Just got back from DC!!!

[Nailzberg]

Well, actually got back two hours ago, but I drove someone home, took a shower, and went through my e-mail before hitting up DU. But anyway.

I was so glad to see the turnout, it was an amazing event to be a part of.
Our bus left from Planned Parenthood in Springfield, IL at 5pm Saturday and drove through the night. Our tired bunch were energized upon pulling into the RFK Stadium lot, and seeing the hoards of women and men, of all ages, making their way to the Metro station. When we left DC around 6pm, the fatigue was there, but it took several hours before the energy and adrenaline wore off, and we finally slept.

I took a couple rolls of film, but they need to be developed, so I can't post them yet.

I know a lot of people ran across the med students in their lab coats, but when I was passing them, there was a group of Law Students for Choice that started a "2-4-6-8, Who do we appreciate, Doctors, Doctors, Doctors." I think everyone in the area just started to cheer like crazy. The Med Students began chanting We Love Lawyers! and everyone cheered again. The rest of us observers found this very moving. Thank You to both groups for their work as activists, and their future work as professionals on the front line of this battle.

I'm so glad I made this trip. I've been to small marches locally, but this march was such an overwhelmingly powerful event.

[Maat]

1. Thanks so much for going. I couldn't 'cause of law school.

I would really appreciate posting of pictures. Thanks.

[Nailzberg]

9. Mine are being delevoped as I write this.

But my scanner is in Chicago about 200 miles away. I didn't want to bring my digital camera because I just un-borrowed my 35mm back from my ex, and the digital is way too much camera for being in that crowd. Didn't feel like baby-sitting my camera.

When I get them, I'll put em up. You can be sure of that.

[stevedeshazer]

2. Thanks for being there

Wish I could have done the same.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. You rock!

all the way from Illinois! AWESOME! THANK YOU!!!!

[Sandpiper]

4. When I saw the aerial photos

I was amazed at how many people were there. I lived in DC for a while, and unless you've seen the National Mall in person, you don't realize how big it is; and you guys/gals packed it from the Capitol to the Washington Monument.

It made me proud to see how many people still cared about their rights. Congrats on going. Wish I could have been there.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

5. Thank you for attending!

Very impressive that you made the trek from IL!

[Nailzberg]

7. I believe we had six or seven full buses.

I was with Planned Parenthood-IL, and we had one full bus from Springfield/Decatur, and I'm not sure how many from Chicago and Champaign, but from our numbers it was enough for 5 or 6 buses.

Well, our bus wasn't COMPLETELY full, there were four people that got empty seats to stretch out in. And I was one! Rock On!

I was also the only guy on my bus (excluding the two drivers) but I was very impressed with my gender's showing at the March. It's everyone's responsibility to be an active. I may have a daughter one day, and I refuse to tell her I didn't fight for her rights when I had the chance to.

[murielm99]

10. I came from Illinois, too.

I got on a Planned Parenthood bus in Union Station in Chicago. We had six full buses!

Several buses also joined us from the suburbs. Those were sponsored by Unitarian Universalists, Reformed Jews and some other church groups.

I am still trying to get a handle on how many came from other parts of Illinois.

My daughters came from Iowa and western Pennsylvania.

My pictures are not developed yet, either. I got one of the Air America group and their large banner.

One of the people I rode with used to volunteer at a Planned Parenthood clinic. She told us horror stories about Operation Rescue and all those idiots.

I am sooooo glad I went! I sent my guest column off to my area newspaper last night. They asked that it be a first person account of my experiences and reactions to the march. When it appears, I will send a link.

I am so overwhelmed! What an inspiring experience!

[Nailzberg]

11. Illinois was well represented.

I spoke with a young woman from one of the Chicago buses who worked with Planned Parenthood. I went to DC with a friend from Springfield who used to be a counselor at PP in Chicago, and they knew each other. I wonder if it was the same woman from your bus?

Glad to see you out at the March, whether we ran in to each other or not! It was an overwhelming experience, just amazing.

And to add to it, she was a fellow Unitarian. I love my religion, we may be small by numbers, but we are sure an activist bunch. I always manage to find some fellow Unitarians at any march or protest I've been to.

I'd love to read your guest column when it appears, definitely post that sucker!

[displacedtexan]

6. I posted my favorite pics (one is of the med students). Here's a link.

My legs still hurt! I was near the front, and the going was steady but slow. We had to stop briefly for the fetus people (lying on the street) blocking an intersection, but that didn't take long once the DC Police carried them away.

my pics...
http://tinyurl.com/2kbaq

[Nailzberg]

8. Great pics! Those med students ROCK!!!

You hear that Med Students? :yourock:

[fudge stripe cookays]

12. I've been re-inspired!

Sorry Lynne, GOP, and Ramsey! I wanted to meet back up again on Monday, but was exhausted. My legs were killing me, and trudging around in the rain pooped me out fast.

I bought a copy of Gloria Feldt's book before I headed back (The War on Choice), and would REALLY recommend it! It's easily digestable in bite-sized pieces. I've decided to host a movie watching party (maybe more) of "If These Walls Could Talk" at my place, and give away copies of the book to impressionable girls who may be completely ignorant of what's going on. I'l publicize it through our Democrats club, and give small flyers to groups of teenage girls I see out at Starbucks etc.

Reading this book makes me so much more aware of the big picture. It's not just abortion-- it's contraception; it's funding to Planned Parenthood. Not so long ago, I was one of those depending on them for economical packs of pills, female exams, VD checks, etc. We have GOT to keep them in funding. These girls must realize this. They can make whatever choice about abortion they want. But we have to educate them on the rest.

I'm so angry that Roe was almost overturned in 92 and I didn't know anything about it. I've discovered my inner activist, and she's not going back to sleep EVER again.

FSC

[GOPisEvil]

14. No problem...but you missed drinking with Skinner and EarlG,

along with me, Ramsey, Lynne and Youngred. We ate too, but we drank a bunch.

It was really good meeting you! :hi:

[ehrnst]

13. Did you catch the Daily Show report?

It also nails Karen Hughes on her pro-choice = terrorism blurb.

http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/ds/