On Thursday, Rufty said she was there opposing what she sees as federal policies that lack compassion, whether it pertains to deportations or social safety net programs. “I’m seeing what I think are violations of human rights and civil rights,” Rufty said. “Again, you will believe in those if you have compassion for other people whether they agree with what you say or don’t agree with what you say, or if they have a lifestyle you approve of or don’t approve of. You still should have compassion for them.”

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2025/07/18/good-trouble-two-newbies-join-nationwide-dissent-demonstrations/

Excerpt from the article:

There have been several protests in downtown Salisbury this year, but for one local woman, Cathy Rufty, it was her first, and not just this year, but ever. Rufty is 74 and is a lifelong Rowan County resident. She has lived through several eras of American history that saw large public demonstrations for various causes.

“I lived through the Vietnam (War) protests,” she said. “I lived through the Civil Rights protest. I lived through women’s rights protests. I have seen a lot in my lifetime.” For one reason or another, life just kind of kept her on the sidelines. “I knew it was going on, but I was in school or working and I never really kept up with it other than if someone asked me for my opinion, I would say yes I agree with this or I agree with that,” she said. Due to her political affiliation, or lack there of, Rufty was not encouraged to attend from local parties. “I have basically in the past been an apolitical person,” she said. “I have been registered as an Independent so I did not have a party affiliation that would draw me in to something like that.”…