The news was followed by a bunch of emails from FGCU's higher ups telling us to adjust our Friday schedules for the event. Classes would be online-only, certain parking lots and entrances would be closed, etc. That was annoying, because I'd been looking forward to Friday as my big, git-er-done day, with manuscript revisions, proctoring a make-up exam, and tons of exam grading on deck. In addition to trying to still get some work done, I was interested in taking protest action that would be consistent with my opposition to both Donalds. Both Donalds have terrible records on environmental protection, my #1 issue, as well as being tremendously corrupt scoundrels who are apparently in politics only to enrich themselves.
I gathered that there would be some counter-protesting of the event, organized by Indivisible and other groups. I hoped the counter rally would be at a publically visible place, like on the busy street outside the university entrance, where I could hang out in the relative security of a throng of other counter-rally folks. As the day developed, though, it seemed the counter protesters were gathering inside campus right outside the arena, in the midst of the whole scrum of definitely-not-going-to-be-convinced-to-change-their-minds MAGA rally attendees. The appearance of increasing numbers of flag waving yahoos right outside my office window was making it hard to concentrate on manuscript revisions (even though I'm REALLY excited about this manuscript- it's an estimate of the total amount of pollution released into Florida waterways as a byproduct of the decomposing aquatic plant material left after herbicide spraying).
The dry detention pond outside The Water School looking nicely vegetated since they havent been able to mow it for a while. Good egret habitat. Also attracting some loons.
"Trust the plan"? LOL
I left my office around 12:45, got on my bicycle, and followed the circus sounds to where the scrum was thicker. It was a very heterogeneous mixture of people from both "teams" crowded along the street and sidewalks and screaming at each other. I chatted with one of my students for a minute then made up my mind to NOT do my counter-protest thing in that area.
I biked back to my apartment, scarfed a PBJ, and geared up for a refreshing "protest hike." The plan was to walk with my "Duck the Donalds - Vote Jolly" sign north on Ben Hill Griffin parkway outside the university until I either ran into a group I could hang out with, or got past the end of campus. The plan went well, and I was soon collecting a mixture of supportive honks, unsupportive honks, cheerful waves, and "FUCK YOU!"s from passing motorists. I made it up to the main campus entrance, but couldn't go further because the road was closed. I got good sign exposure waiting for the cops conducting traffic to let me cross the road, then I just reversed my march back home.
Did I change anyone's mind? Probably not. But I turned my anxiety into forward motion and let at least a few of those motorists who cheered me know that they are NOT ALONE in opposing the Trumpian fascism that gravely threatens our democracy. Tomorrow, windsurfing.
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