This afternoon, I went to a small gathering in Pottstown, PA. It was part of the March for Truth nation wide event, June 3, 2017. Not as big as the Million Woman March. Not as big as the Earth Day March for Science. But do not be fooled, today's March for truth was every bit as important.
First, some statistics. Marches and gatherings were held in 43 of our 50 states and Washington D.C. There were marches and gatherings in 145 cities and towns. The states that were not represented were Georgia, Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Wyoming and Maryland. I suspect that Maryland had no events due to the ease of access to D.C. Thousands marched across the country.
The event in Pottstown, PA where I was along with two very close friends, was a small gathering of about 200. We heard two excellent speakers. First, was CNN commentator Sally Kohn. Her list of credentials is impressive. Especially noteworthy for me is her appearance as a Ted Talk speaker and oratory skills. By way of paraphrasing, I want to share some of the points Kohn made:
- Every voice is important so bring your family and friends into the conversation. Have discussions with co-workers.
- the few hundred that we had in the relatively small city of Pottstown, were as important as the thousands in New York City; most likely more important. Ms. Kohn did not expound on this comment, but the meaning was obvious. In a small Pennsylvania manufacturing town, the fact that we showed up to be heard speaks volumes to the power and depth of dissent against trump in our country.
- Truth will come to the surface and will be known.
- We must not allow the chaos that is trump to be perceived as normal. We must point out and speak out against the madness.
Sally Kohn, thank you for your inspiring and energizing words, this afternoon.
Next up was Pennsylvania State Senator from the 17th senatorial district, Daylin Leach. Again, I was impressed by the oratory skills that he brought to his thoughts. He had been at Philadelphia's march in the morning, when it was raining and he was getting wet. He noted that he was feeling like donald trump in Russia. Lol. He also pointed out three ways in which trump is impeachable:
- The divulging of sensitive and classified information to an adversary. Espionage!
- Attempts to have former Director Comey of the FBI, stop an investigation into Flynn and connections to Russia. Obstruction of justice!
- Collusion with Russia to manipulate our election process. I've been waiting for someone to use this word and was so glad to hear a public speaker say it.....treason!
Thank you Senator Leach.
The organizers had some activities, but for me, the best was a smart phone tool named 'resistbot'. Using your text app, you can send a FAX to your representatives in The House and The Senate. The process also gives you a 'paper trail' of your FAX.
I Also want to take this opportunity to juxtapose today's nationwide march with a march at Lafayette park, across from the north face of the White House. It is a small park. I used to go there on weekends when I was very young, with my family to feed the pigeons and the squirrels, so I really do have a firm grip on the size of the park. The Fairfax County, Virginia Republican Party, hastily put together a last minute 'march' that was dubbed the "Pittsburgh Not Paris" rally. A few hundred people showed up. In contrast, there where thousands marching in D.C. for truth. The Mayor of Pittsburgh took umbrage and said that Pittsburgh will hold to the guidelines of the Paris Climate Agreement.
These events continue to re-invigorate and re-energize me. We are moving steadily towards the turning of both houses in 2018, at which time we will be impeaching d. j[ackass] trump. In the interim, the truth will become clear. I have great faith in the truth and its ability to always shine. Below are some pix from around our country, today.
Demonstrators take part in the March for Truth rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., June 3, 2017.
Tricia Viola posted this image to Instagram on June 3, 2017 with the caption, "The scene in NYC. #marchfortruth
Remember the "where's the beef" marketing campaign?
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