Voornaam, One of the most powerful leadership lessons I've ever learned, whether thinking back over the high and lows of the past year, or contemplating the challenges of the coming new year, comes from the amazing poet and social activist, Dr. Maya Angelou. In her words, "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." As many of us celebrate the beautiful holiday season that is upon us, a time of joy of giving, we cannot help but acknowledge the reality of pain and suffering for others, particularly in the Middle East and in Ukraine, and in other nations around the globe. The infliction of human suffering is wrong, regardless of who imposes it or who is forced to endure it. In the spirit of the season, we must demonstrate humanity in the truest sense of the word with peace and freedom for all. Here at home, as we reflect upon what's at stake in Election 2024, it is heart wrenching to know that women in many states are pleading for life-saving reproductive health care, while doctors are threatened with jail for providing it. In the presidential election we face a candidate who brags that he appointed the Supreme Court justices who provided the deciding votes to overturn Roe v. Wade. Very importantly, while we can be grateful in Oregon for the protection of pro-choice rights, the MAGA Republican extremists, if elected, stand ready to ban abortion nationwide. As we remember our individual and collective successes in 2023, and reflect on the real priorities that affect the lives of Oregonians, along with those issues that will have worldwide impact in 2024 and beyond -- such as the economy, human rights, climate and geo-political realities -- we understand there is much work ahead. But faced in the spirit of courage that Dr. Angelou taught us, the pain of the past need not be lived again. This is the season for all of us to reaffirm the fight for our values and beliefs that "the economy should work for everyone, that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, that our diversity is our strength, and that democracy is worth fighting for." Thank you, proud Democrats! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a very Happy New Year to all! |
