This is an archive page from a previous bus tour. Not all links may be operational. Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.
Lexington - Rally
Rousing Rally in Lexington
By Sister Jean Ann Zappa, OSU
October 2, 2014
If you did not know about the important issue of raising the
minimum wage before the rally in Lexington, KY, you would sure know how
important it is after the rally.
When the “Nuns on the Bus” pulled into the Courthouse Square
about 12:30 p.m. we were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of about 200
supporters and at least 4 TV crews.
After Father John Rausch welcomed us and Rev. Esther
Hurlburt prayed, Sister Simone gave some opening remarks. Councilwoman Attica
Scott from Louisville and Mr. Bill Londrigan, president of the AFL-CIO, both
spoke about the raising of the minimum wage to help folks gain a decent
standard of living. Raising the wage would also stimulate the economy,
help make a demand on more goods and services, and would decrease the need for
public assistance and safety-net programs.
Although all political officials were invited to appear and
speak, we were honored to hear from State Representative Elizabeth Jensen and
Sec. of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, who both talked about the importance of
voting.
Secretary Grimes also talked about supporting coal miners,
not just the coal operators, allowing easier voting for vets, helping folks pay
off their student loans, and the importance of stopping big money coming into
the state and buying the election. Ms. Grimes talked about the influence many
sisters had on her life especially one sister from Nazareth, KY. She said
she will never forget what this sister said: “Here are three stages of life—walking
in the fire, being in the fire, and coming out of the fire.” She
encouraged all present to come out of the fire not as ashes, but as strong as
iron and move forward with a vision as the Nuns on the Bus have.
Sister Simone concluded the rally with a challenge to vote
and invite others to do so, to make everyone’s voice be heard.