Today I stood in front of the American Consulate in Amsterdam.
The last time I had gone to the American Consulate in Amsterdam, was after Sept 11 the attack on twin towers in New York.
That day, there was a memorial by the Dutch Government. They asked the whole city of Amsterdam to be silent for 3 minutes.
This was one minute longer than the traditional 2 minutes of silence every May 4.
It may not sound like much but to the Dutch people, this was a huge gift to America. The May 4 is commemorated without fail, every year. Respectfully and in silence. Trams and cars too.
This is the country’s remembrance observed to commemorate Dutch victims of war and peacekeeping missions.
When it was announced that Word War 2 finally had ended. People swarmed from their homes to the Dam Square, to celebrate. And after so many years of Nazi Occupation, who wouldn’t need to celebrate??!! But, tragically on that day of celebration, some hidden Nazi turned their rifles on the public. Many were killed.
This is a very deep wound that the remembrance every year, helps all to remember and help to heal.
As I stood today, I looked at the Consualte and thought of what I write here, what I felt for the memorial after 9/11. Because, myself and others, (I learned later, other Expats), had felt trama and helplessness,with no outlet to talk and felt no way to help.
As then, during the occupation of Amsterdam, people were snatched off the street, put into camps.
Today, in America, immigrants and citizens are being snatched off the streets win no warrant and deported to countries they have no connection to. This is WRONG!!
Today I arrived to help. Today, I met others who came to help. To show their anger at this current fkd up administration. They brought and painted their own signs. To express their anger but also show their fun, sparkly, and clever words, showing the world…
WE THE PEOPLE
the creative DEI Americans. Ready to fight, to plan for a better America!
This is our fight now, and we are never going back!!
I felt so relieved today to have this protest to come to. And from the speeches I heard, I was not alone. Thank you!!
IF I can figure out how to, I will post some audio in future, perhaps on instagram. Sorry but I am very old school, so bear with me… For now, enjoy the photos and get out there and protest!!
For now, please enjoy the colorful and clever art and passion of the Americans, the travelers, the new Dutch citizens, the Dutch folks who come to show their solidarity, and the cops who came to protect us, not ICE us.
Until next rally… enjoy!
We, the People, are all over the world!!
Fighting for democracy!
Stay safe, protest peacefully, don’t let the bastards drag you down!!
For more information about my books and prints, where to buy them, future events and open mike readings, please see my site: www.artbychantz.com
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a r t b y c h a n t z 