Take a minute and watch this video. Is this a candidate worth throwing under the bus in the red state of Nebraska?
I went to the rally last night in Omaha.
It was everything you’d want in a progressive movement. The crowd was enthused, energized, and ready to vote. All colors, creeds, genders, ages, shapes and sizes were represented — and keep in mind, this is Nebraska.
Mello followed an impassioned representative from Planned Parenthood, who made it clear that a woman’s right to choose is a fundamental right that is both moral and economical. The crowd in attendance whole heartedly agreed. They also agreed that Heath Mello is not just an incremental step forward for Omaha, but a giant leap.
We are a ‘pale blue dot’ in an ocean of red. And yesterday, this website and many in the community made it clear that “more and better” democrats, is a hollow call to action.
Heath is a Catholic (most in Omaha are). He has never denied that he is personally pro-life and had to vote (for and against) bills he doesn’t always agree with to protect much worse ones from getting through the super majority we have in our legislature. What he has stated time and time again is his support for Planned Parenthood and expanding it. In separating his personal religious views from public policy.
Heath is running for Mayor in Omaha, Nebraska. Not a Senator from California, or Congressman from New York.
Yesterday, and now today, you see his opponent using this “kerfuffle” against him. As an Omaha resident, I’ve never been more saddened to see how quickly we can turn on each other when the votes really matter.
As someone who voted for Bernie, and then shut the hell up after the primary and voted for Clinton. The irony hits a little too hard.
Update:
www.omaha.com/…
“While my faith guides my personal views, as mayor I would never do anything to restrict access to reproductive health care,” Mello said in the statement.
A last-minute addition to the rally was Sofia Jawed-Wessel, an assistant professor of public health and health behavior at UNO, who spoke about her support of Planned Parenthood.
“Rally behind Heath Mello and support the candidate who supports Planned Parenthood,” she said.
By the way, guess who is coming to Omaha to support his opponent? Scott Walker.