Another go-round: Be Someone Protest and March, Houston

The numbers might have been smaller, but the voices were still vital. Source: John Barrett 

The turn-out was smaller, and. While I understand that seems a problem, I keep in mind that it’s Easter weekend and many people are out of town or already with family. However, a part of me agrees with the woman I was following during the march, who said, ruleully, “we’re the city that everyone else in the state fears.”

Sure, should the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the country, serve as an example? Perhaps. 

But I want to look at this another way.

Yes, turn-out was low, but people still came out and met the moment. It was a lively mix of people and there was still a vital energy in the air. People showing up  are inspired by the hope, the possibility that we can take the country back.

Moreover, groups from different organizations were presorted to help people get involved, and after the march, the crowd is encouraged to meet a stranger, shake a hand and hare ideas and plans for the future. Personally, I meet new people all over. Some of us are doing the same thing, some are involved in groups the other didn’t know about and ideas for networking often blossom into full on actions.

I also don’t believe that there is any wasted effort when people step up to speak up about what affects all of its. There were plenty of speakers, most just regular people. Trans youth laying out a path to kindness and laying out what the human suffering o anti-trans legislation does to minds and  bodies. There was the high school senior whose poem was an eloquent statement of retaining agency in the face of a cabal that would deny her any. Some people feel there are too many speakers, but I think as long as people want to speak and have so very much to say, then you can’t have too many.

If only two people show up, a protest is a success. Two people or even just one, having the courage to speak out publicly, is a win.

I’m heartened that turnout was robust elsewhere, particularly in small towns across the U.S. 

Additional thoughts. Houston folks should look toward supporting HoustonRecall.org. The plan is to submit a petition of 64,000 signatures to recall the disastrous mayorship of John Whitmire. I’ll cover him in more detail later, but I feel my focus has been more on different organizations around the state, county and city, that I’ve forgotten about some of the local issues that require attention.

Houston’s chapter of Food Not Bombs meets at 550 McKinney on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays ,a nd Sundaays at 7pm. “Bring vegan food or just bring yourself! We have bowls an d spoons.” More information is at houstonfoodnotbombs.org.

Lastly, a reminder that you can speak out at Houston City Council at 2pm on Tuesdays on any subject. The earlier you sign up, the higher on the list you’ll be. More details. Here: https://www.houstontx.gov/council/meetingsinfo.html.

As I mentioned before, rallies and protests are important. Showing up is always important. However you decide to engage is a personal choice, but sometimes it’s important and just plain good for the soul to meet with others and lift your voice in unity.

Here are some more photos (& a video):