I felt like I was at a Sixties protest, complete with signs, protest songs that would have made Woody Guthrie proud and plenty of fiery speeches.  As an aside it sure is funny what people say to you when they see a nearly 70 year old camera hanging from your neck. Talked to a fellow Leica user who had two new ones attached to some very fancy straps (one new M6 for film and one very fancy looking digital number), as well as a protestor who used Nikon F’s and Rollei’s. The latter had a darkroom, shot black and white and was actually familiar with the Monalog Collective! My guess is the former scanned his negatives and printed them on an inkjet printer. Sorry … I know … be nice!

I had intended to go to the protest in Philly that day, but having just got back from Buffalo I thought it best to stay local, and I’m really glad I did!  It doesn’t matter where you are protest … just get out there and be a part of it! It will make a difference! There were over 8 million who participated this time around and I suspect the next one in May will draw an even larger turnout.

I started going to these events primarily to photograph, but the more I’ve gone, the more I’ve become a full participant. Still making photographs but getting much more involved. The good thing is you can do both … participate and be a part of something truly historic and chronicle the history that is being made!

So there you have it … short and sweet … if you care about our democracy and our proper role in the world, and you happen to make photographs, then what are you waiting for?  Get out there!  It’s the perfect thing to do!

Make some plans for May and be sure to check out the other events that will certainly take place before it.  It will be worth it! And don’t worry if you’re characterized as a communist, radical leftest or worse by El Jefe and the regime’s sycophants and Vichy collaborators. That means you’re having a positive impact! Think of it as a badge of honor!

Stay well,

Michael