On Saturday June 14, President Trump is spending millions of taxpayer dollars hosting his birthday celebration.
Concurrently, Americans are suffering job loss, judicial uncertainty, environmental destruction, international strife, and humiliation.
On the same day, in alignment with Women’s March National, Women’s March Rockford is hosting a march beginning at 11 a.m. the City Market Pavilion, between Madison and Water Streets.
Women’s March Rockford will host a special speaker — Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton — in addition to its organizational partners who will introduce themselves and provide action items for attendees.
The seemingly humorous theme of “Kick out the Clowns: Resisting our Nation’s Circus” alludes to the circus-like actions in D.C., and exposes the absurdity of the current administration.
On June 14, feminists across the country will build strong ally networks and provide action items that demand forward thinking and progressive change from our state and federal legislators.
Feminists have not forgotten the crass, disrespectful, and violent nature of President Trump’s perspective on women.
Since the 1970s, at least 25 women have publicly accused Trump of rape, kissing and groping without consent. He has an extensive history of insulting and belittling women when speaking to the media/on social media, publicly makinglewd comments, disparaging women’s appearance and referring to them using derogatory epithets.
There is video and audio evidence of his misogyny where he stated “When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. … Grab ’em by the p****.”
And yet he was elected. Twice.
We march.
Additionally, Trump’s efforts with the Supreme Court led to women being stripped of their long established right to reproductive freedom. For years, anti-choice politicians promised to appoint judges/justices hostile to abortion rights. These politicians have consistently used their power to manipulate the nomination rules. Now, under Trump’s tyrannical leadership, the most powerful arm of the judicial branch is dominated by justices who are hostile toreproductive freedom. As always, these types of regressive actions impact historically oppressed groups in significant and disproportionate ways. Women’s March Rockford marches for them, and we ask you to join us.
Here are highlights from some of our partner statements.
● American Association of University Women: It is very important in today’s environment to be an advocate. Contact Local, State, and Federal elected officials regarding issues that are important to you. Be an Advocate: Speak Up and Stand Up.
● League of Women Voters: The League is a nonpartisan group that encourages informed, active participation in our democracy. The League speaks up and takes action when policies threaten our rights and/or our communities. The League educates voters, advocates for good government, and believes democracy works best when everyone has a voice.
● American Civil Liberties Union: The ACLU protects freedom, liberty, equality and justice through litigation, lobbying and education. Our newly formed chapter in Rockford provides education about national issues paired with ways to engage here at home. Watch nationally, act locally.
● Stateline Indivisible: Donald Trump thinks his rule is absolute, but in America, we don’t do “kings.” The Trump administration and its enablers have operated as though they have a mandate — but they don’t. Trump goes to extremes to himself and the wealthy, while cutting jobs and critical services for the rest of America. Now, they’returning Flag Day into a celebration of Trump. We’re standing together against the abuses of power, cruelty, and corruption. We gather to remind Trump and his enablers: America has No King.
● Winnebago County Citizens for Choice: Women’s right to control our bodies and make our reproductive decisions without government intrusion are being stripped from us. We must speak out against the criminalization of abortion care, attacks on the medical profession, and the marginalization of pregnant people as community property, instead of individuals with basic human rights. Reproductive justice is not a sideshow — it is a right.
● Welcome with Dignity — 815: Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers strengthen our communities; The vast majority have no criminal record. Yet, immigrants are portrayed as a dangerous threat. This false narrative has made it easier to justify the violence, injustices, and human rights abuses against them. Immigrants are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity, in a humane manner and their constitutional rights must be adhered to and protected. The Supreme Court made it clear that the 5th Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in the context of removal proceedings. The government must stop defying the Supreme Court, the rule of law, and the disregard for our constitution.
Join us at 11 a.m. June 14. Women’s March Rockford believes there is strength in solidarity, and to demonstrate our collective resistance to the circus, we ask that attendees wear all black.
Mary McNamara Bernsten is co-chair of Women’s March Rockford. The organization’s officers and board of directors include Co-Chair Paulette Gilbert, Secretary Sarah Loos, Treasurer Jenn Dronkers, Megan Brechon, Mel Champion, Charo Chaney, Anne Dempsey, Rhonda Greer Robinson and Patty Stadelman.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Join the collective resistance to the circus with Women’s March Rockford | Opinion
Reporting by Mary McNamara Bernsten / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
