General Discussion

bigtree

(94,245 posts) Sun Jan 22, 2017, 01:38 PM Jan 2017

Pics and Thoughts on the Women's March on Washington

Whatever glory belongs to the race for a development unprecedented in history for the given length of time, a full share belongs to the womanhood of the race. - Mary McLeod Bethune

IF we learn nothing else from Saturday's 'Women's March' on Washington, we should take this to heart: Women will lead us out of the mess our nation finds itself in, with grace, dignity, and strength.

All of those qualities were in full and glorious evidence at the rally I attended with my son in D.C.. If you've ever wondered what a real revolution looks like, tune into the many accounts showing the staggering numbers of women and others led by them protesting in our nation's capitol for justice, opportunity, and in defense of gains made, and heralding progress yet to come.

I've heard the chant, 'this is what democracy looks like' in almost every rally I've attended. This time, that sentiment became self-evident for anyone witnessing the hundreds of thousands gathered who had quietly organized and executed one of the most bodacious and defining rallies in the nation's history.

Indeed, as one mature participant related to me, this was by far the most protesters assembled in that town since at least 1969. They were characteristically peaceful and dynamic, women (and men) of all abilities, races, ethnicity, and ages - rallying each of us to resist this new administration's stated intentions to roll back protections and programs which benefit women, but ultimately benefit us all.

The actual soul of America, residing underneath proud pussyhats and clear backpacks, represented all of the country with strong and unyielding support for issues ranging from immigration, to reproductive rights, to equal pay.

Politicians throughout government, and anyone else who believes they are the arbiters of rights and the gatekeepers of aspirations, ignore or dismiss what happened in D.C. Saturday, and around the nation, at their own peril. Women, in particular, have made it abundantly clear that if Congress refuses or fails to adequately confront the real and present danger the Trump presidency poses to our futures, they are prepared, willing, and able to confront that challenge on their own with the sheer and awesome force of their determination and presence.

If you've ever heard a roar moving spontaneously through a crowd of over half a million, than you know the power manifested that day; power which is poised to neuter Trump's imaginary 'revolution' before it reproduces.

After several hours of speeches from an impressive and influential host of speakers, the crowd (many elderly, but able) grew restless to march to the White House. Chants developed and spread among the crowd, as the folks on stage carried on a bit too long, like 'less talk, more walk,' and 'let's march!'

We had already wiggled our way out of the solid mass of humanity toward open ground when, it seemed almost spontaneously, the hundreds of thousands gathered began moving deliberately toward the White House, streaming out of every nook and cranny. Every side street we passed had a visually endless mass of tens of thousands pouring onto Pennsylvania Ave..

My son grew tired of hearing me remark, over and over, on how remarkable the numbers of people were, but, that was one amazing sight to behold. As we approached D.C.'s own 'Trump Tower' the songs (like 'We Shall Overcome,' and This Land is Your Land') gave way to deafening roars of 'shame, shame!' which echoed far into the distance. I'm getting chills just recalling the sound and fury.

For myself and my son, our march ended at Trump's hotel, where many protesters had left their signs, almost completely covering the barricaded entrance. As we were walking out, though, protesters were still streaming in from every direction imaginable, even marching massed together with thousands of other participants on our way out.

The highlight at the end had to be when a motorcade, presumably Trump's (given the medical truck which was part of the convoy of black vehicles), which raced by us with lights flashing, eliciting one more signature roar from the crowd which, I'm certain, penetrated his armored vehicle and struck fear in the reality show bully; the kind of fear that's reserved for cowardly bullies and predators like Trump.

In all, a fitting end to a historic day which will live on in the hearts and minds of those there, and in those witnessing this rally from afar. We are truly blessed by these courageous and resolute women who led us. We are inspired to follow, with as much enthusiasm and determination as we can draw from their fine and generous example.

...here's a few more pics from the rally, a combo of my son's and my own.

my son on the selfie stick

This was in fact, not just a Don's John, it's a Russian Voting Booth.

outside Trump's hotel (statue was left by police patrol as it was decorated. I told one officer that they had done a good job, and he thanked me and smiled. They really had.)