How to Talk Politics

I haven’t blogged much since the election (it is after all, an election blog), but with the inauguration mere hours away, I thought it’s time again.

I am in Washingthton, D.C, to report on the Women’s March on Saturday, and on my way here I witnessed a inspirational example of how you should talk to someone who doesn’t share your political opinion.

A single woman had a ticket to the inauguration, the rest was coming from NYC for the march. It’s was pretty clear that most of the people on the bus were pro-Hillary, when the Trump supporter got asked what she is in the city for. She answered: “I am from the other side as you guys.”

And then the woman across from her said, “No, I don’t think so. There are no fences.” It completely took the Trump supporter by surprise, and meant she could then have an actual conversation with the people on the bus instead of getting defensive or aggressive.

Kudos to the woman on the bus to D.C.

Politically (Un)Correct Shopping @ Fishs Eddy

img_9823

Fishs Eddy has always been political, with their Hamilton shot glasses and Notorious RBG cups. This hasn’t changed post-election, and at their Broadway store, they aren’t even trying to hide what they think of the new president-elect.

All Trump merchandise is 30% off and proceeds from the “I am Huuuge” espresso cups are partly donated to Planned Parenthood.

img_9813-1

They also have an idea what you should do with their Trump blocks: burn them.

img_9815

Subtle.

img_9821-1

Meanwhile, they dedicated a wall with personal notes to HRC.

img_9816

Mayor Assures New Yorkers He Will Stand up to Trump

Bill De Blasio today promised all New Yorkers to stand up for their rights and against Trump in an hourlong speech at the Cooper Union.

“To all Latinos who heard their culture denigrated, we stand by you. To all the African Americans who have heard their history denied, we stand by you. To all the women who heard their rights being threatened, we stand by you. To all the Muslims who heard their faith belittled, we stand by you. To all those in the Jewish community who heard a resonance from history that gave them real fear and cause, we stand by you. To all those in the LGBT community who heard a message of taking us backward, we will never go backward, we stand by you. To all of you, we will protect you. This is your home.”

“We will use all the tools at our disposal to stand up for our people. If all Muslims are required to register, we will take legal action to block it. If the federal government wants our police officers to tear immigrant families apart, we will refuse to do it. If the federal government tries to deport law-abiding New Yorkers who have no representation, we will step in, we will work and build on the work of the City Council to provide these New Yorkers with the lawyers they need to protect them and their families. If the Justice Department orders local police to resume stop and frisk, we will not comply. We won’t trade in neighborhood policing for racial profiling. If there are threats for federal funding for Planned Parenthood in New York City, we will ensure women receive the healthcare they need. If Jews or Muslims or members of the LGBT community or any community are victimized or attacked, we will find their attackers, we will arrest them, we will prosecute them.”

Union Square Subway Therapy

Be kind to one another. Love Trumps Hate. It’s going to be ok. You are not alone. Love. Love. Love.

img_8444

Almost 80% of people in Brooklyn voted for Clinton. In Manhattan and the Bronx it’s closer to 90%.

Given these numbers it’s understandably that the win by Donald Trump came as a big and profound shock for the majority of New Yorkers.

On Wednesday, an artist started handing out post it to reeling New Yorkers in the Union Square subway station. The mission: write down your feelings and heal. Subway Therapy.

“Subway Therapy is about making people smile, laugh, and feel less stress,” the creator of the project, Matthew “Levee” Chavez, wrote on his website.

By now, the post-it wall spans several tunnels and is a beautiful and powerful statement of New Yorkers coming together. Take a look.

img_8434

img_8443img_8431

img_8438img_8435

img_8433img_8448

 

This is What Democracy Looks Like

img_8380

Thousands of protestors marched down Fifth Avenue today, marking it the fourth day of continuous anti-Trump protests in New York.

Across the boroughs, New Yorkers voted overwhelmingly for Clinton (almost 80% in Brooklyn,  close to 90% on Manhattan and Bronx).

Given these numbers it’s understandably that Trump’s surprising success left many New Yorkers looking for ways to show their anger. Or just a place to meet likeminded people.

“This makes me so happy,” said one woman in her twenties looking around the march. All around, there was a tremendous amount of positive energy, and the march didn’t only serve as an expression of free speech and political will, it also was like a big therapy session.

It was the first time many New Yorkers felt okay again all week.

img_8397

The peaceful protest was a wild mix of ages, genders and races, and so where the causes they were promoting in their signs and chants.

img_8297

My body, my choice. Her body, her choice.

img_8285

I object the president elect.

img_8351

Love trumps hate. 

img_8311

No hate. No fear. 

img_8392

This is what democracy looks like.

Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Donald Trump go away.

img_8391

We are the popular vote.

img_8396

Climate change is real. Protect the EPA. 

img_8286

Black lives matter.

img_8284

Anti-Trump Demonstrations Continue in New York

Slowly, but surely New York is waking up from it’s collective moment of shock and mourning.

In the meantime, many New Yorkers are tacking actions and protesting Trump and the values he stands for.  And even though Trump doesn’t seem to agree, peaceful demonstrations and marches are a powerful tool of democracy. So keep them coming!

Today – Saturday – two demonstrations are leaving Union Square to march to Trump Tower. One at noon, one at 9pm.

14955924_216481998774887_3976043085840283177_n

Meet you at Union Sq. at 12pm and march to Trump Tower (725 5th Ave) at 2pm.

Divided is the reason we just fell. We must unite despite our differences to stop HATE from ruling the land.

This is a peaceful protest. Violence/vandalism will not be tolerated

15032688_1833105746973642_222953123949763149_n

Exercise your right to free speech and PEACEFUL protest at Union Square Park this Saturday starting at 9pm! At 10 pm we will head to Trump Tower to join other protesters.

There is another protest earlier in the day, this is an opportunity for those who cannot make it to join in the fight. 
This is not about hate and anger- lets use our anger and frustration to show that our right to protest can make a difference when we do it the right way. No matter your reason for fighting back, make it there and make it known. 

 

Events: Gathering for Healing

With weeks predicting a strong lead for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump’s win came as a shock for many.

Especially here in liberal New York, walking through the streets today felt like a solemn funeral, with many people still railing with the results.

If you feel you need to share your feelings and get help lifting your spirits, there is a multi faith gathering in Washington Square Park at 3pm today.

14991860_1376435305714582_2548443447511270955_n