Saturday, January 21st 2017 was a day when people took to the streets to march in protest of the incoming United States Presidential Administration.
If one were to review the numbers, the march was the largest demonstration in recorded history. People marched in 673 cities, over 80 countries and territories, in every single continent on this planet. Yes, that includes Antarctica... let me say this again... Antarctica!
The estimated event turnout for all events combined was 4,876,700. That is four million, eight hundred seventy six thousand, and seven hundred people. That is more people than 112/233 Countries have in their population. That is more than the total state population of 58% of the United States in America. Demonstrators were seen in every single state in the U.S.A. - even those that went red in the last election.
If one were to review the numbers, the march was the largest demonstration in recorded history. People marched in 673 cities, over 80 countries and territories, in every single continent on this planet. Yes, that includes Antarctica... let me say this again... Antarctica!
The estimated event turnout for all events combined was 4,876,700. That is four million, eight hundred seventy six thousand, and seven hundred people. That is more people than 112/233 Countries have in their population. That is more than the total state population of 58% of the United States in America. Demonstrators were seen in every single state in the U.S.A. - even those that went red in the last election.
The march was organized and supported by 544 organizations around the world. Partners like Alliance for Quality Education, The American Association of University Professors, GLAAD, ACLU, PFLAG, Coalition Against Gun Violence, NAACP, and National Institute for Reproductive Health.
People marched for many reasons. I marched because I believe diversity is what makes America Great. I marched because I know what it is like to be a woman in a mans workplace. We do earn less than our male counterparts. We are treated as irrational or over emotional, Mansplaining is a thing. Gas lighting is a thing. Neither of which belong in a fair and open workplace. I marched because I believe in empathy and that people should be treated with dignity and respect. I believe America once led the world in dreaming about the future but have become complacent with what exists today. I believe facts are undeniable and carry more weight than personal beliefs. I believe Globalization is inevitable and should be embraced not avoided.
I agreed to give the new President and Congress a chance. I told myself that these people can only do so much. I have built a protective layer made of positive thoughts. However, the choices made, words tweeted, and cabinet members selected have chipped away at my protective layer. I could no longer do nothing and hope for the best. I marched.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Interior who says hes an outdoors men and says he favors protecting federal lands, but has voted in favor of opening up federal lands and parks to oil and gas projects.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Energy who didn't think the department was even necessary. A guy who is replacing a prize winning MIT graduate who's specialty is science, physics, and engineering and knows more about energy creation, storage, and distribution than the new guy could even fathom. But hey, he was the governor of Texas and knows a lot about oil so that's good enough. He and the Secretary of Interior will get along nicely.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of State who has a long history of doing business in direct contrast to United States Foreign Policy measures. A man who has made deals with warlords in war torn countries in Africa to make a big buck for Exxon. I am sure the welfare of our security and citizens will be a top priority.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Education who has never attended a public school, never worked in a public school environment, nor has any credentials in education other than her organization which sponsors the Charter School Programs. Charter Schools are a close step to the privatization of education in our country.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Treasury who is from the very swamp that was supposed to be drained. This guy is a former Goldman Sachs employee who is best known for IndyMac bank and its part in the 2008 housing crash.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Labor who is best known for operating Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. A man against raising the minimum wage and thinks government regulation is a liberal conspiracy against businesses.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Health and Human Services because he wants to defund Planned Parenthood. An organization that is falsely connected with being a state sponsored abortion clinic. He has been an opponent of most women's health programs.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development because the man has nothing on his resume that would make him suitable for the position. He lived in poverty as a child but has no management, government, or budgeting experience. He is also known for believing in conspiracy theories, comparing same-sex marriage to pedophilia, and has suggested that Egyptian Pyramids were used as storage containers for grain.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency who is denies facts found by the scientific community. A man who has a long history of filing lawsuits against the agency in favor of oil and gas companies. A man who demands the scientists submit their research papers to the administration before releasing it to the public. A statement was released, just today, that the President and the Administration will review and wave the right to revise the research papers to fit their political narrative.
I marched in protest of the new Secretary of Small Business Administration who ran the World Wrestling Entertainment. Yes really.
I marched because of an old story I once heard. The story was told by a reporter or writer and goes like this. People were asked about their biggest fears. Survey showed that people in the middle to lower classes stated their biggest fear was the loss of health or loved ones. Guess what wealthy people feared the most... losing their wealth. Now think about the fact that our new Presidential Cabinet consists of more millionaires and billionaires than ever before. Think about that for a moment. Digest it.
In the end, I believe that Saturday was a successful demonstration and a call to arms. Hopefully the 4 million who took part will continue on and never forget why we marched. I know I will.
Sources
- http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/population.shtml
- http://www.vox.com/2017/1/22/14350808/womens-marches-largest-demonstration-us-history-map
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_(United_Nations)
- https://www.womensmarch.com/partners/
Comments
Post a Comment