Demonstrators at Idaho Capitol close in on 100 days of positive message to vote
Many come to demonstrate in support of Black Lives Matter. Some are pushing the causes of immigration and Dreamers. Some are saying that we need to do something about climate change.
But the most important message of the “State Street Demonstration for American Values” is to be aware of the issues — and vote.
“We’re not being obnoxious, telling people they’re stupid or voting the wrong way,” said one of the main organizers, Gary Multanen. “We’re just telling people to look at the issues and to vote.”
The State Street demonstration, behind the Idaho State Capitol between 6th and 7th streets in Boise, marked its 95th consecutive day on Monday. Participants plan to keep it going every day — weekdays and weekends — until the election on Nov. 3.
Multanen and a couple of friends decided to start the demonstration back in June, shortly after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
“At first, we thought we’d do it for maybe a week,” Multanen said. “Then we said, ‘We gotta do this until Election Day.’”
In the beginning, there were just eight of them demonstrating in front of the Capitol. After a couple of days, they realized they’d have more room to put signs — and more shade — if they moved their demonstrations to State Street, and they’ve been there every day since.
The group has grown from eight to about two dozen during the week and as many as 44 on a good Saturday. Multanen expects that number to grow as the election approaches.
The group started with six signs, and now they have 65 in rotation, with 50 displayed on any given day. They also fly several American flags.
Messages on signs range from “Racism is anti-Christian,” “The struggle is real, the struggle continues” and “Honk for Equality,” to variations of the now-famous quote from the late Rep. John Lewis, “Get in good trouble.”
The demonstration is decidedly upbeat and positive.
“It’s a great opportunity to express our core values, justice for everyone,” said Eileen Oldag. “And encourage everyone in Boise to courageously step forward for the same things. This is a really great state and a particularly great city. There’s a great exchange going on here, and we intend to keep it that way or make it better — and that means for all. I want people to know that there are others who share their values, goodwill and strong American values.”
For sure, there is an anti-Trump undercurrent to the whole thing, but the demonstration seems to have a greater message of counterbalancing the predominant coarseness of our dialogue.
“I believe our country is at an inflection point,” said Marshall Brezonick. “If you have something that you believe, you should stand up for it. In this case, we have a goal of getting people to think about the issues. The important thing is to vote. We just show up every day with that message with a smile.”
Tom Neale said the upbeat nature of the demonstration means that the message is offered in a nonconfrontational way.
“We can all appreciate the values that we all share as Americans,” Neale said. “We can do it if we all start talking to each other. I hope this makes people think. There’s too much hate in our country. I hope something like this brings us back to talking to one another.”
For the Rev. Duane Anders, senior pastor at the Cathedral of the Rockies: “This is just the most American thing you can do. It’s a reminder to speak our minds, get out and vote. It’s part of our responsibility to be involved.”
Despite the positivity, some people will drive through either ignoring or giving cold stares or being outright hostile.
What do they do when someone drives by and gives them the middle finger?
“Oh, you mean giving us the No. 1 sign?” demonstrator Joyce Iverson said. “We give them the No. 2,” she said, holding up a peace sign. “If they give us a thumbs down, we give them a thumbs up.”
“When you’re doing the right thing, it’s hard for someone to be negative to you,” Iverson said.
On Monday, the vast majority of drivers gave a honk and a wave, while just a few drove through with a stony stare. No “No. 1” signs were seen this day.
If there is a predominant theme beyond just voting, though, it would be anti-racism.
“Silence is complicity,” said Kirby Ortiz, an ex-Marine and Vietnam War veteran, retired local business owner and former board member for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Doing this is a way to show solidarity with the whole cause. I’ve seen too many people say out of one side of their mouth that they’re Christian, then the other side of their mouth say they don’t care about racism or racism isn’t a problem.”
It’s that solidarity that Beth Banks loves about the demonstrations. It was Banks’ father, Vernon Banks, who started the demonstration with Multanen.
“After George Floyd died, my dad and Gary said, ‘We gotta do something,’” she said. “And the whole positivity of this. We’ve seen so much hate, but this is bringing in a positive and amazing energy. It’s just a blessing to have friends and family and complete strangers come out and support what’s right.”
Multanen said the demonstration will continue every day, noon to 1 p.m., seven days a week, all the way through the election. On Wednesdays, the group will stay from noon to 5:30 p.m. If you’d like to participate, just show up.
“We want people to vote, end of story,” Multanen said. “Too many people ignore the most important right we have — to vote. Too many people think their vote won’t matter. But more than that, we want people to be aware of the issues. ... We’re just asking people to become knowledgeable about the issues.”
If the daily demonstration does nothing else, creating awareness of the issues and getting people to vote is well worth the effort.
