Story and photos by Eric George Tauber
SAN DIEGO — “No one is above the law!” This was chanted repeatedly outside the US District Court on Thursday evening, Nov 8, though not all of the chants had that zing. The event was hastily organized by Act Now and Move On with help from Hillcrest Indivisible.
When I arrived, some folks had a little craft project going making signs: “Protect Justice”; “Protect Muller” (sic); “Please don’t trash my future.” One of my favorites read, “Can I pardon myself? Asking for a friend.”
“Veterans say No one is above the law.” Jeff Winne, who served in Vietnam, felt that President Trump was not doing what he had taken an oath to do: Protect the US Constitution.
Jean-Huy, a naturalized citizen born in Vietnam, was handing out American flags. “We are patriotic and we believe in the freedom of America. … I personally believe in the love of America and the right of the freedom of speech, rallying and speaking out when we need to.
For some, political rallies are a family night out. Carmen Garcia came with her four children aged 11, 7, 5 and 2. “We are most concerned about climate change, but the shooting last night [Wednesday] (in Ventura County) was what pushed us over the edge. … (EPA Secretary) Scott Pruitt has been replaced by a coal lobbyist of all people.” I pointed out that the rally had little to do with climate change or gun control. “But everything is integrated. It’s all connected.”
I was referred to a Bernadette Latin for a knowledgeable and articulate viewpoint. “I’m here to protest the undermining of our democracy by what passes for the President of the United States. … He doesn’t believe that this is a country of law. This is a country of him. He’s trying to tamper with this investigation. Only criminals tamper with investigations. He is doing everything he’s doing because he’s guilty.”
Embodying this theme of guilt worthy of jail time, one fellow donned prison stripes and a Trump mask. His sign read, “I am not a crook. Believe me.”
The recent firing of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was a big factor behind this rally. As left-wing activists, these folks were no fans of Sessions. But at least he had the legal wisdom to recuse himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the possibility of Russian collusion. His replacement, not so much.
Acting AG Matt Whitaker has gone on CNN publicly stating that the Mueller Investigation had “gone too far,” and “should be limited.” He decried their “intimidation tactics” and compared it to a Lynch Mob. He previously sat on the board of a company that was shut down by the FTC for defrauding inventors. The job of AG requires Senate confirmation, which he has not yet received.
When the rally got started, the first speaker was from “Moms Demand Action,” a PAC for stricter gun control legislation. She began with a moment of silence for the twelve victims of the massacre in Thousand Oaks adding that no moment of silence was ever long enough.
Speakers included Congressmember Susan Davis, newly elected Congressmember Mike Levin and Jason Berkovitch, Field Representative for Congressmember Scott Peters.
“There is bipartisan confidence in this investigation. So don’t believe anyone who tells you that this is just about politics. This is about the future of our country. Everyone should be on board. … Trump said, ‘I’m going to find somebody who will protect ME, not our country, but ME.’ And we need to say, ‘Not so fast.’” –Susan Davis
“Whether he likes it or not, the President also has to follow the Constitution. …And Tuesday wasn’t the end. Tuesday was just the beginning.” –Jason Berkovitch
“We have seen that when we come together and fight for our democratic values, we can maintain this great country. But we need your help to do it. Are you ready to defend our democracy, San Diego?” –Mike Levin
There was more to it, and other issues brought up, but you get the idea. Even with such short notice, there was quite a turnout. Estimates range from 1,200 to 2,000 people. Though the shmendrick with the cowbell, I could have done without. I wish some Trump supporters had come out to counter-protest just to get an opposing viewpoint, but I didn’t find any. Also, the event could have used some music. What this movement really needs is a theme song, something we can all sing along to like we had at Woodstock. With all of the talent out there, surely someone can write something catchy.
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Tauber is a freelance writer who typically covers the arts. He may be contacted via eric.tauber@sdjewishworld.com