We Are One

Today, 4 April 2011, is the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was in Memphis, Tennessee at the time to show his support for sanitation workers who dreamed of a better life.  Because we are still - 43 years later - seeing unprecedented onslaught on public sector workers and their rights by right-wing zealots, today has been set aside by labor groups for all to show solidarity with workers - especially those in Wisconsin who have received some slight news coverage - but also those in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Rhode Island, to name but a few.

Even though the day began with gray clouds and rain, several US expatriates in Switzerland met at Place des Nations in Geneva, before the main UN gate where flags of all member nations are flown.  We want to show that even though we are not IN the United States right now, we are paying close attention to what is happening in our country and we are solidly on the side of the workers.

People began arriving at about 17:30 (5:30 pm) and assembling beneath the Broken Chair monument.

Some had brought signs of their own;

others used those that were provided by the organizers.

Some combined signs.

Even younger ones participated - and won points for creativity ...

although it is likely that some of the youngest will have no memory of their first protest action.

After a few short speeches and cheers from all assembled - even some bemused tourists stopped and took photos, then joined right in with us - the group dispersed.

Some returned to the workplace, some adjourned to The Pickwick Pub, and others of us simply made our way home, wishing that we could do more - much more - to show our support.

The sun began returning during our rally and by the time we dispersed, the sky was a beautiful blue.  May this be an omen of good tidings to all who continue to struggle against well-financed corporate power and zealotry!