Together Against Trump

The April 5th protest in NYC

Yesterday, there were protests against Trump all over the country. The Guardian reports that tens of thousands of people took to the streets. The NY Times has nothing on it’s homepage today about the protests.

People were instructed to gather at Bryant Park on 42nd St and Fifth Avenue. It was packed.

There was the sound of bagpipes, so I went to investigate. It confused me.

I asked one of the bagpipers why they were there, and he told me they had scheduled to play there for another reason, not knowing the HandsOff protest was happening the same day. He said he couldn’t say this officially, but was adament to let me know they supported us. It was a lovely moment.

This man below was diligently keeping the place clean.

Like clockwork at 1 pm, the crowd was led into an orderly line around the newly seeded grass in the center of the park. We circled the park towards Fifth Avenue where we were to march down to Madison Square Park. It would be about a 15 block march with no gathering of speeches or anything planned at the end.

These young people were handing out signs.

There were literally no police around, except this man.

It was very crowded, shoulder to shoulder. Orderly, polite. I recall thinking if someone tossed tear gas in here, we would be trampled. No one did.

Once around the park, we spilled out onto Fifth. The loud chants were various, but this is one I heard a lot:

“This is what democracy looks like!”

Once I heard a wonderful twist: “This is what New York looks like!”

Every so often people would just start cheering and ringing cow bells our of the blue. At one cross-walk, when traffic was being held for the march, a car was holding its horn in a long, angry blast. The crowd booed loudly at the car—typical New York City push-back behavior. Other cars honked quickly in succession to show support; they got cheered.

It was a protest that combined anger and joy. People seemed to be glad to be together. Numerous times, I heard someone on their phone, coordinating with a friend as to where to meet. I knew a few of my friends were there (probably more than a few), and while we did not plan to rendez-vous, it was nice knowing they were there somewhere.

It was about not feeling alone in these times.

I saw another cop. So wonderful the street was not lined with police!

I got emotional at times. We Americans are very lucky to be able to do this, protest in the streets. I’ve been to other protest in the past, and didn’t really think about that. But this time I did, because the reality of that possibility is at our doorstep.

After I ended my live broadcast at around 2:40, I got a coffee and pastry and sat and watched for a while. It was chilly and raining, but people just kept coming. I walked back up the avenue towards the subway and took more photos. By 3:30, they were still marching, the stream of passionate people seemed to be unending.

It was as good a day as I had hoped (except for the rain).

You can watch my live broadcast, here, but here is a clip:

Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow. I know a lot of you protested in your hometowns!!!!

When is the next one? I hope soon.