In May, I went to Chicago with the nurses union. It was a pretty awesome trip as far as union trips are concerned. We stayed in a hotel downtown on the riverfront. It turned out to be the same Hotel President Obama was going to be staying at. No I didn't see him. But a few of the other nurses did. From my window I could see Navy Pier and Lake Michigan.
Union trips are always political and its not usually my favorite thing to participate in. This time they were there during the G8 summit and the NATO conference...it was on purpose. The whole city was gearing up for massive riots. You may ask "what in the world were the nurses doing there?"
They are advocating for a Financial Transaction Tax on all wall street transactions over $100. I don't believe in it. So I was a little bit upset to learn we were doing a march and a rally in Daly Plaza.
On the upside, I learned that Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine would be playing at the rally. So I definitely had to go.
The line of secret service vehicles lining the street our hotel was on
Yes... I was wearing one of those hats. No I didn't wear the mask. I turned my red shirt inside out so I didn't have the liberal statements on my back. The streets were covered with cops. Regular cops, the national guard. Cops in riot gear. It was awesome. Also three helicopters and snipers were on the buildings surrounding Daly Plaza. That's where the rally was.
I thought this protester made a good picture
So I also saw myself on some of the local news images. i was in the front of the rally, right in the front of the stage so I could get up close to Tom Morello. Punk Rock Star! He is also a political activist.
As a surprise he invited his fellow Chicago native Tim MCllrath of the band Rise Against. Adrian was so jealous!
Then to top it off, they invited people on stage. I pushed, shoved, and finagled my way onto stage...
and then...
got my picture taken with the guys from Rise Against!!!!
It was by far the highlight of my trip.
Now a few pictures of the gorgeous city of Chicago
And One last picture and story. The secret Service were everywhere and the whole two or three blocks surrounding our hotel were blocked off while the President was in house. I really want ed this picture and we hurried out there, set it up, took it, and then got reprimanded by the secret service for being where we weren't supposed to be. It was awesome!
