I walked and am so glad I did!

[gopiscrap]

yesterday the day was a beautiful warm day oin Portland OR. As I opened the curtains in the hotel room I was staying in I glanced at the sky and it smiled that sunny countinance that said: today is a day for walking, marching, for being with others, for advocacy for a more just world and to give witness to that expression.

We took the MAX train to the convention center and listened to speeches and songs to get us into the vibe for the march ahead of us. At 11:30 four motorcycle cops got into formation and the start of our walk was announced with this amazing drum line. The space behind us was blocked off with parade marshalls to protect us as we marched.

As we walked the 1.2 mile route from the convention center, the cadence was kept, slogans chanted and in a determined and festive sense 5,000 of us made our way to the main protest. We gave voice through the town. the 3 most touching monentdss for me were:

1) we passed this restaurant and as we walked by the wait staff, cooks and washers and line the front entrance and affirmed why and who were walking for. IIt was a simple gesture but profound d to me,. The reality of what is going on seen in their eyes, and for a brief simple moment our hearts were joined.

2) walking underneath a bridge in the downtown area, there were hundreds of people lined across the bridge chanting and encouraging us as we made our way to the main protest site. Having the people waving their placard and cheering us, was really fun.

3) coming into the main protest site, the immense sea of humanity. Old, young, children, teens democrats, republicans, those that never marched before and those who have been in the struggle for 50-60 years. It was amazing seeing the signs, and the artistic and creative talent of so many.

It was so reaffirming to be with so many folks who care like I do about where this nation is heading. I love=bed it ! The sun, the signs, the chanting, the mingling with so many others of such a like mind..it was so uplifting.

I started on the second walk but only got a quarter of the way. This was walk with 40,000 people. I had to turn back, the stamina is not like it was before I got sick (double cancer; bladder and prostate) so I walked back to the hotel room, sore, aching, tired but exhilirated. I am just sorry I couldn't do the second march.

As an immigrant to this country, I so grateful the chance to politically express myself. I am sorry I couldn't go the full distance. I am so proud of all who came out. It gives me energy and hope.

In gratitude to my fellow travelers!
Mike C