Today we battled traffic to drive downtown. Then we battled a crowd of thousands of science geeks and nerds. Then we stood exposed in 80+ degree sunshine for 2 hours. Finally we marched, a short, but spirited march from Sam Houston Park looping around to City Hall (only 2 blocks away if we walked straight there).
The crowd was very diverse. Officially, this was a non-partisan demonstration in support of funding and respect for science (and scientists). There was definitely some anti-Trump elements present, but mostly signs with witty puns on science. I saw references to chemistry, physics, math, geology, Einstein, Darwin, Curie, list goes on…
I got a picture of one of my fave signs (-->), but there were plenty others that made me giggle.
As I’m a musician (hobby) besides a chemist (career), my sign read “Real facts, alternative music.” I made it in the car on the drive down, so it was low-tech, but I got a handful of thumbs-up.
I saw a number of the “pink” knitted hats, but I also saw a number of “brain” hats. I want one. I’m calling my sister, who knits!
As we marched, there were a couple good chants going. My personal favorite “What do we want?” Response : “Evidence-based science policy.” “When do we want it?” Response : “After peer-review.”
I saw absolutely zero counter-protesters or violence, so I don’t know if the media will even bother covering the event. For a crowd of engineers, chemists, physicists, etc., it was just a great chance to get out of the lab and actually talk to other human beings.
The crowd was too large as everyone gathered at city hall, so we hung out across the street for a bit, but the kids were hungry, so we headed across town for lunch at The Hobbit Cafe.
We missed the Women’s march due to conflicting personal plans, but it felt good to go out and take a stand for something important. Even though we got awfully hot and hungry, it was a good time!
Now I’ve got to talk the family into going back next week for the Climate March!!!
Cheers, Kevin