Abortion rights advocates rally in Downtown Bloomington

About every step was filled outside the McLean County Museum of History Tuesday afternoon. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)

By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – A topic that has people ready to rally in Bloomington: federally protected abortion rights. Monday, a draft was leaked from the Supreme Court with the majority deciding to overturn Roe v. Wade. People brought their emotions and the signs out to the Twin Cities in opposition.

About every step was filled outside the McLean County Museum of History Tuesday afternoon. Each person there shared the same emotions.

“We are upset, we’re frustrated, we’re scared,” said event organizer, Rachael Lund.

“I think it’s very scary,” said McLean County resident, Lisa Wilde.

Their rally to fight for abortion rights came after a draft opinion was leaked from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. It’s a 50-year-old case which upheld the federal right to an abortion.

“I was not surprised at all by the news. We have seen this coming for years,” said Lund.

Lund said she was shocked after seeing the decision drafted.

“So, now it’s real,” said Lund.

Wilde said she came to the event to find out how she could support the pro-choice decision.

“I think women of means will still be able to get safe abortions. I don’t know about people who are not of the same wealth and that’s not fair. That’s not right,” said Wilde.

Normal resident, Adie Kluger, feared for what could happen if this decision is passed.

“We’ve just taken it for granted that we would always have these protections and these rights and that the American people aren’t going to have it,” said Kluger.

Now, Lund wants everyone to take action.

“Whatever emotions they’re having if it’s anger, if it’s fear, I want them to turn that into action and contact their elected officials and I want them to participate in the upcoming elections,” said Lund.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…