“We hold these truths to be self evident,” the sign said, and then it all came back from 8th grade — that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Granted it didn’t include African Americans, Native Americans, and women, but over time this message to King George III of England evolved to become much more inclusive. This was one of many signs at “No Kings Day” rally on June 14, at Gazebo Park.
Lighter fare proclaimed,”If she’d won we’d be having brunch.” Organizer Susan Street had expected maybe 300 people. Artist, musician Larnie Fox counted around 700 “but there could be as many as a thousand.” People are scared and they are outraged. “My eyes welled up when I saw the number of Benicians that turned out. I’m so proud of Benicia,” said friend Marialee Neighbours.
I crossed First at Military to get a better view of the crowd — shoulder to shoulder from “K” St. to Military, west along the park and the block in front of Veteran’s Hall —peaceful, joyful, and sobering. A cacophony as drivers honked their horns in solidarity. Signs appeared out of sun roofs and car windows. A red John Deere tractor rolled by — twice — to giant cheers. One black car resembling a police vehicle had a portrait of Trump behind bars in the back window as if he were on his way to the hoosegow.
And American flags. Hundreds of them. Protestors have taken back Old Glory from the conservative right who used it for years to represent a faux moral and patriotic revival and now the perfect symbol to counter today’s greed, hatred, and delusion.
This was no professionally organized or staged event. Lots of diversity — a flutist playing a Revolutionary War ditty, chants and singing, signs made of cardboard, construction paper, sharpies, and duct tape. There was some paintings of a king with a bad combover and a sign made from notebook paper scotch-taped to a twig. A baby stroller carrying a benign looking dog said “I bite fascists.” Saw no evidence of the police except for one vehicle passing by, possibly returning from lunch.
I arrived at 1 pm, start time, and Susan Street, Mayor Steve Young, Vice Mayor Terry Scott, and State Senator Cabaldon had already addressed the crowd. “We are not here as activists or demonstrators but as patriots,” said Terry Scott. See a video by Air Force veteran and longtime community organizer Dr. Constance Beutel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KugI8TpxYys
Watched the interview in the Oval last month when T was showing a reporter a copy of the original Declaration. As he pulled open the protective curtain he was asked “What does the Declaration of Independence mean to you?” “Well — it means a lot. It means exactly what it says. It’s a declaration of unity and love and respect, And it means a lot. It is something very special to our country.” Huh? He’s right about one thing — it does mean a lot.
Meanwhile back on First, I spied a teenage girl sitting on a bench who looked like she belonged in a historical novel. She was dressed completely in black and white, wearing a charming lace and ribbon bonnet with a big bow under her chin, and a black dress with an angel printed on the bodice. Laced edged white pantaloons peeked out from her skirt. Black knee socks with matching Mary Janes and huge heart-shaped purse trimmed in black lace and a gold cross completed the ensemble. I couldn’t place the style.
“Love your outfit,” I said. “It’s Harajuki fashion inspired by Victorian, rococo, and Japanese fashion. It’s called Gothic Lolita.” Her name was Lorelei. “I’m part of a niche community called Bay Area Lolita and we all dress like this. We do fun things like go to Japantown for tea and do karaoke. She has modeled for FanimeCon — pronounced Fannie Mae like the government mortgage lender. Up the street I saw another Gothic Lolita, presumably meeting up with Lorelei for tea and sushi. https://www.instagram.com/birthdaykittie/
Sometimes I don’t even have to leave home to get a fascinating story. Take my plumber. Called appliance repair man Daniel Sheets to see if he could fix my old dishwasher. I described what was wrong. I got an in-depth lecture on how GE is the worst. Clearly mine had bit the dust. “Maytag, Whirlpool, and Kitchen Aide are the best because their parts don’t come from China, and they are well made.” Ended up ordering a new Maytag from him, which I love. Later, as he was installing it, we chatted.
Daniel was stationed on a US missile cruiser in the 1960s for five years — not in Southeast Asia but, get this, Villefranche, France, on the French Riviera. Incroyable! He rented a small apartment in town for when he was off duty and grew to love France, the food, the beauty, the pace, the people. He became acquainted with Princess Grace when she visited his ship. After chatting him up as he stood on the bow near the missile launcher, she handed him her contact information and said, “If you want to visit the Palace, call me and I’ll give you a private tour.” She was gracious, and kind, and lovely. But he was too shy to take her up on it. Wonder if she had a Maytag?
Told him about my rat problem earlier this year, and he shared his. He got rid of the ones in his house except for one large rat who eluded him in the garage. To complete the mission, he took his sleeping bag, Coleman lantern, and 22 shotgun, placed a wooden block behind the trap, and slept on the cement floor for five nights. Each night he moved the light closer to the trap which had been bated with a red jelly bean. On the fifth night he took out the rat with his 22. “What was the wooden block for?” I asked. “To keep bullet holes out of the garage door,” he said.
Daniel’s parting words to me.“When the wash cycle is finished, open the door (of the dishwasher) and let the dishes dry naturally. You’ll save big time on your PG&E bill.” Coincidentally, behind my old dishwasher was where my rat made his last stand. Must have been the heated dry cycle. Benicia Appliance Center: (707) 745-2808.
Letters From Benicia 