Since the onset of the Iraq War, and even before, groups of residents have gathered at Healdsburg and Matheson, the primary entrance to the Healdsburg Plaza. A loose affiliation of locals called the Healdsburg Peace Project, most of them seniors, raise signs of protest, wave at passing cars, and every now and then break into a chant.
The gathering has waxed and waned over the years, but in recent weeks the number of protestors has grown. They even expanded to Saturday morning this past week, when weekend drivers found that same corner bursting with sign-bearing residents at midday.
They were energized by outrage and alarm not by distant wars, but by assaults on democracy inside the country’s borders.
The signs were stark and direct: Dictator or Democracy—That’s the Choice. Resist, Protest, Impeach. Resist by Any Means Necessary. The Power of the People Is Stronger than the People in Power. Defend Our Country Against Its President…