Not sure how to begin this one. I do, as much as possible, try to stay open all sides of the issues. I try to understand an opposite point of view and give respect to them. Now I am a liberal democrat. I have finally made peace with that. On Facebook and Twitter, I follow a few far right pages and people. Once in awhile I attempt to express my opinion by commenting. My most recent attempt was with a facebook page called The Constitution about an upcoming Women’s March (Women’s Day Off on March 8). They were insulting to say the least about the DC march which I attended. So, I decided I would do a little back and forth from my experience of actually being there. The ladies in the comments focused on pussy hats, vaginas, and trash as the main reasons for condemning the march. From there they speculated that the women who marched were probably uneducated, unemployed, or just being lazy and taking time off work. A few mention mentioned the issue of pro-life verses pro-choice. I would like share my back and forth comments in response to their reactions to me in the order I wrote them. My responses reflect the comments made by the women.

Sidona Hunsberger ·

Substitute Teacher at EDUStaff

As someone who marched in DC, I assure you there were more issues than pro-choice being protested. As far as Women’s Day Off, they have posted not to participate if you could lose your job. I am happy for all of you if there is only one issue important enough to concern you. I have a long list. And as long as we are not China, and abortion is a personal choice (and not law in an authoritarian government – yet), I will speak up, write, and march whenever possible. I did not wear a d*** pussy hat. Neither did a whole lot of others. I was there and this is not “fake news.” This is me. I did not get paid to protest. I paid $150 for my seat on that bus. I was on a bus with educators. The bus left in the evening on 1-20-17 and returned on in the am on 1-22-17. No one took a day off work. We all were in school and back to work on Monday. The couple high school students in the bus with parents did their homework while riding. I do not call you idiots or feel you concerns should be dismissed. I try to listen to all sides. However, I am tired of being insulted. Peaceful protest is a Constitutional guarantee. All presidents must deal with it daily. Considering the multitude of protests they have been very peaceful. Now Pres. Trump brought the mockery and crude posters and costumes by some upon himself. You all like the way he expresses himself. I do not. I choose not to be like that. He has promoted a middle school mentality and it continues. It is time to grow up ladies, look around, and really listen to what is happening.

Sidona Hunsberger ·

Substitute Teacher at EDUStaff

Betty – These petty things are how you put me in my place. I brought my sign home (as did many, many others). I threw my garbage in the trash cans. I cannot help that there were enough trash cans. The inaugural was the day before. As far as the White House fence, I believe it tradition to leave signs. The Smithsonian collects them for historical records. Nearly 500,000 peacefully gathered is a lot of people. Most garbage I saw was near and around the trash cans. They were full. No other issues concern you. I was there for the disabled (made fun of by our now president and I had a younger sister who was mentally impaired), public schools, immigrants, healthcare (I a loving parent stayed home with my two young children to care for them – they have asthma), the EPA, and for the fact I am tired of news sound bites. But, all you ladies here see are pink hats. Look at the pictures of that crowd closer. There are a lot heads without pink hats and a lot of serious signs. The crowd was thoughtful and polite to each other. There were a few Trump supporters along the edge trying to agitate without success. The sound of Native American drumming and chanting was a peaceful and beautiful sound. Yes. There were a small amount of inappropriate chants and signs by younger people. One just did not join in. I am not easily offended. The diversity of people was also a beautiful sight. Most cultures, religions, and skin colors gathered peacefully. Talking and asking where you were from. The way the world should be. The way our country should be. This adolescence making fun and name calling needs to stop. The issues right now are numerous and bigger than pink hats.

Betty – With all due respect (I mean that), that is how sound bites work. Picture bites too. Check me out: www.sidonamarie.com. or www.facebook.com/pearlsof.sidonamarie I am sure we will not agree on everything and I can get a bit eccentric. I think you might find my blog interesting and there pics of march on my facebook page along with other stuff.

Sidona Hunsberger ·

Substitute Teacher at EDUStaff

What I see here ladies is the important issue is the optics. How things appear visually. No one yet has disagreed with the substance of what I have said. The trash, the hats, and the more graphic displays are the true issues for you. I understand now why you voted the way you did. Thank you for making that clear. Our Pres. just works with the optics and manipulates and feeds fears. My hope can only be that maybe on the substance of what I said I gave one or two of you pause to think. The issues are bigger than vaginas and pussy hats.