As Kamala Harris takes the torch from Joe Biden, I am hopeful she can continue to win over those who do not believe a woman can be president. One of the major initiatives of her campaign will be the loss of autonomy for women in the reversal of Roe v. Wade. There is, however, a trap that is being set for her, and I want to bring attention to that trip wire and offer a resolution.
The trap being set for Kamala is that abortion and women’s rights are only an issue for women — and for a woman to mention the right to her own choice and control over her own body risks placing gender against gender — thus, defeating the intention and implication of her important argument for women.
The solution is to invite men into the fray. Ask them to fight! Make the argument one of coming together, and protecting shared, vital, interests. Perhaps Kamala might say something like this in a future speech:
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Now let me ask you to get direct with me. Men, I need to speak to you with urgency. There is a threat in your life; and I am calling on you to help fight back that danger if you are willing.
Yes, I am asking you to stand up; yes, I am asking you to stand up and fight for your woman. Oh, we both know your woman is not weak, but she needs you now just like you need her now.
You know there are people coming for her. Bad people with cruel intentions. These people want to steal her rights. These people want to hurt your woman just because she happens to be a woman.
And so, today, I ask you to stand up! Be there with her. Make those people come through you first, before they are able to place another touch upon her.
And, men? You know your woman is your mother, your wife, your daughter, your friend, your lover, and your colleague. They’re all waiting for you to do the right thing. They are ready for you to help take on their emergency as your own. Will you do that? Will you stand with her?
The decision is yours. Stand up. Or do nothing. But, always remember, your woman has always stood with you, and your time to stand with her, and not against her, is now; right now!
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Now, I may not have said all that in quite the right way, but the intention of the moment is pure, and needs to be expressed. Don’t pit gender against gender. Put people together, standing together, to do the right thing by all.
This will be an interesting election!