If the Kavanaugh hearings revealed a single fact it is the reality that the men and women in the United States Senate are cowards. Once hailed in John F. Kennedy’s book, “Profiles in Courage,” by bowing to Trump’s demands, we learned that they will not fight for the American people. Only one-third of all Americans polled approved of Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

A single Republican voted against Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Lisa Murkowski. She did the right thing. However, the most courageous act was taken by North Dakota Democratic Senator, Heidi Heitkamp.

She voted with the people and did the right thing; she voted against Kavanaugh. This was one of the most courageous acts ever taken in congress. Although she was leading in her reelection bid in North Dakota before the vote, a poll now shows her 11 points behind.

Senator Heitkamp anticipated this result. Speaking on “60 Minutes” Sunday evening, she said that ‘her job was less important than doing the right thing.’

Hopefully the people of North Dakota will understand that her vote was a vote for two-thirds of all women who were afraid to report crimes of sexual assault.

After watching the hearings when the Senate Judiciary Committee listened to testimony from Professor Christine Blasey Ford and Kavanaugh, it was clear that she was truthful, and that Kavanaugh was a member of the Trump brotherhood. He was antagonistic, defensive, and his demeanor was that of a pathological liar.

There is a second reason to praise Senator Heitkamp’s courageous act. If she loses her election, Democrats may not regain control of the senate. The current margin is R-51, D-49. Of the 33 senators up for reelection in November, only eight are Republicans.

Finally, what would congress be if all 435 representatives and all 100 senators had the courage of Heidi Heitkamp? Let’s make that happen. In November of 2018 and 2020 let’s vote all Republicans out of office. They do not deserve your vote; they don’t vote for you.

The Truth Lives Here

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Photo courtesy of Housing Assistance Council

My six novels are available on the free Amazon Kindle app: CLICK HERE