Nov 7

Nov 7 Lame Is Right, But Not Duck

Chicago, Demonstrations, Donald J. Trump, Performance, Parades, Protest, Public Declarations

Indivisible Chicago called for the troops to gather in Chicago’s Federal Plaza at noon today. Dubbed “We March—Hands Off Chicago,” the demonstration became a celebration of the Blue Tsunami that swept the nation last Tuesday night. On hand, was Congressman Daniel Bliss who won re-election. Notably, he was the only politician who was present today. No Governor J.B. Pritzker; no Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle; no Mayor Brandon Johnson; no Senator Dick Durbin; no Senator Tammy Duckworth; and no Senator-Elect Juliana Stratton

The Chicago Sun-Times put the number in attendance at over 100. I suspect the number was closer to 200 people, which still constitutes a pathetic turnout on a beautiful fall day. A significant number of the demonstrators were Service Employee International Union (“SEIU”)members who arrived by a yellow school bus.

After several speakers made what were surprisingly brief and perfunctory remarks, the demonstrators took to the streets, first heading east on Adams toward the Art Institute, and then proceeding north on Michigan Avenue until they reached upper Wacker Driver. After passing the House of Evil—aka Trump Tower and International Hotel—the group presumably returned to Federal Plaza. The photographers covering the parade didn’t follow the marchers for the return trip, choosing instead to the head to the Billy Goat Tavern for a late lunch and some camaraderie.

Today’s demonstration was probably the worst one I have attended this year. It lacked energy and purpose. Some in the crowd tried to find purpose in Stephen Miller’s elevation to chief of President Donald J. Trump’s staff by carrying signs referencing Trump’s Darth Vader. But for the most part, Tuesday’s Blue Tsunami failed to energize the anemic crowd that skewed older. Today, should be viewed as a victory for Trump. After close to two years in his second term, Trump has worn the opposition down.

Just north of the Art Institute, I encountered a demonstrator wearing a large plastic duck costume, with “Lame” stenciled across its chest. Until I realized the character was a duck, I assumed the person was a counter-protester who was declaring the march lame. Given the lack of energy and purpose, today’s march was simply lame no matter the viewer’s political perspective.

One question lurked over the festivities: Were the rally and march signs that Trump-induced apathy had finally prevailed? In recent months, demonstration activity in Chicago has significantly fallen off. Today’s demonstration offered further proof. Where were the high school and college students? Where were folks from the Gold Coast and the northern suburbs?

In picking its battles, Indivisible and other groups would be well advised to remain nimble, calling for demonstrations following outrageous actions by Trump and his minions. My sense was that this event was a placeholder, designed to keep Indivisible visible, but other than visibility, the event served no other purpose.

As for visibility, the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago-Tribune covered the event, but the resulting article were relatively short. While three television stations were on hand, I checked their websites. No video stories had been published.

Overall, not a good day for Trump’s opposition.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]