My favorite sign slogan. Damn, I love that.
Yo. I’m sittin’ in Brooklyn. Yes. Yes, I am. I brought my laptop with me, and I’ve been writing just a little bit, but it’s been soooo hard to find the time to write what with all the marchin’ goin’ on. At some point I’ll get to a point on this trip when I can download all my pictures and show you a photoblog, but for now, just go read Em. She writes about the day so beautifully.
Seriously, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. To sum up incredibly briefly: We marched. We were at the beginning of the march, but still hit walking traffic — those bottlenecks that prevent motion but promote talkin’ to your neighbor. We were all the best of friends. Walking past the White House, the chanting and yelling got exponentially louder (that’s actually how I knew to look over and see the little manse). Darling Maggi was there, with her extra-darling Wee C., who thankfully slept in her backpack while we marched past all the bloody signs the opposition were holding. Whew. I mean BLOODY. But we didn’t look. Instead, we chanted, and the chanting got louder as the screams from the Pro-Lifers got more vitriolic. At one point, I found myself leading one: Picking it up from a woman next to us, I would yell, “Keep! Abortion!” and the people around me would yell, “Safe and legal!” I felt frightened and strong at the same time.
Our knittin’ group (about eight strong, see Em for details) marched into the Mall and set up camp. We broke out our knitting and shared our sandwiches (I can’t wait to show you the snaps of C diving across the lawn for mouthfuls of my turkey). SO MANY people wanted to know more about Knitters Against Bush and where we got out tee shirts. Older women were gratified to see people still knit, and younger people just thought we were cool. (Maureen, you rock.)
We walked out of the Mall, after sitting and listening to speakers for almost three hours (like Madeleine Albright, Gloria Steinem, Whoopi Goldberg, Camryn Manheim, Ashley Judd — not to mention THE INDIGO GIRLS!), only to find to find that people were still streaming in, full force. We stopped, astonished, and asked someone, “You’re not actually still marching?” This was FOUR HOURS after we had started walking. When they said Yes, Em and I burst into tears. It was overwhelming.
I didn’t mean to write this much. I only meant to say hi.
I’m sitting at Michelle’s computer, and it’s a sunny day in Brooklyn, and this is my first day EVER in New York. So I have to go. But here are a few pics I was able to get off my camera phone.
Bethany behind Tach, in front of the Watergate.
Me, on the lawn of the Mall.
Me! Em/Michelle! Maggi!
Knitting has been all around us. Yesterday, we knit, like, ALL day with the lovely Maeve and the fantastic Wendy (hi, girls! Pictures to follow at a later date!). Drank some beer. Took the bus that runs between DC and New York Chinatowns. Today is for exploring, tomorrow is for yarn shopping and more knitting (with the lovely CARI). After that, no plans. Ramblings with Bethany.
Keeses to all.
Wow! Sounds like it was a fanatastic success (it got great press in Toronto). Great work!
Have a fab rest-of-your-trip!
Hi Rachael! I had a great time yesterday! xoxo
Glad to hear you had a great time.
Did you read the People are Strange link on my web, she went there too and had some interesting thoughts.
Hey Steph, I’m here in T.O. too. (Go Leafs Go!)
Rachael – you are my new personal hero!!! You go girl…
There’s THE picture! What a great day! We are still talking about it ~ and excitedly awaiting your arrival and tales of your many interim adventures ~ Safe travels!
I was with you in spirit!
As I’ve said, I’m so envious. Next time, I swear, I’m a-goin’ with you. Have a great time exploring NY (I can’t believe you’ve never been there before!) and making your way up to Boston (you did say you’re ending up there, right?).
And I have to share my favorite slogan, that I told Em about last night, seen at a mini peace rally in Oakland on Sunday (mini like 6 people): “Stop Mad Cowboy Disease.”
Have a great time in NYC!
Sounds like the March was awesome. I went to the Millenium March for LGBT rights in 2000 and had the same frightened/strong feeling while passing the hateful protesters.
Be safe!
good for you! i was very proud of all of you … even whoopi goldberg, who bugs the shit out of me normally.
good for you! i was very proud of all of you … even whoopi goldberg, who bugs the shit out of me normally. and enjoy new york …
Sounds like an amazingly empowering day! Have a good rest of the trip!
What an amazing post! Thanks for marching!
I am a fan of you and your blog. Enjoy your
visit here in NY. Can’t to read all about the stores Michelle takes you to.
Awesome. I’m still a-tingle from reading Em’s post, and now here, and I want to hear much, much more about it! Great photos — I see Em chose to wear W.W.J.J.D. Keep on rockin’ in the big city, have fun, knit a lot, give Em & Cari lots of hugs, and post again soon!
I had the radio on all day, for as much vicarious righteous protest as I could get!
Sounds like an incredible day in so many ways!
I can’t believe you have never been to NY. Well, I guess I have never really been to CA. Just through the airport. 🙂 Have a fabulous time.
Hey, bunny!
My heart’s with you.
You are my heroes!!!
WOW !!! Thanks for going, for being there for so many of us who couldn’t but were there in spirit. I watched all the news reports, natch. NONE of them showed that the entire National Mall was FILLED with marchers! Your pic reminds me of the pics they showed of MLK’s Poor People’s March on Washington when I was just a kid.
Enjoy trolloping around in the little town where I was born (I LOVE NY!!). Can’t wait to hear your reports of yarn shops, but dahling, save some money and packing space for MDS&W!!! Was there 2 yrs ago and loved it.
Love your blog – just found it last week.