April 10, 2006

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 Snake at 09:30:28 | Permanent Link | Comments (4) |
Comments
1 - 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. (Comment this)

Written by: DrMax at 2006/04/10 - 23:05:06
2 - 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. (Comment this)

Written by: Oldroses at 2006/04/10 - 23:16:51
3 - 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.
;-) (Comment this)

Written by: Flubberwinkle at 2006/04/11 - 01:36:33
4 - 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. (Comment this)

Written by: Snake at 2006/04/11 - 14:26:15
Write a comment