Protests on Mercer Island
COMMUNITYOPINION
Angela Davis once said: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.
A committed group of pro-democracy Mercer Islanders has taken that idea to heart and is protesting every Sunday from 3:00-3:30 at the corner of 40th and Island Crest Way, a place becoming known as “Democracy Corner”. Everyone attending has their own reasons for protesting, but we share a common commitment to protecting democracy.
Typically 10-30 people show up. But on Sunday, January 11th, we had more than 150 participants, many inspired to speak up by the recent tragic shooting of Renee Good by ICE in Minneapolis.
I and other participants have noted that participation in these activities inspires us---reminding us that there are still kind and caring people in the world. This is reinforced by the friendly honks and waves from Islanders driving by.
I hope you can join us. 30 minutes is a small commitment, and, like me, you might make some new friends. And you might make a difference.
Recall the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”