Leaderless organizing took a decidedly mainstream turn across the country today, as Trust The People demonstrations took place in dozens of different cities across the country, including one at the Westwood Federal Building.



There were more folks with grey hair than magenta, and it was hard to see any significant difference between the crowd of demonstrators and any other similarly-sized group of people you might find on LA's Westside. The one thing you couldn't find was somebody in charge.

Organized almost entirely over the internet (I know there were some cell phone calls!) Trust The People turned out a crowd that easily topped 300 people for several hours, and may have reached 400 to 500 at its peak. The crowd was extremely spirited and mobile, with people constantly circulating aroud the four corners of Wilshire & Veteran. Cars honked their horns constantly, less than a dozen police stood off to the side chatting amongst themselves, and people sported a bewildering array of handmade signs.

Some examples of what they said:

"Let My Zedeh Vote"

"No G.O.P. Coup"

"Read My Lips: No New Rutherfords"

"Leave No Vote Behind"

"Got Democracy?"

"The Truth Is Worth The Wait"

"Bush Bros Banana Republicans"

"The Truth Counts -- Count The Truth"

"My Dog Pisses on Bush"

(The last was carried by a woman with a border collie in tow.)

There were a few stray signs of more radical sentiments, a sign that said, "Nobody For President," a Robbie Conal "It Can't Happen Here" T-Shirt featuring Bush Sr., and even some George Carlin words here and there. But for the most part it was almost innocuous. A demonstration for fair elections in America.