Okay, let's talk about this... Deep breath, Jan...
First of all, I support Hillary Clinton, and out of every single friend that I have, with the exception of Angi, I'm the only one that does. It's true, I like her because she is married to Bill Clinton, and I thought that despite his weak moral character, he was a good president. I'm also sure that the fact that I'm fifty-eight years old, and as far back as grade school I can remember my teachers talking about the possibility of there being a woman president in my lifetime factors in also. The thought of living long enough to see a woman in office is very exciting to me. Maybe I do support her for the wrong reasons, but I also happen to like the woman and believe she will work diligently to make a better life for women and children in this country. Okay, I said it and the sky didn't fall in...
So, when I read today online that Maya Angelou supports Hillary Clinton, I was just flabbergasted. Everytime you turn on the television, black people are singing the praises of Obama. I'm going to post what Ms. Angelou said because I think it is interesting, for us as women, to read what an educated black woman has to say. She has a voice, and I admire her for saying what she thinks, instead of backing a candidate because of color. Oprah, you could learn a lot from this woman!
And if the democratic party decides that Obama is their man, and it certainly appears that this will happen, I will support McCain in the fall. And that's all I'm going to say about this political brohau, the likes of which we've never seen in our lifetime. And now on to what Maya Angelou had to say...
"Dear Friend: I am writing to tell you about my friend, Hillary Clinton, and why I am standing with her in her campaign for the presidency. I know the kind of president Hillary Clinton will be because I know the person she is.
I am inspired by her courage and her honesty. She is a reliable and trustworthy person. She is someone I not only admire but one for whom I have profound affection.
Hillary does not waver in standing up for those who need a champion. She has always been a passionate protector of families. As a child, she was taught that all God’s children are equal, and as a mother, she understood that her child wasn’t safe unless all children were safe. As I wrote about Hillary recently in a praise song: “She is the prayer of every woman, and every man who longs for fair play, healthy families, good schools and a balanced economy.”
It may be easy to view Hillary Clinton through the narrow lens of those who would write her off or grind her down. Hillary sees us as we are, black and brown and white and yellow and pink and relishes our differences knowing that fundamentally we are all more alike than we are unalike. She is able to look through complexion and see community.
She has endured great scrutiny, and still she dares greatly. Hillary Clinton will not give up on you, and all she asks is that you do not give up on her. She is a long-distance runner. I am honored to say I am with her for the long run.
I am supporting Hillary Clinton because I know that she will make the most positive difference in people’s lives and she will help our country become what it can be. Whether you are her supporter, leaning towards her, undecided, or supporting someone else, I believe Hillary Clinton will represent you – she will be a president for all Americans. It is no small thing that along the way we will make history together.
