Coalition of mothers, grandmothers demand ‘respectful’ public town hall from Sen. Graham
A coalition of grandmothers, mothers, and “people of conscience” gathered near Sen. Lindsey Graham’s West Ashley office Tuesday morning to begin what they say is an ongoing, daily action to demand a public, “respectful” town hall with the senator as soon as possible. (WCIV/Ian Kayanja/WPDE)
(WCIV) — A new group is demanding a public town hall from one of South Carolina’s elected officials. A coalition of grandmothers, mothers, and “people of conscience” gathered near Sen. Lindsey Graham’s West Ashley office Tuesday morning to begin what they say is an ongoing, daily action to demand a public, “respectful” town hall with the senator as soon as possible.
“Public town halls are as American as apple pie, dating back to the 1700s as a way for communities to speak to and be a part of American democracy, giving constituents an opportunity to engage with elected officials as a vital cornerstone to democracy,” the group wrote in a statement.
The women gathered Tuesday said that concerned citizens will hold space outside of Sen. Graham’s office at 4 Carriage Lane every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until he agrees to “meet the people he was elected to serve.”
“I am a grandmother of 6. I am fearful for the future of our democracy and for my grandchildren’s future. Democracy is not one sided. It’s about give and take, about listening and being listened to.” said Annie Steele, a local grandmother. “I want a respectful public town hall with Senator Graham. It’s our civic duty to make this demand.”
The group said their actions will be peaceful, persistent, and open to all, encouraging “all citizens in Charleston” to take part in visiting Graham’s office, signing their name, and asking for a public town hall. Organizers emphasized that the movement is rooted in “love, joy, and elder wisdom.”
Protestors and demonstrators have been active around the senator’s offices, home, and during his public appearances across the state since January, including demonstrations outside his office in Pendleton in February and during his appearance near Myrtle Beach during the Carolina Forest wildfire in March. “I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing to help President Trump,” Graham said during his visit to Horry County. “I don’t need a town hall to know what to do.”
