Protests aim to turn fears into progress
NEW YORK: On the eve of the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, thousands of protesters and a group of Hollywood celebrities took to the streets in New York City in what was meant to be a show of unity and a prelude to what organisers hoped would be a weekend of dissent around the country.
In the days after Mr Trump’s election, protesters gathered night after night, often at the base of the Trump Tower in New York City. On Thursday, with his presidency hours from becoming reality, they rallied near Central Park, in the shadow of another one of the many skyscrapers bearing the Trump name.
Many said they had a personal fear of the new president. “Trump is a direct threat to me and my humanity,” said Ravenne Reid, 19, a student at John Jay College, as the rally near the Trump International Hotel and Tower began. “I’m worried about student loans and women’s rights and a million other issues. I couldn’t not be here.”
The rally was likely a sign of things to come over the next four years, with Trump-branded buildings in the president-elect’s hometown making the perfect backdrop for opponents of his policies.
To Ms Reid, that seemed like an opportunity. “You can’t ignore what’s outside your window,” she said. “I’m hoping the sight of all these people resonates with him personally.”
Mark Ruffalo, an actor and one of the organisers of the protest, said in a statement before the rally began that “thousands of New Yorkers are coming together to stand up for one another, as we will do every day, to protect the values we hold dear — to fight for health care, criminal justice, immigrant rights, and action on climate change”.
As Mr Trump was serenaded at a concert on the National Mall in Washington that featured performers such as The Piano Guys, a YouTube sensation, and the percussionist DJ Ravidrums, Robert DeNiro took the stage in New York to mock Mr Trump’s Twitter habit. Later, Alec Baldwin reprised his Trump impersonation from Saturday Night Live, joking that he was heading over to the Russian Consulate, before calling for “100 days of resistance” from the crowd.
Speaking backstage, Cher said that she took part because “I want to show people the danger”. She also said that she doubted Mr Trump would find the White House to his taste. “The Lincoln bedroom is fabulous,” she said, “but it’s not big.”
The city’s Democratic mayor, Bill de Blasio, also took part, telling the crowd: “Tomorrow, Donald Trump will have power but tomorrow, you will have power as well. Donald Trump may control the agenda in Washington, but we control our destiny as Americans.”
Somewhat unexpectedly, the election of Mr Trump has been a political boon to Mr de Blasio, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton and disagrees strongly with most of the major policy proposals set forth by president-elect.
In speeches and television appearances, Mr de Blasio has presented himself as a bulwark against the president-elect for New Yorkers who are fearful of what the incoming administration could bring about for immigrants, residents of public housing and other vulnerable groups.
Indeed, outside Trump International Hotel and Tower near Columbus Circle, the voices were often anything but moderate. Nearly an hour before the rally even started, dozens of demonstrators had gathered to voice their discontent with the incoming administration. Joan Hirsch was among a group of organisers leading chants of “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA”.
“At this point, the only way to defeat Trump is mass resistance in the streets,” said Ms Hirsch, an organiser with Refuse Fascism, an anti-Trump group. “Think Tahrir Square, think South Korea — that’s what needs to happen in this country.”
Jawanza Clark, a professor at Manhattan College, also hoped that the rally would serve as a potent image of resistance to Mr Trump. “In some ways it’s a symbolic gesture but it sends a message that we’re not backing down,” said Mr Clark, 42, of the Bronx. He brought along his sons Jeremiah, 10, and Jordan, 5, because, he said: “I wanted them to see the type of country they’re living in.”
The New York rally was one of many in a protest movement that has rippled across the country for days preceding Mr Trump’s inauguration, culminating in the planned Women’s Marches today in Washington and other cities.
Caravans, buses and individual travellers have been trickling into Washington throughout the week, with protesters finding housing at local churches and on friends’ couches.
Refuse Fascism has also been holding daily marches this week throughout the capital starting last Saturday, when hundreds of protesters mixed with late night revellers. On Tuesday, tourists in the city’s downtown area encountered activists carrying signs promising to “Bring D.C. To A Halt!”
On Wednesday night, protesters marched to the temporary home of VicePresident Mike Pence to hold a Queer Dance Party. The protest brought hundreds dancers shaking their hips to songs by Rihanna and Queen, waving rainbow flags and showering the streets with “biodegradable” glitter to chants of “We are here, we are queer, we will dance”.