A couple of weeks ago, my wife mentioned a women’s march on Boston Common scheduled for the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration. She said that women were knitting pink hats to wear as a sign of solidarity. (She did not use the term “pussy hat”.) Both the event and the chance to knit attracted my wife. “Do you want to come with me?” she asked.
“Sure”
Over the past week, she checked the event’s website daily. First 10,000 people had signed up, then 25,000. By yesterday, 70,000 people had signed up. We arrived at the event an hour before it was to begin. We were fairly close to the front. The crowd began to fill in and we stationed ourselves not too far away from the jumbotron. When the event was originally planned, the organizers thought that 25,000 people might show up and planned as such. As it was an unseasonably warm day, it has been estimated that 125,000 people came to march.
That is a problem. That part of the Boston Common is bounded by a tall, spiked, wrought-iron fence. Once the speeches were done, it took us well over an hour to make our way to the park exit to begin marching the relatively short route in equally clogged streets. But it was all okay. People sang; people chanted; people talked and joked with total strangers. On the ride home, I played the BBC News Hour and we listened to reports from rallies in Washington, DC and all over the world. My wife and I arrived home tired but happy we went.
It was also a strange march. While it was mostly about women’s issues, with lots of references to parts of the female anatomy on signs and shirts, there were also signs about LBGTQIA issues, racial issues, environmental issues and the current U.S. President in general. We are a divided country and today was the losing party’s opportunity to let off some steam. It was really the first chance to do so since election night in November. Will it make a difference? In and of itself, no; but if people take this energy and use it to organize, then perhaps.
Milford Street 
And all this means nothing to Trump, I am sure. Or maybe he will just tweet out “Sad!” and be done with it. Glad you did the march!
I agree; the only thing that MAY come from it is that it will motivate people towards political action.
wow…wonderful energy…even one here in etown…around the world…we are all watching….
Yeah, I wish it did not feel like so much is on the line. We’ve heard about the rallies all over the world. It is really amazing.
People power works, being proactive, keeping lines of communication open, there are many ways. I wonder if all of USA voted.
They did not all vote. I am not sure if even half did. Many people did not like either candidate.
For those people that did not vote, then they have given up their rights and that is the most unfortunate part.
Even a small march in my Ch’town. Good to see some shots from Boston.
Yes democracy ROARS!
So true!
I was appalled watching the violence of the previous march, and heartened by the sincerity of those marching on Sunday. 🙂
Yes, I am glad it was a peaceful demonstration. Cheers
This is heartwarming and powerful, what we need. Peaceful demos. It’s absolutely amazing and truly wonderful to watch this progress. Keep walking! 👣don’t tolerate hate 👣
We will continue to speak out and not tolerate hate. Thank you for your support. Cheers!
Although I was away on a trip, I was right there in heart and soul with all who marched around the world. Thanks for your important and powerful words.
My pleasure, Annie. Cheers!
Fantastic title, wonderful pics and a great post, Chris!! Thank you for sharing and I’m glad everything went peaceful. You’re right that it probably won’t have a political effect but it has one for the people’s feelings and knowing that they’re not alone with their disappointment helps also a lot.
Thank you, Sarah. The title came from one of the cheers the marchers shouted. Let’s hope for positive change and do what we can to realize it. Cheers
Thanks to your wife and to you for joining her! Hopefully, it made Trump realize that he is not the only voice in the US and perhaps people will be energized to get out and vote the next election, not just the presidential one!
Thank you. I think mobilizing all this energy could be the best thing to come out of this. Cheers
True …
Wish I could’ve gone to one. A bunch of my cousins went to the one in DC. Thanks for capturing and sharing this.
Sure thing, Teri. It was a bit intense but good. Cheers
It was so encouraging to see so many people come out in peace here and around the globe. I hope we can keep the momentum going.
Wasn’t it wonderful. Let’s keep the momentum alive.
Wonderful indeed
I guess it only goes to show that he really doesn’t have everyone’s approval…
All 👀 eyes 👀 on him..
I’m just sorry 😐 for the lower class.. when he finally gets his shit going..
Just wish we had more power to debate with..
we’ll see though..
So glad you were part of it..
good job 👏
Thank you. It is not an easy time right now. Sigh 😕
I am vocal in my area and suggest people to check out their “facts” and not blindly follow someone who they think is making a difference. The difference isn’t pretty, nice or peaceful. He tries to create tension, stride and talks not at all like a President should. I had hope and on my January first days, really expected more out of his advisors. (No, I did not vote for him but gave him the “benefit of the doubt!”) Smiles, Robin
Have a happy weekend, Chris!
It is not an easy time right now in our country. I hope all of this strife leads to something productive. I am trying not to bash everything the new administration does but at times they make it a challenge to be positive.
stride = strife