Rally for justice meets Sunday traffic at roundabout
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June 10, 2020
NO MASQUERADE – Peaceful protesters observed social distancing and donned masks when they gathered Sunday morning at the roundabout entrance to La Conner. Despite the facial coverings there was no concealing their cause – bringing public awareness to the ills of racial injustice. – Photo courtesy of Ivan Carlson, III
There were no complaints here about Sunday’s weather.
But there was still reason to protest.
About 20 people gathered with signs and placards for two hours under sunny skies that morning at the roundabout on the east edge of town to join the rest of the world in condemning racial injustice and police misconduct.
The local event was intended to be small and was selectively promoted, primarily by private messages and texting, participants said.
The reaction by passing traffic was mostly positive, they reported.
Attendees were greeted by motorists who honked horns, offered fists of solidarity and gave them approving thumbs-up.
Support wasn’t unanimous, however.
Some told the Weekly News that occasionally drivers sneered, turned thumbs-down or flashed half a peace sign.
One estimated reactions were 80 per cent positive.
Another participant, who asked not to be identified or directly quoted, said La Conner is fortunate to be removed from the conflict and civil strife seen elsewhere, but that the nation could benefit from increased citizen oversight of law enforcement.
As was the case during a peaceful march organized here a week ago Tuesday by Audrey Liddell, protesters donned masks to help curb spread of the coronavirus. They also practiced social distancing.
Town Administrator Scott Thomas learned of the protest beforehand and urged those taking part to exercise caution.
“The sidewalks do not go all the way around the roundabout,” Thomas noted, “and cars go through there very fast.”
By most accounts, though, Sunday morning traffic at the roundabout slowed down enough for motorists to read the several different signs.
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