VIDEO: Campus Progress Goes to One Nation March, Discovers LGBTQ Issues At Stake This November

Campus Progress spent this past Saturday at the One Nation Working Together march on Washington, D.C.  In a diverse crowd of Union members, D.C. residents, and young people; we ran into Christine Quinn, the first openly gay speaker of the New York City Council. Quinn travelled with other elected officials from New York to participate.

 In the wake of the tragic death of Tyler Clementi, Campus Progress asked Quinn for her advice to young people frustrated by the hatred being directed at the LGBT community.  Quinn brought it back to the elections explaining that “Young people can do a lot to send a message about the kind of country they want by who they choose to elect” and stressing that LGBT equality is literally on the ballot this Nov. 2. 

Watch Below:

The right to Criticize

Whether you’re a card carrying member of the Professional Left, or a young progressive frustrated by the pace of progress one thing is for sure: You’ve probably criticized the administration at some point. Over the last several weeks, there’s been a significant amount of speculation that dissent between the progressive community and elected officials is likely to lead to decreased turnout in the upcoming midterm elections.  The perception in media is that if you’re critical, you’re not getting your way.  If you’re not getting your way, you’re going to take your ball and go home.

Also at the One Nation march, Campus Progress ran into Betsy and Sharon, two enthusiastic rally participants who gave us their thoughts on everything from the tea party movement to the Citizen’s United decision from the Supreme Court that gives new meaning to "corporate personhood."  When asked if they intended to vote in the upcoming midterm elections, Sharon adamantly insisted that she would and added that “If you don’t vote you don’t have a right to criticize the government.”

Watch below:

Progressives have rightly been critical over the last two years and will likely be critical for the next two years.  It’s ultimately the foundation of progressivism this idea that there’s always room for improvement.

See our coverage of Beckapalooza:

• Where the Black People At?
• We’ll Always Have the Memories of Glenn Beck Rally

Sara is a Communications and Outreach Associate at Campus Progress.

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