My original plan was to participate in the local rally in #RochMN but last evening my wife encouraged me to instead go up to St Paul for the rally there. It was a good idea as it was going to be a one in a lifetime opportunity. I drove to Minneapolis and parked in a University of Minnesota ramp and took the Green Line light rail to the gathering spot, the Western Sculpture Park in St Paul. It was one of three gathering points. 1/x
#NoKings #Minnesota
At 12:30 we began the half mile march to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. There were speeches by various organizers and dignitaries. Joan Baez sang, and there were a few other singers and poets. Eventually Governor Tim Walz gave a fiery speech and then introduced the Boss, Bruce Springsteen who paid quite a number of compliments to the actions of Minnesotans and Minneapolitans. Then he sang his protest song, "Streets of Minneapolis."
2/x
#NoKings #Minnesota
Shortly after that I decided it might be best to head out as taking the light rail back might be a long wait with the huge crowd. That was a good decision. The person next to me on the train was live streaming the rally on their phone and I got to hear Bernie Sanders' speech better there than on the Capitol grounds. After retrieving my car, I went to Dual Citizen brewery, and nearly all the folks there had been at the rally.
3/x
#NoKings #Minnesota
I am so proud of the people of my state. They stood up for their neighbors in a strong but non-violent way despite being abused by #ICE and then show up in a big way today. If the crowd estimate I heard is correct, then about 4% of the entire state's population showed up at the Capitol today.
4/4
#NoKings #Minnesota