I know this blog has been all kid and travel pics for the
past 10 years, but things have gone loco in the world lately and it's stirred up some thoughts in my head. I’m surely not
the only one who reads the headlines and regularly thinks, “what is even
happening right now???”
So I never thought I’d say this but…I’ve been binging on
politics. I’ve been watching interviews and debates, reading articles across
multiple sources, and listening to podcasts with a particular focus on the elections in Georgia. I’m all in or all out and I’ve been out for too
long.
I try to refrain from bringing up politics as a matter of etiquette.
However, we've collectively gone so far down the crazy slide by now that I’m
not even sure what the rules are anymore.
So here’s who I’m pulling for this election: two women who are running for the top offices in Georgia and whose talent and ambition should not be overlooked.
I believe it's been pretty well established that women are generally competent multi-tasking geniuses who know how to get things done and add value and perspective to any organization.
And yet...please brace yourself for this non-surprise…women
are underrepresented in many organizations including the government. Women
account for 19% of the House and 23% of the Senate. 12% of governors are women. This could change because in the current elections, more women
are running than ever before.
Here in Georgia, we have two impressive women running for office: Stacey Abrams for Governor and Sarah Riggs Amico for Lieutenant Governor. They went to Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, respectively. I’ve listened to both speak many times through interviews, speeches, and podcasts. I follow them on Instagram. Actually I’ve read or watched almost everything posted on Instagram by both of these candidates as well as their opponents.
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| Just my daughter and I hanging at the local Stacey Abrams rally! |
I’ve found both Abrams and Amico to be intelligent, well informed, and
even humorous. They have clear ideas and strong values. They’re super knowledgeable about policy because they’re nerdy
like that and seem to enjoy it. They have motivated and mobilized people all
over the state by telling them their participation is important and their
voices can be heard through voting. They are giving hope
to groups who have previously felt hopeless.
Basically, the Abrams/Amico team has hung the moon and then some, which is
sadly necessary for women to have a chance against Republican men (neither of whom, by the way, are incumbents). Even with many factors working against them, I
understand that both races are a statistical tie going into election day.
Perhaps what appeals to me most is that I see from Abrams
and Amico compassion and concern for all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual
orientation, religious beliefs, or immigration status.
For the first time this year I have emailed a representative, donated to a political cause I believe in, and put up a political sign in my yard. These are baby steps for sure and other women have marched, organized and participated in campaigns, and become activists. I hope what we're seeing with women involvement and women candidates is only the beginning.
In this election, I am voting for inclusion and acceptance of all people. I am
voting for diverse representation and new voices. I am voting for healthcare, the environment, gun control, and public schools. On my ballot and in my opinion, these things are most championed by Democratic women.
All this is to say that voting is your voice so make sure you use it. GO VOTE!
