Well, we made a promise we'd always rememberNo retreat, baby, no surrender
Like soldiers in the winter's night
with a vow to defend
No retreat, baby, no surrender
Bruce Springsteen
Like those who were motivated to march, rally and demonstrate I feel a need to say something about the events of January 21 and the aftermath. I did not travel by car, train, bus or plane but was transported by a spirit that moved a mass of humanity. My wife, sister in-law, my oldest daughter and many close friends, male and female did come from near and far to do something they felt they needed to do. I watched it unfold in the weeks and days before as my wife packed, created signage, my golf buddy prepared food for their group, others knitted hats and the conversations grew about what you would need and how to be safe, peaceful and in control. On the day of the march I watched it develop on the day of at home, on my computer stream and the TV screen. I could see and hear things up close from the DC stage where my wife Mary was and from afar looking over Chicago, L.A., Miami, Charlotte, St. Louis, Paris and where my daughter was in Boston. I felt pride in their effort. I am not sure how one could not be moved or inspired unless you're political views blind you so that the physicality and spirituality of this day caused you to lose sight of what was happening.
The newly sworn in president chose to say nothing about the gatherings as was probably well advised by his closest confidants.I believe he missed out on an opportunity to reach out and show he may have understood their energy or concerns but he did not. Another one for the disappointment column.
My motivation to blog about this is brought about by one central question. What motivated, compelled, moved all these folks to plan out and leave the comfort of their homes, towns and families, squeeze together in the middle of winter into the vans, buses and trains, in some cases travel all night, lose sleep, spend hard earned money and band together in places many had never been to express something they were deeply concerned with in their hearts and minds? What was so important to each of them, personally and collectively to join in on this day as one? I believe they did it out of love, to overcome the fear they felt for their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters uncertain futures and the changes they see coming with potentially negative consequences.
Something flipped a switch in their ordinary lives to make them want to Do Something extraordinary. They certainly accomplished a first step in making their voices heard.So they returned to their hometowns after making history with their rallies, marches, demonstrations, their tears, their laughter, their music, their tribes of millions. New bonds were forged, making them stronger in the process. Nobody was seriously hurt as they came in peace believing that their actions might make a difference.A difference in the lives of those without privilege, without much of a political voice. They represented those women with a deep concern for their sisters and brothers well being and the Mother Earth we all inhabit.
If the 'Women's March' becomes a movement that affects change will remain to be seen. If they feed off the memories of the spirit and energy of that day and events, then those that I know will remain a force that will try to fight the powers that be with their voices, their own buying power as heads of households, and as nurturers in their family trees and networks of friends that spread out vast and wide. No Retreat, Baby, No Surrender!
