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We have to become comfortable with critiquing elected officials we like. If we can only critique the electeds we dislike, then we're just as self-indulgent as those who support our opposition; and we aren't focused on longterm movements, but short term gains.
This idea that people "need time" to get acclimated — despite being politicians for years - is one that isn't made genuinely but often as a defense mechanism to pushback on those who want more for those who represent them.
I raise this because there are some people who are upset that many of us in the reproductive health, rights, and justice space have called in/out the fact that the Biden-Harris statement on Roe v. Wade didn't say the word "abortion." Whew.
If people are upset with advocates about this, especially when we are just doing our jobs, then we have a long way to go.
Kimberle Crenshew once said, "If we're not naming it, what is our ability to address it?" Naming it is important.
Kimberle Crenshew once said, "If we're not naming it, what is our ability to address it?" Naming it is important.
Naming the very thing IS critical to doing the work and accurately reflecting the interests of people who elected you into office. And it's critical in destigmatizing (and decriminalizing) a medical procedure. This is not hyperbole.
While perfection is not the goal, accountability is the answer. On day 1 and day 1,350. We have got to stop pretending that our friends are policymakers and the foes are us.
We celebrate & we challenge. Both are possible. Both must happen.
Or else: what was all of this for?
We celebrate & we challenge. Both are possible. Both must happen.
Or else: what was all of this for?
