The Women’s March held on January 21st, was one of the most moving moments of my life. The overwhelmingly positive nature of the crowd was incredible to behold. I stood there in Washington D.C., the seat of our democracy feeling awash in love and sisterhood.

All around me were women representing  the strength of our differences. I proudly stood next to women of all ages, colors, sexual orientations and religions. The Muslim women with their heads covered, made me feel proud to welcome them. The crowd was huge, but if someone needed to get through, we squished together and made room somehow. When standing in the endless Porta Potty lines, someone would invariably offer a wet wipe or a protein bar. The chants I heard were positive too. “This is what democracy looks like,” and “Our bodies, our choice,” rang out over and over. The number of men present, perhaps 1 out of 20 people, made me smile too. They stood there within sight of the capitol, supporting their daughters, their wives, and all the women they care about. For me it was transformational.

The sign my group carried, as you can see from the picture above (I’m in the back row in the pick coat) had a purely positive message. There were of course the anti-Trump signs, many  humorous, but negative none the less. I do regret that a very important part of our female population did not feel welcome. Those women who voted for President Trump and are more conservative in their politics, could not be with us to bath in the positive waves of girl power. This saddens me. The March should have been for all women.

In my mind it was a demonstration of support for sisterhood and not a protest against anyone. I realize by reading differing viewpoints and talking to conservative friends, the timing was offensive to them. President Trump had just taken the oath of office. I saw it as our voices needed to be heard ASAP and I did not intend to offend. Mine was not the only view I realize. If it was in my power I would organize a unity march. A dear and intelligent friend pointed out to me, unfortunately no one would attend.

We need to realize now that we are not just liberals and conservatives. We are all Americans.  I don’t expect  rainbows and puppies from this administration. Constructive criticism is different that attacks and can be positive in its result. The problems facing our nation are our shared problems. I propose we work together to attack problems not people. From this day forward my posts and suggestions will be positive. It is in the power of our diversity we are the strongest. Let’s use our talents and ideas to harness the power positivity for the good of all Americans.