Protesters who visited the General Assembly this morning to call attention to the latest wasteful special legislative session were happy to find out that neither House Speaker Thom Tillis’ staff nor the legislative police had any intention of reprising their absurd and unlawful decision from February to kick them out of the public space on the second  floor – a place where Tillis was only too happy to chat with conservative protesters in the past.

Let’s hope the decision to let protesters proceed and drop off thousands of petition signatures at the Speaker’s office was a result of Tillis’ people coming to their senses on at least this one matter and not just a byproduct of another rather remarkable fact, i.e. the fact that Tillis didn’t even bother to show up!

You got that? After putting scores of people — building staff, security people, legislative assistants and lawmakers themselves – through the hassle of traveling to Raleigh for a special session that lasted all of five minutes, Speaker Tillis — the man behind the whole thing – couldn’t be bothered to attend.

They’re baaaack!!! Another month, another mysterious special session from the right-wingers running the General Assembly.

Despite ”assurances” that nothing of substance will take place, state lawmakers will return yet again to Raleigh next Monday April 23rd at noon for a special legislative session. As you will recall, it was during such a session in January that lawmakers adjourned themselves and then immediately reconvened in the middle of the night to take revenge on the N.C. Association of Educators.  

Happily, as with the last special session in February (the one in which Speaker Tillis’ people selectively enforced a vague rule to remove peaceful and silent demonstrators from a public space), demonstrators will be on hand to voice their opposition to the General Assembly’s reactionary policies and to make sure that nothing untoward takes place without a witness. 

If you can, please take a few minutes out of your day on Monday to join with caring and thoughtful people to help hold the out-of-control General Assembly accountable at a “Rein them in Rally.” 

When: Monday, April 23 at 11:00 A.M.

Where: In front of the General Assembly building on Jones Street in Raleigh.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit the rally website. See you on Monday!