What democracy looks like

If feminist April Malo had gone to Madison on Jan. 21 and marched with some 75,000 to 100,000 women (and men), she would have seen for herself that there was no violence at all at the historical women’s march (“Disappointed by protests,” Letter, Jan. 29)

Those of us who did march saw vast crowds of energized women in an upbeat frame of mind actively taking to the streets to bring about justice for all in a somewhat noisy but nonviolent manner. Colorful signs, banners, chants, singing and dancing created an exciting atmosphere of solidarity that permeated the joyful but nonviolent crowd.

The march in Madison was in solidarity with the women’s march in Washington, where a half-million women rallied and marched for justice. The world community joined United States women in solidarity with marches all across the globe supporting women’s struggle for justice for immigrants, refugees, workers, reproductive rights, LGBT and, in short, justice and rights for all. Some 5 million women from all over the world marched.

The women’s marches helped to produce the momentum for the huge crowds at U.S. airports protesting President Donald Trump’s ban on Muslims from seven Middle Eastern countries. Women are putting their bodies on the line, marching in the streets, making our voices heard to demand justice at this very important time in American history.

The new president must listen to the voices of the people. This is a democracy and not a dictatorship. There must be constant vigilance with informed citizens ready to take to the streets to make their voices heard. Loud? Noisy? Energetic? Yes! Violent? No. This is what democracy looks like.

Joan Picard Bleidorn Shorewood