NOW: We Can’t Allow An Unarmed Teenager to be Shot with Impunity by a Vigilante

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“We cannot allow our country to be a place where an unarmed teenager walking to his own home can be shot with impunity by a self-styled neighborhood watch vigilante.” Strong words from the President of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Terry O’Neill.

NOW President Terry O’Neill called for justice for Trayvon Martin early Monday afternoon in a statement. She wrote, “The acquittal on Saturday, July 13, of George Zimmerman has left Trayvon Martin and his family without justice. NOW stands as an unwavering ally in the struggle to end racial profiling and other forms of oppression that continue to plague our society, as we know that racism and sexism are inextricably linked.”

O’Neill pointed out the frightening tragedy implied by the verdict, “We cannot allow our country to be a place where an unarmed teenager walking to his own home can be shot with impunity by a self-styled neighborhood watch vigilante. The gun death of a teenager should not require the protests of thousands to get a proper investigation. Young people of color should not have to fear going out in public, walking down the streets of their neighborhoods, or sitting in their own cars. Racial profiling is a menace; we will not let the unsubstantiated — and racist — fears of some run roughshod over the rights and lives of people of color.”

The NOW President drew the common thread between women’s rights and the struggle for equality of all, “NOW activists have added their voices to the groundswell demanding that the Department of Justice investigate George Zimmerman for violating the civil rights of Trayvon Martin. We will continue in our common struggle for equality and justice for all people.”

The various coalitions of the Democratic party have, in the past, been purposefully divided by clever right wing tactics meant to highlight small differences in platforms and beliefs, but the left is catching on. Terry O’Neill’s statement is an important reflection of the platform of feminism, which fights for equality for ALL, not just women. NOW has a history of fighting racism.

Human rights are indivisible.

Sarah Jones

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