Would you let your child behave like Mitch McConnell?
Today, I’d planned to post the second in my series on what makes up a privilege footprint – and I will publish that eventually. However, with the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, we have an example of a national level, massive privilege footprint about to tread heavily on democratic norms. I can’t talk about my own privilege and ignore those who wield privilege at the national level.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Supreme Court Justice, has died. You also know that Senator Mitch McConnell has pledged to fill her seat despite doing the opposite before the 2016 election. Hello hypocrisy!
As a parent and elementary teacher – I know this kid. We all know this kid. Mitch McConnell is that kid who changes the rules of kickball – because he can. He uses his power to fix the game to his benefit. He bullies and forces others into complying.
Historian Heather Cox Richardson calls his behavior a “naked power grab to cement minority rule” - which it is. Whether on the playground, or in the Senate, McConnell is self-serving and represents only a minority of Americans (HRC link below*). In pushing forward a nominee, McConnell elevates the voices of the few over the wishes of the majority. He’s rigging the kickball game. This is not democracy.
As a parent and teacher – I would NEVER allow this behavior on the playground.
Would you allow your child to behave this way?
Let's hold Mitch to the same standards we hold our children.
What I’m doing today:
Signing petitions (to show mass resistance)
Donating to candidates who embrace democracy
Emailing my senators and representatives
Sending this post to Senator McConnell - feel free to do the same (simply copy and paste text into form)