It was a privilege to join a couple thousand of my new
closest friends on the national mall before marching to the White House to show
the Felon-in-Chief what we thought of him. I didn’t realize he was there at the
time – seemed like prime golf weather – or I would have started a chant about
how it’s time to hide in the bunker again.
A few thoughts:
·
As usual, it was a good-natured crowd. Everyone
was on the same page, we knew who the enemy was, and I heard not even a single
harsh word, except for those directed at the Administration.
·
These demonstrations each have their own theme,
likely because shit happens so quickly. While the underlying point is always that
Trump must go, the April 5 march was “Hands Off”: The Constitution, women’s
bodies, etc. Yesterday’s chants focused on two related points:
o
Due process
o
Bring back Kilman Abrego Garcia and the Venezuelans
·
I’ve been following an outfit named Refuse Fascism that seems to have its act
pretty well together. They’ll certainly do until someone comes forwards to
unify the various groups.
·
You wonder if people are taking this seriously?
I walked alongside a guy who was missing both legs below the knee; got along
quite well using prosthetics and a cane. What really got me was, he was close
to my age, and the hand that wasn’t on the cane held aloft a sign.
·
Best sign I saw had me confused at first, as one
side was covered with what had to be a thousand words, written too small for
anyone to read unless both parties stopped walking. A minute later the woman flipped
it around so I could see the other side: “I’m so mad my outrage won’t fit on
one sign.”
·
I’m done with 50501. They’re disorganized, and,
well, they’re pussies. The first rally I went down for yesterday was supposed
to take place at noon near the Washington Monument. 50501 pulled the plug and I
didn’t get the memo. Okay. That’s on me. The Beloved Spouse™ did some quick
research and learned 50501 canceled that AND recommended people not join the
Refuse Fascism march because they heard there MIGHT be trouble.
I’m not sure how to break this to the
pearl-clutchers at 50501, but what we need to draw some national media
attention – as well as pull some politicians out of their safehouses – is video
of law enforcement beating up on peaceful protestors, especially peaceful white
protesters, which is what 99% of this crowd was. (Again.) Why white protestors?
Because, much as it pains me to say it, that’s what will draw attention. I’m
sorry, but it’s true. Like The Onion’s famous headline, “Ebola 50 white
victims away from a cure.” The majority of people – granted, white people –
will disregard beating up people of color because “they’re always bitching
about something.” It will be a lot harder to ignore if it’s white grandparents
getting hell beat out of them.
While we’re on the subject of 50501, what do
they recommended as “safer” forms of protest? Bake sales. Book events. Yeah.
That’ll work.
I’ll be at Malice Domestic next weekend, where I’ll be on a
panel titled, “Writing in Turbulent Times.” Not that it isn’t already something
I’d be into, it’s moderated by John DeDakis. No one is better suited to handle
this topic in these turbulent times.
I’ll keep you posted. May 1 could be interesting.
