I had planned on telling the horse story today, thinking that it was time to write about something inspiring, but there were so may requests for details on yesterday’s protest in NYC that it became clear that I should share a few photos from the day. A day that was also inspiring. (I took some and Don took a whole heck of a lot more, because he loves doing that and my phone’s battery was losing its charge.) By the way, he missed his calling. He should be a photojournalist because he has such a great eye. Extraordinary pictures.
We took the train into NY because the train arrives at Grand Central, where we could take the subway directly to Union Square, the staging area. Union Square is on 14th Street. We gathered under a statue of Abraham Lincoln.
As we stood there, more and more and more people arrived. News cameras were everywhere. We started the first of many, many conversations with fellow marchers – conversations that would continue throughout the day.
One woman touched our hearts. She was elderly, very petite, and wearing purple, including a purple beret. As we started to talk to her, she started crying. She was born in France, you see. Her parents lived through the horrors of World War II. She was a very small child during the war. This election and the rhetoric being spewed, she said, reminded her of that time. She was so lovely. She told us that she has four children who live all over the world and they are also protesting. We took pictures of her and emailed them to her last night after we got home.
I don’t want to show you her face because I didn’t ask permission. But there she is, walking just ahead of us. She was my inspiration yesterday, as was my nephew. (That’s the Empire State Building on the left.)
Around 1:30, we made the turn onto Fifth Avenue and 17th Street and we began the march up Fifth Avenue to our eventual destination: Trump Tower at 56th and Fifth Avenue. We were near the first column of marchers and we had no idea how many people were behind us. It wasn’t until we were around 48th Street or so, where there was a slight rise in the road, that we could look back and see the sea of people following us. Thousands and thousands. It took my breath away.
The marchers stretched out for several blocks, as far as the eye could see.
The crowd was comprised of every age; from the elderly walking with canes, to toddlers being pushed in strollers. Every ethnicity. Every sexual orientation. We wore safety pins that had been passed out to us in Union Square. Everyone was polite, gregarious, and focused.
Someone implied yesterday in the comments that the marchers would be limited to the young. That they would use bad language. Basically, a lot of assumptions based on…what? I don’t know. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. I was surrounded by all ages; everyone kind, everyone passionate, everyone – to a person – lovely and friendly. Love was everywhere. That only the young feel passionately enough about issues to march is ridiculous. Or that there is some sort of unspoken ‘you don’t belong here’ coming from them? – completely ridiculous. I cannot tell you how many conversations I had with people of all ages. It was inspiring.
And there was Michael Moore. He had either just done his Facebook Live or was about to do it. We didn’t know about that at the time because we were marching. But I found out about it when I got home. A Michigander, I might add, so I’m doubly proud of him.
If you are worried that millennials aren’t engaged enough in the election and the political process, let me assure you, they are. I was heartened and encouraged by their passion and I saw it everywhere yesterday. They will make their mark in the future. They’re starting now.
All in all, we walked about 40 blocks until we arrived at the intersection of 56th and Fifth. That tall building is Trump Tower. Believe me, we were heard. I could see workers in the luxury stores on Fifth Avenue standing at the window and applauding us. Double decker tour buses full of tourists cheered us. It was inspiring. People were stopped along the sidewalks taking pictures and applauding.
The march was peaceful. It had been organized as a peaceful march and everyone respected that. I never felt unsafe. Not for a minute. In fact, it was a community, a community gathered together to make their voices heard. One of the chants yesterday: “This is what democracy looks like.”
The police were polite and professional and we thanked them for their service whenever we had the opportunity.
It was the most inspiring day. We were also exhausted at the end of the day! But it was worth it. We edged our way out of the crowd around 4:00 because we were lucky to be where right at the intersection of 56th and Fifth and thought more marchers should get a chance to see what was happening there. We walked back down Fifth Avenue so we could witness the size of the crowd.
Wow.
Then we found our way back to Grand Central Station and headed for the train.
That’s me.
When I arrived home I learned that a family member of a close friend of mine was subject to a hate crime yesterday. And I heard the anguish and fear in my friend’s voice on social media.
So I’ll continue to march and, more importantly, take action.
That was my day yesterday. Thanks to Don for urging me to get off my butt yesterday morning and go to Manhattan. I was the one who originally told him about it, but I was tired and not awake and I needed his energy to get me going. It was worth it.
Tomorrow: The horse story. It will leave you feeling good about those who protect and help our animal friends.
Happy Sunday.
Wow, Claudia! Thank you and Don for showing support for all of us.
You’re welcome, Deb.
Thank you. I am so encouraged to read your thoughts and “see” what you and Don saw. It gives me hope that a wrong will be righted that there is a future for everyone in this country not based on hate but on inclusion. .
Thank You Claudia and Don for taking me along with your photos and words,
Kaye
You are most welcome, Kaye.
So glad you described the day. Felt like I was there–and I wish I was!
And that picture of you in the crowd is perfect.
Thank you, Elle! If you couldn’t be there with us, we could at least document it for you!
How inspiring! I wish I could gave been there. I have been speaking to people this morning on Facebook who said it was time we accepted the election results, stopped protesting and spreading hate. Here is my response.
We are not the party of hate. That is reserved for trump and his supporters. That is what fueled his campaign and won him the election. This is not a protest against trump per se. It is a protest against the hatred he used to get elected. His poison rhetoric. His seemingly ignoring the racist chants of his followers, while promoting it by innuendo, and protecting himself by not coming out and saying it directly. But his followers, and we, knew exactly what he meant. His underlying message, “I will get rid of mexicans, muslims, immigrants, non-whites, reduce the rights of women and LGBTs, takes Jews out of power and return the country to white christian males where it belongs.” That is the message we all have been hearing. Job creation was just a red herring. And hours after the election, what happened? All those targeted groups are now being singled out, tormented, insulted, told to get out of their country. Why did this happen? Because trump said if elected, his klan was free to let their venom ooze. That there was no such thing as PC (how did the word “correct” become a pejorative?). He would return the country to them. And how has trump reacted.? He tells the protesters to get on board his hate mandate express. And he has not uttered a single word to his followers to knock off the tormenting and threats against the targeted groups. NOT A SINGLE WORD. Since he, as president elect, has not manned up and chosen to stop the hate, it is up to us to defend our brothers and sisters. So in the end, this is not a protest OF hate, it is a protest AGAINST hate. Now it’s your turn to reply in schoolyard bully insults like your cowardly leader. (Where was he this Veteran’s Day, by the way?)
I’m waiting for the insults to fly.
By the way, the picture that Don took of you flashing the peace sign— you’ve never looked more beautiful. See how a loving soul bests any cosmetic out there!
You’re so right. He hasn’t said a single word. Not one. And so the hate crimes go on and on. And they are happening everywhere. The ACLU is documenting it.
Thanks so much for your wise words, Tina.
I didn’t stop to think about that. Never was I more aware of a Veteran’s Day than this year. DT has no military background or experience or service, correct? Clearly, not at the forefront of his awareness, although he’s tried to talk the talk. But, to me, it’s just another example of him being out of touch with what’s real in our country. He’s accustomed to his gilded tower. At the very least, I wish he even had a legal background; a law degree. Or if he’d already been a congressman or senator; SOME kind of governmental background. Part of me (my ‘me’ feels pretty splintered at the moment) wishes he could take the protests to heart; vow to win people over; dig in and do a really great job to prove himself worthy. But I think he’s too arrogant; will remain to be seen. I still think he’s in it for himself, Mr. Fame Seeker (oh, exalted one!). I feel skeptical he’ll be able to convince me this is not the case but I’m trying, trying, trying to open my mind because I can’t walk around with this hopelessness in my heart day after day. He cannot run amok once he’s in the presidency; he’ll have watch dogs; smarter people than I are going to be ON him, monitoring everything he does; I’m trying to remember this every time I find myself sinking again, my spirits crashing, when I have more faith in my fellow Americans than who will be ‘leading’ us. I actually wouldn’t want to be him. Or in his position. He’s too old to do much changing in how he acts or thinks. We’ve seen too much of how he IS. There’s not going to be this groundswell on the national landscape of people adoring him, now or in the next four years. He won’t be remembered for being a president that Americans loved. His challenge among many will be if he can earn even a smidgen of their respect. What a legacy.
He already made a statement about deporting millions. He’s already threatened legal action against some who have disagreed with him – or to be precise, his minions have – and he has done absolutely nothing to curb the violence against minorities that is going on now. I know someone who has encountered it. It’s horrifying. No one should have to feel unsafe in their own country, though we know that African-Americans have felt that way for years. It’s getting worse.
I am not hopeful. I’m trying to take positive steps for change, but I’m still very fearful.
You lead by example, Claudia. I respect you for not being indifferent or apathetic. As other readers of your blog have said, you inspire me.
I’m trying to be the best person I can be, Vicki. I’m not always successful, but I keep on trying!
I’m still shell shocked and trying to move on but can’t. Being hispanic and even though we are american citizens, I’m still concerned for the safety of my grown children and their families, concerned for the cowardly actions of hate groups that strike first and ask after. Thank you for marching and representing us in every step you took.
I’m sorry you now have to be concerned for the safety of your family. It’s terrible, the hatred that has been fostered and encouraged by that man. xo
I’m so glad you posted it today. When I hear someone say this protest is a disgrace, a sign of being poor losers, it gets under my skin. It’s not about the candidate who did not win. I’m so grateful to hear it was an inspiring day, filled with caring people, gathering to express that the direction the country is leaning towards is not acceptable. That people will gather as a community and call out bad behavior and not let it rest. I especially love to hear the gratitude towards the police. The support of the people from stores and buses. It really has lifted my spirits to read this today. Thank you.
They don’t have a clue, do they? It has nothing to do with being a sore loser. It has everything to do with a man who is not qualified and is everything that our country and our founders abhorred. Everything we have been taught is wrong. It makes one long for the days of George W. I didn’t vote for him and I was upset when he won, but I knew that he wasn’t evil. That he was a good man.
No, we have a sexual predator in the White House. Bravo, all of this who voted for him.
You’re welcome, Jay.
Thank you Thank you Thank you……..
I wish I could have been there with all of you!
There is a Million Women March being planned for Jan 20
Go to Pantsuit Nation on FB for info
I know about it, unfortunately, I will just be finishing up work in Hartford and won’t be able to be there.
I wonder if Michael Moore would consider running for President…when he talks people listen. A very well educated worldly guy. Thanks for sharing your day :)
I too would love to see Michael Moore in a leadership position, although maybe not President [which I’m fairly sure he wouldn’t want]. But after seeing his latest movie “Michael Moore in TrumpLand” he’s one of the few Dems who genuinely knows the mindset of the “average” Trump supporter. He’s lived among the people [Michigan} who’ve been most affected by the decline of manufacturing etc. I think he’d be an outstanding DNC head. He should, at the very least, be asked to join the Board or whatever executive committee structure they have.
I love Michael Moore. I was upset with him when he kept on insisting That Man would be elected. But, it turns out, he was right.
I recently saw him speak, as calmly as he could, on a news-talk show. He is passionate; he cares deeply. Whatever you want to say about Michael Moore, and I don’t know everything there is to know about him, the man has heart.
He’s all heart. But he’s pragmatic, too. A good combination.
I’m so glad the event was peaceful and positive and that you felt safe. I’m still shocked that the “winners” are continually being ugly and mean with both their words and actions.
And has That Man said anything to denounce those actions? No.
I’m so glad you posted this….it makes me feel better. My niece walked in the one in Chicago. Please know that everyone in the midwest did not vote for him. My home is in southern Mo. and luckily, my friends and family were almost entirely Hilary supporters. The most depressing thing to me is that not ONE person I voted for won. We’ve had such a robust economy with a democrat governor & president Obama….just can’t understand it and it’s left us all fearful. Nevertheless, we all have been so encouraged by all the groups that have formed in our area. Maybe one day soon we will be able to get involved in a march or some way of showing that we won’t put up with their threats….we are also citizens!
Yes. And more of us voted for her – by almost 2 million votes – than him.
I know it is hard to separate the man from what he believes sometime. In this case I cannot support what this man represents, mainly because that is what he is. He just sent all the wrong messages. He supported everything and anything that got a rise out of people. I am glad it was peaceful, some of these marches are not what I want to see or condone. My email has been full from organizations worried about the everything from the climate control all of the environment and to their fears for wild animals. We must be diligent and watch everything he does!
Yes, we must. Mine email has been the same.
Thank you for this post for it was exactly what I needed this morning. I’m still a mess from all of this. I’ve spent the last few days trying to focus on what I can do instead of all the things that are so messed up. To say that it’s been a roller coaster ride for me is a major understatement.
There have been many tears for me, sleepless nights just like many others. But this gives me hope. Seeing all of the people and hearing of your experience gives me so much hope. There have been protests here in our city and they have remained peaceful. My husband and I have both wanted to participate but he has a lot of physical issues and has really been down this week so we knew it wasn’t a good idea. But our hearts are with them as they protest in our city.
The idea that there have still been no words from this man makes my blood boil. He should be speaking up against the violence that is happening and he should be assuring this country that he will not have an administration like that of his campaign. But we’ve heard nothing and I fear that will be the norm with this administration.
I will continue to do all within my power to combat this man. And for the first time this week it warms my heart and gives me hope in knowing that there are many other Americans that will stand up and do the same. We will be diligent and we will all walk through this together.
Blessed be.
No, he hasn’t uttered a word against the violence. Why, I guess, should we be surprised? He has never shown one bit of compassion or empathy. He’s a sociopath.
We will work together to stop him. And to stop any legislation that would put valuable programs at risk.
Thanks, Claudia! I’m proud to know you.
You’re welcome, Shanna.
Wow! You inspire me. YOU INSPIRE ME! This was wonderful, I feel more hopeful today than I have in a week. Thank you. Over and over, THANK YOU!!
You’re welcome, Melissa!
You and Don are so beautiful, inside and out. Not only to you feel passionately you walk the walk. You do not hide, you share your views and demand action.
I love and honor you both.
Meredith
Thank you, dear sister.
Claudia, I’ve got some news for anyone who said that only the young should march. EVERYONE WHO MARCHED WAS YOUNG. Young in every way that matters. I think the reason Millennials were not very politically-active up to now – though Bernie did certainly stir the pot in the last year – was that they really didn’t have ENOUGH of a reason. In their view at least. But Trump took care of that for them on Tues. Thanks, Trumpty!! To paraphrase another enemy we defeated 70 years ago, you have wakened a sleeping giant. And THIS giant is much younger, and much more diverse, and FAR more tolerant than that crowd you’re with. So get ready – the clock’s ticking [cue ominous organ music].
PS – You two are the best. No kidding. I was in tears by the end of paragraph 6. I also think Winston, Riley & Scoutie were marching right along beside you too. In fact I know they were… ❤️
Hopefully, it will tick very loudly and very quickly!
Thanks so much, Janet!
Thank you both.
You’re welcome, Margaret.
What a wonderful day that must have been! Surrounded by like minded people of all ages! I am heartened by these protests…and the varying ages of the people participating. It gives me hope. And there is hope…for the future. It’s out there. I am just surprised that not one republican ( that I am aware of) has condemned the acts of bullying and hatred that I am reading about across this country. It’s just not right. Thank you Don and Claudia for taking us along! ;)
The protest in Los Angeles was at least 10,000 – probably more. That is so great! I have former students who marched there.
No, I think you’re right. I haven’t heard one republican denounce the bullying and hate crimes that are happening. Not one.
Thank you for making us feel like we were there with you. I thought about you all several times yesterday. I am proud to consider you and Don my friends.
Thank you very much, Dottie!
Such wonderful pictures…thank you. They make me feel like I’m not alone. I would have loved being there.
I still wake up every morning thinking that it can’t possibly be true. That we actually elected this man to be our president is still beyond my belief!
I heard yesterday that he was asking if he had to live full time at the White House. That he wanted to split his time between Trump tower and the White House. It made me so mad! Maybe I’m wrong, but I think the President should live at the White House…..full time!
I’m already missing President Obama and our lovely first lady so much. :(
It’s like a bad dream that never stops, isn’t it?
Yes, he doesn’t want to live there full time. He also doesn’t want to research, study policy, or do anything that will take longer than 10 minutes. Doesn’t bode well, does it? Pence will be doing most of the work.
Part of what spurred Don to want to protest was the photo of Trump and Obama at the White House. Don got so upset at what will happen to Obama’s legacy and the sad fact that Obama had to sit there with a man who questioned his birth, his legitimacy as President, non-stop, for eight years.
My husband’s new fear is Pence!
He’s right to be fearful, Vicki!
Thank you Claudia! Thank you Don! Thank you to all those who peacefully marched yesterday in NYC and across our country. I am going to choose Love and pray for all who’s rights can be destroyed so easily by this man. You and Don inspired me. Hugs.
You’re welcome, Linda!
I’m glad you participated in a peaceful march. Cheers to you and Don.
Thank you, Wendy!
I could not, did not, vote for Trump and I despise Clinton as well. The fact that she would be the first woman president was not nearly enough for me to overlook her past problems.
But I respectfully disagree with the chant “This is what democracy looks like.” Democracy is what took place Tuesday night. He won. It’s not going to change. Protests are fine…and maybe maybe they will cause something in him to change, as I’ve already heard him discussing keeping parts of obabacare (which I can’t afford).
I wish Bernie had gotten past Clinton at the beginning….
No. Respectfully disagree, Moggie. A democracy is a “system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly…especially rule of the majority.” Democracy is the popular vote. One man, one vote. The electoral college is archaic and leaves many millions feeling as if their vote doesn’t count. How many times have we heard “Well I live in a red state/blue state so whatever I vote won’t count?” That’s a democracy? The electoral college is in no way the rule of the majority. When you have a candidate leading by almost 2 million votes, I ask you: What’s wrong with this picture?
The 1st Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right to free speech. That IS what democracy looks like. And that is what we were doing yesterday.
I fear whatever comes in place of Obamacare will be much more expensive for the citizens of this country. I had Obamacare for several years. It was still cheaper than insurance would have been buying directly from a for-profit health insurance company.
I hope I’m wrong about costs, but I fear I’m right.
I have to jump in here, too. When the WI Republicans along with our idiot governor took away all teacher’s rights through the labor unions, the chant we cited and marched on for months and months was “This is what Democracy looks like”. If Democracy had worked on Tuesday, the votes of the PEOPLE would have mattered. That horrific waste of skin would not be where he is right now. The vote of the people is what should matter in a Democracy, right?
And why would any Republican speak up? They are excited beyond belief that they finally have found a base…… mean, hateful, spiteful, followers. Now THERE is some sweet revenge they have going right there. Why would anyone tell their mass of new followers they are WRONG and tell them they shouldn’t talk like or be like their savior?? Obviously the Republicans don’t think they are wrong. I won’t hold my breath waiting for them to try to now silence the hate and disgust.
Fully agree with both Claudia & Chris. Does anyone actually believe that Trump voters would sit down, fold their hands quietly & behave if HE had 2 million more votes than Hillary?? Not a chance in hell. I hope for the best but unfortunately Trump’s history shows NO evidence that we should expect him to behave decently now. He’s 70 and has had a lifetime of getting the results he wanted – usually – with his own methods. He’s already connected with Russia, the Klan, the NRA, the mob – all “the very best people” so we MUST MUST MUST continue to protest, yell, scream, shine a light and NEVER EVER normalize anything that’s done to reduce rights, to marginalize groups etc. We’re lucky – we have the example of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy to work with. Please everyone – REMAIN ANGRY… Do not give in to the slightest feeling of “Oh it looks like maybe things will be OK…” 🇺🇸
Agreed.
And it keeps on coming, the hate. It’s happened to a friend of mine’s immediately family and now a former student of mine who is a well-known actress is being attacked on Twitter. She’s Jewish. I’ll write more on that later.
What an amazing experience. The photos are incredible. The way you described everything makes me almost feel like I was there. I’m so glad you felt safe and that the protest remained peaceful as was its plan. My first reaction when I read your post yesterday wasn’t really envy but more like yearning, with me saying excitedly to my husband, “Claudia is marching! I wish it could be me!” It sounds like a stress-reliever while doing something/anything about a bad situation. It makes me so grateful for my rights…to be able to gather and have a voice without fear. I didn’t even know about the march in Los Angeles but I’m fairly sick at the moment (nuisance cold and what I’m guessing is becoming bronchitis) and don’t think I would have had the strength to be in the heat, travel into the city and be doing a lot of walking. Sounds like a poor excuse but my body has limitations. Thanks for sharing the historic event; glad you had decent weather; I loved seeing the photos of NYC.
Well, it is a stress reliever in terms of just DOING something! It was a glorious day weather-wise!
I’d had long talks with myself that one of my stress-relievers would be to unplug and not look for (or watch) headlines. But’s it’s hard, because it also seems vital to stay informed. Staying informed has its price. Should I watch that 60 Minutes interview tonight, or not? Excerpts from it have DT apparently spouting off on the wall between us and Mexico. Rounding up illegals here in the U.S. What exactly does that mean, ’rounding up’? I live in a California county that is full of hardworking ‘illegals’. What does rounding up entail? Who polices it? Will they carry guns? How do they think they know which illegal is a bad guy from a good guy, anymore than they know which legal non-Mexican (like me) is; I mean, is there some network of secret spies out there who track every single person in every town? How do they think they are going to find ‘these people’??? What are ‘these people’ going through right now? Feeling fearful of a knock on the door? I can’t help but conjure up horrible images of Nazis in Europe hauling Jews out of their homes and putting them on trains to hell.
The same thing happened with Japanese residents in my own town after Pearl Harbor. They were business owners, landowners…and they got trekked to barracks behind fences, out in the stark desert, forced to abandon all they’d worked for; and I’ve tried to understand the fear of non-Japanese in America at the time (after all, we’d been attacked; it was awful…my SoCalif dad was trained as an American soldier for cave fighting in the jungle, to fight the Japanese in the Pacific); I talked to my parents a lot about it, because they lived it; but I’m talking about the Japanese who’d lived here longer in my town than my own extended family, from like 1915 or earlier at least, who’d built homes, farmed the land; had shops on Main Street; went to the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian church…
Non-Japanese friends and neighbors tried to keep working the crops for these exiled, humble, dignified, good-to-the-bone, intelligent and hardworking folks (one non-Japanese rancher [wealthy] actually bought the home of one Japanese family so that he could return it to them once the war was over); my Scot-Irish relatives would make the hours-long journey to the bleak California desert to try to get their Japanese friends ‘behind bars’ anything they needed…one small request of a Japanese-American neighbor (and fellow business owner) was a much-needed wood washboard to try to get laundry done; can you imagine…but they could only speak through the chain link. And this, after they’d known each other 15 years.
And, today, I know their descendants…an example is six generations of a Japanese family in America…and what you’ll never hear out of the Japanese-American’s mouth is a complaint, a resentment or a word of self-pity. One son of the Calif desert-incarcerated during WWII, himself a retired doctor, spends a great deal of his time picking up roadside trash to keep our local roadways clean, volunteering quietly for many causes, embracing the spirit of his Japanese father to give back to the America he loves.
Anyway, I’m so bewildered on this issue of deportation and DT. I do not understand how he thinks he’s going to do it. I’m afraid innocent people will suffer. I intend to read every single thing I can on the subject, despite my plea to self to stay unplugged. I don’t want to visualize my Mexican friends getting that knock on the door and having to show proof that they’re documented, a citizen, etc. Door to door searches. Seriously? There can’t be a Mexican in this country right now, legal or not, who aren’t feeling discriminated against…and being a target…in a DT presidency. My mind could go crazy with this; I need facts, not emotion.
I’m scared of all of it.
A friend of mine back in my grad school days was Japanese American and she made a documentary about the internment of her family that was nominated for an Oscar. It was incredibly powerful. Such a shameful moment in our history.
Thank you for sharing your day. I too wish I had been there, but you did it for us. Thank you! I too am hopeful that our younger generation continues to show their integrity. We all need to!
Bless you and Don.
Lani
You’re welcome, Lani!
I saw the start of the walk yesterday on the news, but they made it sound like it had quickly turned into something other than a peaceful demonstration. Just goes to show that the media is really good at twisting facts. Sounds and looks like you had a successful, inspiring day spent with like-minded folks. So good for the soul at a time when things are really crazy. I spent several hours at our community garden yesterday and it was time that I didn’t think about anything other than engaging the kids. playing with dirt and planting food. :)
Gardening is healing.
I can’t believe the media made it look like that. It was exactly the opposite. But then again, I trust the media less and less lately!
Thank you for telling this story! It gave me hope! There are so many wonderful people out there.
We cannot let this terrible man take over our country just so he can slap his name and face on every surface. All he cares about is his branding opportunities. He doesn’t give a damn about people, animals or the environment. We must fight against this dark force!
I agree, Jill!
I am so in awe of what an amazing couple both you and Don are! To protest against something you feel so deeply about it is simply the best. We here in Australia shall be watching and waiting to see how things will pan out. Love the photos of that Don took, especially the one looking down the subway. In Australia we don’t have subway but see them all the time of TV, great shot Don.
Thank you so much, Janine!
There are no words to truly express how proud I am of you two…Thank you for showing us what a wonderful, peaceful day it was…I did watch some clips that were shown on online last night…but I was waiting to hear what you had to say and show to us…I don’t believe I told you but when I went to vote later in the afternoon it was still very crowded…I stood in line for almost two hours…I did not think of leaving because I made a promise to a great lady…and I would not let her down…It hurts me very much to have suddenly found out that my vote had basically meant nothing…I believe the electoral had intended all along for dt to win…It has left such an ache in my heart that I don’t know if I will ever get over it….Thank goodness that we know in our hearts and minds who the real winner is…this is so unfair….to Hillary and to all of us who love her…There is one great lesson we have all learned from Hillary…when they knock you down…you get right back up and move forward…WE DID ELECT THE FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT Claudia! Two million votes say so! That is a fact and we should all be proud of it!!
You’re right, Nancy! We did!!
Seeing your wonderful pictures means so very much to me. With all the overwhelming pain desperately trying to come to grips with Tuesday, seeing your pictures is uplifting and carries so much meaning for many of us.
I find it odd that so many people don’t know how America’s democracy works………for me, being in despair about Trump supporters just is not going to go away. By the way, I think Trump’s attention span can be measured more in seconds than minutes. Love every picture and your description of the time there. Thank you so very much for helping your readers experience these important moments in America’s history.
I was probably giving him the benefit of the doubt, Diane. Seconds is probably more accurate.
You’re welcome, Dianne.
Thank you for sharing this, Claudia, it gives me hope! What an inspiring event you were a part of~
Have you heard the latest? The man who lives in the “golden tower” doesn’t want to leave it, to live in the White House. He’s looking into spending most of his time at Trump Tower. Now there’s a man who serves the people – NOT!
Yes, I heard that! It doesn’t surprise me at all, because why should he play by the rules? He doesn’t think rules are for him. Or, apparently, the honor of living in the White House.
So glad you had an awesome and inspiring day in the wake of how the week unfolded. I don’t know if anyone else asked if you have watched the opening of SNL last night? A wonderful tribute to both Leonard Cohen and to Hillary. It was absolutely beautiful. I was watching with my daughter and we both sobbed.
I am kind of astounded by the number of people who seem to be giving him the benefit of the doubt. “Oh, it will be fine. He was just acting that way to get publicity. and make people notice.” No, I can NOT believe that for even a moment. If we stop being upset and let this go for any length of time, life as we know it will disappear. The people he is reportedly choosing for key positions is beyond belief. Well, no….. I do believe it. Idiots like to flock together.
Never did I think he would spend more than a night or two in the White House. Waaaayyy below his standards. And I’m sure his wife wouldn’t put up with it. He had never even been to the White House or the Capital before last week. The whole thing is just almost too funny to even be believable. Again, I keep thinking it is a bad dream. You know how in a really bad dream things happen that are too crazy, and you wonder how in the world you dreamt it, because it makes no sense???? Yeah, so there is that…..
I did see the opening. I cried. It was pitch-perfect.
There is no benefit of the doubt for this man and complacency is our worst enemy. We have to stay strong and energized and watch him like a hawk. If you don’t follow Michael Moore on FB, do. He has two different lists of what we need to do now, what actions we need to take. I’ve printed them out and they are on our refrigerator.
Yes, I feel like I’m living in a bad dream and it just keeps on going.
Claudia, Such an incredible experience for you and Don. I spent the weekend with my son, who is an education/special education attorney. He spent the weekend fielding calls from clients looking for advice for how to deal with these kids in schools acting out with their “Trumpisms”. Such a sad world. We re beginning to reap what has been sewn.
Oh, how sad. That this is happening is shameful.
I’m glad that you went to march on the behalf of the good people of America. We had peaceful marches here in Portland, OR, but a bunch of thugs took over and started rioting and breaking windows and destroying a whole lot of brand new cars along the route. The police suggested the peaceful people move on to our town square that was safe and they did. But of course the news is all about the thugs and their destruction. Very disheartening. Today “he” is appointing a bunch of his racist buddies.. and so it begins. ::sigh::
I read about that, and of course, the media always sensationalizes the worst of the story.
Very disheartening, hearing who he is appointing. There’s now a white nationalist, alt-right man officially on staff. How shameful for our great country, which will be not-so-great very quickly.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you so much for taking the time to post them for us. I actually felt like I was there participating in the march.
You’re welcome, Sandy.
Thank you !
You’re welcome!
So wonderful to hear about your march!
Thank you, Jacqueline!
Wow! Very inspiring! Wish I could have been there! So proud of the peaceful protesters. Many folks truly don’t understand what the protests are about. They think it’s about Trump and that we are sore losers. It’s about what his campaign represented. I’m concerned about the appointment of Bonner as his Chief Advisor.
Yes, they somehow think this is like any other campaign. How deluded can they be?
I’m very concerned about Bannon, who is known to be a white nationalist and an anti-semite, as well as a man who dabbles in conspiracy theories.
I just heard that Gwen Ifil passed away.
I did, too. I admired her so much. We watched her nearly every evening. She had been gone a lot this year and I wondered if she might be ill. Too young. She will be greatly missed.
I am proud of you and Don.
Thank you, Kay.