<TriceEdneyWire.com> — Maybe you heard the same discussion I heard and agreed with the three women who said Democrats must stop arguing publicly with one another. Why are Democrats criticizing candidates who have already won their primaries and are moving toward November? Every time Democrats attack each other, some people (especially in the opposing party) celebrate because they think that is the way they will win. The way to a good change for all of us is to support candidates who have a record of working for the people they represent.
I also believe some of our White sisters who went astray in the last election may now see their mistake. With new voting requirements, some may discover they lack the documents needed to vote. Perhaps that is wishful thinking, but it is hard to believe they would willingly accept disenfranchisement. Many women remember how hard women fought for the vote, while Black women know all too well the additional barriers we faced. History still shows that too few White women stood with us when our rights were on the line with racism—too many voted for Trump.
Today, we can look to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, both women of color, to argue on the right side of critical issues for all of us. Often, Justice Elena Kagan joins them, and women across this country appreciate that. Though the three cannot always overcome arguments that seem uncaring or hateful, their presence on the highest court matters. I am grateful they are there, and I am proud of them.
The three women I mentioned were discussing the midterms and warning Democrats not to fight among themselves. Their point was simple: Democrats must keep their eyes on the prize, because in many races, they are running against fascism. Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic, right-wing system of government and social organizations. To me, it describes efforts to demean and harm people who look like me, e.g.: Black women losing government jobs; Hispanic families facing raids; deportations; death and detention; and communities living under fear—all show why this election matters.
We need unity if we hope to return to leaders who believe in the U.S. Constitution. The women in that conversation (a Black woman, a White woman, and a Muslim woman) were advising Democrats to do the right thing despite current confusion and division. The prize is a government led by people who respect the Constitution and protect the public. Too many Republicans have failed to break away from the disease called Trumpism, and too many who once seemed reasonable have bowed to Trump’s behavior. Democrats, whatever labels they carry, must unite to rescue this country from leaders whose actions are mean, anti-American, ‘Hazel-racist,’ sexist, and dangerous.
I have little hope that conditions will improve before the election. I still fear Trump will not leave the White House legally or peacefully. My friend Dick Gregory once said the only way he would leave would be if the military or law enforcement dragged him out. I think of my own family’s military service, including relatives who served and died, and a young niece who recently joined the Navy. I worry for young service members now forced to listen to leaders dismiss serious concerns while taxpayer dollars are wasted.
So my message is direct: Democrats, voters, Senate and House members, and party leaders must not argue with one another in public. This is a time to unite, get out the vote, donate where we can, and help families and neighbors wherever possible. Whatever differences we have, we must set them aside because people across parties are suffering from the actions of Trump and his allies. Forget the distractions, the gold, the bunker, the ballroom, and the ugliness of those who care nothing about you. Keep your eyes on the prize and vote. God and fear do not occupy the same space.
(Dr. E. Faye Williams, attorney, is president/CEO Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women and international president of The Dick Gregory Society, Inc.)
