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WILKES-BARRE — Over 100 people gathered in downtown Wilkes-Barre to see Gloria Steinem visiting the Hillary Clinton campaign offices on Sunday.
As Clinton supporters clapped for Steinem, she in turn clapped for them, citing their willingness to work hard in campaigning which she said was an important part of the political process.
“I’ve been in love with campaigning since high school,” she said.
Steinem, 82, reminded attendees of progress made in regard to civil rights in the last decade.
“There wasn’t even a term for domestic violence,” she said. “Success was defined as reuniting a criminal with the victim.”
The event garnered the attention of pro-Trump protesters, who gathered across the street from the Clinton office.
The Trump supporters came with a tractor-trailer, owned by Lackawanna County businessman Bob Bolus and advertising the campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, which was parked down the street from the office.
The protesters said they were part of a group called Women for Trump but did not identify themselves further, claiming to have been unaware of Steinem’s scheduled appearance.
One member of Women for Trump explained why she supported the candidate.
“The body that supports the life we want is the Republican Party,” she said. “The Democratic Party is drifting further into socialism, which is right next to communism.”
Women for Trump also spoke in response to some of Steinem’s calls for reproductive rights, condemning the act of abortion.
“Abortion rights are deteriorating our values,” said one member of Women for Trump.
“A baby is a person,” said another member. “Wouldn’t you say that an apple seed is an apple?”
As Steinem spoke, several attendees spoke from the audience about their belief in the value of women’s reproductive rights.
“Women should have a right to have children and a right to not have children,” she said.
Volunteer Roxanne Rembis, Swoyersville, said it was the first time she had been involved in a political campaign.
“It’s the first time in 49 years that I believe a candidate is this qualified,” said Rembis. “I believe that Hillary has the temperament, the knowledge, and policy. I believe she is meant to be president of the United States.”
Susan McDonald, chairwoman of the Social Work Department at Misericordia University, agrees.
“I’ve been teaching students about suffragettes, about the history of women’s rights,” she said. “It is amazing that we have come so far. Gloria Steinem brought the concept of women’s rights to our generation.”
To state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, the event went beyond political.
The father of four daughters, he said he believed people could do whatever they want, regardless of their gender.
“I don’t see color or race or gender or even political party when I look at someone,” he said. “I just see a person.”
He said Trump would “take us back in history” if he’s elected.
Pashinski believes Trump is less than honest when presenting political ideas.
“Fool me once, shame on me,” he said. “But Trump is trying to fool people hundreds of times.”
Steinem expressed confidence in the country’s continuing commitment to civil rights, comparing the nation to a woman who is trying to escape an abusive relationship, saying that the most dangerous times are right before and right after the escape from the relationship.
“We’re in a time of tension and danger. And we are not going to go back,” Steinem said. “We are about to be free.”
