RNC actions kick off with high-spirited entrance by DNC marchers

The DNC 2 RNC march began in Boston following the Democratic National Convention, and arrived in Manhattan today. They had been marching for over a month and for 258 miles. The reason for the march, according to the DNC2RNC, is that, "rather than representing the interests of the people, both Democrats and Republicans choose to build systems of violent exploitation." The march bridged the DNC protests in July with the upcoming RNC protests, and called attention to the overwhelming similarities between the Democrats and the Republicans.

At 8AM, the marchers teamed up with the Green Bloc for a few hours of gardening in the Brook Park Tree Farm, a community garden in the South Bronx.

They continued marching downtown, through Central Park, and were greeted by hundreds of people in Columbus Circle at 5PM. After a short break, from there, they marched towards Union Square. En route to Union Square, the march picked up participants, including a 200-strong Bike Bloc, and over 1500 marchers total. The march was strong enough to take the streets for about 20 blocks through downtown Manhattan.

There were several arrests throughout the day, but none directly related to the march. Members of the march were amazed at the strength and positivity of the DNC 2 RNC arrival, especially considering the the RNC is still four days away. Those that have been on the March since the DNC were emboldened by the show of support and solidarity from the activists who met and marched with them through Manhattan. According to one marcher who joined in Manhattan, the air of celebration and solidarity made it seem "almost like the police weren't there."