Protesters at the "Kremlin Annex" (aka The White House) - signs, entertainment, persistence
The Kremlin Annex is a nightly protest right outside the White House gates. Organized and promoted by Adam Parkhomenko, a 32-year-old former National Field Director for the Democratic National Committee. He pushed for a rally to underscore Trump’s treason after Helsinki. Trump shamed himself and all Americans by supplicating himself before Vladimir Putin. Parkhomenko encouraged outraged Americans to “greet” Trump on his return by making lots of noise. The simple goal to disrupt Trump and whoever else might be prowling around in the White House continues as the protest now is in its third week of nightly, noisy, yet peaceful protests. As with other forms of the “resistance”, it is difficult to tell if the larger goal of influencing Trump, Congress, and/or voters is achieved.
There have been many marches and protests throughout the county since January 21, 2017 (the day after Trump’s inauguration.) In DC, marches have addressed women’s issues, the assault on science, concerns of the LTGB community, gun control, healthcare, tax inequities, and….more. While the marches vary somewhat in topic, degree of organization and turn-out, they are generally single-day events, often held along with “sister” marches throughout the country and the world. The “Kremlin-Annex” occupy protests are different as they are focused entirely on Trump’s groveling before Putin.
Each night, emcee Yaddiya (aka Justin Rose) leads a free-wheeling program as protesters assemble to chant, yell, and also be entertained by local street performers and occasional well-recognized celebrities. Protesters focus on Trump’s devotion to Russia with signs proclaiming him a traitor, calls of “Trea-son; Trea-son, Trea-son”, and tee shirts with Cyrillic text.
There have been many marches and protests throughout the county since January 21, 2017 (the day after Trump’s inauguration.) In DC, marches have addressed women’s issues, the assault on science, concerns of the LTGB community, gun control, healthcare, tax inequities, and….more. While the marches vary somewhat in topic, degree of organization and turn-out, they are generally single-day events, often held along with “sister” marches throughout the country and the world. The “Kremlin-Annex” occupy protests are different as they are focused entirely on Trump’s groveling before Putin.
Each night, emcee Yaddiya (aka Justin Rose) leads a free-wheeling program as protesters assemble to chant, yell, and also be entertained by local street performers and occasional well-recognized celebrities. Protesters focus on Trump’s devotion to Russia with signs proclaiming him a traitor, calls of “Trea-son; Trea-son, Trea-son”, and tee shirts with Cyrillic text.
Yaddiya, with a background in music, not politics, boils down the concerns of the protesters in simple chants including “Kids Need Parents”, “We’re still here”, “Peaceful Protest”, and “Putin’s Puppet”. He is funny, kind, and helps those gathered to know how to express their anger. When the response is quiet, he may tease the group for being bashful. “We don’t want bashful protesters – do we?” The blend of entertainment and commitment was epitomized On Night 22, when Rosie O’Donnell, the target of many of Trump’s insults, arrived from New York City with a bus-load of Broadway performers to sing patriotic and protest songs. “Do You Hear The People Sing” and “Climb Every Mountain” sounded lofty, sincere and inspirational.
@Rosie speaking on Day 22 of the ongoing #KremlinAnnex protests at the White House, with 55 Broadway singers behind her. Amazing night. pic.twitter.com/173UJRFJec
— John Aravosis □□ (@aravosis) August 7, 2018
The number of protesters varies as sometimes the crowd is very sparse and sometimes as large as approximately 1000. Weather has been unkind to the fragile new movement as rain and heat have made many nights very uncomfortable. Each night Yaddiya asks who is attending the first time and there are always some. Yet, every night there are some who faithfully show up each night. The most visible examples are members of the Herndon Reston Indivisible group which hold large cardboard letters complete with small lights so that they collectively spell “TREASON” and “LIAR”.
The Kremlin Annex may offer a proportional response to Trump’s daily threats and offenses. One of the common concerns about Trump’s destruction of our country is that it is constant, with hundreds of “not normal actions” each month. Unless we keep accounts of these deviations from the norms that dominated for decades, we’ll soon forget them. The media and Twitter talk about red lines when people will take to the street. But, as Trump’s destruction is normalized with a drip - drip - drip steadiness, it seems there may not be a single day when millions would march. People are exhausted. Each offense is just as bad as the one from the day before. The Kremlin Annex protests may be a way to say we can’t accept the offenses of today, and tomorrow and the next day.
A central question is whether this little band will serve any purpose other than to amuse themselves and get a little bit of attention from the media. Many who have attended are pleased that it is still continuing into its fourth week, hoping to harass “Kremlin Annex” inhabitants until Trump leaves. If the organizers can grow their attendance, they may also serve as a ready-center for, particularly atrocious days. Resisters can know where to go and when to be heard.
The Kremlin Annex may offer a proportional response to Trump’s daily threats and offenses. One of the common concerns about Trump’s destruction of our country is that it is constant, with hundreds of “not normal actions” each month. Unless we keep accounts of these deviations from the norms that dominated for decades, we’ll soon forget them. The media and Twitter talk about red lines when people will take to the street. But, as Trump’s destruction is normalized with a drip - drip - drip steadiness, it seems there may not be a single day when millions would march. People are exhausted. Each offense is just as bad as the one from the day before. The Kremlin Annex protests may be a way to say we can’t accept the offenses of today, and tomorrow and the next day.
A central question is whether this little band will serve any purpose other than to amuse themselves and get a little bit of attention from the media. Many who have attended are pleased that it is still continuing into its fourth week, hoping to harass “Kremlin Annex” inhabitants until Trump leaves. If the organizers can grow their attendance, they may also serve as a ready-center for, particularly atrocious days. Resisters can know where to go and when to be heard.