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People marched for human rights

To the editor:

Marilyn Sager’s letter of Feb. 7 merits a reply for several reasons. Some statements are in error, some charges are incorrect, and the misrepresentation of motives should be refuted.

I cannot speak firsthand to statements about the D. C. march. Like her, I was not there. I participated in Houghton. Having been here, I know that no marchers, female or male, “hurled vulgarities, obscenities and threats.” Was whatever report she read using alternative facts?

Ms. Sager decries “pussy” that she cites as a “derogatory term for female genitalia.” Is she unaware the term came from the man she praises God for making him president? Reviewing Access Hollywood tapes would reveal the term coming from the mouth of the man she says God has allowed to be president.

The charge that in D.C. “progressives disinvited other liberal pro-life women” is unsubstantiated. With complete certainty, I can vouch that no one was “disinvited” locally. For the record, belief in the right of an individual to make choices about her own body is not a tenet of atheism. Ms. Sager might want to remember the words of Rosemary Radford Reuther: No woman ever became pregnant in order to have an abortion.

Her assertion “State side…funding for this march was attributed to George Soros” should be examined. She cites no sources.

Locally, there was NO funding. People made their signs and arrived because they wanted to make a difference. No one made money.

The bridge march was an uplifting experience. People cared about the rights of others, including those with different gender preferences, different belief systems or different ethnic origins. People cared enough to brave weather conditions to stand up to anyone who would trample human rights.

That generosity of spirit contrasts with the condemnatory tone of “Yet these same people support attempting to surgically change a person’s sex…it’s the heart that needs spiritual surgery.”

The bridge march showed that many people recognize the value of all people, not just those whose creeds and countenances match theirs. That recognition will stand our country in good stead when any rights are threatened.

We must remember the words of Martin Niemoller. “First they came…and I did not speak up…When they came for me, there was no one left to speak.”

To all those who came: Your positive stance is a wonderful contrast to the condemnations in the Feb. 7 letter.

Jean Ellis

Eagle Harbor

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