Protest: Sign-waving Sundays - It 'takes a village,' but hope and democracy can win out over degradation and hate

Resist Fascism - Fight Oligarchy

Story & Photos by Pamela Mieth

This hot August Sunday with wildfire smoke largely cleared out, nearly 50 area residents gathered at the Shoreline-Edmonds line to stand up for democracy, stand against hatred and hypocrisy emanating from Washington, D.C., and express hope the tide can start turning in November.

Some themes are evergreen as the president, his family, friends and associated CEOs and billionaires continue to feed at the public trough in new and previously unimaginable ways; ICE continues to act recklessly with impunity while detaining immigrants and filling facilities that line the pockets of some of those same CEOs; and the foundational principles of this country (such as government of, by and for the people) as well as those hard-won over time (such as equal rights for everyone) are forsaken.

Trump's hypocrisy knows NO bounds
 Claiming morality and standards
to which his own behavior
Does NOT conform

Others are more topical such as calling on Congress to regulate AI ("artificial intelligence") and decrying the appointment of the president's personal attorney as attorney general after he reached a partially withdrawn "agreement" for a slush fund for Jan. 6 participants and immunity from IRS auditing for the president and family members for some duration.

Not every passerby agrees with the sentiments (most are civil about showing it), some are just on their way and uninterested, but many others express agreement - honking horns, waving, giving a thumbs up, and the occasional shouted appreciation.

It's a smaller version of the country at-large, but participants hope the signs might encourage others to get involved in building a better, safer future for us all and to let those in hard times know they are not alone.

"Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving organized by Everyday Activists (@everydayshoreline.bsky.social) continues every Sunday in August (8/16, 8/23 and 8/30 remaining), 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St.

Non-perishable food, toiletry items, and school supplies will be accepted for donation to a local organization helping those in need. Bring a sign or just yourself (some are available to borrow.)