Well I can tell you already that turnout is extraordinary! The baseball field is overfull, with folks spilling into the park proper farther than I can see.

I can make out crowds feeding up the street in a steady stream, and I could hear the speaker over two blocks away.

Current speaker is telling the story of a loved one being taken by ice.

Opening chant is “only the people save the people”.

Center of the field is full of flags; mostly American, a couple of Mexican and pride flags, and the absolute largest trans pride flag I’ve ever seen, where did they even get this?

Cell tower is having trouble with all these folks, and you know my usual protest rules on photos, so you’ll just have to take my word for it for now.

So a couple more observations; first, the park is filling so fast. We’re so far back that the speakers cannot be heard, we’ve almost gone back to Barbara Bailey and the fountain.

Second, I’m going to have to update on a delay because there is no longer any reception. Entirely too many phones.

Third: a stranger thought I was someone they knew and gave me a hug. They seemed embarrassed but I got a hug out of it!

Another similarity to this spring’s protests; some banger art and signs. I tried to capture but there’s no way I’ll be able to get to folks in this crowd. I’ll grab what I can to share later, but an article just isn’t feasible this time.

Compromise! If you or someone you know has made some banger art or signs for the event, email me at contact@evhaste.com and I’ll make a compilation!

So far we’ve got a full body float of Abe Lincoln, and some badass domme heels crushing an ice cube.

We just heard from Jayapal, who prompted the crowd to take an impromptu oath to protect democracy and generally not be a big orange baby.

Brief pit stop along the way to acknowledge that Donald Trump had begun to walk back priority kidnappings of farm workers, and that we should celebrate the win, but also that it is not enough.

Next speaker celebrating the return of prisoners from El Salvador, crediting consistent public outrage and pressure campaigns.

Just caught sight of the first counter protestor; he’s got a big banner with scripture on it. Folks around me are saying “get this asshole out of here”.

He cut through the baseball field and appears to be making himself scarce already.

I think I may have recognized him from a previous event. 🤷‍♀️ but these people all look the same to me

Next speaker is a University of Seattle student, I believe from the Filipino American Student Association (was hard to catch during the transition)

“More than 50,000 people are in ICE detention… and while [people looking for a better life are suffering]… Trump is throwing a [large figure] birthday party?”

Mass boos follow.

They asked “so why does Trump hurt people?”

Multiple members of the audience attempted to answer, which the speaker was not expecting, apparently, cause they laughed.

The only one I heard clearly was “because he SUCKS!”

Two more speakers before we march.

Just got a photo of a handmade sculpture of Trump in a toilet labeled “Flush em”. I can’t wait to show you! They said they made it in just 24 hours and it looks crazy good for that pace!

Looking around, I recognize another few organizations. The usual Socialist orgs, The Backbone Group with the traditional We the People display, and a couple of union reps trying to organize a general strike.

In a moment they’ll be teaching the crowd the federal oath of office. I think the idea is that we’ll already be adhering to it better than the current administration.

I didn’t catch the specific departments of the speakers, except a rep from the postal service and a health and science dept of some flavor. Also another union rep!

Okay so I’m dumb, this is actually the start of the march!

But in my defense it already has more of a parade vibe than I was expecting. They have a marching band playing in there!

I’m definitely not physically able to march, still recovering from the last one, so I think this is where I hop off for now.

I’ll keep an eye on my phone and the news though, and hop in the car if things go sideways at any point this afternoon or evening!

I need a few to crop faces out of photos and then I’ll have some cute protest art to share.

(Also I am now five blocks away and can still hear that crowd!)

@HeatherMJ Morning Heather 🤗🥰

This is true, I hope that you have a nice peaceful day today! 😊🫶🖖