I saw a post on the 50501 Kansas site today that told me there was going to be a protest at the immigration center here in Cottonwood Falls at noon.
I went up and joined a group of 10 others. We held our signs by the side of the highway and visited with each other. Several people going by gave us the bird and others honked and gave us a thumbs up sign.
I got into a conversation with one of the ladies there. She and her partner live in McPherson. I told her I had read that the Casinos in Vegas are starting to lay people off as the number of international visitors is dropping so quickly that it is impacting their traffic counts. She then went on to say the factory she works for in McPherson is quietly starting to do what she called slow downs in production. They have started to cut a week of production here and a week there. She said their warehouse is full and that customers have stopped buying anything but essential material.
The best part of the rally was the immigration attorney that had come to the detention center to see a client. The client he saw wasn’t the one that had prompted the protest. He explained the “law” and how much of it is open to interpretation by the individual judges. The supposed legal path to becoming a citizen is full of pot holes and mud holes and is a long and arbitrary path that is about as clear as mud.
I asked him what is the best way for us to support the work he is doing. I think I caught him a bit off guard. He said no one had asked him that before. He said the best way for those of us that are citizens to support the other members of our community that may not be is to show up. Be Vocal. Do not be afraid to post our views on social media. Speak up to others when we witness racism and misinformation. Communicate our concerns to our elected officials. Do not back down to the fear, overwhelm and hate that is being pushed on to us.
I told him I agreed with all he said. I also told him I navigate through the world reading energy and not hearing words so much. That we all have to help change the energy of this world. Both sides have helped make this problem and it is going to take each of us changing ourselves to fix the problem. Dropping into hate, fear and overwhelm continues the energy that got us here. We have to respond to hate with love, to fear with joy, and overwhelm with logical thought.
He looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me I was a modern Gandhi. I told him hardly that. I am just an old hippy that believes love is the answer – now what is the question? Regardless the attorney said non-violent, peaceful protests, and keeping faith in hope that love will win is the way to be.
Several in the group nodded in agreement with his words. However, shortly after our exchange, one of the people in the group started leading some chants that I could not chant. A car went by and gave us the bird and the sign was returned.
I decided it was time for me to leave. I came home for a bit and then drove back up about 30 minutes later. They were gone by then.
It was an interesting protest. I did meet a lady that has a guest house in Bazaar. She is from Olathe but comes down often as she loves the Flint Hills. Another man I know from Cottonwood Falls was there. He had heard about the protest and walked up to see what was happening. The others were from McPherson, Topeka, Perry, and Wichita. The person that had posted about the protest wasn’t there.
I must confess I was a bit intimidated to go and wondered if I should. According to the Sheriff a permit is required for a rally. I’m not sure if he would call today a rally or a protest and if a permit would be needed. If the Sheriff showed up and I was there, I was concerned that he would know I knew about the permit situation and hold me accountable. I decided I had to go anyways and see what happened. Fear cannot win!
I took a chair nap when I got home. I was exhausted this afternoon. Not sure if the protest took it out of me or what. I have a bit more energy since my nap. I took the dogs for a walk and they are taking their naps now.
Kathy left while I was at the protest to go to Wichita. She is helping my cousin check in the other participants for the Honor Flight then they are going to my cousin’s house for the night. Her flight leaves early in the morning. I trust she will have a great time.
Tomorrow I think Phil is coming early to finish up the foundation repair project. I will have to set an alarm and get up early for him. I don’t have anything on my calendar other than being around in case Phil has a question or needs something. I will have to walk the dogs a couple times but that will get me up and going. Wednesday I am going to a court thing with Jason in the afternoon. Kathy will be home Wednesday late afternoon.
I may go to Wichita Tuesday as I need to make a Costco run. Sometimes I need to get out of my own space and run away a bit to clear my head. It has been a heavy weekend and I need to clear it out.
I do want to find a rally to go to on May 1. I think I heard there is one in Topeka so will have to find details. I will continue to find ways to show up in love and let my voice be heard.
Grateful for the 10 others that showed up at the protest today, grateful for immigration attorneys that are doing the hard work on a rocky road, and grateful I could leave the protest when it didn’t feel like peace and love.