"In America, the law is the king." - Thomas Paine (1776)

The streets were alive with the sound of We the People!

Today on Flag Day we celebrated the fact that we are not ruled by kings, but by laws. This year marks 249 years of this truth. We ain't about to change now.

And celebrate we did. Millions showed up across the country. 

Here in Santa Barbara, the demonstration was organized along the beachfront. The sidewalk was packed for a solid mile and a half. I estimated 5,000 protesters, but the Santa Barbara Independent claims about 12,000, possibly up to 18,000! If we apply the 3.5% rule, Santa Barbara more than came through! Can you say upwards of 10% of the population?!

Babies, children, young adults, middle-agers, and grannies of all colors and types came together. There was joy, there was anger, there was humor, and there was ridicule. The protest was 100% peaceful. I literally got the chills more than once at the amazing unity of thousands of people. It felt like an important moment. 

It was a kick running into so many friends, too! Joyful hugs! I had a hard time connecting with the friend I wanted to stand with. The cell networks were overwhelmed and signals were not to be had. Other friends I found out had been there when I saw their pics on social media. 

Here are a few photos and videos.

I met up with several friends!

A couple signs that I loved but I didn't get a picture of:

• One that read "They're eating our checks. They're eating our balances."
• One guy that held up a pocket U.S. Constitution booklet as his protest sign.

My signs:

I walked for three miles roundtrip. There were protesters the whole darn way! It was packed; I can't tell you how many people I bumped in the head with my sign! People were feeling festive and friendly.

I was out there for almost two hours. Here is four minutes.

Here's one local media's account: EdHat Santa Barbara.

And another: Noozhawk

Millions showed up at about 2,000 events held coast to coast. I would love to know the total number! Early reports say around 11 million. This is more than double the 5 million in April's Hands Off demonstrations, and very close to the 3.5% that can move the needle! 

It was amazing to see the crowds across the country. 

Here's national coverage by UPI. 

And photos from NBC News. 

I heard someone else had a parade. I'm not paying it any attention other than to mock it. I heard that thunderstorms and rain were possible in Washington D.C. I don't know if it rained on his parade, but I hope so. Like I said, I'm paying it no mind. 

A 2018 cartoon from my fave cartoonist (now retired). Tom Toles

Ed Wexler

Adam Zyglis

Ann Telnaes

Steve Sack

Dan Wasserman

Lastly, a favorite flag quote: 

“I prefer a man who will burn the flag and then wrap himself in the Constitution to a man who will burn the Constitution and then wrap himself in the flag” – Craig Washington