Lexington - Rally

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.