UNM students raise their hands in solidarity and hold signs to bring attention to concerns for women’s rights under the current administration.
BY COLLEEN KEANE
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
ALBUQUEQUE — During his presidential campaign, numerous women accused Donald Trump of sexual assaults, with some incidences described on tape.
In the face of a 43-year-old federal decision protecting the right to choose (Roe v. Wade, 1973), Trump glibly said that women who have had abortions should be punished.
After a public outcry, he later recanted and said that it was the doctors who should be punished, according to a CNN report.
Seeing his public assertions in news reports, he responded by calling the press his enemy and started a fake news campaign.
As president, in the confusing days following his first rolled-out immigration ban on seven countries, mothers were separated from their children. While a federal judge declared it unconstitutional, a second version is threatening to split up more families, according to human rights advocates.
Also, in his first 60 days in office, Trump lifted a construction ban on the Dakota access pipeline despite protests around the world in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s concerns for their water, sacred sites, and families.
Health advocates express concern that his determined stamp out of Obamacare puts the Indian Health Care Improvement act in jeopardy.
Some have likened his plan to build a great wall between the U.S. and Mexico to the 15th century when warring nations built motes and fortresses around their castles.
Recently, federal protection for the transgender population has been lifted. “What’s next?” asked Esther, who was born and raised in New Mexico.
Esther and her partner were one of about 150 marchers participating in the 2017 International Women’s Day event held at the University of New Mexico on March 8.
“I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and everything will be taken away. All we can do is fight for our rights,” said Esther.
“Down, down with Trump! Up, up with the people! Down, down, down with the system. Hey, Trump, let’s be clear, sexists aren’t welcome here. Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here!” called out the diverse group of women, men, and children.
The event was sponsored by the Albuquerque Branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a political party that supports socialism.
“International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and to continue the fight for the liberation of all oppressed people,” announced Katy Rubio, a PSL organizer. She added that Trump is not the problem, but rather the symptom of a greater problem.
“Women of the world are under attack. Reactionary policies are tearing the lives of our families are apart. The rights of our bodies are being curtailed. Our sisters across the world are being displaced by imperialistic wars, where the U.S. is at the forefront. Transwomen are discriminated against,” she stated in her public address.
Another speaker, Father Frank, a Catholic priest, told the group that some people will argue that there are plenty of laws protecting women. But, he said, that doesn’t stop men from discriminating against,