On Kamala Harris

A few years back, when the democratic party sent a snail mail survey asking me who I thought should run for Senate from the State of California to replace the seat being vacated by Senator Barbara Boxer, Kamala’s name was not even listed. Under “other,” I wrote in Kamala Harris. I guess finally someone got the memo that we need more diversity and Kamala became the first Senator of color from the State of California but not the first woman. We haven’t had a male US Senator elected in California since the late 1980s.

When Kamala announced her run for president, I was behind her 100% until she dropped out and I switched to backing Senator Elizabeth Warren. Life is a circular affair and here we are today, rejoicing.

I am over the moon that a first generation American born woman (like myself) from parents who came from two different countries (like myself) who is a woman of color (unlike myself) is now running for Vice President of the USA.

This is my California. This is my USA. I live in San Diego County were 25% of our residents are immigrants, where over 50% of our residents are either Latinx and/or people of color and our diversity is beautiful! In his CNN Opinion piece today, Van Jones wrote “Shirley Chisholm is happy tonight.” This brought me to my knees. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before and today I am overwhelmed with emotions. Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives has been my hero for decades. Among her many accomplishments include running for president in 1972 when I was still a child.

My deepest respect and honor goes out to great African-American women who have fought long and hard to make the promise of America a reality.  Thank you for your service to equality, democracy and especially to women’s rights. Thank you Van Jones for calling them out in your opinion piece. And to my readers, if you don’t know these women, educate yourself. Barbara Jordan,  Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Jo Baker all paved the way for Kamala.

Kamala Devi Harris, you have come a long way and were not always able to do things your way. Such is the nature of elected offices. You work for the people and do their will. Just wanted to let you know that I’m behind you 100%. Together, we will elect you as our nation’s vice president!

“The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.” ~ John Schaar

Today we start creating a future that is for the people.