Women's March, St. Petersburg, FL, 1/21/2017

This is the first post I have ever written related to politics, because, well, it is not the focus of our blog. But, John and I participated in the Women's March for Social Justice in nearby St. Petersburg while we are staying in Lutz. Let me start by saying I fully respect everyone's opinion (we live in a democracy!) and in no way am I attempting to influence or anger any of my dear readers. This is a post about something we did during our travels. just like all of the others. 

Click on this link if you want to read the Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles from the organizers: (static1.squarespace.com/static/584086c7be6594762f5ec56e/t/587ffb31d2b857e5d49dcd4f/1484782386354/WMW+Guiding+Vision+%26+Definition+of+Principles.pdf). 

I do not think you will find anything new or "revolutionary" in the document. If I you don't want to read it, the summary is that the women's marches all over the country were in support of the following:

- gender, racial, and economic equality

- paid family leave

- anti-discrimination for LGBT community

- access to reproductive healthcare

- increase of minimum way enabling families to support themselves 

- immigration reform

- protection for our environment and public lands

We registered on-line for the St. Pete March that was scheduled from noon until 3 PM. Arriving around 11 am at the park, there was a stage and some musical entertainment as people gathered. 

We meandered through the park talking with men, women, and children of all ages. Lots of the signs creatively expressed the values and beliefs of the participants. 

The crowd size grew to over 18,000, a much larger group than expected. 

We lined up for the March along Bayshore Drive. Originally, the plan was to walk along the sidewalks to South Straub Park, but due to the size of the crowd, the police closed the road. 

Most people along the route were cheering, but there were a few Trump supporters as well. There were no negative encounters among the protesters, police or Trump supporters. The chant for much of the March was "love not hate, makes America great," a sentiment I personally believe.

Honestly, it was a very uplifting experience. A wonderful sense of unity, mutual respect, and hopefulness prevailed. We were both glad that we went. 

Here is a link to local news coverage of the event. http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/thousands-gather-for-st-pete-womens-march/389725277.