I ALMOST FORGOT

This is where I was on sunday:




The atmosphere was incredible. You can see hundreds of newsprint photos and think you know what the atmosphere was like, but when you're actually there, and the crowd is marching... cheering... smiling... unbelievable.

One of the things conservatives don't get -- primarily because they stay very, very far from these things -- is that perhaps aside from some speakers, the vibe of the march and protest is very, very positive. Part of it is the discovery of hundreds of thousands of people -- millions and millions around the world -- who share your values and your conscience. Another is the inspiration and the optimism inherent in being progressive, at least in my case. When it adds up, a conservative viewing it either does one of two things: 1) characterize all the protesters based on a handful of bad eggs, like that small group of masked anarchists, or 2) observe, puzzled, from their high hill, a la the Grinch.

The conservatives then gloat and laugh when Bush says protesters can't change his mind. To them I say, this isn't all about Bush. This is about suburban mothers, the working class, and the conscience of the world . . . and perhaps Tony Blair while we're at it.

Every couple of minutes a cheer would race down the blocks like a wave, myself and my sexy accomplice participated. Conservatives will never, ever understand that cheer.