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On Saturday June 14, 2025, people in the United States turned out en masse to show with our bodies, our actions, our signs that we stand for democracy. Not for dictators or self-appointed kings (or kings of any sort, really). I was one of thousands on the streets of Portland. Along with family and friends, and like-minded people.
It was the most peaceful protest I've ever attended. (I've attend a lot over the decades.) My first protest was a strike for a union. I was twelve. My mom was striking. (They got their union.) I've opposed racism, sexism, the war in Vietnam. I've marched to Take Back the Night. I've participated in pride marches since 1978. I knitted and wore pussy hats, and marched in the Women's Rally. This was my second time to protest the current term of the pussy-grabber. But I've gone out on my own street corner and stood with a handmade sign (Hands Off our Social Security!). That sign is in my window. In another window is a No Kings since 1776 sign.
I am heartened by yesterday's turnout. I well remember the power of the anti-war protests which finally put an end to the US presence in Vietnam. We can do this. We can regain our democracy.
Were you able to go out and protest yesterday, wherever you were? If not, were you able to follow along, see the news photos?
Because it's Father's Day as I write this, I want to say a few words about my father, Albert Charles McCorkle (b. 1909, d. 1951). Dad never went to war because he had "a bad heart." He was already suffering chest pains regularly when WWII began. Because he couldn't enlist, he went to work at a munitions plant in St. Louis. He became a paper-hanger and painter. He excelled at this job, working for himself, mixing his own paints, creating stencils, doing all sorts of artistic painting (faux wood, for example). He was a great dad too. He sang me to sleep every night, taught me to read, taught me how to not get lost in the woods, how to identify different plants, how to be quiet to listen for birds and animals. I'm including a photo of my Mom and Dad taken in 1940, the year they married.
Do you want to share anything about Father’s Day or fathers? If so, please do!
We marched and sang in front of our state Capitol, one of the reddest in the country. We had great speakers. Our governor even called up the guard in case we got violent. 1100 peaceful folks in Jefferson City, MO.
Wasn't the turn-out great!!! Love it. The National Park service is saying 12.1 million as of last nights tally. Also love how everyone stayed in a good mood. We are a happy people!!!! Let us remember that. Great turnouts all over WA state! And the country! Even in red states and other countries!!!! Can you tell I am still tickled pink by the turn out! :-)
Thanks for sharing about your dad. He really knew how to be a dad, didn't he! so glad you have your memories of him!
I was lucky to have a very good dad, too. A quiet man, but he loved animals and especially horses. He also believed that a man had to honor his word. As a decorated Marine, I know he would have been heart sick by what is going on. I honor dad whenever I fly the flag!