This past Saturday, October 18, a truly historical event took place. The unconstitutional policies recently put into law by the current government administration sparked a peaceful revolution across the globe with more than 2,600 locations worldwide. This powerful movement was brought up by a coalition of democratic groups looking to stand up to Donald Trump and his cruel and unconstitutional policies, the main group being a progressive movement called Indivisible.
The true purpose of this rally was to get the idea across that our government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The main goal was to remind our president that negligence and ignorance aren’t an option in our country or our world. This land belongs to each and every one of us, as stated in our collective right to liberty. The people of this country won’t be thrown around so easily, and we decided it was time to show that.
The turnout was absolutely amazing. The streets of major cities across the world were flooded with passionate and fiery civilians, peacefully fighting for a cause bigger than themselves. Many carried signs saying things like “The only ICE I like is in my Diet Coke” or “Imagine being more scared of immigrants than pedophiles.” Many of these signs are considered vulgar or harsh, but what’s really harsh is reality. When it seems as if our own Constitution is being overturned by our government, people are left feeling hurt and confused. Once patriotic and hardworking members of this country are now being portrayed as traitors who fight our government simply for cordially exercising their First Amendment rights.
The energy of the crowd at the National Mall in D.C. was more electric than a lightning bolt. The shared passion for liberty and justice for all was the main contributor to this radiating energy. People cheered, cried, smiled, and laughed together with just one thing uniting them: democracy. Red or blue, left or right, everyone knows that if our country stands for anything, it’s just that. America isn’t one people, place, or thing. It is the idea of freedom and equality for every person, place, and thing. Many ACC students attended this impactful rally to show support for those affected by recent policies. By storming the streets with positivity, there was a beacon of hope that our leaders might be reminded of this. The vibrant colors of foreign flags brightened Pennsylvania Avenue, and the costumes of people trying to be seen brought laughter to the streets. Though not everyone will agree with the ideas and values behind this protest, everyone can agree that a peaceful gathering of people promoting love and compassion has absolutely nothing criminal or aggressive about it, despite comments from our President.
