Sammy from Refuse Fascism speaks at protest against anti-abortion “March for Life.” Joining the protest, four Refuse Fascism activists dressed in Handmaid’s Tale costumes as they held “In the Name of Humanity, the Trump/Pence Regime Must GO!” signs. Sammy challenged people to confront that we are up against a fascist regime and to organize for a different kind of protest aimed at driving OUT the regime:
Get out of our comfort zones… there is no hero or good knight on a white horse coming to save us… the men and women we have elected are in my eyes collaborators.
None of what the Democrats are doing is moving to stop fascism. Refuse Fascism.org is calling for a new kind of protest… that continues day after day until the demand is met.”
The Trump/Pence Must Go! In the name of humanity, we refuse to accept a fascist America. And remember, fascism cannot be voted out, the people must drive it out.”
Background sent from Chicago Refuse Fascism actiivists:
The annual “March for Life” rally held on January 13 in Chicago was started by the Catholic Church as a lead up to the main gathering of vicious anti-abortion misogynists in Washington, DC each year on the anniversary of Roe v Wade to demand an end to women’s ability to control their reproduction – abortion AND birth control. This year it was met by spirited protest of 200 to 300 people, united in standing up for abortion rights and with a strong anti-Trump message.Chicago has the third largest population of Catholics in the country, and anti-abortionists came from Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri as well. Many Catholic school kids are bused to the rally and even given extra credit for participating. Speakers this year were a veritable line-up of reaction in religious, cultural and political garb: Cardinal Blase Cupich, Bears VP Patrick McCaskey and U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-lll.), who was endorsed by Nancy Pelosi over a strong woman challenger in the Democratic primary who was an outspoken supporter of abortion rights. These religious fanatics and women haters are feeling more confident than ever with the Trump/Pence regime in power and committed to instituting a Handmaid’s Tale nightmare and moving in that direction every day. Signs proclaiming “Trump 2020” and “Trump Will Take Fix This” were on display, along with a large statute of the Virgin Mary held aloft on a platform.
Refuse Fascism was part of the counter-protest to this so-called “March for Life.” It was endorsed by Chicago DSA, Chicago ISO, Chicago Campaign to Expose Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Refuse Fascism Chicago, Illinois Single Payer Coalition and other organizations dedicated to reproductive justice. People were very friendly and political differences were not allowed to interfere with the unity of the counter-protest, which was very spirited.
Between 200-300 people participated, mainly men and women in their 20s-30s, but with a significant representation of older activists as well. Some of the signs and slogans included, “Abortion is Healthcare / Healthcare is a Right,” “ Right to Life, your name’s a lie; You don’t care if women die,” and “Right to Life, You’re a killer/We remember Dr. Tiller”. The crowd also picked up, “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA,” and “Abortion on Demand and Without Apology.”