NOT THE MARCHIN’ KIND (but I oughta be) — by Steve Nadis
A friend asked me and others to join him later today on a march for immigration reform. People will meet at the Boston Common at 4 p.m. and then, after a few inspiring words no doubt, proceed to Copley Square. I support the cause and could use the exercise, but can’t go on account of “parent-related activities.” (I’ll spare you by not elaborating.) But the sad truth is, even if I were not tied up with said activities, I still would not go because, as I explained to my friend, “I’m not the marchin’ kind.”
I’ve never felt comfortable in large group events like that. Marches and protests have never been my thing. Yet I also realize that mass demonstrations may be helpful in this case, just as the protests were critical in ending the Vietnam War. For people wanting a voice in national and international affairs, the options are few. They can participate in rallies or write a letter to their Congressman or newspaper editor. Which is why I said that above: I’m not the marchin’ kind, but I oughta be…
Posted by
at
15:30:28
I too tend to avoid protest marches Snake (Seattle area marches occationaly get out of hand). However I have vowed to myself that I will go to D.C. and march the very day George W. calls off the next elections and declares himself emperor.
Maybe you would be more inclined to march if you were directly affected. I’m assuming, of course, that you are an illegal alien. I’m not the marching kind either, but I did march for women’s rights on the 70’s.
I march. A. Lot. It’s my way of adding my voice and hopefully making a teeny, tiny difference. It’s not much, I know, but combined with my vote and my choices in life they seem to add up and give meaning.
The first march I participated in was when I was 8 years old. My mom took me to downtown Chicago and marched with other Greek and non-Greek women against the Turkish invasion in Cyprus (1974). I remember this because a picture of me holding a bloody sign saying “No to the occupation of Cyprus” made the local newspaper headlines. Kids sell. Kids that march sell more.
Hey Doc, I’ll march to that too. And Roses & FW, you’re inspirations, both of you. I’m not the marchin’ kind, as I said. But I oughta be.