Thursday, November 10, 2016

Protests

From the BBC:
"Donald Trump election win sparks protests in US cities"

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of several US cities to protest against the election of Donald Trump. Many shouted the slogan "Not my president". Others burned orange-haired effigies of the businessman.  Mr Trump will become the 45th US president after securing a surprise victory over Hillary Clinton. He is due to meet current White House incumbent Barack Obama for talks aimed at ensuring a smooth transition. Mr Obama - who had branded Mr Trump "unfit" for office and campaigned against him - urged all Americans to accept the result of Tuesday's election. "We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country," he said. Defeated Mrs Clinton also told supporters Mr Trump had to be given a "chance to lead".

Despite their calls, protesters gathered in several cities across the country.
  • In New York, thousands marched on Trump Tower, attacking Mr Trump's policies on immigration, gay rights and reproductive rights. Fifteen people were arrested, the New York Times reported.
  • Protests were largely peaceful but in Oakland, California, some demonstrators smashed shop windows and threw missiles at riot police, who reportedly responded with tear gas
  • A mass anti-Trump rally shut down the key 101 freeway in Los Angeles
  • In Chicago, crowds blocked the entrance to Trump Tower, chanting: "No Trump, No KKK, No Fascists USA"
  • In Portland, Oregon, demonstrators temporarily closed an interstate highway
  • In Washington DC, protesters held a candlelit vigil. Organiser Ben Wikler told the crowd: "We are here because in these darkest moments, we are not alone"
Demonstrations also took place in Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle and San Francisco, among other cities.  In his victory speech in the early hours of Wednesday, Mr Trump vowed to "bind the wounds of division", after an acrimonious election contest, and to be "president for all Americans". White House spokesman Josh Earnest has insisted Mr Obama will be sincere about ensuring a smooth handover when he meets Mr Trump, although he added: "I'm not saying it's going to be an easy meeting."  The president-elect will be accompanied to the White House on Thursday morning (1600 GMT) by his wife, Melania, who will have a meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House residence.  Mr Obama, who congratulated his successor in a phone call in the early hours of Wednesday, said it was "no secret" that he and Mr Trump had pretty significant differences. But he added that "we all want what's best for this country" and he was "heartened" by what he heard in Mr Trump's remarks the night before.

^  "Someone once told me: 'You don't have to like the man, but you have to respect him especially when he's President.' I guess there are double-standards and hypocrites out there #notmypresident" - - This sums up everything really well.  ^



http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37932231

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