There have been some frightening attacks on women’s rights in the Supreme Court with the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade. Is the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson a turning point for the Supreme Court? Is there anything I can do as an individual to stand up for the rights I believe we as women deserve?
– Joyce R.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that I am angered about the disrespect shown at the confirmation hearings. It’s truly horrifying how Josh Hawley’s attacks on Judge Jackson during this confirmation charade contain the conspiracy ideas of QAnon. It is emblematic of our times, both globally and here at home within our Democracy that the patriarchy is in full swing! These predominantly white males and their paltry few female counterparts are trying to push us women back into the home without hearing our voices.
The increasingly devastating legislation being considered and enacted is truly horrifying. Last year, 108 state-level abortion restrictions were enacted. Starting with Texas, which banned abortion at six weeks, now with Missouri joining the ranks by eliminating the option of women going to another state. And other states are moving to not allow women access to abortion medications, as well as abortion services. This will force women—especially poor women—back into the dangerous terrain of our earlier generations of life-threatening “illegal” abortions.
As women, we have a duty to cause a ruckus in the voting booths, in our offices, in our homes, and every sphere we engage in. Ketanji Brown Jackson has clearly demonstrated she has what it takes to put us onto the right track. Judge Jackson has been battling hostile territories since her time at Harvard and again during the blatant racist and misogynistic questioning done by our Senators.
The powers at be are using old tactics to keep the power in their hands. We the people must come together and collaborate to design a greater future and create balance. As we can see before our eyes, we are once again entrenched in power struggles—the fight between yin and yang, old and new, powerful and powerless, and so on.
Judge Jackson is truly a feminist. We must also remember the women who came before her that embodied the role of elder feminist, with the passing of Madeleine Albright this month and the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020. These visionary women show us that you can be composed and powerful in the face of adversity.
The push back against powerful women, and against all other disenfranchised groups, must be met with an even greater cohesive pushback than in prior Women’s Movements. We women (and those who love us) have no choice but to overturn the decisions of those who again threaten our rights to choose…for our bodies, and our lives.
I’m hearing from so many people about how devastating women’s issues have been of late, and I am experiencing my own rage rising because of the attempt to divide and conquer the American people. This is all to keep their patriarchy alive as it gasps for air.
We are here in the 11th hour. There is no time for dress rehearsals, no more time for playing games. These attacks on women’s rights and voices, our very place at the world table, are not acceptable. We must stand strong for what we believe is right and just, whether it’s women’s issues, climate change, or Ukraine’s sovereignty. The time is now.
As we go from generation to generation, we must remain united together to reclaim our human rights!
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