signs of the times

February 23, 2025 • 5 Comments

Last Monday, 17 February, was Presidents' Day in America. Rallies were held around the country, including in Santa Fe. From government workers who had been suddenly and unceremoniously fired or "asked to clean out their desks", to those protesting Russia's war on Ukraine, in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, and of women's and LGBTQ rights, and yes, against government waste, the rally in Santa Fe at the Capitol was enthusiastic and peaceful. Holding the crowd of somewhere between 500 and 1,000 people in check, who seemed to be flowing to the area from every direction, were a number of State Police officers. I felt sympathy for them as well as state employees, staff of and members of the legislature, and delivery people who had to work their way through the waves of people. One group of younger people from somewhere other than New Mexico, was wandering around saying "I think this must be a protest or rally. Let's get out of here." What they missed were some incredibly creative signs and first class people watching. As one of many official and non-official media types, I majored in signs. Being New Mexico, the Zia symbol was prominent, among other signs that were fairly exclusive to the state.

Given the fact that there has always been an attachment on many levels to the national forests in the state, it was not surprising to see these signs.

Some really pithy signs featuring both illustration and words certainly punctuated the feelings of many.

This was one of my favorites - homegrown and delicious.

In the center of the photograph under the two Palestinian and Veterans for Peace flags are bags of food in a box being delivered to the people inside the Capitol Building.

These "signs of the times" will probably appear again, in greater profusion, at future rallies, as people try to wrap their heads around what exactly is transpiring in America. Whether this "cathartic" event translates into concrete action is yet to be seen.

As many move into spring-like activities in the northern hemisphere (or continue to shovel snow, for that matter), I appreciate those of you who wrote about last week's blog, including Brenda, Barbara F. R., Bill & Sue, Marilyn G., Steve, Catherine, and Jean and Sam. Hope the coming week provides good work and play in equal measure!

until next Monday,

a passion for the image©

Keywords: Blacks Crossing Photography, Daryl A. Black, environmental portraiture, New Mexico, Not my president day, photo journalism, photography

Comments

Ingrid(non-registered)

So much truth in the sign. It was good to be there. Thanks

Brenda(non-registered)

I only wish I could have been there. Great photos of the event.

KarrenL(non-registered)

Love the signs.. Our event in Olympia was not so coordinated or organized!

Steve Immel(non-registered)

Thanks for these. The signs were the stars of the show. There was such variety and invention. The energy was infectious and good for my mood. The energy was so positive given our collective anxiety and anger over the direction of our country. The sign which I didn't see, "Democracy isn't dying in the darkness. It's being murdered in broad daylight." would have been one of my favorites, too.

As Pete Seegar once wrote on a cocktail napkin for me. "Keep on fighting. Keep on singing."

TTT(non-registered)

Love the signs.

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