Saturday, March 22, 2025

I was there until I wasn't

Pic: At the "Empty-Chair Townhall" with Rep. Tom Barrett. The Rep. wasn't there (as usual), but nearly 500 of his pissed-off constituents were. The organizers gave people red and green flags to wave to signify agreement / disagreement with the statements being made on the dais. 

Many friends were going to be there and I saw RS, AH, SD, etc. I went with L and CD; L drove. But the thing ran long, and I got a bit antsy about spending a second hour indoors in an outrage echo-chamber... so I walked home. Still debating if that was an ok thing to do. But I have deadlines! I had to make dinner! I was missing weekend time with the fam!

I heard of a lovely rally in Detroit where Michiganders--and and across the river Canadians--protested the awfulness that's overtaking us. 

16 comments:

Nance said...

Probably walking home--as long as you were safe--was a great thing to do. It likely felt good, and being outdoors and moving is always so recentering.

I think the Empty Chair Town Halls are inspired. I want news media all over this. At least...while we still have some independent news media.

Gillian said...

Take care.

Nicole said...

You showed up, Maya! Leaving early is an okay thing to do - you have other things on the go too, and those things are important.

Jenny said...

It's all good! You did what you needed to do (and kudos for showing up to the meeting i the first place.) That Detroit rally sounds awesome.

Jeanie said...

I was there and looked for you! It was energizing. You did see or hear that Barrett was at Breslin during the meeting. His FB page blew up after with people NOT happy.

Anonymous said...

You would gently remind a reader that they were doing the best they could. So I will remind you of the same!

Also, in many things some is better than none. Activism included! :)

❤️, Steph

Bibliomama said...

I think that was the perfect balance of doing your civic duty and protecting your own peace.

Anonymous said...

I leave protests early (or arrive late) all the time. You can't do it all.

maya said...

Thinking back, I was probably on the verge of a panic attack, and leaving was absolutely the right thing to do. I was touched by your thought of safety, Nance--it was on the MSU campus and in the afternoon--so it was quite safe.

I don't want to dwell on the "while we still have some independent news media."

maya said...

Thank you, Gillian.

maya said...

Thanks, Nicole--that helps. I wish I weren't so impatient/overcommitted.

maya said...

Jenny--I loved hearing about the Detroit rally, too, because it made me feel united with our Canadian friends!

maya said...

Jeanie--Sorry I missed you! I was WAY in the back with Lynn and co. I wish I'd asked if you were going... since it was indoors, I thought you might avoid it...

maya said...

That does help, Steph; thank you. I feel like it was a day I could have marched for hours--sitting still was somehow anxiety-inducing.

maya said...

Thanks, Allison. It certainly felt dutiful rather than passionate, and therein lies the rub. (And now I feel like a romance writer lol)

maya said...

That definitely applies to you as you attend so many, Steph. Thank you for doing that!

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