This blog will be a bit of a departure from my usual. Today I want to talk about the elephant in the room. Three days ago, January 20, a new president took office. Whether you are pleased or horrified is moot. Because it’s real.
According to an article in the Washington Post, 200 buses applied for parking permits for the inauguration.
The next day, January 21, The Women’s March on Washington (and in many other cities nationwide) had 1,200 buses that applied for parking permits in Washington, DC. I don’t need to tell you that’s a BIG difference. See, it’s incredible that in 2017 women feel threatened and afraid that their rights are going to be taken away, as well as rights for other citizens that seem to be in the crosshairs.
So, this march was initiated to send a message to the incoming administration, and to the world, that at a grassroots level we are taking a positive step to help unify marginalized members of our society. There is recognition among citizens of our country that the results of the recent national election have left a great number of Americans feeling anxious and afraid. The march promotes human rights for everyone, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation or physical disabilities.
Citizens of all ages, ethnicities, religious beliefs, gender identities and physical abilities, staged a peaceful demonstration nationwide, the purpose of which is stated by the Women’s March organizers: “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families—recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
The first verse of a Simon and Garfunkle tune titled “The Boxer” keeps running through my head.
In keeping with the lament of the first few lines of the song, don’t let us squander our resistance to the lies and promises that don’t resonate. Stand up and help ensure that all who live in our country are on equal footing. In many ways, I suspect complacency is what brought us to this juncture. Complacency and apathy are never a good look. It’s time to make a stand. This march was a call to acknowledge that as a citizen of this country I have a duty to stand up for the rights of all people to feel included and relevant.
Stand for what you believe in, without intent to harm or belittle. Having just passed Martin Luther King Day, let the words of his “I have a Dream” speech resonate with you, and don’t be afraid to join the chorus.