by Nancy
On Saturday I took part in my first "Signs of Fascism" event.
I had seen photos of similar vigils in other cities and was excited to learn they were happening in Santa Fe as well.
SOF is walking vigil where black-clad participants carry signs, each of which lists an established indicator of fascist behaviors in governments.
"Erasing personal freedoms"
"Militia Used Against Citizens"
"Ignoring Due Process" etc.
(Not coincidentally, all are things we have seen increase dramatically over the past year. If the shoe fits.....)
Sixteen of us met beforehand at a parking garage to gather and be given a sign. One of our members was given a drum. We spent about an hour walking single file, around the plaza, in silence except for the slow steady cadence of the drum. We would intermittently stop to stand in a line for a few minutes with our signs.
It was a very different feel from the loud, at times festive sense I've gotten from the many large rallies I've attended in the past.
It was a powerful visual and nearly everyone we passed filmed or photographed us, with many people calling out "thank you".
One store keeper stood in the doorway of her store, reading each sign aloud as we passed.
I liked that the signs were simple statements educating people about what fascism is about, leaving the reader to come to their own conclusion.
I look forward to taking part in the next SOF event.
If you are interested in joining us please reach out to ELLENMHILL@proton.me
