Fortress Washington girds for days of anti-Trump protests

[TomCADem]

Source: Reuters

Washington will turn into a virtual fortress ahead of Donald Trump's presidential inauguration on Friday as the U.S. capital braces for more than a quarter-million protesters expected during the Republican's swearing-in.

Police have forecast that some 900,000 people, both supporters and opponents, will flood Washington for the inauguration ceremony, which includes the swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and a parade to the White House along streets thronged with spectators.

Many of those attending will be protesters irate about the New York real estate developer's demeaning comments about women, immigrants and Muslims, a vow to repeal the sweeping healthcare reform law known as Obamacare and plans to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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About 30 groups that organizers claim will draw about 270,000 protesters or Trump backers have received permits for rallies or marches before, during and after the swearing-in. More protests are expected without permits.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-protests-idUSKBN1531GH

[bucolic_frolic]

1. The headline is incorrect

make that YEARS of anti-Trump protests

[IronLionZion]

2. It's been a crazy week.

There have been protestors marching and shouting every day. I sympathize, but it is really shitty when they block streets and then commuters get frustrated and decide to do dangerous things like run red lights while normal people are walking with a walk signal. I almost got hit twice. There are concrete barriers up everywhere. There are extra soldiers coming in to supplement our national guard. Lots of uniformed police patrolling the streets.

Also the pro-Trump protestors are here playing music like Springsteen's Born in the USA even though the Boss is anti-Trump. They're chanting build the wall.

I'm going to work from home tomorrow. I can't deal with the noise downtown and my office building will be closed for security reasons. I will be marching Saturday with the women even though Der Drumpenfuhrer's jackbooted thugs will be in charge then.

I'm a few blocks from Dipshit's hotel where some poor misguided dude set himself on fire in protest.

Oh well, it will be comforting to know that people attending Trump's inauguration in the cold rainy day will not be allowed to have umbrellas.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Federal Workers in certain counties around the Inauguration zone have a holiday Friday

Obviously contractors have different rules based on their agency contracting reps.

It's like that every 4 years down there.

[IronLionZion]

4. It is not a holiday.

Federal workers and contractors have the option to telework with manager/client permission, or use a vacation day, or unpaid leave. And this is for the offices in downtown DC affected by road closures and vehicle checkpoints.

Many of the military and law enforcement agencies and 24/7 command centers have extra responsibilities and special arrangements for their people to get to work.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. I work for the Federal government (30+ years)

For civilians (at least my agency), it is a "holiday" for leave purposes if you work within certain counties in DC metro. If you do not work in those counties or normally telework on that day outside of those counties, then it is not a holiday. They are not requiring telework for those not scheduled for telework that day and as a note, not everyone has a telework agreement and they are not requiring use of leave.

And yes there will always be those exceptions.