts until you know if the other person agrees with you, or if you'll hurt their feelings by saying there are problems in this country, and I am willing to fight for things to change. 

After months of protesting in bitterly cold weather, sometimes with piles of snow, today was a joy. The 70 degree day was warm enough to stand outside in a t-shirt and capris. About 50 of us stood in front of a grove of cherry blossom trees showing our signs. 

Each time I protest I see less people who "Flip Me Off If You Support Pedophiles" and more voicing agreement with thumbs up and friendly honking.

People asked each other which protest they went to last weekend. Not, IF, but WHICH. Many went to Princeton. One woman said she went to Washington, DC. Lawrenceville was an acceptable answer.

Today two high school aged girls drove by blowing bubbles at us. They then parked their car and joined us, telling us this was their first protest. They were enveloped by people in my age and demographic loaning them a signs and a giant American flag. Some asked about the bubbles, where to get them? Do they always have bubbles? One woman in her early 60s said she carries bubbles in her car and blows them when she is stuck in traffic with cranky people. It lightens the mood. After all, it is hard to be cranky when there are bubbles.

An hour doesn't sound like a long time. It is something I can do to show people feeling they are alone in their displeasure that we have their back.

A benefit to protesting in Princeton is that our governor will be moving into Drumthwacket, located about a mile from where we stand. There is a good chance she will see us. Last weekend she stood in this Princeton park and addressed the crowd at No Kings 3 sharing her vision for change. I was not there, but I heard it was powerful.