Sometimes, demonstrations hit a sweet spot where they express rage over injustice and, simultaneously, make you feel optimistic about the prospect for change.

I’m just back from marching with my wife and two boys, and I can tell you that’s what happened today in Washington, D.C.

Protests and marches took place across the nation’s capital — and in literally hundreds of cities and towns all over the country — today.

There was intense pain and anger over the senseless police murders of so many people of color.

There was an eyes-wide-open recognition about the depths of systemic racism, not just in police departments but throughout society. I don’t think anyone on the streets today has any fantasies that these problems will be “solved” anytime soon.

But there was also a profound sense of joy.

A palpable feeling not only that things must change, but that they will — and are starting to do so.

A recognition that we are at what may be a transformative historical moment.

Most of the marches in D.C. today converged on the White House (or, more precisely, the streets near the White House, since the park areas in front of and behind the White House are entirely fenced off).

There was fury aplenty about Donald Trump, to be sure.

But so too was there a sense of looking beyond Trump, to a future that is not-Trump.

None of us should have any illusions that this future is now inevitable.

Yet today — on the streets of Washington, D.C., and so many other places — it was crystal clear that such a future is, indeed, possible.

It’s our job to make it so.

In unity.

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus emergency. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Anything you chip in today will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Thank you.
 
 
Public Citizen | 1600 20th Street NW | Washington DC 20009 | Unsubscribe