The swearing-in is done. So, it is official. Kamala Harris is the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States of America!
Did you notice that she was wearing purple? I did. She wore purple to honor Shirley Chisholm. Some suggest it also represents the uniting Democrats and Republicans. I think she wore purple because it represents the dignity every woman (human) deserves independent of her economic, political, or social status.
In his speech, President Biden mentioned dignity three times.
- We can treat each other with dignity and respect.
- I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor and, yes, the truth. (Applause) The recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson.
- A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness.
President Biden spoke of racial justice twice.
- Millions of jobs have been lost, hundreds of thousands of businesses closed, a cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us.
- We can deliver racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.
I listened carefully to hear him speak about equality.
Is his statement about we defeating white supremacy the same as saying all races are equal?
The cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.
Is no longer deferring a dream of justice for all the same as invoking gender equality?
The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.
My heart is full of hope that it is the same, but my critical eye says it is not.
The hope in my heart believes this administration will recognize, as Amanda Gorman said, “In the norms and notions of what just is isn’t always justice” and not compromise in their quest for racial and gender equality.
But my critical eye reminds me that to unite a hurting and divided nation will require compromise.
My heart sighs and says,
“For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” The Hill We Climb, Amanda Gorman
Let’s be brave together.
Rhonda
