Dimensionally Barrett

I do like these signs! Photo: John Barrett   I’ve mentioned before that rallies, gatherings, marches, and protests are always more than they appear to be at first sight. While they very often are focused on a theme or cause, it is counterintuitive, perhaps, to say that is all they are about. Yesterday’s Labor Day March, put together by 50501 Houston and Houston Coalition , was comprised of several hundred people who marched two and a half miles through one of the chi-chi retail districts in the country, Houston’s famed Galleria, through Highland Village to conclude at Lamar High School, located in River Oaks, where most of the one-percent reside in the metro area. The group met at the Hines Waterwall as the result of a last-minute change, but somehow, this route made a world of sense. We marched for workers’ rights and this includes fair wages, paid time off, insurance, better work/life balance and in general, just better working conditions for all. It wasn’t lost on anyone that ...

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 idea...

In a kind of push to simplify things, I’m going to introduce this series on “Stuff to Do”.  One of the recurring questions I hear is “what can I do?”, and I think while that comes from a very genuine place, all too often the implication is that everything is so overwhelming that the brain short-circuits. That’s completely understandable. I’m not going to list everything all over the country, but I am going to concentrate on Texas, Harris County, and Houston issues.  On any given day, when I open Bluesksy or even Facebook (still), there are postings by individuals and organizations, petitions to be signed and, of course, larger nationwide efforts like the upcoming protest on Saturday, April 19. Another reason I’m doing this is because reposting stuff on Bluesky or Facebook takes time. I want to give people regular one-stop shopping, at least from my end, so there’s that. Anyway, I’m going to try this out for awhile. I may still multiple post on social media, but for ease of use...