[Washington, D.C] Yesterday seemed like any other Friday in September. History does not provide advance warning when it will mark certain things we do as people or identifying key events in the time we live in. It just happens!
Ana Maria Archila and Maria Gallagher had traveled to Washington, D.C. to protest their opposition to the United States Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Based on the attention the nominee had garnered they knew United States Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) represented a critical vote. As the week was winding down, Flake had indicated he would support him.
Our nation is one of a federal Republic based on democratic ideals. Politicians like Flake are voted to office with the primary mandate to be a voice of the people they represent. Unfortunately, a good many of citizens, who are of voting age miss this simply equation. Many rarely participate in voting, let alone dialogue with politicians. Then again, there are those who accept the apathetic notion that voting does not matter. Then again there are those who will swear voting has nothing to do with their lives!!!! Nothing could be further from the truth, as in this country just about everything we do or how we are impacted is based on a political implication. In common terms; someone (politicians) creates the policies of the way we are governed or how we go about living out our daily lives. Thus, some have mocked the statement but it is true: we have the type of government representation we voted for! Of course, another way to look at it is to encourage people to participate in the voting process so their desires are known. That does not imply voters will get whatever they desire but it does insure their voice will be heard.
Why I confronted Jeff Flake – Ana Maria Archila
Friday, September 28, 2008 will mark a historic date. Federal Judge Brett Kavanaugh may very well move through the process and become a member of the Supreme Court. However, two motely citizens who are registered voters summoned the courage to confront Flake to make one last appeal to investigate charges that Dr. Bird had made regarding Kavanaugh’s alleged sexual molestation against her. In the end Flake heard their voice and while he indicated there were other factors, he agreed to support Kavanaugh moving through the committee vote; with the condition that a Federal Bureau of Investigation would occur, and that was the simple appeal heard during the hearing desired by Archila and Gallagher was well as those who opposed Kavanaugh’s nomination.
YouTube video courtesy of Ruptly
The move by Archila and Gallagher was bold. Many people have had confrontations with political leaders appealing for their concerns to be heard. But, it was that place in time, on that elevator on Friday, September 28, 2018 which will go down in history that demonstrated the power of why voting matters. More importantly it showcased how you voice might be that changing moment.
The right to protest
I am sure some may disagree with the assessment we have offered but the intent is not aimed on whether you support Kavanaugh or not but to showcase the power of having politicians listen to your appeal. No doubt, Flake will receive admonition from those who disagree with his actions but the bigger issue is Archila and Gallagher did not set out to do anything historic as their intention was to just do something!
Flake surely would like to be remembered as a compassionate representative but that is simply mystery of how history is created. Just look at Rosa Parks and all of the other people who have used their voice to uplift issues they felt needed attention? Or those who have been vilified and criticized for raising their voice. They understood the power of voting and holding representatives accountable.
[postscript]
Many are talking about Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony on Thursday. Some are very pleased about the way he challenged those in opposition to his nomination. Then again, some have remarked how belligerent and disrespectful he was. Surely his performance will be a hit on this week’s SNL but using one of Samuel Jackson’s iconic character’s it has also become a hit on YT
ICYMI
For those who may have been too busy with the Kavanaugh issue or other issues, or maybe just didn’t care about anything in the news – you may have missed a huge ruling rendered yesterday.
JUDGE RULES LAWSUIT AGAINST DONALD TRUMP OVER EMOLUMENTS CAN MOVE FORWARD
(or enriching his pockets while serving as president)
The U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan found that lawmakers have adequately shown that they’ve suffered harm from the president’s alleged violation of the emoluments clause, which bans benefits from foreign governments unless a majority of both houses of Congress consent.
Thomas Reports 