So
much Beauty on the Outside and so much Ugliness on the Inside
By Jeannine Ross
This
is my sentiments about Washington D.C. in general. The grounds of all the
official buildings, including the Whitehouse, The Supreme Court and Capital
Hill are magnificent. There are so many
beautiful trees, flowers, plants and birds as well as beautiful
architecture. But, what goes on inside
these hallowed places is at times very dark and ugly. I stood out in front of the White House the night before the
march and it was so peaceful. I
couldn’t help but feel disgusted that W lives there. It is a crying shame. Sitting out if front, across the street
were 2 anti-nuclear weapons protesters that have been holding a 24-hour a day
vigil since 1981. A year ago I wouldn’t
have talked to them. I would have
thought their method was “nuts.” Well, a lot has happened in the last year to
change me. I understand their struggle
now. They are good people doing
something extraordinary. They are
dedicating their lives for the greater good.
It
seems that the people involved in Voter March are doing the same thing.
In
front of the White house there is an interesting sign on the grass. It reads, “Keep away from shrub beds.” Bruce says this is a good message to
Democrats – don’t get into bed with George!
Not like you’ve been doing on taxes, Ashcroft, etc.
The
night before the march “The Calling,” the Greg Palast report, was on local
Public television. I wanted to watch
it, but my hotel didn’t get the channel.
I hope lots of people saw it.
On
Saturday, the march was great. A couple
of thousand people were there, all supporting each other. I saw so many great signs and great people. Everyone was of like mind, how
refreshing. Us “fringe folk” are more
numerous than you would believe. People
came from as far away as Alaska to join this event. There was even a large contingent from Texas! Even if the media doesn’t let the world
know, I can assure you that Bush knows it happened, Cheney knows it happened
and Ashcroft knows it happened. We were
very loud and very present!
After
we marched to the Supreme court and stopped to rally at the Capital steps a
woman asked me to sign her petition to support a march by the Independent
party. I said no, that I wanted to take
back our party, the Democratic party.
She couldn’t seem to separate the current Democratic leadership from the
people. I said that I believe in the
philosophy of the Democratic party, i.e. protecting the environment, labor, gun
control, social programs, etc. I just
don’t like the leaders who have sold us out.
I want to put the right leaders into OUR party, not jump ship to another
one.
It
was so great to be involved with the people at Voter March. They are the real
Democratic party!
Bob
Kunst gave another great rallying speech.
He is such a wonderful leader and has such keen insight for getting past
the “bushit” to the truth. I was proud
to stand as a member of The Oral Majority.
Other great speeches were made by Rose from Fringefolk, Bob Fertik from
Democrats.com, Phil Berg, Lou Posner and many, many others. These are the leaders of the
grassroots. They are in touch with the
pulse of the people. They marched along
side us in the heat instead of hiding away in a sheltered environment of
privilege, removed from what’s happening in the streets and in our lives.
WE
are the Democratic party. WE decide who will lead us. The old way won’t work anymore.
Those who have betrayed us have been outed! We see who they really are now and it is not a pretty sight. I know if Bob Kunst were Governor of Florida
I would feel safe. I know I can trust
him to look out for our best interests.
He wouldn’t put oilrigs in our backyard, or poison our drinking
water. And his word is gold. Can you trust Janet Reno? It’s iffy.
I know I can’t trust any Democratic leader who didn’t stand up for our
rights in the last election. Can you
honestly trust anyone in public office right now? Not many, if any. I know
I can trust Bob. He has no hidden
agenda. His agenda is to stand up for
our rights even when it is unpopular, even when the media attacks him, even
when the polls are against him!
The
Voter March solidified my belief that the PEOPLE are on our side. We had so much support along the way and
those of us who participated are NOT GIVING UP!