Between 5,000 and 10,000 women, men and children streamed into the State Capitol on Saturday for the Women's March on Montana.

The march, part of a movement that spanned the nation and even in other countries from France to Antarctica, was in reaction to the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, and the potential changes his administration might bring to issues of importance to women.

Before the event, Democrat Senator Jon Tester sent a YouTube video message of encouragement to the marchers of Montana to hold the new administration accountable to the issues they care about.

"One thing they need to bring to the table," Tester began. "No discrimination, make sure that women are treated with respect, get equal pay for the work they do, and make sure they're not discriminated against in the doctor's office, paying more for their healthcare than men."

Tester closed by confirming that he would be doing his part in Washington.

"If you're able to hold the government accountable, we'll have a better government," he said. "So, hold the people in that government accountable, and by the way, I'll be holding them accountable on your behalf, too."

One of the Missoula residents who rode on the seven buses that traveled to Helena on Saturday, Sue Orr, pointed out the worldwide scope of the protest.

"Millions marched across the world, and it's going to be an interesting four years," Orr said. "People are waking up out of their slumber, thinking somebody else is going to take care of this, and they're realizing that we need to copy what the Tea Party did, and people are starting to do that. The Tea Party created Mr.Trump, and we're going to take a page out of that book and get active, get involved and make the change so that the in the next election, things are a little different."

 

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