We are planning to attend a protest rally in Clarkston, Washington (across the river from Lewiston), tomorrow, April 5, 2025. This is one of hundreds of protest rallies being organized as part of the “Hands Off” day of protests.
The organizing idea is this:
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!
Check out this map to find an event near you.
Source: Hands Off 2025
We have heard from several of our readers that they are planning to attend demonstrations in Columbus, Indiana and Lisbon, Portugal . We’re looking forward to seeing pictures from these and other rallies around the world. (Send your pictures to mike@thecookandthewriter.com )
Be prepared
The HandsOff announcements include this statement:
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
We hope that every demonstration turns out to be a non-violent event. That said, there is always the possibility that unexpected events will occur. Here are a couple bits of information that we suggest anyone attending a rally on Saturday review ahead of time.
ACLU – Protesters’ Rights
The American Civil Liberties Union has prepared a detailed document that explains your rights as an organizer and a participant in protest events.
We encourage anyone attending an April 5 event to review the document and carry a copy.
Know your phone numbers
I read this item from nobhillsal on Mastodon this week. It made a lot of sense.
unsolicited advice: memorize phone numbers of a few people (with good contacts) who will actually help you if something unusual happens to you (usually that ain’t your momma)
We’re off the fence now
We will post some pictures and impressions from our experience on Saturday. We would welcome any feedback from any readers who attend events in their neighborhoods.
We’ll see you in the streets.
Mike and Mary
Questions? Suggestions?
Leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions. I always appreciate feedback.
Mike
White Rabbit photo by Victor Larracuente on Unsplash
Hi Mike & Mary! I’m happy to report that Bill and I attended the march in Columbus, Indiana yesterday. It was a cool, rainy day….but we were so pleasantly surprised by the wonderful turnout, despite the weather. I would only be guessing as to the total number, but would easily say it was in the hundreds (which, for Columbus….seemed like a good showing all things considered)! Also, Columbus is planning another march next Saturday, April 11, and we hope the momentum continues to build!
Hi Sheryl,
I seem to have missed a bunch of comments! Thanks for the update. It’s encouraging to hear about so many people turning up in so many places…and I guess that’s the point. The more people who show up and speak up, the more attention we attract, and the more impact we have.
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike,
We went to the protest in Wichita on Saturday and more than 1000 people showed up in 40 degree weather with sign and voices.
I hope this movement continues until changes are made.
Richard and Carol
Hi Richard and Carol,
Sorry…I missed your comment earlier. 1000 people in 40 degree weather is an impressive turnout! Thanks for the update.
Mike
Right! We thought was pretty good too! Yesterday Wichita had over 1200 people show up upper 40’s and rain, to line both sides of our main street downtown. We opted to drive back and forth honking and waving our support. We’re hoping for warmer weather for our next outing! Is’nt it spring yet??
There were about 500 people at the rally in Clarkston today. Photos and some reflections will follow shortly.
Getting ready right now for the one in Lisbon. Wish you both were still here but will make ourselves heard across the Atlantic. All of us “left wing radicals” and George Soros forgot to pay me to go.maybe next time. 😛
Thanks, Gayna.
I received your email while riding the bus from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Lisbon. I am on my way and lots of my readers will be attending. Let’s hope the GOP in Congress wake up and stop these men now. My IRA would appreciate it!
Hi Nancy,
I share your hope. We need to be sending a consistent message to our representative in Congress:
“This is NOT what we voted for!” (Regardless of how we voted.)
I hope your experience at the Lisbon event is a positive one. Send photos!
Mike