EC to DC

an example of what the keystone pipeline would look like, photo courtesy of resourceful earth

If you read or watch the news  (or listen to NPR) you are aware that a protest occurred in Washington, DC on Sunday the 17^th of this month. This protest, objecting to the Keystone XL pipeline, had over 35,000 marchers, making it the largest environmental march in history. The following essay is a description of my experience as a protester at that rally.

I learned about the protest from the volunteers outside of the mailboxes and thought it might be something which I would enjoy, as well as being a subject I am very concerned about. I did not think I would be able to make it though, because my Comps exam was scheduled for that Sunday, but thankfully it was moved. So I paid the necessary deposit and got ready to leave, while all of my friends called me a dirty hippy. To get to DC was a 14 hour drive through the Friday night when we left. Believe me it was not exactly a dream ride, being stuffed into a van with 13 other people for hours on end.

We arrived in DC that evening, and stayed overnight in a church, with no shower. It had been 24 hours since I had showered so I was already pretty grimy, given that the van was packed and I tend to stress-sweat.  It was too late in the afternoon to go anywhere (thanks to a breakfast at Denny’s which took more than 2 hours) so I spent the evening reading, hanging out and watching “Django Unchained,” before curling up on the floor and going to bed.

Sunday I woke up early to go into National Mall with a group from Eckerd, and see an exhibit, before joining the protest in front of the Washington Memorial.  About ½ an hour of speeches proceeded the actual march. It was one of the coldest days I have experienced in a long time, and I only had 3 layers on under a thin hoody.  As we marched we chanted statements like “Show me what Democracy looks like, this is what Democracy looks like,” or my personal favorite “KXL I don’t care, I wanna save a polar bear.”  I cannot express the joy of being surrounded by so many people trying to make a difference many of whom had traveled across the country to be in DC. It was humbling that I had the opportunity to be at the protest.

After marching for almost 5 hours we went back to the Church and retrieved our belongings, and began to drive back to Eckerd. I arrived back at Eckerd stressed out (tensions tend to get high when you’re cramped together for so long and sleep deprived) and having not bathed in almost 72 hours. I am grateful to have experienced this rally and urge my readers to do the same when you get the chance to stand up for what you believe in.