San Diego #HANDSOFF Protest: More Good Trouble
Where were you on April 5? Did you participate in the #Handsoff event in your area?
We took the Coaster down to San Diego which was a much better idea than driving and trying to find a place to park. The train was so packed, we had to sit on the floor. Our ride down the coast was filled with singing and chants about that orange POS, muckrat, and DEMOCRACY in action.
This growing movement isn’t just about that orange POS-it’s a broader call to protect democracy, civil rights, and social justice. Organizers say the protests aim to send a clear message: “Enough is enough.” These protests are grassroots-led, with no single group in charge. However, coalitions of youth activists, civil rights organizations, and climate groups have joined forces.
Hands off Social Security.
Hands off Medicaid.
Hands off veteran care.
Hands off our kids’ education.
Hands off our rights.
I think we might have had nearly 50,000 participants in San Diego. Mainstream media isn’t honestly representing accurate numbers.
I have never before seen so many people or felt as much energy, even more than the Women’s March in 2017.
The “Hands Off!” protests today were nothing short of monumental, marking a powerful and unified stand against what organizers have called the most audacious power grab in modern history. With over 1,400 events spanning all 50 states and hundreds of thousands of participants, this movement brought together a diverse coalition of workers, activists, and everyday citizens to demand an end to billionaire influence, cuts to essential programs like Social Security and Medicaid, and attacks on marginalized communities. From bustling rallies in Washington, D.C., to smaller gatherings in conservative towns, the message was clear: Americans are fed up with policies that prioritize the wealthy at the expense of democracy and basic rights. The energy on the ground was electric, with chants of “Hands off our jobs, our healthcare, our democracy!” echoing across city halls, federal buildings, and even international cities like London and Berlin. Today’s turnout was not just a protest-it was a resounding declaration that grassroots power is alive and ready to fight for justice and equity (From The Other 98%.)
For some of us, fashion is important. What do you wear to a protest rally?
In addition to good walking shoes, I wore all black, but I couldn’t resist my Leon Russell hat.
On the train ride back home after the march, which was peaceful and without incident, energy was high at the success of the event, but we were tired and a bit subdued.
Someone noticed my Leon Russell hat and told me how much she LOVED him, and the next thing I knew, my phone was at top volume playing everyone’s favorite Leon Russell songs, singing along and chatting about the awesomeness of the one and only Master of Space and Time.
An amazing end to this beautiful day. We all participated in GOOD TROUBLE.
From AltParks: Yesterday was incredible. The official count is in — 5.2 million people joined the #HandsOff protest nationwide. So many are asking: what’s next? Mark your calendars: 4/19 is the next nationwide day of protest. Let’s go even bigger — our goal is to get 3.5% of America in the streets. Some media outlets are reporting only “tens of thousands” participated, but that’s no accident. Downplaying the turnout is a tactic to suppress momentum. But you were there. You saw the crowds. Even small red-district towns showed up in force. Don’t let them rewrite the story. It was a historic day — and we’re just getting started. We are proud of all of you — for many, this was your first protest, and you showed up with strength and purpose. Thank you to all the local authorities who helped keep everyone safe, and to the many military members and off-duty officers who attended and monitored the situation. Keep your signs, make new ones, and start preparing now. Let’s make history again on 4/19.
Originally published at http://enchantedseashells.com on April 6, 2025.
