Our protest at the State Capitol started early, at 10 AM, which was a good thing. About 11:15, we heard thunder, then it started to rain. When I saw a flash of lightening, we decided it was time to go. I did manage to get a few pictures.

This is my husband and one side of the sign he made.

We saw quite a few clever signs. Here’s a couple of my favorites. I might steal from these for the next protest (because, you know, there’s likely to be more).

It took me awhile to figure out the puzzle of Foxtrot Delta Tango.

According to my local newspaper, thousands came out in Tallahassee to protest. We were impressed, not just with the size of the crowd, but also with the almost endless stream of cars honking to show support.

It was a peaceful protest. It was a friendly protest. Even when Trump supporters gave us the finger or flashed their MAGA gear at us, we just smiled and waved back at them.

Police were present but they seemed pretty relaxed. We did see drones flying around and what looked like law enforcement with cameras on a roof. So they have evidence that we followed the rules.

We did not interfere with traffic. We stayed in our pre-approved designated spots. We all wanted this and any future protests to be peaceful.

I do believe that peaceful protests are the best way to get one’s message across and to be heard.

Which leads me to the heartbreaking story unfolding in Minnesota, of the assassinations of a Democratic state senator and her husband and the attempted assassinations of another Democrat legislator and his wife (Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota shot).

They say the attacks were politically motivated. My heart feels so terribly heavy. I don’t want my country to be like this, where anyone has to fear being killed just because someone disagrees with their politics.

I disagree with pretty much all Republicans these days, but I believe in using words, not bullets, to register my complaints. To disagree in peaceful and productive ways is the mark of a strong person; to resort to violence and carnage is the mark of a weak person. And this murderer also impersonated a police officer to get close to his victims. So he is weak and a coward.

Exercise your First Amendment rights, but be safe out there.