Politics throughout history has been plagued with fear mongering and racism built into the fabric at all corners of society. The Trump phenomenon capitalizes on this and feeds the despair and rage felt by many Americans. It’s a toxic combination that drives yesterdays and todays policies and culture. Factor in the observation that people of color, of different religion and ethnicity are rising, rising beyond many whites, and we have an abyss of anxiety that sparks the rebirth of what Trump and his supporters are merely recreating in a more modern but just as harmful variation of an old theme.
The ongoing fight for civil rights is a living, breathing response to the unfinished cycle American history has cloaked itself in and this fight is being played out at all levels of government. In the upcoming election, we have an opportunity to advance civil rights, to squelch the anxiety, and lay a foundation that promotes true equity and equality in the patchwork quilt of society.
Rep Mike Honda, a civil rights leader himself, has been endorsed by 2 legendary civil rights activists, Rep. John Lewis, and former President of the NAACP, Ben Jealous. They join civil rights leaders, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Kamala Harris, Attorney General of California.
“Mike Honda has been a civil rights champion for his entire life. After being unconstitutionally interned based solely on his heritage during World War II, Mike knows the need to be vigilant when protecting our civil rights and liberties. Whether it be standing up for minority communities after 9/11, fighting for our nation’s immigrants, or being a proud voice for the LGBTQ community in Congress, Mike has proven to be an effective leader and a strong voice of reason and justice,” said Congressman John Lewis.“He is one of the most influential and powerful Asian Americans ever to lead our country, fighting for all the right issues. I am proud to call him my friend and strong endorse his re-election.”
“Mike Honda has spent his life fighting for those without a voice. He is committed to expanding opportunities for all to build a country that works for everyone. In this day and age we desperately need his sound leadership and dedication to civil rights in the halls of Congress.” said Jealous.“Mike’s passion for improving our schools and his focus on addressing the stark inequities facing our students highlight his commitment to justice. I am proud to call him friend and endorse his re-election.”
Rep Honda is the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, an influential position responsible for regulating expenditures of money by government, but currently controlled by Republicans. Now that Democrats have the potential to retake the house, it is even more important to reelect Congressman Mike Honda. With a personal and political living history that spans the decades of our modern fight for civil rights, he is well positioned to shape progressive policy that does not prey on people’s fears and phobias, but instead lights the way for true, “enlightened” civil rights in our moral and physical society.
And Democracy for America agrees!
There are four Congressional races in California that are absolutely critical to putting progressives that much closer to a majority in the House. California is a state that has helped lead the way on key progressive priorities, including a $15 minimum wage. Especially with the expected high anti-Trump turnout, California voters could send more strong progressives to Congress.
That's why DFA is endorsing Doug Applegate, Emilio Huerta, Bryan Caforio, and Mike Honda for Congress: They will stand up to corporate power, fight Wall Street, and work hard for progressive values.
- Mike Honda currently represents California's 17th District, and is once again facing a challenge from the corporate shill Ro Khanna. Khanna opposes expanding Social Security benefits and has attacked Honda as an "old-school liberal" for opposing repeal of George W. Bush's tax cuts. Khanna campaign is funded by money from extreme right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel, who doesn't think women should have the right to vote and who spoke in support of Donald Trump at the Republican convention last month. Thiel supports Trump and Khanna because he knows they'll undermine progressive values in Congress. We support Honda because he has always fought for us.
“Our mission is to build and empower the progressive grassroots to take our democracy back from corporations and the wealthy few and aggressively combat growing income inequality.”
~Democracy for America
