Tar Sands Protest

I got goosebumps just before I took this shot. One estimate was over 12,000 people held hands circling the White House in three rings this afternoon.

I actually found many friends at this protest including four from my church shown in this photo. We were walking under the mock pipeline near the Treasury building.

In other protests recently, I've noticed that participants were mostly my age or older. This crowd was much younger. It was exciting to experience some of the energy from the occupy movement. Chants of "99 percent" and "this is what democracy looks like" were mixed with "Listen to the Daliai Lama, Obama" and "We don't want no Climate drama, Obama" and riffs on yes we can .. stop the pipeline.

I am so glad the weather was perfect. And the crowd was peaceful and well organized. I saw Bill McKibben. Three blue marbles were passed around, one for each ring of people holding hands around the white house.

It is actually a long way around the white house because we couldn't get very close. It took quite a while for me to walk around -- it covers quite a large area. We were remembering that we used to be able to get closer. They have been expanding the security perimeter over the years.

[katiecogan]

Great shot--I can feel the energy!

[Joanna Gerber]

This is amazing. Your description made me feel like I was there. I can feel the energy. It makes me so happy to know that there are 12,000 plus people able and willing to make a circle of hands around the White House. Thanks for sharing about this important event. Great photo!