I am writing this not only to speak my mind on the events that have just occurred, but also to document this for history and to show this to my future children. I want them to know that today, Monday October 26, 2020 is the day that Amy Coney Barrett was sworn into her position as Supreme Court Justice. Where she will sit on her throne for, at least, the next 40 years.
On September 18, 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. RBG was the former Supreme Court Justice. She fought for marriage equality and LGBTQ rights. She fought to abolish gender norms; she was a “feminist.” She fought extremely hard for women’s rights, whether their right to choose if they keep or abort their fetus, or just the simple fact that women should be treated equally.
She kept our country going, she kept those in the LGBTQAI+ community safe, she protected women, POC, and fought hard against racism. She was a truly pure person. I feel so grateful to be alive for even a small part of her legacy.
But, while the republicans celebrate their win and rejoice as Amy Coney Barrett accepts her new position. I, along with thousands of others, sit at home, tears running down their face as fear runs through their brains. While they ponder which right will be ripped away from them first. Will marriage equality be taken? Will Roe V. Wade be overturned? Will I, as a woman be thought of as the person who cleans the house or will I be thought of as equal to a man?
While the republicans celebrate their win, thousands of families cry as they say goodbye to their loved ones over a phone call while they die alone in a hospital bed due to COVID-19. While thousands die and thousands more mourn their lost loved ones. Those republicans celebrate their privilege and ignorance.
RBG had one final wish,"my most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed" (www.nbcnews.com/...). The amount of sheer disrespect for an American hero blows my mind. She is a true American hero, not those puny, white men who put on a blue shirt and gold star and brutally murder black men and women who did nothing but drive 30mph in a 25mph zone.
So as I sit here, smothered in intense fear and anguish. Fighting back tears so I can force my shaky hands to finish each word, I ask you one question. How could this happen? How, was an impeached president able to continue to “lead” our country through a global pandemic while at least 25 woman sit there in silence waiting for him to face consequences for sexually assaulting them?
How was he able to continue to lead this country while single-handily murdering over 225,000 people? How do people still support this man while he blatantly disregards the importance of their lives? It’s not about the fucking economy anymore. Open your eyes. These are peoples lives. They are nothing more than statistics. And soon, they will just be a number in one sentence in my great-grandchildren's history book.
Now, Amy Coney Barrett is elected, leaving Trump’s “legacy,” for lack of a better word, for another 40+ years. Now, every woman in America will have to spend each hour of each day of their lives fearing for their rights and their safety.
So, to the members of the senate who voted for Amy Coney Barrett: I say this with the utmost respect. Go to hell! There is no legitimate reason to meddle in the lives of woman and decide FOR THEM if they should abort the child of their rapist. There is no reason to ban same sex marriage. It doesn’t affect you. Mind your own business. Focus on your own life and vote for things that affect everyone.
What about climate change? Can't you vote to limit the amount of cars on the road that run on gas? That would affect you and us. What about stricter gun laws? Wouldn’t that protect your children at school? It would be significantly harder for someone who is unfit to be in possession of a gun to get their hands on it. That way they can’t take the gun and shoot up your children schools. How about doing something useful instead of allowing 225,000 people to die? But, you won’t do that will you? No, you're too focused on women killing lumps of cells that aren't even alive yet.
I think I am going to conclude this with something simple and sweet:
Dear Donald Trump,
I hope you enjoy the satisfaction of ruining the lives of half of America. Including some who voted for you and stand by you. But, I know in that tiny brain of yours, you don’t care. So have fun hitting on your daughter and getting spray tans.
Sincerely,
TLO