Advocating, Educating, Agitating, Aggravating, and always, always Celebrating

While bombs rain down in the Middle East yet again, Progressive Democrats of America, PDA, once again and always calls for peace. There will be time enough to find out how and why we find all the resources needed – human and implements of war – and commit ourselves to destabilizing the region and world yet again. Analysis matters, but action to stop the abuse of powers and the killing matters much more in the moment.

So when asked to share with you our thoughts about Women’s History Month, I will admit it seemed a bit less meaningful with an Epstein devotee in the White House. All this undercurrent of unrest and ugliness does not reflect any of the hope and energy women have given to the progressive movement around the world, and so each of us must be the reflection of that never-ending love that sees the value in each human being, regardless of gender or any other subjective measure. Women deliver life into this world, and it is a crime against every person of good intent when women are devalued.

In 2007, I was in a hospital room in Havana, Cuba, on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2007. As part of Michael Moore’s award-winning film, SiCKO, about the dysfunction of our healthcare industry, I rose up. The dignity of a single rose given to me by one of my Cuban nurses along with a warm embrace and kiss was the first time I felt deep emotion around this observance. And two short years later in 2009, the National Organization of Women, NOW, gave me their national “Woman of Action” award. My daughter was in the audience. I was lifted yet again.

By my sisters, of my sisters, and for my sisters, I am so grateful to be one of this amazing and powerful bunch of humans. Celebrate this year by rattling a few cages and shaking the bars and chains off. A gift to support our work to keep lifting every person into their light is wonderful today – in honor of yourself and in honor of the women who are in your life.

Peace and power, together,

Donna Smith
Chair, PDA National Advisory Board

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