Yesterday was for me a rollercoaster of emotions. Early on, I felt depressed by the American public’s apparent apathy towards Donald Trump’s mad, outrageous policies.
It seemed to me that the American public was accepting the new Führer’s directives like a flock of sheep, because as a French saying goes, “Qui ne refuse pas, accepts.” “Who doesn’t refuse, accepts”. You ought to remember that in 1933, only three short months after Hitler became Germany’s chancellor, democracy ceased to exist. As a result, an estimated 70 to 85 million people died during World War II.
However, as the day progressed, a glimmer of hope emerged. In the afternoon, as I was at the pétanque court, socializing with friends, I suddenly heard the voices of thousands of demonstrators marching by the Marin Civic Center.
A large crowd had gathered, united in protest. Holding signs, chanting, and beating drums, this sea of determined faces reignited my faith. It reaffirmed my beliefs that true power doesn’t belong to a few money-grabbing zealots, but to the popular masses in the street.
Yesterday, the sight of all the demonstrations across America was a testament to the power of unity and the importance of standing up against tyranny. It was a fine example of democracy in action, where every individual’s voice contributes to a demand for justice.
At that moment, my gloom dissipated and was replaced by a sense of exhilaration. The people’s apparent apathy that had once seemed so pervasive was overshadowed by the energy and passion of the demonstrators.
The demonstrations at the Marin Civic Center were not just a protest against absurd policies; they were a celebration of democratic engagement, a call to action, and a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of collective action.
They reaffirmed my belief in the potential for positive change and reminded us that, even in the face of adversity, there is always hope when people come together to stand for what is right.
Alain