DC March4Trump: A Report-Back

March 4th was when the red hats attended rallies across the country in an attempt to bolster support for the already unpopular president. When I arrived at the rally at the National Mall, I found the counter-protesters already outnumbered by the red hats. I would estimate that there were around a couple hundreds Trumpists while there were only 20-30 of us. Of course, we wouldn’t let this numerical disadvantage prevent us from having a bit of fun.

Originally, there was going to be an antifascist soccer game going on. However, the ball was confiscated because apparently, according to the cops, we were interfering with the rally. Later on, someone brought a sound system, but were later told that they couldn’t play anything on it because they don’t have a permit. All while the red hats were throwing insults at us, calling us “snowflakes”, “losers”, even “paid protesters.” It is funny how the red hats claimed to believe that we are getting paid by George Soros, the Democratic Party, or whatever just to protest (Not like we don’t have a motivation to resist Trump and his agenda other than financial incentive, right?), while at the same time telling us to get a job (because apparently everyone who would want to speak out is unemployed). In return, we yelled chants and insults at them back.

Eventually, the atmosphere grew tense. Fights almost broke out, causing the police to step in to form a line between the two groups. The cops told us to move away from the red hats, threatening us with arrests if we didn’t, despite the fact that it was mostly the red hats who were moving toward us and even threatening us (which the cops disregarded). A woman tried to pull off the mask of a comrade, only to be pushed back and then pulled away by the cops. Still, we stood defiant. Whenever they threw insults at us, we threw some back. We even sang “Solidarity Forever” whenever the crowd started singing.

Happening Now: #Antifa counter protest a #TrumpRally on national mall with park police between them. pic.twitter.com/lOow4Mtzcb

— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) March 4, 2017

At around two in the afternoon, the crowd started marching, and the number of counter protesters dwindled down to around 10. Still, we thought it would be a good idea to tag along with them. With little to no police presence during the march, the red hats began showing their unpleasant side. A prominent activist holding the Antifa flag was shoved to the ground. A Trump supporter attacked another comrade, only to be held back by fellow supporters. I even saw some Trumpists giving out Nazi salutes. Lots of nasty insults were used. Despite of all the verbal abuses, we stood strong.

Once we reached the White House, more exchanges of chants occurred. I encountered a Vietnam War vet who yelled, right in my face, that he’s willing to fight people like me. It was at this point that I heard someone yelling “Go Stalin!” in response. I don’t know if that was meant to be a joke, but I am certain that the Right will use this instance as ammunition for their propaganda.

A little before 3:00 PM, we decided to disperse since it was becoming pointless to stay here any longer and there were around 5 of us left. Personally I think the whole thing would be better if more people showed up to protest the rally. I don’t know if it was the cold, windy weather, their works/studies, or perhaps even the fear of a repeat of J20 that is deterring anyone else from coming, but we really need more people to come out to the street if we are to resist the resurgence of fascism.

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