The Truths We Hold: An American Journey Book Review

To be an American these days is not easy. Our country and our culture are backed by the idea that all citizens, regardless of identity or labels are equal. But the reality is that inequality based on identity has existed since the early days of the Republic. That does not mean, however, that we can live up to the ideals the built our country.

Senator Kamala Harris (D-California) is one of the most prominent Democrats in the Senate. She recently published a book entitled The Truths We Hold: An American Journey. Senator Harris’s politics and view of the world were formed at an early age. She was born in 1964 to immigrant parents. Her father is originally from Jamaica and her mother is from India. After her parents divorced, she and her younger sister spent most of their time with their mother, who worked as a scientist. As a young girl of color in the 1960’s and 1970’s, she grew up in a country where what it meant to be a person of color was changing. As an adult, she pursued a career in law before getting into politics. Her cumulative experience, both personal and professional, allows her to be both personal in her politics and bold enough to move this country into a better direction than we are now.

I really enjoyed this book. Part autobiography and part political manifesto, I believe that every American who truly believes in the ideals of country should read this book. Senator Harris is exactly what we need in this country right now and represents everything that the American dream stands for.

I recommend it.

I Decided To Attend The Woman’s March Today

Earlier this week, I wrote a blog post about why I was questioning whether I would be attending the woman’s march today. I could not support a movement and a leadership that when asked about antisemitism, could not state clearly that they condemn discrimination against those of the Jewish faith.

I felt uneasy just staying home and doing nothing. Stating that I am feminist while not doing something today to support my brothers and sisters in arms felt like a betrayal of everything that I believe and stand for.

Yesterday, I found out that Rise and Resist, was holding a rally at Grand Central Station this afternoon. The rally, entitled “Non-March For Disabled Women” was to support marginalized women whose voices are usually not heard.

Feminism, like all movements, is not perfect. The movement has its issues, especially when it comes to whose voices are heard and whose are ignored. I left the rally knowing that I did my part. It was also nice to be inside, given that NYC is currently experiencing a severe cold snap.

I’m glad I did my part today. I maybe one person, but sometimes it only takes one person to change the world for the better.

 

 

This Tit For Tat Business Is Getting Us Nowhere

When in a business situation and trying to come to deal that will please both parties, there are two ways on how to respond to the situation.

The first type of response (i.e. mature) response is to sit down with the other party and hammer out a deal that both sides will walk away satisfied with.

The second type of response (immature) is to respond in an action that can only be described as tit for tat.

Earlier this week, Nancy Pelosi asked you know who to delay his State Of The Union speech (which is as of now scheduled for January 29) until the government shutdown has ended.

His response was something that we have been sadly become accustomed to. Not only did he cancel a pre-planned overseas trip by a congressional delegation, he did so less than an hour before they were supposed to leave. He claimed that it was because of the shutdown that those who were on the trip could not use government airplanes. But while he denies the use of government airplanes so our Congressmen and women can thank our troops in person, Melania flies to Florida using a government airplane.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If members of Congress cannot fly using government planes to support our troops, then the first family cannot use government airplanes for personal use. But this is nothing new, at least coming from him. He thinks that he, his family and the people closest to him are above the law and are not expected the follow the rules that the rest of us follow.

As the shutdown continues, experts predict that the financial damage to the economy could pass the amount that he states that he needs to build the wall.

Earlier this evening, he announced that he will support DACA and TPS (Temporary Protected Status), if the Democrats agree to the wall. Do I smell desperation?

He has obviously learned that tit for tat and acting like a man-child taking a temper tantrum will get him nowhere, at least in the short-term. The question is, will he learn that in the long-term or is this just temporary until until the government opens and it is business as usual?