Mari’s Blog!

As a first-generation immigrant, a woman of color, and a mother to an LGBTQ+ child, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the recent election. In our democracy, we all have the right to express our views, and today, I’m using mine. My concerns don’t lie simply with electing a Republican into office; instead, I’m troubled by the choice of someone accused of being a rapist, a sexist, a bigot, and someone who has shown a lack of compassion for others. This isn’t just about political affiliation; it’s about values, ethics, and respect for all people.

To the women and mothers out there, I ask you to pause and reflect. Choosing someone who dismisses the rights of women and threatens our bodily autonomy impacts our futures and the future of our daughters. Regardless of whether you identify as pro-choice or pro-life, the decision over our own bodies should belong to us. Our autonomy and ability to make decisions about our lives must be protected.

Growing up as an immigrant child in a low-income household taught me the importance of empathy and resilience. I know firsthand the struggles that come with poverty, the challenges faced by people of color, and the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. I have family and friends who are not American citizens, people who live in the margins yet work tirelessly to build lives here. I believe in equal treatment for all, regardless of race, nationality, or identity.

But here we are, witnessing a shift where hateful rhetoric and divisive ideologies seem to rise above compassion, equality, and unity. Seeing this hurts because it feels as though hate is winning.

If you share these concerns, I urge you to think about the deeper impact of your vote. It’s not just a choice of political party; it’s a choice that reflects our values as a society and how we view one another. Let’s choose leaders who uplift us, who respect our rights, and who stand for the equality and dignity of every individual. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to future generations to make choices that protect and empower all of us.

Let’s start working together now so that we can make a better decision in the next election. We need to stop hate now. Together, we can build a future based on respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.