What’s Next?
Our post-inauguration marches were a resounding success. Where do we go from here?
Standing amidst a crowd of thousands yesterday in Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza, it was hard not to swell with pride. Women and men, young and old, prim and punk, marching and in wheelchairs, white and brown and black: so many people showed up with signs calling out a wide range of concerns. The issues were as diverse as the individuals rallying around them, from women’s rights to Native rights to immigrant rights, from environmentalism to education to health care.
Amidst so much diversity — because of it — the spirit of the day was overwhelmingly united and empowered.
Then I heard the man at my elbow sigh to his friend, “You know, I bet most of these people won’t do anything after today, and that makes me sad.”
The simple precision of his conclusion stung: That makes me sad.
In the moment I wanted to turn and confront him. “You wanna bet? Challenge accepted!” His remark had rained on my parade — but before I could react, tiny peas of ice started showering down on us all, and the crowd gave a collective cheer. Placards…
