Harrell gets first-hand look at historic weekend

Published 8:42 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Editor’s Note: Linda McCormick-Harrell, who recently moved to Colquitt County from Thomasville, where she was a Republican delegate, attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump and the Women’s March last weekend. She sent the following reports to The Observer Saturday night, too late for the Sunday edition, and their publication was further delayed by coverage of Sunday’s storm and its aftermath. Here is what a Colquitt Countian saw, heard and experienced in Washington, D.C.

Jan. 19

First day, Thursday coming into town we were having feelings of pride taking over. Seeing one beautiful building after another, we continued to search out tickets through our representatives. Finally Rep. Sanford D. Bishop’s office said they would be willing to give us two tickets. We immediately turned around on our walk to the White House to head in the direction of the Rayburn Building where the congressional offices of Rep. Bishop are located.

Lines of people were around the building to pick up their tickets. Speaking with many people who all seemed excited and thrilled to be in Washington, like us, for the first time. The enthusiasm was felt throughout the day.

More than anything, there was a wonderful sense of history surrounding us. When you look around you realize that for a country that is so young there is such a rich history of innovators, steadfast principles, and great people who believe in the American way of life. In ways, we felt as if we were truly a part of it all. Can’t wait for day two, Friday Inauguration Day!!!

Jan. 20

We woke up early (5 a.m.) knowing we would need every second of the morning to get into our designated area for the Inauguration. Upon arriving at the first security check point (located near 7th St. on Indiana Ave. N.W.) we were immediately greeted by “The Resistance” protestors who tried to bar us from passing and witnessed a few of their members attack police. A couple members of their group were arrested and the rest were removed from the entry lines.

After passing through our first security check point we walked to Pennsylvania Avenue which was on complete lock down with thousands of law enforcement officers (including surrounding states) and Secret Service members. We waited for a short time until we were allowed to cross Pennsylvania Avenue to our second security checkpoint. We crossed the National Mall and walked a few blocks east until we reached the “Silver Gate” where we again went through another security checkpoint.

As we gathered in our section we were delighted to see a very diverse group of people. It was refreshing to see so many young people and people from every ethnicity. Everyone we spoke to was so hopeful for the future and very relieved that Donald Trump was finally becoming the president. Most had supported him throughout, but many had supported other candidates before they truly felt Trump and his feelings aligned with theirs.

During the introductions there were many different chants and feelings being expressed. For instance, when Hillary Clinton was introduced there was a booming “BOO” from the crowd, or when Melania Trump was introduced screams of joy erupted. Of course when Donald Trump was introduced many different chants could be heard such as “USA USA USA” and “TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP.” After he was sworn in there were many people who cheered until they ran out of breath.

Afterwards the crowd began quickly moving towards the exits to make their way to the parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue. As we were walking Jackie Evancho could be heard beginning the National Anthem, and as if every single person had the same thought, thousands of people stopped dead in their tracks, removed their hats, placed their hands over their hearts and listened respectfully. We then made our way through the parade route and out of the secured area.

We saw multiple small groups (5-15 people) of protestors walking the streets and decided it would be best to make our way to our vehicle. We tuned to Fox News Radio and within minutes heard reports of violent protestors attacking police. We sat in the vehicle for a while and listened as the news of rioting got worse and worse. We decided we would try and make our way to the White House. Traffic was terrible and it was blatantly clear why. Large numbers of protestors had amassed in the middle of crucial through-streets, preventing any traffic from passing east or west. We realized it would probably be best to just call it day and avoid all of the ruckus so we made our way back to the hotel to watch the events unfold on the news

Jan. 21

We drove into D.C. intent on seeing the other major sites on the National Mall (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and The White House). When we arrived the entire downtown area surrounding the National Mall was closed off very much like the day before. We knew about the Million Women March, but had no idea how big the turnout would actually be.

As we approached downtown it was very clear to us that the turnout was massive. Ten blocks away from their designated route their trademark pink cat-eared beanies could be seen on nearly every woman. We found parking approximately two miles from the National Mall and walked the rest of the way into the chaos.

We were disappointed that the Lincoln Memorial was still closed, and as we walked towards the Washington Monument we began hearing the roar of the protests. Chants and the sounds of their designated speakers could be heard from afar. We approached Constitution Avenue on 17th St. and were stunned by the sheer number of people in the March both women and men.

For a March named the “Million Women March” there was quite a large percentage of them who were men. I estimated somewhere in the ball park of 60 percent women and 40 percent men.

I think the most striking aspect of the whole protest was the rhetoric used to get their message across. Chants so vulgar and senseless it almost felt childish. Signage that was so crude and vulgar it was an embarrassment to see children at the event.

When I asked a couple different women what they were fighting for, never was it clear except to say abortion and to keep your hands off their genital area. We ended up speaking with a police officer and standing with him for half an hour. He greeted us by jokingly exclaiming “welcome to D.C.” while rolling his eyes. We shook his hand and thanked him for his service to our country.

We photographed many of the protestors and their signs as we sat in utter amazement of their disregard for the young children along the route. Many of them shouting obscenities and wearing provocative clothing. We heard reports over the police radio that many of the protestors had been trampled. At one point the officer expressed concern for the March participants saying they expected casualties and multiple injuries from the trampling. We saw multiple police and EMS vehicles making their way through the sea of protestors to help the injured.

We were able to see a few of the monuments then eventually gave up on our day of sight-seeing and headed to the hotel after the March became more and more disorganized with many of its participants spreading throughout the National Mall and The Ellipse behind the White House.