Surround the White House Photo Album

What we saw last Sunday at the White House was an outpouring of public passion to protect the earth, our country, and indigenous people in Canada.  I had thought we might see 3-4,000 people.  But Lafayette Square Park was teeming with an estimated 12,000 people: students, parents, and grandparents of all walks of life. They carried kids on their shoulders, and wheeled the elderly in wheelchairs.  They wore military uniforms, college hoodies, and traditional indigenous garb.  And they were in full voice: chanting, singing and shouting at the tops of their lungs.

And far from needing  to stretch a thin human line around the White House, we were three ranks deep, shoulder to shoulder.  The spirit was passionate and urgent, although entirely peaceable. 

Will the testimony of so many Americans change the president’s heart?  Will he remember his promises to lead us to a sustainable future for our children? Will he recall his commitment to help us break our oil addiction?  Or will he yield to the oil and coal money that’s incessantly bombarding us with deceptive ads promising jobs and energy security?  

I chose some good pictures to give you a sense of the power behind this protest.  If you have time, take a look at the video as well.  And thanks for following us in this!

I couldn't begin to count the crowd in Lafayette Square. Estimate 12,000

Children:  This is why so many of us came

Remember your promises: Obama seems to have forgotten his

Who would think a pipeline would have galvanized all these people?

Too young to spell: but he knows you don't "brake" your promises

And the old, standing -- if they can -- with future generations

Rev. Jim Wallis: Prophetic Christian voice at the protest

All walks: Christina, violinist; Barbara, home educator; Nathan, medical student

Surrounded!  Look close at the human wall around the President's house.

Close-up of the wall: Humanity's future must not be sacrificed to oil profits

And last of all, here's a short video to give you a real sense of what it was like.

All the money and political power is still on the side of the oil companies pushing this.  But maybe, just maybe, the efforts of the people are starting to pay off.  Please keep up the pressure.  And take a moment to send a note to the President right now (click here).  Your voice matters!

May God bless you.

J. Elwood

Follow @John_Elwood