The Extension of the Voting Rights Act: A Triumph for Justice
Patriot
The Voting Rights Act extension was passed in the House by a wide margin and without the amendments that would have weakened it. This is indeed a proud accomplishment for every American who cherishes our democracy and has actively defended it.
I lived in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. I was in high school at the time and my father was a Klan sympathizer, so I could not speak out about how I felt then. I remember so many things that were wrong, the white only drinking fountains, white only restaurants, even the white only ice cream parlor near my home, which particularly revolted me.
At my part-time job, there were several black men working in service, shuffling and keeping their heads down and say, "yassir" a lot. One day, I was sent on an errand with one of them to go along to carry some packages back. I remember as soon as we walked out the door, he stood up straight and walked and talked like a normal man. He lost his "po' negro" accent immediately and got it back upon our return. I didn't think about it then, but he must have felt safe being himself with me.
Little things, so many little things all combine to produce and perpetuate discrimination, which dehumanizes us all. These memories have stayed with me all these years, and I'm sure the memories of the millions of victims of discrimination have been even more vivid and troubling.
Our next movement was pursuing equal rights for women. I remember the discrimination I experienced as a woman and having to fight for justice. My daughter applied for a job a couple of years ago and the interviewer said, "Your name is familiar. We had a woman with the same name years ago who came in here and shook everything up and made the city change its laws to give women equal rights. We've never forgotten her and what she did."
That was me.
I couldn't help as much as I would have liked to during the Civil Rights Movement, but my active support for women's rights is part of the same struggle for human equality, so it's satisfying to know that I've helped make a difference.
Now we are fighting on two fronts, equal rights for those who are not hetrosexual and those who are not Republican. The similarities in discrimination are clearly evident in both cases and we must put them right. All Americans must enjoy their civil liberties equally and fully.
The passing of the Voting Rights Act extension is a reminder of how far we've come and how far we have yet to go.
Comment # 1 ~ Rusty ~ 07/17/2006 20:12 GMT You've set an inspiring example for all of us to emulate, Patriot. Thank you! The fight for equality and justice never ends, so our courage and determination must be equal to the challenges facing us today. We shall overcome.
Comment # 2 ~ feline ~ 07/17/2006 22:37 GMT Thank you for sharing your story and experiences; like Rusty said, you are an inspiration! I look forward to continuing our progress on equality and justice.
Comment # 3 ~ Reed31463 ~ 07/18/2006 00:34 GMT Republicans live off of the unwarranted fears and prejudices of people. They create rumors and innuendo where none exist. For example, take the stigma they have created amongst people by calling someone a liberal. Minorities can see them for what they truly are: fear mongers. Is it any wonder that the Republicans are perpetrating every trick in the book to prevent minorities from voting when 95% of Blacks and 75% of Hispanics are going to vote for the Democratic candidate.
Thank you John Conyers and the Congressional Black Caucus for protecting the constitution and the rights of every citizen no matter what race, creed, or religion they belong.
Comment # 4 ~ Alma ~ 07/18/2006 02:38 GMT What a wonderful sense of accomplishment you must feel for what you have already done in your past.
The way I see it there are at least 4 types of people. 1. Those that want to control the system to only their own advantage. 2. Those that don't care and go on their way blind to what is happening. 3. Those that see the injustice and try to do something and then give up. 4. Those that never give up when they see something wrong, and do make a difference.
How lucky we are that you are in that number 4 catagory Patriot. You make me very proud to be your friend.
Comment # 5 ~ unspun ~ 07/19/2006 20:24 GMT Patriot
Great post!
Putting yourself in the forefront of fighting for civil liberties takes courage--thank you for being one of those who have that courage.
Comment # 6 ~ tahoebasha1 ~ 07/20/2006 02:15 GMT Patriot,
I had wanted to respond to this "straight from the gut" article of yours on CB, but did not have the chance. Thank you for sharing a moment of your "history" in this continuum battle, which should have ceased long ago. You, by your article, bring up memories, which I have never forgotten, of my own. Yes, I was born in the Midwest and have larglely lived in the Midwest most of my life, but my youth and growing-up years were spent in a small, southeastern town. As early as three or four years old, I remember being on the bus with my mother. I can even remember the day and the sights seen on that bus and the environs. I asked my mother, "why do the black people have to move to the back of the bus? Why can't they sit down like us? I no longer remember her answer. And then, I asked, "why do the blacks live like this [meaning, why did they live in slum-like conditions]? I don't remember the response to that either. And, in my schools, I do not recall any black children in my schools. I returned to the Midwest in my early teens -- those thoughts of mine as a young child stuck with me. I never forgot. And I have never forgotten how I felt as a young child on being unable to understand those things which I saw with my own eyes. No child is born with prejudice in his/her heart. It is something which is taught. One would think that by now, all of that would be a thing of the past, and still it's not, because of lowly ignorance.
Thank you again for sharing your story.
Comment # 7 ~ Rusty ~ 07/28/2006 19:10 GMT Patriot, we need you now more than ever, I hope you can return to Amerika as soon as possible so we can make it America again.
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