HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: A Guest Op-Ed By Marie Havens on a Rally to Remember
Bette member Marie Havens offers her reflections on Monday’s Harris-Walz rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the women she met along the way, as we continue to share the joy of voting
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A Rally to Remember: Hope for the Future
A Guest Op-Ed by Marie Havens
The past four years have been brutal for me as I have stood apart from some in my conservative social circle, because I do not support Donald Trump and never have.
I seek truth and look for evidence to support claims. I stand on the side of the Rule of Law and aim to treat all human beings with dignity and respect. I have been ostracized by some and even bullied for my stand. For a couple of years, the behavior of others led me into depression and discouragement over the future of our country.
On Monday, October 28, I had the privilege of attending my first ever presidential campaign rally. After hastily rearranging my schedule once I learned that Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz would be in Ann Arbor, MI, I set out to arrive early to assure entrance.
I went alone, in part, because so few of my local friends openly support the Democratic ticket. However, I quickly found myself among other women who were thrilled to be able to see the candidates in person. One woman works in public policy, advocating for better options for long-term care for our elders. Another woman is a recently retired public schoolteacher, who wants support for teachers and our schools. Another is a young mom who is terrified of the prospect that she might not be treated properly during a second pregnancy if Donald Trump gets elected to office. Her husband is a physician who, as a resident, worked in the ICU with ventilated patients, many of whom died during those early days of the pandemic. They had put their affairs in order in case he got COVID and died. Later, I spoke to a woman who is a GI specialist.
These women all support medicine, science, education, and treating all people with dignity and respect. It was a breath of fresh air to be among Michiganders who care for their neighbors and support the role of government in making that happen.
Once the rally started, the air was electric with the hope and excitement of those who want to turn the page on Donald Trump’s dark and depressing intentions for the future.Joy and hope that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will help the country truly chart A New Way Forward abounded.
As the Vice President spoke, I knew I was with 21,000 other rally attendees, who are determined to work together toward the common goal of an America that values people of all backgrounds and one in which we have a government of the people and by the people; a government that works FOR the benefit of the people, not for those who use power and wealth to dominate the people.
This is why I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to be the next president and vice president of our already great nation! My fervent hope is to see Harris on the platform, taking the oath of office for President of the United States on January 20, 2025!
As I was feeling Harris’ words wash over me last night, I got just a bit choked up. The lady I was standing next to turned and said, “You’re a little emotional?”
I just nodded, ‘Yes.’ She gave me a warm and knowing smile.
Empathy was everywhere.—Marie Havens for Bette Dangerous
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Power to the People—HSC 🇺🇸✊🏼
Tim Walz and Kamala Harris photos courtesy Marie Havens
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This is wonderful, Marie, thank you for sharing your story and great photos! ♥️🙏
So lovely. Thanks for sharing. 🥰