Listen to marchers with your heart

I am a 72-year-old woman, a child of the Sixties. I never protested, never marched, until now. A Million Woman March in Washington D.C.. What will it feel like? What will it look like? What will it achieve?

A river of humanity. Mostly women but many supported by their men; "real men don't fear equality." Pink heads flowing in all directions, making their way in an orderly fashion. Women over the age of 60 who never expected to fight this timeworn battle yet again. Generational families of women, energized and strengthened by the unity and solidarity of "their pack." Moms and dads exposing their children to "democracy in action." Over 500,000 people, yet not one arrest.

The faces of this march were diverse: the LGTB community, disabled persons in wheelchairs lovingly aided by friends and family, women of color, Girl Scouts whose signs declared they would one day occupy our White House in powerful ways, and school children reminding the world that global warming could make their dear Polar Bears go the way of dinosaurs unless we act quickly. All of these contributing to the beautiful panorama that is America. All with a voice to be heard and included.

CNN reported that The Million Woman March didn't have a singular theme. While this is accurate, the multiple aspirations expressed in this march, are a better reflection of the thoughts of American women. The Million Woman March legitimized the needs of all human beings, especially those who have been marginalized.

President Trump, you do not have to castigate the media when our numbers and messages frighten you. We are all your people. We are America. Listen to us with your heart.

Ann Robert

Arlington Heights