Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
We were a very small group yesterday, in part due to cold temps & wind, but mostly I believe people were saving their energy for the #NotYourMascot Rally at TCF Stadium today, that is taking place as I type, and the crowd looks huge! I chose yesterday's rally because I am not a morning person, even with the fall back time change to help!
More photos and brief commentary below the orange squiggle.
I was pleased that all of our speakers encouraged voting. Occasionally I see people saying it doesn't matter, but smart activists know better than to give up any rights or tools they have.
Martin Michaels -Workers International League- spoke first. He reminded us of some of the history of money in politics, and both our more recent problems as well as events that give him hope. He emphasized the need for a Labor party, an idea that is getting more and more traction among people I know. This may not be the sort of thing you want to hear at Daily Kos, but Democrats who don't support the working class can't expect the working class to continue supporting them.
Heather Johnson-U.S. Senate candidate, Libertarian Party. I don't agree with much of their platform, but she did a good job detailing how the 2 major parties are only serving their corporate donors.
Sam Wagner -OccupyMN- always inspiring, gave a fiery critique of the capitalist powers that be. It was Sam who told me after the rally not to be disappointed by the numbers, every action means something (think Butterflies & Hurricanes)
Osha Karow -OccupyMN- appears to have the divine light of wisdom shining on him :-) as he wrapped up the speeches, ending with the Samuel Beckett quote:
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.
Then we unfurled the banner and I believe most marched to a warm coffee shop for further dialogue.
However, today is not merely failing better, it is a massive success- my twitter feed is going crazy and I think they could have over 1000 at the #NotYourMascot action. For more details on today's happenings, check out @WamSwagner on twitter.
So do what you can, even if it seems small, I know one of our speakers (forgive me for not remembering which) spoke of us as sparks that will ignite the fire of real change.