I Made This

I Marched

I marched because they are determined to repeal Roe v Wade

I marched because they don't agree that black lives matter

I marched because they devalue women

I marched because they ignore global warming

I marched because they refuse to raise the minimum wage

I marched because pettiness and vindictiveness should be met with class and unity

I marched because they want to shut down Planned Parenthood

I marched because transparency in government officials is crucial, and hiding one's tax returns is childish and suggests wrongdoing

I marched because they want to build a wall

I marched because I support the needs and concerns of women of color

I marched because they are lying to rust belt families about being able to bring manufacturing jobs back

I marched because they don't value public school teachers

I marched because the pursuit of wealth has eclipsed all other goals in America

I marched because they seem not to understand the danger of nuclear armament

I marched because ignoring facts does not make them disappear, such as climate change, homosexuality, global economy, and science itself

I marched because of the lies and innuendo that Mrs. Clinton had to endure -- and did so with dignity

I marched because they fail to understand that helping others helps everybody

I marched because I cherish the deliberation and care that President Obama put into every decision

I marched because the economy will not be improved by letting the rich and corporations pay fewer taxes

I marched because corrupt campaign financing has obliterated the power of the individual

I marched because our intelligence services have identified a threat from Russia that the administration is ignoring

I marched because I felt powerless -- and in marching, I found the ability to channel the collective voices of those men and women with whom I marched

Apres March

Of all the thought-provoking signs at the Women's March, the one most provoking to me was, “So bad, even introverts are here.”

For all my earnest talk about issues, in my life I have done very few concrete things to assist those causes. Joined a few campaigns (and did little), sent money, talked, worried, wrung my hands.

On November 9, though, something changed, as it did for so many. This introvert got the extrovert knocked into her.

There was a period between deciding to march and the actual March when I (dare I say we all) were depressed, waiting, dreading, saying our fond and grateful goodbyes to the Obamas, trying not to lose hope in the interim.

Then we marched. (insert your version of “Hallelujah” here)

Today, Monday, as I write I am packing to go home to New Hampshire, tired and energetic at the same time.

Among other things, I will use this space to describe my actions toward lessening the coming storm and ideas for more.

I love this country. More than ever.