We the People v. the Supreme Court
As we did today on the courthouse lawn, we will keep defending all the Constitutional rights of every American
Today, June 25, 2022, Sam and I joined dozens of people of all ages on the Courthouse lawn to protest yesterday’s Supreme Court vote that overturned Roe v. Wade. Suddenly American women (and girls, think about this) lost their Constitutional right to a safe, legal abortion in states where it is deemed illegal. This could become many, if not all, of our United States.
It was not a time to be alone. So we made posters and came together from all over our county. We vowed that today’s path of action will lead to the polls in November. Our work has begun.
Among the many speakers today were Democratic candidates Al Platt for NC House District 119, and Marty Griffin and Paul Cooper for Transylvania County School Board.
Things were said by other speakers, such as, “I’m happy to see so many young women here,” and “It’s up to us older women to share our experience with the younger ones”.
Personal stories and even tears were shared, which took the phrase “Constitutional rights” out of the textbook and into people’s hearts. We heard words of support more than once: “Thank you, it took courage to say that.”
It was exciting to see many handmade signs that people had quickly put together to express personal outrage, bewilderment and sadness, so that we could share our feelings. We looked around and knew we were not alone.
Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof took the megaphone and said,
I am still in shock that our country has gone back 50 years. … None of us can stay silent. We have to be active, speak out and put every ounce of effort we can into the November elections.
Kathleen Barnes, our local NAACP Secretary, seemed to speak for everyone when she began by saying,
I’m angry. … The U.S. Supreme Court has taken away a right that has been enshrined for 50 years. … It’s vital that we repeat this [demonstration] over and over again loudly and stand in our truth.
She and others went on to show how to turn anger into positive action.
Carter Heyward, 1st Vice Chair for our county NAACP, said in essence that our right to vote gives American citizens the power to protect all our other rights. Here are her words.
While the NAACP has no permanent political allegiance, we do indeed have a permanent commitment to social justice — and this commitment must shape our votes for whichever political party shares our commitments to eradicate racism, sexism, and all structures of injustice. Never has this been more important than right now, this year.
Like many of you, in times past, I’ve sometimes voted for the candidate who seemed best rather than for the political party. But our current crisis calls for our supporting the one and only party that's defending American democracy and our Constitutional rights from impending attacks — on voting rights; women of all colors and cultures; LGBTQ siblings, poor people, people of color, workers, immigrants, gun safety, the environment, and on democracy itself.
We all know Republicans who are good people, some of you may be Republicans. We realize that some Republicans disagree with their party’s assault on American democracy. The problem is that the Republican Party as a whole has become captive to the madness and malevolence of one man and his supporters. Therefore, this November it's imperative that, regardless of our political affiliations, we vote for Democrats up and down ballot, to counter the ever more extreme actions of the party in the grip of right wing extremists who are committed to amassing power rather than protecting democracy. This is the only way we can stop the fascism that threatens to destroy our nation.
Carter Heyward concluded,
Now that the Supreme Court has taken away women's abortion rights, women and the many men who care must vote in ever-larger numbers. We must remember that, while we are voting for all women and girls, we are voting especially for Black and brown women who will suffer disproportionately from the court's assault on women's lives and bodies because women of color are doubly oppressed in our society, including our health care and legal systems.
Voting in large numbers this November will constitute our strength as citizens committed to equal rights for women, racial and economic justice, and so much more.
Another speaker was Patty Stark, who also stressed the power of our votes:
We must vote for AL Platt and for every Democrat on the ballot. It’s extremely important to vote for Lucy Inman and Sam Ervin Jr, to hold our majority in the NC Supreme Court.
We especially need young people to come out and vote in large numbers. We can win this but we need you. We really need you. Vote! And bring everyone you know with you.
I regret that I don’t have space here to share every speaker’s impassioned, urgent message, or to include all of the signs seen by passing drivers and pedestrians. I stood there with my sign, aware that this is happening all over America on this day, in every town in every state. That’s hope.
Lest the Court forget, We are the People and We Vote.
Thank you for an excellent postcard, Deda! What fine coverage and photos you provided.
I will forward this near and far. The struggle continues as we strive to defend the rights of every American.
What wonderful involvement and enthusiasm! If this continues on to and until the vote is cast, there will be victory for all the country!