Food Stamp Protest Part II
Tuesday's Food Stamp Protest
So on Thursday of last week, almost spontaneously, Lisa Azios brought about a dozen women to my office to go across to the street and protest in front of the Food Stamp Office. Despite record, extreme heat, many of them stayed out the entire hour.
The next day, Lisa scheduled a meeting with the regional director of Food Stamp’s administrative office. A gentleman from the Austin office of their civil right’s division was there. Channel 45 showed and got some interviews, and it aired briefly that night.
During the meeting, Lisa completely let them have it. I would like to tap into my creative writing skills and get you details about the meeting, but I’m writing this on the run. By far, she is the most ferocious person that I have been in a meeting with. She didn’t let them have one inch of breathing room. I believe a new nickname is in order: Lisa “Feroz” Azios.
Long story short and two hours of bureaucratic speak later. They’ll get back with us this week, and we should send them each of the individual complaints.
Another thing which made them pretty uncomfortable was my question as to whether we had the right to go and take surveys of the people waiting. In retrospect, it wasn’t a genuine question, because I know that the only permission I need is the first amendment.
Yesterday, the protests continued, and I went with one of the food stamp applicants to survey the people. I was surprised to see more than one hundred people waiting, and I even spoke to a stroke victim who had to stand in a line that looked as if it would take at least two more hours. All of this happened across the street from my office.
I wish I had the time to give this post more justice, but I’ve been working very hard on organizing, work and family. More details to come.
La lucha sigue.
