On Monday, Maria and I will get up early to catch a train in Albany to go to New York to join at rally to save the jobs of the New York Carriage Drivers to be held at 12:45 p.m. at City Hall. The organizers expect animal rights demonstrators to try and disrupt the rally, as they have done in the past, and the police have done little to protect the horses and drivers in the past. On my book tour, I am learning that many people in different parts of the country are following this story and grasping it’s many implications for people who love animals.

The rally is sponsored by Teamsters Local Number 16, it is a “save the jobs” rally.

New York is one of the biggest stages in the world, and if the horses are driven from the city for no good or rational reason, it will have implications for animals and animal lovers everywhere. Beyond that, the carriage drivers have been subject to a cruel and abusive campaign to take their way of life and work and property from them. It is unjust, without foundation, fairness,  or any kind of due process.

I have never taken part in a public demonstration in my life, I have always been more comfortable in the role of the journalist and detached observer, this conflict calls to me, I am proud to participate. I am as pleased to be sharing this experience with Maria, who wants to go as much as I do and support the carriage drivers, many of whom we have come to know and love. These are not the people who abuse animals, these are not the animals in need of rescue.

The weather looks good for Monday, cold and clear. There are times in one’s life where you have to emerge and stand for something, I am happy to stand with the carriage drivers, they are my brothers and sisters. The horses have truly called me to help speak for them,  how strange and wonderful.

My big debate is whether or not to take my good camera, or a less expensive one.  If there is any excitement or disturbance – this is New York – I would hate to lose my best camera down there. On the other hand, I’d love to take the best photos. Am still undecided. But we are happy to be going and joining the marvelously diverse and wonderful and creative community of people who have gathered around the carriage trade and are working and fighting to keep them and their horses in New York City. I can’t wait for Monday. We are taking a late afternoon train back, although a friend warns me not to make trouble and get arrested.

I don’t think I will, although I never take well to nasty people shouting at me. A spiritual challenge.