I know this is everywhere by now, but so that I have the links, I post it here.

And for those who want another viewpoint, Jim Hanas makes a good point about whether Colbert actually took it to the President. Still, I would not have had the balls and I don’t think anyone with a sense of humour found it less than hilarious.

YouTube – Colbert Roasts Bush 1
YouTube – Colbert Roasts Bush 2
YouTube – Colbert Roasts Bush 3

One of the advantages of working in a posh downtown studio is that things like this massive immigration rally happen right outside your window. (Sad that that’s the best link. BB said she’ll have photos later.)

I knew it was planned and coming up soon, but had forgotten about it. Then, as I plugged away at some code, a slowly building cheer came from seemingly everywhere. Since it is fairly often that some inconsiderate bastard will play something too loudly over the studio stereo, or just through their crummy computer speakers, the first reaction many of us had was “What the fuck is that cheering?” I waited to hear what band warranted such long opening applause.

Eventually, it sunk in that this was live. The studio was filled with whistles and chants of “¡Si, se puede!” and we all crowded around the Water Street windows to clap and wave to the sea of American and Mexican flags, signs, and smiles.

I’m no good for poetry at this stage in my life, but this march was the truest show of patriotism I have ever witnessed. There was no sign of hatred for America, no “Fuck Bush” signs, nothing to indicate anything but inclusion. There’s no sense dolling it up: it was simply beautiful. That’s the most people I’ve seen united over a cause that wasn’t supporting some crummy band.

Jesus, Gandhi, MLK: they all would have been proud of Milwaukee today. I sure am.

As previously announced by Czeltic Girl, my friend Tim’s weblog is active (and better than mine). You’ll find him in friendly territory henceforth.