Speaking Up: Witnessing the Hands Off Protests in Spokane

Inverted American flag flying above Hands Off protest in Spokane - distress signal symbolizing national emergency as demonstrators gather with signs beneath spring trees

So this is what many of your neighbors were doing today at the Hands Off protests here in Spokane and across the United States. I was pleased to witness a peaceful, well-organized gathering, and to capture some of the energy rising up from all facets of our community.

Diverse group of protesters at Spokane Hands Off rally displaying large rainbow-striped 'We The People MEANS EVERYONE' flag alongside 'THEY WON'T STOP AT ROE' banner and 'STOP THE CUTS' sign in park setting

I tend not to get political on here or elsewhere for that matter. We are more than our politics. Yet, what is happening to our government at the hands of reckless and hostile leadership, I feel, requires all of us to speak up. To voice our opposition, our resistance to an attempted destruction of much of what makes us American, and more, citizens of this planet.

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Protester in homemade ghillie suit camouflage holding 'HANDS OFF OUR VETERANS' sign with red handprint and blue patriotic imagery at Spokane demonstration on sunny spring day
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These moments remind us that democracy thrives when people engage. Regardless of political beliefs, we should all want a country where dignity, compassion, and justice prevail. What I witnessed today was not division, but community standing together for these shared values.

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Woman smiling at Spokane Hands Off protest holding sign reading 'HANDS OFF! -Women's Bodies -Public Lands -Constitution' with American flag visible above against bright blue spring sky

I believe in our capacity to listen, even when we disagree. To remember that behind every political position is a person with hopes, fears, and dreams not so different from our own. These photos capture not just protest, but people caring deeply about our collective future.

Woman at Spokane protest holding sign reading 'THERE'S ONLY ONE IMMIGRANT TAKING AWAY AMERICAN JOBS' with image pointing toward a political figure, demonstrating against administration policies
Protester wearing Trump mask at Hands Off rally holding sign questioning administration's impact on American standing in the world, highlighting satirical opposition to current policies in grassy park area
Person wearing tie-dye shirt holding anti-Nazi protest sign amid diverse crowd at Spokane Hands Off rally, with 'HANDS OFF!' sign visible in background and smiling supporter with bicycle nearby, showing peaceful community activism against extremism

The greatest threat isn’t disagreement—it’s silence. When we see injustice, speaking up isn’t partisan—it’s American; it’s human. I’m grateful to live in a country where peaceful assembly remains our right and our responsibility.

Colorful multi-tiered sign at Spokane protest listing protected rights including 'MY RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY, SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAID, DIVERSITY PROGRAMS, VETERAN'S BENEFITS, JOBS, PUBLIC LANDS, PUBLIC EDUCATION' held by woman in striped shirt with small American flag
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