Why People Are Marching

On January 21, 2017, literally millions of people marched around the world in solidarity. I participated in the historical village of Seneca Falls, NY where thousands of people marched from the Women's Rights National Historic Park to the Presbyterian Church about a mile down the road. The diversity of the crowd was amazing. People were bound together by a sense of community and a strong resolve to send a message to the world that was watching.

As the day wore on, cable news commentators and political pundits, some hired guns of both major political parties, raised questions about why people were marching. After all the newly installed President had barely been in office for 24 hours and no-one really knew what he was going to do, say, or order. Wasn't it unfair not to give him a chance?

There lies the real problem with many in the media and most politicians. They just don't get the really simple stuff. They can't accept the reality that's put in front of them. They pause. They ponder. They wonder. They debate and argue the obvious.

Here is the plain and simple truth that not only Donald Trump needs to hear but all of the political machine in Washington, D.C. and across the US. People refuse to go in reverse. People refuse to be turned around. It's that basic and the message has been sent loud and clear. Women, people with disabilities, the gay and lesbian community, people of color, immigrants, artists, musicians, elders and so many more refuse to go back, refuse to be put back in their place. This is not a complicated message. People feel threatened by the hateful rhetoric and promised actions but sometimes you just can't put the jelly or the genie back in the jar/bottle.

It doesn't mean people in authority won't try to silence individuals or groups. History reminds us of the tactics of dismissal, intimidation, insults, bullying, and name calling. Some of it has begun or actually never stopped. But I see brave people out there in the streets. Some who are veteran protesters and some who have never marched or held a sign. They are a force to be reckoned with and they can't be turned around without a pretty nasty fight.

Anyway, that's why people are marching. Good luck to us all.