OPINION | Barry Richard: So, The New Bedford Women’s March…

Let's get something clear right from the get-go, I don't give a tinker's damn about what was said or done in the bowels of the downtown Bristol Community College campus on Saturday as the female chapter of the never Trump society gathered to vent its collective spleen. I seriously don't. I don't even care that they chose to meet without men present. I think people should be able to gather anytime they want with whomever they want. Knock yourselves out.

Remember though, it was women who forced open the doors to men's clubs back in the 1970's and 80's. They used the courts to gain access to men-only taverns. Women even sued to force their way into the locker rooms of male athletes suggesting their rights were being violated because they were not allowed to cover the story based on their gender. I do not recall male reporters fighting their way into the ladies locker room.

I haven't spoken to him about it, so I don't know whether our News Director Taylor Cormier gives two flakes about what was said or done at BCC on Saturday. I do know that Taylor is a consummate professional and attempted to cover the event in a fair and impartial manner. He has a reputation for doing just that. Problem is Taylor was prevented from performing his job based on his gender by Dana Rebeiro, an elected member of the New Bedford City Council. The meeting that was open to press coverage, but it was closed to male members of the press. That I have a problem with.

I'm not much of a "hey, hey, ho, ho" type, preferring action to prancing in the streets with pink hats and offensive signs. Leave that to the showboaters. But, if you are going to march for equality at least be consistent otherwise the façade becomes invisible as does your cause.

For the record, Councilor Rebeiro and others involved with the march have declined invitations to appear on my program today to defend their decisions.

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.