Why I Didn’t March…
In my lifetime, I’ve never seen protests get things done. Productive protests for civil rights and the Feminist Movement were before my time.
When I was a 9 or 10 years old, my Mother joined with some other moms in Sunset Park to protest prostitutes working on 4th Avenue and 60th Street. The prostitutes weren’t there during the sunny afternoon as we walked around on their work grounds, but the mother’s protest didn’t derail them from returning there. Besides learning what a prostitute was that day, I also learned that protesting when no one is around doesn’t do anything.
As a college student, there weren’t any protests to join. It’s not that people were satisfied with the state of the city, it’s that people had no faith in leaders like Mayor Guiliani because the city was in a bad state (it was filthier than it is now). Back then, people were interested in overhauling the whole government and they did bu voting – Bill Clinton became president and David Dinkins became NYC’s mayor.
In 2003, the city threatened eminent domain on my family’s business. We protested against eminent domain and quickly learned that issue was a done deal with most politicians. In 2007, my family fought and won in court (pro se) because the written laws of our country protect citizens more than they realize.
I’ve watch local politicians like Marty Golden and Nicole Malliotakis stand year after year in front of our Verrazano bridge, but it’s just for a picture and to fool you into believing they are doing something – see 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. When I see other politicians continue the silliness of pulling out a podium for a picture, I realize they don’t know any other way to get something done.
Over a million women were out marching yesterday and it was beautiful! I believe their anthem falls on deaf ears with this president. While I know the women wanted this march to be about standing up against inequality, it may have been more about getting the millennial generation to work together and vote. And if Trump pols try to reverse Roe v. Wade, those women will be ready to fight. Maybe we will even see crowded poll sites in the future. Oh and if there are any nasty women in Bay Ridge (or men who understand what is going on), please run against Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis or Senator Golden in the next election. Both ran unopposed during the last election. And there are ways to fight the Trump group -> ask Congress to not support the nomination of Betsy DeVos (see here).
Hugs,
marlene
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