Who is Saving America? Broadest Endorsements of Kamala Harris Yet

Dear Vice President Harris,

Your candidacy for President stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress for all who have fought and continue to fight for equality and justice. As you face prejudice and discrimination, I want to offer you words of encouragement drawn from my own experiences in the struggle for women's rights.

Throughout my life, I faced relentless opposition, ridicule, and dismissal. When I organized the first Woman's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848, the idea of women having the right to vote was considered absurd. Yet, we persisted. We were told that our place was in the home, that we should be grateful for the privileges we had, and that we were unfit for public life. These admonitions to express "gratitude," like J.D. Vance's disdainful and condescending attack, have always been veiled attempts to keep us silent and submissive. True gratitude for our nation, however, requires us to strive for its highest ideals of liberty and equality for all. Your dedication to public service exemplifies this true form of gratitude, one that is expressed through action and commitment to justice. Your life’s work demonstrates a profound love for this country, a commitment to its improvement, and a dedication to ensuring that its promises are accessible to all its citizens.

Moreover, Tim Burchett's ridiculous dismissal of your candidacy as a "DEI hire" is an affront to your extensive qualifications and accomplishments. Burchett undermines your whole life of service—as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator, and now as Vice President—based only on his racism.

In 1866, as the first woman to run for the United States House of Representatives, I faced fierce backlash. My candidacy was deemed a folly, a distraction. Yet, I believed deeply in the cause, knowing that every step forward was a victory for justice. Your journey, Kamala, reminds me of these battles. You stand on the shoulders of countless women and men who have dared to challenge the status quo, to demand that America live up to its promise.

Your candidacy is not merely a symbol of progress; it is a continuation of the fight for true representation and equality. The presence of diverse voices in leadership positions enriches the political landscape and ensures a broader range of perspectives in policymaking.

In your darkest moments of doubt, know that you are not alone. The spirit of those who have fought for justice before you is with you. Draw strength from our shared history, and know that your presence in this race is a victory in itself. It signals to every little girl and boy, to every person of color, to every immigrant, that they too can aspire to the highest office in the land.

Kamala, your courage and resilience inspire us all. Stand tall, speak your truth, and continue to fight for the principles that have always defined your career. You are not just running for President; you are running for the future of a nation that believes in the equality and dignity of all its people.

With deepest respect and unwavering support,

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Dear Kamala,

Your joyous emergence reminds me of when, in "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," I wrote, "I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit with which you have approached your career and your life. You have demonstrated time and again that your identity is a source of strength, not a limitation.

The criticisms you face are rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be a leader and a trailblazer. Gratitude is not about constant verbal acknowledgment; it is reflected in your commitment to public service, your dedication to justice, and your relentless pursuit of a better future for all Americans. Your career has been a testament to your deep love for this country and your unwavering belief in its potential.

Your candidacy signifies a profound moment of progress. It embodies the dreams of those who came before us and the hopes of future generations. Your presence on the national stage is a reminder that the struggles and victories of our ancestors were not in vain. You stand as a beacon of possibility, a testament to what can be achieved when we refuse to be confined by the limitations others impose upon us.

Continue to stand tall, Kamala. Your journey is inspiring, and your leadership is needed now more than ever. You carry with you the strength, the resilience, and the dreams of countless individuals who see in you the embodiment of hope and progress. Let your light shine brightly, undeterred by the shadows of doubt and criticism. The world is watching, and you are making history.

Understanding and sharing your joy,

Zora Neale Hurston

Dear Kamala,

In this pivotal moment, I want to extend my deepest admiration for your candidacy. The attacks you face are affronts to all who dare to break the chains of systemic oppression.

On "Gratitude"

The demand for you to express "gratitude" for being American is a thinly veiled attempt to reduce your formidable career and contributions to a simplistic notion of indebtedness. True patriotism is not about uncritical adoration but about striving to make your country better. Your career is the highest form of gratitude to the ideals America professes: striving to ensure they are upheld for all its citizens.

I, too, have faced such patronizing calls for gratitude, as if our value lies in our deference rather than our deeds. Remember, Kamala, that real progress comes from those who are unafraid to critique and challenge the status quo. Your voice and your actions speak louder than any forced expressions of gratitude ever could.

On Being a "DEI Hire"

The accusation that you are merely a "DEI Hire" is not just an attack on you but a slap in the face of every person who has had to fight doubly hard to prove their worth in a biased system. Your candidacy is a beacon of hope and a testament to your resilience and capability. It symbolizes the breaking of barriers and the opening of doors that have been unjustly closed for too long. You stand on the shoulders of countless others who have fought for the right to be seen and heard, and in turn, you provide a platform for future generations.

Our Struggles

In my own journey, I have faced imprisonment, exile, and relentless opposition because I dared to speak out against injustice and champion the cause of the marginalized. Yet, through it all, I have held firm to my belief in the power of the individual to effect change. You embody this belief, Kamala. Your fight is not just for yourself but for all who believe in a more just and equitable world.

Your candidacy represents not just a personal triumph but a collective victory. It is a bold declaration that merit and justice must prevail over prejudice and tokenism. Your journey is a powerful reminder that the struggle for equality is ongoing and that every step forward is a testament to our collective strength and determination.

Encouragement

Kamala, continue to hold your head high and your resolve firm. Your presence in this race is already a victory against the forces of regression and division. You inspire countless individuals to believe that their voices matter and that their contributions are valued.

Remember, the criticism you face is not a reflection of your worth but a testament to the threat you pose to those who fear change. Use their doubt to fuel your determination. Let their underestimation of your abilities be the fire that drives you to achieve even greater heights.

You are not alone in this fight. You carry with you the hopes and dreams of many who see in you the embodiment of progress and the promise of a brighter future. Stand strong, speak boldly, and continue to blaze a trail that others may follow.

With unwavering solidarity,

Emma Goldman

Dear Kamala,

As you stand on the cusp of making history, I want to offer you my unwavering support and share some reflections from my own journey, hoping they will fortify your resolve in the face of unjust critiques.

Throughout my career in academia and the public sphere, I often encountered skepticism and resistance. Critics questioned my methodologies, my perspectives, and even my right to contribute. Yet, I persisted, driven by discoveries in my research that societies thrive when they embrace the full spectrum of human potential.

In my studies, I also learned that gratitude is not about passive acceptance but about actively contributing to the betterment of one's society. Your dedication to justice, equity, and public service exemplifies the highest form of gratitude—one that seeks to uplift and improve the community for all its members. Do not let the same attacks deter you. Your work and your candidacy embody the true spirit of American resilience and aspiration.

Like you, I faced criticism and doubt from those who were threatened by change. I was often told that my work in understanding different cultures and advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives was unnecessary or frivolous. Yet, I persisted because I knew that progress often requires challenging the status quo and pushing against deeply entrenched biases.

Kamala, your journey and your candidacy are a beacon of hope and progress. You are breaking barriers and setting new precedents for what leadership in America can look like. Remember that the road to meaningful change is often fraught with resistance, but it is a path worth taking.

Stand firm in your convictions and continue to advocate for the values that have guided you thus far. You are not just running for the highest office in the land; you are running to redefine what is possible for future generations. Your strength, resilience, and vision are precisely what this country needs.

With profound admiration and solidarity,

Margaret Mead