I had no signage personal or affiliated at the One Nation rally for “Jobs, Justice, and Education for all.” I joined the multitudes with the Split This Rock Poetry Festival headed by Sarah Browning. Sarah offered a poem to passers by. I said, “How Bob Dylan of you.”
Though I was “signless” and “poemless,” I took time to write down the many messages floating around the rainbow of gatherers. Taking a note from Bob Dylan.
“5 Day Wrong Way” (Letter Carriers Union against the proposed 5-day mail delivery
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
One Nation Working Together
End the Wars Now: Bring Our Money Home
Mothers of Lost children
Please Stop the Violation of Human Rights
55 Cents Is Not Enough
Affordable Housing Victories
Stop the War on Workers
America Needs Good Jobs Now
Forward
We March for Hope Not Hate
I Am Voting
Hey Dems Honor Your Base
Green Jobs for All
Healthcare Not Warfare
Billions for Jobs Not Occupation
Stop FBI Attacks Against Anti War and Union Activists
Freaked/Out/Xtremists
I know I missed quite a many. The loyal opposition has posted their favorites on their own sites and blogs. Search for them if you may. Digital and cyber infiltration is the price of 21st century free speech.
The anti-war movement made their presence known. And some people are still carrying the torch from the 2008 election with Obama campaign baseball caps and t-shirts. Fortunately, the organizers of the rally, the NAACP, labor unions and their partners stayed on message: Jobs, Justice, Education for all. LGBT participants added “Equality.” We said the pledge of allegiance followed by the singing of the national anthem by a most capable soloist. The poets moved on to the Free Speech area and I went to find the Unitarians near their “Standing on the Side of Love” banner. This has been the closest I’ve ever been to the Lincoln Memorial for a rally.
Will this rally voters for the mid term elections in November? That’s the task out-of-towners were asked to take up when they get home. Does it build momentum for Jon Stewart’s “Rally for Sanity” on the same spot. That’s where my enthusiasm gap seems to be expanding — especially with 28 days between the two rallies. Standing in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, I realized I never come to this spot except for some serious purpose or reason. The only recreational moments I’ve had at Lincoln’s feet were with visitors who wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial (because of its historical significance), the anniversary concert by Denyce Graves to honor Marian Anderson, and after the 2008 election.
So why will I be here October 30th? I really don’t know at this point. Maybe I’ll feel less torn if someone tells me “It’s just a free outdoor comedy show on the cheap because it’s public space.” Trick or Treat!?