…my Uber driver asked when I confirmed that I had been at the march that day (I think the two huge painted posters gave it away). The question surprised me, as he was an older African-American man. “Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m happy to share my thoughts. I didn’t vote for Trump in Novem…”
He interrupted me, “Oh, neither did I.”
“Yesterday (inauguration day), I was pretty sad. I was disappointed that our country chose to elect a person who has not shown himself to be very presidential. He’s joked about personally sexually assaulting women. As a woman who has been sexually assaulted, I don’t find that funny. I find it frightening that his comments normalize an atrocious behavior. He’s mocked a reporter with a disability. I find that unacceptable behavior for anyone, much less a supposed leader. He’s said he wants to create a registry of Muslims. Targeting people and treating them differently because of their religious beliefs is strikingly similar to what happened in the not so distant past in Hitler’s Germany. And he refers to “the” groups of people: the Muslims, the African Americans, the Latinos, the Hispanics. He’s separating himself from groups that he’s supposed to represent. I can share more if you’d like.”
“But marching didn’t change any of that,” he said.
“Oh, you’re right. It didn’t. However, silence equals consent. And I don’t want anyone to think that I’m okay with what’s going on. Seems like there are a lot of people out there that think the same way I do. I’ve already heard people criticizing the march, saying “Where were they on election day?” We voted. Trump lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes. I have no idea how many people marched today, but I’m guessing most of them were at the polls on November 8. Oh, and there’s another reason I marched today. Sometimes you need to do things that feed your soul. Being around hundreds of thousands of other people that are not okay with his behavior is uplifting. It is proof that you’re not alone. That there’s a reason to keep fighting, to keep resisting, to keep acting.”
“I hope he’ll surprise us all and be a good president.”
“I try to keep my mind open to that possibility. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, though, my hopes aren’t high. Until then, though, we’ll march, we’ll organize, we’ll protest, and we’ll do what we can to fight the gross oppression America has harbored for way too long. That’s my idea of making America great.”
He glanced at me in his rear-view mirror and gave me a big smile. “Now I see why you march.”
LoriLoo 
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Great post, Lori. The entire world came to the streets in pink that day.
Like bullies everywhere, DiJiT wants to be seen as Dear Leader.
Now watch Fox News become the American RT network; they cannot drown us out.
( the signs alone were great … : https://www.instagram.com/p/BPjVZX7hh6g )
The signs were pretty clever. A great conversation starter, as well!
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What a great experience, Lori! So glad you were able to march with so many others. I was teaching on Saturday (and actually didn’t realize there was such a movement afoot.) I was so warmed to see all the news reports Saturday night, watching as SO MANY came out to give voice to the concerns that are shared across the globe. Glad you and the Uber driver shared such a conversation – our diverse and passionate perspectives can be shared in big ways…and in small, personal ways too!
Thanks, Jackie! It’s important that we continue to voice concerns and not be silenced.
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Yes, we will not be silent! I enjoyed your post. I also had a great conversation with a Lyft driver on my way to the airport. 🙂
Marching in DC was an uplifting experience. Our work is just beginning.
I’m trying to take one day at a time, but it feels like this is going to be a hard four years. A lot of work to be done, for sure.
Reblogged this on Clicky Steve and commented:
A post from my wonderful colleague Lori, on her reasons for marching.
Great post Lori. Especially agree with the part about doing things that feed the soul… as well as the part about silence being equated with consent. If nobody stands up to say anything, then history will show us as complicit in what is to come. Shared on my blog too!
Thanks, Steve! It’s easy (for me at least) to feel overwhelmed by all the negative things that are happening these days. It’s really important, maybe even more so now, to invite joy into our lives as well.
100%. It’s easy to lose yourself to despair, and I keep having to remind Grace that you can’t let that take over your entire life. You need to live, and be happy in defiance of all of the hate. “Illegitimi non carborundum” and all that… 😉
You speak truth!!!! Silence is unacceptable! Beautiful post. There are so many viewpoints on equality….i love your voice and your views. Thank you for sharing. Please check out my blog, i would love your feedback!
Thanks so much! Love your gratitude journal posts; it’s so important to reflect and be thankful for those things that bring joy to us. Keep up the excellent writing! 🙂
Thank you so much! 2 days to go and it really helps me see the joys in my life. Thanks for reading!
Happy Earth Day, Lori. We walked in a massive March for Science. Perhaps we will have to continue this until the Orc Regime is history.
Favorite signs include “Scientists Are Pro-Testing” and in honor of the day “There Is No Planet B.”
Fight the good fight.
Oh! I didn’t see any “Scientists Are Pro-Testing” signs – that’s a great one! Happy Earth Day!