The Equality March was pretty incredible and inspiring today for the usual reasons such events are. There were tons of people from all walks of life. There were unexpected allies and celebrities there. There was moving music and some really clever signs. It was a good pick-me-up but I'm not sure how useful it is. I don't mean to always play the cynic but I question how effective any such march is.
When I worked in downtown DC near the White House there was some sort of protest or demonstration every single day. Granted, few were as large as this but I think politicians understandably build up an immunity to demonstrations. A large crowd of people carrying signs and chanting rhyming slogans only does so good. The follow-up is what's important. It's heartening to see so many people so frankly pissed off by the administration's inaction. But I wonder how many of them are also going to make a donation to the fight in Maine or Washington.
I find a lot more value in making a donation or calling or writing a representative than marching and chanting. The latter makes the participant feel better. The former makes the contributor's life better.
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