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Every Saturday, the Southwest Harbor “Standers” stand on Main Street. For over a year we’ve stood in protest and resistance to what we see as the cruel, corrupt, hateful, and anti-democratic words and policies of the regime. We came with anger, frustration, disbelief, and despair — and maybe a little bit of hope.
Along the way, over these months, we have created a community of kindness, cooperation, and inclusion, of shared leadership and shared information — and some humor, too!
On these Saturdays, we’ve experienced comfort and joy. We have welcomed the “stranger.” We have respected each other’s priorities and points of view. Each unique sign says it all: “DUE PROCESS for ALL; “NOT WAR”; “MELT ICE”; “VACCINES WORK”; “CLOSE THE DETENTION CAMPS”; HEALTHCARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT”; “SAVE GAZA”; “SUPPORT SCIENCE”; “WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM”; and more.
We are grateful to each other and to those who drive by, honking approval or giving us thumbs up! We know we stand for others who are not able to join us — maybe they are working, maybe they have family responsibilities, maybe there is family pushback, maybe they are not comfortable showing up this way.
We’re hopeful folks find some courage, empowerment, and hope from seeing us on the street. All are welcome to join us!
Susan Covino Buell
Southwest Harbor