Why I am Not Surprised About You Know Who’s Response to Cokie Roberts’s Passing?

When someone dies, the proper response is to share one’s condolences and be sympathetic to the family of the newly deceased. It is not about the person giving the condolences, it is about the person receiving the condolences.

Legendary journalist Cokie Roberts passed away this week. She was 75. Ms. Roberts was a journalist among journalists. She broke down barriers for female journalists and was the face of the news for millions of Americans.

An appropriate response to her passing is something like the statement released by former President Obama:

“Michelle and I are sad to hear about the passing of Cokie Roberts. She was a trailblazing figure; a role model to young women at a time when the profession was still dominated by men; a constant over forty years of a shifting media landscape and changing world, informing voters about the issues of our time and mentoring young journalists every step of the way. She will be missed – and we send our condolences to her family.”

Instead, the man whom we unfortunately call President, released the following statement:

“She never treated me nicely. But I would like to wish her family well. She was a professional, and I respect professionals. I respect you guys a lot, you people a lot. She was a real professional. Never treated me well, but I certainly respect her as a professional.”

Not everything is about him. Sometimes, we have to yield the spotlight to someone else. But he does not understand that. Nor does he understand or respect that the press is an integral part of a democratic country.

Just another reason to vote him out of office next fall.

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Thoughts On Elizabeth Warren’s Mention of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

In 1911, 146 garment workers perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Most of them were recent immigrants to America, young women of Italian and Jewish descent who worked in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. As a result of the fire and the unnecessary loss of life, working conditions improved for factory workers.

This week, Presidential candidate and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) held a rally in New York City’s Washington Square Park. During the rally, she referenced the former sweatshop, which is mere blocks from the park.

I feel like America in the 2010s is not so different than America in the 1910’s. The unofficial class and wealth divide grows ever larger. We have new immigrants coming into this country every day. While we celebrate their achievements, we simultaneously accuse them of destroying this country. Hate, racism and prejudice still infect our country.

However, there is something to be said for the progress we have made in a century. Women and citizens of color have made tremendous strides to real equality. We live in a technological age that our ancestors might have only dreamed of a century ago.

We need a President who honors the past while striding into the future. I have a feeling that Senator Warren, if she is elected, will do just that.