Yesturday was both a glorious and tragic day. Glorious because so many thousands were willing to take to the streets in protest of what they rcognized as a great evil that needed to be stopped. Tragic because there were those, though small in number, whose aim was to take advantage of the goals and actions of the peaceful demonstrations that took place.

I awoke early yesturday morning hoping to get a jump on the events that were about to unfold. The demonstrators were meeting before dawn at a park north of the Market. I figured if I hurried I could beat the traffic jam that could keep me from my destination, playing on the street at Pike Place. I flipped on the television as I was preparing to leave to catch what news I could about possible delays due to the marches that were scheduled to take place. I wasn't certain what to expect but playing music on the street is like that so I packed my guitar as well as my saw. As reports about what was happening downtown began to air I grew excited in anticipation of the day's events. All the way in I kept my radio on to the only station that was covering the event. Things were starting to get ugly with the police. They began using tear gas against those trying to block the intersections. I wasn't aware that my departure from home, an hour from Seattle, though late, couldn't have been timed more perfectly. Traffic was light so I made good time getting to the city. As I came to the bottom of the off ramp I saw that the several police were at the intersection and when I glanced to the right I realized why. A huge group of marchers were approaching. Before the light could turn green the police waved us through. Then at the very next light I glanced to the left to see another large group of marchers coming down the street. I made my way quickly to the Market area to find parking and prepare for the long day of busking. Along the way police could be seen at every intersection. I imediately found a space to park, which can be quite a challenge this time of the year, glad to see that the weather was clearing and that once again the predictors of such things were wrong and it wasn't going to rain all day. As I glanced about though the area seemed rather deserted. I looked up at a patch of blue that began to open above me and saw faint rainbow which gave me hope for the days activities.

I decided to pack my stuff in the trunk and take a little walk about to see what was going on six blocks away down Pike Street. I felt drawn to the events by some unknown force. I wasn't prepared for what I saw. Thousands were there in the streets carrying signs willing to stand up for what they believed in. Young and old chanting and costumed all there to be a part. I couldn't help myself and began telling people, "It's a great day to be an American." To which one person said, "It's a great day to be human." It was a great day to be a protester too.

More later, I've got to get back out there.