Gone marchin’

by

Forgive me, but I made a decision yesterday: Instead of spending the usual several hours putting together Elsewhere for today, I spent those hours yesterday calling congresspeople and voicing my concerns. (Here’s a helpful public spreadsheet with congressional members broken down by committee, along with contact info, for anyone interested.) Tomorrow I will be attending my first-ever march (here in Nashville), but rest assured I’ll be back on Monday with a proper Elsewhere for you.

I do have one link, though — I’m extremely honored to have an article and 3-page photo spread in the Winter issue of KnitWit, and that’s in the shop today.

Whether you’re marching or celebrating this weekend, may we all do so in peace.

99 thoughts on “Gone marchin’”

  1. I am amazed and heartened by all of the people I know or just casually come in contact with who plan to march on 1/21. May our voices be heard and may we find our way to the light!

    • I am marching to, as is my husband and most of my friends. May this be the beginning of a real change in the course of the future.

  11. I won’t be marching, but I knitted one dozen pussyhats for my mother, her friends, and one of my sons, who are.

    Stay warm!

  12. Good for you, Karen! I am not marching because of too many other commitments, but 6 of my pussyhats will be marching in DC and 7 of them in St. Paul. I have done nothing but crochet hats the last 10 days, using one of the beautiful rosewood hooks I got from you.

  15. Good on all of you!! Supporting a march in Naples, Fl tomorrow as well. One of my hats will march in DC.

  16. No need to forgive you. Our lives consist of many areas. You spent your time doing something important. Thank you for sharing the spreadsheet. I’m getting on the phone and sharing this with other friends. Happy Marching.

  20. Thank you. And thanks to all the men, women, children and non-binary human beings who will march with you.

  23. Yes yes yes. Thank you for calling your members of Congress. That is so vitally important to our nation. I’m marching here in my home of D.C. tomorrow with amazing strong female friends (wearing knitted hats). Solidarity.

  24. thanks KT I’ll be marching in chicago, gonna find out how many snacks I can fit in a field bag with a WIP lol

  27. Thanks for doing all you do! I would like to attend the march here in Albuquerque tomorrow.

  29. I am saddened by your choice to bring politics into this forum. It is certainly your right and I do respect that. I respect that you have an opinion. But can I remind you that half of the country has a different opinion and knitting is the one place I go to get some relief from the division. I clicked on your link. When I did I saw that it was very divisive rhetoric. The point is not wether I agree with you or not. I choose not to state what my point of view is. How wonderful it would have been if your link was one where people could choose to contact their elected official with their point of view and it left divisive politics out of it. I repeat; I am saddened.

    • You certainly can and should contact your representatives with whatever your point of view is — I consider it not only everyone’s right, but everyone’s duty. The list I provided will help you know who is on which committees, no matter what your feedback may be.

    • Merely reporting on one’s activities is not “divisive rhetoric” in the slightest. And burying your head in the sand is not polite, it’s dangerously naive.

    • May I remind Ettenna that this is Karen’s blog, to post what ever she finds interesting and important. If any one of us isn’t interested, we are free to spend our time else where on that given day. I practice this anytime there is a Vogue style update day. I respect the fact that Karen loves their look, as well as many other readers, but I don’t, so thats a day I spend looking at old posts or doing something else.
      BTW-I really appreciate the spreadsheet, if for any other reason to have contact info and names. Take the info and use it as you wish.

    • Well said, Ettenna. I researched The Women’s mission statement and read that the march was billed as INCLUSIVE (their capitals) but I learned that wasn’t true. A feminist group called New Wave Feminists were removed from partnering in the march because they are pro life. Apparently inclusiveness does not extend to those who value life in the womb. I’m not saying there aren’t any marchers that value all life, but it seems that according to The Women’ March own words, they don’t believe we can be pro life and a feminist. To me, being a feminist is caring not only for ALL people and our bodies but also for the life that we carry inside of our bodies, a separate and distinct life that has rights.
      We have many rights and freedoms in this country. Are you concerned enough about the women in other countries who are still treated as property, not allowed to vote, drive, or choose their life’s path to march for them? Why do we not hear an uproar for them? Just something to think about.

      • Okay, I’ll bite, because I hear this line of argument way too often: “Why aren’t you as concerned about women in other countries?” And the answer is: I am. We are. That’s why we’re marching: for all women. That’s one big reason why many of us spent the weekend carrying signs and chanting slogans saying “Women’s rights are human rights.” That’s also why we demand equality in our own country, so the U.S. can serve as an example to those that still deny the full humanity of women and girls around the world. I am demonstrating in the U.S. because (#1) The actions of the U.S. government have tremendous impact across the globe. Moreover: I live here, so I march here. (#2) The U.S. just inaugurated a president who has consistently shown—through words and actions—blatant contempt for women, our bodily autonomy, and the concept that we have inherent worth that is not related to our physical appearance, our reproductive capacity, or our relationship to a man. (#3) That president is supported by a Congressional leadership that has demonstrated hostility toward even the most basic rights of women, including a Senate Majority Leader who has repeatedly voted against the Violence Against Women Act (even though he was a sponsor of the original bill) and the Fair Pay Act.
        As to your concern about women in less developed countries, I noticed that one of the first acts of the new president was to institute a ban on USAID funding for several major global health organizations which provide health screenings and treatment—including neonatal health services, to some of the poorest, most disenfranchised women in the world. And why? Because those organizations also use other funds (from private donors) to provide abortion services or abortion counseling and referrals. There is no question that abortion is a difficult decision, and I don’t think any woman makes it lightly. But sometimes it may also be the best of several bad options, due to financial or other circumstances or the physical or mental health of the woman or fetus. To my mind, it is the opposite of “pro-life” to take away healthcare from hundreds of thousands of women and babies just because a few politicians in Washington, D.C. don’t believe that a perfectly legal medical procedure is ever necessary anywhere for anyone. Unfortunately, many women will still seek abortion if they need it, regardless of your opinions or those of politicians. In Kenya alone, at least 1,500 poor women die every year due to self-induced abortions because they don’t have access to medical care. And this new U.S. government has just radically restricted their access not only to safe abortions but also to birth control and education to prevent unwanted pregnancies (oh, the irony!) and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS and to pediatric care for thousands of other babies. That, Gin, is why I was marching. And there’s an uproar for you if you want it.

    • I agree, Ettenna. Sad that there is no escape. Sadder that it is assumed all women agree with this position. I thought we were supposed to respect diversity. Hopefully, the politics will not continue or I will no longer subscribe.

    • You definitely have a right to your own opinion. That said, this is not your blog but is Karen’s and she has the right to post what ever she would like. If it is something you do not care to read, no one is forcing you to read it. You have that choice.
      By the way, may I remind you that half of the country does not have a different opinion? There were greater than 2.9 million more votes for the candidate who lost than the candidate who was sworn into office. I thank God for Karen and the many others like her around the world who participated in this event for standing up for not only women, but for all of those who the current administration has chosen to disenfranchise.

    • There is absolutely nothing “divisive” in Karen’s post. Calling it that is disengenuous and in itself, divisive. As for “half 0f the country” having a different opinion, you are way off. Trump is a minority president. The majority are displeased and have a right to express this. There were Marches all over the US, and in over 50 other countries. They were organized and peaceful, a stellar example of democracy at work.

  32. Thank you for your post. I did not find it divisive or rhetorical; your post simply stated what you were going to do to support your political view. Best of luck.

  38. Thank you for this. These are extraordinary times and I appreciate that you’re using your platform to speak out when appropriate. The personal is political.

  42. I too am saddened by this post. It’s been a very difficult time for many but as an American, I have to respect the result of the election. I want knitting to be a place out of the fray.

  47. Thank you for the link to contacts and also for participating in the Women’s March. We must stand up for our rights and not let anyone silence us. We must stay aware and ready to act.

  48. I am with my kids tomorrow because my husband will be at work, but I knit a caboodle of pink hats, for friends and for strangers, both in DC and locally. And I donated, of course, and have the local office numbers of my senators and my representative on my cell phone and am using them. Best of luck marching! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!

  49. Thanks for all your posts. I’m marching tomorrow here in California. It’s heartening to see so many people raising their voices together. I hope we can all find a way through this.

  50. March safely and well, everybody. I’ll be marching in Cardiff UK in a pink hat. Proud to be part of it, and thanks to Karen.

  51. I am celebrating! President Trump is giving me hope for a fiscally responsible government! A public that will be able to work and want to! A freedom to choose what to do with our incomes..no matter the size!

    • I am willing to give Mr. Trump a chance before I condemn just as I have for each president before him irregardless of party or belief.

      • We have all given him a chance. We have watched him for years. There is nothing in his history or behavior that instills confidence that he is suddenly going to change and show himself to be a man of virtue, capable of leadership, and deserving of (arguably) the most important job on this planet.

        You seem more willing to excuse his long history of lying, bullying and conning, than you are to allow the women commenting here (and demonstrating in the Marches) the freedom to express their displeasure, their opinions, and their fear, in his being elected. We are a democracy, after all.

  52. My daughter and I are marching in NYC tomorrow. I am heartened to see you take a stand. As a woman of color, seeing an overt racist elected was very hard. Your taking a stand makes me feel welcome here. Thank you, Karen.

  53. Yes, peace. Will be marching here in Cincinnati and thinking of you and women across the nation.

  54. I intend to march, but there’s a real good chance that I’m going to get snowed in. I made my hat and everything. I’m trying to think of an alternative activity!

  58. Thanks for posting. Tomorrow will be my first march, too. There is no separate space where we can quarantine our politics. What people often dismiss as “politics” is an expression of our most basic values. So it has a place in all we do, including our work and our blogs and our crafts and our online community, or we risk compromising our values. And you were not divisive in the least!

  59. Thank you for this post. I’m heartened by it, and by your IG post last night sharing a bit of your life story. Thank you for using your platform to speak up and out.

    I’m glad to see political posts on your knitting blog, and by other knitters in the online world. For me knitting is political, it’s a place where I spend a significant portion of my time and money. I like being able to support small businesses whose values reflect my own.

    i am so proud to be part of an online crafting community that values diversity, human rights and dignity. This is a place that I want to spend my time and money and your statements on IG and here just reinforce that for me.

  60. Another voice from here in the UK supporting your post. We are also marching in solidarity today.

  61. We must speak up or be trampled. Yesterday was such a sad day for this country and everyone in it and Karen, I commend you for speaking and I commend all the women who are marching today. It’s so very important.

  63. Just marched in Frankfurt, Germany to show my support of the people likely to suffer under Trump. It’s a scary time, but it’s also wonderful to hear the voices of opposition.

  64. I marched today in Oakland—there was something so special about seeing so many women (and children and men) in handknit pink hats. Funny and heartwarming to see knitting become a big part of this protest! Proud of our community today.

  66. I did go to the rally with my husband and found many of my friends with their husband as well. More than 5,000 people showed up in our small town of Santa Rosa. My sister went to hers in Chico, my friend in Oakland, other in San Francisco all in California. My good friend in Paris and my brother in law with his family in Germany. YEAH!!!!! Thank you Karen and the rst of the women here…..

  67. Thank you! I marched in Little Rock, where it was too hot for pink hats…but it was so powerful to see the pink-dominated images rolling in from across the country. Knitters represent! And call your reps!

  68. Thanks for marching, and for posting about it. I marched in Seattle yesterday and it was amazing!

  69. We marched in Boston – and there are no apologies needed for taking the time to participate. In fact, Elsewhere (all over the world) was actually a batillion of pussyhats and it was more inspiring and incredible than anything I’ve ever seen knit up.

  70. My husband and I flew to DC to march. It was AMAZING. Well over 500,000 people peacefully demonstrated. It made me very proud and hopeful.

    And the pussyhats were a big part of what made it so successful and wonderful. I made 18 hats in all, which ended up on the heads of loved ones all over the country, many of them on the lovely men in our lives who care deeply enough about human rights and women’s issues to wear bright pink hats with ears on them. XOX

  71. Thank you for this post! I come here for inspiration, and as always I got it =) We marched locally in Vermont and seeing how the knitting community (and so many others of course) has united was incredible. For the people that don’t agree, I am glad that they have been able to voice their own opinions here in this comment thread, it is not only your voice here after all but the voices of this great little community you have brought together!

  74. CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US – Take all of this energy and make a real difference. Our local shelters for the homeless need volunteers. Think of the difference we could make in these people’s lives if we gave our help at our local shelter and $$. Please donate food and good used clothing which is so very much needed especially at this time of year.

    This is not just about marches but utilizing our efforts on the ground to make the lives better for those that not only can’t afford that cup of coffee or lovely skein of yarn but don’t even have their own bed to sleep in.

    Let’s not deteriorate into right and left and name calling. Perhaps we’ve talked enough about what we did. Now it’s time to do something positive for those less fortunate. Can you imagine the results?

    ARE YOU IN?

  76. Thank you for sharing your spreadsheet and the fact that you were marching. I admire you even more!

  77. These thoughts (a little delayed though), because it happens so often and I am maybe just too stupid to get it: How is it possible to feel sad/disappointed/offended/even exclueded by a friendly written blog post about personal political opinions (from an author with very little political influence = very little consequences for the readers) and at the same time tolerating or even appreciating the discrimination and exclusion of large parts of the people by a state’s president (lots of political influence = lots of effects on the whole society, I dare say), who has excelled by now at open hostility and an obvious joy of offending people? We can all feel, think and say whatever we want, of course, I just wonder if it’s only me, seeing these sensitivities as a paradox?
    The other thing I do not understand is, why it should be wrong to make up political topics on a crafting related blog? Why is nobody ever questioning the combination of topics like ‘family life’ and ‘knitting’? If we are talking about a politician or presenting our ideas of how to best raise children – none of this is only ‘private’, none of these topics are entirely ‘neutral’. Knitting blogs and podcasts are full of ‘opinions about the world’: values, moral standards, gender role models, the ‘right aesthetics’… the ‘best jam making recipe ever’… It’s fine, it is just about life. And there is variety, so, if you are annoyed by certain topics, just don’t read them, I’d suggest. Or get into a serious discussion about contents (naturally, only providing that the blog host allows such a forum) – but why all this complaining?

    Sorry, Karen, I do not intend to hi-jack your blog for further general debates, but just needed to say this once – fortunately, you are fully free to delete this comment :-)

  78. Thank you for having the courage to publicly make a statement that you had to know might alienate a few readers. It was not offensive in the least and well within your rights to post on your own blog, but emotions are running high and so many of us are loath to encounter a different worldview. There is far too much at stake, though, to be silent.

  79. I marched in Portland, OR, with my husband and 100,000 other Oregonians. My son and his wife marched in DC. My daughter and her fiance marched in Anchorage. Nephews and nieces and friends marched in Los Angeles, Boston, Austin, and many more places. I appreciate everyone who is standing up for women, for America, and for our freedoms.

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