Vigil for Our Democracy in Perry Square

On Sunday Nov 13, about a hundred people attended the Vigil for Our Democracy in Perry Square, 6th and State St, Erie PA. Organizer Daniel Doubet of Keystone Progress described it as follows: "This a peaceful space for those coping with the election results. This election threatens our core values as a country, and our vulnerable friends and neighbors. And while the results were devastating, we hope to find solace by standing together for our core democratic principles. We reject hatred, and stand vigilant for those in our community who are vulnerable targets for this hatred." The vigil was not a protest against President-Elect Donald Trump, but a stand against hatred. Speakers included Pastor Harry Euell of Faith Temple Church; Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty of Community United Church, Edinboro University professor Lisa Austin, Heather Garczynski, Selena King, political activist Matthew Hatfield, and Daniel Doubet. In between speakers, Daniel encouraged people to talk--really talk--to one another.

Daniel later clarified:

Fhis was not a white flag of surrender. While we were not there to dispute the election results, we WERE there because the election results have lead directly to a wave of hate, violence and intimidation across the country, and there's no place for that here.

And should the forces of hate consider lashing out in our community, we came out to remind them we are vigilant. And there will be more actions we can take, very soon.

Below are Daniel's remarks from the vigil.

We are here for solidarity.

The forces that would control us want us to hate each other. They want us to be suspicious of difference, instead of valuing it. The price for petty political advancement is dividing a nation. Turning neighbors against each other, turning rich against poor, white against black, men against women. We defy division. We defy hate. We learn from each other. We are empowered by each other. And we are better because of each other. To anybody here who feels unsafe, or unwanted or villainized because of who you are: you are not alone, you are valuable, you are necessary to our community. You are America.

We are here for Vigilance

The forces of hate did not appear on Tuesday. Structural racism, patriarchy, homophobia have been forces in this country long before this presidential campaign. But over the course of history we have won victories, the right to vote, the right to marry who you love, the right to go to work without being attacked or belittled. And what Tuesday reminds us is that, though these victories were won, we must protect them. We will not go backward from these victories, even if some think that would be "great." We go forward. Only Forward.

We are here for dignity.

Dignity for all of our brothers and sisters, regardless of their gender, their race, who they love, their identity or their ability. All people deserve respect, justice and equal treatment under law. Since Tuesday, I've spent a lot of time pondering whether or not good people can do bad things. What I know is that people can change. And through the expansion of Dignity to those who don't feel held in it's graces, by demonstrating the value of all people, the divisions imposed on us by weak leaders will be torn asunder. We will can boldy attend to the injustices, large and small to all people, with new friends to join us. Our dignity is their dignity. Their dignity is our dignity. Your dignity is my dignity. Our dignity is our nation's dignity.