JANUARY 20, 2001

PORTLAND PROTEST

Portland, OR, Jan. 20 Thousands of people protested the Bush un-presidency this afternoon in Portland Oregon's Pioneer Courthouse Square (a city employee estimated 5-6 thousand; local media reported "several hundred"). Signs voiced our dismay in diverse and creative ways, ranging from "Coup d'etat is Not a Town in France" to "My Dog Knows What to Do With a Bush" and of course multiple versions of "Hail to the Thief." 

At the center of the crowd folks took turns with the megaphone, speaking out their outrage and grief and passionate determination to restore our democracy. A woman chanted "I will not behave! We have no obligation to behave when our country is being taken away from us!" The people enthusiastically repeated the chant. 

There were cheerleaders. One group sang a pro-democracy song to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with the refrain of "We will take back our great nation, from big money's domination, with a new Emancipation, the truth will make us free." 

Speakers presented a message of persistent, patient and joyous resistance, emphasizing the need to organize and speak out, and the importance of having as much fun as we can while we fight. 

Finally, as drums beat louder and louder, people marched around the square behind a big American flag with corporate logos instead of stars. The gathering was high-energy but peaceful. A friend described it as "convivial." 

The cops seemed relaxed, hanging out on the perimeter in small groups smiling and chatting with each other. I hadn't known what to expect at today's protest. 

Some of the after-"election" protests here in November were nearly overwhelmed by throngs of marching Republicans (who were organized and directed by their party, and possibly paid). 

Today's protest was intense and inspiring. It will definitely keep me going for a while.