January 22, 2017
Yesterday something amazing happened. Women and men around the world rose up to call for the preservation of American democracy, hard earned freedoms and progressive initiatives, and fairness for all against the very dark backdrop of Trump’s inauguration. We did not stay home and fret. We got up and out to have huge and peaceful rallies in 600 locations around the world, in every state of our country, and in all the major cities and some smaller ones too. I went to the march in Chicago with family and friends. It was wonderful to be with so many people who were all colors, all genders, all backgrounds and professions, all ages in solidarity opposed to the possible loss of so much that we value: Roe v Wade, Planned Parenthood, ACA, environmental protection, freedom of the press, gun regulation and so much more. The coming of Donald Trump and the Republicans feels, for many Americans, like the coming of the evil dark lord with his minions and toadies. His take over of the presidency feels like a scene from the Hunger Games with an alternate reality portrayed by our Conman-in-chief and his fawning supporters who play up to him and his insatiable ego, repeating his falsehoods and trying to silence the press. Yesterday’s marches were the start of something big that will be a continuing and expanding call to action in our country and perhaps globally, to push back and reclaim progressive advances.I was at the Chicago march that was expected to be 60,000 and turned out to be 250,000 (Tribune estimate). It was a sunny, warm day as if mother nature was encouraging us to get out and preserve her from global warming. The crowds began to gather around 9 with people telling stories about how the trains coming into the city were so packed that it was standing room only and some people in Oak Park could not get on a train because they were too full. Our group of about 30 people walked down Michigan Avenue and the crowds were so dense we could hardly move forward. Some of us were able to get closer to the stage but not close enough to hear the speakers. We talked among ourselves and enjoyed the creative signs that people had “Keep your tiny hands off my reproductive rights”, “Repeal and Replace Trump”, “Super Callous Fascist Racist Extra Braggadocious” “Women’s rights are Human Rights” “Show us your taxes! We do care about ethics!” “Putin’s Puppet!” Yesterday was just the beginning. If you want to be part of this amazing peaceful uprising, join the call tonight with MoveOn.org and Indivisible and Working Families Party to hear more. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful. committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead). This is not even that small. This group is HUGE. Rise up! It is empowering and deeply gratifying to do good in the world. Here is another great idea- hot off the presses- join our former president and first lady by signing up for http://www.obama.org to get involved with change that will make the difference in our communities and our country!