Letter Home From the Ashland Women’s March

— from Pegi Groundwater —

Ashland [Oregon] organizers were expecting 3000 marchers but more than 6000 showed up. There were men and women, hippies and veterans, young and old, some in strollers, others in wheelchairs or leaning on canes and “pussy hats” were visible everywhere. Many people carried homemade signs calling for equality, others called for protection of the rights of women, immigrants, minorities and lgbts. Some sought protection for health care or the environment. Many were explicit statements on the man who had taken office the day before, often quite humorous. Some signs Mike and I particularly noticed read “I marched for women’s rights and civil rights 50 years ago, why do I have to do it again?” “Dear world, Please do not think that Trump speaks for us. Sincerely, most Americans” ” I march for my students and my daughter.”.

The sun came out and shone down on the parade as we marched peacefully from the Ashland Library to Lithia Park, where several speakers made presentations (we were too far away to hear them), and music played. Everyone seemed simultaneously upset that such a protest was needed and glad to be able to participate.

Even though I attended UC Berkeley during the early 70s, this was the first political March I had participated in. I had mixed feelings ahead of time as I do not think those who have power in our capital are paying attention, but it was heartening to see so many people who cared deeply enough to participate and we walked away with a bit of hope. As one sign said, “Mr. Trump, we are watching.”