Mike Pence moved to a temporary home in Washington D.C. before taking the traditional home of the Vice President on Observatory Circle, and it seems that his neighbors aren't quite thrilled about the newest addition to the neighborhood. Recently, Mike's new neighbors hung gay pride flags on their homes as a silent protest against the Vice President-elect's record on LGBTQ rights. But gay rights aren't the only thing that Mike has taken scary stances on, he's also been an enemy to abortion rights and women's healthcare while serving as the Governor of Indiana. Now, his neighbors are taking notice of that too.
According to the DCist, people in Mike's neighborhood are now putting up signs that say "This Neighborhood Trusts Women," a protest against the Vice President-elect's record on abortion and women. The signs, sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice America, make a pretty strong statement.
While Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence has backed multiple bills to defund Planned Parenthood, voted against a fair pay bill for women and minorities, has spread lies about STDs and contraceptives, and — with his draconian policies on women's healthcare — inadvertently caused an HIV outbreak in one county in Indiana.
To let Mike know just how much they oppose these policies, his neighbors banded together with some thoughtful signage.
"Part of our charge following the election is making sure that Mike Pence knew just how off base he was with the majority of Americans when it comes to abortion access," NARAL's communications director, Kaylie Hanson Long, told the DCist. "The best way to let him know that is to go literally right to his door step and tell him."
The organization went door to door offering signs, and neighbors were "glad to have a way to show their resistance to the anti-choice and anti-woman agenda," an organizer said.
A bunch of lawn signs or flags might not change Mike Pence's mind, but they are certain to be seen by the VP-to-be. If nothing else, the neighbors are succeeding in letting Mike know that there are many who disagree with him, and that's important. It's the same as the Hamilton cast's statement to Mike after the performance he attended, urging him to protect all people in the U.S. Mike wasn't mad about the statement, he said it's part of free speech. Hopefully, he feels the same way about his neighbors' protests and has a chance to reflect on why he is experiencing so much backlash. It's an important conversation, and we're hoping Mike is open to having it.
Reprinted from TeenVogue December 27, 2016
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December 28, 2016
