These mothers are on the warpath
Republicans are in trouble now. Washington Post reported on a group of mothers who do not appreciate book bans, mask bans, and Republicans’ “critical race theory” nonsense. They are mobilizing to fight this garbage. Republicans had better tread lightly. One thing most people learn early on is do not make someone’s mother mad. If you do, you are in for the fight of your life. These mothers are ready to do battle.
Katie Paris founded a network called Red Wine & Blue that is preparing mothers for battle on the hot-button issues of importance to Republicans. Paris founded the organization because she believes parents can no longer be quiet about what Republicans are trying to suppress in their children’s schools. “We believe it’s time to get off defense,” Paris told WaPo. Last month, dozens of suburban moms from around the country dialed in for Zoom training, which included how to show up for meetings with facts to counter Republican lies. They have created text groups for strategizing, using “jazz hands” when they are told they cannot clap at meetings, and replacing Republican language such as “critical race theory” with “culturally responsive instruction.”
These women are finding ways to combat Republican suppression of knowledge so that all children can learn the true history of our country. They have amassed a network of over 300,000 women, and they recently launched a case tracker to fight the banning of books in school. It is utterly awesome, with its banner “Book Ban Busters” running proudly across the top, followed by one question: “Had enough of the BS? Get involved and use the map below to find book bans near you.” On this site, you can find legislation that is being proposed or has passed that requires attention.
This—and not that spectacle at the Capitol—is how you peacefully protest real wrongs being perpetrated in this country by close-minded people and those who seek their votes by catering to their foolishness. If they do not like what is being taught in schools, private schools are available where they can, perhaps, control what is taught. As for the rest of us, we want the country’s full history—good, bad, and ugly—to be taught to our children, which helps them to become better adults.
Interestingly, though not surprisingly, the parents who protest these teachings are the same ones who fight mask mandates in schools. It is reprehensible that this small group of parents believe their way of thinking is right and that they can enforce their beliefs on others. Red Wine & Blue is standing up for the rights of those who do not buy into what those parents are selling. In fact, Paris told WaPo that these views are not supported by most parents, but books are being banned on the complaints of very few people. This is a majority rules country. Those who do not want to adhere to that have the choice to leave. If our elected officials cannot or will not stand up for the rights of that majority, Red Wine & Blue will.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years