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I did make it to the Minneapolis Keep Families Together march. It was...ok, hot was an understatement. I accepted a fairly generic sign, and mostly used it to block the direct sunlight. I had a 32 oz water bottle, and went through all of it, and accepted an additional 8 oz of water from some blessed person at the end of the march with a big-assed bag-o-water on his shoulder. Bless him forever.
The march was led by Native Americans in very fancy dress, who danced at the beginning, and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. I do not know what tribe or tradition. The feathered head-dresses looked like Mardi Gras Indians, but I am no expert. It was incredibly appropriate. These people have also known attempted genocide through child stealing. The sound system sucked, and I couldn't hear the speakers. I believe that none of them were white?
The news says that the march was about 7,000 people. Not a bad showing, perhaps? Not sure how it compares to the Women's March, frex. A new spox said something about "trying to get a message to Donald Trump." Dunno about that. Maybe some people were. Me, I was trying to get a message to my congress critters. I don't think that it is possible to communicate with Trump.
I didn't make it the full way of the march. I stand less well than I walk, and had been standing for about 45 minutes when the walking finally started. Then I walked for about 45 minutes. Things that make me want to keep on walking: drums, music with a beat. Things that do not make me feel like walking: chanting. I find chanting tiring and a bit embarrassing. I bailed at 4th street, sat on a bus stop bench and watched the rest of the people march past, then went home. I slept for 12 hours, and don't feel too terrible.
Other random observations:
- Banana Boat SPF50 sunblock blocked the sun, but does not come off in the shower. I am still a bit tacky from the stuff this morning.
- 32 oz of water was not enough for 95+ degree weather, but I'm not sure I could have carried much more weight.
- I get points for not engaging with the 3 anti-abortion protestors.
- I get very emotional at protests, and that may be one of the reasons why I don't like them. I feel very vulnerable.
- The crowd was very, very, very white. I get that this is Minnesota.
- I am generally cheerful about being photographed and filmed, but the guy in an Empire Strikes Back t-shirt that looked very much like a fan or a gamer taking video creeped me out. That was the first time where I thought about people using facial recognition to try to hassle marchers. I hope I am being incredibly unfair to Mr. Empire Strikes Back.
The march was led by Native Americans in very fancy dress, who danced at the beginning, and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. I do not know what tribe or tradition. The feathered head-dresses looked like Mardi Gras Indians, but I am no expert. It was incredibly appropriate. These people have also known attempted genocide through child stealing. The sound system sucked, and I couldn't hear the speakers. I believe that none of them were white?
The news says that the march was about 7,000 people. Not a bad showing, perhaps? Not sure how it compares to the Women's March, frex. A new spox said something about "trying to get a message to Donald Trump." Dunno about that. Maybe some people were. Me, I was trying to get a message to my congress critters. I don't think that it is possible to communicate with Trump.
I didn't make it the full way of the march. I stand less well than I walk, and had been standing for about 45 minutes when the walking finally started. Then I walked for about 45 minutes. Things that make me want to keep on walking: drums, music with a beat. Things that do not make me feel like walking: chanting. I find chanting tiring and a bit embarrassing. I bailed at 4th street, sat on a bus stop bench and watched the rest of the people march past, then went home. I slept for 12 hours, and don't feel too terrible.
Other random observations:
- Banana Boat SPF50 sunblock blocked the sun, but does not come off in the shower. I am still a bit tacky from the stuff this morning.
- 32 oz of water was not enough for 95+ degree weather, but I'm not sure I could have carried much more weight.
- I get points for not engaging with the 3 anti-abortion protestors.
- I get very emotional at protests, and that may be one of the reasons why I don't like them. I feel very vulnerable.
- The crowd was very, very, very white. I get that this is Minnesota.
- I am generally cheerful about being photographed and filmed, but the guy in an Empire Strikes Back t-shirt that looked very much like a fan or a gamer taking video creeped me out. That was the first time where I thought about people using facial recognition to try to hassle marchers. I hope I am being incredibly unfair to Mr. Empire Strikes Back.
