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Today’s “TimesUp” rationale

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Illinois

* From Colleen Smith yesterday…

Hey Rich

Meant to forward you this when I sent it around to LAs and legislators. It’s not really a statement but is our purpose for [Wednesday]. Also if you care to say anything more about it, you can tell your readers that myself, Stephanie Vojas Taylor, and Kim Janas will have black ribbons to distribute throughout the morning that people can pin on if they don’t have black.

Thanks!

* The forwarded message…

On Wednesday, January 31st, we ask that you join us in solidarity by wearing black at the Capitol.

The issues of sexism and harassment are rampant across our country, and the statehouse is no stranger to these stories. Women still remain the minority in leadership positions in the General Assembly, across lobbying firms, agencies, and a variety of associations. Times up on working in an environment that fails to provide women with the opportunity to let their voices be heard equally. Times up on harassment, assault, inappropriate behaviors, and being told to work around this.

Certainly, there is more that needs to be done to address systemic challenges to general inequality. Those participating in the taskforces and womens’ caucus are among those leading the charge for change. We must continue to work towards greater equality by tearing down barriers and addressing the challenges that women, and especially women of color, face.

I hope that you will join us.

Thank you,
Colleen Smith

Some commenters saw this the other day as some sort of protest against Gov. Rauner or his State of the State. It’s nothing of the kind.

* From Rep. Williams…

Why I am wearing black today.#timesup pic.twitter.com/hHC6KCmHDo

— Rep. Ann Williams (@RepAnnWilliams) January 31, 2018

There’s no cheering allowed in the press box, so I’ve been leaning against wearing black today. Your thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:26 am

Comments

== There’s no cheering allowed in the press box, so I’ve been leaning against wearing black today. ==

Strongly agree. Maintaining the integrity of the press requires avoidance of even the most subtle hints of support or opposition of a cause. Although, I think that an exception has to be made to avoid the violation of fashion laws that would occur from wearing white socks instead of black to the address.

Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:37 am
If you have something black that looks good, wear it. I view that the same as wearing a lapel pin. I would not consider it as cheering.

You have been supportive of women’s issues in your column. I see wearing black as a continuation of that.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:38 am
What about a ribbon protesting legislative behavior that is “unbecoming of a legislator.”

Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:43 am
I say wear black if you support the cause. It’s not a partisan issue and I don’t think the integrity of the press is diminished at all by saying you’re against discrimination, harassment, and assault.

Comment by MissingG Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:44 am
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv2PgWmQ1Lo

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:45 am
It’s kind of like world peace. Who can be against it? The only questions are about how to best make it happen, which difference of opinion doesn’t de-legitimize the cause.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:54 am
== There’s no cheering allowed in the press box, so I’ve been leaning against wearing black today. ==Strongly agree. Maintaining the integrity of the press requires avoidance of even the most subtle hints of support or opposition of a cause.

It’s not a partisan issue. It’s showing respect to the people who have been sexually harassed and assaulted.

Comment by Miss Marie Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:56 am
Press should remain neutral. Wear what you would have worn anyway.

Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:57 am
I don’t think you need to. To every reader/commenter familiar with your blog, your support of every cause you believe in is understood, so wearing black would be superfluous in this case. To those who don’t know your blog well, they may take issue with the ‘integrity of the press’ if you do wear black. (But if they DID read your blog, they’d know a familiar term….”Bite me”…..so do whatever.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:02 am
Lie most complicated issues, this one sometimes needs an analysis that goes against popular sentiment. Capitol Fax has done that. Showing support for a cause diminishes the blog’s continuing credibility as an independent voice. It’s why reporters don’t disclose who they vote for.

Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:04 am
I got to say, it’s barely 10 am and too many people are trying to be cutesy with wearing black. I’m dealing with male coworkers making jokes about black outfits, people trying to out-style each other with their black outfits, and now we’re talking whether or not you should wear black today, Rich.

Listen, this all started because of sexual harassment and assault issues. We’re getting off topic. So unless people would like to add to the actual issue at hand, or contribute in a positive way, maybe it would be better idea to stop talking about our outfits.

Comment by Miss Marie Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:05 am
I am perfectly comfortable with the press taking a stand against sexual harassment.

Comment by SaulGoodman Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:08 am
black has been the NYC uniform since at least the ’80s. many wear it by default, so, whatever….

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:17 am
The press are people too. In order to be (seen as) objective, members of the press should keep their views on partisan issues to themselves. However, for example if they are in the chamber during a moment of silence for a fallen service member, do they participate? Some issues are larger than the typical day-to-day political combat, and I think there’s a strong argument that this issues ranks among them.

If someone believes that you have lost your journalistic objectivity because you wear a black ribbon while in the press box, then I’d ask whether your pursuit their approval is worth your time.

Comment by buffalo soldier Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:20 am
It’s wonderful to be visible and outspoken about how much you oppose sexual harassment, racism, sexism, transphobia. That way everyone knows that you are one of the good people.

Then we know the people who aren’t wearing black support sexual harassment, racism, homophobia.

Comment by State worker Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:22 am
==Then we know the people who aren’t wearing black support sexual harassment, racism, homophobia.==

So, if I didn’t wear black today, apparently that means I don’t support the movement?

Comment by A-Okay Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:42 am
I was thinking about making a smart a** comment that you should wear a vest, w lots of flair. Miss marie’s comment stopped me cold, rightfully.

I agree w those saying dont wear a ribbon.

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 11:13 am
Wait, you consider yourself “press”?

Comment by Partisan Hackery Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 11:26 am
===We’re getting off topic===

Fine. Take it up with the folks who came up with the idea.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 11:29 am
This can’t be good news for the accused senator, no matter if he says he was exonerated.

Comment by Albany Park Patriot Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:51 pm