Esther Jantzen

*Santa Con and Protest in San Francisco

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*Santa Con and Protest in San Francisco

Uncategorized / by

Date? Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014

Location? Downtown San Francisco

Synchronicity (aka Miracle) of the Day? Who knew that San Francisco had an annual Santa Convention? Not we!

(In the spirit of the season, do forgive my doggerel!)

My friend Linda and I were on our way to a park, when what to our wondering eyes should appear but four swigging Santas, looking ever so dear. We stopped and shot snaps:

These eager Santas were actually lawyers in disguise.
These eager Santas were actually lawyers in disguise.

And turned ourselves round, so as not to miss the best event to be found at Union Square in San Francisco’s downtown.

Macy's shoppers mingle with Santas' helpers.
Macy’s shoppers mingle with Santa’s twins.
Mirth flows freely among Santas friends.
Mirth flows freely among Santas’ friends.
The Salvation Army bell ringers don't miss a beat.
Even the Salvation Army bell ringer enjoys all the company.

But not far away, frivolity faded; police lined the streets, looking a bit jaded. Protesters gathered; sober speakers spoke; signs carried messages of outrage, not hope.

It wasn't a huge crowd that gathered to support the Justice for All march in Washington, DC, but it served to remind us all of the importance of justice in this season of peace and goodwill.
A crowd gathered to support the “Justice for All” march in Washington, DC,  reminding us of the importance of justice in this season of peace and goodwill.
Lest we forget... the grieving and angry.
Lest we forget… the grieving and angry.
A display showing victims of misdirected violence--and what if all violence is misdirected?
A display of pictures of victims of misdirected violence–and what if all violence is misdirected?

Santa, Stop Violende

 

And so, the day ended with a discussion: how do we contribute to making things better for all of us? Dear Santa, do you know?