ICYMI: Senator Hassan Joins Thousands for Women’s March at New Hampshire State House
ICYMI: Senator Hassan Joins Thousands for Women’s March at New Hampshire State House
Senator Hassan addresses a crowd of thousands in front of the New Hampshire State House.
WASHINGTON – On Saturday, Senator Maggie Hassan joined thousands at a rally in front of the New Hampshire State House in Concord to speak out on the importance of ensuring that all Americans have equal rights. Thousands of Granite Staters turned out at rallies held across New Hampshire, including Concord, Portsmouth, Keene, and Lancaster, in solidarity with millions who marched across the country and the world.
Senator Hassan urged the crowd to hold their elected officials accountable, not only in Washington, but at the State House in Concord as well, to protect a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions and ensure that all Americans can access quality, affordable health care.
See below for highlights of coverage:
In concert with the Women’s March on Washington and hundreds of rallies across the country – and the world – more than a thousand people gathered on the State House steps Saturday to mark President Trump’s first day in the White House.
“We have a powerful message. We are still here. We are fired up, and we are not going backward,” Democrat U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen told a cheering, buoyant crowd.
… And speakers often reminded the crowd to stay involved in local politics.
“Make sure that you keep an eye on this Capital too,” Democratic U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said.
NHPR:
Looking out over the steps of the Statehouse Saturday morning, a sea of pink hats and posters — bearing messages like “EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL,” “LOVE TRUMPS HATE” and “BE KIND” — stretched out in all directions.
In all, organizers said more than 5,000 people showed up for New Hampshire Women’s Day of Action and Unity — a series of rallies, activist trainings, songs, prayer and protests. It was the biggest crowd seen at the Statehouse since thousands gathered to oppose state budget cuts back in 2011.
… Later, former Governor, now Senator, Maggie Hassan reminded the crowd to pay attention not just to what’s happening in Washington, but also to what’s happening in the halls of the building right in front of them.
“Don’t lose sight of what’s happening here at this Statehouse, either,” Hassan said. “We can’t make our voices heard, we can’t do what we need to do to ensure that democracy is functioning if workers can’t organize and voters can’t vote. So make sure you keep your eye on this capitol, too.”
Hassan urged the crowd to watch what happens not just in Washington but in Concord, especially on Right-to-Work and voting rights.
“We can’t make our voices heard; we can’t do what we need to do to ensure that democracy is functioning, if workers can’t organize and voters can’t vote,” she said.
NH1:
U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said "Keep at it. Make sure you are speaking up every day and in every place you need to be. That includes at this wonderful State House of ours."
Susan Bosk of Sharon stood with her daughters in the parking lot behind Margaritas Saturday morning, in a crowd of more than 300 people.
The girls, five-year-old Chloe and three-year-old Maya, held signs with pink and purple writing that read “Girls are strong” and “Girls are smart” as the family members prepared to join the crowd in walking to Central Square in the Keene Women’s March. The march was one of nearly 700 held throughout the world on Saturday in response to the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
“For them it’s about having pride in being girls,” Bosk said of her daughters, noting she’s concerned now that President Trump has taken office. She doesn’t want the leader, whom she called “chauvinistic” and “disrespectful to women,” to serve as a role model.
While the focus was on women's rights, signs pointed to all human rights including affordable health care, immigration and diversity.
An estimated 3,500 people jammed Market Square with the crowd covering the street down to Middle Street.
… Although it was supposed to end with a march, there was literally no room to march after words from three speakers.
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