Hands Off

I am not an activist. I strive to be an alert and educated citizen. Things are happening in our government right now that just don't sit right. Yes, I am a big believer in cutting waste and fraud, doing things more efficiently (think: ChickFilA!) and having consequences for people that act illegally. I am not a fan of self-centered people making sweeping, poorly-thought-out decisions that negatively impact thousands of fellow Americans. 

Yes, there is plenty of room for improvement in our government, but I believe intelligent people can figure out a path forward that is humane and less destructive. We did not get to the current state in mere months, thus it takes time to properly fix and adjust. 

By the way, the world does not revolve around America. Yes, we are one of the richest nations, but much of our wealth is based on the global economy. And, oh right, let's not forget there is a greater good to consider on this planet that we all share. Thus, I joined hundreds of thousands of patriots across the country for the Hands Off rally to let others know that this is not OK.

After lunch at ChickFilA, our friends decided to join us as we headed to a corner just down the street in Frisco. We were standing with almost 100 people for about 1 hour. It was crazy windy and quite chilly, but that actually just made our flag fly nicely and stand out vibrantly against the grey.

It was a very friendly crowd, with, I would guess, an average age of about 45 years old. We got tons of honks, thumbs up, pumping fists and waves. There were a handful of angry responses, but nothing outrageous. Someone led a few "Hands Off!" or "Wake Up" chants, but mostly it was standing and waving our sign and flag. 

Funny thing: We did not realize that we were actually not on the official rally corner, as the main rally address was a few blocks up the street where several hundred more people had gathered! (We just pulled in where we saw people and free parking places. 😏) We headed out before everyone had dissipated, and did a drive by to capture the full length of the crowd.

I am glad I attended. I was encouraged to see so many people show up recognizing and acknowledging the unusual, disheartening state of things. It is nice to be validated. Perhaps, as one sign read, it will spark America to wake up! And for the record, my favorite sign read: Hate does not make us great. It definitely feels like hate (of those who are different) is motivating many of the decisions being made, and I feel confident saying that nothing great has ever come from a place like that, but instead the great comes when loving people rise up in response to the hate. Let us all be the light and love that our country needs right now.