(This is a continuation and conclusion of my diary from yesterday)
My friend Nick had a dream he told me about. Friday night, we were honoring John Nirenberg, the Brattleboro professor walking from Boston to DC calling for Pelosi to put impeachment back on the table. Nick told me he had a dream that John would pick up marchers, a few at a time, as he made his way down towards Washington, until, by the time he entered the city in January, he was flanked by a million people.
(cont. from Saturday) On Thursday, after walking with John for about four miles, I caught a bus back to the car, then went home, grabbed my video camera and a hot chocolate for John. Maureen in Saunderstown called and made plans to walk with John for several miles in North Kingstown. Traffic was fast and dangerous, and John said he found it "numbing" as he and Maureen negotiated this busy, multi-lane section of Rt. 1.
Friendly honks and thumbs up offered some solace, even as the fumes, the dust and the traffic oppressed. Stone walls, old farmhouses and bare trees were the backdrop on this stretch. I spoke with Bob Kerr, finishing up his article for Friday's Providence Journal. John walked all the way to South Kingstown by the time he called it quits at 3:30. Over pints and dinner at the Mews Tavern in Wakefield, we made arrangements for him to speak to students at South Kingstown High School the next day
John chronicles his own day's activities at the blog on his own site,March in My Name. The site now shows daily updates of the following day's starting point, and the blog recaps highlights and impressions, including photos, from the previous day. Friday Dec. 7,John had the added bonus of the Bob Kerr article in the Providence Journal, which came out that morning. Fifteen minutes into his walk, a car pulled over and a woman gave John hot chocolate and donuts. Soon after, Bob,the owner of a Harley Davidson dealership from Westerly, RI, got dropped off by his wife and walked with John for about eight miles. When I came for John to take him to his talk at the high school, John and Bob were having a good old time. The sky had been threatening snow all morning, but the weather held.
We got to the high school, and John O., a social studies teacher, had arranged for John to speak to two classes in the school library. It was there I realized that John Nirenberg, who years ago was also a social studies teacher, is a gifted speaker and educator. His talk was clear, the kids were attentive, respectful, and asked great questions. When the talk and the Q & A were done, the kids crowded around him, thanking him, signing his petition, shaking his hand. One local student organizer, Evan, a politically engaged young person if there was one, told John he would organize a group of students to walk with him into DC in January.
Next stop was a local bakery run by a friend of mine (where there is no love lost on George Bush), where John was lavished with his pick of pastries and drinks, and sent off with a goody bag for the road. He walked another six miles that afternoon. At one point a guy stopped and gave him hand warmers and a pint of Yukon Jack. The sleet started about an hour before he called the walk done for the day, but John was upbeat even as he thawed out at our local food co-op, where he was treated to hot soup and the goodwill of more local fans.
Our potluck reception for John that night drew about fifty people, in spite of the continued bad weather. The event was combined with a signature gathering workshop to get Dennis Kucinich on the Rhode Island ballot. John's words to that group were compelling, as he again articulated the need for impeachment and advocacy for the Constitution and the rule of law. Be sure to watch his video at his site to get a sense of his inescapable logic and gentle manner. His talk ended with a standing ovation, leaving him with great memories of his experience in our state.
A final note: On Thursday, I called a contact from a national impeachment organization I had been in touch with back when we attempted to pass an impeachment resolution in my town. I asked whether this organization and website were covering "that guy walking from Boston to DC for impeachment." She replied,"No, we're working on something much bigger than that."
John is walking 485 miles in winter to speak with Nancy Pelosi about an issue of vital importance to all of us, in an "activation of my citizenship," and an affirmation of trust that we still live in a democratic system where our voices matter. I consider this effort on a par with any high-profile legal effort, massive petition drive, sweeping town resolution effort. No one should underestimate John Nirenberg, diminish or minimize what he is doing. To those who have met him, he is a true hero and patriot. I hope thousands more have the privilege of making his acquaintance, talking with him, supporting him, before his walk is done.
My hope is that the coordination of positive press, up-to-date communication on John's whereabouts, walking support, and the cooperation of area activists, can insure that John is backed in his effort by a growing contingent as he heads south. John walks from Stonington, Connecticut today. Yesterday, people drove for miles to join him in his walk. Connecticut activists, now it's your turn. Please take good care of our friend John Nirenberg, and spread the word about his heroic effort.March in My Name
David
South Kingstown Justice and Peace Action Group
Rhode Island Impeach