The Observation Deck

Actually, if we're going to get into what "the march was about," I think that it's misrepresentation to say that the march was "about" Donald Trump's personality or Donald Trump's policies.

The main march's organizers released various statements, and I believe most of them were statements about what they were for rather than statements about what they were against. I can confirm that you won't find the word "Trump" anywhere on the "Mission & Vision" page of their web site, e.g. https://www.womensmarch.com/mission/

The Cleveland march was a "sister event" for the main one, and while I'm not an organizer I did hand out what limited literature they prepared; again, it largely emphasized what they advocated.

Now, if you want to say that many or even most people showed up primarily to "protest Trump," that may be; certainly there were signs and other expressions of protest in among many other statements. Possibly the program of speakers had some or even many things to say about the 45th president. (I don't know, because I was mostly doing volunteer-host stuff on the far side of Public Square and did not hear any of them.)

This said, I think it's at minimum misleading and a disservice to say that either the Cleveland event or the entire international day of rallies on Saturday was "a Trump protest," and stop at that. This, I acknowledge, is what most media coverage (from the majors to Scene) has reported, so I don't blame anyone who has relied on this coverage for being unaware of the larger dimension to the event.

But, as both a participant and a historian, I want to make it clear that there was much more going on.

I understand that the march was a positive event, and meant to promote good values, but you must admit that it was in direct response to Trump and the things that he has said and the positions he has taken.

Would that march have taken place if the election had turned out differently? If Clinton won? Heck, if anyone else had one?

I contend it WAS an anti-Trump march.

Bridget Conant wrote:I contend it WAS an anti-Trump march.

I agree that Trump's boorishness fueled the event....and will continue to spur large scale protests later this year.

That's actually sort of a good thing. He puts an ugly face on ugly ideas.

Characters like Mike Pence and Mike Summers are far more dangerous......they speak softly and offer a "respectable" image. Their white-haired visages give a paternal vibe to their destructive ideas.
As you may recall, in one of his first posts Jim Kenny referred to Summers as a Fatherly Figure.

Well, I'm not saying it wasn't that. Or saying that should be excluded from descriptions of the event. I'm just saying this event was also those other things that you mention, and that ignoring them completely—which you did not do—is misleading and a disservice.

There were a lot of people working to organize, for and against things, on Saturday; I think it would be a shame if the event is remembered solely as a demonstration, against. Given that one tends to have much more impact than the other.

Thus I hope that my making an issue of these nuances may be pardoned.

I forgive you.

I do understand your point and it's well taken. You are a very intelligent and thoughtful person who writes so cogently. I so enjoy your posts.

Bridget Conant wrote:Would that march have taken place if the election had turned out differently? If Clinton won? Heck, if anyone else had one?

Bridget

I really did not understand the violence the day before.

It made me think, no riot with Obama or Clinton.

Certainly a different era, but was glad the women's march went on without problems.

.

Thank you — that's very kind!

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Bridget Conant wrote:Would that march have taken place if the election had turned out differently? If Clinton won? Heck, if anyone else had one?

Bridget, I really did not understand the violence the day before. It made me think, no riot with Obama or Clinton. Certainly a different era, but was glad the women's march went on without problems.

There are "professional anarchists" who will show up at any large scale event/protest, whose mission is simply to break sh*t. Oakland, Seattle, in Europe, DC...it's what they do.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:
My second offer, this to the women of City Hall, Build Lakewood and other groups in Lakewood. If the city comes clean, I will turn the Observer over to the women of Lakewood to run.

I thought that women of Lakewood already run the LO?

cmager wrote: There are "professional anarchists" who will show up at any large scale event/protest, whose mission is simply to break sh*t. Oakland, Seattle, in Europe, DC...it's what they do.

Hmmmmmmm. Is there any proof of "professional anarchists" or is this conjecture from a source? I'm not aware of this being a serious thing but certainly could be wrong.

Matthew Lee wrote:

cmager wrote: There are "professional anarchists" who will show up at any large scale event/protest, whose mission is simply to break sh*t. Oakland, Seattle, in Europe, DC...it's what they do.

Hmmmmmmm. Is there any proof of "professional anarchists" or is this conjecture from a source? I'm not aware of this being a serious thing but certainly could be wrong.

Matt

I would also question what the heck a "Professional Anarchist" is. But then they were described as "large groups of people all dressed in black, running around under a Anarchy flag," which in itself reminds me of a prayer service at an Atheist's meeting, or the Mission Statement for Nihilism.

I think meanings have no meanings any longer.

I also do not mean to diminish the importance of the day and moment in history. I for one, would love to see this be the first of many, many moments leading to a greater conversation and look at the way we do everything.

The refreshing part of Saturday, was the lack of confrontation. A moment in time where one sees what could be. I mean think about it, From Trump To Women, 24 hours, same land. It spoke volumes to the world on what America is all about. Saturday hopefully points to a new era.

But let's bring the same thought process of involvement, accountability and transparency to all government everywhere.

.

Jim O'Bryan wrote: I think meanings have no meanings any longer.

The new hip thing nowadays are "alternative meanings."

Bridget Conant wrote:Any woman that accuses Trump of:

Hiring unqualified people
Not releasing tax documents
Lying and misleading
Distorting facts
Taking revenge on people
Encouraging "fake news"
Not caring about the poor and minorities .

Ms. Conant,
Great post. As you listed above, the things that people fear and loathe about Trump have been on full display with the Summers administration.
I would add that there were two ominous incidents, two coercive acts, that currently separate Trump from Summers.
Sending police to the door of a political opponent.
And the Stalinist tactic of Purging within the Party. ( Lakewood Democratic Club)
But these are early days and I fear that it's only a matter of time before Trump goes full tilt Summers on us.

Matthew Lee wrote:

cmager wrote: There are "professional anarchists" who will show up at any large scale event/protest, whose mission is simply to break sh*t. Oakland, Seattle, in Europe, DC...it's what they do.

Hmmmmmmm. Is there any proof of "professional anarchists" or is this conjecture from a source? I'm not aware of this being a serious thing but certainly could be wrong.

OK "professional" is a bit exaggerated. But there are those who arrive at many a peace or protest event who, having no relationship with the event organizers or goals, then commence with the cause of havoc and mayhem and breaking sh*t. I cannot find any citation for this gem of an observation excepting what I read and see. But consider it the next time it happens.

Jim O'Bryan wrote: I also do not mean to diminish the importance of the day and moment in history. I for one, would love to see this be the first of many, many moments leading to a greater conversation and look at the way we do everything.

The refreshing part of Saturday, was the lack of confrontation. A moment in time where one sees what could be. I mean think about it, From Trump To Women, 24 hours, same land. It spoke volumes to the world on what America is all about. Saturday hopefully points to a new era.

But let's bring the same thought process of involvement, accountability and transparency to all government everywhere.

I attended the March in DC with my daughters and Jim's words reflect how I felt. It was an amazing event and I would hope that some hearts have been changed to step back to reflect on what is happening in our own backyard. Yes, Trump's misogyny and racism may have been the impetus for the day, but it was a call to action to be involved, pay attention, and watch out for each other. And with hundreds of thousands of us crammed into a relatively small area, kindness reigned. No pushing or shoving, just smiles and respect. It was really quite extraordinary.