Karen Stinneford: Losing ‘Mama Bear’ voters

Last Christmas, my husband and I gave our daughter second-tier, front-row seats to see Maroon 5. She was over the moon excited. It’s hard for an adolescent to wait nine months to enjoy her Christmas present, but patiently she listened to her Maroon 5 CD so she would know “all the words” when Adam Levine sang them to her from stage.

Recently I told her Maroon 5 isn’t coming, thanks to House Bill 2. She is crushed.

I know the so-called leaders in the General Assembly don’t care about the financial pain these boycotts cause for businesses and people dependent on big shows coming to the PNC Arena. I know they don’t care that although my ticket costs will be refunded, the $75 I spent to join the fan club solely so I could purchase those great seats won’t be refunded.

But most sadly for me, I know they don’t care that a smart, funny, caring and honorable young lady will never enjoy her Christmas present from her parents.

HB2 is hurting our state, financially and emotionally. But for this particular Mama Bear voter, I care mostly that HB2 hurt my kid. Mama Bears don’t ever forget the people who hurt their kids.

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Karen Stinneford: Losing ‘Mama Bear’ voters."