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News: Gender and Sexuality |
Hands Around the Capital
by Sylvia Grass
Email: native25 (at) sbcglobal.net (unverified!) |
Current rating: 8
07 Jul 2003 |
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Progressive groups unite to send a message to Capitol Hill. |
Hands Around the Capitol
by: Sylvia Grass
On April 30th 2003 liberal and progressive organizations joined forces in Jefferson City to send a united message of resistance to the Right Wing legislature. Hosted by the Missouri National Organization for Women groups like the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Missouri Women’s Network, ACLU, AAUW and the Sierra Club, came together and protested the fact that Women’s Rights are being trashed by the conservative legislature.
The day began with several motivating speakers who informed us just how bad it was getting in the legislature. With drastic cuts to programs and the proposal of several dangerous bills Women, Children, and the environment were all at risk. The speakers included Deleta Williams, former Rep. from Warrensburg, Marsha Richeson, lobbyist for the Missouri ACLU, and Vicky Riback Wilson, Columbia Rep.
The next step in the protest day was to symbolically write on poster board all the rights that were in danger and then “trashing” them in a large garbage can. This was a tangible and accurate example of how our interests were being thrown away.
 Then it was time to march. The crowd was warmed up by Mary Mosely of Missouri N.O.W. with songs and chants for the march around the capital building. Lisa Harrison, Missouri N.O.W. co-president and Shirley Breeze, Coordinator for Missouri Women’s Network. lead the protest. We circled the capital building with our signs, voices, and ourselves to show that we will not back down and we will remember all the rights that were taken away from us in the 2004 elections.
 After the march Mary Mosely, Carla Horman, and Seileach Corleigh led the crowd in more songs and chants.
This was a very exciting day for all progressive groups. We may be outnumbered but we are not alone in this fight. Now is the time to unite and fight back. If you would like to participate in the planning of the next Hands event please attend the Women's Equality Day Brunch on August 23rd at 10am. We will hold a State Conference meeting after the brunch at 2pm and the planning will begin. Contact Sylvia Grass at native25 (at) sbcglobal.net |
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Commentary: Gender and Sexuality |
Re: Hands Around the Capital
by jan
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
07 Jul 2003 |
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Thank you for posting this nice article with colorful photos.
It is very refreshing to see. |
