One can hope that the Democratic Party establishment has recognized the powerful statement of those who refused the photo op in Atlanta. After months of silence, in a “Hail Mary” pitch, the president declared that the Voter Rights Act(s) must pass. He even showed his earnestness by pushing the end of the filibuster, if needed. If that wasn’t painful enough Senator Schumer evoked Martin Luther King Day to be the showdown on the filibuster and the vote.
Some people are swayed by rhetoric. I’m not one of them. Our history is full of promises and unfulfilled hope. The facts tell the tale of our so-called democracy.
The original Constitution did not define voting rights and it wasn’t until 1870 that white men were given the right to vote. Technically black men could vote as well, but state laws made it nearly impossible for them. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all citizens were granted the right to vote.
One would hope we believe in the equality we preach. One would hope we value the democracy we tout. But the nineteen states enacting laws in 2021 that hinder marginalized peoples’ ability to vote are lessons in hypocrisy.
And that brings me to the other party incapable of stopping the runaway train of destruction. The Republicans. Who wins when the voices of the people are muted? Clearly, it is not the marginalized. Clearly it is not Nature. Elitists win. Slick salesmen win. Division wins.
You have to wonder how long before people who claim Republican status challenge their establishment as some worthy Democrats just did. It’s not easy to acknowledge you’ve been tricked, but the consequences will be dire if we continue to follow the two party path of division.
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When asked why he refused to endorse a political party, Martin Luther King said, “I feel someone must remain in the position of nonalignment, so that he can look objectively at both parties and be the conscience of both – not the servant or master of either.
let kindness win 