By SCOTT LEVESQUE
It’s not every day you witness a conga line forming in the middle of a political demonstration, but that’s what happened Tuesday evening at the Loussac Public Library.
Two dozen protesters gathered outside the Assembly Chambers at the Loussac and threw what can only be described as a political dance party. The demonstration was in direct defiance of the recent emergency order (EO 14 v.2) signed by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Aug. 28, which restricts “loud or amplified” music and indoor/outdoor dancing.
Using the greatest dance hits from the ’80s and ’90s as their soundtrack, protesters turned the library entrance into their makeshift dance floor. People of all ages participated in the protest, as many performed the Macarena, Electric Slide, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Footloose, and the ever-popular YMCA. Some were sporting bare feet, others were in socks. They shouted and cheered, and some carried signs of protest.
Demonstrations at the Loussac Public Library during Anchorage Assembly meetings are becoming a regular event. Over the past several months, the community has turned out in full force to protest against AO 2020-66, AO 2020-65, and AO 2020-80.
As the public’s frustrations continue to mount, the Municipality has continued to impede recall efforts, have prohibited in-person public testimony, and the public’s requests to vote down ordinances.
Instead, many on the Assembly have taken to name-calling, labeling Anchorage residents as racists and homophobes. At a recent Assembly meeting, Assembly member Christopher Constant went so far as to say the very fabric of Anchorage is rooted in racism.
Clearly, there’s a massive divide between the Assembly and Anchorage residents. But tonight was about calling attention to a rule, that for many, makes no sense.
Many in attendance were willing to dance barefoot in the rain to attract attention to the issues at hand, even if that means having a good time while they’re doing it.
