I got the bus for a 5:00 am start from New Jersey to the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., a gathering of hundreds of thousands – “Who are we? We’re the popular vote!” – on the Mall. We were ready to show and tell the reasons #WhyIMarch. Some warned to “Respect Existence or Expect Resistance”. Some reminded us that “Environmental Rights Are Women’s Rights and Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”. As Beth observed, they stood up for Islamic and LGBTI communities. They asserted “My Body – My Choice”. There were lots of women – and lots of men (who counter-chanted “Her Body – Her Choice”).

My fellow marchers declared “Water Is Life” and called for “Climate Justice Now”.

The old labor slogan “An Injury to One Is an Injury to All” captured the spirit of this peaceful, cooperative community, pledging ourselves to work for shared values.

IntLawGrrls-pink PussyHats, most knitted by the wearers or their friends, were worn by people of all genders and non-genders.

There were so many of us that we filled the march route and took to other streets so that we could walk.

Updated #s from @dr_pete

Los Angeles: 750K

Washington, DC: 500K

Chicago: 250K

Denver: 200K

New York: 150K+

Seattle: 130K

Boston: 125K

London: 100K

Over and over, as we headed back to the bus for home, strangers smiled, nodded, acknowledged each other and said words to the effect “It was a great day. I’m glad I came. We can’t stop here. We have to keep working on this.”

Good night – sleep well – we have work to do tomorrow, stronger together.