OPINION | Barry Richard: NB Women To March, But Why?

Women from across the fruited plain will march tomorrow to mark the one year anniversary of the of the women's march on Washington D.C. last year to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump. You remember the event, it's the one where women wearing pink hats, looking like a vagina and costumes, protested Trump's policies which they claimed were derogatory to women.

The organizer of the local event, Ward Four City Councilor Dana Rebeiro, says she thinks women need to be taken more seriously in political and other areas. Dancing around in a pink Vajayjay hat ought to accomplish that, no?

The day begins with a women's only forum at the Downtown New Bedford campus of Bristol Community College and will be followed by an all-inclusive rally and march from Custom House Square. Men have been granted permission to attend.

Co-organizer, Ruth Chicca, President of Action Together Massachusetts, is still smarting over Trump's election, calling it "a negative event";

"Yes, we are still upset about this. However, being upset about it isn't going to do awfully that much about it.  What can we actually do?"

Since last year's march, unemployment is down significantly, (record lows for blacks and Hispanics). Tax reform is the law which means more money for women and minorities in their paychecks. Burdensome government regulations have been wiped out that made it difficult for women and minorities to start and hold on to new businesses. Companies are handing out bonuses like Halloween candy to men and women. And, utility companies, including Eversource, have announced rate reductions that will absolutely benefit women.

By the way, did I mention that women hold some of the more visible positions within the Trump Administration?

So, what's the beef then?  I'd be willing to bet that what is at the heart of all of this is Planned Parenthood and abortion rights. And of course, that Trump is not Hillary Clinton.

(Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon-3 p.m. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.)