Rally to Restore Sanity

My thoughts, perspectives and photos

by: Diane Helen

From the moment this momentous happening was announced, it just was calling my name. I wavered for a bit using my age and physical limitations as a veiled reason why I should not. But as each day drew closer, it shouted BE THERE to me at the top of its reasonable lungs. I cast aside my fears of how physically demanding the event would be and just banked my heart and soul on what an uplifting and humanity reinforcing event I just had the sense it would be and made my plans. It helped tremendously of course that I have a great friend who lives in Baltimore who was willing to share the wonder of this event with me. Thank you sooo much Stacey for being my friend.

I arrived in Baltimore Friday night, we had a late dinner and early sleep, to get ready for a very ambitious day Saturday.  We left for the Greenbelt Metro about 8:30 Saturday Morning. When we arrived at the Metro station, even though its the beginning of the Green Line, it was packed at 9am. We did good planning, and pre ordered Fare Cards. We breezed right onto the train that came after a packed one left, so we had seats all the way in. After just few minutes waiting, before it left the station it was packed, and stayed that way all the way in.

We arrived at the Navy Archives Station, and as soon as we hit the street, you could just see and feel the excitement. The streets were bustling with rally goers and vendors selling stuff, and people giving away free stuff. My favorite little souvenir was a small hand towel, with the rally logo, provided by Reeses, one of the main sponsors.

We shuffled our way thru the crowds down 7th Street, the few blocks to where the Mall begins. We got on the mall, and it was quite busy already and it was only about 9:45am, with the Rally beginning at Noon. A strong sign this thing was going to be massive. We found a nice spot to sit, probably around 6th Street, just about 100 yards South of Madison. We were directly to the left of the National Gallery of Art.

As we set up our little area, there was plenty of space around us, people picnicking on the ground and just  a lovely atmosphere all around. Add to the feel of it, the weather could NOT have been better. A gorgeous late fall northeast day, 62 and sunny, just made an already perfect day even better.

As the time got closer, the area got tighter and tighter. Before the show even began, our little grassy haven was transformed into a sea of humanity.  By the time it did begin, it was wall to wall people, as far back as the eye could see. From  seeing some of the crowd shots on the Jumbotron we could see that the group expanded about the entire length of the Mall, which encompasses from the Capitol, to the Washington Monument.  Different sources after the fact are saying anywhere from about 250,000 - 400,00, Calm, Sane, Reasonable, NOT yelling and name calling, or stomping on peoples heads , Rally goers. It was truly a remarkable crowd to be in, for sooo many people.

What I just so LOVED about the crowd was the fact that it was a true picture of America. It was inclusive of all types, side by side, united to show that we exist  and can exist together. We were White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Gay, Straight, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, and all in between. We were rich poor, old young and every other possible demographic you can come up with. Yet we got along, and were all respectful of one another without the name calling and yelling that our 24 hours news media has used to pound our collective heads into the ground, only to make things worse. It was a crowd of moderate voices who realize that by sharing this amazing day, we can be seen as those who can work together, maybe..

 If you were not there, and especially to those who think this was just some comic folly, I urge you to at least be opened minded enough to watch the last 20 minutes of it or so, when Jon Stewart, whose brilliant mind conceived this event, gave his serious commentary about why we were there. Was there some comedy intertwined, sure, but it had a powerful and heartfelt message that we can all take something from.

There was a mix of entertainment, but I have to say, on a personal note my 2 favorite moments were:

1. Peace Train/Crazy Train/Love Train dueling medley. Jon Stewart (a Jew) came out, and introduced Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens (a Muslim) with a hug, and obvious friendship, for him to begin his classic song Peace Train. The song was interrupted by Colbert, Stewarts faux conservative foil, who comically, says we should be fearful of, well everything, and brings on stage Ozzie Osborne to sing HIS hit, Crazy Train. The 2 hosts, battle back and forth a  bit about which train is better, when Jusuf and Ozzie walk off the stage. Stewart and Colbert then agree to find a middle ground, and they bring on stage the O.J.s to Sing THEIR hit, Love Train.  It was a wonderfully done expression of meaning , done in a delightfully entertaining way.

2. Stewart and Colbert spar about who is more deserving to wear an American Flag Sweater, and the 2 of them go off in song about being an American. Again, funny as can be, but with a clear message. There is NOT just ONE type of American.

At the end of the Rally, a CRUSH of people exiting the Mall, trying to get to the Metro. It took almost 45 minutes of stepping one step every 2 minutes to get to 7th Street, and eventually to the PACKED Metro. But again, everyone was tired, exhausted, but still calm, and happy, and reasonable, and helpful to one another.

 

It was just a remarkable day, that really left my heart and spirits soaring. I may go so far as to say, maybe one of the top 5 days of my entire 60 years of life.

 

So, without further adieu, here are the photos I got to capture my day. As you can see from start to middle to end, just HOW the crowd just swelled.

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