Torres on Decision to Attend Trump Inauguration
ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) released the following statement announcing that she plans to attend the 58th Inaugural Ceremony for Donald J. Trump:
"After serious consideration, I have decided to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump. As an immigrant and a woman who represents a largely Mexican-American constituency, I am the embodiment of everything Trump has demonized and demeaned. And on January 20th, I will stand over his shoulder, just as I will during the next four years, to remind him that I and people like me deserve a seat at the table, and we will watch his every move. We will hold him accountable. We will not silently step aside and be ignored. We will show up, and we will make our voices heard.
"That day will be uncomfortable, even painful, but I believe that as a Member of Congress, it is my duty to witness the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of our democracy. Let us not forget that Republicans attended President Obama's inaugurations and still managed to oppose him at every turn. This is why the very next day, I will march with thousands of men, women, and children to show Donald Trump that women are what make America great. We will send a clear message to him, and the world, that we won't back down from the fight for justice, inclusiveness, and dignity for all.
"I will never stop voicing my opposition to policies that divide and destroy this country, but I have always believed that to make a difference, you have to show up. And that is exactly what I intend to do."
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