Santa Cruz ‘Resist’ protest features ’86 47′ message amid calls for kindness

Nearly 1,000 people gathered at Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday for a Pride Month protest directed at President Donald Trump. The event, organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County, featured participants forming a massive human banner that spelled out “Resist!” in rainbow colors. The display, designed by activist Brad Newsham, stretched 220 feet wide with letters reaching 70 feet high.

Described as a peaceful act of resistance and a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, the protest aimed to send a message of unity and defiance against the current administration. Organizer Becca Moeller emphasized the importance of nonviolent resistance in expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s direction.

However, above the colorful banner, a different message appeared: “86 47.” This phrase, seen as a call to “get rid of” the 47th President of the United States, sparked controversy and raised concerns among critics. The combination of “86” and “47” was interpreted as a coded call to eliminate someone they disagree with, which some viewed as hypocritical given the protest’s message of kindness and inclusivity.

While supporters of the protest argued that “86 47” symbolized a rejection of Trump’s agenda rather than a literal threat, critics pointed out the potential consequences of using coded language in a politically charged environment. The Santa Cruz County Republican Party chair, Mike LeLieur, highlighted instances of hostility and targeted harassment faced by local conservatives, attributing it to growing animosity from the political left.

Despite the conflicting messages conveyed by the protest, some participants maintained that the demonstration was rooted in compassion and a desire to make America kind again. The event, part of Santa Cruz’s 50th Pride celebration, featured attendees dressed in matching rainbow colors and coordinated fabric laid out across the beach.

While the protest itself was peaceful, the presence of “86 47” in the sand raised questions about the true intent behind the demonstration. Critics argued that calling for kindness while displaying a potentially threatening message undermined the message of unity and tolerance.

Indivisible Santa Cruz County did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the controversy surrounding the protest. As political tensions continue to run high, the use of coded language and symbolic gestures in demonstrations underscores the need for clear and inclusive communication in promoting social change.