New Day

Photo Challenge word of the day NEW.

The first full day with Donald Trump as our president. A NEW administration. I did not vote for him but in the words of Scarlett Johansson during one of the marches around the globe today,

“I respect that you are our President-elect and I want to be able to support you. First, I ask that you support me, support my sister, support my mother, support my best friend and all of our girlfriends, support the men and women here today that are anxiously awaiting to see how your next moves may drastically affect their lives.”

I didn’t go to any of the marches today. I thought about it. I was offered several opportunities to go and chose not to. I must admit, today, I am regretting my decision. My reasoning was validated (I thought…) I  knew that I had work for grad school that needed to be started. I knew that Dave had his first Saturday off in months. I knew that my dislike of crowds and traffic was looming and worried about how I’d be able make it all day without easy bathroom access! Most of all, I knew how much some members of my family would criticize my decision to go.

I have watched the rallies all day and followed social media, sharing and weeping over posts that have made me so proud. Peaceful protests all over the globe. SEVEN continents coming together to show unity for equal rights for ALL people who are fearing that their rights are going to be denied.

The constitution gives us the right to protest and I am grateful to all of the people who paved the way for us to do so. Today his has turned into what quite possibly could be the biggest protest ever and although I only took part from my couch, I am proud to have witnessed it. It was peaceful. It was emotional. It was beautiful.

We witnessed a remarkable event today but we aren’t done. Today is just one moment in time. We need to find ways to make lawmakers accountable. We need to remain active and involved. I know a lot of us think, what could one person do, but imagine if we all acted on that?!? Not violently. Peacefully and proactively.

I may not be wearing an official pink pussy hat to show my support, but it is my favorite pink hat and I wore it proudly today.

Tagged: a day in history, be the change, donald trump, margaret mead, regret, right to protest, Scarlett Johansson, why didn't I march, why i didn't march, women's march on washington