Weekend Brings Protests, Depsite Rain

As our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is a prime setting for a wide range of protests. This past Saturday was no different, as multiple protest groups gathered on and around the National Mall under cloudy skies, armed with signs and chants.

According to the Associated Press, some of the causes were Tibetan Independence, Chinese Human Rights policies, and even pro-Chinese government. But the most notable crowds were in protest of the G-20 summit and the passing of Proposition 8 in California, gathering hundreds of protesters.

G-20 is a summit that is held to discuss economic growth and stability of the financial system worldwide. Protesters congregated in front of multiple locations, including the world bank building and the National Museum Building, site of the summit. They held signs denouncing capitalism and the prioritization of free trade over free people.

Proposition 8 is an amendment passed by ballot vote in the State of California that restricts the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. The protesters planned to go from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and then on to the White House, despite the morning rainstorms. However, the weather effectively ruined the strength of the protests as the rain turned into torrential downpour come afternoon. Many people ran for cover or returned home to get dry. But a legion of the most dedicated remained through the afternoon to march through the Mall, signs and umbrellas in hand, fighting through the rain for equal rights for all.

-Jenn Neuner