“Hey, what did you do with those pictures you took at that Women’s Rally event at City Hall?”
Another inquiry from a friend the other day changed my mind about using “those pictures” for a photo essay on that event, mixed with our new President continuing to make front page news every day, persuaded me to make this quick article for those who want to see just a little more from the Women’s Rally at Pasadena City Hall from last weekend.
Plus, it’s the first time I’m writing on this site in a while.
Unless you avoid the news, you may have heard a few hundred women in the Pasadena area gathered recently in Centennial Square outside Pasadena City Hall to hear speakers rally against some of the campaign proposals of the 45th President of The United States of America – Donald J. Trump.
It’s turned out to be one of the very first gatherings “against” Trump (organizers claimed it wasn’t anti-Trump) since he became President.
Among the speakers were politicians: democrat Senate majority leader Senator Kevin de Leon, democrat Congresswoman Judy Chu, democrat state Senator Anthony Portantino, and, the lead organizer retired Pasadena librarian Jan Sanders.
They spoke out for for their particular issue of concern, their fear of what the new American President may mean to their women’s rights, their disgust with his attitude toward women, and ended with a rallying call to the crowd.
Those issues include: reproductive health issues (i.e., especially abortion), immigration rights for those here illegally, protection from sexual harassment, equal rights, education, and RESPECT.
They were preaching to the choir.
Although the new President was only on his 2nd day on the job, these gatherings were a warning shot across the bow to the President that he’s asking for trouble from at least one segment of Americans if he attempts to follow through against these issues.
Now, being an attendee at a political gathering is not on my Top 10 Things to Do. Especially on a weekend day-off, especially on a cold day, especially if it means getting up early in the morning and losing beauty sleep, and especially if it means going on an empty stomach without time for at least a cup of Joe!!
But, when I happen to know some of the organizers of an event I’ll make an effort to show up.
Hey, what are friends for? This is what friends are for, some scenes from a protest rally:
I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians. < former President Charles De Gaulle, France
Welcoming Party. A few familiar, friendly faces & rally organizers – Jan Sanders, Claire Bogaard, Judy Kent – made me feel at home! Organizers included Sanders, Kent, Pixie Bowden, Judy Hermosillo, Monica Hubbard, & Najeeba Syeed.
Sanders, the recently retired Pasadena Library Director, welcomes her fellow women. (You were wondering what retirees do with all their free time?)
Political signage was common. This looked professional done, but sadly the artist name slips my old memory. Anyone remember? But I do know the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena also played a role in creating political signage art for the local marches.
Lydia Finkley, one of the approximately 10 speakers, spoke on her issue – education.
It was great to see former Pasadena city councilwoman Jacque Robinson-Baisley make this early morning wake-up call. Immediately aimed my camera her way and she automatically posed with her message & winning smile.
Politics have no relation to morals. < Niccolo Machiavelli
MC Judy Hermosillo of the IBEW union, left, introduces another speaker.
My observation suggested an attendance estimate of around 700 people (90% female, at least 50% Planned Parenthood supporters, & maybe 1% Trump voters) The biggest chunk were from Pasadena, of course, with the remainder from neighboring cities.
All of us who are concerned for peace, triumph of reason & justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. < Albert Einstein
The speakers gave their message, of course, but so did the people with their signs, voices, and their clothing. Some of these protest art signs were created under the guidance of my artsy friend – Joan, at her Armory Center for The Arts.
California state Senator majority leader Kevin De Leon
For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. < President Trump
Behind congresswoman Judy Chu is your humble photographer.
We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people. < President Trump
“Women March & Fight!”
We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. < President Trump
Who loves you ladies: State Senator Anthony Portantino!
From the steps of Pasadena to the halls of Washington, we’re going to say enough. < State Senator Anthony Portantino
Everyone approved of Senator Portantino’s message.
The whole art of politics consists in directing rationally the irrationalities of men. < Reinhold Niebuhr
Angelica Salas, an immigrant rights advocate tried to fire up the crowd about immigration.
I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever, let you down!
America will start winning again, winning like never before. < President Trump
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. < former President Franklin D. Roosevelt
The rally over, my hope is that if nothing else people gained a renewed faith to believe in Truth. Afterward, some of the women would join up with a larger rally at Pershing Square & Grand Park in downtown Los Angele, part of similar protests in cities across the country. Did you attend either one?
The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Everyone is listening to you now. < President Trump
Over the next 2 days following this event I was talking with a couple of women in Pasadena. One voted Hillary, one went with the Donald. With just a mention of my attendance at this rally, each woman let me know they did not agree with this political event as it related to the new President.
We continue to be a nation divided thanks to politics & politicians as much as anything. Nothing new here.
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.
When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. < President Trump
“You’re Hired!”
“You’re Fired!”
What say You?
So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again! < President Trump
Cafe Pasadena 