Why I wouldn't March with the women at this time...

                As I sat with my sick son as he threw up through the late hours of the night I couldn't help but think how grateful I was to have my i-phone that I could pop headphones into and watch some Netflix, or surf the internet with to help me stay awake with my poor boy; however, as I mind numbingly thumbed through Facebook I became extremely annoyed at all the feed over this women's march and the negative comments directed to the women who chose NOT to march. I typically reframe from posting anything political or extremely personal on social media because (1) It's social media...  (2) I never want to offend anyone or infringe on their rights, and (3) I'm terrified of backlash and wish to avoid heated confrontation. That being said, "the squeaky wheel gets the oil," and I feel it's important for people who maybe feel as I do to know they're not alone. So I dared to comment on someone's thread... that conversation caused me to really sum up how I feel and I now want to record it so my children/future self know just how I felt at this time of Presidential changing and Marching.
                  So, to all who really press upon those who didn't march and consider us "fence sitters" and "bystanders" in life, here is where I stand:

                  Not marching IS a stance. It's not a person just standing by. It's a chance for someone to show that they also have their own opinion in not joining the group. And the group should allow a person this freedom without discrediting those actions of others. 

Marching for a common goal (or many individual goals) is a miraculous demonstration of human right and power to create change. 

Heck, if our founding fathers and those around that time hadn't stood together and left England, we wouldn't have America, and these beautiful freedoms in the first place. So I think it is incredible the dedication and caring we are seeing from all these incredible women across the States. 

That being said, I wouldn't join these marches. They aren't moving for change, as our founding fathers did. They are for causes that are in a way just a complaint. And I am not saying these women aren't justified in their concerns and complaints because they are legitimately feeling them. But marching to demonstrate your fears and anger over how life is is like my three year old throwing a fit that there is broccoli on his plate, and he is in fact going to have to face the fact that he has to eat it. He is justified in this anger and dislike, but after he protests (peacefully or riotously) he has to find a way to live and deal with the truth that the broccoli will be eaten. 

Now, that is a small insignificant example compared to important topics such as health care, feeling safe, women's rights, and all their reasons. 

But my final point is, if you're marching to just show individual frustrations as a group you're not really standing together. You're still just one individual complaining, not really asking for change.

 It's not hard to gather people together, especially if they get to complain! People gather for flash mobs and trending media themes. Six million  people showed up to see the Chicago river dyed Blue to celebrate the cubs. Social media and large populations have made it so easy to spread a message. And people LOVE to belong and join the crowd. Just go to NY and stand in 5 hr lines for bagel... bagels. 

A group march with no common goal other than to say, "we are here and we are angry. Don't think you're going to have an easy time ignoring us," is a group of peopl who have chosen to miss work, leave their families, and put off their responsibilities that will still be there when they are done...because the March isn't done for actual change. And so while they take that path, which is a demonstration of their own rights, you can't blame or call those who don't March or agree with the March "fence sitters." These are people have unavoidable responsibilities and can't miss work. People who's concerns didn't match those of the group. People who may not be happy with the way life is going but they pull up their big boy pants and move on. Not just accepting that they can't make a change... but supporting and trusting in the system that gives them the opportunity to be heard and make changes! Trust in the system, or group together for real change! Don't just complain and Hate on the glorious freedoms we are blessed to Have. 

Are women that much worse off than men?! No. Is anyone being kicked out of the country... No. Can a woman still become President? Yes. And she will be WAY more suitable than Hilary. Can women still have the freedom of abortion without Planned Parenthood? Yes. They just have to go their OB instead of a private- Government funded clinic. 

Life is good here. People around the world would KILL to have it 1/2 as good as we do. A March to show gratitude that I'm an American? Id march in that because it's my personal belief.

Side Note #1: How can you willingly and proudly wear "Pussy-hats?!" A group of women marching to feel safe, that want to be treated respectfully, and hate that our new President lacks a respect for women are purposely choosing to call their pink hats this word that has been deemed by society as a crude reference to a part of what makes us women?? Why? Because you do it Ironically? You make fools of yourselves. And for all your talk of wanting to stand together to help people have better lives, do you know how many infant/child/adult blankets that material and donated hours could have made and been given to crisis centers around the country?? 

Side Note #2: Do you know what sort of health care bills could have been paid for (something many marchers were very concerned with) with the money spent on these hats, plane tickets, hours missed at work, etc... that would have made a great change for your cause! 

Side Note #3: For those who argue that they didn't leave their families for the day but "took them with us," why? Why did you burden your child with the troubles that are more mature than they are and frankly hard to understand? Children shouldn't have to carry this burden, they should be playing kick-the-can and enjoying the fact that they live in a country where they don't start working at such a young age (or until their almost 30...). And no, I don't want my children to be ignorant of life, and I DO know the importance of teaching them history... that's why we've taken them to Gettysburg, Valley forge, Martin's Cove, WY, Washington D.C. and places where actual Historical change occurred. Because in a year from now (Heck, I give it a month) this march will be forgotten, but your child will always remember that feeling the day you took them to the march, and when they ask you "what was the reason we all got together that one hazy day I somewhat remember?" Your answer to them will be, "Well son/daughter, we stood up against authority. We yelled loudly that we weren't happy, and we expressed that we were angry..." Yeah, that's a lesson I want my child to have imprinted in their minds... 

Final Side Note: Now, tell me this, 4-8 years from now (wouldn't that be Ironic) when President Trump leaves office, do you foresee the world being so changed that you can't wake up and eat your gluten/soy/corn/nut free breakfasts in your perfectly heated/air conditioned homes, while you read instant news delivered on your technologically advanced cell phones before comfortably commuting to your job you're lucky enough to have that provides you comforts in life (and if it doesn't, you're lucky enough to have a system that takes care of you to the point that you're not rifling through garbage cans, forced to sleep in the snowy streets, or suffering with an illness that they refuse to treat)? Do you think that anyone no matter their ethnicity, race, gender, sex, religion, education, etc. won't be able to walk through life being accepted by 90% of people the interact with (because let's face it... there will ALWAYS be a 10% of people ready to attack you for anything!), they won't be able to attend the same schools, enjoy the same amenities in life, and feel accepted in their communities?? If so, don't bother calling me for that march... I'll be leading it.