My Election 2020 Statement For Future Generations

 

To My Descendants:

 

I feel so fortunate for the life I have lived. Some might view the many moves my husband and I made as a negative. I counted; I lived in 18 different places in my adult life. Here, with 2020 eyes, I see these moves as a gift. I realize this country is made up of a rich tapestry of culture. From living in my 20s in Massachusetts to spending 5 years in Louisiana, to the many communities in between, I saw a diverse nation. I am fortunate to have friends all over the country. I witnessed enough to understand the need for the Black Lives Matter Movement. And, I have experienced enough to know I am not an expert, but rather need to be a good listener and an avid reader of Black authors. I know that I am still learning.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as a racist.

 

The travels that Greg and I were privileged enough to experience helped me to appreciate the peoples of the world. We avoided “resort travel” and walked the villages of rural Cambodia, talking to residents. We visited communities in Botswana and spoke with people in South Africa. We became fast friends with many in Russia and throughout Asia. I could go and on. But I note this not to uplift our travels, but to say that these experiences helped me to see the world as my home. When I hear “America First,” I shudder. This phrase negates my fellow humans with whom I share this planet.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as a xenophobe.

 

Throughout my life, I have experienced discrimination because I am a woman. In other writings, I have detailed these experiences. Some, I tried to fight, but in other cases, I left beloved jobs because of pay discrepancies. I want you to know I am not a hypocrite. If I say I believe in equal pay and fair treatment of women, I vote for these principles. This is essential in Trump’s America where, as just one example, he has nominated yet another Supreme Court Justice who will ignore the need for equality. And Republican senators blindly follow him.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as a misogynist.

 

My husband devoted his professional life to science. He died in China as he was working on climate change, a pressing issue for the health of our Planet. I observe people concerned about the health of places such as the rising Great Lakes. But many of these same people deny the reality of climate change. I feel fortunate that I am an educated individual who lived with a scientist. I know the truth. This anti-science stance of Trump has also manifested itself in his refusal to take the COVID virus seriously. He does not to listen to medical doctors with specialized degrees in epidemiology, he embraces false treatments, and ignores the advice of experts that would have saved thousands of lives.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as a luddite. 

 

For much of my professional life I was a teacher. Many of those years I spent as a zany first grade teacher and loved it! I adored my students and tried to create a happy family among “my” children. I was a hugger and someone who played tag at recess, even in my high heels. So, when I hear Trump call people names, make fun of those with special needs, and interrupt fellow human beings, I am sickened. He is a horrible example for the children of this nation and is contrary to everything I tried to accomplish in my classroom.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as a bully. 

 

I am appalled that so called Christians follow Donald Trump without question. Not only has he married and divorced several times (although I have no real issue with that) but he freely admits to several affairs, sexualizing women, and has rarely, if ever, attended church. He can’t even quote Bible verses correctly. It seems anti-abortion is the only reason evangelicals support him. Never mind that he was pro abortion until he figured out that he could use and manipulate those who are “pro-life.” Wait – pro-life? He puts small children in cages, separates them from their parents, and to date, Trump’s officials do not know how to contact the families of over 500 children in their “care.” Is this Christianity? Is this pro-life? Absolutely not! Not to mention, he does not support policies that would aid the most vulnerable in our country. This is definitely not what Jesus would do.

 

So, yes, I see Donald Trump as iniquitous.

 

And so, dear descendants, I have you in mind this election for I believe Trump is a danger. I have only touched on a few points here. I remain concerned about so many other issues, including my fear for the rights of the LGBTQ community. I view my vote as one for the greater good. I believe in years to come, families will wonder where their ancestors stood in 2020. I wanted to make this statement so there is no question what Kathy Hart (Smith) believed in and worked for between 2016 – 2020. I dream you will live in a fairer, healthier world.