Rise Up
The Kid Is Non-Stop

This Is What Democracy Looks Like

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Very (very) early on Saturday morning, I -- like a million-plus other people -- woke up, steeled my nerves, donned a pink pussy hat, and boarded a bus in downtown Baltimore to join the Women's March on Washington.

I went with my friends Lydia and Micaela (formerly known as Finn and Rey's former foster moms) and Lydia's mom (whose friend made us our hats, which were warm and cozy and hid whatever was going on with my hair that day, since I opted to completely skip anything beauty-makeup-vanity related in exchange for 10 more minutes of sleep). 

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A series of rookie mistakes cost us over an hour's worth of waiting in lines -- I somehow missed the rule about backpacks and had to wait to check mine (technically Noah's and not one I was willing to abandon) for the day, and then we all were like "oh my God there are a whole three people waiting in line for the bathroom on the bus! no way man, what a hassle!" only to discover that the ENTIRE FEMALE POPULATION had descended on Union Station and lo, it also had to pee. 

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Lydia took this one while we waited in line for the MENS' room, which was graciously half-opened up to women. The men's half remained (naturally) line-free and immediately available, with dudes sheepishly entering and exiting and apologizing for their penis privilege. 

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CRUSHING THE BLADDER PATRIARCHY

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HOORAY WE'RE FINALLY OUTSIDE

We really had no idea what we were doing or where we were going...everybody just sort of followed everybody else, chanting, singing, waving signs about the wide array of issues we were there to support. I opted not to make a sign because I simply couldn't narrow down the number of things I'm mad/worried/worked up about (LGBTQIA equality! reproductive rights! discrimination against Muslims/immigrants/refugees/POC! health care and public education and a working social safety net! Black Lives Matter!  climate change! plus all the general bigotry racism alt-right rape culture pussy grabbing pathological lying tweeting disability bullying Russia crap conflicts of interest tax returns incompetent swamp cabinet #alternativefacts omfg asdfafjikwerjodl halp halp having a rage stroke halp)

I saw someone carrying a sign that simply said "I HAVE CONCERNS" and was like, "yep, that about sums it up."

The crowd was beautiful and peaceful, supportive and friendly and overwhelmingly kind. My crowd anxiety flared up exactly once, as we hit an awkward pocket of crowd density where newcomers had yet to realize they'd hit the "end" of the crowd and kept trying to walk forward -- but yeah, this is as close as you're gonna get to the stage/performance area, because mayyyyyyyybe those early turnout estimates were a little on the light side. Lydia kept her hand on my back and I kept my eyes on a nearby pink-hatted baby in an Ergo carrier, making silly faces at her as we slowly made our way off to a less-crowded patch off to the side of the Mall. 

We watched people hop on a nearby fire hydrant to perform poems and chants (or later, when the cell towers went down, to scream the names of lost people from their group, until the crowd joined in to help. "KERRY! KERRRRRRY!!!!). We chatted with strangers of all ages, colors, genders and backgrounds from all over the country. ("We're from Detroit. We're really sorry about Michigan.") Everybody immediately felt like a friend. 

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Noah wanted to come, as he's already learned (AT HIS EVIL FAILING PUBLIC SCHOOL NO LESS) how vital the right to protest is to democracy. I do wish I brought him. So I signed this giant Constitution on his behalf. 

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It was an amazing, cathartic, empowering day. 

We eventually deviated from the official march path around 3 p.m. or so, as I declared at that moment, the most important issue in life was my lack of a chair. I DEMAND A CHAIR. ALSO FOOD IN NON-GRANOLA-BAR FORM. And because we were a resourceful, determined group of women, we eventually found both, along with a glass of wine, at a restaurant populated entirely by fellow pink hats. 

We marveled at the aerial photos of downtown on the TVs over the bar -- despite living in DC for years, I'd never seen ANYTHING quite so massive and generally takeover-y as this -- and watched a distinctively lighter, melon-ish shade of orange Trump ramble at the CIA for awhile. "It's day two and he already looks like a photocopy of a photocopy of himself," I said. "GOOD," was the general response from my fellow troublemakers.

As we waited for our return bus, a Greyhound employee ordered everyone going to Baltimore to stand in a line way off to the side, far away from the loading zone. We all obediently lined up, only to slowly come to the realization that he wasn't coming back and we'd been forgotten about, as people were still pouring into the station and boarding the buses directly. Two women went to confirm that yes, our bus was there and boarding, but turned back to reassure the line, "WE'LL COME BACK FOR YOU! WE PROMISE!!" 

A few minutes later they rushed back all. "RUN! GET ON BOARD! THE BUSES ARE LEAVING! THE LINE IS A LIE!"

I came home exhausted and sore and kind of filthy. I took a shower and crashed out in bed and slept for a solid 12 hours. 

And then I woke up, and got ready to get to work

Comments

Lindsay

I always knew I liked your blog. Thanks for not being shy about where you stand. Here we go.

Stacy

So proud of you and everyone who marched. I acknowledge the results of the electoral college, because reality is reality. But I'll be goddamned if I'm going to keep my mouth shut about that ginormous laundry list of issues I am 'concerned' about. Phone calls to my reps are just the start.

darra

I'm so glad that you were able to go, and to not have major crowd anxiety. I hang my head to admit that I tuned out of all media beginning on Thursday night, and hit my local Panera bakery counter twice over the weekend--also the bakery section of my local grocery for two large eclairs which I inhaled in my car before driving home. But on the bright side, I had decided some time ago that I needed to be happy and proud of something on Friday, and on that day I would ride my bicycle further than I ever had before. I rode 44 miles #thanksobama.

Supertiff

we really are sorry about Michigan :(

Kelsey

I wish I'd been able to make it to the March in Seattle on Saturday. The vast majority of our circle of friends are super conservative, and it's really, really, really hard to be around them right now, or even want to be friends with people who support things (and people) that I am so vehemently opposed to. I can't make them change their minds, they can't make me change mine, so I'm keeping them all at a VERY long arm's length for the time being until they're done calling me a "libtard" or "special snowflake".

Thank you for marching, and helping to make a difference. One of my favorite signs from the marches this weekend said, "Damn right, we're snowflakes. And winter is coming."

Kendra

All the feels, every single one of them. So proud to be a woman! Look out all of the concerns, we are coming after you!

Stacy

Wow Kelsey, if anyone I called "friend" called me names like that, I would definitely positively no longer consider them my "friend." Because I assume that my friends treat me and others with respect and decency and that we could discuss our different views as adults. That makes me furious on your behalf!!!

Oh and YAY AMY!! Thumbs wayyyyy up!!!!

SarahB

Thank you, Amy. :)

Amanda

We headed down from HoCo with our 9-year-old son around noon, taking Metro from UMD. Got off at Archives-Navy Mem'l and immediately were THANKED by the National Guardsmen and Guardswomen lining Penn Ave. We joined in the march at that spot and were brought to tears a number of times by the acts of kindness and warmth everywhere along the route. My son, a third grader at a public school, was thrilled to be a part of it (we allowed him to join in on some of the, uh, saltier chants). A wonderful, historic day.

Nancy

So proud of you! I used to be a MoCo resident, wish I could have been there to March in DC. I live in California now, so I marched at the state capitol.

Emily

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Dawn

I attended the Chicago march and it was inspiring and wonderful, but couldn't agree more that the work is just beginning. The current administration has already summarily dismissed these marches and doesn't acknowledge the importance of millions of women and men (lots of men in Chicago!) coming together to peacefully advocate for their rights. Find an organization that aligns with your beliefs and support it in any way you can - donations of time, money, matching corporate gifts, etc. Together, we are stronger and will make a difference!

Sarah

We are watching America in disbelief from New Zealand, having never thought he'd actually get in. There were women's marches against Trump in our major cities too - know that you are joined in spirit by many people down here as you are fighting for your freedoms and those of all Americans. We too have a new right wing(not appointed as previous retired) prime minister, who seems mild and liberal compared to Trump.

Stephanie

I had the same experience of kindness and solidarity in Sacramento. The light rail was packed all the way downtown, a woman gave me a pink pussy hat to wear (thank you for the cozy hat I wore all day random lady), and I felt hope for the first time since before the election. I do feel a little lost because I have a Democratic Congressman, and two Democratic Senators. The only real change in the next four years will be Republican Congressmen stopping some of the crazy buffoonery, and I haven't seen any really stepping up yet (what happened to those Never Trump guys?).

Kate

It took 3.5 hours to get in from Springfield/Franconia on the Blue Line to get in. We joined in when we got the the Smithsonian Metro Stop.

We = my husband + me. I couldn't not be a part of Saturday.

Amy

My 9 yr old daughter and I flew up from Miami to march in Washington D.C. What a day of inspiration. Our entire flight up was packed with marchers. My daughter with her "Fight Like a Girl" sign was high-fived by the DC police near the Library of Congress.

liz

I've been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Ezra, and I love you like a friend I've never met and admire your wit etc. more than you know. And I don't want to start a big brouhaha here or a tirade of angry comments. As bona fide female, I truly wish that this had been something I could get behind, but it was crude and rude and the issues were all the typical left-wing hot spots and not women's issues per se. I stand with the 161 million women who weren't present. With the 30 million or so women who spoke their mind and exercised their rights and voted for Trump. I am part of the 53% of white women who voted for him over Hillary. Since you had your cathartic moment, I hope you can read this with an open mind...I haven't seen anything that says this protest had anything to do with women, walking/talking giant vaginas aside; in fact it is well known that they purposely dis-invited pro-life women. So some women are more equal than others, it seems. It was a massive pity party for Hillary supporters who can't believe she lost the election. But I guess you knew that.

Anyway, what I really meant to say is that now that the election/inauguration/protest is over - can we all just come together and in unity try to do what is best for this country? We have a new leader who has great vision for this country and who isn't all that the those on the left purport him to be. After Obama was elected, there were lots of people who felt the way you feel now. It was very difficult to say anything against him because the racist! slur was immediately thrown in your face even if what you disagreed with had to do with things like trade or military issues or healthcare...but we all sucked it up, supported him, and hoped he would be a great president for the sake of our country and for the sake of our history. Your turn. That's how this democracy things works.

sally

Sorry your husband and all 3 of your sons did not go. I was in Oakland CA with my children and grands (youngest 5 years old. Men were there and children from infancy up.... wearing pink. It looks nice on men.
PLEASE SHARE WIDELY: to go to womensmarch.com and look up their 10actions/100 days program. 1st one: Buy 39cents per postcards stamped from the post office. Write that you marched & voted & WHY and send to your senators... do your house too and all major congressional leaders. Then add one to the white House saying 'alternative truth' is a lie in your household. IF you could not march for any reason at all ~write the post card and say why you support the ideas behind the march and name them. Please mention you are among the MAJORITY of voters in not voting for him.
PS: I think asking for universal comprehensive health care for ALL Americans that is the same as what we provided for our Congress IS SIMPLY REASONABLE. Demand any program be Publicly and Widely compared to their package.
AND EQUALITY for heaven's sake. And no more Sandra Blands and Black Lives Matter and...... all the rest. Blessings, hugs, cheer, SUPPORT!

Gennie

I flew in from Boston with my 12 year old daughter and my 71 year old mom for the March. Our experience was very similar to yours in all its amazing exhausting awesomeness. Now my daughter keeps asking me if I've started making calls to our representatives yet. On it!

Suzy Q

Yay for you and your ladies for marching! For various reasons, I attended via Twitter, which was a WONDERFUL way to see all the photos and videos from around the world. So inspiring!

My niece-in-law and her friend attended the march in Miami. Her friend's sign said TRUMP EATS FARTS.

sarah

Yo liz--This IS what is best for the country. Rolling over for this guy (and by guy I mean "total shit") sure isn't.

Fraulein N

Not Amy, but also a "bona fide female" (not sure what that's supposed to mean), and Liz: these marches WERE about coming together to do what is "best for the country." Because the majority of Americans (the ones who voted for anyone other than DJT and, yes, also the ones who didn't vote) understand that the people now occupying the highest levels of our government do not have any intention or desire to do what's best for the country. And human rights ARE women's rights. And anti-choice activism is in direct opposition to women's rights, so I honestly can't understand why anti-choice groups would WANT to attend a "women's" march. And that whole "we sucked it up while Obama was president and just hoped he would do a good job" is a fat lie. Perhaps you personally, honestly did, because I don't know you, but the fact of the matter is that after Obama was elected a lot of nasty, racist accusations were thrown around.

Also, you can't very well come on someone's blog and dismiss their attendance at a march on Washington as a "pity party" while imploring them to "read this with an open mind." All of the signs I saw were about LGBTQA issues, health care, taxes, reproductive rights, police brutality, and so on. Nowhere did I see any signs asking why Hillary lost. I mean, really.

Donna in San Diego

I'm in San Diego and my march experience was almost identical to yours. My crowd was much smaller but my city is much smaller so your description fits quite well. Same feeling about the sign. So much creativity out there! I also needed a chair and real food RIGHT NOW DAMMIT at around 2pm. Well done, you, and you and you and you and you and you and you and you and you and you times millions. I'm proud of all of us. We are amazeballs. Never give up!

Cimorene

Yay! I flew to DC to march and my husband and kids marched in Oakland with 60,000 of our best friends and neighbors. My dad marched in a tiny suburb in Pennsylvania and my in-laws marched in Philadelphia. Liz, there is no "great vision" from the White House--there is only anger, hate, fear, bigotry, and viciousness. And lies. So, so many lies. It did rain during the inauguration. See, George W. Bush having a fight with his poncho and looking pretty darn good-natured about it. There were more people at the march than the inauguration. See, photographs upon photographs upon photographs. I do not "come together" with an agenda that wants people to ignore what their eyes and ears tell them and it is terrifying to me how many people are willing to trade our democratic institutions for (poor) slogans yelled very loudly. America is already great and Saturday's demonstrations prove it.

reenie

My brain is telling me not to feed the trolls, but I have heard the “Let’s get together, unite, we’re all in this together, give him a chance!” WAY, just freaking WAY too much lately. We’re talking about the most divisive man, the most despicable man I’ve EVER had the horror of understanding is a fellow human being on this planet. I am devastated. Completely and utterly bewildered and confused and wondering how on Earth I didn’t know that there were people out there who would support such a Clownmonster. (I also didn’t want to resort to name calling, but come ON! With this guy!)
1. This was NOT crude. This was a right and a freedom guaranteed by the bill of rights. It was beautiful and necessary given the current state of things.
2. “Typical left-wing hot spots” is SUCH a brouhaha starting turn of phrase.
3. Also wrong. It WAS about women. “Women’s Issues” are not the only things some women care about. Basic human rights are in danger of being torn down and stomped on, and if you don’t see that, you are being willfully ignorant. Because it’s right there in front of our faces.
4. 161 million women might not have been present, but I’ll bet you all the money I have that a good number of them wished they could be. Whether they were kept away by lack of funds, lack of physical capability, work, or some other responsibility that kept them away. I think it’s naïve to think that 161 million women weren’t there because they just didn’t care.
5. I think it will take MULTITUDES of carthardic moments before anyone is ready to read words like “walking/talking giant vaginas aside” and be open minded about the writer. (and had I been able to walk, I would have invited my pro-life friends to join me.)
6. “Some woman are more equal than others” is also an inflammatory statement and does not help your cause. I hope you don’t mention that to other liberal women you claim to love like a friend.
7. Great vision for this country? Possibly. He hasn’t said anything yet that I agree with or find great. In fact, I’d be hard pressed to come up with anything concrete that he HAS said, since most of his time has been spent dodging questions and throwing blame darts everywhere hoping to confuse the point and leave questions unanswered. Honest people don’t do that.
8. I did not support Obama when he was elected. I was raised Republican, and because I question, and think for myself, I have grown away from that and realized that my heart is truly Democratic. I miss Obama so much right now. I miss the warm way he looks at and talks to his family. The supporting hand on the back, the relationship he has with Biden…his humor, his intelligence, his willingness to invite discussion and debate. To not take any opposing opinion and create a twitter storm about how wrong and awful and “enemy” those who oppose him are.
9. DID you suck it up and support him? Because it doesn’t sound like it from the rest of your comments.
10. One last thing…I am SO tired of being asked to give Trump a chance, and to wait to see what he does during his tenure…because I have already had decades to see his character and I find it utterly lacking. It’s possible he could change. But it’s also possible for me to win the lottery. Except I don’t play the lottery, because I cannot imaging spending my time and money hoping for something that is essentially hopeless.
Amy, I am so sorry for taking up so much of your space here, but I feel like if I do not speak up about my issues with this mess, I do myself and Americans everywhere a disservice.

Miriam

thank you

Gail

Thank you Amalah, and thank you Reenie. I was able to join the 200,000 women (and men) who marched in Denver. From the moment we boarded the train we connected to wonderful women of all ages. It was thrilling and I was so very proud to be a woman. To be a human. It does make me sad to hear other women complain we are just whining because our candidate did not win. It was so much more than that, evidenced by the vast number of people ALL OVER THE WORLD who joined in. But that was the fun part--and it was fun; now we go to work. And if you think I'm going to just sit and wait for this President, his cabinet, and our representatives to start proving how awesome they are, you can think again. We must keep ever hopeful, ladies, and ever active!

Laura

Great recap of the March. I flew from San Francisco because I just had to be there. Your observations were right on, the kindness, the amazing camaraderie, and the need for non-granola bar food! Thank you for writing this, thank you for marching, and let's go!

Zandria

So awesome that you attended. I would have been there if I still lived in DC. I miss it very much in times like these!

Trish

I've been reading you since the beginning, and I love that you are now feeling freer to express your political beliefs. I was there too, after an 8 hour bus ride from Syracuse NY. It was amazing/empowering/peaceful and so much more. Meeting in my town on Wednesday to plan our next moves.

Lynn

Hell yes! Thank you for showing up.

Ann

I'm so proud of you. Thank you

Ann

AND, we wonder how kids learn to bully? From us, adults.

Helen

Very pleased to read this, and proud of you to state it, when so many people are opting for alternative facts. Let us not normalize racism and sexism and homophobia, let us come together to exercise diligence, intelligence and humanity.

Let us not paraphrase the tweets of dangerous dimwits and call it reasoned opinion.

I always thought of reading bloggers as a bit of a guilty pleasure, since bloggers are usually pretty light and frothy--glad to see you get serious and roll up your sleeves when the need arises. Like now, damnit.

erin

Ha. How on earth was a peaceful march of women "crude and rude"? You make no sense, Liz, and you're dismissive, so don't expect anyone to read your words with an open mind.

Amy, well done!!! I was with you in spirit! Seeing all the pics flow by on my social media stream was simply amazing. As the Dalai Lama said, the world will be saved by the western women. <3

Jen

THANK YOU for marching.

Alison

Thank you for marching. I'm so proud of everyone who did.

Jodi

You did the right thing by marching, Amy. I am watching with great interest (and horror) from north of the border. And given the opportunity, I will march, too. Women (and loved ones) unite.

liz

So glad to have been in that huge crowd knowing you were somewhere in it, too.

Despite not seeing anyone I knew outside of the folks I went with (until I got back to Wiehle Avenue station), I felt like knowing my mom (who came in from NYC) and my cousins (NYC, California, DC) and my friends (from all over) were there connected me to everyone in the crowd. Because someone was standing next to someone I knew, and someone was standing next to them, and so on and so on.

Leah

Great post! I marched in New York and yes, this is only the beginning of what all of us have to do. Liz, since you chose to post when you knew you might get some comments in response, I would like to point out that Trump summarizes his vision as "Make America Great Again." What does "again" mean to you? America was great in the post-Revolutionary era ... unless you happened to be Native American or African-American (or, for example, a poor white veteran who came home to ruined property and never got his promised pension). America was great after the Civil War ... same caveats, yes, even for slaves who were freed. America was great after WWII ... same caveats, plus add other minorities, especially Japanese people who had to rebuild their lives after unjust internment. We should be moving onward and upward from those times, not trying to experience them "again." It is unjust and unChristian to seek comforts that are built upon the suffering of others without at least acknowledging what you're doing. (Full disclosure: I am white and fairly privileged, and as complicit as anyone else, but I'm working on it.)

Ann

Freedom of speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying stupid shit. For example. Ashley Judd's nasty woman remarks. Or, Madonna remarks of blowing up the White House. What goes around, comes around. Kid hear that and how is that not bully? Shouting down, making others feel wrong about their choices, or rights?

Quick history here: The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble, or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances and so on.

I did not see that, peaceful demonstration of their rights. Instead, shouting, yelling, threatening nastiest remarks by celebrities. Littering -- amount of trash left behind after the march. Litter in the United States is an environmental issue and littering is often a criminal offense, punishable with a fine as set out by statutes in many places. Litter laws, enforcement efforts, and court prosecutions are used to help curtail littering.

Molly

Public education is not a women's issue. Neither is the issue of young men of color being more likely to go to prison than college. Neither is the right of refugee children--CHILDREN, for fuck's sake--to survive a civil war in which they have literally no stake. Neither are most of the issues that people marched for, so that argument can take a nap as far as I'm concerned.

We're not going away and we're not rolling over for Trump any more than you did for Obama. Not gonna happen.

Also, from one of the few counties in Michigan that Hillary won: we're sorry about Michigan.

Tamara

Never read the comments.... Never read the comments....

Oh Lordy.

Well, Liz: I will get behind Trump exactly when the Fox News Republicans I know (not true conservatives, because that is an entirely different thing - and please bring those people back - I mean the screaming, over the top types that I see on the news and in my life) got behind Obama. (Guess what babe, that never happened). Obama also won the election LEGITIMATELY - popular vote and electoral vote- and with no foreign assistance. And yet, still not accepted.

And Ann, I have to admit that I was taken aback by what Ashley Judd said. I'm a Southern girl. We don't talk like that. But you know what? That "Nastiness" all started from the Orange Puppet himself. HE started that kind of rhetoric.

Ann

Tamara. Read the news what Obama did before leaving office. Officials say the Obama administration in its waning hours defied Republican opposition and quietly released $221 million to the Palestinian Authority that GOP members of Congress had been blocking. In addition to the $221 million for the Palestinians, the Obama administration told Congress on Friday it was going ahead with the release of another $6 million in foreign affairs spending, including $4 million for climate change programs and $1.25 million for UN organizations, the congressional aides said. The aides and the State Department official weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity. That money could have been use for United States, programs for the poverty, programs for Vets, programs for the elderly, programs for the educations, programs for planned parenthood, etc. and etc. You think Obama looking out for USA citizens? I think not... Again, when Obama was elected, he had zero experiences like Trump with politics and he did learned as Trump will learn while in office. If you're plane, and you don't like the pilot...are you going to complain? Or you can to wish him the best? Because his skills depend on you arriving safely at your destination.

Tamara


Believe me, I do not agree with 100% of what Obama did - or any other politician, for that matter. But his actions consistently showed that he is a deeply intelligent, thoughtful, measured, rational human being with a good heart. So even when mistakes were made, and they were, I believed that he was acting in this country's best interest. Donald Trump has consistently shown himself to a small-minded, petty, self-absorbed narcissist (no matter what KellyAnn says is in his heart). OF COURSE I am praying fervently each and every day that he surprises me! I would love to be surprised for the sake of myself, for the sake of my children, and for the sake of this amazing country that I love from the bottom of my heart.

But the very people that I know personally asking us to "suck it up buttercup" never, never, never wished Obama the best. So that logic just does not fly with me.

Meredith

@Tamara and Ann.....I don't get what was wrong with the poem Ashley Judd recited. Written by a 19 year old woman from Tennessee......I just don't see anything that is horrible. It is a piece written by somebody that is fired up and recited by somebody that is fired up. What's wrong with it?

http://www.scarymommy.com/ashley-judd-speech-womens-march/

Ann

And, Trump just might surprise you, all of us. If given a chance. Like we did with Obama, and other presidents before him. No one is asking to "suck it up." They are, we are -- asking a chance to work together as human beings, be kind, be respectful, be thoughtful, be thankful and especially beware of what we are say each others. Remember, what monkey see, monkey do. An expression describing someone who imitates another person's actions, good or bad,simply by having watched them before. Kids learn quick, especially a tender age before reaching teenage years. If Trump is small minded, he would have not achieve what he has achieved. Did you know, several weeks prior to winning his presidential election. He loan his plane to a family, a 9 years old boy in need of new kidneys in Chicago. The family did not have money to pay for a plane, and Delta refused to do it. Delta did not have the heart to help a 9 years old boy? Trump find out and send his plane over to California to get the boy to Chicago. Now, the boy has a chance living a normal life with new kidneys. Thanks to Trump. Also, did several days, before Trump took the oath, he learned of a volunteer whose father needed help with medical expenses. Trump, promptly wrote a check, $10,000. for the volunteer to give to her father. How I know this? It is my job, media research, and at time it's exhausted. But, it worth it -- to find the Truth, not fake news like several news media are portrayed Trump to be. Seriously, pink pussy hats.... embarrassing.

Tamara

I did not find her poem offensive. I was taken aback, but in the context of the truly offensive things DT said to get elected, I get it.

Ann

I am aware of the poem. I researched it. Written by a 19-year-old Nina Mariah Donovan of Franklin, Tennessee, who wrote “Nasty Woman” late last year and the reason she wrote this: "The second [Trump] called Hillary [Clinton] a nasty woman." "Oh man, I've got to write a nasty woman piece" as Donovan said. I don't think she meant to be use it way it was used. It's not fitting for today women. Today, women are respected, given more chances to achieve, education, math, science, politicians (heaven forbid), to do whatever they want, even to be CEO of a corporation like my niece. As for the celebrities, I feel they are abusing stages by voicing their political opinions which I don't care to hear. I want to be entertain, and I pay them to entertain me by taking me out of my hum dum daily life routines. Shakespeare did not write morality plays that beat the audience over the head with a lesson. Their goal as actors is not to interpret the text for the audience but to faithfully bring characters to life. AND, Ashley did more than that, she was spiteful. along with Madonna remarks. You and I both know, if we said that, our asses would thrown into jails. Their responsibility is to interpreting the play rests with the audience, not the actors. The purpose of the theaters/stages is to present themes, not to teach lessons to the audience. Or, whatever their god given talents is. Unfortunately, they are humans who are still living in the dark ages, sad. Back to Hillary, what she had said to her personal aid, and others are way more hateful. Hillary doesn't even allow her personal aids to have cell phones in her present for fear of revealing how hateful she can be. Even her own husband, blame her for losing the presidential election because she refused to listen to Bill Clinton and others of their past experiences to win. She wanted to be the FIRST WOMAN President and there will be, not her. What she said to this African America woman, her personal aid is WAY, WAY, way, way worst then what Trump said about Hillary. I'm surprised a poem wasn't written for that! Sorry Amalah for using your blog.

To summarize the summary of the summary; people are a problem. " and "Don't Panic." Chill people. It's not going to happened over night. Believe me...its not. Unless, Korea decided to "nuke" us.
-- Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Amy A

Amy, thank you. And I just can't with any other dissenting opinion. We have our rights as women now because previous women marched for them and for us. Feminism is not a bad thing. Standing up for what is just is not a bad thing. Ignorance, well, that is a bad thing.

reenie

1. Poetry is deeply personal, and sometimes uncomfortable. This is not the first time in history that a group of people has had to stand up and get loud and uncomfortable in order to feel heard and protected by our own Constitution. I admire Judd's strength.

2. Talking about Trump as a politician or a Republican is like calling a bird a fish. He is neither of those things, and birds are not fish.

3. Taking criticism of Trump (or any other person) and bringing up the shortcomings of someone else is an effort to confuse the point, and ignore the issues. We're talking about Trump. We are not talking about Obama, Clinton, the other Clinton, or you, or me. We are talking about Trump. Stop trying to redirect. Stop throwing blame darts at other controversial or popular issues.

4. No one is perfect. To take a criticism of Trump and say, "But what about "THIS PERSON!" "THIS PERSON likes ketchup!" "Disgusting!", is juvenile, and in my opinion, an automatic recognition of MY point. NOT yours. Obviously you can and probably should insert your own issue...ketchup has probably done nothing to you. Unlike Trump and his "truths".

5. I LOVE numbered lists, apparently.

6. WHY do you feel it necessary to take a lovely post, a post that the author obviously had a very deep, strong, and POWERFUL foundation for, and undermine it like this? Are you feeling so smug that you have to rub it in? Or are you just as scared at what this country has wrought as we are...and feel like lashing out is the answer?

Yes, I am scared. But PEACEFUL protests are the God-given right that has ALWAYS been available to us as Americans.

Don't talk about garbage left from the march...I'm sure there was garbage left after Inauguration Day. THINK for yourself. Don't just swallow the party line and regurgitate.

Stop asking for unity by telling women how awful they are for fighting for what they believe in. Stop bringing up old fights. Stop circling around the point. Stop trying to deny us our rights.

I won't tell you to stop fighting for what you believe in, even if what you believe in is directly opposed to my beliefs.

I feel like my face is blue, and I don't know at this point if any of this is making any sense...I HATE conflict, and I HATE when people don't get along...but if I stop fighting, that means I'm accepting. And I can't do that.

Ann

No matter how much someone learns in life there are always going to be things they don’t know about. That is part of life and is something that one simply has to accept. That doesn’t mean that learning is therefore futile, if anything, it could feel like a weight has been lifted from ones shoulders. It is simply part of being human and not something do deny or to cover up. And without this pressure, learning can be something that one enjoys; instead something one feels they have to do. Calm down and keep an open mind.

reenie

I'm sorry...did you just tell me to calm down? Because that sounds like you're trying to silence my fight against the embodiment of a hate crime. Or multitudes of lies. A sexual predator. A racist, sexist, elitist monster. No. I won't calm down. Thank you.

Amy A

Reenie: right on, sister. You nailed it :)

Alison

Sigh. It is more than a little galling to be told to mind your manners because the children are watching by people who support Donald Trump.

Ann

Reenie: I'm not telling you to calm down, nor try to silence you. You on the other hand -- not allowing others to have a say -- rather we agree or disagree. Angry is not a solution either. Wish you the best, I guess we see what happens and hopefully for the best. In the next round, I hope we have better candidates for the next presidential election. Because this election has truly divided our country.

Ann

What is your opinion on Bill Cosby, Fred Willard, Mike Tyson, Jeffery Jones, Paul Reubens aka Pee Wee Herman, famous scandal of Roman Catholics priests accused of molesting boys in the 90's, coaches of UK, UC and etc. Don't forget Bill Clinton on the Monica Lewsinsky scandal. Perhaps, Monica lied about that. The former United States House of Representatives from New York City, Anthony Wiener. Oldest son of the Duggar family, Josh Duggar. Are they too, a sexual predator? The list goes on. You have the right to voice your rights, but in a peaceful manners. Go ahead, I'm not standing in your way. But do listen to what others are saying, as I am learning without pointing fingers.

Mtbakergirl

Marching with you from Canada- we are with you in spirit and action- not one inch given!

And pointedly ignoring the trolls- sorry ladies- no time to argue, too busy organizing and calling my elected representatives!

margot

What does pointing out other sexual predators have to do with this?

A peaceful protest involves no hurt bodies, looting, tear gas, riot gear, or arrests. None of these things happened at the women's marches. So yes, they were peaceful, as is this conversation. The marches were impassioned and slightly vulgar at times I will allow - but that is because the message is that urgent and people STRONGLY feel they're being ignored. Who was that famous author who said well-behaved women rarely make history? Applies here. Also, I reject the implication that women's or any other marches (ahem, Black Lives Matter) need to maintain a certain level of decorum in order for them to "count". That is a tone-policing silencing tactic, and a false excuse to not listen. If we got any more polite and demure we would be even more invisible than we already are and that is not an option.

Me

Between the Blue Apron posts and politics you just lost a long time reader. 😕

Katie H.

I understand why women marched and I really do appreciate the empowerment they felt. I was personally not inclined to march as I (personally) felt it made women look weak and whiny (especially with the pussy hats). Regardless, I will fight for whatever rights need fighting for and I'm glad to know women are out there to fight alongside me, whether we marched together or not. I just hate the divisiveness in our country since (and before) the election. We're forgetting how to stand together, even as women, which was something I always thought was our greatest strength. Hope it gets better, not worse.

erin

Yes, why are we pointing out other sexual predators? Of course, they all suck, but none of their policies are specifically threatening women's reproductive and other rights.

Meredith

I think Ann is actually a man, and possibly trolling from another country. A third world authoritarian one perhaps. No American would ever say that not knowing something ( or attempting to understand it) is like a weight lifted from you. Ahhhh......docile in my ignorance. wtf???

Also suspicious of Katie H. No self respecting woman would ever use the extremely degrading and condescending term 'whiny' to describe another woman. Maybe marchers were hysterical too?

Not standing together with women that want to be polite and non-confrontational, and who just want to sit and wait for equality. You will get left behind.

Ann

Thank you all for contributing to my college thesis. And, to let you know I was at the DC march. No, I did not vote for Trump nor Hillary. Thank you again for your views.

reenie

Ann, would YOU vote for any of the people you mentioned to lead our country? Because I wouldn't. I didn't vote for Bill Clinton, I think that Bill Cosby was dangerously good at building up trust and affection, I think the Duggars are probably well-meaning, but do not agree with their politics or practices...obviously they are not the best examples of what humanity can achieve.

I believe we are all capable of wrongdoing. No...that's weak. I believe we are all capable of atrocity. I believe we are all entitled to our opinions, I even said that I wouldn't ask you to stop fighting for what you believe in...and asked for the same from you. The very fact that we CAN fight for our beliefs is part of what I am trying to keep and hold on to. I believe we are in danger of losing some of our freedoms and privileges under the current administration. I believe that Trump is not worthy of the title he has been given. I believe that I was once young and that each year that passes brings greater understanding and empathy. I believe you are wrong. I believe that I am right. I am not trying to stop you from having an opinion, I am trying to explain why I would like you to share mine. Or - to say something that would change MY mind...because I KNOW I don't know everything...and the more voices we hear, the more choices we understand we have.

I would like to say (to anyone who is reading) - this has been a very rough week on me, and when I am upset, I tend to get a "tone" in my writing that comes across stronger than what is in my heart...I really just can't believe what happened. I am sorry if you felt like I was trying to stop you from voicing your opinion.

I am Grey, and trying to find my color again. I think it's probably best for me to back away and look for it elsewhere.

reenie

Sorry - by "they", I meant the people on the list...not a direct hit at the Duggars as a whole.

R Robicheaux

Please follow your own advice and use LOVE as your platform, not insults and hate. No matter which party/sex/nationality folks are, nastiness, degradation, and name-calling doesn't generate peace from many folks.

Rebecca

So glad you were there, though bummed that I didn't see you (or any of the other 50 people whom I knew were there besides my little group). I was also not sure what sign to carry, given so many awful things that I'm freaking about. Then on Thursday night, I saw Hayley's Leia/A Woman's Place is in the Resistance graphic and squeed and had the UPS store down the street get to work on my sign, which is now displayed in my office. Happily saw about five or six other signs with the same graphic at the DC March, too.

Vanessa

I love and support you, Amy!
Reenie, rock on with your badass self! You've given me words to defend myself from those trying to silence my right to resist this vile man.

Jen

Hey sister friend--I was there too! Skimmed right past all the ridiculousness (seriously, WTactualF?) Just wanted to say, I found the March to very inspiring and empowering and I will be forever grateful to have been a part of history. I was lucky enough to share it with my sister and niece, and the long drive from Ann Arbor to DC gave all of us in our packed mini van time to plan, organize, strategize. The march was the beginning, no going back now. Thank you for being a part of this--I love seeing this political stuff. You have the platform; use it for positive change!

reenie

Thank you so much, Vanessa. Sometimes I get a little feisty, but I'm too scared right now to stay silent. These are volatile times, and I don't want to be part of the reason things fall apart...even if my part was simply staying silent.

I made a promise to myself this morning, though, to try and fight with positivity. Part of why I think Trump was successful is that, during the debates for example, he made broad, sweeping negative statements that scared people. The problem is that he either kept the statements leading and general such as "We're under attack" and "They're bringing in drugs" and "They're taking our jobs". Those kinds of general negative statements hit people in the fear center of their brains and they think, "No! I don't want any of that to happen! He'll fix it!"

OR - he simply fabricated "scare tactic" negative details.

Thinking about scary things is something I tend to try to avoid, but in a case like this, you have to allow yourself to feel the fear and move through it and eventually past it to the truth, and then to a resolution. I really don't think he cared about what happened after the election...as I really don't think he expected to win, and he even said so on camera. It's unfortunate that the damage was done, but together we can resist, protest, march, share, and overcome.

I wore a color other than black to work today for the first time since last Thursday...because I'm no longer going to let him have that kind of control over me. He is not my whole life, and I will find the parts that he has taken from me and put them back together again.

M

It was your post about going that pushed me over the edge to ask my family to go to our local march with me. Thank you! We live in a small town (less than 90K people) and the march was insane. SO beautiful, so big, so peaceful, so creative, so loving. Police said it was the largest gathering ever in our town. And I have to tell you if heaven is at all like that march was, I will die happy. I know that sounds so cheesy, but to see my two teenagers feel so much honor from men and women with grey hair thanking them for speaking up, to see my son's middle school friends sharing their concern about their future, their bodies, to see so many people to graciously care - CARE - about other people and not give up? It gave me a sliver of hope that a predator in chief will bring about change in ways he never intended to. This nation will not be as complacent or ignorant as it was last year. For that, and only that, I am thankful this man is exposing our nation's underbelly. This (below) sums it all up for me - how do any other women make peace with that? I don't understand. I really don't.

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XswJoWIEW0/WIWT12-xE3I/AAAAAAAA4Hc/08sC0OR2LCAyXCF11nk-JmQ2tt5pwGJmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG


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