This was our Seussy plea earlier this afternoon
October 16, 2013, 4:00pm: Peaceful Protest Begins
In an act of solidarity, strength and determination the Desert Community came together today in a peaceful protest of the government shutdown. Desert dwellers old and young gathered at the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park with signs, songs and stories urging the government to get it together and re-open the government and our prized National Parks.
A few hours before the protest there were rumblings that the government might be coming close to an agreement, but there was still no certainty so the protest continued to march forward.
A few hours before the protest there were rumblings that the government might be coming close to an agreement, but there was still no certainty so the protest continued to march forward.
October 16, 2013, 5:00ish: Senate Signs Bill to end Shutdown
Mid-rally news came in that the Senate had passed a bill to end the shutdown. At the time of this writing I am learning that the House too has now approved the deal!
Woo Hoo - the Joshua Tree National Park will be open again! We'd like to think that the energy this community has put forth in telling their stories and making their voices heard over the past two weeks has in some way made a difference.
Woo Hoo - the Joshua Tree National Park will be open again! We'd like to think that the energy this community has put forth in telling their stories and making their voices heard over the past two weeks has in some way made a difference.
Nick and Cheryl got crafty with their signs
Mini Activists
#joshuaTree protest OPEN THE PARK END GOVT #shutdown photo by Ruth Nolan pic.twitter.com/C0u2VhGYqu
— Ruth Nolan (@ruthnolan) October 16, 2013
"This Land is Your Land" - sing it!
Great speeches and group singing This Land Is Your Land #joshuaTree protest just now at NP gate...end the #shutdown pic.twitter.com/0rPxKW2b0P
— Ruth Nolan (@ruthnolan) October 17, 2013
Additional News Coverage
Additional News Coverage from KESQ News Channel 3