Last night I was privileged enough to attend a local support rally in my great little town of Bloomington-Normal. Being a member of a group on Facebook for local happenings that has a hard right leaning, I was not expecting a large turnout. After all, the even page on Facebook had about 400 people who had RSVP’d for the event.
I was blown away upon entering the auditorium to see it packed, with the upper balconies beginning to fill with people. Pink “pussyhats” and clever signs where everywhere, and surprisingly some local media as well! I have to say, my favorite sign in the crowd simply read something like, “It’s so bad even introverts are here”. That is definitely a sentiment I can relate to, but I wanted to go and show my support; moreover, I wanted to show my two young daughters what it means to be an American and have their voices heard.
Overwhelmingly, the feeling in the room was a positive one. It felt very much like when I attended the protests against Donald Trump during his campaign stop at the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington: love, warmth, and solidarity with the community at large.
The line up of speakers was incredible and I’ll touch on a few. Imam Sheikh Abu Emad Al-Talla was the first to speak, saying,”On behalf of all Muslims all over the world: […] We are part of the United States of America.” He recieved a standing ovation and raucus cheers.
Also speaking at the event was Mayor Renner from Bloomington, and having never heard him speak publicly before, I was blown away by what he had to say.
For what was drowned out: “I am saddened that we have to be here to try to defend the idea that all people are created equal.”
But the best and most engaging part of his speech had to be when he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s from the March 25, 1965 speech known as Our God is Marching On. Watch below (sorry for the potato camera quality):
It wasn’t until I was settled at home after enjoying a meal out with some family that I learned of a really, really sad counter-protest outside the Bloomington Center for Performing arts. While both the mayors of Bloomington and Normal were inside, along with several members of the city councils, and (very briefly) Illinois State Representative Dan Brady [note: He ducked out halfway through, I imagine before anyone could realize he was extremely bored and half asleep], the candidate for Bloomington’s Ward 3 was outside with 3 other people holding up sign in solidarity of President Trump’s executive order.
(Adam Studzinski/WJBC)
Keep in mind, their counter protest was 4 people versus the 1000+ inside the nice, warm BCPA. According to WJBC:
Wade Reinthaler was one of the few who gathered outside the BCPA to support the president and his immigration order.
“What we see inside is a very negative message,” said Reinthaler. “We’re carrying a very positive message; pro-citizen, pro-U.S., pro-national security, pro-immigrant”
Reinthaler said Trump’s order is a temporary pause so the immigration process can be reviewed.
Let us be clear: The Executive Order was a violation of the Constitution. It was designed to be and always has been a MUSLIM BAN. Just ask the asshole-husk of Rudy Giuliani after he straight up said that was what President Donald TinyHands asked him to do. Ban muslims and make it legal.
Over all, it was great fun on a cold night, and while discussing the events over dinner with my family, my 7 year old daughter looked up from her meal and said, “Donald Trump isn’t very smart. He needs to go back to pre-school.”
Right on, kiddos, right on.
7 year old Offensive Progressive
4 year old Offensive Progressive
Report: Not In Our Town Blo-No style. Love & Solidarity & Warmth + 4 bitter cold ppl outside Last night I was privileged enough to attend a local support rally in my great little town of Bloomington-Normal.