Report on the Rally in Bethlehem

There were between 300 and 400 people at the rally in downtown Bethlehem.  We heard from various speakers, including a few candidates, a representative from ACLU, a clergywoman, and activists in the immigration reform movement.  

It was incredibly hot, and I took refuge in some shade.  Most of the people stood in the sun.  The rally organizers provided bottled water.

I took my poster that said “Have we learned nothing from the Carlisle Indian School?” and I displayed it for about five minutes, but I I had made another poster that said “ICE belongs in lemonade” and just below that in smaller letters “and margaritas.”  That one got lots of comments and photos.  A woman had a similar sign that said “ICE is for gin and tonics,” and we exchanged thumbs up.

I only saw two people from Carbon County, friends John and Sandy.  We probably should have done something up here, but we didn’t get our act together in time.  Our best organizer is in California and won’t be back until Tuesday night.

On the way out I spoke to a woman about my age who said she was heartened by all the young people in attendance.  Most of these rallies are mainly old people.  (It also occurred to me that rallies might be a good place for old people to hook up.)

I liked that the organizers had a table to register voters, although I have a feeling that most people there were already registered.