His idea was resisted by others within the movement because the expense was so great. Rustin insisted on a $16,000, state-of-the-art system instead of the $1,000 or $2,000 systems that usually were leased for marches. An example of the esteem in which his logistical acumen was held was that he persuaded large unions, many of whom he had worked with for a long time, to provide the funds for the rental.
