Our 9/12 March on Washington

By Lisa Abler
9/12/09 10:03 p.m.


I believe I speak for many as I sit in my hotel room: the march on Washington was a success, and an experience of a lifetime. Since we have been out all day, and most of the news coverage may run the gamut,I thought I'd share some of my experiences today.

A festive atmosphere abounded with a sense of camaraderie as the hundreds of groups gathered to converge at Freedom Plaza this morning. At least that was our goal, but as we approached the turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue which led to our destination, we encountered a human dam. A vast sea of patriots lined the street and sidewalks for as long as we could see. The tide eventually rolled down the artery leading to the heart of our problems these days - Capitol Hill.

The spirited procession provided entertainment and encouragement. A multitude of creative signs bobbed up and down like horses on a carousel, and various chants sprouted from the deluge, some led by the youngest flag-wavers there. The legion necessitated a crawling gait which we didn't mind; everyone was taking in the enormity of the day that was unfolding. The hope of 3, maybe 400,000 people seemed very possible.

As the dome of Capitol Hill came into full focus, so did the depth of the crowd. It was a joke to hear rumors of some news reports that merely "10's of thousands had gathered". We soon heard that the park police had estimated 1.5 million at that point. I've never experienced such a colossal assemblage before. So many people with a common set of goals: freedom, liberty, and putting an end to the corruption in Washington. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians - they were all there.

For hours, speakers, soloists, rappers and fellow friendly protesters maintained an elevated pitch of cheers and jeers from the Capitol steps to the Washington monument. Only once was there a tense moment, when a sizable "public option" sign emerged. Ushering him down the hill, the amoeba-like group of people surrounding the sign bearer showed their disagreement with his stance quite firmly, until a group of police escorted him away from the event...after all, he had constructed his sign using PVC piping - strictly prohibited. All other encounters of the day were informative, inspiring, and encouraging. Even the train of port-a-potties with lines snaking back for yards, and waits surpassing 30 minutes, was a source of great conversation, and new found friendships, full of well wishes for safe travels, and great ideas to keep the momentum going once we returned home. This was truly the 9/12 spirit.

Words cannot capture the experience had by all today. This tiny sample is meant to give you a peek into the many stories that will emerge from our experience. My hope is that everyone will connect with those who weren't able to go, and vice versa so that the current of energy flows through 100 fold, and we continue to awaken and know that we are not alone.