"Peace!"
"When do we want it?"
"Now!"
The voices and words of the marchers from last week’s CodePink anti-war march in Washington, DC echo in my head as I try to find the words to describe my first experience at a national demonstration. I have participated in various campus protests over the years, but I have always felt more like a curious bystander than an active participant. In a way, I still felt a little bit like a bystander at this march, but I had managed to maneuver myself off the curb and onto the street this time.
The marchers were a diverse mixture of young and old; families marching with their children; lots of women—the march was organized to coincide with International Women’s Day; the Raging Grannies out of Rochester, NY who came complete with a mobile sound system and biting political songs; and a strong (in voice and numbers) group of women of color protesting the war.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather; it was sunny and in the sixties. After getting up at 3:30 AM to drive to DC, I would have marched in rain, sleet or snow, but the good weather no doubt encouraged residents to venture outside to watch the proceedings. Observing the spectators watching the marchers made clear to me why I was marching. Marching gives a voice to and opens the dialogue with those who are still on the sidelines.
For me, the most profound moments of the march occurred as we walked past intersections where traffic had been stopped by the police to allow the march to pass. Getting stuck in traffic is never a pleasant experience—especially when you least expect it. As we marched past people got out of their cars to cheer us on, wave, hold up their hands in the peace salute, and honk their horns in support. Alternatively, some of the intersections were quiet and one man gave us the thumbs down sign to show his dissent. But in its own way, that was fantastic. The march had created a dialogue (albeit small) between the two sides of the debate. And debate or discussion of any sort is notably absent from the capitol buildings and national media where it’s ostensibly supposed to occur.
If our elected officials don’t have the courage to stand up to this administration, then let’s not follow their poor example. My voice will be heard again at the march in Buffalo, Saturday, March 15 at Bidwell Parkway. I hope to see you there!