Better weather, better attendance at 3rd ‘Vigil for Democracy’

I was on my way to the Warren County Courthouse to bail on jury duty – again – as a reporter who might be interested in covering any case drawing a jury (apparently neither the Court Clerk’s Office or attorneys are interested in an “Inside the Jury Room” trial report) when I spotted Len Sherp at his third weekly Vigil for Democracy.

Under sunny skies and temperatures about 20, 25 degrees higher than the previous week, if still buffeted by brisk winds, this time he wasn’t shivering alone next to snow piles under bleak gray skies.  As I pulled over there were seven people sporting signs with various issue messages or waving American flags in the strongly-gusting winds – hold that flag for the next wind gust, my photographer ordered, “GOT IT, nice shot.”

From left, Laura Henderson, Kathleen Roush, Bob, Rea Howarth, Thomas Franta, Len Sherp and Tory Failmezger. Photo/Roger Bianchini

Sherp and his vigil companions gathered near the Front Royal Town Gazebo reported a generally positive reaction from passers-by, with minimal negative blowback.  That blowback was one person who settled on a nearby bench with a Trump-Pence sign for about five minutes; and another who yelled, “Get a job.”

“We have jobs – that’s why Len has his vigil during Wednesday lunch break.  Why do they always assume I don’t have a job?” Laura Henderson wondered of what she said is a familiar critical refrain at political demonstrations she has been involved in.

On the positive side, the group acknowledged several thumbs up or friendly honks from passing motorists; and three people who actually crossed the street on foot to shake everyone’s hand.

And so Sherp’s weekly protest against the legislative and policy direction of the federal government in the first months of the Trump Administration continues …