It is well known, thanks to the party’s standard bearer, that Republicans are the party of racist, bigots, misogynists, homophobes, and xenophobes. Above all of their prejudices, their denial of equal rights for women is the most devastating factor affecting future elections.
The Republican Party’s platform confirms the fact that it will continue its war on women. They intend to pass more stringent abortion laws, and defund Planned Parenthood.
For those of you too young to know, there was a time when the Republican Party supported less government, and more personal freedom. Now that it is owned by special interests, including the Christian religious right, it seeks control over our most personal decisions. Their efforts to force women to complete an unwanted pregnancy is fascism.
The Republican Party has little or no respect for women. Voters fail to choose female candidates, continuing to favor white men. Only 23 Republican women serve in the House, and six in the Senate. Democrats have 65 women in the House and 14 in the Senate. The Republican women who are elected join their white male counterparts in refusing to vote for women’s rights and equality; ala Joni Ernst.
Let’s offer a little truth here. Men have failed our nation for 240 years. Their acts of imperialism and refusal to uphold the Constitutional rights of all men and women violate the intentions of our founding fathers. If men will not offer equality for women and minorities, they will be forced to take it for themselves.
For as long as I can remember Congress has been known as a white man’s “good old boys club.” Professional politicians have used Congress as their personal and private playground. They have no work ethic, and no intent to serve the American people. When their records are scrutinized, they have few accomplishments, choosing to continually campaign for reelection while the needs of the American people are ignored.
As the majority, we must demand more. Friday, Congress began another vacation, which will not end until after Labor Day. Necessary legislation was left unfinished, while all 535 members of the House and Senate are away spending money donated by lobbyists and wealthy supporters. If you and I must labor for 50 weeks a year, and 40 or more hours each week, shouldn’t Congress be expected to do the same?
White men have set a low standard for Congress. They are only expected to be in the Capitol 100 days each month. For their “efforts” they receive a base salary of $174,000 each year, and benefits comparable to the highest paid CEO’s. Their pay is not based on their work record; they do nothing and continue to receive a paycheck. They fail to support social security, Medicare, or healthcare for those they represent because they are not dependent on these programs.
A woman president, and more women serving in Congress will change the environment in Washington.
The American people have but one weapon in our battle with Congress; our vote. Use it wisely this year; it’s more important than you might believe.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 