If a weblog is a blog, would a photo weblog be a plog? There were three rallies for May Day in Seattle. I was fortunate to get to attend one of them. I hope the other two got as much support! The pictures are uplifting. Old, young, all colors, all beliefs, all united for human dignity.
The focus, if it had one, of this particular rally was immigration reform. There have been a number of other diaries on why this is a labor issue, so I won't get into that. Immigration reform is an issue near to my heart for personal reasons as well. My husband is Canadian. But immigration was only one of a number of issues people marched behind.
We started at Judkins Park, headed through the International District, and made our way into downtown. Pictures below the fold.
People were already gathering by 3p.m. for the march at four. By people, I mean all sorts of people.
These fine ladies were looking for a ride to the end of the march route. While they may not have been able to march they were certainly out to prove that young people do not have the corner on understanding and tolerance.
These guys from UFCW 21 probably got tired of having their pictures taken.
Along with the immigration reform folks, there were several anti-war groups. This gentleman's sign speaks for itself.
This sign is from a group dedicated to health care reform. You can't work if you're sick, disabled, or suffering from a chronic condition. There's a health care march on May 30th. You can read about it here.
This young man likes his teacher just fine, thanks, and would like you to know it. Unfortunately, he's rather . . . short . . . and more interested in his message than getting his picture taken. He was part of a much larger group with fewer signs, more drums, and more height. Perhaps he's learning to drum?
And so folks mingled, passed out flyers, played with the cockatoo (you can see him to the left of the sign) and generally had a groovy time there on the group W bench . . . wait, no, wrong sort of protest.
Back to the subject at hand! Musicians are workers too.
And then we were off, with some wonderful dancers to lead us. Prior to starting the march they faced east and conducted a dance ritual. Their drummer (yes, musicians are workers too) was quite good and a pleasure to hear.
This unlikely pair found common group discussing soccer as we headed down 20th. Priests, rebels, the big tent just keeps growing.
The longshoremen turned out, dedicated as always to safety. This gent's shirt reads "An injury to one is an injury to all".
Along the way we were joined by the teamsters.
And the janitors.
And carpenters.
And folks that believe in buying local, living global.
And queers.
That big tent got so big that we filled the street as we marched along S. Jackson. The SPD did a great job of handling traffic and interfacing with the march directors to keep things moving at the planned speed. I think everyone would have liked to go faster, but the reality is that marching through a big city during rush hour takes co-ordination.
About the time we were heading under I-5 I realized that I really wished I could get be up on the overpass to capture the whole thing at once. Then I realized I knew someone whose office overlooked 4th street! If I called ahead while I ran . . .
I had just enough time to get up to the 17th floor, say "Happy May Day" to a confused looking programmer, and snap a few shots. I apologize for the reflected image. That's not a giant leather jacket attacking the city, I promise. But for what it's worth, he's an immigrant too.
And now, just for the Republicans, because they do love their stereotypes:
No one fell off it.