May Day

On my way into my new job, I ran into a friend of mine asked me if I was "striking" I first thought he was a bit forward for 8:15 in the morning, but then I sort of woke up to the idea that it was May Day. Now, I did know this and I had debated taking off of work, but the ridiculous rent that I pay for my postage stamp won out over skipping work. But my heart was there and was fully going to keep the don’t buy anything boycott, with my bagged lunch.

As I walked to work, I began to think about this issue, and how moved I have been by the events in the past few weeks. Watching these people stand up for them selves and their right to be there. In many ways, I have been so inspired by this.

It has definitely made me think of my family’s history, and how a century ago, my family (Irish Immigrants) came to America, and the same derogatory things were said about them. How disgusted I have been at the anti immigrant sentiment and how inhumane it is to pass laws that make it illegal to help people that are in need. Also, I have been so irritated about the lack of understanding of this issues by law makers and have questioned whether it has been used in an election year to sure up the conservative base in a time when the republican party has seen trouble with its numbers.

I actually did end up marching and I felt good about it.

It is strange; I used to go to a lot of rallies and marches when I was younger. I mean like all the time. In the recent past, I stopped going as much, mostly because I was unsure if they were doing any good. So many of them seemed like a bunch of overprivilaged white kids who have nothing better to do with their time but take part in these demonstrations that seem to lack a strong clear message. I have to say that some times I have felt like they have been a waste of my time, like this isn’t challenging power. The powers that be don’t even give a crap about it.

This was different. This was electric. It was an incredibly powerful experience to march in this demonstration. For the first time in a long time, I was so moved by the demonstration and felt like it will actually achieve something good.

I hope anyway.

Anyway there are more pictures posted on the mobile photo blog.

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