"TOO MUCH WRONG TOO LITTLE CARDBOARD"

That was, we both agreed, the very best of the many protest signs we passed.

It was Sunday afternoon, we were on our way to the grocery store, and protesters were spread out thickly all along the  sidewalks on the Hwy 8 bridge over the river connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. They couldn’t have had a nicer day for it. The sun was out, there was little wind, and nearly all the more than 7 inches snow from a few days before had melted in the high 50s temperature.

I hadn’t heard about the protest, but somebody had spread the word to well over 100 people, not bad turnout for the two small towns, one on each side of the river. As we crossed the bridge, slowly enough to read a majority of the signs, I honked my support repeatedly. The first honks seemed to surprise them, but as we passed more and more, still honking, smiling, and waving, our appreciation of them was well received.

Messages were eclectic. There were calls to impeach Musk, reminders that this was OUR LAND, support for our veterans who were losing their jobs, support for Ukraine, and so many more I hadn’t time to read safely while driving. Whatever they said, we were for. All were home made, a very few on poles but the rest held in both hands. They were held high, low, shaking or still. Demonstrators were in small groups or rows of singles. Anybody wishing to cross on the bridge had room to do so, as all were polite. When room ran out along the bridge, groups stretched out into the two small towns.

When Steve and I returned from the store, the group was just giving signs of breaking up. I honked for them while heading back into Minnesota as well, and was again well received. Steve tried to get some photos as we passed but looking at his phone later, nothing had turned out. We’re going to have to get him some practice with that. I would have liked video even more.

I hope they  do it again, and spread the word better. I’ll ask around of the obvious groups to see what I can find out so I can join next time. There’s still lots of cardboard in the house from last year’s move, and paint from various projects. I could share with whoever thought there wasn’t enough, though we still think that was the best sign over all. It was also the biggest. If I can find out who she was, I’ll have to ask if she minds if I “’steal” the theme.