Open Doors

I attended the recent dueling rallies on Boston Common. Political life is so confusing nowadays it’s difficult to decide definitively who represents what cause. But, in short, folks who are generally associated with the “alt-right” pulled permits for August 19 to hold a free speech rally on the Commons. Two Boston based groups also pulled permits to hold counter demonstrations on the Commons on the same date.

My first impression as I walked onto the Commons was how well organized the Boston Police Department (BPD) appeared in preparing for these conflicting rallies. Improvised fences were strategically placed to ensure that the dueling rallies were kept at a safe distance from each other. During the rallies, the police moved about in groups by horseback, bikes or walking. They also mixed within the rallies. The BPD conducted themselves professionally and with restraint – which really helps in these situations.

At one point, I saw from across the street a commotion which I understand led to some arrests and confrontations with the police. From my vantage point the police reacted very quickly and marched in with what appeared to be a squad of fully outfitted combat ready officers. Not sure where they even came from. They seemed to suddenly appear. Whatever happened it was over fairly quickly.

The second significant impression I had was of the size of the two counter rallies. There was one group of over 1000 near the statehouse listening to speeches. Another much larger group formed around the barricades protecting the “alt-right” group. Both groups continued to grow into many thousands.

The smallness of the “alt right” group was surprising to everyone. No more that 25-30 and mostly confined to the Parkman Bandstand. They were soon evacuated by the police without any speeches that I could hear- assumably for their safety and to the jeers of thousands.

Then, as though from an elaborate play, an even larger group marched in from the Reggie Lewis Center which is 2 miles from the Commons. In all it was a huge turnout of counter protestors which news reports have reported as numbering over 30,000 – which I would not dispute.

My third impression was of the many signs and costumes the demonstrators made and brought to the march. Thousands of protestors brought home-made signs that can be readily seen in the many published photos taken of the event. As well, many participants wore costumes expressing their political views which added to the theatrics of the event. There were even marching bands of trombones and other musical instruments which added a festival like atmosphere to the counter protests.

However, my most distinct impression came from the various churches that surround or are located near the Boston Commons – as they have for hundreds of years. All the doors of the churches I passed were wide-open during what many feared could be a turbulent if not violent event – especially coming so soon after Charlottesville. No signs, no posters, no comments, no judgement- just open doors. Made me wonder if they had seen this all before.

I am not sure where our troubled and turbulent politics is headed to next but I am convinced that as long as we respect each other’s right to differing views and are open to meeting with and listening to those whose views we oppose or disagree with then we will, as a nation, end up in a better place.

Please share widely!

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