The struggle that gave birth to this nation was driven by the determination to create a government “by the people, for the people, and of the people”. There was just one flaw in the plan. In the minds of those who led the revolution, “ the people” were white male heterosexuals. And today – well over two hundred years later – very little has changed.

Lesbians, gays, women, African – Americans, Native Americans, anyone not white, male & heterosexual: none of us has yet achieved an equal voice in the political process. Politically and economically we share a common oppression and we must recognize this fact if we’re ever to change our lot.

Think about this for a moment. Those who control the economic and political power are not the majority – repeat that – not the majority. Together WE are the majority. So how then does a minority continue to hold on to its power? Answer: By pitting one group of us against another so that we do not join together to seize the power. Fear-mongering is the weapon they use to ensure we are fearful & suspicious of one another and don’t get wide-spread support when any of us enters the political arena.

When individuals and groups put aside their differences and focus on the common oppression we face, we’ll build alliances so strong that we will seize the political power and then ultimately economic power.

Believe this - a few of your dollars and a few hours of your time together with that of your sisters and brothers can elect those who will truly represent us.

We’ve already seen what has happened because the religious right has made a concerted effort to gain school board seats, city and county commission seats, state offices and judicial seats. The results are what we are living with every day.

Believe this - no issue that separates us is more important than the common oppression and inequality we share. The survival of our democracy depends on each of us.

START TODAY:

1. Make sure you are registered.
2. Sign up to receive absentee ballots, if you can.
3. If you can afford to, start donating to candidates. (even a few dollars will help)
4. Sign up & work for get-out-the-vote efforts. (much can be done even from home)
5. VOTE!!

There is one more thing you can do, especially if you are a younger person considered to be less vulnerable to the COVID19 virus and have the time to do it. Sign up to work the polling place on Election Day. You will be making it possible for more people to vote without having to wait hours to do so and protecting their right to do so. You will be paid to do it!

#womensvoicesmedia