Women’s Issues in Spotlight at 11th Moral Monday
Braving southern summer heat, humidity and waving signs, including “First the Great Recession, Now the Great Regression,” more than 2,000 North Carolinians gathered at the state Capitol in Raleigh at the 11th Moral Monday to protest extreme actions of the legislature and Gov. Pat McCrory (R).
With the focus on women’s issues—especially women’s health care—more than 100 people, including about 70 women, were arrested for civil disobedience when they refused to leave the General Assembly building. That’s where Republican lawmakers have steamrolled legislation cutting health care for the poor, eliminating unemployment benefits for 70,000 jobless workers, slashing funds for public education, raising taxes on low-income families while cutting taxes on the wealthy and corporations.
So proud of my mom for getting arrested today at #MoralMonday protesting for women's rights in North Carolina
— Kyle Kramer (@KyleKramer) July 16, 2013
The Moral Monday actions are “about exposing what's immoral and extreme,” says the Rev. William Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP .
Grace Stitt, 65, who took an eight-hour bus ride to attend the demonstration, told WRAL-TV:
I felt like I needed to do something more than write an email to a senator or representative because I'm not sure those are ever read. I guess I felt like I haven't spoken up enough and it's time to make my statement.
So far, more than 800 people have been arrested for acts of civil disobedience.
Next week's rally will focus on voting rights and their impact on public education and criminal justice.
When you confess #MoralMonday attendance to a group of old friends who are quite conservative & they thank you & shake your hand, you know.
— George Frink (@gwfrink3) July 16, 2013
