#isshewithus

Here’s my truth:

Of course I acknowledge and celebrate the historic significance of Hillary Clinton’s (presumptive) nomination. As a woman, and a feminist, I completely understand how happy and excited many are. But the messaging out now, that those of us who are not dancing on the ceiling, eagerly shouting #ImWithHer, are sexist outsiders just pouting over Bernie Sanders’ loss, is condescending.

I, too, am a life-long Dem. I worked at my local Dem office during Bill Clinton’s first run for President, and cried because I was just two months shy of being old enough to vote for him. I’ve worked phone banks, contributed time and money, marched, and supported the party for over 20 years. I am certainly no Bernie Bro. My misgivings and concerns regarding Hillary are valid, are real, and have nothing to do with her gender. Hillary’s policies and history with Latin American countries, including Mexico, are huge issues to me and many like me. Returning those children, essentially refugees, to their countries of origin, appalling. Her record and speeches regarding people of color and prison/incarceration are terrifying. Truly. And when brown and black women speak out about these things, white feminists essentially tell us to let it go and get in line. The party needs our numbers and votes, but once you have them, it’s back to business as usual. And while our elders may be satisfied with the snail’s pace of “progress,” many of us are not.

Will I vote for Hillary in November? Of course I will. It’s virtually guaranteed with Trump running for the GOP. And wasn’t that the plan all along?