I was on my way from the library to the coffee shop at Brandeis on November 22, 1963 when I noticed people parked along the side of the road with their car doors open and their radios blasting.
As a Canadian, I felt utterly thrilled, moved, inspired by the reporting and photos of the No Kings marches all over the country. Thank you, Susie, for bringing us (with your wonderful writing) to be with you in Minnesota. May the rivers of people marching with hope ultimately drown the evil so currently present.
There has been so much emphasis on being open to differences of opinion that, in my opinion, the need for solidarity has been somewhat eclipsed. Until now!
Always just the right read, thank you. I think capitalism with a capital C has undermined our commonality by making each of us an individual consumer who is also meant to bear the entirety of our experience as if we are here alone (e.g., any health issues must be ours not all of ours). Hope and despair as two sides of the same coin, yes--this coin is always rolling around here, too.
I have serious doubts that you have a thick skin. That being said, yes, the interconnectedness (what a long word for something so essential it should only have a single syllable word to describe. . oh, it does. . . love) gives me hope. It's hard to sustain it when most of my life is isolated in my studio, but the marches and protests give me hope, though I really want to see more diverse populations on the march here in The Shires. Saturday we go to a Town Hall to hear Elizabeth Warren, who I know will speak of her frustrations and actions vis a vis the Admin. Sighhh.
moved. touched. teary. I was at a different protest nearby. The Dept of Public Safety had asked that people not march/rally due to the need for a lot of the officers to attend to finding the murderer. I heard that and said out loud in my car on the way to the rally, "bull sh*t. We're going to let this murderer stop us? That's what he wanted to do!" Beautiful, peaceful rally I attended included a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Melissa. I was surprised at how many people seemed to know her personally. She was clearly admired and respected, a mensch. What a day.
Yes. Hope and despair related to seeing others caring or not. And intergenerational - for sure. Thank you.
I agree wholeheartedly. It took a while for the dire nature of the situation to sink in...But now, people are energized and understand the importance of continuing to show up.
Thank you for this timely and thoughtful piece, Susie. You ask what is to be done -- a good place to start is with the 5-million strong nationwide "No Kings" protest we cheered on from Canada.
As a Canadian, I felt utterly thrilled, moved, inspired by the reporting and photos of the No Kings marches all over the country. Thank you, Susie, for bringing us (with your wonderful writing) to be with you in Minnesota. May the rivers of people marching with hope ultimately drown the evil so currently present.
There has been so much emphasis on being open to differences of opinion that, in my opinion, the need for solidarity has been somewhat eclipsed. Until now!
Always just the right read, thank you. I think capitalism with a capital C has undermined our commonality by making each of us an individual consumer who is also meant to bear the entirety of our experience as if we are here alone (e.g., any health issues must be ours not all of ours). Hope and despair as two sides of the same coin, yes--this coin is always rolling around here, too.
I agree with you entirely about hyper-individualism and its roots in capitalism. The return of the common cause is going to be so important.
I have serious doubts that you have a thick skin. That being said, yes, the interconnectedness (what a long word for something so essential it should only have a single syllable word to describe. . oh, it does. . . love) gives me hope. It's hard to sustain it when most of my life is isolated in my studio, but the marches and protests give me hope, though I really want to see more diverse populations on the march here in The Shires. Saturday we go to a Town Hall to hear Elizabeth Warren, who I know will speak of her frustrations and actions vis a vis the Admin. Sighhh.
Elizabeth really stands up for western Mass. I saw her several times, including once on the street! Wishing you well, Linda.
your last lines.
Thanks for sticking with me, Anna.
moved. touched. teary. I was at a different protest nearby. The Dept of Public Safety had asked that people not march/rally due to the need for a lot of the officers to attend to finding the murderer. I heard that and said out loud in my car on the way to the rally, "bull sh*t. We're going to let this murderer stop us? That's what he wanted to do!" Beautiful, peaceful rally I attended included a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Melissa. I was surprised at how many people seemed to know her personally. She was clearly admired and respected, a mensch. What a day.
Yes. Hope and despair related to seeing others caring or not. And intergenerational - for sure. Thank you.
Which protest did you attend? I was very impressed with the focus, the energy and the camaraderie in St. Paul. So glad I was able to go.
A southern suburb near me called Farmington. 750 people! 750! And as you said, 30,000 (I heard 25,000) in St. Paul. (20,000 for the obscene parade. )
WOW! 750 sounds like a lot of people. The response has been great.
Hope and despair. Two sides of the same coin.
Indeed!
I’ve been out doing my obligatory protest here at the jersey shore. And with each passing week, as apathy shrinks, I can see hope rising.
I agree wholeheartedly. It took a while for the dire nature of the situation to sink in...But now, people are energized and understand the importance of continuing to show up.
Thank you for this timely and thoughtful piece, Susie. You ask what is to be done -- a good place to start is with the 5-million strong nationwide "No Kings" protest we cheered on from Canada.
The support from Canada means so much to me. It was also wonderful to see photos of large crowds internationally.