Try THAT in Seattle!

The mask-burning party was last night and, to be honest, I was nervous. I had no idea if anybody would show up, especially on a Wednesday night, and who would show up if we did get some attendance - Constitution-loving people, the cops, or the whack jobs that act like fascists while looting and burning.

For starters, no police despite a sign in front of my house announcing the party. Second, no whack jobs. Yea!

We did have about a dozen people show up. Those that were hungry were fed and most pitched in with a little dish or treat. I forgot to put out the speakers for Christmas music. By the time I remembered, we had a bunch of small groups going, all having their own conversations. So, I skipped the music.

We held off on the mask-burning until about 8PM because everyone was enjoying themselves. When we did finally get around to it, it seemed anti-climatic. As I stood watching the people there, I realized that the mere act of gathering was far more powerful than tossing a mask into the fire pit. Still, that part was so popular that we did it twice.

Interesting note: the masks melted before they burned. Makes me wonder what the heck we’re inhaling chemically off store bought masks. Yeech!

The other thing that struck me — and I joked about it — was that there was plenty of laughter. We were peacefully protesting and even had a our little fire just like the big city, but instead of mindless rage, there was laughter. Try THAT is Seattle, city of the angry army of imbeciles.

Tyranny hates laughter, especially at its expense. More of this is absolutely needed - and we can have fun doing it.

When we finally broke for the night, everyone left in good spirits and energized, with a commitment to do this again. Hope and camaraderie are powerful emotions. With those, we can get a lot done.

Did we change the world overnight? Nope, but we did take a baby step.

The next baby step will happen next month. I’ll keep everyone posted and let you know when and where.

Also, I have some other thoughts triggered by the conversations last night. I’ll share them in the next couple of days.

Be safe everyone - but remember . . .

Live is for living, not cowering. Stand tall.