AG talks politics, legislation
Shapiro speaks to Indivisible NW Philly about role of voting, lawsuits against Trump Administration
MT. AIRY » Margaret Lenzi and Michael Swayze, both of Mt. Airy, said they are energized to increase voter participation in Northwest Philadelphia.
That was how they walked away from Pennsylvania Attorney Josh Shapiro’s address to Indivisible NW Philly’s Resisting Through Action meeting. They were among the more than 100 who filled the sanctuary at the Unitarian Society of Germantown’s, 6511 Lincoln Drive, Mt. Airy, for the March 11 session.
Shapiro’s theme was “Defending Our Rights Against the Trump Agenda in Harrisburg.” He is among the state attorneys general across the country who have sued the Trump Administration to stop policies they say would harm their constituents. Among those Shapiro is concerned about is the plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and the rollback of the birth control coverage in the Affordable Care Act.
“I think this was a good meeting,” Lenzi said. “People in Pennsylvania should be concerned about their voting rights with all the redistricting. We need a movement to be sure that the lines are drawn fairly. We have to take action against the parts of the Trump agenda that are not good for this country and our state.
“I think it was important that he [Shapiro] stressed our demo-
cratic values. We want to continue to fight for oppressed people so that all can have economic dignity. We all want to ensure that all receive a good education and that we live in a clean environment,” Lenzi said.
During his remarks, Shapiro reiterated the urgency of ensuring that there are checks and balances in the current political climate, including in the nation’s capital.
“Attorneys general are in a unique place,” Shapiro said.
Swayze said he could not agree more. He said his motivating force for coming out to the session was to show his support for Shapiro taking a stand for parts of the state like Northwest Philadelphia. Swayze said he was pleased Shapiro said he refused to go along with any initiative that would harm Pennsylvania citizens or the United States.
“He did a good job explaining what this all meant for our state,” Swayze said. “We cannot just let the oppression continue. We have to resist what is happening to our country. If we do not resist, we will not be able to move forward.
“Everyone needs to do their part in defending our democracy,” Swayze said. “We must get out the vote. I often read that Northwest Philadelphia has a high voter turnout. Then when you look at the [statistics], you read that maybe 45 percent came out in a division. We are at a point where we consider 45 percent a high turnout, and I don’t think that is good.
“So, I think that if all the people here join with Indivisible and others throughout Northwest Philadelphia, we can make sure that more are involved in the process. We need more votes than that. We all have to take a stand,” Swayze said.
Steve Masters, the steering committee member who introduced Shapiro, said he felt the session will be a springboard to increasing volunteers for get out the vote efforts.
“We are preparing to knock on doors, make calls and just encourage more to come on board to create the momentum towards true change,” Masters said.
Among the other speakers was Micah Sims, executive director of Pennsylvania Common Cause. The program concluded with remarks from Lila Berman.
For more information about Indivisible NW Philly, visit its Facebook page or contact Mindy Brown at 215-888-3494.